UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

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

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 5, 2021

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

001-38864

83-2583782

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)

(Commission
File Number)

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

13211 Merriman Road

Livonia, Michigan 48150

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (248) 449-6700

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which
registered

Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share

 

ALTG

 

The New York Stock Exchange

Warrants, each exercisable for one share of common stock

 

ALTG WS

 

The New York Stock Exchange

Depositary Shares representing a 1/1000th fractional interest in a share of 10% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share

 

ALTG PRA

 

The New York Stock Exchange

 

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

 

Emerging growth company

 

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

  

 

 


 

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

 

Issuance of 5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026

 

On April 1, 2021, Alta Equipment Group Inc. (“Alta” or the “Company”), completed a previously announced private offering of its 5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”). The Notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a purchase agreement among the Company, the guarantors party thereto (the “Guarantors”) and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers. The Notes are guaranteed by the Guarantors (the “Guarantees” and, together with the Notes, the “Securities”) on a second lien, senior secured basis. The Notes will also be guaranteed by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries that becomes a borrower or guarantor under the Company’s or the Guarantors’ indebtedness, including the Credit Agreements (as defined below), amended and restated concurrently with the closing of the Notes offering. The Notes and the Guarantees are secured, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens, by second-priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company and the Guarantors that secure on a first-priority basis all of the indebtedness under the Company’s ABL Facility (as defined below) and the Floor Plan Facility (as defined below) and certain hedging and cash management obligations, including, but not limited to, equipment, fixtures, inventory, intangibles and capital stock of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries now owned or acquired in the future by the Company or the Guarantors.

 

The Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated April 1, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the Guarantors and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent.  The Notes will bear interest at the rate of 5.625% per annum and will mature on April 15, 2026. Interest on the Notes is payable in cash on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on October 15, 2021.

 

The Company may at its election redeem all or a part of the Notes on or after April 15, 2023, on any one or more occasions, at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to April 15, 2023, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding under the Indenture with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 105.625% of the principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding the applicable redemption date. At any time prior to April 15, 2023, the Company may also redeem all or a part of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus a “make-whole” premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

 

Upon a change of control triggering event, as defined in the Indenture, the Company will be required, subject to certain exceptions, to make an offer to purchase the Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes on the date of repurchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase.

 

Pursuant to an intercreditor agreement between the collateral agent of the Notes and the administrative agent under each of the ABL Facility and the Floor Plan Facility (the “Intercreditor Agreement”), the liens securing the Notes are expressly made junior in priority to all liens that secure the ABL Facility, the Floor Plan Facility and all future first-priority lien debt, including any indebtedness incurred to replace or refinance the ABL Facility or the Floor Plan Facility in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. Pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, the second priority liens securing the Notes may not be enforced at any time when any obligations with respect to first-priority lien debt are outstanding, subject to certain limited exceptions. The holders of first-priority lien debt will receive all proceeds from any realization on the collateral up to a cap as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

The Securities rank senior in right of payment to any of the Company’s or the Guarantors’ existing and future subordinated indebtedness; rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s or the Guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness, including the ABL Facility and the Floor Plan Facility; are effectively senior to all of the Company’s or Guarantors’ existing and future unsecured indebtedness; and are effectively subordinated to all debt that is secured by the collateral that secures the Securities on a first-priority basis to the extent of the value of such collateral. The Securities are also structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company’s subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

 

The Indenture contains restrictive covenants relating to limitations on the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to: incur additional indebtedness or guaranty indebtedness; pay dividends or make other distributions; prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt; issue certain preferred stock or similar equity securities; make loans and investments; sell assets; incur liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into agreements limiting the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends; or consolidate, merger or sell substantially all of the Company’s assets, subject in each case to certain customary exceptions.

 

The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes and the new borrowings under the ABL Facility and the Floor Plan Facility, to repay its $147.2 million second lien term loan facility, to repay and refinance a portion of the ABL Facility and the Floor Plan Facility and to pay related fees and expenses.

1


 

 

The above descriptions of the Indenture and the Securities are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Indenture (including the forms of the Notes included therein). A copy of the Indenture and the form of the Notes are filed as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Amended and Restated Credit Arrangements

 

On April 1, 2021, in connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company entered into:

 

(i)  a Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, dated April 1, 2021, among the Company, Alta Equipment Holdings, Inc., a Michigan corporation (“Alta”), Alta Enterprises, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Enterprises”), Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Construction IL”), Alta Heavy Equipment Services, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Heavy Equipment”), Alta Industrial Equipment Michigan, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Industrial MI”), Alta Construction Equipment, L.L.C., a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Construction”), Alta Industrial Equipment Company, L.L.C., a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Industrial Equipment”), NITCO, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“NITCO”), Alta Construction Equipment Florida, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Construction FL”), Alta Industrial Equipment New York, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Industrial NY”), Alta Construction Equipment New York, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, a Michigan limited liability company (“Alta Construction NY”), PEAKLOGIX, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (“PEAKLOGIX”), the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “ABL Credit Agreement” and the facility thereunder, the “ABL Facility”); and

 

(ii)  a Sixth Amended and Restated Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement among the Company, Alta, Alta Enterprises, Alta Construction IL, Alta Heavy Equipment, Alta Industrial MI, Alta Construction, Alta Industrial Equipment, NITCO, Alta Construction FL, Alta Industrial New York, Alta Construction New York, PEAKLOGIX, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (the “Floor Plan Credit Agreement” and the facility thereunder, the “Floor Plan Facility”).

 

ABL Facility

 

The ABL Facility is an asset-based revolving loan facility that provides for borrowings of up to the lesser of $350 million or the borrowing base, in each case, less outstanding loans and letters of credit. The ABL Facility has a maturity date of the earlier of (a) April 1, 2026, or (b) December 1, 2025 if the Notes remain outstanding on December 1, 2025.

 

Amounts outstanding, if any, under the ABL Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the borrower’s option, either (i)  negative 0.75% from the ABL Effective Date until delivery of a financial certificate evidencing the average quarterly availability with respect to the fiscal quarter ending on June 30, 2021 and then thereafter, negative 0.75%% to negative 0.25% subject to a pricing grid set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement (depending on the average quarterly availability) plus a CB Floating Rate (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) or (ii) 1.75% from the ABL Effective Date until delivery of a financial certificate evidencing the average quarterly availability with respect to the fiscal quarter ending on June 30, 2021 and then thereafter, 1.75% to 2.25% subject to a pricing grid set forth in the ABL Credit Agreement (depending on the average quarterly availability) plus the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement). Unused amounts under the ABL Facility incur an unused line fee of 0.25% per annum, payable in full on a quarterly basis.

 

The ABL Credit Agreement requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio that is tested whenever excess availability (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) falls below a certain level. The fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) requires the borrower to maintain a minimum ratio of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) equal to the amount of its fixed charges for the twelve consecutive months prior to the date on which the ratio is tested.

 

Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement

 

The Floor Plan Facility is an asset-based revolving loan facility related to the floor plan equipment that provides for borrowings of up to the lesser of $40 million or the borrowing base. The Floor Plan Facility has an expiration date of the earlier of (a) April 1, 2026, or (b) December 1, 2025 if the Notes remain outstanding on December 1, 2025.

 

Amounts outstanding, if any, under the Floor Plan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the borrower’s option, either (i) 0.25% from the Floor Plan Effective Date until delivery of a financial certificate evidencing Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement) with respect to the fiscal quarter ending on June 30, 2021 and then thereafter, 0.25% to 0.75% subject to a pricing grid set forth in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement (depending on the average quarterly availability) plus an CB Floating Rate (as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement) or (ii) 2.75% from Floor Plan Effective Date until delivery of a financial

2


 

certificate evidencing the average quarterly availability with respect to the fiscal quarter ending on June 30, 2021 and then thereafter, 2.75% to 3.25% subject to a pricing grid set forth in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement (depending on the average quarterly availability) plus the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement). Unused amounts under the Floor Plan Facility incur an unused line fee of 0.25% per annum, payable in full on a quarterly basis subject to a pricing grid set forth in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

  

The Floor Plan Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio that is tested whenever excess availability, as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement, falls below a certain level. The fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement) requires the Company to maintain a minimum ratio of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement) equal to the amount of the Company’s fixed charges for the twelve consecutive months prior to the date on which the ratio is tested.

 

Credit Agreements

 

The ABL Credit Agreement and the Floor Plan Credit Agreement (collectively, the “Credit Agreements”) contain various customary covenants that limit or prohibit the Company’s ability to, among other things: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (ii) pay certain dividends on its capital stock or redeem, repurchase, retire or make distributions in respect of its capital stock or subordinated indebtedness or make certain other restricted payments; (iii) make certain loans, acquisitions, capital expenditures or investments; (iv) sell certain assets, including stock of its subsidiaries; (v) enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions; (vi) create or incur certain liens; (vii) consolidate, merge, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; (viii) enter into certain transactions with its affiliates; and (ix) engage in certain business activities.

 

A violation of the covenants under any of the Credit Agreements may result in default or an event of default under all Credit Agreements and the Indenture. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under one or both of the Credit Agreements, the requisite lenders could elect to declare all amounts of such indebtedness outstanding to be immediately due and payable and terminate any commitments to extend further credit.

 

If the Company is unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under the applicable Credit Agreement may proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure such indebtedness. Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral under the Credit Agreements. If the lenders accelerate the repayment of borrowings, such acceleration would have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Furthermore, cross-default provisions in the Credit Agreements provide that any default under any Credit Agreement or other significant debt agreements could trigger a cross-default under the ABL Credit Agreement, the Floor Plan Credit Agreement or the Indenture.  

 

As noted above, pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement the liens securing the Notes are expressly made junior in priority to all liens that secure the ABL Facility, the Floor Plan Facility and all future first-priority lien debt, including any indebtedness incurred to replace or refinance the ABL Facility or the Floor Plan Facility in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

The foregoing descriptions of the Credit Agreements do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entireties by the terms of the Credit Agreements and the Intercreditor Agreement, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement

 

On April 1, 2021, in connection with the Notes offering and entry into the ABL Facility and the Floor Plan Facility, the Company repaid in full the $147.2 million of outstanding borrowings under and terminated the facilities under the Note Purchase Agreement among the Company, Alta, Alta Enterprises, Alta Construction IL, Alta Heavy Equipment, Alta Industrial MI, Alta Construction, Alta Industrial Equipment, NITCO, Alta Construction FL, the purchasers party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

The information provided under Item 1.01 above is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)

Exhibits

 

3


 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

 

 

4.1

  

Indenture, dated April 1, 2021, among the Company, the Guarantors listed therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and as collateral agent.

4.2

 

Form of 5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 (included in Exhibit 4.1).

10.1

 

Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, dated April 1, 2021, among Alta Equipment Group Inc., Alta Equipment Holdings, Inc., Alta Enterprises, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC, Alta Heavy Equipment Services, LLC, Alta Industrial Equipment Michigan, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment, L.L.C., Alta Industrial Equipment Company, L.L.C., NITCO, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment Florida, LLC, Alta Industrial Equipment New York, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment New York and PEAKLOGIX, LLC the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

10.2

 

Sixth Amended and Restated Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement, dated February 3, 2020, among Alta Equipment Group Inc., Alta Equipment Holdings, Inc., Alta Enterprises, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC, Alta Heavy Equipment Services, LLC, Alta Industrial Equipment Michigan, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment, L.L.C., Alta Industrial Equipment Company, L.L.C., NITCO, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment Florida, LLC, Alta Industrial Equipment New York, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment New York and PEAKLOGIX, LLC the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

10.3

 

Intercreditor Agreement, dated April 1, 2021, between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the ABL First Lien Secured Parties, WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent for the Second Lien Secured Parties, and acknowledged by Alta Equipment Group Inc., Alta Equipment Holdings, Inc., Alta Enterprises, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC, Alta Heavy Equipment Services, LLC, Alta Industrial Equipment Michigan, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment, L.L.C., Alta Industrial Equipment Company, L.L.C., NITCO, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment Florida, LLC, Alta Industrial Equipment New York, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment New York, LLC and PEAKLOGIX, LLC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4


 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.

 

 

 

Dated: April 5, 2021

By:

              /s/ Ryan Greenawalt

 

 

                  Ryan Greenawalt

 

 

             Chief Executive Officer

 

5

Exhibit 4.1

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of April 1, 2021

Among
ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.,
as Company,

the Guarantors from time to time party hereto,

and

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee and Second Lien Collateral Agent

5.625% SENIOR SECURED SECOND LIEN NOTES DUE 2026

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01

Definitions

1

Section 1.02

Other Definitions

39

Section 1.03

Inapplicability of the Trust Indenture Act

39

Section 1.04

Rules of Construction

40

Section 1.05

Acts of Holders

40

Section 1.06

Limited Condition Transactions

41

ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

Section 2.01

Form and Dating; Terms

42

Section 2.02

Execution and Authentication

43

Section 2.03

Registrar and Paying Agent

43

Section 2.04

Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust

43

Section 2.05

Holder Lists

44

Section 2.06

Transfer and Exchange

44

Section 2.07

Replacement Notes

53

Section 2.08

Outstanding Notes

53

Section 2.09

Treasury Notes

53

Section 2.10

Temporary Notes

54

Section 2.11

Cancellation

54

Section 2.12

Defaulted Interest

54

Section 2.13

CUSIP Numbers

54

 

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION

Section 3.01

Notices to Trustee

55

Section 3.02

Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased

55

Section 3.03

Notice of Redemption

55

Section 3.04

Effect of Notice of Redemption or Purchase

56

Section 3.05

Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price

56

Section 3.06

Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part

57

Section 3.07

Optional Redemption

57

Section 3.08

Mandatory Redemption

58

Section 3.09

Offers to Repurchase by Application of Excess Proceeds

58

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

Section 4.01

Payment of Notes

60

Section 4.02

Maintenance of Office or Agency

60

Section 4.03

Reports and Other Information

60

i

 


 

Section 4.04

Compliance Certificate

62

Section 4.05

Taxes

62

Section 4.06

Stay, Extension and Usury Laws

62

Section 4.07

Limitation on Restricted Payments

62

Section 4.08

Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

67

Section 4.09

Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

69

Section 4.10

Asset Sales

75

Section 4.11

Transactions with Affiliates

77

Section 4.12

Liens

79

Section 4.13

Corporate Existence

79

Section 4.14

Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control

80

Section 4.15

Additional Note Guarantees

81

Section 4.16

Discharge and Suspension of Covenants

82

Section 4.17

[Reserved]

83

Section 4.18

[Reserved]

83

Section 4.19

[Reserved]

83

Section 4.20

After-Acquired Collateral; Post-Closing Collateral

83

ARTICLE 5

SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01

Merger, Consolidation, Amalgamation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets

83

Section 5.02

Successor Corporation Substituted

86

ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01

Events of Default

86

Section 6.02

Acceleration

88

Section 6.03

Other Remedies

89

Section 6.04

Waiver of Past Defaults

89

Section 6.05

Control by Majority

89

Section 6.06

Limitation on Suits

89

Section 6.07

Rights of Holders to Receive Payment

90

Section 6.08

Collection Suit by Trustee

90

Section 6.09

Restoration of Rights and Remedies

90

Section 6.10

Rights and Remedies Cumulative

90

Section 6.11

Delay or Omission Not Waiver

90

Section 6.12

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

90

Section 6.13

Priorities

91

Section 6.14

Undertaking for Costs

91

ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE

Section 7.01

Duties of the Trustee

91

Section 7.02

Rights of the Trustee

92

Section 7.03

Individual Rights of the Trustee

94

Section 7.04

Trustee’s Disclaimer

94

Section 7.05

Notice of Defaults

94

ii

 


 

Section 7.06

[Reserved]

94

Section 7.07

Compensation and Indemnity

94

Section 7.08

Replacement of the Trustee

95

Section 7.09

Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.

96

Section 7.10

Eligibility; Disqualification

96

Section 7.11

Security Documents; Intercreditor Agreement

96

ARTICLE 8

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 8.01

Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance

96

Section 8.02

Legal Defeasance and Discharge

96

Section 8.03

Covenant Defeasance

97

Section 8.04

Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance

97

Section 8.05

Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions

98

Section 8.06

Repayment to Company

99

Section 8.07

Reinstatement

99

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01

Without Consent of Holders

99

Section 9.02

With Consent of Holders

101

Section 9.03

[Reserved]

103

Section 9.04

Revocation and Effect of Consents

103

Section 9.05

Notation on or Exchange of Notes

103

Section 9.06

Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.

103

ARTICLE 10

GUARANTEES

Section 10.01

Guarantee

104

Section 10.02

Limitation on Guarantor Liability

105

Section 10.03

Execution and Delivery

105

Section 10.04

Subrogation

105

Section 10.05

Benefits Acknowledged

106

Section 10.06

Release of Guarantees

106

ARTICLE 11

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01

Satisfaction and Discharge

106

Section 11.02

Application of Trust Money

107

ARTICLE 12

COLLATERAL

Section 12.01

Security Documents

108

Section 12.02

Release of Collateral

108

iii

 


 

Section 12.03

Suits to Protect the Collateral

109

Section 12.04

Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents

110

Section 12.05

Purchaser Protected

110

Section 12.06

Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee

110

Section 12.07

Release Upon Termination of the Company’s Obligations

110

Section 12.08

Second Lien Collateral Agent

110

ARTICLE 13

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 13.01

[Reserved]

117

Section 13.02

Notices

117

Section 13.03

[Reserved]

118

Section 13.04

Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

118

Section 13.05

Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

119

Section 13.06

Rules by Trustee and Agents

119

Section 13.07

No Personal Liability of Directors, Managers, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

119

Section 13.08

Governing Law

119

Section 13.09

Waiver of Jury Trial

119

Section 13.10

Consent to Jurisdiction

119

Section 13.11

Force Majeure

120

Section 13.12

No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements

120

Section 13.13

Successors

120

Section 13.14

Severability

120

Section 13.15

Intercreditor Agreement

120

Section 13.16

Counterpart Originals

120

Section 13.17

Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.

121

EXHIBITS

Exhibit AForm of Note

Exhibit BForm of Certificate of Transfer

Exhibit CForm of Certificate of Exchange

Exhibit DForm of Supplemental Indenture to be Delivered by Subsequent Guarantors

 

iv

 


 

 

INDENTURE, dated as of April 1, 2021, among Alta Equipment Group Inc., a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), the Guarantors (as defined herein) from time to time party hereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, a national banking association, as Trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”) and as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Second Lien Collateral Agent”).

W I T N E S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company has duly authorized the creation of an issue of $315,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Initial Notes”); and

WHEREAS, each of the Company and the Guarantors party hereto has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders.

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01Definitions

.

144A Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.

ABL Amount” means $350.0 million.

ABL Borrower” means each of the Company, Alta Equipment Holdings, Inc., Alta Enterprises, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC, Alta Heavy Equipment Services, LLC, Alta Industrial Equipment Michigan, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment, L.L.C., Alta Industrial Equipment Company, L.L.C., Nitco, LLC, Alta Construction Equipment Florida, LLC, PeakLogix, LLC, Alta Industrial Equipment New York, LLC, and Alta Construction Equipment New York, LLC.

ABL Credit Facility” means the first lien asset-based revolving credit facility to be entered into as of the Issue Date by and among, the Company, the other ABL Borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other agents party thereto as the same may be in effect from time to time and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings, exchanges or Refinancings thereof, including any such Refinancing that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 4.09) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

ABL Credit Facility Administrative Agent” means the administrative agent under the ABL Credit Facility, which, on the Issue Date, will be JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Acquired Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person,

(1)Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, and

(2)Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

 

 


 

Additional Assets” means (1) any property or other assets used or useful in a Similar Business, (2) the Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock by the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary or (3) Capital Stock constituting a minority interest in any Person that at such time is a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any Restricted Subsidiary described in clause (2) or (3) of this definition is engaged in a Similar Business.

Additional First Lien Obligations” means any Indebtedness, permitted to be incurred under the then-extant First Lien Documents, this Indenture and any other then extant Second Lien Documents, that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral permitted by clause (10) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” that is senior in priority to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes and Additional Second Lien Obligations, if any, and having a Pari Passu Lien Priority with respect to the Collateral relative to the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility and/or the other First Lien Obligations and that is not secured by any other assets; provided that unless already a party thereto, the holders of such Indebtedness or their agent, trustee or authorized representative shall become party to the Intercreditor Agreement pursuant to the provisions thereof.

Additional Notes” means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.01, 4.09 and 4.12, as part of the same series as the Initial Notes.

Additional Second Lien Obligations” means any Indebtedness, permitted to be incurred under this Indenture, having Pari Passu Lien Priority relative to the Notes with respect to the Collateral and that is not secured by any other assets; provided that (i) the holders of such Indebtedness or their agent, trustee or authorized representative shall become party to the Security Documents pursuant to the provisions thereof (as such Security Documents shall be amended to provide for such Additional Second Lien Obligations in form satisfactory to the Second Lien Collateral Agent) and (ii) the Liens securing such Additional Second Lien Obligations shall be the Liens created under the Security Documents in favor of the Second Lien Collateral Agent to secure the Notes (and related Guarantees) and such Additional Second Lien Obligations.

Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person.  For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

Agent” means any Registrar or Paying Agent.

Applicable Calculation Date” means (a) the applicable date of calculation for (i) the Consolidated Secured Net Debt Ratio, (ii) the Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio, (iii) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio or (iv) EBITDA or (b) the applicable date of determination of an Excluded Subsidiary.

Applicable Measurement Period” means the most recently ended four fiscal quarters immediately preceding the Applicable Calculation Date for which internal financial statements are available.

Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any Redemption Date, the greater of:

(1)1.0% of the principal amount of such Note; and

(2)the excess, if any, of (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of such Note at April 15, 2023 (such redemption price being set forth in Section 3.07(b)), plus (ii) all required interest payments due on such Note through April 15, 2023 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such Redemption Date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of such Note.

2

 


 

Calculation of the Applicable Premium will be made by the Company or on behalf of the Company by such Person as the Company shall designate; provided that such calculation or the correctness thereof shall not be a duty or obligation of the Trustee.

Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and/or Clearstream that apply to such transfer or exchange.

Asset Sale” means:

(1)the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition including any disposition of property whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of property or assets (including by way of a Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or

(2)the issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary to any entity other than the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary (other than Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries issued in compliance with Section 4.09), whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions;

in each case, other than:

(a)any disposition of obsolete, damaged, unnecessary, unsuitable or worn out equipment or other assets (including Vehicles, Fleet Inventory and parts inventory) in the ordinary course of business or any disposition of inventory or goods (or other assets, including Vehicles, Fleet Inventory and parts inventory) held for sale or no longer used or useful in the ordinary course of business;

(b)the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in a manner permitted pursuant to the provisions described under Section 5.01 or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to this Indenture;

(c)any disposition in connection with the making of any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, under Section 4.07;

(d)any disposition of property or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, in any transaction or series of related transactions with an aggregate Fair Market Value of less than $10.0 million;

(e)any disposition of property or assets or issuance of securities (x) by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or (y) by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to another Restricted Subsidiary;

(f)to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code, or any comparable or successor provision, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a Similar Business;

(g)the lease, assignment, sublease, license or sublicense of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;

(h)any issuance, sale or pledge of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(i)foreclosures, Events of Loss or any similar action on assets or the granting of Liens not prohibited by this Indenture;

(j)sales of receivables and related assets pursuant to any Permitted Receivables Facility;

3

 


 

(k)any financing transaction with respect to property built or acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date, including Sale and Lease-Back Transactions and asset securitizations permitted by this Indenture;

(l)any surrender or waiver of contractual rights or the settlement, release or surrender of contractual rights or other litigation claims in the ordinary course of business;

(m)the sale, lease, assignment, license, sublease or discount of products, services, inventory, equipment, accounts receivable, notes receivable or other current assets in the ordinary course of business (including sales of Vehicles, Fleet Inventory, parts inventory or other inventory) or the conversion of accounts receivable for notes receivable or other dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof;

(n)any trade-in or other disposition of equipment, including Vehicles, in exchange for other equipment in the ordinary course of business; provided that in the good faith judgment of the Company, the Company or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary receives equipment having a Fair Market Value equal to or greater than the equipment being traded for or disposed;

(o)leases or subleases in the ordinary course of business to third persons not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture;

(p)the licensing or sub-licensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles in the ordinary course of business, other than the licensing of intellectual property on a long-term basis;

(q)the unwinding of any Hedging Obligations;

(r)sales, transfers and other dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, customary buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;

(s)the abandonment or lapse of intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business, which in the reasonable good faith determination of the Company are not material to the conduct of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

(t)the issuance of directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals or other third parties as required by applicable law; and

(u)the sale or other disposition of cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities.

In the event that a transaction (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of a permitted Asset Sale and would also be a permitted Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment, the Company, in its sole discretion, will be entitled to divide and classify such transaction (or a portion thereof) as an Asset Sale and/or one or more of the types of permitted Restricted Payments or Permitted Investments.

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the U.S. Code, as amended.

Bankruptcy Law” means the Bankruptcy Code and any similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

Board” means, for any Person, the board of directors or other governing body of such Person or, if such Person does not have such a board of directors or other governing body and is owned or managed by a single entity, the board of directors or other governing body of such entity, or, in either case (other than for purposes of the definition of “Voting Stock”), any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board of directors or other governing body.  Unless otherwise provided, “Board” means the board of directors of the Company.

4

 


 

Board Resolutionmeans, with respect to any Person, a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of such Person to have been duly adopted by the Board of such Person and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

Borrowing Base” means the “Revolving Borrowing Base” as defined in the ABL Credit Facility as of the Issue Date.

Business Day” means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.

Capital Stock” means:

(1)in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

(2)in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

(3)in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

(4)any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions or assets of, the issuing Person,

but excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities convertible into Capital Stock prior to such conversion, whether or not such securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.

Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP, and the stated maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be prepaid by the lessee without payment of a penalty; provided, however, that lease liabilities and associated expenses recorded by the Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to ASU 2016-02, Leases, shall not be treated as Indebtedness and shall not be included in Consolidated Interest Expense or Fixed Charges, unless the lease liabilities would have been treated as Capitalized Lease Obligations under GAAP as in effect prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (in which case such lease liabilities and associated expenses shall be treated as Capitalized Lease Obligations, and the interest component of such Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be included in Consolidated Interest Expense and Fixed Charges).

Cash Equivalents” means:

(1)U.S. dollars;

(2)[Reserved];

(3)securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any country that is a member state of the EMU or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(4)certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $100.0 million in the case of U.S. banks or other U.S. financial institutions;

(5)repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3) and (4) entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

5

 


 

(6)commercial paper rated at least P-2 by Moody’s or at least A-2 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) and in each case maturing within 36 months after the date of creation thereof;

(7)marketable short-term money market and similar securities having a rating of at least P-2 by Moody’s or at least A-2 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) and in each case maturing within 36 months after the date of creation thereof;

(8)investment funds investing 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (7) above and (9) through (13) below;

(9)securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America or any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth or territory or any public instrumentality thereof or any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state, commonwealth or territory or any public instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than 36 months from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition;

(10)readily marketable direct obligations issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed by any foreign government or any political subdivision or public instrumentality thereof, in each case having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) with maturities of 36 months or less from the date of acquisition;

(11)Indebtedness or Preferred Stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency) with maturities of 36 months or less from the date of acquisition; and

(12)Investments with average maturities of 36 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s (or, if at any time neither Moody’s nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another Rating Agency).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above, provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

Cash Management Obligations” means, as applied to any Person, any direct or indirect liability, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of cash management or related services (including treasury, depository, return item, overdraft, controlled disbursement, credit, merchant store value or debit card, purchase card, e-payables services, electronic funds transfer, interstate depository network, automatic clearing house transfer (including the ACH processing of electronic funds transfers through the Federal Reserve Fedline system) and other cash management arrangements) provided by any bank, including obligations for the payment of fees, interest, charges, expenses, attorneys’ fees and disbursements in connection therewith.

CFC” means a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following after the Issue Date:

(1)the sale, lease or transfer, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than a Permitted Holder;

6

 


 

(2)any person or “group(within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan), other than one or more Permitted Holders, acquires beneficial ownership of Voting Stock of the Company representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the Company (determined on a fully diluted basis); or

(3)the adoption by the stockholders of the Company of a plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a conversion of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from a limited liability company, corporation, limited partnership or other form of entity to another limited liability company, corporation, limited partnership or other form of entity or an exchange of all of the outstanding Capital Stock in one form of entity for Capital Stock for another form of entity shall not constitute a Change of Control, so long as immediately following such conversion or exchange the “persons” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) who beneficially owned the Capital Stock of such entity immediately prior to such transactions continue to beneficially own in the aggregate more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such entity, or continue to beneficially own sufficient Equity Interests in such entity to elect a majority of its directors, managers, trustees or other persons serving in a similar capacity for such entity, and in either case no “person” beneficially owns more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such entity.  Furthermore, (i) the transfer of assets between or among the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not itself constitute a Change of Control and (ii) a Person or group shall not be deemed to have beneficial ownership of securities subject to a stock purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement.

Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, Société Anonyme.

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor thereto.

Collateral” means all of the assets and property of the Company or any Guarantor, whether real, personal or mixed securing the Notes and any Additional Second Lien Obligations.

Common Stock” means with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interest or other participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting or nonvoting) of such Person’s Common Stock, whether or not outstanding on the Issue Date, and includes, without limitation, all series and classes of such Common Stock.

Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

Company Order” means a written request or order signed on behalf of the Company by an Officer of the Company and delivered to the Trustee.

Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees or costs, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, capitalized expenditures, customer acquisition costs and incentive payments, conversion costs and contract acquisition costs, of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

(1)consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount or premium resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than or greater than par, as applicable, other than with respect to Indebtedness issued in connection with the Refinancing Transactions, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-

7

 


 

cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations and (e) net payments, if any, pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding:

(i)any payments with respect to make-whole premiums or other breakage costs of any Indebtedness, including, without limitation, any Indebtedness issued in connection with the Refinancing Transactions;

(ii)any one-time cash costs associated with breakage in respect of hedging agreements for interest rates;

(iii)penalties and interest relating to taxes;

(iv)non-cash interest expense attributable to movement in mark-to-market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivatives (in each case, permitted hereunder and under GAAP);

(v)accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities not constituting Indebtedness;

(vi)any expense resulting from the discounting of Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization or purchase accounting;

(vii)any “additional interest” owing pursuant to a registration rights agreement with respect to other securities;

(viii)amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses, and original issue discount with respect to Indebtedness issued in connection with any intercompany Indebtedness;

(ix)any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees;

(x)commissions, discounts, yield, make whole premium and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Permitted Receivables Facility); and

(xi)interest expense attributable to Indebtedness incurred under Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities; plus

(2)consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less

(3)interest income for such period.

For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by such Person to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.

Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income, attributable to such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that, without duplication,

(1)any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains, losses or charges (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses (including relating to the Refinancing Transactions), severance, relocation costs, curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefits plans, start-up, facilities opening, transition, integration and other restructuring and business optimization costs, charges, reserves or expenses (including related to acquisitions after the Issue Date and to the start-up,

8

 


 

closure and/or consolidation of facilities), in each case, not incurred in the ordinary course of business, new product introductions and signing, retention or completion bonuses and similar one-time compensation payments shall be excluded;

(2)the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded;

(3)any net after-tax effect of income (loss) from disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of disposed, abandoned, transferred, closed or discontinued operations shall be excluded;

(4)any after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by the Company, shall be excluded;

(5)the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Company shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash or Cash Equivalents) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;

(6)solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.07(a)(3)(a), the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, is otherwise restricted by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Company will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) or Cash Equivalents to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein;

(7)effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in any line item in such Person’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting, including in relation to any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof (including in connection with deferred rent payments and tenant allowance amortization and adjustments), net of taxes, shall be excluded;

(8)(i) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments (including deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid), (ii) any non-cash income (or loss) related to currency gains or losses related to Indebtedness, intercompany balances and other balance sheet items and to Hedging Obligations and (iii) any non-cash expense, income or loss attributable to the remeasurement or movement in mark-to-market valuation of foreign currencies, Indebtedness or derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP, shall be excluded;

(9)any impairment charge, asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in the law or regulation, the amortization of intangibles, and the effects of adjustments to accruals and reserves during a prior period relating to any change in the methodology of calculating reserves for returns, rebates and other chargebacks (including government program rebates), in each case, pursuant to GAAP (excluding any non-cash item to the extent it represents an accrual or reserve

9

 


 

for cash expenditures in any future period except to the extent such item is subsequently reversed) shall be excluded;

(10)any (i) non-cash compensation charge or expense related to the grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, phantom equity, stock options, restricted stock, units or other rights and (ii) non-cash income (loss) attributable to deferred compensation plans or trusts, shall be excluded;

(11)any fees and expenses incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, disposition, recapitalization, Investment, Asset Sale, issuance or repayment of Indebtedness, issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated prior to the Issue Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed) and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction shall be excluded;

(12)accruals and reserves, contingent liabilities and any gains or losses on the settlement of any pre-existing contractual or non-contractual relationships that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Issue Date that are so required to be established as a result of the Refinancing Transactions in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded;

(13)losses and expenses with respect to liability or casualty events shall be excluded to the extent covered by insurance or indemnification and actually reimbursed or, other than for purposes of Section 4.07, so long as the Company has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer or indemnifying party and only to the extent that such amount is (a) not denied by the applicable carrier or indemnifying party in writing within 180 days and (b) in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within 365 days); and

(14)to the extent the consolidated depreciation expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (determined in accordance with GAAP) exceeds the aggregate amount of capital expenditures of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, such excess amount of depreciation expense shall be excluded.

In addition, to the extent not already accounted for in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include (without duplication) (i) the amount of proceeds received during such period from business interruption insurance in respect of insured claims for such period, (ii) other than for purposes of Section 4.07, the amount of proceeds as to which the Company has determined there is reasonable evidence it will be reimbursed by the insurer in respect of such period from business interruption insurance (with a deduction for any amounts so added back to the extent denied by the applicable carrier in writing within 180 days or not so reimbursed within 365 days) and (iii) reimbursements received of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Permitted Investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted hereunder.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.07 only (other than clause (3)(d) of Section 4.07(a)), there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments from the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under Section 4.07(a)(3)(d).

Consolidated Secured Net Debt Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (1) Consolidated Total Secured Indebtedness (excluding Capitalized Lease Obligations) minus unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case, as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the Applicable Calculation Date to (2) EBITDA of

10

 


 

the Company for the Applicable Measurement Period, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis and to give effect to all incurrences, issuances, redemptions, repurchases or repayments of Indebtedness and Capital Stock and Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers and consolidations and the transactions giving rise to the calculation occurring on such date.

Consolidated Total Assets” means, at any time, the total assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recently ended fiscal quarter prior to the applicable date of determination for which financial statements are available; provided that, for purposes of calculating “Consolidated Total Assets” for purposes of testing the covenants under this Indenture in connection with any transaction, the total consolidated assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis.

Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means, as at any date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (1) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (but excluding the effects of any discounting of indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with any acquisition or Investments similar to those made for acquisitions) consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, Obligations in respect of Capitalized Lease Obligations and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes and similar instruments (and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, (A) Hedging Obligations, (B) performance bonds or any similar instruments, (C) all Obligations relating to a Permitted Receivables Facility and (D) Indebtedness incurred under Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities) and (2) the aggregate amount of all outstanding Disqualified Stock of the Company and all Preferred Stock of its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, with the amount of such Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock equal to the greater of their respective voluntary or involuntary liquidation preferences and their Maximum Fixed Repurchase Prices, in each case, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

For purposes of this definition, (i) the “Maximum Fixed Repurchase Price” of any Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock means the price at which such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock could be redeemed or repurchased by the issuer thereof in accordance with its terms or, if such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock cannot be so redeemed or repurchased, the Fair Market Value of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, in each case, determined on any date on which Consolidated Total Indebtedness shall be required to be determined and (ii) the amount of any Indebtedness outstanding under a revolving credit facility on any date shall be deemed to be the average daily amount of such Indebtedness thereunder for the most recent 12-month period ending immediately prior to the Applicable Calculation Date (or, prior to the one year anniversary of the Issue Date, during the period from the Issue Date to such date).

Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (1) Consolidated Total Indebtedness minus unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case, as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the Applicable Calculation Date to (2) EBITDA of the Company for the Applicable Measurement Period, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis and to give effect to all incurrences, issuances, redemptions, repurchases or repayments of Indebtedness and Capital Stock and Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers and consolidations and the transactions giving rise to the calculation occurring on such date.

Consolidated Total Secured Indebtedness” means, as at any date of determination, the amount of Consolidated Total Indebtedness that is Secured Indebtedness as of such date.

Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other monetary obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(1)to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

(2)to advance or supply funds:

11

 


 

(a)for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation, or

(b)to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, or

(3)to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” shall be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 13.02 or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Holders and the Company.

Custodian” means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Notes in global form, or any successor entity thereto.

Debt Facilities” means, with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities, including the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility, or other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors or indentures) providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, letters of credit or other indebtedness, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements or refundings thereof and any indentures, debt instruments, credit facilities or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors, including facilities that Refinance any part of the loans, notes or other securities, other credit facilities or commitments thereunder, including any such Refinancing facility or indenture that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 4.09) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06(c), substantially in the form of Exhibit A except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.

Deposit Accounts” means all “deposit accounts” as such term is defined in the UCC and all accounts with a deposit function maintained at a financial institution, now or hereafter held in the name of the Company or any Guarantor.

Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.03 as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as Depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture.

Designated Non-cash Consideration” means the Fair Market Value of non-cash consideration received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Designated Preferred Stock” means Preferred Stock of the Company (in each case other than Disqualified Stock) that is issued for cash (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of Section 4.07(a).

12

 


 

Disqualified Stockmeans, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms, or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely as a result of a change of control, asset sale or casualty or condemnation event) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely as a result of a change of control, asset sale or casualty or condemnation event), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes or the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided, however, that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations; provided, further, that any Capital Stock held by any future, current or former employee, director, manager, service provider or consultant (or their respective trusts, estates, investment funds or investment vehicles) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or its Subsidiaries upon the termination of employment or death of such person pursuant to any stockholders’ agreement, management equity plan, stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement.

Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof.

DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.

EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period:

(1)increased (without duplication) by the following in each case (other than clause (j)) to the extent deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income:

(a)provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital gains, including, without limitation, foreign, federal, state, provincial, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period, including any penalties and interest relating to such taxes or arising from any tax examinations; plus

(b)Fixed Charges of such Person for such period (including (x) net losses on Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, in each case, to the extent included in Fixed Charges), together with (A) items excluded from the definition of “Consolidated Interest Expense” pursuant to clauses (1)(i) through (1)(xi) thereof, (B) amortization of original issue discount or premium resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness in connection with the Transactions and (C) any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP; plus

(c)Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period; plus

(d)any fees, expenses, charges or losses (other than depreciation or amortization expense) related to any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition, disposition, recapitalization or the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by this Indenture (including a refinancing thereof) (whether or not successful), and any amendment or modification to the terms of any such transaction including (i) such fees, expenses or charges related to the Refinancing Transactions and (ii) any amendment or other modification of the Notes, the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility or other Indebtedness; plus

(e)the amount of any systems development and establishment costs, conversion costs, excess pension charges, curtailments and modifications to pension and post-retirement

13

 


 

employee benefit plan costs or charges and contract termination costs, including any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions after the Issue Date; plus

(f)any other non-cash charges, including any write-offs, write-downs, expenses, losses or items for such period but excluding any non-cash losses related to the sale of rental equipment in the ordinary course of business (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus

(g)the amount of any minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in such period; plus

(h)payments made or accrued in such period pursuant to clause (12) under Section 4.11(b); plus

(i)costs of surety bonds incurred in such period in connection with financing activities; plus

(j)the amount of “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions and other synergies, projected by the Company in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken, actions with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or actions that are expected to be taken (which cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (B) such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies do not exceed 20% of EBITDA for such period (before giving effect to any adjustment as a result of this clause (j)), and (C) such actions have been taken, such actions with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or such actions are expected to be taken within 24 months after the date of determination to take such action; provided, further, that the adjustments pursuant to this clause (j) may be incremental to (but not duplicative of) pro forma adjustments made pursuant to the second paragraph of the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio”; plus

(k)any costs or expense incurred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or stockholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Company or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) solely to the extent that such net cash proceeds are excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 4.07(a)(3); plus

(l)the amount of loss or discount on sales of receivables and related assets to any Receivables Subsidiary in connection with any Permitted Receivables Facility; plus

(m)the amount of expenses relating to payments made to option holders of the Company in connection with, or as a result of, any distribution being made to stockholders of the Company, which payments are being made to compensate such option holders as though they were stockholders at the time of, and entitled to share in, such distribution, in each case to the extent permitted under this Indenture; plus

(n)any portion of the cost of Fleet Inventory sold during such period that represents the purchase price adjustment to the net book value of Fleet Inventory as of the Issue Date; and

14

 


 

(2)decreased by (without duplication) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, but excluding (i) any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges that reduced EBITDA in any prior period, (ii) non-cash income and (iii) any non-cash gains related to the sale of rental equipment in the ordinary course of business; provided that, to the extent non-cash gains are deducted pursuant to this clause (2) for any previous period and not otherwise added back, EBITDA shall be increased by the amount of any cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenses) in respect of such non-cash gains received in subsequent periods to the extent not already included therein; and

(3)increased or decreased by (without duplication):

(a)any net gain or loss resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness, intercompany balances and other balance sheet items, plus or minus, as the case may be; and

(b)any net gain or loss resulting in such period from Hedging Obligations, and the application of International Financial Reporting Standards 9—Financial Instruments, and its related pronouncements and interpretations (or any successor provision).

Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock, but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock.

Equity Offering” means any public or private sale of common equity or Preferred Stock of the Company (excluding Disqualified Stock), other than:

(1)(i) public offerings with respect to the Company’s Common Stock registered on Form S-8 (or comparable form) or (ii) any sale or issuance pursuant to employee benefit plans or otherwise in compensation to officers, directors or employees;

(2)issuances to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; and

(3)any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution.

Euroclear” means Euroclear S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system.

Event of Loss” means, with respect to any property or asset (tangible or intangible, real or personal), any of the following:

(1)any loss, destruction or damage of such property or asset;

(2)any institution of any proceeding for the condemnation or seizure of such property or asset or for the exercise of any right of eminent domain;

(3)any actual condemnation, seizure or taking by exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise of such property or asset, or confiscation of such property or asset or the requisition of the use of such property or asset; or

(4)any settlement in lieu of clause (2) or (3) above.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Excluded Assets” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

15

 


 

Excluded Contributionmeans net proceeds received in cash, Cash Equivalents or marketable securities (valued at the Fair Market Value thereof in the case of Cash Equivalents and marketable securities) or Qualified Proceeds received by the Company from:

(1)contributions to its common equity capital, and

(2)the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of the Company) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock) of the Company,

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Company on the date such capital contributions are made or the date such Equity Interests are sold, as the case may be, which are excluded from the calculation set forth in clause (3) of Section 4.07(a).

Excluded Subsidiary” means:

(1)any Subsidiary that is not a Wholly-Owned Person or is a joint venture (for so long as such Subsidiary remains a non-Wholly-Owned Person);

(2)any Subsidiary that is prohibited by (x) subject to clause (10) below, applicable law, rule or regulation or (y) contractual obligation from guaranteeing the Obligations under the Notes and this Indenture (and for so long as such restriction is in effect); provided that in the case of clause (y), such contractual obligation existed on the Issue Date or, with respect to any Subsidiary acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date (and so long as such contractual obligation was not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition), on the date such Subsidiary is so acquired;

(3)(i) any Foreign Subsidiary, (ii) any Domestic Subsidiary that is (A) a FSHCO or (B) a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a CFC, or (iii) any other Subsidiary for which the provision of a Guarantee would result in a material adverse Tax consequence to the Company or one of its Subsidiaries (as reasonably determined by the Company);

(4)any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (a) whose total assets (when combined with the assets of such Restricted Subsidiary’s Subsidiaries, after eliminating intercompany obligations) at the last day of the Applicable Measurement Period most recently ended on or prior to such determination date were an amount equal to or less than 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries at such date and (b) whose gross revenues (when combined with the revenues of such Restricted Subsidiary’s Subsidiaries, after eliminating intercompany obligations) for such Applicable Measurement Period were an amount equal to or less than 2.5% of the consolidated gross revenues of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such Applicable Measurement Period, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP (provided that the Company shall not be permitted to exclude such Restricted Subsidiaries from guaranteeing the Obligations under the Notes and this Indenture to the extent that (i) the aggregate amount of gross revenue for all Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company excluded by this clause (4) exceeds 5.0% of the consolidated gross revenues of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not otherwise Excluded Subsidiaries by virtue of any other clauses of this definition except for this clause (4) as of the last day of the Applicable Measurement Period most recently ended on or prior to the date of determination or (ii) the aggregate amount of total assets for all Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company excluded by this clause (4) exceeds 5.0% of the aggregate amount of Consolidated Total Assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not otherwise Excluded Subsidiaries by virtue of any other clauses of this definition except for this clause (4) as of the last day of the Applicable Measurement Period most recently ended on or prior to the date of determination);

(5)each Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(6)not-for-profit Subsidiaries;

16

 


 

(7)Subsidiaries that are special-purpose entities (including special purpose securitization vehicles);

(8)any Subsidiary that would require any consent, approval, license or authorization from any Governmental Authority to provide a Guarantee unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received;

(9)any Subsidiary that is a domestic captive insurance company; and

(10)any Receivables Subsidiary.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Subsidiary shall cease to be an “Excluded Subsidiary” to the extent that it guarantees any Debt Facility of the Company or a Guarantor.

Existing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities) in existence on the Issue Date, plus interest accruing (or the accretion of discount) thereon.

Fair Market Value” means the value (which, for the avoidance of doubt, will take into account any liabilities, contingent or otherwise, associated with related assets) that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction, determined in good faith by the Company (unless otherwise provided herein).

First Lien Collateral Agent” means (i) in the case of Obligations under the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility, any Cash Management Obligations and Hedging Obligations secured pursuant thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and any successor, in its capacity as collateral agent for the lenders and other secured parties under the ABL Credit Facility (together with its successors and permitted assigns under the ABL Credit Facility) and (ii) in the case of Additional First Lien Obligations, the collateral agent, administrative agent, trustee or similar agent under the applicable First Lien Documents, in each case, together with its successors in such capacity.

First Lien Documents” means (1) the ABL Credit Facility and all related credit, guarantee and security documents, (2) the Floor Plan Credit Facility and all related credit, guarantee and security documents and (3) the credit, guarantee and security documents governing the First Lien Obligations.

First Lien Obligations” means the Obligations under the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility and any Cash Management Obligations and any Hedging Obligations secured pursuant thereto, or any other Credit Facilities and any Additional First Lien Obligations.

First Lien Secured Parties” means the holders of First Lien Obligations.

Fitch” means Fitch Ratings, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person as of any Applicable Calculation Date, the ratio of (1) EBITDA of such Person for the Applicable Measurement Period to (2) the Fixed Charges of such Person for such Applicable Measurement Period.  In the event that the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) or issues, redeems or repurchases Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the Applicable Measurement Period but on or prior to the Applicable Calculation Date, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis; provided, however, that cash proceeds funded to the balance sheet in connection with the incurrence of any Indebtedness or issuances of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock shall be disregarded for any “netting” purposes.

If since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of such period) shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, discontinued operation or operational change,

17

 


 

that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, giving pro forma effect thereto for such Applicable Measurement Period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger, consolidation, discontinued operation or operational change had occurred at the beginning of the Applicable Measurement Period; provided that, notwithstanding any classification under GAAP of any Person or business in respect of which a definitive agreement for the disposition thereof has been entered into as discontinued operations, such transaction shall not be treated as a disposition or a discontinued operation for purposes of the calculation of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio until such transaction shall have been consummated.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein with respect to any amounts incurred or transactions entered into (or consummated) in reliance on a provision of this Indenture under a restrictive covenant that does not require compliance with a financial ratio or test (including, without limitation, any Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test, any Consolidated Secured Net Debt Ratio test and any Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio test) (any such amounts, the “Fixed Amounts”) substantially concurrently with any amounts incurred or transactions entered into (or consummated) in reliance on a provision of this Indenture that requires compliance with any such financial ratio or test (any such amounts, the “Incurrence Based Amounts”), it is understood and agreed that the Fixed Amounts (and any cash proceeds thereof) shall be disregarded in the calculation of the financial ratio or test applicable to the Incurrence Based Amounts in connection with such substantially concurrent incurrence.

Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, without duplication, the sum of:

(1)Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period;

(2)all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Preferred Stock (including any Designated Preferred Stock) of such Person and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period; and

(3)all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period.

Fleet Inventory” means utility trucks, specialty equipment and similar goods owned by any Grantor that are held for sale or that comprise such Grantor’s leased and rental equipment fleet.

Floor Plan Credit Facility” means (i) the Sixth Amended and Restated Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, by and among, the Company, the other ABL Borrowers, the several lenders from time to time party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, as the same may be in effect from time to time and any amendments, supplements, modifications, extensions, renewals, restatements, refundings, exchanges or Refinancings thereof, including any such Refinancing that increases the amount permitted to be borrowed thereunder or alters the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 4.09) or adds Restricted Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or guarantors thereunder and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders.

Floor Plan Facility Amount” means $50.0 million.

Foreign Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person that is not organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof.

FSHCO” means any direct or indirect Domestic Subsidiary of the Company that has no material assets other than Equity Interests (or Equity Interests and Indebtedness) in one or more direct or indirect Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs.

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting

18

 


 

Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession.

Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(ii), which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.

Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and the Unrestricted Global Notes, substantially in the form of Exhibit A, issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b) or 2.06(d).

Government Securities” means securities that are:

(1)direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

(2)obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America,

which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such Government Securities or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such Government Securities held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Securities or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the Government Securities evidenced by such depository receipt.

Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state, territorial or other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar monetary or regulatory authority) thereof and any governmental entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

Grantors” means the Company and the Guarantors.

guarantee” means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

Guarantee” means the guarantee by any Guarantor of the Company’s Obligations under this Indenture and the Notes.

Guarantor” means each Subsidiary of the Company that executes this Indenture as a Guarantor on the Issue Date and each other Subsidiary of the Company that thereafter guarantees the Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, until, in each case, such Person is released from the guarantee of the Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under (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

19

 


 

Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

Holder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.

holder” means, with reference to any Indebtedness or other Obligations, any holder or lender of, or trustee or collateral agent or other authorized representative with respect to, such Indebtedness or Obligations, and, in the case of Hedging Obligations, any counter-party to such Hedging Obligations.

“Initial Purchasers” means J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Fifth Third Securities, Inc., BMO Capital Markets Corp., Comerica Securities, Inc., PNC Capital Markets LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and Wedbush Securities Inc., with respect to the offer and sale of the Initial Notes, and such other initial purchasers party to future purchase agreements entered into in connection with an offer and sale of any Additional Notes.

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1)any indebtedness (including principal and premium) of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(a)in respect of borrowed money;

(b)evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);

(c)representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (i) any such balance that constitutes a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligations until, after 120 days of becoming due and payable, such obligation remains unpaid and is reflected as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP; or

(d)representing any net Hedging Obligations;

if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness in clauses (a) through (d) (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;

(2)to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person (whether or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of the such obligor or guarantor), other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business; and

(3)to the extent not otherwise included, the obligations of the type referred to in clause (1) of a third Person secured by a Lien on any assets owned by such first Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such first Person; provided, however, that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (a) the Fair Market Value of such assets at such date of determination and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person;

provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (a) Contingent Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business, (b) accrued expenses, royalties and trade payables and (c) asset retirement obligations and obligations in respect of reclamation and workers’ compensation (including pensions and retiree medical care) that are not overdue by more than 90 days.

Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

20

 


 

Independent Financial Advisormeans an accounting, appraisal, investment banking firm or consultant to Persons engaged in Similar Businesses of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Company, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

Indirect Participant” means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through a Participant.

Initial Notes” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor agreement to be entered into as of the Issue Date by and among the Company, the Guarantors, the First Lien Collateral Agents and the Second Lien Collateral Agent.

Interest Payment Date” means April 15 and October 15 of each year to stated maturity.

Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s, BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P and BBB- (or the equivalent) by Fitch, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

Investment Grade Securities” means:

(1)securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents);

(2)debt securities or debt instruments with an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Company and its Subsidiaries;

(3)investments in any fund that invests at least 90% of its assets in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment or distribution; and

(4)corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high-quality investments.

Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of (i) loans (including guarantees), advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts or loans receivable, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees, in each case made in the ordinary course of business), (ii) purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and (iii) investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of the Company in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property.  For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 4.07:

(1)“Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s direct or indirect equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a)the Company’s direct or indirect “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; less

(b)the portion (proportionate to the Company’s direct or indirect equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

21

 


 

(2)any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined by the Company.

The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time shall be the original cost of such Investment, reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of such Investment.

Investors” means, collectively, B. Riley Financial, Inc. a Delaware corporation (“B. Riley Financial”) and any Affiliates of B. Riley Financial which are (a) directly or indirectly controlled by B. Riley Financial and (b) organized primarily for making debt and/or equity investments in one or more companies, but not including, however, any operating portfolio companies of any of the foregoing.

Issue Date” means April 1, 2021.

Junior Lien Obligations” means Obligations with respect to Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture having Junior Lien Priority.

Junior Lien Priority” means Indebtedness that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral that is junior in priority to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes; provided that the Junior Lien Representative shall have executed and delivered an intercreditor agreement with the Second Lien Collateral Agent (which each Holder hereby authorizes the Second Lien Collateral Agent to enter into without their consent) and any other relevant Person in form and substance substantially similar to the Intercreditor Agreement, but with such changes thereto as are necessary to reflect the Notes as being the senior obligations relative to such Indebtedness to substantially the same extent as the First Lien Obligations are senior to the Second Lien Obligations under the Intercreditor Agreement.

Junior Lien Representative” means any duly authorized representative of any holders of Junior Lien Obligations, which representative is party to the intercreditor agreement described in the definition of Junior Lien Priority.

Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York, or solely with respect to payments, at the place of payment.  

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien (statutory or otherwise), pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded, registered, published or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction; provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

Limited Condition Transaction” means (1) any Investment or acquisition (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise), whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third-party financing, (2) any redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment of Indebtedness requiring irrevocable notice in advance of such redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment and (3) any dividends or distributions on, or redemptions of, Capital Stock requiring irrevocable notice in advance thereof.

Manufacturer” means a vehicle or equipment manufacturer which is party to a dealership agreement, national framework franchise agreement or similar agreement with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.

Manufacturer Floor Plan Facility” means an agreement with any lending institution affiliated with a Manufacturer or any bank or asset-based lender under which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries incur Indebtedness, all of the net proceeds of which are used to purchase, finance or refinance vehicles, equipment, attachments, and/or vehicle or equipment parts and supplies to be sold in the ordinary course of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and which may not be secured except by a Lien that extends to or covers

22

 


 

vehicles, equipment, attachments, credits, rebates and/or vehicle or equipment parts and supplies purchased, acquired, received from and/or manufactured by such Manufacturer or which are financed or refinanced by such net proceeds, together with all proceeds thereof.

Manufacturer Floor Plan Intercreditor Agreement” means one or more intercreditor agreements to be entered into on or about the Issue Date by and among the First Lien Collateral Agents, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and certain vendors of the inventory and equipment subject to the Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities (as the same may be amended from time to time).

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

Net Income” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) attributable to such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends.

Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale, including any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale, net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, payments made in order to obtain a necessary consent or required by applicable law, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, other fees and expenses, Taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be actually payable as a result thereof (including withholding taxes imposed on the repatriation of any such Net Proceeds and taking into account any Tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on Senior Indebtedness (other than Junior Lien Obligations) required (other than required by Section 4.10(b)(1)) to be paid as a result of such transaction, any costs associated with unwinding any related Hedging Obligations in connection with such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness (a) as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than any Non-Recourse Subsidiaries) (i) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) other than a pledge of the equity interests of any Non-Recourse Subsidiary, (ii) is directly or indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise) other than by virtue of a pledge of the equity interests of any Non-Recourse Subsidiary, or (iii) constitutes the lender; (b) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders thereof may have to take enforcement action against any Non-Recourse Subsidiary) would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility or the Notes) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity; and (c) as to which the lenders thereunder will not have any recourse to the Equity Interests or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Non-Recourse Subsidiaries).

Non-Recourse Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company created for the purpose of obtaining stand-alone financing for the acquisition and lease of rental equipment to customers, and all of whose Indebtedness is Non-Recourse Debt.

Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.

Notes” means the Initial Notes and more particularly means any Note authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.  For all purposes of this Indenture, the term “Notes” shall also include any Additional Notes that may be issued under a supplemental indenture; provided that Additional Notes will not be issued with the same CUSIP, if any, as any Notes then existing unless such Additional Notes are fungible with such Notes then existing for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

23

 


 

Obligationsmeans any principal, interest (including any interest, fees, expenses and other amounts accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest, fees, expenses and other amounts are an allowed or allowable claim under applicable Bankruptcy Law), premium, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, premium, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

Offering Memorandum” means the offering memorandum, dated March 24, 2021 relating to the offering of the Notes.

Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, any Manager or Director, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer, the Controller or the Secretary of the Company or any other Person, as the case may be.

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by an Officer of the Company or on behalf of any other Person, as the case may be, who must be a Manager or Director, the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Company (or of a Subsidiary of the Company acting in such capacity for the Company and its Subsidiaries, as determined by the Company) or such other Person, that meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee (which may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions).  The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company.

Pari Passu Lien Priority” means, relative to specified Indebtedness, having equal Lien priority on specified Collateral.

Participant” means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and, with respect to DTC, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream).

Permitted Asset Swap” means the concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and cash or Cash Equivalents between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that any cash or Cash Equivalents received must be applied in accordance with Section 4.10.

Permitted Holders” means each of (a) Ryan Greenawalt and any trust controlled by him, for his benefit, his spouse’s benefit or the benefit of any lineal descendants of Ryan Greenawalt and (b) any group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members; provided that in the case of such group, without giving effect to such group, Persons specified in clause (a) must collectively beneficially own more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company. Any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) whose acquisition of beneficial ownership constitutes a Change of Control in respect of which a Change of Control Offer is made in accordance with the requirements of this Indenture will thereafter, together with its Affiliates, constitute an additional Permitted Holder.

Permitted Investments” means:

(1)any Investment in the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including guarantees of obligations of its Restricted Subsidiaries);

(2)any Investment in cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

24

 


 

(3)any Investment by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Person that is engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment:

(a)such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(b)such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary,

and, in each case, any Investment held by such Person; provided that such Investment was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, transfer or conveyance;

(4)any Investment in securities or other assets not constituting cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.10 or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

(5)any Investment existing on the Issue Date or made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on the Issue Date or an Investment consisting of any extension, modification, replacement, reinvestment or renewal of any such Investment existing on the Issue Date or binding commitment in effect on the Issue Date; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased in such extension, modification, replacement, reinvestment or renewal only (a) as required by the terms of such Investment or binding commitment as in existence on the Issue Date (including as a result of the accrual or accretion of interest or original issue discount or the issuance of pay-in-kind securities) or (b) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

(6)any Investment acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries:

(a)in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the Company of such other Investment or accounts receivable;

(b)in satisfaction of judgments against other Persons;

(c)as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default; or

(d)received in compromise or resolution of (A) obligations of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer, or (B) litigation, arbitration or other disputes;

(7)Hedging Obligations permitted under clause (10) of Section 4.09(b);

(8)any Investment in a Similar Business or a Permitted Joint Venture having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (8) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $25.0 million and (y) 3.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, however, that any Investment pursuant to this clause (8) shall not be made in an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

25

 


 

(9)Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests (exclusive of Disqualified Stock) of the Company; provided, however, that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under clause (3) of Section 4.07(a);

(10)guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under Section 4.09;

(11)any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.11(b) (except transactions described in clauses (2), (5), (9), (15), (19) and (21) of Section 4.11(b));

(12)any Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory (including Vehicles, Fleet Inventory and parts inventory), supplies, material or equipment or other similar assets or the licensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;

(13)additional Investments having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (13) that are at that time outstanding (without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities), not to exceed the greater of (x) $35.0 million and (y) 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, however, that any Investment pursuant to this clause (13) shall not be made in an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(14)Investments relating to a Receivables Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Company, are necessary or advisable to effect any Permitted Receivables Facility or any repurchase obligation in connection therewith;

(15)loans and advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, officers, directors and employees not in excess of $10.0 million outstanding at any one time, in the aggregate;

(16)loans and advances to officers, directors, managers and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses or payroll expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or to fund such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Company;

(17)advances, loans or extensions of trade credit or prepayments to suppliers or loans or advances made to distributors, in each case in the ordinary course of business by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(18)Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of assets or services in the ordinary course of business;

(19)repurchases of the Notes;

(20)Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices, in each case under the UCC;

(21)Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (21) that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash, Cash Equivalents or marketable securities, not to exceed the greater of (x) $25.0 million and (y) 3.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the Fair Market Value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, however, that any Investment pursuant to this clause (21) made in any Person that is a Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to

26

 


 

clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (21) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, further, that such Investment pursuant to this clause (21) shall not be permitted to the extent that it is used for the purpose of making a Restricted Payment;

(22)Investments as part of the Transactions;

(23)Investments of assets relating to non-qualified deferred payment plans in the ordinary course of business;

(24)intercompany current liabilities owed by Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with cash management operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and

(25)any Investment; provided that on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Investment, the Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio would be equal to or less than 3.25 to 1.00.

Permitted Joint Venture” means, with respect to any Person at any time, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity (1) of which at least 20%, but not more than 50% of the Voting Stock is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) of that Person and (2) whose primary business constitutes or is reasonably expected to constitute at such time a Similar Business.

Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:

(1)Liens for Taxes that (i) are not delinquent or the nonpayment of which in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect, or (ii) are being contested in good faith and by the appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP (or other applicable accounting principles);

(2)Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or construction contractors’ Liens and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or, if more than 30 days overdue, are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Liens or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or as would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect or other Lien arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceeding for review, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;

(3)Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business (a) in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (b) securing reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees or similar instruments for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to such Person or otherwise supporting the payment of items set forth in the foregoing clause (a);

(4)Liens incurred or deposits made to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases, statutory obligations, surety, indemnity, warranty, release, appeal or similar bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements, completion guarantees, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds, bankers acceptance facilities, work in process relating to progress payment contracts for the construction of Vehicles or servicing contracts and other obligations of a like nature (including those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations), deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties and obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments that have been posted to support the same, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(5)easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting real property that, in the aggregate, do not in any case

27

 


 

materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(6)Liens securing, or otherwise arising from, judgments not constituting an Event of Default under clause (5) of Section 6.01(a);

(7)Liens on goods the purchase price of which is financed by a documentary letter of credit issued for the account of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or Liens on bills of lading, drafts or other documents of title arising by operation of law or pursuant to the standard terms of agreements relating to letters of credit, bank guarantees and other similar instruments, provided that such Lien secures only the obligations of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of such letter of credit to the extent such obligations are permitted under Section 4.09; and specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s accounts payable or similar trade obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or trade letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

(8)rights of set-off, banker’s liens, netting agreements and other Liens arising by operation of law or by of the terms of documents of banks or other financial institutions in relation to the maintenance of administration of deposit accounts, securities accounts, cash management arrangements or in connection with the issuance of letters of credit, bank guarantees or other similar instruments;

(9)Liens arising from UCC financing statements, including precautionary financing statements, or any similar filings made in respect of operating leases entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10)Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Debt Facilities, including any letter of credit facility relating thereto, that was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred pursuant to clause (1) of Section 4.09(b); provided that (i) if any such Indebtedness constitutes First Lien Obligations or has Pari Passu Lien Priority relative to the Notes with respect to the Collateral then it shall not be secured by any other assets that do not constitute Collateral and (ii) shall be subject to the Intercreditor Agreement;

(11)Liens existing on the Issue Date (other than Liens incurred in connection with the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility and the Notes);

(12)Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clauses (4) and (19) of Section 4.09(b); provided that Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to such clause (4) extend only to the assets purchased with the proceeds of such Indebtedness, accessions to such assets and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits, and any lease of such assets (including accessions thereto) and the proceeds and the products thereof and customary security deposits; provided, further, that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;

(13)leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others that do not (a) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (b) secure any Indebtedness;

(14)Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

(15)Liens (a) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (b) in favor of a banking institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of setoff) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry, (c) attaching to pooling, deposit, sweep, commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (d) relating to purchase orders

28

 


 

and other agreements entered into with customers of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(16)Liens (a) on cash advances in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted under this Indenture to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment, and (b) consisting of an agreement to sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any property in a transaction permitted under Section 4.10, in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or sale, disposition, transfer or lease, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;

(17)Liens existing on property at the time of its acquisition (by a merger, consolidation or amalgamation or otherwise) or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case after the Issue Date (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary); provided that (a) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition (by a merger, consolidation or amalgamation or otherwise) or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property that is (A) affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or (B) subject to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted under this Indenture that require or include, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (c) the Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted under Section 4.09;

(18)any interest or title of a lessor under leases (other than leases constituting Capitalized Lease Obligations) entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(19)Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale or purchase of goods by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(20)Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements permitted under clause (5) of the definition of “Cash Equivalents”;

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

(22)[Reserved];

(23)ground leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses in respect of real property on which facilities owned or leased by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries are located;

(24)Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;

(25)Liens on cash and Permitted Investments used to satisfy, discharge or defease Indebtedness; provided such satisfaction or discharge is permitted under this Indenture;

(26)Liens on receivables and related assets incurred in connection with a Permitted Receivables Facility;

(27)receipt of progress payments and advances from customers in the ordinary course of business to the extent the same creates a Lien on the related inventory and proceeds thereof;

29

 


 

(28)Liens securing Hedging Obligations; provided that with respect to Hedging Obligations relating to Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is permitted under this Indenture;

(29)Liens securing Obligations relating to any Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or a Guarantor permitted to be incurred in accordance with Section 4.09;

(30)Liens in favor of the Company or any Guarantor;

(31)[Reserved];

(32)Liens to secure any modification or Refinancing (or successive Refinancing) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in clauses (11), (12), (16), (17), (34) and (41); provided, however, that (a) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien (plus accessions, additions and improvements on such property, including after-acquired property that is (i) affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien, (ii) after-acquired property subject to a Lien securing such Indebtedness, the terms of which Indebtedness require or include a pledge of after-acquired property (it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (iii) the proceeds and products thereof), (b) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (x) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (11), (12), (16), (17), (34) and (41) at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Indenture, and (y) an amount necessary to pay any premium (including tender premiums), defeasance costs, underwriting discounts and any reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with such modification or Refinancing and (c) any Liens to secure any Refinancing of Indebtedness described under clause (34) or (41) shall constitute Additional Second Lien Obligations;

(33)other Liens securing Indebtedness then outstanding and secured pursuant to this clause (33) measured at the time of securing such Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $50.0 million and (y) 7.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness and Liens; provided that to the extent any such Indebtedness is secured by Liens on Collateral, such Indebtedness shall have Pari Passu Lien Priority relative to the Notes;

(34)Liens incurred to secure Additional Second Lien Obligations in respect of any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section 4.09; provided that, at the time of incurrence of such Obligations, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, the Consolidated Secured Net Debt Ratio would be no greater than 3.65 to 1.00;

(35)[Reserved];

(36)any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to capital stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

(37)Liens on Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary that secure Indebtedness or other obligations of such Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(38)agreements to subordinate any interest of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in any accounts receivable or other proceeds arising from inventory consigned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to an agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(39)[Reserved];

(40)Liens in connection with deposits taken by a Restricted Subsidiary that constitutes a regulated bank;

(41)Liens securing the Notes (other than any Additional Notes) and the related Guarantees;

30

 


 

(42)Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted under this Indenture;

(43)the rights reserved or vested in any Person by the terms of any lease, license, franchise, grant or permit held by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or by a statutory provision, to terminate any such lease, license, franchise, grant or permit, or to require annual or periodic payments as a condition to the continuance thereof;

(44)security given to a public utility or any municipality or governmental authority when required by such utility or authority in connection with the operations of that Person in the ordinary course of business;

(45)Liens granted pursuant to a security agreement between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and a licensee of their intellectual property to secure the damages, if any, of such licensee resulting from the rejection by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary of such licensee in a bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding with respect to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such Liens do not cover any assets other than the intellectual property subject to such license; and

(46)Liens securing any Non-Recourse Debt of any Non-Recourse Subsidiary in respect of such Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (29) of Section 4.09(b).

For purposes of determining compliance with this definition, (A) a Lien need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Permitted Liens described in this definition but are permitted to be incurred in part under any combination thereof and of any other available exemption and (B) in the event that a Lien (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of Permitted Liens, the Company shall, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Lien (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this definition; provided that all Liens incurred to secure the ABL Credit Facility and the Floor Plan Credit Facility on the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (10) of the preceding paragraph and shall not be reclassified; provided, further, that all Liens incurred to secure the Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities on or after the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (12) of the preceding paragraph and shall not be reclassified.

Permitted Receivables Facility” means any of one or more receivables financing facilities, as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, the Obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells its accounts receivable to either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Receivables Subsidiary that in turn funds such purchase by purporting to sell its accounts receivable to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or by borrowing from such a Person or from another Receivables Subsidiary that in turn funds itself by borrowing from such a Person.

Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up.

Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(i) to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture, except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.

Pro Forma Basis” means, with respect to the calculation of any test, financial ratio, basket or covenant under this Indenture, including the Consolidated Secured Net Debt Ratio, the Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and the calculation of EBITDA and Consolidated Total Assets, of any Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as of any date, that pro forma effect will be given to the Transactions, any acquisition, merger,

31

 


 

amalgamation, consolidation, Investment, any issuance, incurrence, assumption or repayment or redemption of Indebtedness (including Indebtedness issued, incurred or assumed or repaid or redeemed as a result of, or to finance, any relevant transaction and for which any such test, financial ratio, basket or covenant is being calculated), any issuance or redemption of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock, all sales, transfers and other dispositions or discontinuance of any Subsidiary, line of business, division, segment or operating unit, any operational change (including the entry into any material contract or arrangement) or any designation of a Restricted Subsidiary to an Unrestricted Subsidiary or of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case that have occurred during the four consecutive fiscal quarter periods of such Person being used to calculate such test, financial ratio, basket or covenant (the “Reference Period”), or subsequent to the end of the Reference Period but prior to such date or prior to or simultaneously with the event for which a determination under this definition is made (including any such event occurring at a Person who became a Restricted Subsidiary of the subject Person or was merged or consolidated with or into the subject Person or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the subject Person after the commencement of the Reference Period), as if each such event occurred on the first day of the Reference Period.

For purposes of making any computation referred to above:

(1)if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date for which a determination under this definition is made had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligations have a remaining term in excess of 12 months);

(2)interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer, in his or her capacity as such and not in his or her personal capacity, of the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP;

(3)interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate;

(4)interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility or a Permitted Receivables Facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period; and

(5)to the extent not already covered above, any such calculation may include adjustments calculated in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

Any pro forma calculation may include, without limitation, (1) adjustments calculated in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and (2) adjustments calculated to give effect to any pro forma cost savings; provided that any such adjustments that consist of reductions in costs and other operating improvements or synergies shall be subject to the limitations set forth in clause (j) of the definition of “EBITDA” hereunder.

Purchase Money Obligations” means any Indebtedness incurred to finance or refinance the acquisition, leasing, construction or improvement of property (real or personal) or assets (other than Capital Stock), and whether acquired through the direct acquisition of such property or assets, or otherwise.

QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

Qualified Proceeds” means assets that are used or useful in, or Capital Stock of any Person engaged in, a Similar Business; provided that the Fair Market Value of any such assets or Capital Stock shall be determined in good faith by the Company.

32

 


 

Rating Agencymeans (1) each of Fitch, Moody’s and S&P and (2) if Fitch, Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the Company’s control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3 under the Exchange Act selected by the Company as a replacement agency for Fitch, Moody’s or S&P, as the case may be.

Real Estate” means all of each Grantor’s and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ now or hereafter owned or leased estates in real property, including, without limitation, all fees, leaseholds and future interests, together with all of each Grantor’s and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ now or hereafter owned or leased interests in the improvements thereon, the fixtures attached thereto and the easements appurtenant thereto.

Receivables Fees” means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any accounts receivable or participation interest therein issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with, any Permitted Receivables Facility.

Receivables Subsidiary” means any Special Purpose Entity established in connection with a Permitted Receivables Facility.

Record Date” for the interest, if any, payable on any applicable Interest Payment Date means April 1 or October 1 (whether or not a Business Day) next preceding such Interest Payment Date.

Refinance” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, to modify, amend, supplement, restructure, refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, purchase, repurchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in exchange or replacement for (including by entering into alternative financing arrangements in respect of such exchange or replacement (in whole or in part), by adding or replacing lenders, creditors, agents, the Company and/or Guarantors, or, after the original instrument giving rise to such Indebtedness has been terminated, by entering into any credit agreement, loan agreement, note purchase agreement, indenture or other agreement), such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, in whole or in part.  “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

Refinancing Transactions” has the meaning provided in the Offering Memorandum.

Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

Regulation S Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend, the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 903.

Related Business Assets” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business; provided that any assets received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.

Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws, certificate of organization and operating agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

Responsible Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, any officer of the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent within its respective corporate trust departments, as applicable, including any trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such Person’s knowledge of

33

 


 

and familiarity with the particular subject and who, in each case, shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Period” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S.

Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company (including any Foreign Subsidiary) that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of “Restricted Subsidiary.”

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.

S&P” means S&P Global Ratings or any successor thereto.

Sale and Lease-Back Transaction” means any arrangement providing for the leasing by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any real property or tangible personal property, which property has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to a third Person in contemplation of such leasing.

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

Second Lien Collateral Agent” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, in its capacity as the collateral agent for the Notes and any other Additional Second Lien Obligations, together with its successors and permitted assigns under this Indenture.

Second Lien Documents” means (1) this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees and the Security Documents and (2) any credit agreement, indenture or other debt agreement, guarantee and security documents governing the Second Lien Obligations.

Second Lien Obligations” means, collectively, (1) the Obligations under the Notes, this Indenture and the Guarantees and (2) each Series of Additional Second Lien Obligations.

Second Lien Representative” means (1) in the case of any Obligations under this Indenture, the Trustee, and (2) any duly authorized representative of any holders of Second Lien Obligations, which representative is named as such in a joinder agreement to the Security Documents.

Second Lien Secured Parties” means (1) Holders (including the holders of any “Additional Notes” subsequently issued under and in compliance with the terms of this Indenture), (2) the Second Lien Collateral Agent, (3) the Trustee and (4) the holders from time to time of any Additional Second Lien Obligations and any trustee, authorized representative or agent of the holders of such Additional Second Lien Obligations.

Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries secured by a Lien (including capital leases and purchase money).

34

 


 

Secured Partiesmeans the Second Lien Secured Parties and the First Lien Secured Parties.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Security Agreement” means that certain Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Second Lien Collateral Agent.

Security Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Manufacturer Floor Plan Intercreditor Agreements and the other security agreements relating to the Collateral and the mortgages and instruments filed and recorded in appropriate jurisdictions to preserve and protect the Liens on the Collateral (including, without limitation, financing statements under the Uniform Commercial Code of the relevant states) applicable to the Collateral, each in favor of the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties, as amended, amended and restated, modified, renewed or replaced from time to time.

Senior Indebtedness” means:

(1)all Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility or Notes and related Guarantees (including interest, fees and expenses accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding or for reorganization of the Company or any Guarantor (at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, regardless of whether or not a claim for post-filing interest, fees and expenses is allowed or allowable under applicable Bankruptcy Law in such proceedings)), and any and all other fees, expense reimbursement obligations, indemnification amounts, penalties, and other amounts (whether existing on the Issue Date or thereafter created or incurred) and all obligations of the Company or any Guarantor to reimburse any bank or other Person in respect of amounts paid under letters of credit, acceptances or other similar instruments;

(2)all Cash Management Obligations and Hedging Obligations (and guarantees thereof) owing to a Lender (as defined in the ABL Credit Facility) or any of its Affiliates (or any Person that was a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender at the time the applicable agreement giving rise to such Hedging Obligation was entered into); provided that such Cash Management Obligations and Hedging Obligations are permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture;

(3)any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor permitted to be incurred under the terms of this Indenture, unless the instrument under which such Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or any related Guarantee; and

(4)all Obligations with respect to the items listed in the preceding clauses (1), (2) and (3);

provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness shall not include:

(a)any obligation of such Person to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

(b)any liability for federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Person;

(c)any accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary course of business;

(d)any Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person which is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any other Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person; or

(e)that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of incurrence is incurred in violation of this Indenture.

35

 


 

Seriesmeans (a) with respect to the Second Lien Secured Parties, (i) the holders of the Notes and the Second Lien Collateral Agent and (ii) the holders from time to time of any other Second Lien Obligations represented by a common Second Lien Representative and each Second Lien Representative of such Indebtedness, (b) with respect to any Second Lien Obligations, each of (i) the Obligations under this Indenture and (ii) any other Obligations with respect to other Indebtedness represented by a common Second Lien Representative, which is by its terms intended to be secured equally and ratably with the Notes; provided that the holders of such Indebtedness or their Second Lien Representative shall become party to the Security Documents, (c) with respect to the First Lien Secured Parties, (i) the holders of the Obligations under the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility, the Cash Management Obligations and Hedging Obligations secured pursuant thereto, or any other Credit Facilities and (ii) the holders from time to time of any other First Lien Obligations represented by a common First Lien Collateral Agent and (d) with respect to any First Lien Obligations, each (i) of the Obligations under the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility, the Cash Management Obligations and Hedging Obligations secured pursuant thereto, or any other Credit Facilities and (ii) any other First Lien Obligations with respect to other Indebtedness represented by a common First Lien Collateral Agent.

Series A Preferred Stock” means the 10% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock issued pursuant to the Certificate of Designations of Rights and Preferences of the Company dated December 17, 2020 (as amended or supplemented from time to time).

Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such regulation is in effect on the Issue Date.

Similar Business” means any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date or any business that is similar, reasonably related, incidental or ancillary thereto.

Special Purpose Entity” means a direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company, whose organizational documents contain restrictions on its purpose and activities and impose requirements intended to preserve its separateness from the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries of the Company.

Stock” means all shares, options, warrants, general or limited partnership interests, membership interests or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company or equivalent entity whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, Preferred Stock or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act).

Subordinated Indebtedness” means, with respect to the Notes,

(1)any Indebtedness of the Company which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and

(2)any Indebtedness of any Guarantor which is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such entity of the Notes.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person:

(1)any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; and

(2)any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which

36

 


 

(x)more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise, and

(y)such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings and all liabilities (including interest, penalties and additions to tax) with respect thereto imposed by any Governmental Authority.

Titled Goods” means vehicles and similar items that are (a) subject to certificate-of-title statutes or regulations under which a security interest in such items are perfected by an indication on the certificates of title of such items (in lieu of filing of financing statements under the UCC) or (b) evidenced by certificates of ownership or other registration certificates issued or required to be issued under the laws of any jurisdiction.

Treasury Rate” means, as obtained by the Company, as of any Redemption Date, the average yield to maturity as of such Redemption Date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 for each Business Day during the most recent week ending at least two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such Redemption Date to April 15, 2023; provided, however, that if the period from such Redemption Date to April 15, 2023 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.

Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Trustee” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

Unasserted Contingent Obligations” means, at any time, First Lien Obligations for taxes, costs, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities (excluding (a) the principal of, and interest and premium (if any) on, and fees and expenses relating to, any First Lien Obligation and (b) contingent reimbursement obligations in respect of amounts that may be drawn under outstanding letters of credit) in respect of which no assertion of liability (whether oral or written) and no claim or demand for payment (whether oral or written) has been made (and, in the case of First Lien Obligations for indemnification, no notice for indemnification has been issued by the indemnitee) at such time.

Uniform Commercial Code” or “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the relevant jurisdiction from time to time.

Unrestricted Definitive Note” means one or more Definitive Notes that do not bear and are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

Unrestricted Global Note” means a permanent Global Note, substantially in the form of Exhibit A that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary, representing Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend.

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means:

(1)any Subsidiary of the Company which at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Company, as provided below); and

37

 


 

(2)any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on, any property of, the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than solely any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided that

(1)any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which the Equity Interests entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or Persons performing a similar function are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;

(2)such designation complies with Section 4.07; and

(3)each of:

(a)the Subsidiary to be so designated; and

(b)its Subsidiaries has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a pledge of the Equity Interests in the Unrestricted Subsidiary).

The Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that, immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Any such designation by the Company shall be notified by the Company to the Trustee by promptly delivering to the Trustee a copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

U.S. Person” means a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902(k) under the Securities Act.

Vehicle” means utility trucks, specialty equipment and similar goods, which are otherwise engaged, used or useful in any business activities of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and which are owned by and registered (or to be owned by and registered) in the name of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or operated (or to be operated) by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case together with all related spares, equipment and any additions or improvements.

Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of such Person.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing:

(1)the sum of the products of the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment; by

(2)the sum of all such payments.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent

38

 


 

required by applicable law) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

Section 1.02Other Definitions

.

Term

Defined in Section

“Acceptable Commitment”

4.10

“Action”

12.08

“Advance Offer”

4.10

“Advance Portion”

4.10

“Affiliate Transaction”

4.11

“Applicable Proceeds”

4.10

“Asset Sale Offer”

4.10

“Asset Sale Proceeds Application Period

4.10

“Authentication Order”

2.02

“CERCLA”

12.08

“Change of Control Offer”

4.14

“Change of Control Payment”

4.14

“Change of Control Payment Date”

4.14

“Covenant Defeasance”

8.03

“Covenant Suspension Event”

4.16

“Event of Default”

6.01

“Excess Proceeds”

4.10

“Excess Proceeds Offer Amount”

4.10

“incur”

4.09

“incurrence”

4.09

“LCT Election”

1.06

“LCT Test Date”

1.06

“Legal Defeasance”

8.02

“Note Register”

2.03

“Offer Amount”

3.09

“Offer Period”

3.09

“Paying Agent”

2.03

“Prospective Purchaser

4.03

“Purchase Date”

3.09

“Ratio Debt”

4.09

“Redemption Date”

3.07

“Refinancing Indebtedness”

4.09

“Registrar”

2.03

“Related Person”

12.08

“Restricted Payments”

4.07

“Retained Declined Proceeds”

4.10

“Reversion Date”

4.16

“Specified Courts”

13.10

“Subject Lien”

4.12

“Successor Company”

5.01

“Successor Person”

5.01

“Suspended Covenants”

4.16

“Suspension Period”

4.16

 

Section 1.03Inapplicability of the Trust Indenture Act

.

No provisions of the Trust Indenture Act are incorporated by reference in or made a part of this Indenture unless explicitly incorporated by reference.  Unless specifically provided in this Indenture, no terms that are defined under the Trust Indenture Act have such meanings for purposes of this Indenture.

39

 


 

Section 1.04Rules of Construction

.

Unless the context otherwise requires:

(a)a term has the meaning assigned to it;

(b)an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

(c)“or” is not exclusive;

(d)words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;

(e)“will” shall be interpreted to express a command;

(f)provisions apply to successive events and transactions;

(g)references to sections of, or rules under, the Securities Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time;

(h)unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article,” “Section,” “clause” or “Exhibit” refers to an Article, Section, clause or Exhibit, as the case may be, of this Indenture;

(i)the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not any particular Article, Section, clause, other subdivision or Exhibit; and

(j)unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person refers to such Person on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but excluding from such consolidation any Unrestricted Subsidiary as if such Unrestricted Subsidiary were not an Affiliate of such Person.

Section 1.05Acts of Holders

.

(a)Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing.  Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company.  Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or the holding by any Person of a Note, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 7.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section 1.05.

(b)The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by the certificate of any notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof.  Where such execution is by or on behalf of any legal entity other than an individual, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute proof of the authority of the Person executing the same.  The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner that the Trustee deems sufficient.

(c)The ownership of Notes shall be proved by the Note Register.

(d)Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by the Holder of any Note shall bind every future Holder of the same Note and the Holder of every Note issued upon the registration

40

 


 

of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

(e)The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to give any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or take any other act, or to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted to be given or taken by Holders.  Unless otherwise specified, if not set by the Company prior to the first solicitation of a Holder made by any Person in respect of any such action, or in the case of any such vote, prior to such vote, any such record date shall be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee prior to such solicitation.

(f)Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Note may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Note or by one or more duly appointed agents, each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.  Any notice given or action taken by a Holder or its agents with regard to different parts of such principal amount pursuant to this Section 1.05(f) shall have the same effect as if given or taken by separate Holders of each such different part.

(g)Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Holder, including DTC that is the Holder of a Global Note, may make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders, and DTC that is the Holder of a Global Note may provide its proxy or proxies to the beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Note through such depositary’s standing instructions and customary practices.

(h)The Company may fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons who are beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note held by DTC entitled under the procedures of such depositary to make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders.  If such a record date is fixed, the Holders on such record date or their duly appointed proxy or proxies, and only such Persons, shall be entitled to make, give or take such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date.  No such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be valid or effective if made, given or taken more than 90 days after such record date.

Section 1.06Limited Condition Transactions

.

When calculating the availability under any basket or ratio under this Indenture or compliance with any provision of this Indenture in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction and any actions or transactions related thereto (including acquisitions, Investments, the incurrence or issuance of Indebtedness and the use of the proceeds thereof, the incurrence of Liens, repayments, Restricted Payments and Asset Sales), in each case, at the option of the Company (the Company’s election to exercise such option, an “LCT Election”), the date of determination for availability under any such basket or ratio and whether any such action or transaction is permitted (or any requirement or condition therefor is complied with or satisfied (including as to the absence of any Default or Event of Default)) under this Indenture shall be deemed to be the date (the “LCT Test Date”) the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into (or, if applicable, the date of delivery of an irrevocable notice, declaration of a dividend or similar event) and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction and any actions or transactions related thereto (including acquisitions, Investments, the incurrence or issuance of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof, the incurrence of Liens, repayments, Restricted Payments and Asset Sales) and any related pro forma adjustments, the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been permitted to take such actions or consummate such transactions on the relevant LCT Test Date in compliance with such ratio, test or basket (and any related requirements and conditions), such ratio, test or basket (and any related requirements and conditions) shall be deemed to have been complied with (or satisfied) for all purposes; provided that (a) compliance with such ratios, tests or baskets (and any related requirements and conditions) shall not be determined or tested at any time after the applicable LCT Test Date for such Limited Condition Transaction and any actions or transactions related thereto (including acquisitions, Investments, the incurrence or issuance of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof, the incurrence of Liens, repayments, Restricted Payments and Asset Sales) and (b) EBITDA,

41

 


 

for purposes of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, the Consolidated Secured Net Debt Ratio and the Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio, will be calculated using an assumed interest rate based on the indicative interest margin contained in any financing commitment documentation with respect to such Indebtedness or, if no such indicative interest margin exists, as reasonably determined by the Company in good faith.

For the avoidance of doubt, if the Company has made an LCT Election, (1) if any of the ratios, tests or baskets for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCT Test Date would at any time after the LCT Test Date have been exceeded or otherwise failed to have been complied with as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, test or basket, including due to fluctuations in EBITDA of the Company, such baskets, tests or ratios will not be deemed to have been exceeded or failed to have been complied with as a result of such fluctuations (and no Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred due to such failure to comply), and (2) in calculating the availability under any ratio, test or basket in connection with any action or transaction unrelated to such Limited Condition Transaction following the relevant LCT Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated and the date that the definitive agreement or date for redemption, purchase or repayment specified in an irrevocable notice for such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated, expires or passes, as applicable, without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such ratio, test or basket shall be determined or tested giving pro forma effect to such Limited Condition Transaction.

ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

Section 2.01Form and Dating; Terms

.

(a)General.  The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A.  The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules or usage.  Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.  The Notes shall be in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereof.

(b)Global Notes.  Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto).  Notes issued in definitive form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto).  Each Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified in the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto and each shall provide that it shall represent up to the aggregate principal amount of Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as applicable, to reflect exchanges and redemptions.  Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06.

(c)[Reserved].  

(d)Terms.  The aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby.  However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

The Notes shall be subject to repurchase by the Company pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer as provided in Section 4.10 or a Change of Control Offer as provided in Section 4.14.  The Notes shall not be redeemable, other than as provided in Article 3.

42

 


 

Additional Notes ranking pari passu with the Initial Notes may be created and issued from time to time by the Company without notice to or consent of the Holders and shall be consolidated with and form a single class with the Initial Notes and shall have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the Initial Notes; provided that the Company’s ability to issue Additional Notes shall be subject to the Company’s compliance with Sections 4.09 and 4.12; provided, further that Additional Notes will not be issued with the same CUSIP, if any, as any Notes then existing unless such Additional Notes are fungible with such Notes then existing for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  Any Additional Notes shall be issued with the benefit of an indenture supplemental to this Indenture.

(e)Euroclear and Clearstream Procedures Applicable.  The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Banking” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Notes that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

Section 2.02Execution and Authentication

.

At least one Officer shall execute the Notes on behalf of the Company by manual, electronic or facsimile signature.

If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid.

A Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated substantially in the form of Exhibit A by the manual signature of the Trustee.  The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been duly authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

On the Issue Date, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Company Order (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate and deliver the Initial Notes.  In addition, at any time, from time to time, the Trustee shall upon an Authentication Order authenticate and deliver any Additional Notes for an aggregate principal amount specified in such Authentication Order for such Additional Notes issued hereunder.

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Notes.  An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Company.

Section 2.03Registrar and Paying Agent

.

The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“Paying Agent”).  The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes (“Note Register”) and of their transfer and exchange.  The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.  The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any additional paying agent.  The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to any Holder.  The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture.  If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

The Company initially appoints DTC to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

Section 2.04Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust

.

43

 


 

The Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders and the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment.  While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee.  The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee.  Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money.  If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent.  Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

Section 2.05Holder Lists

.

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders.  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee at least two Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders.

Section 2.06Transfer and Exchange

.

(a)Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes.  Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 2.06, a Global Note may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.  A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note unless (i) the Depositary (x) notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Note or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 120 days or (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.  Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events in (i) or (ii) above, Definitive Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).  Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10.  Every Note authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof, pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note, except for Definitive Notes issued subsequent to any of the preceding events in (i) or (ii) above and pursuant to Section 2.06(b)(ii)(B) and Section 2.06(c). A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a); provided, however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b) or (c).

(b)Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes.  The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures.  Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes shall be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act.  Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:

(i)Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note.  Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser).  Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note.  No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.06(b)(i).

(ii)All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes.  In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(i), the transferor

44

 


 

of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either (A) (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase or (B) (1) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (2) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (1) above; provided that in no event shall Definitive Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903.  Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h).

(iii)Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note.  A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) and the Registrar receives the following:

(A)if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; or

(B)if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (2) thereof.

(iv)Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note.  A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) and the Registrar receives the following:

(1)if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or

(2)if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this clause (iv), if the Company so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an opinion of counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

If any such transfer is effected pursuant to this clause (iv) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an

45

 


 

aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to this clause (iv).

Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.

(c)Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.

(i)Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes.  If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events in paragraph (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) and receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A)if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;

(B)if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(C)if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

(D)if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or

(E)if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h), and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the applicable principal amount.  Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant.  The Trustee shall mail such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered.  Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.

(ii)Beneficial Interests in Regulation S Global Note to Definitive Notes.  Notwithstanding Sections 2.06(c)(i)(A) and (C), a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of any certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) of the Securities Act, except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.

(iii)Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.  A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of

46

 


 

an Unrestricted Definitive Note only upon the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) and if the Registrar receives the following:

(1)if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or

(2)if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this clause (iii), if the Company so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an opinion of counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

(iv)Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.  If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (i) or (ii) of Section 2.06(a) and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(ii), the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h), and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate and mail to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the applicable principal amount.  Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from or through the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect Participant.  The Trustee shall mail such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered.  Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(d)Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.

(i)Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes.  If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:

(A)if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;

(B)if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(C)if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;

47

 


 

(D)if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or

(E)if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,

the Trustee shall cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) above, the applicable Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the applicable 144A Global Note, and in the case of clause (C) above, the applicable Regulation S Global Note.

(ii)Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes.  A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if the Registrar receives the following:

(1)if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or

(2)if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this clause (ii), if the Company so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an opinion of counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.06(d)(ii), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

(iii)Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes.  A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time.  Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.

If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is effected pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.

(e)Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes.  Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes.  Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder shall present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in

48

 


 

writing.  In addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e):

(i)Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes.  Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:

(A)if the transfer will be made pursuant to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, then the transferor must deliver a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;

(B)if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; or

(C)if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (other than Rule 144), then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.

(ii)Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.  Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:

(1)if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit C, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or

(2)if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder substantially in the form of Exhibit B, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this clause (ii), if the Company so requests, an opinion of counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.

(iii)Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.  A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.  Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.

(f)[Reserved].

(g)Legends.  The following legends shall appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture:

(i)Private Placement Legend.

(A)Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:

“THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE

49

 


 

OR OTHER JURISDICTION. NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION. THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS [IN THE CASE OF 144A GLOBAL NOTES: SIX MONTHS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY),] [IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTES: 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S], ONLY (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT IS NOT A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER AND THAT IS PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF ANOTHER INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, IN EACH CASE IN A MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SECURITIES OR (F) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE COMPANY’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (D), (E) OR (F) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. [IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTES: BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]”

(B)Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph (b)(iv), (c)(iii), (c)(iv), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), or (e)(iii) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend.

(ii)Global Note Legend.  Each Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE

50

 


 

BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(h) OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (III) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY.  UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.  UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) (“DTC”) TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.”

(iii)ERISA Legend.  Each Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY, THE HOLDER THEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (1) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), OR OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT, OR (2) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.”

(h)Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes.  At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11.  At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.

51

 


 

(i)General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

(i)To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 or at the Registrar’s request.

(ii)No service charge shall be made to a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.07, 2.10, 3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.14 and 9.05).

(iii)Neither the Registrar nor the Company shall be required to register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

(iv)All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

(v)The Company and Registrar shall not be required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 and ending at the close of business on the day of selection, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase in connection with a Change of Control Offer, an Asset Sale Offer or other tender offer, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a Record Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

(vi)Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(vii)Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note at the office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 4.02, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more replacement Notes of any authorized denomination or denominations of a like aggregate principal amount.

(viii)At the option of the Holder, Notes may be exchanged for other Notes of any authorized denomination or denominations of a like aggregate principal amount upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at such office or agency.  Whenever any Global Notes or Definitive Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail, the replacement Global Notes and Definitive Notes which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02.

(ix)All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.

(x)The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Depositary

52

 


 

participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

(xi)None of the Issuers, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of (i) the records relating to or payments made on account of any participants in the Depositary or any beneficial ownership interests of a Global Note, (ii) maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records maintained by any Depositary or participant therein or any other Person relating to such beneficial ownership interests,  (iii) any consent given or other action taken by the Depositary or other Holder of a Note, as the registered holder thereof or (iv) or any act or omission of the Depositary.

Section 2.07Replacement Notes

.

If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee, the Registrar or the Company and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the ownership and destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company shall issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are met.  If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of (i) the Trustee to protect the Trustee and (ii) the Company to protect the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced.  The Company may charge for its expenses in replacing a Note.

Every replacement Note is a contractual obligation of the Company and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

Section 2.08Outstanding Notes

.

The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding.  Except as set forth in Section 2.09 and Section 9.02, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note.

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a bona fide purchaser.

If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue interest.

Section 2.09Treasury Notes

.

In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Company, or by any Affiliate of the Company, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.  Notes so owned which have been pledged in good faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right to deliver any such direction, waiver or consent with respect to the Notes and that the pledgee is not the Company or any obligor upon the Notes or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

53

 


 

Section 2.10Temporary Notes

.

Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate temporary Notes.  Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes.  Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate Definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.

Holders and beneficial holders, as the case may be, of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the benefits accorded to Holders, or beneficial holders, respectively, of Notes under this Indenture.

Section 2.11Cancellation

.

The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment.  The Trustee or, at the direction of the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying Agent and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall dispose of cancelled Notes (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act and the Trustee).  Certification of the cancellation of all cancelled Notes shall be delivered to the Company upon its written request.  The Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that have been paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.12Defaulted Interest

.

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01.  The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such defaulted interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such defaulted interest as provided in this Section 2.12.  The Company shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date shall be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest.  The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of such special record date.  At least 15 days before the special record date, the Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company) shall send or cause to be sent to each Holder a notice at his or her address as it appears in the Note Register that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any interest which is paid prior to the expiration of the 30-day period set forth in Section 6.01(a)(2) shall be paid to Holders as of the record date for the Interest Payment Date for which interest has not been paid.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 and for greater certainty, each Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Note.

Section 2.13CUSIP Numbers

.

The Company in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP numbers (if then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee shall use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Company will as promptly as practicable notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the CUSIP numbers.

54

 


 

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION

Section 3.01Notices to Trustee

.

If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 3.07, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least five Business Days (or such shorter time period as the Trustee may agree) before notice of redemption is required to be sent or caused to be sent to Holders pursuant to Section 3.03 but not more than 60 days before a redemption date (except that a notice may be sent more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 11), an Officer’s Certificate setting forth (i) the paragraph or subparagraph of such Note and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the redemption price.

Section 3.02Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased

.

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any time, such Notes shall be selected for redemption or repurchase by lot or such other similar method in accordance with the procedures of DTC.  Such Notes to be redeemed or purchased shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption or purchase.

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption or purchase and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased.  Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; no Notes of $2,000 or less can be redeemed or repurchased in part, except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed or purchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be redeemed or purchased.  Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption or purchase also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase.

Section 3.03Notice of Redemption

.

The Company shall deliver electronically, mail or cause to be mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, notices of redemption at least 10 days (with a copy to the  Trustee) but except as set forth in Section 3.07(e) and (f), not more than 60 days before the purchase or redemption date to each Holder at such Holder’s registered address or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, except that redemption notices may be sent more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 11.  Notices of redemption may be conditional.

The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed and shall state:

(a)the redemption date;

(b)the redemption price;

(c)if any Note is to be redeemed in part only, any notice of redemption that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount of that Note that is to be redeemed or purchased and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the original Note in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note;

(d)the name and address of the Paying Agent;

55

 


 

(e)that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

(f)that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

(g)the paragraph or subparagraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed;

(h)that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes; and

(i)if in connection with a redemption pursuant to Section 3.07, any condition to such redemption.

At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at its expense; provided that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least five Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be sent or caused to be sent to Holders pursuant to this Section 3.03 (or such shorter time period as the Trustee may agree), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph.

Section 3.04Effect of Notice of Redemption or Purchase

.

Once notice of redemption is sent in accordance with Section 3.03, Notes called for redemption or purchase become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date or purchase date, as applicable, at the redemption price or purchase price, as applicable, unless such redemption or purchase is conditioned on the happening of a future event.  The notice, if sent in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.  In any case, failure to give such notice or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note designated for redemption or purchase in whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption or purchase of any other Note.  Subject to Section 3.05, on and after the redemption date or purchase date, as applicable, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price or such redemption or purchase is conditioned on the happening of a future event.

Section 3.05Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price

.

Prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the redemption or purchase date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued and unpaid interest on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date.  The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Company any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase.  If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after a Record Date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date, then any accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption or purchase date shall be paid on the redemption or purchase date to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such Record Date.  If any Note called for redemption or purchase shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Company to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest accrued to the redemption or purchase date not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01.

56

 


 

Section 3.06Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part

.

Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered representing the same indebtedness to the extent not redeemed or purchased; provided that each new Note will be issued in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  It is understood that, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, only an Authentication Order and not an Opinion of Counsel or Officer’s Certificate is required for the Trustee to authenticate such new Note.

Section 3.07Optional Redemption

.

Except as set forth below, the Company will not be entitled to redeem the Notes at its option prior to April 15, 2023:

(a)At any time prior to April 15, 2023, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon notice as described in Section 3.03, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption (such applicable date of redemption hereunder, the “Redemption Date”), subject to the rights of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to the Redemption Date.

(b)On and after April 15, 2023, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice as described under Section 3.03, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth in this Section 3.07(b), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to the Redemption Date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on April 15 of each of the years indicated below:

 

Year

Percentage

2023

102.813%

2024

101.406%

2025 and thereafter

100.000%

 

(c)At any time prior to April 15, 2023, the Company may, at its option, upon notice as described in Section 3.03, on one or more occasions, redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes (including Additional Notes) issued under this Indenture at a redemption price equal to 105.625% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable Redemption Date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to the Redemption Date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings to the extent such net cash proceeds are received by or contributed to the Company; provided that (a) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under this Indenture on the Issue Date remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption and (b) the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.

(d)The Notes may be redeemed under the circumstances and in accordance with Section 4.14(e).

(e)Notice of any redemption of the Notes in connection with a transaction or an event (including an Equity Offering, an incurrence of Indebtedness or a Change of Control) may, at the Company’s discretion, be given prior to the completion or the occurrence thereof and any such redemption or notice may,

57

 


 

at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion or occurrence of the related transaction or event.

(f)If such redemption or purchase is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall describe each such condition, and, if applicable, shall state that, in the Company’s discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time (including more than 60 days after the date the notice of redemption was delivered) as any or all conditions shall be satisfied, or such redemption or purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date as so delayed.  In addition, the Company may provide in such notice that payment of the redemption price and performance of the Company’s obligations with respect to such redemption may be performed by another Person.  In no event shall the Trustee be responsible for monitoring, or charged with knowledge of, the maximum aggregate amount of the Notes eligible under this Indenture to be redeemed.

(g)Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06.

(h)The Company and its affiliates may acquire Notes by means other than a redemption, whether by a tender offer, open market purchases, negotiated transactions or otherwise, in accordance with applicable securities laws, so long as such acquisition does not otherwise violate the terms of this Indenture.

Section 3.08Mandatory Redemption

.

The Company shall not be required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

Section 3.09Offers to Repurchase by Application of Excess Proceeds

.

(a)In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10, the Company shall be required to commence an Asset Sale Offer, it shall follow the procedures specified below.

(b)The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “Offer Period”).  No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “Purchase Date”), the Company shall apply all Excess Proceeds (the “Offer Amount”) to the purchase of Notes and, if required, other Second Lien Obligations (in the case of an Asset Sale of Collateral) or other Senior Indebtedness (in the case of an Asset Sale of assets that do not constitute Collateral) (on a pro rata basis, if applicable), or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes and other Second Lien Obligations (in the case of an Asset Sale of Collateral) or other Senior Indebtedness (in the case of an Asset Sale of assets that do not constitute Collateral) tendered in response to the Asset Sale Offer.  Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made in the same manner as interest payments are made.

(c)If the Purchase Date is on or after a Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, up to but excluding the Purchase Date, shall be paid on the Purchase Date to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such Record Date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

(d)Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company shall send, electronically or by first-class mail, a notice to each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee.  The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.  The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders and holders of other Second Lien Obligations (in the case of an Asset Sale of Collateral) or other Senior Indebtedness (in the case of an Asset Sale of assets that do not constitute Collateral).  The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, shall state:

(i)that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10 and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer shall remain open;

58

 


 

(ii)the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;

(iii)that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest;

(iv)that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Purchase Date;

(v)that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof only;

(vi)that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Company, the Depositary, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three days before the Purchase Date;

(vii)that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration of the Offer Period, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;

(viii)that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other Second Lien Obligations (in the case of an Asset Sale of Collateral) or other Senior Indebtedness (in the case of an Asset Sale of assets that do not constitute Collateral) surrendered by the holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Company shall select the Notes, such other Second Lien Obligations (in the case of an Asset Sale of Collateral) and other Senior Indebtedness (in the case of an Asset Sale of assets that do not constitute Collateral) to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes or such other Second Lien Obligations (in the case of an Asset Sale of Collateral) or other Senior Indebtedness (in the case of an Asset Sale of assets that do not constitute Collateral) tendered (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000, or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, shall be purchased; provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less can be purchased in part, except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be purchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes of such Holder, even if not a multiple of $1,000, shall be purchased); and

(ix)that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer) representing the same indebtedness to the extent not repurchased.

(e)On or before the Purchase Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, (1) accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof validly tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered and (2) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions thereof so tendered.

(f)The Company, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes properly tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase, and the Company shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) such new Note to such Holder (it being understood that, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, no Opinion of Counsel or Officer’s Certificate is required for the Trustee to authenticate and mail or deliver such new Note) in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered representing the same indebtedness to the extent not repurchased; provided that each such new Note shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered

59

 


 

by the Company to the Holder thereof.  The Company shall publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Purchase Date.

Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09 or Section 4.10, any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the applicable provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06.

ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

Section 4.01Payment of Notes

.

The Company shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes.  Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary, holds as of 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the due date money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at the place of payment, payment shall be made at that place on the next succeeding date that is not a Legal Holiday and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the intervening period.

The Company shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then-applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

Payments on the Notes will be made without any deduction or withholding for Taxes, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Section 4.02Maintenance of Office or Agency

.

The Company shall maintain an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served.  The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency for such purposes.  The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.03; provided, however, no service of legal process may be made on the Company at any office of the Trustee.

Section 4.03Reports and Other Information

.

(a)So long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company shall furnish:  (1) within 90 days of the end of each fiscal year (or such longer period as may be permitted by the SEC if the Company were then subject to SEC reporting requirements as a non-accelerated filer, including under Rule 12b-25 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), annual audited financial statements for such fiscal year and (2) within 45 days of the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of every fiscal year (or such longer period as may be permitted by the SEC if the Company were

60

 


 

then subject to SEC reporting requirements as a non-accelerated filer, including under Rule 12b-25 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), unaudited financial statements for the interim period as of, and for the period ending on, the end of such fiscal quarter; in each case, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosures with respect to the periods presented and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (all of the foregoing financial information to be prepared (i) on a basis substantially consistent with, and subject to exceptions substantially consistent with, the corresponding financial information included in the Offering Memorandum or (ii) on a basis substantially consistent with the then-applicable SEC requirements); and information substantially similar to the information that would be required to be included in a current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC by the Company (if the Company were required to prepare and file such form) pursuant to Sections 1, 2 and 4, Items 5.01, 5.02 (other than compensation information) and 5.03(b) of such form, within 15 days after the date of filing that would have been required for a current report on Form 8-K; provided, however, that no report shall be required to include (1) any exhibits or (2) a summary of the terms of, any employment or compensatory arrangement, agreement, plan or understanding between the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) and any director, manager or executive officer of the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries); provided, however, that (1) in no event shall such reports be required to contain separate financial statements for Guarantors or Subsidiaries the shares of which are pledged to secure the Notes or any Guarantee that would be required under (a) Section 3-09 of Regulation S-X to the extent that the Company determines in its good faith judgment that such information would not be material to the Holders or the business, assets, operations, financial positions or prospects of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) Section 3-10 of Regulation S-X or (c) Section 3-16 of Regulation S-X, (2) in no event shall such reports be required to comply with Regulation G under the Exchange Act or Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC with respect to any non-GAAP financial measures contained therein, (3) in no event shall the Company be required to furnish any information consisting of trade secrets and other proprietary information and (4) no information required to be furnished pursuant to this paragraph will be required to include any segment reporting.

(b)The Company will (1) distribute such reports and information electronically to the Trustee (such delivery obligation satisfied by the filing of reports with the SEC) and (2) make available such reports and information to any Holder, any bona fide prospective purchaser of the Notes (a “Prospective Purchaser”), any bona fide security analyst or any bona fide market maker by posting such reports and information on Intralinks or any comparable password-protected online data system or on a public website; provided that the Company shall only be required to make readily available any password or other login information to any such Holder, Prospective Purchaser, security analyst or market maker; provided, further that such Holders, Prospective Purchasers, security analysts and market makers shall agree to (i) treat all such reports (and the information contained therein) and information as confidential, (ii) not use such reports and the information contained therein for any purpose other than their investment or potential investment in the Notes and (iii) not publicly disclose any such reports (and the information contained therein) and information.

(c)So long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company shall also:

(1)as promptly as reasonably practicable after furnishing to the Trustee the annual and quarterly reports required by Section 4.03(a) or such earlier time after the completion of such reporting period, hold a conference call to discuss the results of operations for the relevant reporting period (which may be combined with any conference call for the holders of the Company’s other securities); and

(2)issue a press release to the appropriate nationally recognized wire services prior to the date of the conference call required to be held in accordance with clause (1) of this Section 4.03(c), announcing the time and date of such conference call and either including all information necessary to access the call or informing Holders, Prospective Purchasers, securities analysts and market makers how they can obtain such information.

(d)In addition, to the extent not satisfied by the foregoing, the Company shall furnish to prospective investors, upon their request, any information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.

The Trustee shall have no duty to review or analyze reports delivered to it.  Delivery of reports, information and documents to the Trustee under this Indenture is for informational purposes only and the information and the

61

 


 

Trustee’s receipt of the foregoing shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on an Officer’s Certificate). The Trustee shall not be obligated to monitor or confirm, on a continuing basis or otherwise, the Company’s compliance with the reporting covenants or with respect to any reports or other documents filed with the SEC on EDGAR or any website under this Indenture, or to participate in any conference calls. The Trustee shall have no duty to review or analyze any reports furnished or made available to it.

The Company will be deemed to have furnished the reports referred to in Section 4.03(a) if the Company has filed reports containing such information with the SEC.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company will not be deemed to have failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Section 4.03 for purposes of Section 6.01(a)(3) until 90 days after the date any report under this Section 4.03 is due.  To the extent any information is not provided within the time periods specified in this covenant and such information is subsequently provided, the Company will be deemed to have satisfied its obligations with respect thereto at such time and any Default with respect thereto shall be deemed to have been cured.

Section 4.04Compliance Certificate

.

(a)The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after the Issue Date, a certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officer with a view to determining whether the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every condition and covenant contained in this Indenture and are not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Company are taking or propose to take with respect thereto). Together with the delivery of such certificate, the Company shall provide the notice and documents required pursuant to Section 4.7(a) of the Security Agreement.

(b)When any Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture, or if the Trustee or the holder of any other evidence of Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary gives any notice or takes any other action with respect to a claimed Default, the Company shall promptly (which shall be no more than thirty (30) days) deliver to the Trustee by registered or certified mail or by facsimile transmission an Officer’s Certificate specifying such event and what action the Company propose to take with respect thereto.

Section 4.05Taxes

.

The Company shall pay, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate negotiations or proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

Section 4.06Stay, Extension and Usury Laws

.

The Company and each of the Guarantors covenant (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) that they shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waive all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenant that they shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

Section 4.07Limitation on Restricted Payments

.

62

 


 

(a)The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(I)

declare or pay any dividend or make any payment or distribution on account of the Company’s, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’, Equity Interests, including any dividend, payment or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation other than:

 

(i)

dividends, payments or distributions by the Company payable solely in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Equity Interests; or

 

(ii)

dividends, payments or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend, payment or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend, payment or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities;

(II)

purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Company, including in connection with any merger or consolidation, in each case held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;

(III)

make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness, other than the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of Subordinated Indebtedness purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase or acquisition; or

(IV)

make any Restricted Investment

(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (I) through (IV) above (other than any exception thereto) being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(1)no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(2)immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a Pro Forma Basis, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness as Ratio Debt; and

(3)such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (1) and (8) of Section 4.07(b), but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.07(b)), is less than the sum of (without duplication):

(a)(i) the sum of $20.0 million and (ii) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning on April 1, 2021 to the end of the Company’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment, or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit; plus

(b)100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries since immediately after the Issue Date (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of Section 4.09(b) from the issue or sale of:

63

 


 

(i)Equity Interests of the Company, but excluding cash proceeds and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received from the sale of:

(x)Equity Interests to any future, present or former employees, directors, managers, service providers or consultants of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with clause (2) or (4) of Section 4.07(b); and

(y)Designated Preferred Stock; or

(ii)Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;

provided, however, that this clause (b) shall not include the proceeds from (X) Equity Interests (or Indebtedness that has been converted or exchanged for Equity Interests) of the Company sold to a Restricted Subsidiary, (Y) Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted or exchanged into Disqualified Stock or (Z) Excluded Contributions; plus

(c)100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property contributed to the capital of the Company, or that becomes part of the capital of the Company through consolidation or merger, following the Issue Date (other than net cash proceeds to the extent such net cash proceeds (i) have been used to incur Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock pursuant to clause (12)(a) of Section 4.09(b), (ii) are contributed by a Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) constitute Excluded Contributions); plus

(d)100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the Fair Market Value of marketable securities or other property received by the Company by means of:

(i)the sale or other disposition (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases and redemptions of, or cash distributions or cash interest received in respect thereof, such Restricted Investments from the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances, and releases of guarantees, which constitute Restricted Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case after the Issue Date (other than in each case to the extent such Restricted Investment was made pursuant to Section 4.07(b)(10)); or

(ii)the sale (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the Equity Interests of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a distribution from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than in each case to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary constituted a Permitted Investment or was made pursuant to Section 4.07(b)(10)) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date; plus

(e)in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, the Fair Market Value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary, at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary other than to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment.

(b)The foregoing provisions of Section 4.07(a) shall not prohibit:

(1)the payment of any dividend or distribution or the consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof or the giving of such irrevocable notice, as

64

 


 

applicable, if, at the date of declaration or the giving of such notice, such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

(2)(a) the making of any Restricted Payment in exchange for, or out of or with the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the substantially concurrent contribution of common equity capital to the Company; provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such Restricted Payment will not be considered to be net proceeds of Equity Interests of the Company for purposes of Section 4.07(a)(3)(b)(i);

(3)the prepayment, redemption, defeasance, repurchase, exchange or other acquisition or retirement of (i) Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor made in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of a sale made within 120 days of incurrence of, new Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor or (ii) Disqualified Stock of the Company or a Guarantor made in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of a sale made within 120 days of incurrence of, Disqualified Stock of the Company or a Guarantor, that, in each case, is incurred in compliance with Section 4.09 so long as:

(a)the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such new Indebtedness or the liquidation preference of such new Disqualified Stock does not exceed the principal amount of (or accreted value, if applicable), plus any accrued and unpaid interest on, the Subordinated Indebtedness or the liquidation preference of, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on, the Disqualified Stock being so prepaid, redeemed, defeased, repurchased, acquired, retired for value or exchanged, plus the amount of any premium (including tender premiums), defeasance costs, underwriting discounts and any fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of such new Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock and such prepayment, redemption, defeasance, repurchase, acquisition, retirement or exchange;

(b)such new Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes or the applicable Guarantee at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness so prepaid, redeemed, defeased, repurchased, acquired, retired for value or exchanged;

(c)such new Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock has a final scheduled maturity date or mandatory redemption date, as applicable, equal to or later than the final scheduled maturity date or mandatory redemption date of the Subordinated Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock being so prepaid, redeemed, defeased, repurchased, acquired, retired for value or exchanged; and

(d)such new Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock being so prepaid, redeemed, defeased, repurchased, acquired, retired or exchanged;

(4)a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company held by any future, present or former employee, director, manager, service provider or consultant of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to any management equity plan or equity option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any equity subscription or equityholder agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any principal and interest payable on any Indebtedness issued by the Company in connection with such repurchase, retirement or other acquisition); provided, however, that the aggregate Restricted Payments made under this clause (4) do not exceed in any calendar year $10.0 million (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years up to a maximum of $20.0 million in the aggregate in any calendar year); provided, further, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

(a)the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to any future, present or former employees, directors, managers, service providers or consultants of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that occurs after the Issue Date,

65

 


 

to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests have not otherwise been applied to the payment of Restricted Payments by virtue of clause (3) of Section 4.07(a); plus

(b)the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date; less

(c)the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clauses (a) and (b) of this clause (4);

provided further that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from any future, present or former employees, directors, managers, service providers or consultants of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provision of this Indenture;

(5)the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any class or series of Preferred Stock of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case issued in accordance with Section 4.09 to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of “Fixed Charges”;

(6)the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued by the Company after the Issue Date; provided, however, that for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance or declaration on a Pro Forma Basis, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00;

(7)payments made or expected to be made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of withholding or similar Taxes payable in connection with the exercise or vesting of Equity Interests or any other equity award by any future, present or former employee, director, manager, service provider or consultant of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases or withholdings in respect of Equity Interests of such entities in connection with the exercise of any stock or other equity options or warrants or the vesting of equity awards if such Equity Interests represent all or a portion of the exercise price of, or withholding obligation with respect to, such options or warrants or other Equity Interests or equity awards;

(8)the declaration and payment of dividends on the Company’s Common Stock of an amount not to exceed up to 6.0% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by the Company in or from any public offering of the Company’s Common Stock after the Issue Date, other than public offerings with respect to the Company’s Common Stock registered on Form S-8 (or comparable form) and other than any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution;

(9)Restricted Payments in an amount that does not exceed the aggregate amount of Excluded Contributions received since the Issue Date;

(10)other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount taken together with all other Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (10) not to exceed the greater of (x) $30.0 million and (y) 4.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of such Restricted Payment;

(11)the declaration and payment of dividends on the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock of an aggregate amount not to exceed in any calendar year $3.0 million;

(12)the repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness in accordance with the provisions similar to those described under Section 4.10 and Section 4.14; provided that at or prior to such repurchase, redemption, defeasance, acquisition or

66

 


 

retirement, all Notes tendered by Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed, defeased, acquired or retired for value;

(13)[Reserved];

(14)the repurchase, redemption, or other acquisition for value of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries deemed to occur in connection with paying cash in lieu of fractional shares of such Equity Interests in connection with a share dividend, distribution, share split, reverse share split, merger, consolidation, amalgamation or other business combination of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, permitted under this Indenture;

(15)the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, by Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents);

(16)any Restricted Payment; provided that on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the Consolidated Total Net Debt Ratio would be equal to or less than 3.00 to 1.00;

(17)distributions or payments of Receivables Fees;

(18)any payment that is intended to prevent any Indebtedness from being treated as an “applicable high yield discount obligation” within the meaning of Section 163(i)(1) of the Code; and

(19)payments or distributions to satisfy dissenters’ rights, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, merger or transfer of assets that complies with Section 5.01;

provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (4), (5), (6), (8), (9), (10), (11) and (16) of this Section 4.07(b), no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.07, in the event that a proposed Restricted Payment (or a portion thereof) meets the criteria of clauses (1) through (19) above or is entitled to be made pursuant to Section 4.07(a) and/or one or more of the clauses contained in the definition of “Permitted Investments,” the Company will be entitled to classify or later reclassify (based on circumstances existing on the date of such reclassification) such Restricted Payment or Investment (or portion thereof) between such clauses (1) or (19) and Section 4.07(a) and/or one or more of the clauses contained in the definition of “Permitted Investments,” in a manner that otherwise complies with this covenant.  The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the Fair Market Value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the assets or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment.

(c)The Company shall not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the last sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”  For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated shall be deemed to be Restricted Payments or Permitted Investments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investments.”  Such designation shall be permitted only if a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment in such amount would be permitted at such time and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Section 4.08Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries

.

(a)The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any such Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to:

67

 


 

(1)(A) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits or (B) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2)make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or

(3)sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

(b)The restrictions in Section 4.08(a) shall not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

(1)contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect on the Issue Date, including pursuant to the ABL Credit Facility, the Floor Plan Credit Facility, the Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities and the related documentation and related Hedging Obligations and the related documentation;

(2)this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees;

(3)Purchase Money Obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business and Capitalized Lease Obligations that impose restrictions of the nature described in clause (3) of Section 4.08(a) on the property so acquired;

(4)applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;

(5)any agreement or other instrument of a Person, or relating to Indebtedness or capital stock of a Person, which Person is acquired by or merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or any other transaction entered into in connection with any such acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation, in existence at the time of such acquisition or at the time it merges, consolidates or amalgamates with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in each case, not created in contemplation thereof), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person and its Subsidiaries, or the property or assets of the Person and its Subsidiaries, so acquired;

(6)contracts for the sale or disposition of assets, including customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary of (i) the Company or (ii) any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;

(7)Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09 and Section 4.12 that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(8)restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(9)other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.09;

(10)customary provisions in joint venture agreements or arrangements and other similar agreements or arrangements relating solely to such joint venture;

(11)customary provisions contained in leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses or similar agreements, including with respect to intellectual property and other agreements;

68

 


 

(12)restrictions or conditions contained in any trading, netting, operating, construction, service, supply, purchase, sale or other agreement to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party entered into in the ordinary course of business; provided that such agreement prohibits the encumbrance of solely the property or assets of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary that are subject to such agreement, the payment rights arising thereunder or the proceeds thereof and does not extend to any other asset or property of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary or the assets or property of another Restricted Subsidiary;

(13)any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Subsidiary which was previously an Unrestricted Subsidiary which encumbrance or restriction exists pursuant to or by reason of an agreement that such Subsidiary is a party to or entered into before the date on which such Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such agreement was not entered into in anticipation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary becoming a Restricted Subsidiary and any such encumbrance or restriction does not extend to any assets or property of the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary other than the assets and property of such Subsidiary;

(14)other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock permitted to be incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to Section 4.09; provided that, in the good faith judgment of the Company, such incurrence will not materially impair the Company’s ability to make payments under the Notes when due;

(15)restrictions contained in any documentation relating to any Permitted Receivables Facility, and

(16)any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of Section 4.08(a) imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or Refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (1) through (15) of this Section 4.08(b); provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or Refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Company, not materially more restrictive with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or Refinancing.

(c)For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.08, (1) the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common equity shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make distributions on Capital Stock and (2) the subordination of loans and advances made to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to other Indebtedness incurred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances.

Section 4.09Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock

.

(a)The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise (collectively, “incur” and collectively, an “incurrence”), with respect to any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) and the Company will not issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock, and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness), issue shares of Disqualified Stock and issue shares of Preferred Stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a consolidated basis for the Company’s and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.00 to 1.00, determined on a Pro Forma Basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred, or the Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom

69

 


 

had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period (such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, “Ratio Debt); provided, further, that the amount of Ratio Debt that may be incurred pursuant to the foregoing by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors shall not at any one time outstanding exceed the greater of (x) $30.0 million and (y) 4.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of any incurrence pursuant to this paragraph.

(b)The provisions of Section 4.09(a) shall not apply to:

(1)the incurrence of Indebtedness under the Debt Facilities by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and the issuance and creation of letters of credit, indemnities, guarantees, exposure transmittal memoranda, bankers’ acceptances and similar forms of credit support issued or created thereunder (with letters of credit, indemnities, guarantees, exposure transmittal memoranda, bankers’ acceptances and similar forms of credit support being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed the greater of (A) the sum of (i) the ABL Amount, (ii) the Floor Plan Facility Amount  and (iii) $150 million and (B) the sum of (i) the amount equal to the Borrowing Base and (ii) the Floor Plan Facility Amount;

(2)the incurrence by the Company and any Guarantor of Indebtedness represented by the Notes (including any Guarantee thereof, but excluding Indebtedness represented by Additional Notes, if any, or guarantees with respect thereto);

(3)Existing Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness described in clauses (1) and (2) of this Section 4.09(b));

(4)Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations and Purchase Money Obligations), Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, to finance the purchase, lease, construction, installation, replacement, repair or improvement of property (real or personal), equipment or any other asset that is used or useful in a Similar Business, whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets, which, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (4), and all Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (4), does not at any one time outstanding exceed the greater of (x) $35.0 million and (y) 5.0% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of any incurrence pursuant to this clause (4);

(5)Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances, bank guarantees, warehouse receipts or similar facilities entered into, or relating to obligations or liabilities incurred, in the ordinary course of business, including letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, performance, completion or surety bonds, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, performance, completion or surety bonds, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance; provided, however, that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;

(6)Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn-out or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

(7)Indebtedness of the Company to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, excluding any Indebtedness in respect of accounts payable incurred in connection with goods and services rendered in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with the borrowing of money), is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes; provided, further, that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other

70

 


 

event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien (but not foreclosure thereon)) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (7);

(8)Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if a Guarantor incurs such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, excluding any Indebtedness in respect of accounts payable incurred in connection with goods and services rendered in the ordinary course of business (and not in connection with the borrowing of money), such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Guarantee of the Notes of such Guarantor; provided, further, that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any such Restricted Subsidiary to which such Indebtedness is owed ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien (but not foreclosure thereon)) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an incurrence of such Indebtedness not permitted by this clause (8);

(9)shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary that holds such Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock (except to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary or any pledge of such Indebtedness constituting a Permitted Lien (but not foreclosure thereon)) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock, as applicable, not permitted by this clause (9);

(10)Hedging Obligations (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes);

(11)obligations in respect of self-insurance and obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance, bankers acceptance facilities and completion guarantees, customs, VAT or other tax guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(12)(a) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference up to 100.0% of the net cash proceeds received by the Company since immediately after the Issue Date from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Excluded Contributions or proceeds of Disqualified Stock or proceeds of Designated Preferred Stock or sales of Equity Interests to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) as determined in accordance with clauses (3)(b) and (3)(c) of Section 4.07(a) to the extent such net cash proceeds or cash have not been applied pursuant to such clauses to make Restricted Payments or to make other Investments, payments or exchanges pursuant to Section 4.07(b) or to make Permitted Investments (other than Permitted Investments specified in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of the definition thereof) and (b) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference, which when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (12)(b) together with the amount of Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof incurred pursuant to clause (13), does not at any one time outstanding exceed the greater of (x) $50.0 million and (y) 7.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of any incurrence pursuant to this clause (12)(b) (it being understood that any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred pursuant to this clause (12) shall cease to be deemed incurred or outstanding for purposes of this clause (12) but shall be deemed incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a) from and after the first date on which the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary could have incurred such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock under Section 4.09(a) without reliance on this clause (12));

71

 


 

(13)the incurrence or issuance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock which serves to Refinance any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred as permitted under Section 4.09(a) and clauses (2), (3) and (12)(a) of this Section 4.09(b), this clause (13) and clauses (14) and (19) of this Section 4.09(b) or any Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to so Refinance such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, including additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay accrued and unpaid interest and dividends and premiums (including tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees and expenses in connection with such Refinancing (the “Refinancing Indebtedness) on or prior to its respective maturity; provided, however, that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(A)has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred that is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being Refinanced,

(B)to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances (i) Indebtedness subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or any Guarantee thereof, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or the Guarantee at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being Refinanced or (ii) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness must be Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively, and

(C)shall not include:

(i)Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor that Refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company;

(ii)Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Guarantor that Refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Guarantor; or

(iii)Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

and provided further that subclause (A) of this clause (13) will not apply to any Refinancing of any First Lien Obligations outstanding;

(14)Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of (x) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred or issued to finance an acquisition or (y) Persons that are acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or merged into, amalgamated with or consolidated with the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture (including designating an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary); provided that after giving Pro Forma effect to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation, either:

(A)the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness as Ratio Debt, or

(B)the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is equal to or greater than immediately prior to such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation;

(15)Cash Management Obligations and Indebtedness in respect of cash management and related activities, including netting services, automatic clearing house arrangements, employees’ credit or purchase cards, overdraft protections, other bank products and similar arrangements and other Indebtedness

72

 


 

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

(16)Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries supported by a letter of credit issued pursuant to any Credit Facility, in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;

(17)(a) any guarantee by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness incurred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of this Indenture, or (b) any co-issuance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries permitted under the terms of this Indenture;

(18)[Reserved];

(19)the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness under Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities;

(20)Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or (b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(21)Indebtedness consisting of Indebtedness issued by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to future, current or former officers, directors, employees, managers, service providers or consultants thereof of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent described in clause (4) of Section 4.07(b);

(22)Indebtedness of a Receivables Subsidiary under a Permitted Receivables Facility;

(23)customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods purchased in the ordinary course of business;

(24)Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent that the net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited with the Trustee to satisfy and discharge the Notes in accordance with this Indenture;

(25)Indebtedness arising from the taking of deposits by a Restricted Subsidiary that constitutes a regulated bank;

(26)[Reserved];

(27)Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(28)Indebtedness consisting of obligations under deferred compensation or any other similar arrangements incurred in connection with any Permitted Investment or any acquisition (by merger, consolidation or amalgamation or otherwise) permitted under this Indenture;

(29)Non-Recourse Debt of any Non-Recourse Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate amount of Indebtedness outstanding under this clause (29) together with the amount of Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof incurred pursuant to clause (13) shall not exceed the greater of (x) $20.0 million and (y) 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets in the aggregate at the time of incurrence; and

73

 


 

(30)all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (1) through (29) of this Section 4.09(b).

(c)For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09:

(1)in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of permitted Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock described in clauses (1) through (30) of Section 4.09(b) or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a), the Company, in its sole discretion, will allocate, classify and may later reclassify such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this covenant and shall only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or portion thereof) in Section 4.09(a) or one of the clauses of Section 4.09(b); provided that all Indebtedness outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility and the Floor Plan Credit Facility on the Issue Date shall be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (1) of Section 4.09(b) and shall not be reclassified; provided, further, that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities on and after the Issue Date will be treated as incurred on the Issue Date under clause (19) of Section 4.09(b) and shall not be reclassified; and

(2)the principal amount of Indebtedness outstanding under any clause of this covenant shall be determined after giving effect to the application of proceeds of any such Indebtedness to refinance any such other Indebtedness.

Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount and the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this Section 4.09.  Any Refinancing Indebtedness and any Indebtedness incurred to refinance Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clauses (1), (4) and (12) of Section 4.09(b) shall be permitted to include additional Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock incurred to pay accrued but unpaid interest and dividends and premiums (including tender premiums), defeasance costs and fees and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing.

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to Refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such Refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such Refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed (i) the principal amount of such Indebtedness being Refinanced plus (ii) the aggregate amount of fees, defeasance costs, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Refinancing.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this covenant, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company may Incur pursuant to this covenant shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies.  The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to Refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being Refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such Refinancing.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) that is subordinated or junior in right of payment to any Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee to the extent and in the same manner as such Indebtedness is subordinated to other Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be.

74

 


 

For the purposes of this Indenture, Indebtedness that is unsecured is not deemed to be subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured, and Indebtedness is not deemed to be subordinated or junior to any other Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral.

Section 4.10Asset Sales

.

(a)The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate, directly or indirectly, an Asset Sale unless:

(1)the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value (as determined at the time of contractually agreeing to such Asset Sale) of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(2)except in the case of a Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration from such Asset Sale received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents.

(b)Within 365 days after the Company’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ receipt of any Net Proceeds of any Asset Sale (the “Asset Sale Proceeds Application Period”), the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, at its option, may apply an amount equal to the Net Proceeds (“Applicable Proceeds”) from such Asset Sale,

(1)to the extent such Net Proceeds are from an Asset Sale of Collateral, to repay either (i) the First Lien Obligations, (ii) Obligations under the Notes or (iii) Second Lien Obligations (other than the Notes), and in the case of revolving obligations, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto; provided that if the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall so repay any Second Lien Obligations other than the Notes, the Company will either reduce Obligations under the Notes on a pro rata basis by, at its option, (A) redeeming the Notes as described under Section 3.07 or (B) purchasing Notes through open-market purchases, at a price equal to or higher than 100% of the principal amount thereof, or making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all Holders to purchase their Notes on a ratable basis with such other Second Lien Obligations for no less than 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the amount of accrued but unpaid interest, if any, thereon up to the principal amount of Notes to be repurchased;

(2)if the assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale do not constitute Collateral, to repay either (i) the First Lien Obligations, (ii) Obligations under the Notes or (iii) Obligations under any other Senior Indebtedness, and in the case of revolving obligations, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto; provided that if the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall so repay any Senior Indebtedness other than the Notes, the Company will either reduce Obligations under the Notes on a pro rata basis by, at its option, (A) redeeming Notes as described under Section 3.07 or (B) purchasing Notes through open-market purchases, at a price equal to or higher than 100% of the principal amount thereof, or making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all Holders to purchase their Notes on a ratable basis with such other Senior Indebtedness for no less than 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus the amount of accrued but unpaid interest, if any, thereon up to the principal amount of Notes to be repurchased;

(3)if the Net Proceeds are received by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, to permanently reduce Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor, other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary;

(4)to make (a) an Investment in any one or more businesses; provided that such Investment in any business is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that it constitutes or continues to constitute a Restricted Subsidiary, (b) capital expenditures or (c) acquisitions of other property or assets (other than Capital Stock), in the case of each of clauses (a), (b) and (c), either (x) that are used or

75

 


 

useful in a Similar Business or (y) that replace the businesses, properties and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale;

(5)to make an Investment in Additional Assets; or

(6)any combination of the foregoing;

provided that, in the case of clause (4) or (5) above, a binding commitment to consummate any such investment described in such clauses shall be treated as a permitted application of the Net Proceeds from the date of such commitment so long as the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary enters into such commitment with the good faith expectation that such Net Proceeds will be applied to satisfy such commitment within 180 days of such commitment (an “Acceptable Commitment”) and, in the event any Acceptable Commitment is later cancelled or terminated for any reason before the Net Proceeds are applied in connection therewith, then such Net Proceeds shall constitute Excess Proceeds to the extent the Asset Sale Proceeds Application Period has expired; provided that, in the case of clauses (4) or (5), above, to the extent the Asset Sale consisted of the sale of Collateral, any new assets replacing the businesses, properties and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale shall constitute Collateral.

(c)[Reserved].

(d)Pending the final application of any such amount of Applicable Proceeds, the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility, if any, or otherwise invest or utilize such Applicable Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture.  Any Applicable Proceeds that are not applied or invested as provided under Section 4.10(b) will constitute “Excess Proceeds”; provided that any amount of proceeds offered to holders in accordance with clause (1) or (2) of Section 4.10(b) at a price at or above par or pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer (as defined below) made at any time after the Asset Sale shall be deemed to have been applied as required and shall not be deemed to be Excess Proceeds without regard to the extent to which such offer is accepted by the holders.

(e)When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million (the “Excess Proceeds Offer Amount”), the Company shall make an offer to all Holders and, if required or permitted by the terms of other Second Lien Obligations (in the case of an Asset Sale of Collateral) or other Senior Indebtedness (in the case of an Asset Sale of assets that do not constitute Collateral), to the holders of such other Second Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, as applicable (an “Asset Sale Offer”), to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of the Notes and such other Second Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness (solely with respect to such other Second Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, the accreted value thereof, if not inconsistent with the definitive documents governing such Obligations or Indebtedness), with respect to the Notes only, that is equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price, with respect to the Notes only, in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture and, if applicable, the other documents governing the other Second Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, as the case may be.  The Company will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within 20 Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceed the Excess Proceeds Offer Amount by transmitting electronically or by mailing the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee.  The Company may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale by making an Asset Sale Offer with respect to any Net Proceeds (the “Advance Portion”) prior to the expiration of the Asset Sale Proceeds Application Period with respect to all or a part of the available Net Proceeds in advance of being required to do so by this Indenture (the “Advance Offer”).

(f)To the extent that the aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of Notes and such other Second Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, as applicable, tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds (or, in the case of an Advance Offer, the Advance Portion), the Company may use any remaining Excess Proceeds (such amount, “Retained Declined Proceeds”) (or, in the case of an Advance Offer, the Advance Portion) in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture.  If the aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) of Notes or the other Second Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, as applicable, surrendered in an Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds (or, in the case of an Advance Offer, the Advance Portion), the Trustee shall select the Notes and such other Second Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness to be purchased or

76

 


 

repaid on a pro rata basis based on the accreted value or principal amount of the Notes or such other Second Lien Obligations or Senior Indebtedness, as applicable, tendered; provided that no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be repurchased in part.  Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero, and in the case of an Advance Offer, the amount of Net Proceeds the Company is offering to apply in such Advance Offer shall be excluded in subsequent calculations of Excess Proceeds.

(g)[Reserved].

(h)For purposes of this Section 4.10 (and no other provision), the amount of the following shall be deemed to be cash or Cash Equivalents:

(1)any liabilities (as reflected on the Company’s most recent consolidated balance sheet or in the notes thereto, or if incurred or accrued subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence or accrual had taken place on or prior to the date of such balance sheet, as determined in good faith by the Company) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes, that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets (or are otherwise extinguished in connection with the transactions relating to such Asset Sale) and for which the Company and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing;

(2)any securities, notes or other obligations or assets received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days following the closing of such Asset Sale; and

(3)any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (3) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $25.0 million and (y) 3.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-cash Consideration, with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value.

(i)The notice, if sent in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.  If (a) the notice is sent in a manner herein provided and (b) any Holder fails to receive such notice or a Holder receives such notice but it is defective, such Holder’s failure to receive such notice or such defect shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the purchase of the Notes as to all other Holders that properly received such notice without defect.  The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue of such compliance.

Section 4.11Transactions with Affiliates

.

(a)The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $15.0 million, unless:

(1)such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis; and

77

 


 

(2)the Company delivers to the Trustee, with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $25.0 million, a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board of the Company approving such Affiliate Transaction and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) of this Section 4.11(a).

(b)The provisions of Section 4.11(a) shall not apply to the following:

(1)transactions between or among the Company and a Restricted Subsidiary or between or among Restricted Subsidiaries or, in any case, any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction;

(2)Restricted Payments permitted by Section 4.07 and the definition of “Permitted Investments”;

(3)[Reserved];

(4)the payment of reasonable and customary fees and compensation paid to, and indemnities and reimbursements and employment and severance arrangements provided on behalf of, or for the benefit of, former, current or future officers, directors, managers, employees, service providers or consultants of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(5)transactions in which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or stating that the terms are not materially less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s length basis;

(6)any agreement or arrangement as in effect or contemplated as of the Issue Date, or any amendment thereto or continuation, renewal or extension thereof (so long as any such amendment, continuation, renewal or extension is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders when taken as a whole as compared to the applicable agreement or arrangement as in effect on the Issue Date);

(7)the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, any stockholders agreement or the equivalent (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Issue Date and any amendment thereto or any similar agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of obligations under, any future amendment to any such existing agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (7) to the extent that the terms of any such amendment or new agreement are not otherwise disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders when taken as a whole as compared to the applicable stockholder agreement or the equivalent thereof as in effect on the Issue Date;

(8)[Reserved];

(9)transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services that are Affiliates, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture which are fair to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the Board of the Company or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

(10)the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and the granting and performing of reasonable and customary registration rights;

78

 


 

(11)transactions in connection with a Permitted Receivables Facility;

(12)payments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any of the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures, which payments are approved by a majority of the Board of the Company in good faith;

(13)[Reserved];

(14)investments by any of the Investors in securities of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and any payment of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such Investors in connection therewith) so long as the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms;

(15)transactions with a Person that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interest in, or controls, such Person;

(16)[Reserved];

(17)any lease entered into between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as lessee, and any Affiliate of the Company, as lessor, in the ordinary course of business;

(18)intellectual property licenses in the ordinary course of business;

(19)transactions between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Person that would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because a director of which is also a director of the Company; provided, however, that such director abstains from voting as a director of the Company, on any matter including such other Person;

(20)pledges of Equity Interests of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and

(21)transactions with joint ventures entered into in the ordinary course of business (including any cash management activities related thereto).

Section 4.12Liens

.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur or assume any Lien (except Permitted Liens) (each, a “Subject Lien”) that secures obligations under any Indebtedness or any related Guarantee on any asset or property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders pursuant to this Section 4.12 shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the Subject Lien that gave rise to the obligation to secure the Notes and the Guarantees.

Section 4.13Corporate Existence

.

Subject to Article 5, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (i) its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, if the Company in good faith shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

79

 


 

Section 4.14Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control

.

(a)If a Change of Control occurs after the Issue Date, unless the Company has, prior to or concurrently with the time the Company is required to make a Change of Control Offer (as defined below), delivered electronically or mailed a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding Notes as described under Section 3.07 or Section 11.01, the Company shall make an offer to purchase all of the Notes pursuant to the offer described below (the “Change of Control Offer”) at a price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the date of purchase, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.  Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall send notice of such Change of Control Offer by electronic delivery or first-class mail, with a copy to the Trustee, to each Holder at the address of such Holder appearing in the security register or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, with the following information:

(1)that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.14 and that all Notes properly tendered pursuant to such Change of Control Offer will be accepted for payment by the Company;

(2)the purchase price and the purchase date, which will be no earlier than 20 Business Days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is sent (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);

(3)that any Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

(4)that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;

(5)that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Notes completed, to the Paying Agent specified in the notice at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

(6)that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their tendered Notes and their election to require the Company to purchase such Notes; provided that the Paying Agent receives, not later than the expiration time of the Change of Control Offer, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes and its election to have such Notes purchased;

(7)that if the Company is purchasing less than all of the Notes, the Holders of the remaining Notes will be issued new Notes and such new Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (the unpurchased portion of the Notes must be equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof);

(8)if such notice is sent prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control and shall describe each such condition, and, if applicable, shall state that, in the Company’s discretion, the Change of Control Payment Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied, or that such purchase may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied by the Change of Control Payment Date, or by the Change of Control Payment Date as so delayed; and

(9)the other instructions, as determined by the Company, consistent with this Section 4.14, that a Holder must follow.

80

 


 

While the Notes are in global form and the Company makes an offer to purchase all of the Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, a Holder may exercise its option to elect for the purchase of the Notes through the facilities of DTC, subject to its rules and regulations.

The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 4.14 or the provisions of Sections 3.07 or 11.01, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.14 or the provisions of Sections 3.07 or 11.01 by virtue thereof.

(b)On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law,

(1)accept for payment all Notes issued by it or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer,

(2)deposit by noon (New York City time) on the Change of Control Payment Date with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered, and

(3)deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Company.

(c)The Company shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

(d)The Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.14 applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.

(e)At any time, in connection with any offer to purchase the Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, if Holders of at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes outstanding tender such Notes in such offer, the Company or such other Person, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase pursuant to such offer, may redeem all of the remaining Notes of such Series at a price in cash equal to the price offered to each Holder in such prior offer, plus, to the extent not included in the prior offer payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes redeemed, to, but excluding, the date of redemption, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on a relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date occurring on or prior to such Redemption Date.  In determining whether the Holders of at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes in an offer, Notes owned by an Affiliate of the Company or by funds controlled or managed by any Affiliate of the Company, or any successor thereof, shall be deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of such offer.

(f)Other than as specifically provided in this Section 4.14, any purchase pursuant to this Section 4.14 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.02, 3.05 and 3.06.

Section 4.15Additional Note Guarantees

.

The Company will cause each of its Domestic Subsidiaries (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) that is not a Guarantor and that incurs Indebtedness or guarantees Obligations under any Debt Facility of the Company or a

81

 


 

Guarantor (including, but not limited to, the ABL Credit Facility and the Floor Plan Credit Facility), in each case on or after the Issue Date, to:

(1)within 30 days execute and deliver a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, the form of which is attached as Exhibit D, providing for a Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary and joinders to the Security Documents or new Security Documents together with any other filings and agreements required by the Security Documents to create or perfect the security interests for the benefit of the Holders in the Collateral of such Subsidiary, except that with respect to a guarantee of Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor:

(a)if the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee are subordinated in right of payment to such Indebtedness, the Guarantee under the supplemental indenture shall be subordinated to such Domestic Subsidiary’s guarantee with respect to such Indebtedness substantially to the same extent as the Notes are subordinated to such Indebtedness; and

(b)if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Guarantor’s Guarantee, any such guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Guarantee substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes; and

(2)waive and not in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights of reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of any payment by such Restricted Subsidiary under its Guarantee;

provided that this Section 4.15 shall not be applicable to any guarantee of any Restricted Subsidiary that existed at the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and was not incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary.

Section 4.16Discharge and Suspension of Covenants

.

(a)If on any date after the Issue Date (i) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from any two of the Rating Agencies and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “Covenant Suspension Event”), then, beginning on that date, Section 4.07, Section 4.08, Section 4.09, Section 4.10, Section 4.11, Section 4.15 (but only with respect to any Person that is required to become a Guarantor after the date of the occurrence of the applicable Covenant Suspension Event) and clause (4) of Section 5.01(a) (collectively, the “Suspended Covenants”) shall no longer be applicable to the Notes.  Upon the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event, the amount of Excess Proceeds from Net Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

(b)In the event that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the “Reversion Date”) the Notes no longer have an Investment Grade Rating from two of the Rating Agencies, then the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture with respect to future events. The period of time between (and including) the date of the Covenant Suspension Event and the Reversion Date (but excluding the Reversion Date) is referred to under this Section 4.16 as the “Suspension Period.”

(c)In the event of any such reinstatement, no action taken or omitted to be taken by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to such reinstatement will give rise to a Default or Event of Default under this Indenture with respect to the Notes; provided that (i) with respect to Restricted Payments made on or after any such Reversion Date, the amount of Restricted Payments made will be calculated as though Section 4.07 had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period, (ii) all Indebtedness incurred, or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been incurred or issued pursuant to clause (3) of Section 4.09(b), (iii) no Subsidiaries shall be designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries during any Suspension Period, (iv) any Affiliate Transaction entered into on or after the Reversion Date pursuant to an agreement entered into during

82

 


 

any Suspension Period shall be deemed to be permitted pursuant to clause (6) of Section 4.11(b) and (v) any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor to take any action described in clauses (1) through (3) of Section 4.08(a) that becomes effective during any Suspension Period shall be deemed to be permitted pursuant to Section 4.08(a).

(d)Notwithstanding that the Suspended Covenants may be reinstated after the Reversion Date, (1) no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to exist or have occurred as a result of any failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the Suspended Covenants during any Suspension Period (or, upon termination of the Suspension Period, as a result of any action taken or event that occurred during the Suspension Period), and (2) following a Reversion Date the Company and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries will be permitted, without causing a Default or Event of Default, to honor, comply with or otherwise perform any contractual commitments or obligations arising during any Suspension Period and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

(e)The Company shall deliver promptly to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate notifying it of the commencement or termination of any Suspension Period under this Section 4.16.  The Trustee will have no obligation to (i) monitor the ratings of the Notes, (ii) independently determine whether a Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date has occurred or (iii) inform the Holders of the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date.

Section 4.17[Reserved]

.

Section 4.18[Reserved]

.

Section 4.19[Reserved]

.

Section 4.20After-Acquired Collateral; Post-Closing Collateral

.

(a)Subject to the applicable limitations and exceptions set forth in the Security Documents and this Indenture (including with respect to Excluded Assets) from and after the Issue Date, if the Company or any Guarantor creates any additional security interest upon any property or asset that would constitute Collateral to secure any First Lien Obligations, it must concurrently grant a second-priority perfected security interest (subject to Permitted Liens) upon any such property or asset in favor of the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as security for the Notes and the Additional Second Lien Obligations (if any).

(b)Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture or any Security Document to the contrary, (i) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to this Indenture shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in the Security Documents, (ii) no perfection actions shall be required with respect to commercial tort claims with an individual value that does not exceed $50,000, (iii) with respect to leases of Real Estate entered into by the Company or any Guarantor, the Company or such Guarantor shall not be required to take any action with respect to creation or perfection of security interests with respect to such leases (including requirements to deliver landlord lien waivers, estoppel and collateral access letters), (iv) no perfection actions shall be required with respect to motor vehicles and other Titled Goods (other than as set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement) and letter of credit rights, except to the extent perfection is accomplished solely by the filing of a UCC financing statement (it being understood that no actions shall be required to perfect a security interest in letter of credit rights, other than the filing of a UCC financing statement).

ARTICLE 5

SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01Merger, Consolidation, Amalgamation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets

.

(a)The Company shall not merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Company is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or

83

 


 

substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)the Company is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such merger, consolidation or amalgamation (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of the Company or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Company”);

(2)the Successor Company, if other than the Company, expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Company under this Indenture, the Notes and the Security Documents, in each case, pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(3)immediately after such transaction, no Default exists;

(4)immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and any related financing transactions, as if such transactions had occurred at the beginning of the Applicable Measurement Period,

(i)the Successor Company or the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness as Ratio Debt, or

(ii)the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

(5)each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, in which case Section 5.01(c)(1)(B) shall apply, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes;

(6)the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or disposition and such supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments, if any, comply with this Indenture;

(7)to the extent any assets of the Person which is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into the Successor Company are assets of the type which would constitute Collateral under the Security Documents, the Successor Company will take such action as may be reasonably necessary to cause such property and assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Security Documents in the manner and to the extent required in this Indenture or any of the Security Documents and shall take all reasonably necessary action so that such Lien is perfected to the extent required by the Security Documents; and

(8)the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Successor Company shall:  (a) continue to constitute Collateral under this Indenture and the Security Documents, (b) be subject to the Lien in favor of the Second Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of itself, the Trustee and the Holders, and (c) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens.

(b)The Successor Company shall succeed to, and be substituted for, the Company under this Indenture, the Guarantees and the Notes, as applicable, and the Company will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations hereunder, the Guarantees and the Notes, as applicable. Notwithstanding clauses (3) and (4) of Section 5.01(a),

(1)any Restricted Subsidiary may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or part of its properties and assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and

84

 


 

(2)the Company may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into an Affiliate of the Company, solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Company in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.

(c)Subject to certain limitations described in this Indenture governing release of a Guarantee upon the sale, disposition or transfer of a Guarantor, no Guarantor shall, and the Company will not permit a Guarantor to, merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Company or a Guarantor is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any Person unless:

(1)(A)such Guarantor is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such merger, consolidation or amalgamation (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor, as the case may be, or the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia, or any territory thereof (such Guarantor or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Person”);

(B)the Successor Person, if other than such Guarantor, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s related Guarantee pursuant to supplemental indentures or other documents or instruments;

(C)immediately after such transaction, no Default exists;

(D)the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or disposition and such supplemental indentures, if any, comply with this Indenture;

(E)to the extent any assets of the Guarantor which is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into the Successor Person are assets of the type which would constitute Collateral under the Security Documents, the Successor Person will take such action as may be reasonably necessary to cause such property and assets to be made subject to the Lien of the Security Documents in the manner and to the extent required in this Indenture or any of the Security Documents and shall take all reasonably necessary action so that such Lien is perfected to the extent required by the Security Documents; and

(F)the Collateral owned by or transferred to the Successor Person shall:  (i) continue to constitute Collateral under this Indenture and the Security Documents, (ii) be subject to the Lien in favor of the Second Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders, and (iii) not be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Liens; or

(2)the transaction is an Asset Sale that is made in compliance with Section 4.10.

(d)Subject to certain limitations described in this Indenture, the Successor Person shall succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee and such Guarantor shall automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantor may (i) merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Guarantor or the Company, (ii) merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into an Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing the Guarantor in the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby, or (iii) convert into a Person organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor or a jurisdiction in the United States.

85

 


 

Section 5.02Successor Corporation Substituted

.

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.01, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the Company shall refer instead to the successor corporation and not to the Company), and may exercise every right and power of the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein; provided that the predecessor Company shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest, if any, on the Notes except in the case of a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all of the Company’s assets that meets the requirements of Section 5.01.

ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01Events of Default

.

(a)An “Event of Default” wherever used herein means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(1)default in payment when due and payable, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, of principal of, or premium, if any, on the Notes;

(2)default for 30 days or more in the payment when due of interest on or with respect to the Notes;

(3)failure by the Company or any Guarantor for 60 days after receipt of written notice given by the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to comply with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above) contained in this Indenture or the Notes;

(4)default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there is issued or by which there is secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any Permitted Receivables Facility), whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the issuance of the Notes, if both:

(i)such default either results from the failure to pay any principal of such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or relates to an obligation other than the obligation to pay principal of any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity and results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods); and

(ii)the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $30.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent) or more at any one time outstanding;

(5)failure by the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company

86

 


 

for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $30.0 million (net of amounts covered by insurance policies issued by reputable insurance companies), which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after such judgment becomes final, and, in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed;

(6)the Company or any Significant Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

(i)commences proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;

(ii)consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under applicable Bankruptcy Law;

(iii)consents to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property;

(iv)makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

(v)generally is not paying its debts as they become due;

(7)a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

(i)is for relief against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), in a proceeding in which the Company or any such Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;

(ii)appoints a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), or for all or substantially all of the property of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary); or

(iii)orders the liquidation of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary);

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;

(8)the Guarantee of any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03) would constitute a Significant

87

 


 

Subsidiary) shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms of this Indenture) or be declared null and void or any responsible officer of the Company or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary (or the responsible officers of any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as determined as of the most recent consolidated financial statements of the Company for a fiscal quarter end provided as required under Section 4.03), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), as the case may be, denies that it has any further liability under its Guarantee or gives notice to such effect, other than by reason of the termination of this Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture; or

(9)(A) the Liens created by the Security Documents shall at any time not constitute a valid and perfected Lien (subject to certain Permitted Liens) on any Collateral having a Fair Market Value in excess of $15.0 million (to the extent perfection by filing, registration, recordation or possession is required by this Indenture or the Security Documents) other than (i) in accordance with the terms of the relevant Security Document, this Indenture, the ABL Credit Facility or the Floor Plan Credit Facility, as applicable, (ii) the satisfaction in full of all Obligations under this Indenture, the ABL Credit Facility or the Floor Plan Credit Facility, as applicable or (iii) any loss of perfection that results from the failure of the Trustee, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the First Lien Collateral Agents to maintain possession of certificates, promissory notes or other instruments delivered to it representing securities or other assets pledged under the Security Documents and (B) such default continues for 30 days after notice of such default shall have been given to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes issued under this Indenture.

(b)In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (4) of Section 6.01(a), such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding any resulting payment default, other than as a result of acceleration of the Notes) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 30 days after such Event of Default arose:

(1)the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged; or

(2)holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default; or

(3)the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured.

Section 6.02Acceleration

.

If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (6) or (7) of Section 6.01(a) with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing under this Indenture, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes issued under this Indenture may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then-outstanding Notes issued under this Indenture to be due and payable immediately.  Upon the effectiveness of such declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising under clause (6) or (7) of Section 6.01(a) with respect to the Company, all outstanding Notes shall be due and payable immediately without further action or notice.

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes by written notice to the Trustee may on behalf of all of the Holders rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal, interest or premium that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived.

88

 


 

Section 6.03Other Remedies

.

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

Section 6.04Waiver of Past Defaults

.

Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any existing Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, any Note held by a non-consenting Holder (including in connection with an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control Offer); provided, subject to Section 6.02, that the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such acceleration.  Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 6.05Control by Majority

.

Subject to the Security Documents and Section 7.01(e), Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then-total-outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, and the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent may act at the direction of the Holders without liability.  The Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder of a Note or that would involve the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, in personal liability (it being understood that the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, has no duty to determine whether any direction is unduly prejudicial to any Holder of a Note).

Section 6.06Limitation on Suits

.

Subject to Section 6.07, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

(1)such Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2)Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have, in writing, requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3)the Holders have offered and, if requested, provided to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(4)the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5)Holders of a majority in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a written direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

89

 


 

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder.

Section 6.07Rights of Holders to Receive Payment

.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an Asset Sale Offer or a Change of Control Offer), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

Section 6.08Collection Suit by Trustee

.

If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(1) or (2) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal of, premium, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and each of their respective agents and counsel.

Section 6.09Restoration of Rights and Remedies

.

If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceedings, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding has been instituted.

Section 6.10Rights and Remedies Cumulative

.

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.07, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

Section 6.11Delay or Omission Not Waiver

.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein.  Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

Section 6.12Trustee May File Proofs of Claim

.

The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, and each of their agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company or the Company (or any other obligor upon the Notes including the Guarantors), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to participate as a member in any official committee of creditors appointed in such matter and to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and any custodian in any such

90

 


 

judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent any amount due to each of them for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent and their agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent under Section 7.07.  To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent and each of their agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent under Section 7.07 out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise.  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to, or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder, any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 6.13Priorities

.

Subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, if the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:

(i)to the Trustee, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, their agents and attorneys for amounts due hereunder and under the Security Documents, including payment of all compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee or Second Lien Collateral Agent and the costs and expenses of collection;

(ii)to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and

(iii)to the Company or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct, including a Guarantor, if applicable.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.13.

Section 6.14Undertaking for Costs

.

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section 6.14 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes.

ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE

Section 7.01Duties of the Trustee

.

(a)If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

91

 


 

(b)Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

(i)the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(ii)in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture.  However, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

(c)The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(i)this Section 7.01(c) does not limit the effect of Section 7.01(b);

(ii)the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved in a court of competent jurisdiction that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(iii)the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05.

(d)Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to this Section 7.01 and Section 7.02.

(e)Neither the Trustee nor the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under this Indenture or the Security Documents, as applicable, at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless the Holders have offered, and, if requested, provided to the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as the case may be, indemnity or security satisfactory to the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as the case may be, against any loss, liability or expense.

(f)The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received, or for any loss which may result from any investment or sale of investment, by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company.  Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

Section 7.02Rights of the Trustee

.

(a)The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness, electronic communication or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper Person.  The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by its agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Company and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

(b)Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.  The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice

92

 


 

of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be deemed full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.

(c)The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.

(d)The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.

(e)Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Company shall be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company.

(f)None of the provisions of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise to incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if an indemnity satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not assured to it.

(g)The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture and state it is a notice of Default or Event of Default.

(h)In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit), irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

(i)The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee, in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder, including the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Agents.

(j)The Trustee may request that the Company and any Guarantor deliver an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of the individuals and/or titles of Officers (with specimen signatures) authorized at such times to take specific actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officer’s Certificate may be signed by any person specified as so authorized in any certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

(k)The permissive rights of the Trustee to do things enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty unless so specified herein.

(l)The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.

(m)The Company will be responsible for making calculations called for under the Notes, including, but not limited to, determination of redemption price, premium, if any, and any other amounts payable on the Notes. The Issuers will make the calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, their calculations will be final and binding on the Holders of the Notes. The Company will provide a schedule of their calculations to the Trustee, upon request, when applicable, and the Trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of the Company’s calculations without independent verification.

(n)The Trustee shall not be responsible for, nor chargeable with, knowledge of the terms and conditions of any agreement to which it is not a party, whether or not an original or a copy of such agreement has been provided to the Trustee.

(o)The Trustee shall be under no obligation to effect or maintain insurance or to renew any policies of insurance or to inquire as to the sufficiency of any policies of insurance carried by the Company or any Guarantor, or

93

 


 

to report, or make or file claims or proof of loss for, any loss or damage insured against or that may occur, or to keep itself informed or advised as to the payment of any taxes or assessments, or to require any such payment to be made.

(p)Neither the Trustee nor the Notes Collateral Agent shall be liable for any amount in excess of the value of the Collateral held by it.

(q)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in no event shall the Trustee or the Paying Agent be liable for interest on any money received by it (including, but not limited to, any negative interest) except as the Trustee or the Paying Agent may otherwise agree in writing with the Issuers. In the event that market conditions are such that negative interest applies to amounts deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent, the Company shall be responsible for the payment of such interest and the Trustee or the Paying Agent shall be entitled to deduct from amounts on deposit with it an amount necessary to pay such negative interest. For the avoidance of doubt, the compensation, reimbursement and indemnification protections afforded to the Trustee and the Paying Agent under Section 7.07 of this Indenture shall cover any interest-related expenses incurred by the Trustee or the Paying Agent in the performance of their duties hereunder.

Section 7.03Individual Rights of the Trustee

.

The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee.  However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as the Trustee or resign as the Trustee.  Any Agent and the Second Lien Collateral Agent may do the same with like rights and duties.  The Trustee is also subject to Section 7.10.

Section 7.04Trustee’s Disclaimer

.

The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, the Security Document or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein, in the Security Documents or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

Section 7.05Notice of Defaults

.

If a Default occurs and is continuing and if it is actually known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall send to the Holders a notice of the Default within the later of 90 days after it occurs or 30 days after it becomes known to the Trustee.  Except in the case of a Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold from the Holders notice of any continuing Default if and so long as a Responsible Officer in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders. The Trustee shall have no liability for any withholding of notice undertaken following such good faith determination. The Trustee shall not be deemed to know of any Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is such a Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

Section 7.06[Reserved]

.

Section 7.07Compensation and Indemnity

.

The Company shall pay to the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent from time to time such compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as the parties shall agree in writing from time to time.  The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Company shall reimburse the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its

94

 


 

services.  Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s and the Second Lien Collateral Agent’s agents and counsel.

The Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent for, and hold the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claim, liability or expense (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by it in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder or under any Security Documents (including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture or any Security Document against the Company or any of the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) or defending itself against any claim whether asserted by any Holder, the Company or any Guarantor or any Person, or liability in connection with the acceptance, exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder or under any Security Document).  The Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.  Failure by the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder.  The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent may have separate counsel and the Company shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel.  The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense determined to have been caused by the Trustee’s or the Second Lien Collateral Agent’s own willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined by a final nonappealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors, if any, under this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable.

To secure the payment obligations of the Company and the Guarantors in this Section 7.07, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except money or property held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes.  Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

When the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(6) or (7) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

Section 7.08Replacement of the Trustee

.

A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08.  The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee upon 30 days’ prior notice by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing.  The Company may remove the Trustee if:

(a)the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;

(b)the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

(c)a custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(d)the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of the Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.  Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.

95

 


 

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee (at the Company’s expense), the Company or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10, such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company.  Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The successor Trustee shall send a notice of its succession to Holders.  The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07.  Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

Section 7.09Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.

If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

Section 7.10Eligibility; Disqualification

.

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

Section 7.11Security Documents; Intercreditor Agreement

.

By their acceptance of the Notes, the Holders hereby authorize and direct the Trustee and Second Lien Collateral Agent, as the case may be, to execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreement and any other Security Documents in which the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, is named as a party, including any Security Documents executed after the Issue Date.  It is hereby expressly acknowledged and agreed that, in doing so, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent are not responsible for the terms or contents of such agreements, or for the validity or enforceability thereof, or the sufficiency thereof for any purpose.  Whether or not so expressly stated therein, in entering into, or taking (or forbearing from) any action under, the Intercreditor Agreement or any other Security Documents, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent each shall have all of the rights, immunities, indemnities and other protections granted to it under this Indenture (in addition to those that may be granted to it under the terms of such other agreement or agreements).

ARTICLE 8

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 8.01Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance

.

The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

Section 8.02Legal Defeasance and Discharge

.

Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Company and the Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes issued under this Indenture and Guarantees

96

 


 

issued under this Indenture on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (“Legal Defeasance).  For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes issued under this Indenture, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Notes, this Indenture and the Security Documents including the obligations of the Guarantors (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute such instruments reasonably requested by the Company acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

(a)the rights of Holders to receive payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments are due solely out of the trust created pursuant to this Indenture referred to in Section 8.04;

(b)the Company’s obligations with respect to Notes issued under this Indenture concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of such Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;

(c)the rights, powers, trusts, duties, indemnities and immunities of the Trustee and Second Lien Collateral Agent, and the Company’s obligations in connection therewith; and

(d)this Section 8.02.

Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of their option under Section 8.03.

Section 8.03Covenant Defeasance

.

Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Company and the Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04, be released from their obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.03, 4.04, 4.05, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.14, 4.15 and 4.20 and clauses (4), (5), (7) and (8) of Section 5.01(a), Section 5.01(c) and Section 5.01(d) with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 are satisfied (“Covenant Defeasance”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of the Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes).  For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes, the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby.  In addition, upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04, Sections 6.01(a)(3), 6.01(a)(4), 6.01(a)(5), 6.01(a)(6) (solely with respect to Restricted Subsidiaries that are Significant Subsidiaries and any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that taken together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), 6.01(a)(7) (solely with respect to Restricted Subsidiaries that are Significant Subsidiaries and any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that taken together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary), 6.01(a)(8) and 6.019(a)(9) shall not constitute Events of Default.

Section 8.04Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance

.

The following shall be the conditions to the application of either Section 8.02 or 8.03 to the outstanding Notes:

In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with respect to the Notes issued under this Indenture:

97

 


 

(1)the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient (without consideration of reinvestment of interest), in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest due on the Notes issued under this Indenture on the stated maturity date or on the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may be, of such principal, premium, if any, or interest on such Notes and the Company must specify whether such Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

(2)in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions,

(a)the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or

(b)since the Issue Date, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall state that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the beneficial owners of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3)in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the beneficial owners of the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4)no Default or Event of Default (other than that resulting from any borrowing of funds to be applied to make the deposit required to effect such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith) shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit; and

(5)the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions), each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with.

Section 8.05Deposited Money and Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions

.

Subject to Section 8.06, all money and Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.05, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.04 in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company or a Guarantor acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

98

 


 

Anything in this Article 8 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 which, in the opinion of an Independent Financial Advisor expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(1)), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

Section 8.06Repayment to Company

.

Subject to applicable unclaimed property laws, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on their request or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

Section 8.07Reinstatement

.

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any United States dollars or Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03, as the case may be; provided that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium or interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01Without Consent of Holders

.

Notwithstanding Section 9.02, the Company, any Guarantor (with respect to a Guarantee or this Indenture) and the Trustee and/or the Second Lien Collateral Agent may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and any Guarantee or Notes without the consent of any Holder:

(1)to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency;

(2)to provide for uncertificated Notes of such series in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;

(3)to comply with Section 5.01;

(4)to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or any Guarantor’s obligations to the Holders;

(5)to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under this Indenture of any such Holder;

(6)to add covenants for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company or any Guarantor;

99

 


 

(7)to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

(8)to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable;

(9)to evidence and provide for the acceptance and appointment under this Indenture of a successor Trustee or a successor Second Lien Collateral Agent thereunder pursuant to the requirements thereof;

(10)to add a Guarantor or a co-obligor of the Notes under this Indenture or to release any such Guarantor or Guarantee if at the time of such release such Guarantor is not otherwise required to be a Guarantor;

(11)to conform the text of this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, Guarantees or the Notes to any provision of the “Description of notes” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in the “Description of notes” section was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, Guarantee or Notes, as certified in an Officer’s Certificate;

(12)to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant any other Lien in favor of the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders, as additional security for the payment and performance of all or any portion of the Obligations, in any property or assets, including any which are required to be mortgaged, pledged or hypothecated, or in which a Lien is required to be granted to or for the benefit of the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent pursuant to this Indenture, any of the Security Documents or otherwise;

(13)in the case of the Intercreditor Agreement, in order to subject the security interests in the Collateral in respect of any First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, in each case to the extent the incurrence of such Indebtedness, and the grant of all Liens on the Collateral held for the benefit of such Indebtedness, were permitted under this Indenture;

(14)to permit the creation, intended priority and registration of Liens on the Collateral to secure any First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations in accordance with this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement (including, without limitation, the appointment of the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other collateral agent to hold the Collateral on behalf of the Holders and the holders of First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations);

(15)to amend the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including, without limitation, to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes; provided, however, that (i) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes;

(16)in the case of any deposit account control agreement, securities account control agreement, bailee agreement or other similar agreement providing for “control” over the Collateral, in each case (a) providing for control and perfection of Collateral and (b) to which both the First Lien Collateral Agents and the Second Lien Collateral Agent are a party, at the request and sole expense of the Company, and without the consent of the Second Lien Collateral Agent, to amend any such agreement to substitute a Successor First Lien Collateral Agent for any First Lien Collateral Agent as the controlling secured party thereunder;

(17)in connection with any First Lien Obligations that are incurred in compliance with this Indenture and the Security Documents, at the request and sole expense of the Company, to amend the Intercreditor Agreement (i) to add parties (or any authorized agent or trustee therefor) providing such First

100

 


 

Lien Obligations and (ii) to establish that Liens on any Collateral securing such First Lien Obligations will have the same priority as the Liens on any Collateral securing the First Lien Obligations, all on the terms provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement immediately prior to such incurrence of First Lien Obligations;

(18)in connection with any Additional Second Lien Obligations that are incurred in compliance with this Indenture and the Security Documents, at the request and sole expense of the Company, to amend the Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents (i) to add parties (or any authorized agent or trustee therefor) providing such Additional Second Lien Obligations and (ii) to establish that Liens on any Collateral securing such Additional Second Lien Obligations will have the same priority as the Liens on any Collateral securing the Obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees and will be junior and subordinated to the Liens on any Collateral securing any First Lien Obligations, all on the terms provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents, as applicable, immediately prior to such incurrence of Additional Second Lien Obligations;

(19)to release Collateral from the Lien of this Indenture and the Security Documents when permitted or required by the Security Documents or this Indenture;

(20)to add replacement First Lien Obligations or Additional Second Lien Obligations to the Intercreditor Agreement; or

(21)to add new or additional Manufacturer Floor Plan Facilities and/or new or additional intercreditor agreements in connection therewith so long as such facilities are incurred in compliance with this Indenture.

Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its board of directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture or security documents or intercreditor agreement authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture or security documents or intercreditor agreement that affect its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the execution and delivery of any Supplemental Indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit D solely for the purpose of adding Guarantors.

Section 9.02With Consent of Holders

.

Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Company, the Trustee and/or the Second Lien Collateral Agent may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Guarantees with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium or interest on the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Guarantees or the Notes may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes).  In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Company, or by any Affiliate of the Company, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.  Section 2.08, Section 2.09 and this Section 9.02 shall determine which Notes are considered to be “outstanding” for the purposes of this Section 9.02.

101

 


 

Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its board of directors authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee and Second Lien Collateral Agent of the documents described in Section 9.06, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall join with the Company in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture or security documents or intercreditor agreement unless such amended or supplemental indenture or security documents or intercreditor agreement directly affect the Trustee’s or the Second Lien Collateral Agent’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture or security documents or intercreditor agreement.

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company shall deliver to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver.  Any failure of the Company to deliver such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or supplemental indenture or waiver.

Without the consent of each affected Holder, an amendment or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

(1)reduce the principal amount of such Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2)reduce the principal of or change the fixed final maturity of any such Note or reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of such Notes or change the time at which such Notes may be redeemed pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer;

(3)reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note;

(4)waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration, or in respect of a covenant or provision contained in this Indenture or any Guarantee which cannot be amended or modified without the consent of all Holders;

(5)make any Note payable in money other than that stated therein;

(6)make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders to receive payments of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes;

(7)make any change in these amendment and waiver provisions;

(8)impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, or interest on, such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;

(9)make any change to or modify the ranking of the Notes that would adversely affect the Holders; or

(10)except as expressly permitted by this Indenture, modify the Guarantees of any Significant Subsidiary in any manner materially adverse to the Holders.

102

 


 

For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary in the immediately preceding paragraph, (1) Section 4.10 in respect of the Company’s obligation to make an Asset Sale Offer and (2) Section 4.14 and the definition of “Change of Control,” each may be waived, modified or terminated with the written consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount then outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for the Notes) prior to the date by which the Company is required to make such Asset Sale Offer or Change of Control Offer, as applicable.

In addition, without the consent of the Holders of at least 66 2/3% in principal amount of Notes then outstanding, the Second Lien Collateral Agent may not consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver the effect of which would modify any Security Document, the Intercreditor Agreement or the provisions in this Indenture dealing with the Collateral or the Security Documents that would (1) have the impact of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents (except as permitted by the terms of this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement) or change or alter the priority of the security interests in the Collateral or (2) make any change in any Security Document, any Intercreditor Agreement or the provisions in this Indenture dealing with the Collateral or the Security Documents or the application of trust proceeds of the Collateral that would adversely affect the Holders in any material respect.

Section 9.03[Reserved]

.

Section 9.04Revocation and Effect of Consents

.

Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note.  However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes effective.  An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver.  If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement, or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date.  No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date unless the consent of the requisite number of Holders has been obtained.

Section 9.05Notation on or Exchange of Notes

.

The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated.  The Company in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

Section 9.06Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.

The Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable.  The Company may not sign an amendment, supplement or waiver until its board of directors approves it.  In executing any amendment, supplement or waiver, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall receive and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 13.04, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture or amendment, supplement or waiver of any security document or intercreditor agreement is authorized or permitted

103

 


 

by this Indenture and, in the case of such opinion, that such amendment, supplement or waiver is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company and any Guarantors party thereto, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof (including Section 9.03).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the execution and delivery of any Supplemental Indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit D solely for the purpose of adding Guarantors.

ARTICLE 10

GUARANTEES

Section 10.01Guarantee

.

Subject to this Article 10, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent and each of their successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the Obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that:  (a) the principal of, interest and premium on the Notes shall be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and all other Obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent hereunder or thereunder shall be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other Obligations, that same shall be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.  Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately.  Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.

The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor.  Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that this Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.

Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Second Lien Collateral Agent, the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section 10.01.

If any Holder, the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid either to the Trustee, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or such Holder, this Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect.

Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby.  Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Guarantee.  The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Guarantees.

104

 


 

Each Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against the Company for liquidation or reorganization, should the Company become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of the Company’s assets, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Notes are, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee on the Notes or Guarantees, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent transfer” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made.  In the event that any payment, or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Notes shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

In case any provision of any Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

The Guarantee issued by any Guarantor shall be a general senior obligation of such Guarantor and shall be pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of such Guarantor (including its guarantee of all Obligations under the ABL Credit Facility and the Floor Plan Credit Facility).

Each payment to be made by a Guarantor in respect of its Guarantee shall be made without set-off, counterclaim, reduction or diminution of any kind or nature.

Section 10.02Limitation on Guarantor Liability

.

Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Guarantee.  To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Guarantor shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 10, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance (as a legal matter or otherwise) or fraudulent transfer under applicable law.

Section 10.03Execution and Delivery

.

To evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01, each Guarantor hereby agrees that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by its President, one of its Vice Presidents or one of its Assistant Vice Presidents.

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Notes.

If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Guarantee shall be valid nevertheless.

The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.

If required by Section 4.15, the Company shall cause any newly created or acquired Restricted Subsidiary (other than any future Foreign Subsidiaries, Receivables Subsidiaries or other Excluded Subsidiaries) to comply with the provisions of Section 4.15 and this Article 10, to the extent applicable.

Section 10.04Subrogation

.

105

 


 

Each Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of Holders against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by any Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.01; provided that, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no Guarantor shall be entitled to enforce or receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all amounts then due and payable by the Company under this Indenture or the Notes shall have been paid in full.

Section 10.05Benefits Acknowledged

.

Each Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by this Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to its Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

Section 10.06Release of Guarantees

.

A Guarantee by a Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and no further action by such Guarantor, the Company or the Trustee is required for the release of such Guarantor’s Guarantee, upon:

(1)(A)any sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition (including by merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise) of (i) the Capital Stock of such Guarantor (including any sale, exchange or transfer), after which the applicable Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of such Guarantor, in each case, if such sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition is made in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture (including any amendments thereof);

(B)the release or discharge of the guarantee or direct obligation by such Guarantor of the ABL Credit Facility or the guarantee which resulted in the creation of such Guarantee, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such guarantee (it being understood that a release subsequent to a contingent reinstatement is still a release); provided, however, that, so long as such Guarantor continues to guarantee any Debt Facility of the Company or any Guarantor, then such Guarantor’s Guarantee shall not be released;

(C)such Guarantor becoming an Excluded Subsidiary in compliance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

(D)the Company exercising the Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option in accordance with Article 8 or the Company’s obligations under this Indenture being discharged in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

(E)the merger, consolidation or amalgamation of any Guarantor with and into the Company or another Guarantor that is the surviving Person in such merger, consolidation or amalgamation, or upon the liquidation of such Guarantor following the transfer of all of its assets to the Company or another Guarantor; or

(F)as described under Article 9 of this Indenture; and

(2)such Guarantor delivering to the Trustee and Second Lien Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

ARTICLE 11

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01Satisfaction and Discharge

.

106

 


 

This Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of further effect as to all Notes (except for certain surviving rights of the Trustee and Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Company’s obligations with respect thereto), when either:

(1)all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2)(A)all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the making of a notice of redemption or otherwise, shall become due and payable within one year or may be called for redemption within one year under arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company and the Company or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee, as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(B)no Default (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit or the grant of any Lien securing such borrowing or any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith) with respect to this Indenture or the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or shall occur as a result of such deposit and such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or material instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound (other than that resulting from borrowing funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(C)the Company has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture; and

(D)the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the applicable Redemption Date, as the case may be.

In addition, the Company must deliver an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the provisions of Section 7.07 shall survive and if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (A) of clause (2) of this Section 11.01, the provisions of Section 11.02 and Section 8.06 shall survive.

Section 11.02Application of Trust Money

.

Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.01 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal, premium and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Government Securities in accordance with Section 11.01 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental

107

 


 

authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 11.01; provided that if the Company has made any payment of principal of, premium or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or Government Securities held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 12

COLLATERAL

Section 12.01Security Documents

.

The due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium and interest on the Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether on an interest payment date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium and interest on the Notes and performance of all other Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors to the Holders, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee under this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, according to the terms hereunder or thereunder, shall be secured as provided in the Security Documents, which define the terms of the Liens that secure the Obligations, subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.  The Trustee, the Company and the Guarantors hereby acknowledge and agree that the Second Lien Collateral Agent holds the Collateral as security for the benefit of the Holders, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent and pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.  Each Holder, by accepting a Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Security Documents (including the provisions providing for the possession, use, release and foreclosure of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreement as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and this Indenture and the Intercreditor Agreement, and authorizes and directs the Second Lien Collateral Agent to enter into the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.  The Company shall deliver to the Second Lien Collateral Agent copies of all documents required to be filed pursuant to the Security Documents, and will do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be reasonably required by the next sentence of this Section 12.01, to assure and confirm to the Second Lien Collateral Agent the security interest in the Collateral contemplated hereby, by the Security Documents or any part thereof, as from time to time constituted, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of this Indenture and of the Notes secured hereby, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed.  The Company shall, and shall cause the Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company (in each case at the expense of the Company or Restricted Subsidiary) to, take any and all actions and make all filings (including the filing of UCC financing statements, continuation statements and amendments thereto) required to cause the Security Documents to create and maintain, as security for the Obligations of the Company and the Guarantors to the secured parties under this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, a valid and enforceable perfected Lien and security interest in and on all of the Collateral (subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents), in favor of the Second Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Holders and the Trustee subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens.

Section 12.02Release of Collateral

.

(a)Collateral may be released from the Lien and security interest created by the Security Documents at any time and from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and this Indenture.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement and this Indenture, the Company and the Guarantors will be entitled to the release of property and other assets constituting Collateral from the Liens securing the Notes under any one or more of the following circumstances:

(i)to consummate the sale, transfer or other disposition of such property or assets to a Person that is not the Company or a Guarantor to the extent not prohibited under Section 4.10;

(ii)in the case of a Guarantor that is released from its Guarantee with respect to the Notes pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the release of the property and assets of such Guarantor;

108

 


 

(iii)to the extent any Collateral is comprised of property leased to the Company or a Guarantor, upon termination or expiration of such lease;

(iv)with respect to Collateral that is Capital Stock, upon the dissolution or liquidation of the Company of that Capital Stock that is not prohibited by this Indenture;

(v)with respect to any Collateral that becomes an “Excluded Asset,” upon it becoming an Excluded Asset; or

(vi)as described under Article 9.

(b)The Liens on the Collateral securing the Notes and the Guarantees also will be terminated and released

(i)upon payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes and all other Obligations under this Indenture, the Guarantees and the Security Documents that are due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, is paid;

(ii)upon a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under Section 8.02 or 8.03 or a discharge of this Indenture under Section 11.01; or

(iii)pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement.

(c)To the extent the Company or any Guarantor requests the Second Lien Collateral Agent to release any Liens permitted above, the Company or any Guarantor shall furnish to the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, prior to each proposed release of such Collateral, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel confirming that all conditions precedent provided for in the Second Lien Documents relating to the release of Collateral have been complied with.

(d)Upon compliance by the Company or any Guarantor, as the case may be, with the conditions precedent set forth in this Section 12.02, in conclusive reliance thereon, the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall (at the request and expense of the Company or any Guarantor) promptly execute and deliver such releases or other documents or otherwise authorize the filing of such documents prepared by the Company or any Guarantor in order to cause to be released and reconveyed to the Company or any Guarantor, as the case may be, the released Collateral.

(e)In addition to the foregoing provisions of this Section 12.02, in the event that the Company or any Guarantor has any Collateral or intends to have any Collateral subject to a Permitted Lien, and the Company or any Guarantor requests in writing, pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel confirming that all conditions precedent hereunder and under the Second Lien Documents to such subordination of such Collateral have been complied with, that the Second Lien Collateral Agent enter into a subordination agreement with the holder of such Permitted Lien in order to subordinate the Lien of the Notes Collateral Agent in such Collateral to the Lien of such holder in such Collateral, the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company or any Guarantor or the holder of such Permitted Lien such an instrument of subordination (in the form prepared by the Company, or the holder of such Permitted Lien and reasonably satisfactory to the Second Lien Collateral Agent, at the Company’s sole expense) promptly after such written request.

Section 12.03Suits to Protect the Collateral

.

Subject to the provisions of Article 7, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee may or may direct the Second Lien Collateral Agent to take all actions it determines in order to:

(a)enforce any of the terms of the Security Documents; and

(b)collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the Obligations hereunder.

109

 


 

Subject to the provisions of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have the power to institute and to maintain such suits and proceedings as the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent may determine to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any acts which may be unlawful or in violation of any of the Security Documents or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings as the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent may determine to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders in the Collateral.  Nothing in this Section 12.03 shall be considered to impose any such duty or obligation to act on the part of the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent.

Section 12.04Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents

.

Subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of the Holders distributed under the Security Documents, and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders according to the provisions of this Indenture.

Section 12.05Purchaser Protected

.

In no event shall any purchaser in good faith of any property purported to be released hereunder be bound to ascertain the authority of the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee to execute the release or to inquire as to the satisfaction of any conditions required by the provisions hereof for the exercise of such authority or to see to the application of any consideration given by such purchaser or other transferee; nor shall any purchaser or other transferee of any property or rights permitted by this Article 12 to be sold be under any obligation to ascertain or inquire into the authority of the Company or the applicable Guarantor to make any such sale or other transfer.

Section 12.06Powers Exercisable by Receiver or Trustee

.

In case the Collateral shall be in the possession of a receiver or trustee, lawfully appointed, the powers conferred in this Article 12 upon the Company or a Guarantor with respect to the release, sale or other disposition of such property may be exercised by such receiver or trustee, and an instrument signed by such receiver or trustee shall be deemed the equivalent of any similar instrument of the Company or a Guarantor or of any Officer or Officers thereof required by the provisions of this Article 12; and if the Trustee shall be in the possession of the Collateral under any provision of this Indenture, then such powers may be exercised by the Trustee.

Section 12.07Release Upon Termination of the Company’s Obligations

.

In the event that the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate certifying that (i) payment in full of the principal of, together with accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes and all other Obligations under this Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees and the Security Documents that were due and payable at or prior to the time such principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, were paid or (ii) the Company shall have exercised its Legal Defeasance option or its Covenant Defeasance option, in each case in compliance with the provisions of Article 8, and in each case, an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of such notice by the Trustee have been satisfied, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall deliver to the Company a release of Lien in the Collateral without recourse, representations or warranties and shall do or cause to be done (at the expense of the Company) all acts reasonably requested of them to release such Lien as soon as is reasonably practicable.

Section 12.08Second Lien Collateral Agent

.

(a)The Company and each of the Holders by acceptance of the Notes hereby designates and appoints the Second Lien Collateral Agent as its agent under this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement and the Company and each of the Holders by acceptance of the Notes hereby irrevocably authorizes the Second Lien Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Second Lien Collateral Agent by the terms of this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, and consents and agrees to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and each Security Document, as the same may be in effect or may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time

110

 


 

to time in accordance with their respective terms.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent agrees to act as such on the express conditions contained in this Section 12.08.  Each Holder agrees that any action taken by the Second Lien Collateral Agent in accordance with the provision of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, and the exercise by the Second Lien Collateral Agent of any rights or remedies set forth herein and therein shall be authorized and binding upon all Holders.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, the duties of the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be ministerial and administrative in nature, and the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein and in the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement to which the Second Lien Collateral Agent is a party, nor shall the Second Lien Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any trust or other fiduciary relationship with the Trustee, any Holder or any Grantor, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement or otherwise exist against the Second Lien Collateral Agent.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” in this Indenture with reference to the Second Lien Collateral 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 merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.

(b)The Second Lien Collateral Agent may perform any of its duties under this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement by or through receivers, agents, employees, attorneys-in-fact or with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates, and the respective officers, directors, employees, agents, advisors and attorneys-in-fact of such Person and its Affiliates (a “Related Person”), and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties, and shall be entitled to act upon, and shall be fully protected in taking action in reliance upon any advice or opinion given by legal counsel.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any receiver, agent, employee, attorney-in-fact or Related Person that it selects as long as such selection was made in good faith and with due care.

(c)None of the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any of its respective Related Persons shall (i) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Indenture or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct) or under or in connection with any Security Document or the Intercreditor Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct), or (ii) be responsible in any manner to any of the Trustee or any Holder for any recital, statement, representation, warranty, covenant or agreement made by the Company or any other Grantor or Affiliate of any Grantor, or any Officer or Related Person thereof, contained in this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Second Lien Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement, or for any failure of any Grantor or any other party to this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.  None of the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any of its respective Related Persons shall be under any obligation to the Trustee or any Holder to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement or to inspect the properties, books, or records of any Grantor or any Grantor’s Affiliates.

(d)The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, instrument, opinion, report, request, direction, order, judgment, bond, debenture, note, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, electronic communication, certification, telephone message, statement, or other communication, document or conversation (including those by telephone or e-mail) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent, or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without limitation, counsel to the Company or any other Grantor), independent accountants and other experts and advisors selected by the Second Lien Collateral Agent.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other paper or document.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes (or such other percentage as expressly provided in the Security Documents) as it determines and, if it so requests, it shall first be

111

 


 

indemnified to its satisfaction by the Holders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement in accordance with a request, direction, instruction or consent of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes (or such other percentage as expressly provided in the Security Documents) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the Holders.

(e)The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, unless a Responsible Officer of the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have received written notice from the Trustee or the Company referring to this Indenture, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default.”  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as may be requested by the Trustee in accordance with Article 6 or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes (or such other percentage as expressly provided in the Security Documents).

(f)The Second Lien Collateral Agent may resign at any time by notice to the Trustee and the Company, such resignation to be effective upon the acceptance of a successor agent to its appointment as Second Lien Collateral Agent.  If the Second Lien Collateral Agent resigns under this Indenture, the Company shall appoint a successor collateral agent.  If no successor collateral agent is appointed prior to the intended effective date of the resignation of the Second Lien Collateral Agent (as stated in the notice of resignation), the Trustee, at the direction of the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, may appoint a successor collateral agent, subject to the consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld and which shall not be required during a continuing Event of Default).  If no successor collateral agent is appointed and consented to by the Company pursuant to the preceding sentence within thirty (30) days after the intended effective date of resignation (as stated in the notice of resignation) the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be entitled to petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor, at the expense of the Company.  Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor collateral agent hereunder, such successor collateral agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Second Lien Collateral Agent, and the term “Second Lien Collateral Agent” shall mean such successor collateral agent, and the retiring Second Lien Collateral Agent’s appointment, powers and duties as the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be terminated.  After the retiring Second Lien Collateral Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Section 12.08 (and Section 7.07) shall continue to inure to its benefit and the retiring Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not by reason of such resignation be deemed to be released from liability as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Second Lien Collateral Agent under this Indenture.

(g)Wilmington Trust, National Association shall initially act as Second Lien Collateral Agent and shall be authorized to appoint co-Second Lien Collateral Agents as necessary in its sole discretion.  Except as otherwise explicitly provided herein or in the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement, neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor any of its respective officers, directors, employees or agents or other Related Persons shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral or any part thereof.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be accountable only for amounts that it actually receives as a result of the exercise of such powers, and neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be responsible for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(h)The Second Lien Collateral Agent is authorized and directed to (i) enter into the Security Documents to which it is party, whether executed on or after the Issue Date, (ii) enter into the Intercreditor Agreement, (iii) make the representations of the Holders set forth in the Security Documents and Intercreditor Agreement, (iv) bind the Holders on the terms as set forth in the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement and (v) perform and observe its obligations under the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

(i)If at any time or times the Trustee shall receive (i) by payment, foreclosure, set-off or otherwise, any proceeds of Collateral or any payments with respect to the Obligations arising under, or relating to, this Indenture, except for any such proceeds or payments received by the Trustee from the Second Lien Collateral Agent pursuant to

112

 


 

the terms of this Indenture, or (ii) payments from the Second Lien Collateral Agent in excess of the amount required to be paid to the Trustee pursuant to Article 6, the Trustee shall promptly turn the same over to the Second Lien Collateral Agent, in kind, and with such endorsements as may be required to negotiate the same to the Second Lien Collateral Agent such proceeds to be applied by the Second Lien Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

(j)The Second Lien Collateral Agent is each Holder’s agent for the purpose of perfecting the Holders’ security interest in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code can be perfected only by possession.  Should the Trustee obtain possession of any such Collateral, upon request from the Company, the Trustee shall notify the Second Lien Collateral Agent thereof and promptly shall deliver such Collateral to the Second Lien Collateral Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Second Lien Collateral Agent’s instructions.

(k)The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Trustee or any of the Holders (i) to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by any Grantor or is cared for, protected, or insured or has been encumbered, or that the Second Lien Collateral Agent’s Liens have been properly or sufficiently or lawfully created, perfected, protected, maintained or enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to determine whether all or the Grantor’s property constituting collateral intended to be subject to the Lien and security interest of the Security Documents has been properly and completely listed or delivered, as the case may be, or the genuineness, validity, marketability or sufficiency thereof or title thereto, or (ii) other than pursuant to the instructions of the Trustee or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes or as otherwise provided in the Security Documents, to exercise at all or in any particular manner or under any duty of care, disclosure, or fidelity, or to continue exercising, any of the rights, authorities, and powers granted or available to the Second Lien Collateral Agent pursuant to this Indenture, any Security Document or the Intercreditor Agreement.

(l)If the Company or any Guarantor (i) incurs any obligations in respect of First Lien Obligations or Junior Lien Obligations at any time when no intercreditor agreement is in effect or at any time when Indebtedness constituting First Lien Obligations entitled to the benefit of an existing Intercreditor Agreement is concurrently retired, and (ii) delivers to the Second Lien Collateral Agent an Officer’s Certificate so stating and requesting the Second Lien Collateral Agent to enter into an intercreditor agreement (on substantially the same terms as the Intercreditor Agreement) in favor of a designated agent or representative for the holders of the First Lien Obligation or Junior Lien Obligations, as applicable, so incurred, together with an Opinion of Counsel, the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall (and is hereby authorized and directed to) enter into such intercreditor agreement (at the sole expense and cost of the Company, including legal fees and expenses of the Second Lien Collateral Agent), bind the Holders on the terms set forth therein and perform and observe its obligations thereunder; provided that neither an Officer’s Certificate nor an Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the Intercreditor Agreement to be entered into by the Second Lien Collateral Agent on the Issue Date.

(m)No provision of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or any Security Document shall require the Second Lien Collateral Agent (or the Trustee) to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or thereunder or to take or omit to take any action hereunder or thereunder or take any action at the request or direction of Holders (or the Trustee in the case of the Second Lien Collateral Agent) unless it shall have received indemnity satisfactory to the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Trustee against potential costs and liabilities incurred by the Second Lien Collateral Agent relating thereto.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents, in the event the Second Lien Collateral Agent is entitled or required to commence an action to foreclose or otherwise exercise its remedies to acquire control or possession of the Collateral, the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be required to commence any such action or exercise any remedy or to inspect or conduct any studies of any property under the mortgages or take any such other action if the Second Lien Collateral Agent has determined that the Second Lien Collateral Agent may incur personal liability as a result of the presence at, or release on or from, the Collateral or such property, of any hazardous substances.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall at any time be entitled to cease taking any action described in this clause if it no longer reasonably deems any indemnity, security or undertaking from the Company or the Holders to be sufficient.

(n)The Second Lien Collateral Agent (i) shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in connection with this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents or instrument referred

113

 


 

to herein or therein, except to the extent that any of the foregoing are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Second Lien Collateral Agent may agree in writing with the Company (and money held in trust by the Second Lien Collateral Agent need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law) and (iii) may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.  The grant of permissive rights or powers to the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be construed to impose duties to act.

(o)Neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from acts beyond its control.  Such acts shall include but not be limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts, riots, acts of war, epidemics, governmental regulations superimposed after the fact, fire, communication line failures, computer viruses, power failures, earthquakes or other disasters.  Neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages (included but not limited to lost profits) whatsoever, even if it has been informed of the likelihood thereof and regardless of the form of action.

(p)The Second Lien Collateral Agent does not assume any responsibility for any failure or delay in performance or any breach by the Company or any other Grantor under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be responsible to the Holders or any other Person for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties contained in this Indenture, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or in any certificate, report, statement, or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Second Lien Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or any Security Document; the execution, validity, genuineness, effectiveness or enforceability of the Intercreditor Agreement and any Security Documents of any other party thereto; the genuineness, enforceability, collectability, value, sufficiency, location or existence of any Collateral, or the validity, effectiveness, enforceability, sufficiency, extent, perfection or priority of any Lien therein; the validity, enforceability or collectability of any Obligations; the assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of operations, business, creditworthiness or legal status of any obligor; or for any failure of any obligor to perform its Obligations under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to any Holder or any other Person to ascertain or inquire into the existence of any Default or Event of Default, the observance or performance by any obligor of any terms of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, or the satisfaction of any conditions precedent contained in this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and any Security Documents.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be required to initiate or conduct any litigation or collection or other proceeding under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents unless expressly set forth hereunder or thereunder.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time to seek instructions from the Trustee or Holders with respect to the administration of this Indenture, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.

(q)The parties hereto and the Holders hereby agree and acknowledge that neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall assume, be responsible for or otherwise be obligated for any liabilities, claims, causes of action, suits, losses, allegations, requests, demands, penalties, fines, settlements, damages (including foreseeable and unforeseeable), judgments, expenses and costs (including but not limited to, any remediation, corrective action, response, removal or remedial action, or investigation, operations and maintenance or monitoring costs, for personal injury or property damages, real or personal) of any kind whatsoever, pursuant to any environmental law as a result of this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Security Documents or any actions taken pursuant hereto or thereto.  Further, the parties hereto and the Holders hereby agree and acknowledge that in the exercise of its rights under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents, the Second Lien Collateral Agent may hold or obtain indicia of ownership primarily to protect the security interest of the Second Lien Collateral Agent in the Collateral and that any such actions taken by the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be construed as or otherwise constitute any participation in the management of such Collateral.  In the event that the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee is required to acquire title to an asset for any reason, or take any managerial action of any kind in regard thereto, in order to carry out any fiduciary or trust obligation for the benefit of another, which in the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee’s sole discretion may cause the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee to be considered an “owner or operator” under the provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,

114

 


 

Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. §9601, et seq., or otherwise cause the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee to incur liability under CERCLA or any other federal, state or local law, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Trustee reserves the right, instead of taking such action, to either resign as the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee or arrange for the transfer of the title or control of the asset to a court-appointed receiver.  Neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall be liable to the Company, the Company, the Guarantors or any other Person for any environmental claims or contribution actions under any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation by reason of the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee’s actions and conduct as authorized, empowered and directed hereunder or relating to the discharge, release or threatened release of hazardous materials into the environment.  If at any time it is necessary or advisable for property to be possessed, owned, operated or managed by any Person (including the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee) other than the Company or the Guarantors, a majority in interest of Holders shall direct the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee to appoint an appropriately qualified Person (excluding the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee) who they shall designate to possess, own, operate or manage, as the case may be, the property.

(r)Upon the receipt by the Second Lien Collateral Agent of a written request of the Company signed by an Officer (a “Security Document Order”), the Second Lien Collateral Agent is hereby authorized to execute and enter into, and shall execute and enter into, without the further consent of any Holder or the Trustee, any Security Document to be executed after the Issue Date.  Such Security Document Order shall (i) state that it is being delivered to the Second Lien Collateral Agent pursuant to, and is a Security Document Order referred to in, this Section 12.08(r), and (ii) instruct the Second Lien Collateral Agent to execute and enter into such Security Document.  Any such execution of a Security Document shall be at the direction and expense of the Company, upon delivery to the Second Lien Collateral Agent of an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery of the Security Document have been satisfied.  The Holders, by their acceptance of the Notes, hereby authorize and direct the Second Lien Collateral Agent to execute such Security Documents.

(s)Subject to the provisions of the applicable Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement, each Holder, by acceptance of the Notes, agrees that the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver the Intercreditor Agreement and the Security Documents to which it is a party and all agreements, documents and instruments incidental thereto, and act in accordance with the terms thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have no discretion under this Indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement or the Security Documents and shall not be required to make or give any determination, consent, approval, request or direction without the written direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes or the Trustee or as otherwise provided in the Security Documents, as applicable.

(t)After the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default and subject to the terms of the Security Documents, the Trustee, acting at the direction of the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, may direct the Second Lien Collateral Agent in connection with any action required or permitted by this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement.

(u)The Second Lien Collateral Agent is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of itself, the Trustee and the Holders distributed under the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement and to the extent not prohibited under the Intercreditor Agreement, and subject to the terms of the Security Documents, for turnover to the Trustee to make further distributions of such funds to itself, the Trustee and the Holders in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.13 and the other provisions of this Indenture.

(v)In each case that the Second Lien Collateral Agent may or is required hereunder or under any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement to take any action (an “Action”), including without limitation to make any determination, to give consents, to exercise rights, powers or remedies, to release or sell Collateral or otherwise to act hereunder or under any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement, the Second Lien Collateral Agent may seek direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes or other required secured parties pursuant to the Security Documents.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be liable with respect to any Action taken or omitted to be taken by it in accordance with the direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes or other required secured parties pursuant to the Security Documents.  If the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall request direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes or other required secured parties pursuant to the Security Documents with respect to any Action, the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such Action

115

 


 

unless and until the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have received direction from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding Notes, and the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining.

(w)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture or in any Security Document or any Intercreditor Agreement, in no event shall the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee be responsible for, or have any duty or obligation with respect to, the recording, filing, registering, perfection, protection or maintenance of the security interests or Liens intended to be created by this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement (including without limitation the filing or continuation of any UCC financing or continuation statements or similar documents or instruments), nor shall the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Trustee be responsible for, and neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor the Trustee makes any representation regarding, the validity, effectiveness or priority of any of the Security Documents or the security interests or Liens intended to be created thereby.

(x)Before the Second Lien Collateral Agent acts or refrains from acting in each case at the request or direction of the Company or the Guarantors, it may require an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, which shall conform to the provisions of Section 13.05.  The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion.

(y)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall act pursuant to the instructions of the Holders and the Trustee or other required secured parties pursuant to the Security Documents, solely with respect to the Security Documents and the Collateral.

(z)The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to compensation and to be indemnified pursuant to Section 7.07, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Second Lien Collateral Agent as if the Second Lien Collateral Agent were named as the Trustee herein and the Security Documents were named as this Indenture herein.

(aa)The Company and the Guarantors shall furnish to the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after the Issue Date, an Officer’s Certificate (which may be the same certificate required to be delivered by the Company pursuant to Section 4.04) either (i) (x) stating that such action has been taken with respect to the recording, filing, re-recording, and refiling of this Indenture or the Security Documents, as applicable, as are necessary to maintain the perfected Liens of the applicable Security Documents securing the Obligations under applicable law to the extent required by the Security Documents other than any action as described therein to be taken, and (y) stating that on the date of such Officer’s Certificate, all financing statements, financing statement amendments and continuation statements have been or will be executed and filed that are necessary, as of such date or promptly thereafter and during the succeeding 12 months, fully to maintain the perfection (to the extent required by the Security Documents) of the security interests of the Collateral Agent securing the Obligations thereunder and under the Security Documents with respect to the Collateral; provided that if there is a required filing of a continuation statement or other instrument within such 12-month period and such continuation statement or amendment is not effective if filed at the time of the Officer’s Certificate, such Officer’s Certificate may so state and in that case the Company and the Guarantors shall cause a continuation statement or amendment to be timely filed so as to maintain such Liens and security interests securing Obligations or (ii) stating that no such action is necessary to maintain such Liens or security interests.

(bb)In no event shall the Collateral Agent be required to execute and deliver any landlord lien waiver, estoppel or collateral access letter, or any account control agreement or any instruction or direction letter delivered in connection with such document that the Collateral Agent determines adversely affects it or otherwise subjects it to personal liability, including without limitation agreements to indemnify any contractual counterparty.

(cc)Neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor the Trustee shall have any responsibility or liability for the actions or omissions of the First Lien Collateral Agents, nor shall the Trustee or Notes Collateral Agent be obligated at any time to indemnify any person in connection with the exercise of any remedy under the Security Documents.

116

 


 

(dd)The Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be permitted to use overnight carriers to transmit possessory collateral and shall be not liable for any items stolen, lost or damages in transmit.

ARTICLE 13

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 13.01[Reserved]

.

Section 13.02Notices

.

Any notice or communication by the Company, any Guarantor, the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail (postage prepaid), fax or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address, or given electronically:

If to the Company or any Guarantor:

Alta Equipment Group Inc.
13211 Merriman Road
Livonia, MI 48150-1826
Attention:  Anthony Colucci, Chief Financial Officer

with a copy to

Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
450 West Fourth Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Attention:  Jeffrey A. Hoover
Email:  jhoover@howardandhoward.com

If to the Trustee:

Wilmington Trust, National Association,
as Trustee
50 South Sixth Street, Suite 1290
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Facsimile:  (612) 217-5651
Attention:  Alta Equipment Group Inc. Administrator

If to the Second Lien Collateral Agent:

Wilmington Trust, National Association,

as Second Lien Collateral Agent

50 South Sixth Street, Suite 1290

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Facsimile:  (612) 217-5651

Attention:  Alta Equipment Group Inc. Administrator

The Company, any Guarantor, the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, by notice to the others, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given:  at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five calendar days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed by first-class mail; when receipt acknowledged, if faxed or emailed; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery; provided that any notice

117

 


 

or communication delivered to the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be deemed effective upon actual receipt thereof, provided, further, that any notice or communication delivered to the Depositary will be deemed given on the date sent to the Depositary.

Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first-class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, as long as the Notes are Global Notes, notices to be given to the Holders shall be given to the Depositary in accordance with its applicable policies as in effect from time to time.  Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

Where this Indenture provides for notice of any event (including any notice of redemption) to any Holder of a Global Note (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary for such Note (or its designee), according to the applicable procedures of such Depositary, if any, prescribed for the giving of such notice.

If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

If the Company sends a notice or communication to Holders, it shall send a copy to the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent at the same time.

Each of the Trustee and Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be entitled to accept and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured e-mail, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods.  If the Company, any Guarantor or any Holder elects to give the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent e-mail or facsimile instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Trustee or Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Trustee’s and Second Lien Collateral Agent’s, as applicable, understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling.  Neither the Trustee nor the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s or Second Lien Collateral Agent’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding if such instructions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction.  The party providing electronic instructions agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of such electronic methods to submit instructions and directions to the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

Section 13.03[Reserved]

.

Section 13.04Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent

.

Upon any request or application by the Company or any of the Guarantors to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee or, if such action relates to a Security Document or an Intercreditor Agreement, the Second Lien Collateral Agent:

(a)An Officer’s Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 13.05) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture and applicable Security Documents relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; provided that an Officer’s Certificate shall not be required in connection with the entering into of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement on the Issue Date; and

(b)An Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 13.05) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied; provided that

118

 


 

an Opinion of Counsel shall not be required in connection with the entering into of the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement on the Issue Date.

Section 13.05Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion

.

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to Section 4.04) and shall include:

(a)a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read all the covenants and conditions precedent in this Indenture and any applicable Security Documents relating to the proposed action;

(b)a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(c)a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with (and, in the case of an Opinion of Counsel, may be limited to reliance on an Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact); and

(d)a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture and applicable Security Documents relating to the proposed action have been satisfied.

Section 13.06Rules by Trustee and Agents

.

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

Section 13.07No Personal Liability of Directors, Managers, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

.

No director, manager, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder, member, or limited partner of the Company or any Guarantor or any of their parent companies shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Guarantees, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation.  Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

Section 13.08Governing Law

.

THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND ANY GUARANTEE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 13.09Waiver of Jury Trial

.

EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE GUARANTORS, THE TRUSTEE, THE SECOND LIEN COLLATERAL AGENT AND THE HOLDERS (BY THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF THE NOTES) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 13.10Consent to Jurisdiction

.

Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Indenture or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City of New

119

 


 

York or the courts of the State of New York in each case located in the City of New York (collectively, the “Specified Courts”), and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding.  Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail (to the extent allowed under any applicable statute or rule of court) to such party’s address set forth in Section 13.02 hereof shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court.  The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the Specified Courts and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim any such suit, action or other proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent may bring an action against the Company in any other jurisdiction of its choosing.

Section 13.11Force Majeure

.

In no event shall the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, epidemics, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software or hardware) services or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or telex or other wire communication facility.

Section 13.12No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements

.

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries or of any other Person.  Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

Section 13.13Successors

.

All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.  All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture shall bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05.

Section 13.14Severability

; Entire Agreement.

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. This Indenture, the exhibits hereto, the Notes, the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements set forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties related to this transaction and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written.

Section 13.15Intercreditor Agreement

.

Reference is made to the Intercreditor Agreement.  Each Holder, by its acceptance of a Note, (a) consents to the subordination of Liens on the Collateral securing this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement, (b) agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and (c) authorizes and instructs the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement as Trustee and as Second Lien Collateral Agent, as the case may be, and on behalf of such Holder, including without limitation, making the representations of the Holders contained therein.  The foregoing provisions are intended as an inducement to the lenders under the ABL Credit Facility and the Floor Plan Credit Facility to extend credit and such lenders are intended third party beneficiaries of such provisions and the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

Section 13.16Counterpart Originals

.

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.  The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by

120

 


 

facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes.  Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.  Delivery of an executed signature page to this Indenture by facsimile, PDF or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Indenture. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent are not under any obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless agreed to by such Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, pursuant to procedures approved by such Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable.

Section 13.17Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.

The Table of Contents and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

[Signatures on following page]

 

121

 


 

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.

 

By:

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Chief Financial Officer

ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC.

 

By:

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

ALTA ENTERPRISES, LLC

 

By:

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC

 

By:

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

 

 


 

 

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C.

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C.

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

NITCO, LLC

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC

 

By:

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

2

 


 

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

PEAKLOGIX, LLC

/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

By:/s/ Anthony Colucci
Name:Anthony Colucci
Title:Authorized Representative

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

 

By:

/s/ Jane Schweiger
Name:Jane Schweiger
Title:Vice President

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Second Lien Collateral Agent

 

By:

/s/ Jane Schweiger
Name:Jane Schweiger
Title:Vice President

 

3

 


EXHIBIT A

 

[Face of Note]

[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]

[Insert the ERISA Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]


A-1

 


 

CUSIP [          ]

ISIN [            ] 1

[RULE 144A][REGULATION S] GLOBAL NOTE
5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026

No. ___[$______________]

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.

promises to pay to CEDE & CO. or registered assigns, the principal sum [set forth on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached hereto] [of ________________________ United States Dollars] on April 15, 2026.

Interest Payment Dates:  April 15 and October 15

Record Dates: April 1 and October 1


 

1

Rule 144A Note CUSIP:  02128LAA4
Rule 144A Note ISIN:  US02128LAA44
Regulation S Note CUSIP: U0203LAA3
Regulation S Note ISIN:  USU0203LAA36

A-2

 


 

 

IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated:

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.


Name:
Title:

By:
Name:
Title:


A-3

 


 

This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture:

Wilmington Trust, National Association,

as Trustee

 

By:


Authorized Signatory

Dated:  


A-4

 


 

[Back of Note]

5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

1.

INTEREST.  Alta Equipment Group Inc., a Delaware limited liability company, promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 5.625% per annum from April 1, 2021 until maturity.  The Company will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”).  Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from the date of issuance; provided that the first Interest Payment Date shall be [                   ].  The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes.  Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

2.

METHOD OF PAYMENT.  The Company will pay interest on the Notes to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on the April 1 or October 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest.  Payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders, provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and interest and premium, if any, on all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to the Company or the Paying Agent.  Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.  Payments on the Notes will be made without any deduction or withholding for Taxes, except as otherwise required by applicable law.  If a payment date is not a Business Day at the place of payment, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.  If a regular record date is not a Business Day, the record date shall not be affected.

3.

PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR.  Initially, Wilmington Trust, National Association, the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the Holders.  The Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4.

INDENTURE.  The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among Alta Equipment Group Inc., the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent.  This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Company designated as its 5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026.  The Company shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes pursuant to Sections 2.01, 4.09 and 4.12 of the Indenture.  The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture.  The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of such terms.  To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

5.

REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE.

The Notes are subject to optional redemption, and may be the subject of a Change of Control Offer and an Asset Sale Offer, as further described in the Indenture.  Except as provided in the Indenture, the Company shall not be required to make any mandatory or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

6.

DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE.  The Notes are in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.  The transfer

A-5

 


 

of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture.  The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.  The Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption or tendered (and not withdrawn) for repurchase in connection with a Change of Control Offer, an Asset Sale Offer or other tender offer, in whole or in part, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.  Also, the Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed.

7.

PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS.  The registered Holder may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

8.

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER.  The Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

9.

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.  The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture.  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the rights and obligations of the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be as set forth in the applicable provisions of the Indenture.

10.

AUTHENTICATION.  This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.

11.

GOVERNING LAW.  THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES.

12.

CUSIP NUMBERS.  Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders.  No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture.  Requests may be made to the Company at the following address:

Alta Equipment Group Inc.
13211 Merriman Road
Livonia, MI 48150-1826
Attention:  Anthony Colucci, Chief Financial Officer

with a copy to

Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
450 West Fourth Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Attention:  Jeffrey A. Hoover
Email:  jhoover@howardandhoward.com

13.

SECURITY.  The Notes and the Guarantees will be secured by the Collateral on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture and the Security Documents.  The Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hold the Collateral in trust for the benefit of the Holders, in each case pursuant to the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement.  Each Holder, by accepting this Note, consents and agrees to the terms of the Security Documents (including the provisions providing for the foreclosure and release of Collateral) and the Intercreditor Agreement as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with their terms and the Indenture and authorizes and directs the Trustee or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, to enter into the Security Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement on the Issue Date, and at

A-6

 


 

any time after Issue Date, if applicable, and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith.

A-7

 


 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:  
(Insert assignee’s legal name)


(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

 

 

 


(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company.  The agent may substitute another to act for him.

Date:  _____________________

 

Your Signature:  

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the

face of this Note)

Signature Guarantee:*  


 

*

Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

A-8

 


 

 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

Section 4.10            Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

$_______________

Date:  _____________________

 

 

Your Signature:

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the

face of this Note)

 

Tax Identification No.:  

Signature Guarantee:*  


 

*

Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

A-9

 


 

 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $__________.  The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:

Date of Exchange

Amount of decrease in Principal Amount

Amount of increase in Principal Amount of this Global Note

Principal Amount of this Global Note following such decrease or increase

Signature of authorized officer
of Trustee or
Note Custodian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

This schedule should be included only if the Note is issued in global form.

A-10

 


EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

Alta Equipment Group Inc.
13211 Merriman Road
Livonia, MI 48150-1826
Attention:  Anthony Colucci, Chief Financial Officer

Wilmington Trust, National Association,
as Trustee
50 South Sixth Street, Suite 1290
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Facsimile:  (612) 217-5651
Attention:  Alta Equipment Group Inc. Administrator

Re:  5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among Alta Equipment Group Inc., the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

_______________ (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $___________ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to _______________ (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto.  In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

1.CHECK IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THE 144A GLOBAL NOTE OR A DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A.  The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

2.CHECK IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THE REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE OR A DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO REGULATION S.  The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser).  Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

3.CHECK AND COMPLETE IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN THE DEFINITIVE NOTE PURSUANT TO ANY PROVISION OF THE SECURITIES ACT OTHER

B-1

 


 

THAN RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S.  The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

(a)such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof;

or

(b)such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and, if applicable, in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

4.CHECK IF TRANSFEREE WILL TAKE DELIVERY OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE OR OF AN UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE.

(a)CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO REGULATION S.  (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.  Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.

(b)CHECK IF TRANSFER IS PURSUANT TO OTHER EXEMPTION.  (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.  Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.


B-2

 


 

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

[Insert Name of Transferor]


Name:
Title:

By:
Name:
Title:

Dated:  _______________________


 

B-3

 


ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

1.The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]

(a)a beneficial interest in the:

 

(i)

144A Global Note (CUSIP 02128LAA4), or

 

(ii)

Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP U0203LAA3), or

(b)a Restricted Definitive Note.

2.After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:

[CHECK ONE]

(a)a beneficial interest in the:

 

(i)

144A Global Note (CUSIP 02128LAA4), or

 

(ii)

Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP U0203LAA3), or

 

(iii)

Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP [              ]); or

(b)a Restricted Definitive Note; or

(c)an Unrestricted Definitive Note, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

 

B-4

 


EXHIBIT C

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

Alta Equipment Group Inc.
13211 Merriman Road
Livonia, MI 48150-1826
Attention:  Anthony Colucci, Chief Financial Officer

Wilmington Trust, National Association,
as Trustee
50 South Sixth Street, Suite 1290
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Facsimile:  (612) 217-5651
Attention:  Alta Equipment Group Inc. Administrator

Re:  5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among Alta Equipment Group Inc., the Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

___________ (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $__________ in such Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”).  In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

1)

EXCHANGE OF RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE FOR UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE

a)

CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE.  In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

b)

CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE.  In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

c)

CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN AN UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE.  In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer

C-1

 


 

contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

d)

CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO UNRESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE.  In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.

2)

EXCHANGE OF RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES FOR RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES OR BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES

a)

CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE TO RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE.  In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer.  Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.

b)

CHECK IF EXCHANGE IS FROM RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTE TO BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN A RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTE.  In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] 144A Global Note  Regulation S Global Note, with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.  Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.


C-2

 


 

This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.

[Insert Name of Transferor]


Name:
Title:

By:
Name:
Title:

Dated:  _______________________

 

C-3

 


EXHIBIT D

 

[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]

[           ] SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of [__________], among [__________________] (the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”), a subsidiary of Alta Equipment Group Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

W I T N E S E T H

WHEREAS, the Company, and certain guarantors party thereto have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee and the Second Lien Collateral Agent an indenture, dated as of April 1, 2021 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $315,000,000 of 5.625% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”);

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Company’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture (the “Guarantee”); and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture to amend or supplement the Indenture without the consent of any Holder.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:

(1)Capitalized Terms.  Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

(2)Agreement to Guarantee.  The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to be a Guarantor under the Indenture and to be bound by the terms of the Indenture applicable to a Guarantor, including Article 10 thereof.

(3)Execution and Delivery.  The Guaranteeing Subsidiary agrees that the Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Guarantee on the Notes.

(4)Governing Law.  THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

(5)Counterparts.  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

(6)Effect of Headings.  The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

(7)The Trustee.  The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary.


D-1

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first above written.

[GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY]


Name:
Title:

By:
Name:
Title:

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee


Name:
Title:

By:
Name:
Title:

 

D-2

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

 

SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED ABL FIRST LIEN CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of April 1, 2021

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC., ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC., ALTA ENTERPRISES, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC, ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC,

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C.,

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C., NITCO, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC, and PEAKLOGIX, LLC,

as Borrowers

 

The Lenders Party Hereto and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

as Administrative Agent

 

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION COMERICA BANK

BMO HARRIS BANK N.A. KEYBANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

and

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Co-Documentation Agents

 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger

 

 


 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I Definitions

1

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms

1

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings

43

SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally

43

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP

43

SECTION 1.05. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notification

44

SECTION 1.06. Status of Obligations

44

SECTION 1.07. Letters of Credit

44

SECTION 1.08. Pro Forma Adjustments

44

SECTION 1.09. Divisions

44

ARTICLE II The Credits

45

SECTION 2.01. Commitments

46

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings

46

SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings

46

SECTION 2.04. Swingline Loans; Overadvances and Protective Advances

47

SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit

49

SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings

53

SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections

54

SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments

55

SECTION 2.09. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt

56

SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans

57

SECTION 2.11. Fees

58

SECTION 2.12. Interest

59

SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality

60

SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs

62

SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments

63

SECTION 2.16. Taxes

63

SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs

67

SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

70

SECTION 2.19. Defaulting Lenders

70

SECTION 2.20. Appointment of Borrower Representative

73

SECTION 2.21. Expansion Option

73

SECTION 2.22. Returned Payments

74

 

1

 

 


 

 

SECTION 2.23. Banking Services and Swap Agreements

74

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

74

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers

74

SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability

74

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts

75

SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.

75

SECTION 3.05. Properties

75

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters

76

SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements

76

SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status

76

SECTION 3.09. Taxes

76

SECTION 3.10. ERISA

76

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure

77

SECTION 3.12. Solvency

77

SECTION 3.13. Security Interest in Collateral

77

SECTION 3.14. Labor Disputes; Etc.

78

SECTION 3.15. No Default

78

SECTION 3.16. Margin Regulations

78

SECTION 3.17. Subordinated Debt

78

SECTION 3.18. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions

78

SECTION 3.19. EEA Financial Institutions

78

SECTION 3.20. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions

79

SECTION 3.21. Material Agreements

79

SECTION 3.22. Capitalization and Subsidiaries

79

SECTION 3.23. Use of Proceeds

79

SECTION 3.24. Affiliate Transactions

79

SECTION 3.25. Second Lien Transactions

79

SECTION 3.26.  Insurance

80

SECTION 3.27. Common Enterprise

80

ARTICLE IV Conditions

80

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date

80

SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event

83

ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants

83

SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information

83

 

2

 

 


 

 

SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events

88

SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business

89

SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations

89

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance

89

SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights

89

SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws

90

SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit

90

SECTION 5.09. Collateral Security; Further Assurances

90

SECTION 5.10. Depository Banks

91

ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants

92

SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness

92

SECTION 6.02. Liens

93

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes

94

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions

95

SECTION 6.05. Swap Agreements

96

SECTION 6.06. Restricted Payments

96

SECTION 6.07. Transactions with Affiliates

96

SECTION 6.08. Restrictive Agreements

97

SECTION 6.09. Change of Name or Location; Change of Fiscal Year

97

SECTION 6.10. Amendments to Agreements

97

SECTION 6.11. Prepayment of Indebtedness; Subordinated Debt

97

SECTION 6.12. Government Regulation

98

SECTION 6.13. Financial Covenants

98

SECTION 6.14. Alta Group, Alta Holdings and Alta Enterprises as a Holding Company

98

ARTICLE VII Events of Default

99

ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent

102

SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action.

102

SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Indemnification, Etc.

104

SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications

105

SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually

106

SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent

107

SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks.

108

SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters.

110

SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding

110

 

3

 

 


 

 

SECTION 8.09. Certain ERISA Matters

111

SECTION 8.10. Flood Laws

112

ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous

112

SECTION 9.01. Notices

113

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments

114

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver

116

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns

118

SECTION 9.05. Survival

122

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness Electronic Signature

122

SECTION 9.07. Severability

123

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff

123

SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process

124

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

124

SECTION 9.11. Headings

125

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality

125

SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law

125

SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act

125

SECTION 9.15. Interest Rate Limitation

126

SECTION 9.16. Disclosure

126

SECTION 9.17. Dealer Access System

126

SECTION 9.18. Appointment for Perfection

126

SECTION 9.19. Amendment and Restatement.

126

SECTION 9.20. Marketing Consent

128

SECTION 9.21. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions

128

SECTION 9.22. No Fiduciary Duty, etc

128

SECTION 9.23. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs

129

SECTION 9.24. Joint and Several

129

 

4

 

 


 

 

SCHEDULES:

 

Commitment Schedule

 

Schedule 2.06 Existing Letters of Credit

Schedule 3.05 Loan Parties

Schedule 3.06 Disclosed Matters

Schedule 3.17 Subordinated Debt Documents

Schedule 3.21 Material Agreements

Schedule 3.22 Capitalization and Subsidiaries

Schedule 3.25 Second Lien Documents

Schedule 3.26 Insurance

Schedule 6.01 Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.02 Existing Liens

Schedule 6.04 Existing Investments

 

EXHIBITS:

Exhibit A

Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B

Form of Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement

Exhibit C-1

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

Exhibit C-2

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

Exhibit C-3

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

Exhibit C-4

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

 

 

i

 

 


 

 

This Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2021 (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), is among ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation, ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC., a Michigan corporation, Alta Enterprises, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C., a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C., a Michigan limited liability company, NITCO, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, PEAKLOGIX, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, the Lenders party hereto, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

R E C I T A L S

 

A.The borrowers (including the Borrowers hereto, as successors or assigns thereof) party thereto, the lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent are party to that certain Fifth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of February 3, 2020, Fourth Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 2019, which amended and restated that certain Third Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of December 27, 2017, which amended and restated that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 30, 2016, which amended and restated that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012, and which amended and restated that certain Credit Agreement dated as of May 5, 2011 (as amended, the “Existing Credit Agreement”).

 

B.The Borrowers party hereto, the Lenders party hereto and the Administrative Agent wish to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth below to reallocate the existing Commitments and make the other changes to the Existing Credit Agreement evidenced hereby.

 

C.The financial institutions party hereto which are not Lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement wish to become “Lenders” hereunder and accept and assume the obligations of “Lenders” hereunder with the Commitments and other obligations specified herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements made herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree that the Existing Credit Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety (as specified in Section 9.19) as follows:

 

ARTICLE I  Definitions

 

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

 

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

 

Account Debtor” means any Person obligated on an Account.

 

"Acquisition" means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on or after the date of this Agreement, by which any Loan Party (i) acquires any going business or all or

 

1

 

 


 

 

substantially all of the assets of any firm, corporation or limited liability company, or division thereof, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (ii) directly or indirectly acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the Equity Interests of a Person.

 

Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

 

Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate” means, for any day, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) 2.50% plus (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one (1)-month interest period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Adjusted LIBO Rate for any day shall be based on the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day; provided further, that, if the LIBO Screen Rate at such time shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement; provided, further, that, if the LIBO Screen Rate, as determined without giving effect to the first proviso set forth in the definition of the “LIBO Screen Rate,” at such time shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of determining the “Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate” and the “CB Floating Rate”.

 

Administrative Agent” means JPMCB, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

 

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

 

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

 

Affiliate” means, at any time, and with respect to any Person, any other Person that at such time directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person, and, with respect to any Borrower, shall include any Person beneficially owning or holding, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any class of voting or equity interests of such Borrower or any Subsidiary or any Person of which such Borrower and its Subsidiaries beneficially own or hold, in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any class of voting or equity interests.

 

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

 

Alta Construction Equipment Florida” means Alta Construction Equipment Florida, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.

 

Alta Enterprises” means Alta Enterprises, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.

 

Alta Group” means Alta Equipment Group Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

Alta Holdings” means Alta Equipment Holdings, Inc., a Michigan corporation.

 

Alta Illinois” means Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.

 

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

 

2

 

 


 

 

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

 

"Applicable Margin" means, for any day, with respect to Revolving Credit Loans that are CBFR Loans, Revolving Credit Loans that are Eurodollar Loans, Letter of Credit Fees payable under Section 2.11(b)(i) and commitment fees payable under Section 2.11(a) hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the applicable caption, as the case may be, based upon the Average Quarterly Availability during the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group:

 

Level

Average Quarterly Availability

Applicable Margin

- CBFR Loans

Applicable Margin – Adjusted Eurodollar

Loans and Letter of Credit Fees

Applicable Margin - Commitment Fees

I

< $25,000,000

- 25.0 bps

225.0 bps

25.0 bps

II

$25,000,000

but

< $100,0000,000

- 50.0 bps

200.0 bps

25.0 bps

III

$100,000,000

- 75.0 bps

175.0 bps

25.0 bps

 

For purposes of the foregoing, each change in the Applicable Margin resulting from a change in Average Quarterly Availability shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the first day of each Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group and ending on the last day of such Fiscal Quarter, it being understood and agreed that, for purposes of determining the Applicable Margin on the first day of any Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group, the Average Quarterly Availability during the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group shall be used. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Average Quarterly Availability shall be deemed to be in Level I at the option of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Required Lenders if the Borrowers fail to deliver any Borrowing Base Certificate or related information required to be delivered by them pursuant to Section 5.01, during the period from the expiration of the time for delivery thereof until each such Borrowing Base Certificate and related information is so delivered. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Applicable Margin shall be set at Level III as of the Effective Date and shall be adjusted for the first time thereafter based on the Average Quarterly Availability for the Fiscal Quarter ending June 30, 2021.

 

If at any time the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent determines that the Borrowing Base Certificate or related information upon which the Average Quarterly Availability was determined were incorrect (whether based on a restatement, fraud or otherwise), the Borrowers shall be required to immediately (or, in the case of a determination made by the Administrative Agent, immediately following the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor (provided, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to any Borrower under any bankruptcy or similar law, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent)) and retroactively pay any additional amount that the Borrowers would have been required to pay if such financial statements had been accurate at the time  they were delivered.

 

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

 

Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, (a) with respect to Revolving Loans, LC Exposure, Overadvances or Swingline Loans, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and the denominator of which is the aggregate Revolving

 

3

 

 


 

 

Commitment of all Lenders (if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of the aggregate Revolving Exposures most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments and to any Lender’s status as a Defaulting Lender at the time of determination); provided that in the case of Section 2.19 when a Defaulting Lender shall exist, “Applicable Percentage” under this clause (a) shall mean the percentage of the total Revolving Commitments (disregarding any Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment) represented by such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, and (b) with respect to Protective Advances, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s aggregate Credit Exposure and unused Commitments and the denominator of which is the aggregate Credit Exposure and unused Commitments of all Lenders; provided that in the case of Section 2.19 when a Defaulting Lender shall exist, “Applicable Percentage” under this clause (b) shall mean the percentage of the total Commitments (disregarding any Defaulting Lender’s Commitment) represented by such Lender’s Commitments.

 

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

 

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

 

Arranger” means JPMCB, in its capacity as sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger hereunder.

 

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

 

Augmenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

 

Available Revolving Commitment” means, at any time, the aggregate Revolving Commitment of all Lenders then in effect minus the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all Lenders at such time (calculated, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, as if such Defaulting Lender had funded its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Borrowings).

 

Availability” means, at any time, an amount equal to (a) the lesser of (i) the aggregate Revolving Commitment of all Lenders and (ii) the Revolving Borrowing Base, minus (b) the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all Lenders (calculated, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, as if such Defaulting Lender had funded its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Borrowings).

 

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to clause (g) of Section 2.13.

 

Average Quarterly Availability” means, for any Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group, an amount equal to the average daily Availability during such Fiscal Quarter (or, for the Fiscal Quarter ending March 31, 2020, for the period from and including the Effective Date through March 31, 2020), as determined by the Administrative Agent’s system of records; provided, that in order to determine Availability on any day for purposes of this definition, the Revolving Borrowing Base for such day shall be determined by reference to the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section

5.01 as of such day.

 

4

 

 


 

 

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

 

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

 

Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (b) stored value cards,

(c)merchant processing services, and (d) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts and interstate depository network services).

 

Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceedings, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

 

Banking Services Reserves” means all Reserves which the Administrative Agent from time to time establishes in its Permitted Discretion for Banking Services then provided or outstanding.

 

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

 

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

 

Benchmark” means, initially, LIBO Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to LIBO Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause (c) or clause (d) of Section 2.13.

 

5

 

 


 

 

Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

(1)the sum of (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

(2)the sum of (a) Daily Simple SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

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

 

provided that, in the case of clause (1), such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; provided further that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event, and the delivery of a Term SOFR Notice, on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date the “Benchmark Replacement” shall revert to and shall be deemed to be the sum of (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, as set forth in clause (1) of this definition (subject to the first proviso above).

 

If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1), (2) or (3) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

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

 

(1)for purposes of clauses (1) and (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent:

 

(a)the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for the applicable Corresponding Tenor;

 

(b)the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that would apply to the fallback rate for a derivative transaction referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon an index cessation event with respect to such Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor; and

 

6

 

 


 

 

(2)for purposes of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities;

 

provided that, in the case of clause (1) above, such adjustment is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such Benchmark Replacement Adjustment from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “CB Floating Rate”,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides in its reasonable discretion may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

 

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

 

 

(1)

in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of

(a)the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

 

(2)in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein;

 

(3)in the case of a Term SOFR Transition Event, the date that is thirty (30) days after the date a Term SOFR Notice is provided to the Lenders and the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.13(d); or

 

(4)in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the

 

7

 

 


 

 

Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(3)a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer representative.

 

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

 

Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.13 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.13.

 

Beneficial Owner” means, with respect to any U.S. federal withholding Tax, the beneficial owner, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to whom such Tax relates.

 

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

 

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

 

8

 

 


 

 

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

 

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party mean an "affiliate" (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

 

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

 

"Board of Directors" means: (1) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation or such directors or committee serving a similar function; (2) with respect to a limited liability company, the board of managers of the company or such managers or committee serving a similar function; (3) with respect to a partnership, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the partnership; and (4) with respect to any other Person, the managers, directors, trustees, board or committee of such Person or its owners serving a similar function.

 

Borrower Representative” means Alta Group in its capacity as representative of the Borrowers as set forth in Section 2.20.

 

Borrowers” means Alta Group and its Subsidiaries.

 

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

 

Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate, signed and certified as accurate and complete by a Financial Officer of the Borrowers, in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

 

Borrowing Request” means a request for a Borrowing under Section 2.03.

 

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Detroit, Chicago or New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for general business in London.

 

Capital Expenditures” means, without duplication, any expenditure or commitment to expend money for any purchase or other acquisition of any asset which would be classified as a fixed or capital asset, including without limitation leasehold improvements, but excluding new, used or parts inventory, on a consolidated balance sheet of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, such expenditures will be reduced by the sum of (a) the Net Cash Proceeds received with respect to any sale of any fixed or capital assets (excluding new, used, and parts inventory) net of any gain recognized in connection with such sale and any piece of rental equipment financed via either Loans, Floor Plan Loans or any other floorplan line (up to the value advanced on such asset thereunder), in each case (both clauses (a) and (b)) as determined by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

 

Capital Lease” means any lease of property, real or personal, the obligations with respect to which are required to be capitalized on a balance sheet of the lessee in accordance with GAAP.

 

9

 

 


 

 

Capital Lease Obligations” means the aggregate principal component of capitalized lease obligations relating to a Capital Lease determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Cash Dominion Period” means each period commencing on the day on which Availability, as calculated by the Administrative Agent (which calculation shall be deemed correct absent manifest error) is less than 10.0% of the aggregate Revolving Commitment of all Lenders, and ending on the day on which Availability, as calculated by the Administrative Agent (which calculation shall be deemed correct absent manifest error) is equal to or greater than 10.0% of the aggregate Revolving Commitment of all Lenders for thirty (30) consecutive days.

 

"CB Floating Rate" means the Prime Rate; provided that the CB Floating Rate shall never be less than the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day). Any change in the CB Floating Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate, respectively.

 

CBFR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the CB Floating Rate.

 

Change in Control” means any of the following:

 

(a)the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) other than Permitted Investors, of Equity Interests representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Alta Group;

 

(b)occupation at any time of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of Alta Group by Persons who were not (i) directors of Alta Group on the date of this Agreement or nominated or appointed by the board of directors of Alta Group or (ii) appointed by directors so nominated or appointed;

 

(c)the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of Alta Group by any Person or group other than Permitted Investors;

 

(d)Alta Group shall fail to own and control, directly, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests representing 100% of each of the aggregate ordinary voting power and aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Alta Holdings;

 

(e)Alta Group and Alta Holdings shall fail to own, directly, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests representing 100% of each of the aggregate ordinary voting power and aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Alta Enterprises;

 

(f)Alta Enterprises shall fail to own, directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests representing 100% of each of the aggregate ordinary voting power and aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each other Borrower (other than Alta Group and Alta Holdings); or

 

(g)any “change in control” (or any comparable term) under any Second Lien Document or Floor Plan Loan Document or any other event that would require or permit the Second Lien Holders or

 

10

 

 


 

 

Floor Plan Lenders or any of them to require an acceleration or prepayment of the Second Lien Obligations or the Floor Plan Obligations, as applicable.

 

"Change in Law" means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any of the following:

(a)the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) compliance by any Lender or the Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.14(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

 

Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.15.

 

Class”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Protective Advances, Overadvances or Swingline Loans.

 

CNHI” means CNH Industrial Capital America LLC.

 

CNHI Financing Paper” means, those certain financing contracts between Alta Illinois, as lender, and certain customers of Alta Illinois, as debtors, entered into by such parties from time to time to finance the purchase from Alta Illinois by such customers of equipment manufactured by CNHI from time to time.

 

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

 

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

 

Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreements, any Mortgages, the Loan Party Guaranties, the Subordination Agreements, the Intercreditor Agreements and all other agreements, instruments and documents executed in connection with this Agreement at any time (either before, concurrently or after the Effective Date, and including without limitation any of the foregoing delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement) that are intended to create or evidence Liens to secure, Guarantees of, or subordinations to, all or any part of the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, all other security agreements, pledge agreements, pledge and security agreements, pledges, powers of attorney, guaranties, subordination agreements, consents, assignments, contracts, leases, and financing statements, and all other written matter whether theretofore, now or hereafter executed by a Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent, all as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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

 

11

 

 


 

 

Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and any other commitments, if any are established pursuant to any amendment hereto at any time. The initial amount of each Lender’s Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9- 102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C), pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

"Consolidated EBITDA" means, with reference to any period, the Net Income for such period, and plus

 

 

(a)

to the extent reducing such Net Income, without duplication,

 

 

(i)

Interest Expense,

 

 

(ii)

expense for income taxes,

 

 

(iii)

depreciation,

 

 

(iv)

amortization,

 

(v)any non-cash charges for such period (but excluding (1) any non-cash charge that results from the write-down or write-off of accounts receivable or that is in respect of any other item that was included in Net Income in a prior period, (2) any non-cash charge that relates to the write- down or write-off of inventory or equipment, any additions to bad debt reserves or bad debt expense,

(3) any non-cash charge to the extent it represents an accrual of or a reserve for cash expenditures in any future period and (4) any non-cash losses related to the sale of rental equipment in the ordinary course of business),

 

(vi)any reasonable non-recurring fees, cash charges and other cash expenses made or incurred in connection with (1) the Transactions, or (2) any amendments, restatements, supplements, waivers or other modifications to the Loan Documents, Floor Plan Loan Documents, or the Second Lien Documents,

 

(vii)losses deducted during the specified period, but only to the extent proceeds of insurance (including, without limitation, business interruption insurance) or indemnity recovery are actually received during such period,

 

(viii)reasonable transaction expenses and fees for such period with respect to with respect to Permitted Acquisitions consummated or sought but not consummated by any Loan Party,

 

 

(ix)

pro forma adjustments under Section 1.08,

 

12

 

 


 

 

(x)reasonable expenses and fees incurred during the specified period in connection with the administration of the Loan Documents, the Floor Plan Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents after the Effective Date (including in all cases expenses and fees paid to the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders),

 

(xi)fees and expenses during the specified period which are directly related to any proposed or actual issuance of debt or equity, investment or asset dispositions, in each case permitted under this Agreement,

 

(xii)any extraordinary or non-recurring losses in the aggregate in any period of twelve consecutive months not to exceed the result of (A) 10% of Consolidated EBITDA, less (B) any noncash gains or losses on the sale of fixed or capital assets offset for gains from the sale of fixed or capital assets calculated (x) at the price at which the applicable Loan Party sold the applicable asset, minus (y) such Note Party’s initial purchase price of such asset (for the avoidance of doubt, without reducing this clause (y) for any depreciation or amortization thereof), for such twelve consecutive months (prior to giving effect to this clause (xii)), and

 

(xiii)the amount of “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions and other synergies, projected by Alta Group in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken, actions with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or actions that are expected to be taken (which cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (B) such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies do not exceed 15% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (before giving effect to any adjustment as a result of this clause (xiii)), and (C) such actions have been taken, such actions with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or such actions are expected to be taken within 18 months after the date of determination to take such action; provided, further, that the adjustments pursuant to this clause (xiii) may be incremental to (but not duplicative of) pro forma adjustments made pursuant to clause (a)(ix) of this definition; minus

 

 

(b)

without duplication and to the extent included in Net Income,

 

(i)any cash payments made during such period in respect of non-cash charges described in clause (a)(v) taken in a prior period and

 

(ii)any non-cash items of income for such period (other than any non-cash gains related to the sale of rental equipment in the ordinary course of business), all calculated for Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

Consolidated Total Assets” means, at any time, the total assets of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter prior to the applicable date of determination for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(b) hereof, as applicable, provided, that, for purposes of testing the covenants contained in Section 6.01(k) and Section 6.02(f), respectively, the consolidated total assets of the Alta Group and its Subsidiaries shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

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.

 

13

 

 


 

 

Controlled Disbursement Account” means, collectively, the following the accounts or accounts identified by the Administrative Agent as the Controlled Disbursement Account, and any replacement or additional accounts of the Borrowers maintained with the Administrative Agent as a zero balance, cash management account pursuant to and under any agreement between a Borrower and the Administrative Agent, as modified and amended from time to time, and through which all disbursements of a Borrower, any other Loan Party and any designated Subsidiary of a Borrower are made and settled on a daily basis with no uninvested balance remaining overnight.

 

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

 

Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, such Lender’s Revolving Exposure at such time.

 

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

 

Covered Entity” means any of the following:

 

 

(i)

a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12

C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

 

(ii)

a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R.§ 47.3(b); or

 

 

(iii)

a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R.§ 382.2(b).

 

Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining “Daily Simple SOFR” for business loans; provided, that if the Administrative Agent decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion.

 

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

 

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

 

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement has not been satisfied, (b) has notified any Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to

 

14

 

 


 

 

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

 

Disclosed Matters” means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06.

 

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

 

"Disqualified Equity" means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option  of the holder thereof, in whole or in part.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is LIBO Rate, the occurrence of:

 

(1)a notification by the Administrative Agent to (or the request by the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least five currently outstanding dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a SOFR-based rate (including SOFR, a term SOFR or any other rate based upon SOFR) as a benchmark rate (and such syndicated credit facilities are identified in such notice and are publicly available for review), and

 

15

 

 


 

 

(2)the joint election by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative to trigger a fallback from LIBO Rate and the provision by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Lenders.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Effective Date” means the date upon which all of the conditions set forth in Article IV are satisfied; provided, that such conditions are satisfied on or before April 1, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

Eligible Accounts” means, at any time, the Accounts of a Borrower which the Administrative Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion are eligible as the basis for the extension of Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder. Without limiting the Administrative Agent’s discretion provided herein, Eligible Accounts shall not include any Account:

 

(a)which is not subject to a first priority perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent;

 

(b)which is subject to any Lien other than (i) a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent or the Floor Plan Administrative Agent, (ii) a Lien in favor of Second Lien Representative, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, and (iii) a Permitted Encumbrance which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent; provided that Accounts relating to Floor Plan Priority Collateral shall not be Eligible Accounts;

 

(c)(i) with respect to which the scheduled due date is more than 90 days after the date of the original invoice therefor, (ii) which is unpaid more than 90 days after the date of the original invoice therefor or more than 60 days after the original due date therefor, or (iii) which has been written off the books of a Borrower or otherwise designated as uncollectible;

 

16

 

 


 

 

(d)which is owing by an Account Debtor for which more than 50% of the Accounts owing from such Account Debtor and its Affiliates are ineligible hereunder;

 

(e)which is owing by an Account Debtor to the extent the aggregate amount of Accounts owing from such Account Debtor and its Affiliates to (i) such Borrower exceeds 25% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts of such Borrower or (ii) all Borrowers exceeds 25% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts of all Borrowers;

 

(f)with respect to which any covenant, representation, or warranty contained in this Agreement or in any Security Agreement has been breached or is not true;

 

(g)which (i) does not arise from the sale of goods or performance of services in the ordinary course of business, (ii) is not evidenced by an invoice or other documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent which has been sent to the Account Debtor, (iii) represents a progress billing, (iv) is contingent upon any Borrower’s completion of any further performance or is billed in advance of the relevant shipment of inventory or performance of service, (v) represents a sale on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale-and-return, sale on approval, consignment, cash-on-delivery or any other repurchase or return basis or (vi) relates to payments of interest;

 

(h)for which the goods giving rise to such Account have not been shipped to the Account Debtor or for which the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed by such Loan Parties or if such Account was invoiced more than once;

 

(i)with respect to which any check or other instrument of payment has been returned uncollected for any reason;

 

(j)which is owed by an Account Debtor which has (i) applied for, suffered, or consented to the appointment of any receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of its assets, (ii) has had possession of all or a material part of its property taken by any receiver, custodian, trustee or liquidator, (iii) filed, or had filed against it, any request or petition for liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debts, adjudication as bankrupt, winding-up, or voluntary or involuntary case under any state or federal bankruptcy laws, (iv) has admitted in writing its inability, or is generally unable to, pay its debts as they become due, (v) become insolvent, or (vi) ceased operation of its business;

 

 

(k)

which is owed by any Account Debtor which has sold all or a substantially all of its

assets;

 

(l)which is owed by an Account Debtor which (i) does not maintain its chief executive office in the U.S. or Canada or (ii) is not organized under applicable law of the U.S., any state of the U.S., Canada, or any province of Canada unless, in either case, such Account is backed by a Letter of Credit acceptable to the Administrative Agent which is in the possession of, has been assigned to and is directly drawable by the Administrative Agent;

 

 

(m)

which is owed in any currency other than U.S. dollars;

 

(n)which is owed by (i) any government (or any department, agency, public corporation, or instrumentality thereof) of any country other than the U.S. unless such Account is backed by a Letter of Credit acceptable to the Administrative Agent which is in the possession of, and is directly drawable by, the Administrative Agent, or (ii) any government of the U.S., or any department, agency, public corporation, or instrumentality thereof, unless the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S.C. § 3727 et seq. and 41 U.S.C. § 15 et seq.), and any other steps necessary to perfect the Lien of

 

17

 

 


 

 

the Administrative Agent in such Account have been complied with to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction;

 

(o)which is owed by any Affiliate, employee, officer, director, agent or stockholder of any Loan Party;

 

(p)which is owed by an Account Debtor or any Affiliate of such Account Debtor to which any Loan Party is indebted, but only to the extent of such indebtedness or is subject to any security, deposit, progress payment, retainage or other similar advance made by or for the benefit of an Account Debtor, in each case to the extent thereof;

 

(q)which is subject to any counterclaim, deduction, defense, setoff or dispute but only to the extent of any such counterclaim, deduction, defense, setoff or dispute;

 

 

(r)

which is evidenced by any promissory note, chattel paper, or instrument;

 

(s)which is owed by an Account Debtor (i) located in any jurisdiction which requires filing of a “Notice of Business Activities Report” or other similar report in order to permit such Borrower to seek judicial enforcement in such jurisdiction of payment of such Account, unless such Borrower has filed such report or qualified to do business in such jurisdiction or (ii) which is a Sanctioned Person;

 

(t)with respect to which such Borrower has made any agreement with the Account Debtor for any reduction thereof, other than discounts and adjustments given in the ordinary course of business, or any Account which was partially paid and such Borrower created a new receivable for the unpaid portion of such Account;

 

(u)which does not comply in all material respects with the requirements of all applicable laws and regulations, whether Federal, state or local, including without limitation the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Federal Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z of the Board;

 

(v)which is for goods that have been sold under a purchase order or pursuant to the terms of a contract or other agreement or understanding (written or oral) that indicates or purports that any Person other than such Borrower has or has had (other than any ownership interest prior to such Eligible Accounts being purchased by such Borrower as part of an Acquisition) an ownership interest in such goods, or which indicates any party other than such Borrower as payee or remittance party;

 

 

(w)

which has been acquired from a Sanctioned Person;

 

 

(x)

which was created on cash on delivery terms; or

 

(y)which the Administrative Agent determines may not be paid by reason of the Account Debtor’s inability to pay or which the Administrative Agent otherwise determines is unacceptable for any reason whatsoever.

 

In the event that an Account which was previously an Eligible Account ceases to be an Eligible Account hereunder, such Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate. In determining the amount of an Eligible Account, the face amount of an Account may, in the Administrative Agent’s Permitted Discretion, be reduced by, without duplication, to the extent not reflected in such face amount, (i) the amount of all accrued and actual discounts, claims, credits or credits pending, promotional program allowances, price adjustments, finance charges or other allowances (including any amount that such Borrower may be obligated to rebate to an Account Debtor pursuant to the terms of any agreement or

 

18

 

 


 

 

understanding (written or oral)) and (ii) the aggregate amount of all cash received in respect of such Account but not yet applied by such Borrower to reduce the amount of such Account.

 

Eligible Equipment Inventory” means, as of any date, the equipment owned by a Borrower and meeting each of the following requirements:

 

(a)such Borrower has the right to subject such equipment to a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent; such equipment is subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent and is free and clear of all other Liens of any nature whatsoever (except for (i) a Lien in favor of the Floor Plan Administrative Agent, subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement,

(ii) a Lien in favor of Second Lien Representative, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, and (iii) Permitted Encumbrances which do not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent);

 

(b)such equipment was not purchased with a Floor Plan Loan or, if it was purchased with a Floor Plan Loan, such Floor Plan Loan has been paid in full;

 

 

(c)

such equipment is located on premises acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

 

(d)such equipment is in good working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and is used or held for use by such Borrower in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower;

 

(e)such equipment is not subject to any agreement which restricts the ability of such Borrower to use, sell, transport or dispose of such equipment or which restricts the Administrative Agent's ability to take possession of, sell or otherwise dispose of such equipment;

 

(f)the manufacturer serial number on such equipment is visible after such equipment placed in service;

 

(g)with respect to such equipment constituting rental units, such equipment must have an executed rental contract not to exceed sixty (60) months and such contract must be in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

 

(h)with respect to such equipment constituting demonstration units, any such unit shall not be considered Eligible Equipment Inventory for more than three (3) months;

 

(i)such equipment must be subject to an appraisal satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and not more than six (6) months old;

 

 

(j)

such equipment is not otherwise unacceptable to the Administrative Agent; and

 

(k)such equipment shall be depreciated in a manner consistent with past practices by the Borrowers and be in accordance with GAAP.

 

In the event that inventory which was previously Eligible Equipment Inventory ceases to be Eligible Equipment Inventory hereunder (except in the event that such ineligibility is solely pursuant to clause (e) hereof), such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate.

 

Eligible Equipment Inventory – New” means, as of any date, the Eligible Equipment Inventory of a Borrower that constitutes equipment held by such Borrower as new equipment that has not been rented (other than for demonstration), is undamaged, saleable, complete and has less than 100 hours of

 

19

 

 


 

 

use since being manufactured. In the event that Inventory which was previously Eligible Equipment Inventory – New ceases to be Eligible Equipment Inventory – New hereunder, such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission  to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate.

 

Eligible Equipment Inventory – Rental Fleet” means, as of any date, the Eligible Equipment Inventory of a Borrower leased or held for lease to a customer in the ordinary course of business. In the event that inventory which was previously Eligible Equipment Inventory – Rental Fleet ceases to be Eligible Equipment Inventory – Rental Fleet hereunder, such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate.

 

Eligible Equipment Inventory - Unappraised” means, as of any date, the equipment owned by a Borrower that satisfies all the requirements in the definition of Eligible Equipment Inventory except clause (i) of such definition. In the event that inventory which was previously Eligible Equipment Inventory - Unappraised ceases to be Eligible Equipment Inventory - Unappraised hereunder, such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any equipment qualifying as Eligible Equipment Inventory - Unappraised shall no longer be considered Eligible Equipment Inventory – Unappraised upon the earlier of (i) six months after the date it was first considered Eligible Equipment Inventory – Unappraised and (ii) the first date such equipment is subject to an appraisal satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

Eligible Equipment Inventory – Used Fleet” means, as of any date, the Eligible Equipment Inventory of a Borrower held for sale that has been used and does not constitute Eligible Equipment Inventory – Rental Fleet. In the event that inventory which was previously Eligible Equipment Inventory

– Used Fleet ceases to be Eligible Equipment Inventory – Used Fleet hereunder, such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate.

 

Eligible Parts Inventory” means, at any time, the parts inventory of a Borrower which the Administrative Agent determines in its Permitted Discretion is eligible as the basis for the extension of Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder. Without limiting the Administrative Agent’s discretion provided herein, Eligible Parts Inventory shall not include any Inventory:

 

 

(a)

which is not subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative

Agent;

 

 

(b)

which is subject to any Lien other than (i) a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent,

(ii) a Lien in favor of Second Lien Representative, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, and (iii) a Permitted Encumbrance which does not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent;

 

(c)which, in the Administrative Agent’s opinion, constitutes slow moving, obsolete, unmerchantable, defective, used, core returns, consumables, unfit for sale, not salable at prices approximating at least the cost of such Inventory in the ordinary course of business or unacceptable due to age, type, category and/or quantity;

 

(d)with respect to which any covenant, representation, or warranty contained in this Agreement or the Security Agreement has been breached or is not true and which does not conform to all standards imposed by any Governmental Authority;

 

20

 

 


 

 

(e)in which any Person shall (i) have any direct or indirect ownership, interest or title to such Inventory or (ii) be indicated on any purchase order or invoice with respect to such parts Inventory as having or purporting to have an interest therein;

 

 

(f)

which is not parts held for sale in the ordinary course of business;

 

(g)which is not located on premises owned or leased (with a landlord waiver and access agreement satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) by a Borrower;

 

 

(h)

which is the subject of a consignment by such Borrower as consignor;

 

(i)which contains or bears any intellectual property rights licensed to such Borrower unless the Administrative Agent is satisfied that it may sell or otherwise dispose of such Inventory without (i) infringing the rights of such licensor, (ii) violating any contract with such licensor, or (iii) incurring any liability with respect to payment of royalties other than royalties incurred pursuant to sale of such Inventory under the current licensing agreement;

 

 

(j)

for which reclamation rights have been asserted by the seller; or

 

(k)which the Administrative Agent otherwise determines is unacceptable for any reason whatsoever.

 

In the event that parts inventory which was previously Eligible Parts Inventory ceases to be Eligible Parts Inventory hereunder (except in the event that such ineligibility is solely pursuant to clause (k) hereof), such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Base Certificate.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

21

 

 


 

 

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with any Borrower (or Guarantor, if any), is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, Section 4001(14) of ERISA or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

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

 

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

 

"Eurodollar", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate.

 

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

 

Event of Loss” means, with respect to any assets, any of the following: (a) any loss, destruction or damage of such assets; (b) any pending or threatened institution of any proceedings for the condemnation or seizure of such assets or for the exercise of any right of eminent domain; or (c) any actual condemnation, seizure or taking, by exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise, of such assets, or confiscation of such assets or the requisition of the use of such assets.

 

Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

"Excluded Taxes" means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any

 

22

 

 


 

 

political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrowers under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

Existing Letters of Credit” means each of the currently outstanding letters of credit issued for the account of a Borrower and listed on Schedule 2.06 hereto.

 

Extenuating Circumstance” means any period during which the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion (i) that due to unforeseen and/or nonrecurring circumstances, it is impractical and/or not feasible to submit or receive a Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request by email or fax or through Electronic System, and (ii) to accept a Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request telephonically.

 

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

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions, as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate, provided that, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

Financial Officer” means the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, vice president of finance, director of finance, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of such company.

 

First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means an intercreditor agreement dated on or before the Effective Date among the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Floor Plan Administrative Agent, and in form and substance acceptable to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Floor Plan Administrative Agent, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

L

"Fiscal Quarter" means each of the quarterly accounting periods of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.

 

"Fiscal Year" means each annual accounting period of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries ending on December 31. As an example, reference to the 2020 Fiscal Year shall mean the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2020.

 

"Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means, as of any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA, minus, Capital Expenditures, to (b) Fixed Charges, all as calculated for the four consecutive Fiscal

 

23

 

 


 

 

Quarters then ending on a consolidated basis for Alta Group and its Subsidiaries, and subject to Section 1.08.

 

Fixed Charges” means, for any period, without duplication, cash Interest Expense, plus prepayments (other than (x) prepayments of Loans and (y) prepayments constituting refinancings through the incurrence of additional Indebtedness expressly permitted by Section 6.01)) and scheduled principal and curtailment payments on Indebtedness made during such period (other than payments on intercompany Indebtedness between the Borrowers), plus expense for taxes paid in cash, plus Restricted Payments paid in cash, plus Capital Lease Obligation payments, all calculated for the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to LIBO Rate.

 

Flood Laws” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.10.

 

Floor Plan Administrative Agent” means JPMCB, in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Floor Plan Credit Agreement, or any successor administrative agent under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

 

Floor Plan Credit Agreement” means the Floor Plan Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Borrowers, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and the Floor Plan Administrative Agent, as amended, refinanced, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Floor Plan Lenders” means the “Lenders” as defined in, and party to, the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

 

Floor Plan Loan Documents” means the “Loan Documents” as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

 

Floor Plan Loan Parties” means the “Loan Parties” as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

 

Floor Plan Loans” means “Loans” as defined in, and made under, the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

 

Floor Plan Obligations” means the “Secured Obligations” as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement.

 

Floor Plan Priority Collateral” means all Collateral consisting of the equipment purchased with Floor Plan Loans and all Proceeds of any of the foregoing (including without limitation, all insurance proceeds and rents and all accessions thereto).

 

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

 

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

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.

 

24

 

 


 

 

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

 

Greenawalt” means Ryan Greenawalt and any trust controlled by him, for his benefit, his spouse’s benefit or the benefit of any lineal descendants of Ryan Greenawalt.

 

Guarantees” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, any obligations of such Person (other than endorsements in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection) Guaranteeing or intended to Guarantee any Indebtedness of any other Person in any manner, whether direct or indirect, and including without limitation any obligation, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such Indebtedness or any property constituting security therefor, (ii) to advance or provide funds or other support for the payment or purchase of any such Indebtedness or to maintain working capital, solvency or other balance sheet condition of such other Person (including without limitation keep well agreements, maintenance agreements or similar agreements or arrangements) for the benefit of any holder of Indebtedness of such other Person, (iii) to lease or purchase assets, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the holder of such Indebtedness against loss in respect thereof, (iv) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation or (v) to otherwise assure or hold harmless the holder of such Indebtedness against loss in respect thereof. The amount of any Guarantee hereunder shall (subject to any limitations set forth therein) be deemed to be an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount (or maximum principal amount, if larger) of the Indebtedness in respect of which such Guarantee is made.

 

Guarantors” means the Borrowers (as a Guarantor with respect to all Secured Obligations of each of the other Loan Parties) and each existing and future subsidiary of any of the foregoing.

 

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

 

"Historical Financial Statements" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.04(a).

 

Howell Property” means the real property and improvements owned by Alta Illinois and located at North Side of Samuelson Road East of 11th Street (Illinois Route 251), Rockford, Illinois.

 

IBA” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.05.

 

Impacted Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “LIBO

Rate”.

 

Increasing Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

 

Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, with respect to any Person, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person

 

25

 

 


 

 

evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, or upon which interest payments are customarily made, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to assets purchased by such Person (other than customary reservations or retentions of title under agreements with suppliers entered into in the ordinary course of business), (d) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of assets or services purchased by such Person (other than trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business) which would appear as liabilities on a balance sheet of such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person under take-or-pay or similar arrangements, (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on, or payable out of the proceeds of production from, assets owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed, (g) all Guarantees of such Person with respect to Indebtedness of another Person, (h) Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) the maximum amount of all standby letters of credit issued or bankers’ acceptances facilities created or similar instruments for the account of such Person and, without duplication, all drafts drawn thereunder (to the extent unreimbursed), as reduced from time to time, (j) all Disqualified Equity, (k) the principal balance outstanding under any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease, accounts receivable securitization program, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing product, based on the amount that would be deemed outstanding thereunder if such transaction was structured as a secured financing on balance sheet, (l) the Indebtedness of any partnership in which such Person is a general partner, (m) obligations under any earn-out or similar obligations determined in accordance with GAAP, (n) the portion of indebtedness of any unincorporated joint venture in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer that is pro rata to such Person’s ownership interest in such joint venture and (o) buyback obligations to the extent such obligations exceed the associated asset value set forth in the financial statements of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries.

 

Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and

(b) to the extent not otherwise described in the foregoing clause (a), Other Taxes. “Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

"Ineligible Institution" has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.04(b).

 

Intercreditor Agreements” means, collectively, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any other intercreditor agreement in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

 

Interest Election Request” means a request by a Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07.

 

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

 

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any CBFR Loan and any Swingline Loan, the first Business Day of each month, and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar

 

26

 

 


 

 

Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than one (1) month duration, each successive date(s) each one

 

(1)

month after the first day of such Interest Period.

 

Interest Period” means with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six (6) months thereafter, as a Borrower may elect; provided, that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (ii) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

 

Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the LIBO Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the LIBO Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available) that is shorter than the Impacted Interest Period and (b) the LIBO Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available) that exceeds the Impacted Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided that, if any Interpolated Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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

 

ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or such successor thereto.

 

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

Issuing Bank” means each of JPMCB in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.05(i). The Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.

 

JPMCB” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

JPMCB Parties” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.20.

 

LC Collateral Account" has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(j).

 

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

 

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

 

27

 

 


 

 

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

 

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

 

Lenders” means the Persons listed on the Commitment Schedule and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or Section 2.21 or otherwise, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender and Issuing Bank.

 

Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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

 

LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any applicable Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing, the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that, if the LIBO Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period (an “Impacted Interest Period”), then the LIBO Rate shall be the Interpolated Rate, subject to Section 2.13 in the event that the Administrative Agent shall conclude that it shall not be possible to determine such Interpolated Rate (which conclusion shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error). Notwithstanding the above, to the extent that “LIBO  Rate” or “Adjusted LIBO Rate” is used in connection with a CBFR Borrowing, such rate shall be determined as modified by the definition of Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate.

 

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

 

LIBO Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing, the London interbank offered rate as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate for Dollars) for a period equal in length to such Interest Period as displayed on such day and time on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen that displays such rate (or, in the event such rate does not appear on a Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); provided that, if the LIBO Screen Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement; provided further, that the foregoing shall not be applicable to determine the “Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate” and the “CB Floating Rate”.

 

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of Equity Interests or securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such Equity Interests or securities.

 

Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any promissory notes issued pursuant to this Agreement, each Letter of Credit Agreement, the Collateral Documents, the Subordination Agreements, any assignment of representations and warranties insurance or similar agreement and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the

 

28

 

 


 

 

Administrative Agent or any Lenders and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, intercreditors, landlord waivers and access agreements, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, letter of credit agreements and all other written matter whether heretofore (including without limitation any of the foregoing executed in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement), now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in the Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to the Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

 

Loan Parties” means the Borrowers and the Guarantors, if any.

 

Loan Party Guaranty” means any guaranty agreements from any Guarantor delivered in connection with any Loan Document at any time (and for avoidance of doubt, excluding any and all such guaranty agreements of any Persons that are not Guarantors as defined herein delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement) as are requested by the Administrative Agent and its counsel, in each case as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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

 

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

 

"Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, property or financial condition of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Loan Parties to perform any of their Obligations, or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent of the Lenders under the Loan Documents, including without limitation the Collateral and the priority of the Administrative Agent’s Liens thereon.

 

Material Agreement” means any agreement listed on Schedule 3.21.

 

Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Loan Parties in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $5,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the “obligations” of any Loan Party in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that such Loan Party would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.15.

 

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

 

Mortgages” means any mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement from any Loan Party granting a Lien on any of its real property delivered in connection with any Loan Document at any time (either before, concurrently or after the Effective Date, and including without limitation any of the foregoing delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement), each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, entered into by any Loan Party at any time for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

29

 

 


 

 

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

 

Net Book Value” means the net book value of any asset, taking into account diminutions, depreciations and other accounting charges, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Net Orderly Liquidation Value” means, with respect to Inventory or Equipment of any Person, the orderly liquidation value thereof as determined in a manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent by an appraiser acceptable to the Administrative Agent, net of all costs of liquidation thereof.

 

"Net Cash Proceeds" means, without duplication (a) in connection with any sale or other disposition of any asset or any settlement by, or receipt of payment in respect of, any property insurance claim or condemnation award, the cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received) of such sale, settlement or payment, net of documented attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, investment banking fees, amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien expressly permitted hereunder on any asset which is the subject of such sale, insurance claim or condemnation award (other than any Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) and other fees actually incurred in connection therewith and net of taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and of any other costs incurred in connection with such sale, disposition, settlement or receipt and (b) in connection with any issuance or sale of any equity securities or debt securities or instruments or the incurrence of loans, the cash proceeds received from such issuance or incurrence, net of investment banking fees, documented attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, underwriting discounts and commissions and other fees and expenses actually  incurred in connection therewith.

 

Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) determined for Alta Group and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that the following shall be excluded from the calculation of Net Income: (a) the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with Alta Group or any Subsidiary, (b) the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which Alta Group or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by Alta Group or such Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions and (c) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary (other than a Borrower), to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by the terms of any contractual obligation (other than under any Loan Document) or Requirement of Law applicable to such Subsidiary.

 

NITCO” means NITCO, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.

 

NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

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

 

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

 

30

 

 


 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

"Other Taxes" means any present or future stamp, court, documentary intangible, recording, filing or similar other excise or property Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, or from the registration, 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 under Section 2.18(b)).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

31

 

 


 

 

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

 

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

 

Payment Condition” shall be deemed to be satisfied in connection with a Restricted Payment or a Permitted Acquisition if:

 

 

(a)

no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition and the Loans (if any) requested to be made and other Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith on a pro forma basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent after giving effect to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 5.01(b)(i);

 

 

 

(b)

both before and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition and the Loans (if any) requested to be made and other Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct,

 

 

 

(c)

immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition and at all times during the 60-day period immediately prior to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition, the Borrowers shall have Availability calculated on a on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent of not less than 17.5% of the Revolving Commitment; and

 

 

 

(d)

the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to the items described in (a), (b) and (c) above and attaching calculations in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

 

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

 

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

 

Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by a Loan Party in a transaction that (i) is consented to in writing by Required Lenders in their sole discretion or (ii) otherwise satisfies each of the following requirements:

 

 

(a)

such Acquisition is not a hostile or contested Acquisition;

 

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

(ii)shall have generated a positive amount of earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (calculated in substantially the same manner as Consolidated EBITDA less any noncash gains or losses on the sale of fixed or capital assets offset for gains from the sale of fixed or capital assets calculated (x) at the price at which the applicable business sold the applicable asset, minus (y) such business’s initial purchase price of such asset (for the avoidance of doubt, without reducing this clause (y) for any

 

32

 

 


 

 

depreciation or amortization thereof)), less unfinanced Capital Expenditures, during the twelve-month period most recently ended prior to the date of such Acquisition;

 

 

(c)

the Payment Condition is satisfied;

 

(d)as soon as available, but not less than fifteen (15) days (or such shorter period agreed to by the Administrative Agent) prior to such Acquisition, the Borrower Representative shall have provided the Lenders (i) notice of such Acquisition and (ii) a copy of all business and financial information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, including pro forma financial statements, statements of cash flow, availability projections, a quality of earnings analysis and a certificate, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, demonstrating compliance with the requirements set forth in clause (c) above;

 

(e)if such Acquisition is an acquisition of the Equity Interests of a Person, the Acquisition is structured so that the acquired Person shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Borrower; and

 

(f)no Loan Party shall, as a result of or in connection with any such Acquisition, assume or incur any direct or contingent liabilities (whether relating to environmental, tax, litigation, or other matters) that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Permitted Discretion” means a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) business judgment.

 

Permitted Encumbrances” means:

 

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

 

(b)carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

 

(c)Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) consisting of pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(g)minor imperfections in title that do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of any Loan Party;

 

provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness.

 

33

 

 


 

 

"Permitted Investments" means:

 

(a)direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Permitted Investors” means Greenawalt, Anthony J. Colucci, Craig F. Brubaker, Alan Hammersley, Richard A. Papalia, and Sponsor.

 

Permitted Preferred Equity” means Equity Interests of Alta Group satisfying each of the following conditions: (a) such Equity Interests are preferred with respect to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of Alta Group, over other Equity Interests of any other class of Alta Group, (b) such Equity Interests are not Disqualified Equity, (c) such Equity Interests are on the terms described on Schedule 1.01, with such changes thereto as approved in writing in advance by the Administrative Agent, (d) the aggregate liquidation value of such Equity Interests does not exceed $40,000,000 plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, and (e) any cash dividends, redemptions, repurchases or other distributions or payments thereon are subject to, among other agreements evidencing Indebtedness of Alta Group, the terms of this Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

"Prepayment Events" means:

 

34

 

 


 

 

(a)any Sale (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction) of any property or asset of any Borrower or any Subsidiary with a fair market value equal to or greater than $2,500,000, other than dispositions described in Section 6.03(a)(i);

 

(b)Event of Loss in respect of any property or asset of any Borrower or any Subsidiary with a fair value immediately prior to such event equal to or greater than $2,500,000; or

 

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

 

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

 

Pro Forma Basis” means, with respect to the calculation of any test, financial ratio, basket or covenant under this Agreement, including Consolidated Total Assets, Fixed Charges, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Consolidated EBITDA and definitions used therein, as of any date, that pro forma effect will be given to all applicable transactions in the manner described in Section 1.08.

 

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

 

Proceeds” means (a) all “proceeds,” as defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, with respect to the Collateral, and (b) whatever is recoverable or recovered when any Collateral is sold, exchanged, collected, or disposed of, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, whether cash or non-cash.

 

"Projections" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(b).

 

Protective Advance” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.04.

 

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

 

QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

 

QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

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

 

Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is LIBO Rate, 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (2) if such Benchmark is not LIBO Rate, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(b)(iv).

 

35

 

 


 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Reports” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VIII.

 

Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having Credit Exposure and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Credit Exposure and unused Commitments at such time; provided that (a) it shall require at least two Lenders (with any Lenders that are Affiliates constituting one Lender for purposes of this definition) to constitute Required Lenders if there are two or more Lenders party hereto, and (b) the Credit Exposure and unused Commitments of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time.

 

Requirement of Law” means, as to any Person, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws, certificate of organization and operating agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

Reserves” means any and all reserves which the Administrative Agent deems necessary, in its Permitted Discretion, to maintain (including, without limitation, an availability reserve, reserves for accrued and unpaid interest on the Secured Obligations, Banking Services Reserves, reserves for rent at locations leased by any Loan Party and for consignees, reserves for dilution of Accounts, reserves for Inventory shrinkage, reserves for Swap Obligations, reserves for contingent liabilities of any Loan Party, reserves for uninsured losses of any Loan Party, reserves for uninsured, underinsured, un-indemnified or under-indemnified liabilities or potential liabilities with respect to any litigation, reserves for taxes, fees, assessments, and other governmental charges and reserves for parts inventory attached to open work orders) with respect to the Collateral or any Loan Party.

 

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

 

"Restricted Payment" means (i) any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests of any Loan Party, (ii) any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in the any Loan Party or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in any Loan Party or

 

36

 

 


 

 

(iii)management fees, agency fees or other fees or similar amounts payable by any Loan Party to any of its Affiliates.

 

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

 

Revolving Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Revolving Termination Date.

 

Revolving Borrowing Base” means, at any time, the sum of

 

 

(a)

85% of Eligible Accounts at such time, plus

 

(b)the product of 85% multiplied by the Net Orderly Liquidation Value percentage identified in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered by the Administrative Agent (such product not to be greater than 65%) in each case multiplied by Eligible Parts Inventory, valued at the lower of cost or market value, determined on a first-in-first-out basis, plus

 

(c)the product of 85% multiplied by the Net Orderly Liquidation Value percentage identified in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered by the Administrative Agent (such product not to be greater than 100%) in each case multiplied by Eligible Equipment Inventory – Used Fleet, valued at the Net Book Value, plus

 

(d)the product of 85% multiplied by the Net Orderly Liquidation Value percentage identified in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered by the Administrative Agent (such product not to be greater than 80%), in each case multiplied by Eligible Equipment Inventory - New, valued at the lower of cost or market value, determined on a first-in-first-out basis, plus

 

(e)the product of 85% multiplied by the Net Orderly Liquidation Value percentage identified in the most recent inventory appraisal ordered by the Administrative Agent multiplied by Eligible  Equipment Inventory – Rental Fleet, valued at the Net Book Value, determined on a first-in-first-out basis, plus

 

 

(f)

80% of Net Book Value of Eligible Equipment Inventory - Unappraised at such time, minus

 

 

(g)

Reserves.

 

The Administrative Agent may, in its Permitted Discretion, reduce the advance rates set forth above, adjust Reserves or reduce one or more of the other elements used in computing the Revolving Borrowing Base. Notwithstanding the foregoing and for greater certainty, any Floor Plan Priority Collateral will be excluded from the Revolving Borrowing Base.

 

Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Revolving Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum possible aggregate amount of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08, (b) increased from time to time pursuant to Section 2.04 or 2.21 and reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable. As of the Effective Date, the aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments is $350,000,000.

 

37

 

 


 

 

Revolving Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans, its LC Exposure and its Swingline Exposure at such time, plus (b) an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Protective Advances outstanding at such time, plus (c) an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Overadvances outstanding at such time.

 

Revolving Lender” means each Lender that has a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have been terminated, Revolving Exposure, in its capacity as holder thereof.

 

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

 

Revolving Termination Date” means the earliest of (a) the date on which the Revolving Commitments are reduced to zero or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof, (b) April 1, 2026, or (c) December 31, 2025 if any of the Second Lien Notes are outstanding on December 31, 2025.

 

"Sale” means the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets, other than an Event of

Loss.

 

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

 

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

 

(c)

any Person otherwise the subject of any Sanctions.

 

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

 

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw Hill Companies,

Inc.

 

"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission.

 

Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means an intercreditor agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, dated as of the Effective Date, among the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Floor Plan Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Second Lien Indenture” means the Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among Alta Group, the guarantors thereunder and the Second Lien Representative, as amended, refinanced, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

38

 

 


 

 

Second Lien Notes” means the 5.625% senior secured second lien notes due 2026 in the aggregate principal amount of $315,000,000 issued by the Borrowers on the Effective Date under the Second Lien Indenture.

 

Second Lien Documents” means the “Second Lien Documents” as defined in the Second Lien Indenture.

 

Second Lien Representative” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent under any of the Second Lien Documents, or any successor trustee and collateral agent under any of the Second Lien Documents.

 

Second Lien Holders” means the Persons referred to as “Holders” in the Second Lien Indenture.

 

Second Lien Obligations” means the “Second Lien Obligations” as defined in the Second Lien Indenture.

 

"Secured Obligations" means, collectively, (i) the Obligations, (ii) the Banking Services Obligations and (iii) Secured Swap Obligations; provided, however, that the definition of “Secured Obligations” shall not create any Guarantee by any Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Guarantor.

 

Secured Parties” means the holders of the Secured Obligations from time to time and shall include (i) each Lender and the Issuing Bank in respect of its Loans and LC Exposure respectively, (ii) the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders in respect of all other present and future obligations and liabilities of the each Loan Party of every type and description arising under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (iii) each Lender and Affiliate of such Lender in respect of Swap Agreements entered into with such Person by any Loan Party, (iv) each Lender and Affiliate of such Lender in respect of Banking Services provided by such Person to any Loan Party, (v) each indemnified party under Section 9.03 in respect of the obligations and liabilities of the Borrowers to such Person hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and (vi) their respective successors and (in the case of a Lender, permitted) transferees and assigns.

 

Secured Swap Obligations” of a Person means any and all obligations of such Person, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements permitted hereunder to the extent the provider of such Swap Agreement is a Lender or was a Lender or an Affiliate of any such Lender at the time such Swap Agreement is entered into, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction described in the foregoing clause (a).

 

"Security Agreement" means each security agreement, pledge agreement, pledge and security agreement and similar agreement and any other agreement from any Loan Party granting a Lien on any of its personal property (including without limitation any Equity Interests owned by such Loan Party) delivered in connection with any Loan Document at any time (either before, concurrently or after the Effective Date, and including without limitation any of the foregoing delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement), each in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent, entered into by any Loan Party at any time for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Settlement Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(c).

 

39

 

 


 

 

SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at approximately 8:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

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

 

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

 

Sponsor” means, collectively, B. Riley Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“B. Riley Financial”) and any Affiliates of B. Riley Financial which are (a) directly or indirectly controlled by B. Riley Financial and (b) organized primarily for making debt and/or equity investments in one or more companies.

 

Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f).

 

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

 

Subordinated Debt” means any Indebtedness or other obligations of any Loan Party satisfying each of the following conditions: (a) the payment and priority thereof is subordinated to the payment of the Secured Obligations, including customary payment blockage and other customary provisions, all in a manner, including a Subordination Agreement, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, (b) any maturity thereof is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, and (c) the other terms and conditions thereof, including pricing, covenants and defaults, are otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders.

 

Subordinated Debt Documents” means any document, agreement or instrument evidencing any Subordinated Debt or entered into in connection with any Subordinated Debt.

 

"Subordination Agreements" means, collectively, all present and future subordination agreements between the Administrative Agent, the Loan Parties and the holders of any Subordinated Debt with respect to Subordinated Debt in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders and as amended or modified from time to time as permitted hereunder.

 

subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such

 

40

 

 


 

 

date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

 

Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of any Loan Party.

 

Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, spot, future, credit default or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries or the Guarantors, if any, shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

Swap Obligations” of a Person means any and all obligations of such Person (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceedings, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceedings), whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all  renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements permitted hereunder, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction.

 

Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time.

 

Swingline Lender” means JPMCB, in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.

 

Swingline Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.04.

 

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

 

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

 

Term SOFR Notice” means a notification by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative of the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event.

 

Term SOFR Transition Event” means the determination by the Administrative Agent that (a) Term SOFR has been recommended for use by the Relevant Governmental Body, (b) the administration of Term SOFR is administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent and (c) a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, has previously occurred resulting in a Benchmark Replacement in accordance with Section 2.13 that is not Term SOFR.

 

Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of the Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof, the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of all Floor Plan Loan Documents and Second

 

41

 

 


 

 

Lien Documents and the issuance of the Second Lien Notes on the Effective Date and the transactions related thereto and the payment of fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

 

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the CB Floating Rate.

 

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

 

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

Code.

 

U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.16(f)(ii)(B)(3).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Volvo” means Volvo Construction Equipment, LLC.

 

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

 

"Withholding Agent" means any Loan Party and the Administrative Agent.

 

42

 

 


 

 

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

 

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing”).

 

SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition, and (g) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Borrowers notify the Administrative Agent that the Borrowers request an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrowers that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such

 

43

 

 


 

 

notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. For purposes of calculating all financial covenants and all other covenants and, in each case, all defined terms used therein, any Acquisition or any sale or other disposition outside the ordinary course of business by any Loan Party of any asset or group of related assets in one or a series of related transactions, including the incurrence of any Indebtedness and any related financing or other transactions in connection with any of the foregoing, occurring during the period for which such matters are calculated shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the relevant period for which such matters were calculated on a Pro Forma Basis. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of any Loan Party at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.

 

SECTION 1.05. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notification. The interest rate on Eurodollar Loans  is determined by reference to the LIBO Rate, which is derived from the London interbank offered rate. The London interbank offered rate is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that, after the end of 2021, it would no longer persuade or compel contributing banks to make rate submissions to the ICE Benchmark Administration (together with any successor to the ICE Benchmark Administrator, the “IBA”) for purposes of the IBA setting the London interbank offered rate. As a result, it is possible that commencing in 2022, the London interbank offered rate may no longer be available or may no longer be deemed an appropriate reference rate upon which to determine the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans. In light of this eventuality, public and private sector industry initiatives are currently underway to identify new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of the London interbank offered rate. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, Section 2.13(c) and (d) provide the mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower Representative, pursuant to Section 2.13(f), of any change to the reference rate upon which the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans is based. However, the Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to the London interbank offered rate or other rates in the definition of “LIBO Rate” or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof (including, without limitation, (i) any such alternative, successor or replacement rate implemented pursuant to Section 2.13(c) or (d), whether upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, and (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes pursuant to Section 2.13(e)), including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the LIBO Rate or have the same volume or liquidity as did the London interbank offered rate prior to its discontinuance or unavailability.

 

SECTION 1.06. Status of Obligations. In the event that any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall at any time issue or have outstanding any Subordinated Debt, such Borrower shall take or cause such other Loan Party to take all such actions as shall be necessary to cause the Secured Obligations to constitute senior indebtedness (however denominated) in respect of such Subordinated Debt and to enable the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such

 

44

 

 


 

 

Subordinated Debt. Without limiting the foregoing, the Secured Obligations are hereby designated as “senior indebtedness” and as “designated senior indebtedness” and words of similar import under and in respect of any indenture or other agreement or instrument under which such Subordinated Debt is outstanding and are further given all such other designations as shall be required under the terms of any such Subordinated Debt in order that the Lenders may have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Debt.

 

SECTION 1.07.  Letters of Credit.  Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a  Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the amount of such Letter of Credit available to be drawn at such time; provided that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Letter of Credit Agreement related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the available amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum amount is available to be drawn at such time. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Article 29(a) of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or similar terms of the Letter of Credit itself, or if compliant documents have been presented but not yet honored, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” and “undrawn” in the amount so remaining available to be paid, and the obligations of the Borrower and each Lender shall remain in full force and effect until the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall have no further obligations to make any payments or disbursements under any circumstances with respect to any Letter of Credit.

 

SECTION 1.08. Pro Forma Adjustments. To the extent a Borrower or  any  Subsidiary makes any Permitted Acquisition, any Disposition outside the ordinary course of business permitted by Section 6.05 or any permitted investment, merger, consolidation or discontinuance of operations during the period of four Fiscal Quarters most recently ended, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma adjustments arising out of events which are directly attributable to such Permitted Acquisition, Disposition, investment, merger, consolidation or discontinued operations, are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact, in each case as determined on a basis consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the SEC, and as certified by a Financial Officer of such Borrower), as if such Permitted Acquisition, Disposition, investment, merger, consolidation or discontinued operations (and any related incurrence, repayment or assumption of Indebtedness) had occurred in the first day of such four Fiscal Quarter period and, without duplication, to all adjustments of the type described in the definition of "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” and all defined terms used therein to the extent such adjustments continue to be applicable to such four Fiscal Quarter period.

 

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

 

 

ARTICLE II  The Credits

 

45

 

 


 

 

SECTION 2.01. Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Revolving Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrowers from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in

(a)such Lender's Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender's Revolving Commitment or (b) the sum of the total Revolving Exposures exceeding the lesser of (i) the total Revolving Commitments and (ii) the Revolving Borrowing Base, subject to the Administrative Agent’s authority, in its sole discretion, to make Protective Advances and Overadvances pursuant to the terms of Section 2.04. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the applicable Borrower(s) may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.

 

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings. (a) Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. Any Protective Advance, any Overadvance and any Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.04. The Loans shall amortize as set forth in Section 2.09.

 

(b)Subject to Section 2.13, each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of CBFR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower Representative may request in accordance herewith. Each Swingline Loan shall be a CBFR Loan. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(c)At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than

$1,000,000. At the time that each CBFR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $50,000 and not less than $100,000; provided that a CBFR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Revolving Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(e). Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is not less than an amount required by the Swingline Lender from time to time. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of five Eurodollar Borrowings outstanding with respect to all Revolving Loan.

 

(d)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrowers shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested would end after the Revolving Termination Date.

 

SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering a Borrowing Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative or through Electronic System if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent (or if an Extenuating Circumstance shall exist, by telephone) not later than (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, noon, Chicago time, three (3) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an CBFR Borrowing, noon, Chicago time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an CBFR Revolving Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 11:00 a.m., Chicago time, on the date of such proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and each such telephonic Borrowing Request, if permitted, shall be confirmed immediately upon the cessation of the

46

 

 


 

Extenuating Circumstance by hand delivery, facsimile or a communication through Electronic System to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative. Each such written (or if permitted, telephonic) Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

 

 

(i)

the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;

 

 

(ii)

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

 

 

(iii)

whether such Borrowing is to be a CBFR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;

 

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

 

(v)the location and number of the applicable Borrower's account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06; and

 

 

(vi)

the name of the applicable Borrower.

 

If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be a CBFR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, then the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one (1) month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.04. Swingline Loans; Overadvances and Protective Advances. (a) The Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Revolving Lenders agree that in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, promptly after the Borrower Representative requests an CBFR Borrowing, the Swingline Lender may elect, in its sole discretion and without any obligation, to have the terms of this Section 2.04(a) apply to such Borrowing Request by advancing, on behalf of the Revolving Lenders and in the amount requested, same day funds to the Borrowers, on the date of the applicable Borrowing to the Funding Account(s) (each such Loan made solely by the Swingline Lender pursuant to this Section 2.04(a) is referred to in this Agreement as a “Swingline Loan”), with settlement among them as to the Swingline Loans to take place on a periodic basis as set forth in Section 2.04(d). Each Swingline Loan shall be subject to all the terms and conditions applicable to other CBFR Loans funded by the Revolving Lenders, except that all payments thereon shall be payable to the Swingline Lender solely for its own account. In addition, the Borrowers hereby authorize the Swingline Lender to, and the Swingline Lender may, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein (but without any further written notice required), not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago time, on each Business Day, make available to the Borrowers by means of a credit to the Funding Account(s), the proceeds of a Swingline Loan to the extent necessary to pay items to be drawn on any Controlled Disbursement Account that Business Day; provided that, if on any Business Day there is insufficient borrowing capacity to permit the Swingline Lender to make available to the Borrowers a Swingline Loan in the amount necessary to pay all items to be so drawn on any such Controlled Disbursement Account on such Business Day, then the Borrowers shall be deemed to have requested a CBFR Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.03 in the amount of such deficiency to be made on such Business Day. The aggregate amount of Swingline Loans outstanding at any time shall not exceed $30,000,000. All Swingline Loans shall be CBFR Borrowings.

 

47

 

 


 

 

(b)Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, at the request of the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent may in its sole discretion (but with absolutely no obligation), on behalf of the Revolving Lenders, (x) make Revolving Loans to the Borrowers in amounts that exceed Availability (any such excess Revolving Loans are herein referred to collectively as “Overadvances”) or (y) deem the amount of Revolving Loans outstanding to the Borrowers that are in excess of Availability to be Overadvances; provided that, no Overadvance shall result in a Default due to Borrowers’ failure to comply with Section 2.01 for so long as such Overadvance remains outstanding in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, but solely with respect to the amount of such Overadvance. In addition, Overadvances may be made even if the condition precedent set forth in Section 4.02(c) has not been satisfied. All Overadvances shall constitute CBFR Borrowings. The making of an Overadvance on any one occasion shall not obligate the Administrative Agent to make any Overadvance on any other occasion. The authority of the Administrative Agent to make Overadvances is limited to an aggregate amount not to exceed $30,000,000 at any time, no Overadvance may remain outstanding for more than thirty days and no Overadvance shall cause any Revolving Lender's Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment; provided that, the Required Lenders may at any time revoke the Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Overadvances. Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof.

 

(c)Upon the making of a Swingline Loan or an Overadvance (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default and regardless of whether a Settlement has been requested with respect to such Swingline Loan or Overadvance), each Revolving Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from the Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Swingline Loan or Overadvance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage of the Revolving Commitment. The Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent may, at any time, require  the Revolving Lenders to fund their participations. From and after the date, if any, on which any Revolving Lender is required to fund its participation in any Swingline Loan or Overadvance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Swingline Loan or Overadvance.

 

(d)The Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Swingline Lender, shall request settlement (a “Settlement”) with the Revolving Lenders on at least a weekly basis or on any date that the Administrative Agent elects, by notifying the Revolving Lenders of such requested Settlement by facsimile, telephone, or e-mail no later than 12:00 noon Chicago time on the date of such requested Settlement (the “Settlement Date”). Each Revolving Lender (other than the Swingline Lender, in the case of the Swingline Loans) shall transfer the amount of such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the applicable Loan with respect to which Settlement is requested to the Administrative Agent, to such account of the Administrative Agent as the Administrative Agent may designate, not later than 2:00 p.m., Chicago time, on such Settlement Date. Settlements may occur during the existence of a Default and whether or not the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have then been satisfied. Such amounts transferred to the Administrative Agent shall be applied against the amounts of the Swingline Lender’s Swingline Loans and, together with Swingline Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan, shall constitute Revolving Loans of such Revolving Lenders, respectively. If any such amount is not transferred to the Administrative Agent by any Revolving Lender on such Settlement Date, the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender on demand such amount, together with interest thereon, as specified in Section 2.06.

 

(e)Subject to the limitations set forth below, the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrowers and the Lenders, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion (but shall have absolutely no obligation to), to make Loans to the Borrowers, on behalf of all Lenders, which the Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems necessary or desirable (i) to preserve or protect

 

48

 

 


 

 

the Collateral, or any portion thereof, (ii) to enhance the likelihood of, or maximize the amount of, repayment of the Loans and other Obligations, or (iii) to pay any other amount chargeable to or required to be paid by the Borrowers pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including payments of reimbursable expenses (including costs, fees, and expenses as described in Section 9.03) and other sums payable under the Loan Documents (any of such Loans are herein referred to as “Protective Advances”); provided that, the aggregate amount of Protective Advances outstanding at any time shall not at any time exceed $30,000,000; provided further that, the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all Lenders after giving effect to the Protective Advances being made shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments of all Lenders. Protective Advances may be made even if the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02  have not been satisfied. The Protective Advances shall be secured by the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent in and to the Collateral and shall constitute Obligations hereunder. All Protective Advances shall be CBFR Borrowings. The making of a Protective Advance on any one occasion shall  not obligate the Administrative Agent to make any Protective Advance on any other occasion. The Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Protective Advances may be revoked at any time by the Required Lenders. Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof. At any time that there is sufficient Availability and the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have been satisfied, the Administrative Agent may request the Revolving Lenders to make a Revolving Loan to repay a Protective Advance. At any other time the Administrative Agent may require the Lenders to fund their risk participations described in Section 2.04(f).

 

(f)Upon the making of a Protective Advance by the Administrative Agent (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default), each Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from the Administrative Agent, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Protective Advance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage. From and after the date, if any, on which any Lender is required to fund its participation in any Protective Advance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Protective Advance.

 

 

(g)

Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.04 to the contrary, references in this Section

2.04 to a “Lender” or “Lenders” shall be to a “Revolving Lender” or “Revolving Lenders”, respectively.

 

SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit. (a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower Representative, on behalf of the Borrowers, may request the issuance of Letters of Credit as the applicant thereof for the support of the obligations of any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any Letter of Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, each Existing Letter of Credit shall, without any further action by any party, be deemed to have been issued as a Letter of Credit hereunder on the Effective Date and shall for all purposes hereof be treated as a Letter of Credit under this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Issuing Bank shall have no obligation hereunder to issue, and shall not issue, any Letter of Credit (i) the proceeds of which would be made available to any Person (A) to fund any activity or business of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of any Sanctions or (B) in any manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any party to this Agreement, (ii) if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Requirement of Law relating to the Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the Issuing Bank shall prohibit, or

 

49

 

 


 

 

request that the Issuing Bank refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon the Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which the Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it, or (iii) if the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed not to be in effect on the Effective Date for purposes of clause (ii) above, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

 

(b)Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower Representative shall hand deliver or facsimile (or transmit through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Issuing Bank) to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, but in any event no less than three Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. In addition, as a condition to any such Letter of Credit issuance, the applicable Borrower shall have entered into a continuing agreement (or other letter of credit agreement) for the issuance of letters of credit and/or shall submit a letter of credit application, in each case, as required by the Issuing Bank and using such Issuing Bank’s standard form (each, a “Letter of Credit Agreement”). A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrowers shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) the LC Exposure shall not exceed $7,000,000, and (ii) the total Revolving Exposures shall not exceed the total Revolving Commitments.

 

(c)Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one (1) year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit or such later date as may be agreed to by the Issuing Bank (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one (1) year after such renewal or extension, or such later date agreed to by the Issuing Bank) and (ii) the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Revolving Termination Date.

 

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

 

50

 

 


 

 

participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments.

 

(e)Reimbursement. If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 12:00 p.m., eastern time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if the Borrower Representative shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 8:00 a.m., eastern time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by the Borrower Representative prior to such time on such date, then not later than 12:00 p.m., eastern time, on

(i)the Business Day that the Borrower Representative receives such notice, if such notice is received  prior to 8:00 a.m., eastern time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower Representative receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt; provided that the Borrowers may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.04 that such payment be financed with a CBFR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrowers’ obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting CBFR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan. If the Borrowers fail to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrowers in respect thereof and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrowers, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.06 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.06 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrowers pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and the Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of CBFR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

 

(f)Obligations Absolute. The Borrowers’ obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, any Letter of Credit Agreement or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by the Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Lenders nor the Issuing Bank, nor any of their respective Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of

 

51

 

 


 

 

Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrowers to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by any Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

 

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

 

(h)Interim Interest. If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrowers reimburse such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to CBFR Revolving Loans; provided that, if the Borrowers fail to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.12(b) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

 

(i)Replacement of the Issuing Bank. Any Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of the Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrowers shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.11(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all  the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of the Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank at any time upon thirty (30) days’ prior

 

52

 

 


 

 

written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and the Lenders, in which case, such resigning Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with this Section 2.05(i).

 

(j)Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower Representative receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrowers shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders (the “LC Collateral Account”), an amount in cash equal to 105% of the amount of the LC Exposure as of such date plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in clause (h) or (i) of Article VII with respect to any Borrower. Such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account and the Borrowers hereby grant the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account. Such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrowers for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers are required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrowers within three (3) Business Days after all such Events of Default have been cured or waived.

 

(k)LC Exposure Determination. For all purposes of this Agreement, the amount of a Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at the time of determination.

 

(l)Lender References. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 2.05 to the contrary, references in this Section 2.05 to a “Lender” or “Lenders” shall be to a “Revolving Lender” or “Revolving Lenders”, respectively.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings. (a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 11:00

 

53

 

 


 

 

a.m., eastern time, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, and by 2:00 p.m., eastern time, in the case of a CBFR Borrowing, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage; provided that Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.04. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the applicable Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to the Funding Account; provided that CBFR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of (i) an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank and (ii) a Protective Advance or an Overadvance shall be retained by the Administrative Agent.

 

(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing and prior to 2:00 p.m., eastern time, on the proposed date of any Borrowing in the case of a CBFR Borrowing, that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable 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 Borrowers each severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the applicable Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of a Borrower, the interest rate applicable to CBFR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing; provided, that any interest received from the Borrowers by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning when Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections. (a) Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the applicable Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The Borrowers may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.

 

(b)To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering an Interest Election Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative or through Electronic System if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent (or if an Extenuating Circumstance shall exist, by telephone) by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrowers were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and each such telephonic Interest Election Request, if permitted, shall be confirmed immediately upon the cessation of the Extenuating Circumstance by hand delivery, Electronic System or facsimile to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative.

 

54

 

 


 

 

(c)Each written (or if permitted, telephonic) Interest Election Request (including requests submitted through Electronic System) shall specify the following information in compliance  with  Section 2.02:

 

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

 

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

 

(iii)whether the resulting Borrowing is to be a CBFR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and

 

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

 

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one (1) month’s duration.

 

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

 

(e)If the applicable Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to a CBFR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the applicable Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Borrowing shall be converted to a CBFR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

 

SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments. (a) Unless previously terminated, the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Termination Date.

 

(b)The Borrowers may at any time terminate the Revolving Commitments upon (i) the payment in full of all outstanding Revolving Loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon and on any Letters of Credit and (ii) the cancellation and return of all outstanding Letters of Credit (or alternatively, with respect to each such Letter of Credit, the furnishing to the Administrative Agent of a cash deposit (or at the Permitted Discretion of the Administrative Agent a back-up standby letter of credit satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) equal to the LC Exposure as of such date).

 

(c)The Borrowers may from time to time reduce the Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $1,000,000 and shall reduce all Commitments of any Class on a pro rata basis and (ii) the Borrowers shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans in accordance herewith, the aggregate Revolving

 

55

 

 


 

 

Exposure would exceed the lesser of the aggregate Revolving Commitments and the Revolving Borrowing Base.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.09. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt. (a) The Borrowers hereby jointly and severally unconditionally promise to pay: (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Revolving Termination Date, (ii) to the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earliest of (x) the Revolving Termination Date, (y) the date five (5) Business Days after demand by the Swingline Lender in its reasonable discretion if no Event of Default exists and (z) the demand by the Swingline Lender in its discretion if an Event of Default exists, (iii) to the Administrative Agent the then unpaid amount of each Protective Advance on the earlier of the Revolving Termination Date and demand by the Administrative Agent to the Administrative Agent, and (iv) the then unpaid principal amount of each Overadvance on the earlier of the Revolving Termination Date and demand by the Administrative Agent.

 

(b)At all times during any Cash Dominion Period, on each Business Day, the Administrative Agent shall apply all funds credited to the Collection Account on such Business Day or the immediately preceding Business Day (at the discretion of the Administrative Agent, whether or not immediately available) first to prepay any Protective Advances and Overadvances that may be outstanding, pro rata, and second to prepay the Revolving Loans (including Swingline Loans) and to cash collateralize outstanding LC Exposure. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent any funds credited to the Collection Account constitute Net Cash Proceeds in respect of any Prepayment Event, the application of such Net Cash Proceeds shall be subject to Section 2.10(e).

 

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

 

(d)The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto,

(ii)the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

 

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

 

56

 

 


 

 

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

 

SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans. (a) Each Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part without premium or penalty but subject to breakfunding payments required pursuant to Section 2.15 and subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (e) of this Section.

 

(b)Except for Overadvances permitted hereunder, in the event and on such occasion that the total Revolving Exposure exceeds the lesser of (A) the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the Revolving Borrowing Base, the Borrowers shall jointly and severally unconditionally prepay the Revolving Exposure in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

 

(c)In the event and on each occasion that any Net Cash Proceeds are received by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in respect of any Prepayment Event, the Borrowers shall, promptly after such Net Cash Proceeds are received by any Loan Party or Subsidiary, jointly and severally unconditionally prepay the Credit Exposure in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds; provided that, in the case of any event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of  the term "Prepayment Events", if the Borrower Representative delivers to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer to the effect that the Loan Parties intend to apply the Net Cash Proceeds from such event (or a portion thereof specified in such certificate), within 180 days after receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, to acquire (or replace or rebuild) real property, equipment or other tangible assets to be used in the business of the Loan Parties, and certifying that no Default has occurred and is continuing, then either (i) so long as a Cash Dominion Period is not in effect, no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this paragraph in respect of the Net Cash Proceeds specified in such certificate or (ii) if a Cash Dominion Period is in effect, then, if the Net Cash Proceeds specified in such certificate are to be applied to acquire, replace or rebuild such assets by (A) the Borrowers, such Net Cash Proceeds shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reduce the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loans (without a permanent reduction of the Revolving Commitment) and upon such application, the Administrative Agent shall establish a Reserve against the Revolving Borrowing Base in an amount equal to the amount of such proceeds so applied and (B) any Loan Party that is not a Borrower, such Net Cash Proceeds shall be deposited in a cash collateral account, and in the case of either (A) or (B), thereafter, such funds shall be made available to the applicable Loan Party as follows:

 

(1)the Borrower Representative shall request a Revolving Borrowing (specifying that the request is to use Net Cash Proceeds pursuant to this Section) or the applicable Loan Party shall request a release from the cash collateral account be made in the amount needed;

(2)so long as the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 have been met, the Revolving Lenders shall make such Revolving Borrowing; and

(3)the Reserve established with respect to such insurance proceeds shall be reduced by the amount of such Revolving Borrowing;

 

provided that to the extent of any such Net Cash Proceeds therefrom that have not been so used to acquire (or replace or rebuild) real property, equipment or other tangible assets to be used in the business of the Loan Parties (or committed to be so used) by the end of such 180-day period, a prepayment shall be

 

57

 

 


 

 

required at such time in an amount equal to such Net Cash Proceeds that have not been so applied. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any prepayment as a result of a Prepayment Event under clause (c) of the definition of Prepayment Event shall reduce the Revolving Commitments by the amount of such prepayment.

 

 

(d)

[intentionally reserved].

 

(e)The applicable Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender) by telephone (confirmed by facsimile)  or through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, of any prepayment hereunder (i) noon, Chicago time, (A) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Borrowing, three (3) Business Days before the date of prepayment, or (B) in the case of prepayment of a CBFR Borrowing, one (1) Business Day before the date of prepayment or (ii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 11:00 a.m., eastern time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the related Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.08, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.08. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing, in each case any such prepayments shall be accompanied by

(i) accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.12 and (ii) any breakfunding payments required pursuant to Section 2.15.

 

(f)All prepayments under Sections 2.10(c), (d) or (e) shall be applied to the Revolving Exposure until paid in full (with no corresponding reduction in the Revolving Commitments, except any prepayment as a result of clause (d) of the definition of “Prepayment Events" will reduce the Revolving Commitments by a corresponding amount). Within the parameters of the applications set forth above, prepayments shall be applied first to CBFR Loans and then to Eurodollar Loans (in the case of Eurodollar Loans, in direct order of Interest Period maturities).

 

SECTION 2.11. Fees. (a) The Borrowers jointly and severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin on the average daily amount of the Available Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which such Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminate. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the first day of each month and on the date on which any of the Revolving Commitments terminate, as applicable, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

(b)The Borrowers jointly and severally agree to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin on the average daily amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to the Issuing Bank (x) a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.25% (or such other percentage as is agreed upon by the Issuing Bank and the Borrowers) per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC

 

58

 

 


 

 

Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure and (y) the Issuing Bank’s standard fees and commissions with respect to the issuance, amendment, cancellation, negotiation, transfer, presentment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued shall be payable in arrears on the first day of each month, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within ten (10) days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

(c)The Borrowers jointly and severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon in writing between the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.12. Interest.

 

(a)Revolving Credit Loans that are (i) CBFR Borrowings shall bear interest at the CB Floating Rate plus the Applicable Margin and (ii) Eurodollar Borrowings shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Margin. Each Swingline Loan shall bear interest at the CBFR plus the Applicable Margin, other than Swingline Loans for which an alternate interest rate is agreed upon between the Borrowers and the Swingline Lender (which shall bear interest at such rate). Each Protective Advance and each Overadvance shall bear  interest at the CBFR plus the Applicable Margin plus 2%.Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, (x) for purposes of the interest rate on all Loans outstanding and the fees under Section 2.11(b)(i) on all Letters of Credit outstanding, the Applicable Margin (other than with respect to commitment fees) shall be increased by 3% and (y) interest shall accrue on all other amounts outstanding hereunder that are due hereunder at 3% plus the rate applicable to CBFR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section, in each case:

 

 

(i)

automatically upon the occurrence of any Event of Default under clauses (h) or

 

(i)

of Article VII until such Event of Default is no longer continuing; and

 

(ii)in the event any other Event of Default is continuing, upon a declaration by the Required Lenders (at their option) by written notice to the Borrowers that they elect to have such interest and fees accrue until such Event of Default is no longer continuing or such notice is revoked by Required Lenders (which revocation shall be at the option of Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.02).

 

(c)Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and upon termination of the related Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of a CBFR Revolving Loan), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment, and

 

59

 

 


 

 

(iii)in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

 

(d)All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the CB Floating Rate at times when the CB Floating Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day), and payable jointly and severally by the Borrowers. The applicable CB Floating Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality.

 

(a)Subject to clauses (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) of this Section 2.13, if prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:

 

(i)the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable (including, without limitation, by means of an Interpolated Rate or because the LIBO Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis) for such Interest Period; provided that no Benchmark Transition Event shall have occurred at such time; or

 

(ii)the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

 

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower Representative and the Lenders through Electronic System as provided in Section 9.01 as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower Representative and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (A) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective and any such Eurodollar Borrowing shall be repaid or converted into a CBFR Borrowing on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto, and (B) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as a CBFR Borrowing.

 

(b)If any Lender determines that any Requirement of Law has made it unlawful, or if any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable lending office to make, maintain, fund or continue any Eurodollar Borrowing, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower Representative through the Administrative Agent, any obligations of such Lender to make, maintain, fund or continue Eurodollar Loans or to convert CBFR Borrowings to Eurodollar Borrowings will be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrowers will upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), either prepay or convert all Eurodollar Borrowings of such Lender to CBFR Borrowings, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Borrowings to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrowers will also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

 

 

(c)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, (and

 

60

 

 


 

 

any Swap Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 2.13), if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

 

(d)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document and subject to the proviso below in this paragraph, if a Term SOFR Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder or under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that, this clause (d) shall not be effective unless the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative a Term SOFR Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to deliver a Term SOFR Notice after a Term SOFR Transition Event and may do so in its sole discretion.

 

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

 

(f)The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower Representative and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 2.13, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.13.

 

(g)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then- current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or LIBO Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to

 

61

 

 


 

 

time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was  removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs. (a) If any Change in Law shall:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(b)If any Lender or the Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital  or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's capital or on the capital of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing

 

62

 

 


 

 

Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's policies and the policies of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

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

 

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

 

SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default, any required prepayment or any replacement of Revolving Loans due to a re-allocation under the last paragraph of Section 2.04), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.08(d) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or

(d)the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.18, then, in any such event, the applicable Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to  the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certificate in reasonable detail of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrowers and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

 

SECTION 2.16. Taxes. (a) Withholding Taxes; Gross-Up; Payments Free of Taxes. Any  and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Borrower under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any

 

63

 

 


 

 

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 Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.16), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

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

 

(c)Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrowers to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.16, the Borrower Representative shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment, or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

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

 

 

(f)

Status of Lenders.

 

(i)Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent

 

64

 

 


 

 

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 Representative or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.16(f)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

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

 

(A)any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent), an executed copy of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

 

(B)any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

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

 

(2)in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

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

 

65

 

 


 

 

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

 

(C)any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

(D)if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower Representative 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.

 

(E)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 Representative and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(g)Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.16 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.16), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 2.16 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental

 

66

 

 


 

 

Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the  indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph (g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(h)Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.16 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document (including the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations).

 

(i)Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 2.16, the term “Lender” includes any  Issuing Bank and the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

 

SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs. (a) The Borrowers shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement  of  LC  Disbursements,  or  of  amounts  payable  under  Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, or otherwise) prior to 1:00 p.m., eastern time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at such office designated by the Administrative Agent, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that any payment pursuant to Section 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 or 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. Unless otherwise provided herein, if any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars.

 

(b)Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all payments and any proceeds of Collateral or payments on Loan Party Guaranties received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrowers), (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.10) or (C) amounts to be applied from the Collection Account during a Cash Dominion Period (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.09(d)) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, such funds shall be applied ratably in the following order (and applied at each level until the Secured Obligations at that level are paid in full before proceeding the next lower level) as follows:

 

first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements including amounts then due to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Secured Swap Obligations),

 

second, to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Secured Swap Obligations),

 

67

 

 


 

 

third, to pay interest and principal then due and payable on the Loans, unreimbursed LC Disbursements and to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to the aggregate undrawn face amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, ratably (with amounts applied to the any Loans applied to any installments due on any Loans in inverse order of maturity),

 

fourth, to payment of any amounts owing with respect to Secured Swap Obligations and Banking Services Obligations (all such amounts under this “fourth” item being applied ratably in accordance with all such amounts due),

 

fifth, to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any of their Affiliates by any Borrower, and

 

sixth, to the payment of the surplus, if any, to the Borrowers or whoever else may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrowers, or unless an Event of Default is in existence, none of the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Eurodollar Loan of a Class, except (a) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable to any such Eurodollar Loan or (b) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding CBFR Loans of the same Class and, in any event, the Borrowers shall pay any break funding payment required pursuant to Section 2.15. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Secured Obligations arising under Banking Services Obligations or Secured Swap Obligations shall be excluded from the application described above and paid in clause fifth if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof (other than with respect to Banking Services Obligations or Secured Swap Obligations held by any JPMCB Party, of which the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to automatically have received notice thereof), together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably requested from the applicable provider of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

 

(c)If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements to any assignee or participant, other than to any Loan Party or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements

 

68

 

 


 

 

may exercise against any Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation.

 

(d)Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrowers prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank hereunder that the Borrowers will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

(e)If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.04(c), 2.05(d) or (e), 2.06(b), 2.17(c) or 9.03(c), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), (i) apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank to satisfy such Lender’s obligations to it under such Section until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid, and/or (ii) hold any such amounts in a segregated account as cash collateral for, and application to, any future funding obligations of such Lender under any such Section, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) above, in any order as determined by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.

 

(f)The Administrative Agent may from time to time provide the Borrowers with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Secured Obligations (the “Statements”). The Administrative Agent is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrowers’ convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers pay the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrowers shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ right to receive payment in full at another time.

 

(g)At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder, whether made following a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.03 or 2.04 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of the Borrowers maintained with the Administrative Agent. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably authorize (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Loans (including Swingline Loans and Overadvances, but such a Borrowing may only constitute a Protective Advance if it is to reimburse costs, fees and expenses as described in Section 9.03) and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Section 2.03 or 2.04, as applicable, and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.

 

69

 

 


 

 

SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

 

(a)If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if any Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.16, 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 Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

(b)If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender) pursuant to Section 2.16, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to  payments pursuant to Sections 2.14 or 2.16) and obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrowers shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and in circumstances where its consent would be required under Section 9.04, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and funded participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.14 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.16, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (i) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (ii) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

SECTION 2.19. Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

 

(a)fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.11(a);

 

70

 

 


 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(i)all or any part of the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent the sum of all non-Defaulting Lenders’ Credit Exposures plus such Defaulting Lender’s Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure does not exceed the total of all non-Defaulting Lenders’ Commitments;

 

71

 

 


 

 

(ii)if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrowers shall within one (1) Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize for the benefit of the Issuing Bank only the Borrowers’ obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding;

 

(iii)if the Borrowers cash collateralize any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Borrowers shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.11(b)(i) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is cash collateralized;

 

(iv)if the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to clause (i) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.11(a) and Section 2.11(b)(i) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages; and

 

(v)if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Issuing Bank or any other Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.11(b)(i) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to the Issuing Bank until and to the extent that such LC Exposure is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and

 

(e)so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend, renew, extend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure and the Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding LC Exposure will be 100% covered by the Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Borrowers in accordance with Section 2.19(c), and Swingline Exposure related to any such newly made Swingline Loan or LC Exposure related to any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.19(c)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).

 

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

 

In the event that the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank each agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Commitment and on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, and such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or

 

72

 

 


 

 

payments made by or on behalf of the Borrowers while a Lender was a Defaulting Lender; provided, 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 such Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

SECTION 2.20. Appointment of Borrower Representative. Each Borrower hereby appoints the Borrower Representative as its agent, attorney-in-fact and representative for the purpose of (i) making any borrowing requests or other requests required under this Agreement, (ii) the giving and receipt of notices by and to Borrowers under this Agreement, (iii) the delivery of all documents, reports, certificates, financial statements and written materials required to be delivered by Borrowers under this Agreement, and (iv) all other purposes incidental to any of the foregoing. Each Borrower agrees that any action taken by the Borrower Representative as the agent, attorney-in-fact and representative of the Borrowers shall be binding upon each Borrower to the same extent as if directly taken by such Borrower and any notice to the Borrower Representative shall be deemed notice to all Borrowers.

 

SECTION 2.21. Expansion Option.  (a) The Borrowers may from time to time (but not  more than three times after the Effective Date) elect to increase the Revolving Commitments, in each case in minimum increments of $5,000,000 so long as, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of such increases does not exceed $150,000,000. The Borrowers may arrange for any such increase to be provided by one or more Lenders (each Lender so agreeing to an increase in any of its the Revolving Commitments, as applicable, an “Increasing Lender”), or by one or more new banks, financial institutions or other entities, excluding, in each case, any Ineligible Institution (each such new bank, financial institution or other entity, an “Augmenting Lender”), to extend such Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) each Increasing Lender and Augmenting Lender, shall be subject to the approval of the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent and (ii) (x) in the case of an Increasing Lender and an Augmenting Lender, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and each such Augmenting Lender and Increasing Lender execute a Lender Addition and Acknowledgement Agreement. No consent of any Lender (other than the Lenders participating in the increase) shall be required for any increase in the Revolving Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.21.

 

(B)Increases and new Revolving Commitments, as applicable, created pursuant to this Section 2.21 shall become effective on the date agreed by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the relevant Increasing Lenders or Augmenting Lenders, and the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such increase in the Revolving Commitments, as applicable, shall become effective under this paragraph unless, (i) on the proposed date of the effectiveness of such increase, (A) the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02 shall be satisfied or waived by the Required Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated as of such date and executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrowers and the Borrowers shall be in compliance (on a Pro Forma Basis) with the Section 6.13(a), and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have approved such increase and shall have received documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date as to the corporate power and authority of the Borrowers to borrow hereunder after giving effect to such increase.

 

(b)On the effective date of any increase in the Revolving Commitments, as applicable, being made, (i) each relevant Increasing Lender and Augmenting Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding applicable Loans of all the Lenders to equal its Applicable Percentage (as modified by such increase) of such outstanding Loans, and (ii) the Borrowers shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Loans as of the date of any increase in the Revolving Commitments, as applicable (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Loans, with related

 

73

 

 


 

 

Interest Periods if applicable, specified in a notice delivered by the Borrowers, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.03). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Eurodollar Loan, shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods. Nothing contained in this Section 2.21 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase its Revolving Commitment hereunder.

 

SECTION 2.22. Returned Payments. If, after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), the Administrative Agent or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion), then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.22 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.22 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 2.23.Banking Services and Swap Agreements. Each Lender or Affiliate thereof providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after entering into such Banking Services or Swap Agreements, written notice setting forth the aggregate amount of all Banking Services Obligations and Secured Swap Obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof to such Lender or Affiliate (whether matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent). In furtherance of that requirement,  each such Lender or Affiliate thereof shall furnish the Administrative Agent, from time to time after a significant change therein or upon a request therefor, a summary of the amounts due or to become due in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and Secured Swap Obligations. The most recent information provided to the Administrative Agent shall be used in determining which tier of the waterfall, contained in Section 2.17(b), such Banking Services Obligations and/or Secured Swap Obligations will be placed. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as Chase or its Affiliate is the Administrative Agent, neither Chase nor any of its Affiliates providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party shall be required to provide any notice described in this Section 2.23 in respect of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties The Borrowers represent and warrant to the Lenders that:

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each Loan Party is duly organized or formed,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all  requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within each Loan Party’s corporate, company or other organizational powers and have been duly authorized by all

 

74

 

 


 

 

necessary corporate, company or other organizational actions and, if required, actions by equity holders. This Agreement has been duly executed as of the date of this Agreement and delivered by each Loan Party as of the Effective Date and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of each such Loan Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The performance by each Loan Party of its obligations under the Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, operating agreement, by-laws or other organizational documents of any Loan Party or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any material indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Loan Party or its assets (as to any such violation or default to the extent it could result in a Material Adverse Effect), or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by any Loan Party, and (d) other than pursuant to the Collateral Documents and, subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Floor Plan Loan Documents, and, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Second Lien Documents, will not result in the creation or imposition of or other requirement to create, any Lien on any asset of any Loan Party.

 

SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change. (a)  The Borrowers  have heretofore furnished to the Lenders the consolidated balance sheet and statement of income, stockholders equity and cash flows of Alta Enterprises and its Subsidiaries (as described in such audit) as of and for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2020, audited by UHY LLP, independent public accountants, and the consolidated balance sheet and statement of income, stockholders equity and cash flows of Alta Enterprises and its Subsidiaries as of January 31. 2021 prepared by a Financial Officer (collectively, the "Historical Financial Statements"). Such financial statements for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2020 present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and results of operations and cash flows of Alta Enterprises and its Subsidiaries as of such date and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, and such financial statements as of January 31. 2021 present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and results of operations and cash flows of Alta Enterprises and its Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP.

 

(b)The pro forma financial statements and projections delivered to the Administrative Agent prior to the Effective Date for the Fiscal Years ending December 31, 2020 through and including December 31, 2022 of Alta Group (the “Projections”) fairly present in all material respects the pro forma consolidated financial condition of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries after giving effect to the Transactions in accordance with GAAP, and contain reasonable assumptions and give appropriate effect to those assumptions, and are based on estimates and assumptions considered reasonable by Alta Group and the best information available to Alta Group at the time made, and use information consistent with the plans of Alta Group, it being recognized by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, however, that projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts, and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by said projections probably will differ from the projected results and that such differences may be material.

 

 

(c)

Since December 31, 2020 there has been no Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.05. Properties. (a) Each Loan Party has good title to, or valid  leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business, except for minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted.

 

75

 

 


 

 

(b)Each Loan Party owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business, and the use thereof by the Loan Parties does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)As of the date of this Agreement, each Loan Party, including its ownership, is described on Schedule 3.05 hereto. The Loan Parties listed on Schedule 3.05 include all Subsidiaries of each Loan Party. Each Loan Party has and will have all requisite power to own or lease the properties material to its business and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

 

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters. (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened against or affecting any Loan Party (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve this Agreement or the Transactions.

 

(b)Except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has or expects to incur any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

 

(c)Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or materially increased the likelihood of, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Each Loan  Party  is  in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status. No Loan Party is required to register as an "investment company" under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

SECTION 3.09. Taxes. Each Loan Party has timely filed or caused to be filed all federal  and all material state and local Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all material Taxes required to have been paid by it, except Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Loan Party has set aside on its books adequate reserves.

 

SECTION 3.10. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of such Plan. Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Benefit Plan complies with, and has been operated in accordance with, all applicable laws, including ERISA and the Code, and the terms of such Benefit Plan, (ii) no Borrower or Guarantor has any liability for a fine, penalty, damage, or

 

76

 

 


 

 

excise tax with respect to an Benefit Plan, and no Borrower or Guarantor has received notice from a governmental authority, plan administrator, or participant (or any participant's agent) that any such fine, penalty, damage or excise tax may be owing by such Borrower or Guarantor and (iii) each Benefit Plan intended by an Borrower or Guarantor to be qualified under Section 401 of the Code is so qualified.

 

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure. (a) The Borrowers have disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any Loan Party is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of any Borrower (including without limitation any information memorandum provided to any of the Lenders) to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrowers represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time (it being understood that such forecasts or projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Borrowers, and that no Borrower makes no representation as to the attainability of such forecasts or projections or as to whether such forecasts or projections will be achieved or will materialize).

 

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

 

SECTION 3.12. Solvency. After giving effect to the Transactions, (a) the fair value of the assets of each Loan Party, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (b) the present fair saleable value of the assets (including contingent assets) will be sufficient to pay the probable liability of such Loan Party’s debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (c) each Loan Party will be able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; (d) each Loan Party will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted following the Effective Date; (e) no Loan Party is “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101(32) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.), as amended, and any successor statute; and (f) no Loan Party has incurred (by way of assumption or otherwise) any obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) under any Loan Documents, or made any conveyance in connection therewith, with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors of such Loan Party or any of its Affiliates.

 

SECTION 3.13. Security Interest in Collateral. The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and, upon the filing of appropriate financing statements and, with respect to any intellectual property, filings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, and, with respect to real property, the Mortgages, or taking such other action as may be required for perfection under applicable law, such Liens will constitute, to the extent required by the Loan Documents, perfected and continuing Liens on the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations, enforceable against the applicable Loan Party and all third parties, and having priority over all other Liens on the Collateral other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02, to the extent any such Liens would have priority over the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to any applicable law.

 

77

 

 


 

 

SECTION 3.14. Labor Disputes; Etc.. There are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Loan Party pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrowers, threatened. There are no labor controversies pending against or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened against or affecting any Loan Party (i) which could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) that involve this Agreement or the Transactions. The hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters. All payments due from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 3.15. No Default. No Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

SECTION 3.16. Margin Regulations. No part of the proceeds of any Loan have been used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U, and X. No Loan Party is engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no part of the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit hereunder will be used to buy or carry any Margin Stock. Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing or drawing under each Letter of Credit, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of any Loan Party only or of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) will be Margin Stock.

 

SECTION 3.17. Subordinated Debt. All representations and warranties of any Loan Party contained in any Subordinated Debt Document are true and correct in all material respects when made.  As of the Effective Date, all outstanding Subordinated Debt and Subordinated Debt Documents are described on Schedule 3.17. As of the Effective Date, there are no other documents, agreements or instruments evidencing the Subordinated Debt or otherwise entered into in connection with the Subordinated Debt other than as described on Schedule 3.17 hereto and each Borrower represents and agrees that there will be no other documents, agreements or instruments evidencing the Subordinated Debt or otherwise relating thereto without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. Complete and accurate copies of all documents, agreements or instruments described on Schedule 3.17 have been delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Effective Date. All Secured Obligations are senior debt as defined in the Subordinated Debt Documents and entitled to the benefits of the subordination and other provisions thereof. There is no event of default or event or condition which could become an event of default with notice or lapse of time or both, under any Subordinated Debt Document and the Subordinated Debt Documents are in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 3.18. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions.  Each Borrower has implemented  and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by each Loan Party, their Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and each Borrower, its Affiliates and their respective officers and employees and to the knowledge of the Borrowers its directors and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of the Loan Parties nor any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, any agent of any Loan Party that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 3.19. EEA Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an EEA Financial Institution.

 

78

 

 


 

 

SECTION 3.20. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions. None of the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries is an entity deemed to hold “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations), and neither the execution, delivery nor performance of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, including the making of any Loan and the issuance of any Letter of Credit hereunder,  will give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

 

SECTION 3.21. Material Agreements. All material dealer or similar agreements to which any Loan Party is a party or is bound as of the date of this Agreement are listed on Schedule 3.21. No Loan Party is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (a) any material franchise or similar agreement to which it is a party or any other Material Agreement as of the Effective Date, (b) any material franchise or similar agreement to which it is a party or any other Material Agreement after the Effective Date that could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (c) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Material Indebtedness.

 

SECTION 3.22. Capitalization and Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.22 sets forth (a) a correct and complete list of the name and relationship to Alta Group of each Subsidiary, (b) a true and complete listing of each class of each of Alta Group’s entity’s authorized Equity Interests, all of which issued Equity Interests are validly issued, outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and owned beneficially and of record by the Persons identified on Schedule 3.22, and (c) the type of entity of Alta Group and each Subsidiary. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. Each Loan Party has and will have all requisite power to own or lease the properties material to its business and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as  proposed to be conducted.

 

SECTION 3.23. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans have been used, and will be used, as set forth in Section 5.08.

 

SECTION 3.24. Affiliate Transactions. Except for agreements in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Loan Party than could be obtained on an arm's-length basis from unrelated third parties, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no existing or proposed agreements, arrangements, understandings or transactions between any Loan Party and any of the officers, members, managers, directors, stockholders, parents, holders of other Equity Interests, employees or Affiliates (other than Subsidiaries) of any Loan Party or any members of their respective immediate families, and none of the foregoing Persons is directly or indirectly indebted to or has any direct or indirect ownership, partnership, or voting interest in any Affiliate of any Loan Party or any Person with which any Loan Party has a business relationship or which competes with any Loan Party.

 

SECTION 3.25. Second Lien Transactions. On the Effective Date the Borrowers have received the proceeds of the Second Lien Notes in an aggregate principal amount of not less than

$315,000,000, net of fees and expenses, in accordance with Section 4.01(g). All representations and warranties of any Loan Party contained in any Second Lien Document are true and correct in all material respects when made. As of the Effective Date, all Second Lien Documents (including without limitation all additional Second Lien Documents and all amendments and other modifications to be executed as of the Effective Date) are described on Schedule 3.25. As of the Effective Date, there are no other material documents, agreements or instruments evidencing the Second Lien Obligations or otherwise entered into in connection with the Second Lien Obligations other than as described on Schedule 3.25. Complete and accurate copies of all documents, agreements or instruments described on Schedule 3.25 have been delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Effective Date. There is no event of default or

 

79

 

 


 

 

event or condition which could become an event of default with notice or lapse of time or both, under any Second Lien Document and the Second Lien Documents are in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 3.26. Insurance. Schedule 3.26 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement. As of the Effective Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance have been paid. Each Borrower maintains, and has caused each Subsidiary to maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance on all their real and personal property in such amounts, subject to such deductibles and self-insurance retentions and covering such properties and risks as are adequate and customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.

 

SECTION 3.27. Common Enterprise. The successful operation and condition of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the continued successful performance of the functions of the group of the Loan Parties as a whole and the successful operation of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the successful performance and operation of each other Loan Party. Each Loan Party expects to derive  benefit (and its board of directors or other governing body has determined that it may reasonably be expected to derive benefit), directly and indirectly, from (i) successful operations of each of the other Loan Parties and (ii) the credit extended by the Lenders to the Borrowers hereunder, both in their separate capacities and as members of the group of companies. Each Loan Party has determined that execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents to be executed by such Loan Party is within its purpose, in furtherance of its direct and/or indirect business interests, will be of direct and/or indirect benefit to such Loan Party, and is in its best interest.

 

ARTICLE IV Conditions

 

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02 or addressed in a post- closing letter agreement):

 

(a)Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto either (A) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (B) written evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy or electronic mail message transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement and (ii) duly executed copies of the Loan Documents and such other legal opinions, certificates, documents, instruments, lien searches, and agreements and documents as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request and the completion of such other due diligence and other conditions and requirements as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request in connection with the Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

 

(b)Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, signed by a Financial Officer or other executive officer of each Borrower and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, on the initial Borrowing date stating and showing that, after giving pro forma effect to all Loans and Letters of Credit required to be made or issued on the date hereof and all other amounts to be paid on the Effective Date, the satisfaction of all closing conditions under this Section 4.01 and the completion of all other Transactions to be completed on the Effective Date, (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing, (ii) the representations and warranties contained in Article III are true and correct in all material respects as of such date, (iii) all financial covenants in Section 6.13 are complied with on a Pro Forma Basis, and (iv) the Borrowers have performed and complied with all agreements and

80

 

 


 

 

conditions contained in this Agreement from the date of this Agreement until the Effective Date, assuming that Articles V and VI hereof are applicable from the date of this Agreement.

 

(c)Fees. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received, substantially concurrently with the effectiveness hereof, all fees required to be paid, and all expenses for which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and documented expenses of legal counsel to the Administrative Agent), on or before the Effective Date. All such amounts will be paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Effective Date and will be reflected in the funding instructions given by the Loan Parties to the Administrative Agent on or before the Effective Date.

 

(d)Existing Indebtedness. The Loan Parties shall have paid, concurrently with the initial Loans hereunder, all Indebtedness that is not permitted hereunder and shall have terminated all credit facilities and all Liens relating thereto, all in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, including without limitation all such payoffs and Lien releases with respect to the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020 (as amended) among the Borrowers, the noteholders thereunder and U.S. Bank National Association, as the representative of such noteholders.

 

(e)Insurance. The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence of insurance coverage in form, scope, and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, together with endorsements naming the Administrative Agent as an additional insured and first lenders’ loss payee, and otherwise in compliance with the terms of Section 5.05.

 

(f)Floor Plan Credit Agreement. Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the initial extensions of credit hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall have received copies of all final Floor Plan Loan Documents to be effective as of the Effective Date and an intercreditor agreement required by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith, all duly executed by all parties thereto. As of the Effective Date, the aggregate principal amount of the commitments with respect to the Floor Plan Loans under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement shall not be less than $40,000,000.

 

(g)Second Lien Notes. Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the initial extensions of credit hereunder, Borrowers shall have received the proceeds of the Second Lien Notes in the principal amount of $315,000,000, and the Administrative Agent shall have received the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement duly executed by all parties and copies of all final Second Lien Documents to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

(h)Intercreditor Agreements. The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of all agreements evidencing any floor plan financing of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries and, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, copies of all agreements evidencing any other Indebtedness permitted hereunder, and shall have received intercreditor agreements or amendments to existing intercreditor agreements, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, with respect to all floor plan financing permitted hereunder executed by all applicable providers of such floor plan financing, the Administrative Agent, the Floor Plan Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(i)Filings, Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement) required by the Collateral Documents or under law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of itself, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02), shall be in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.

 

81

 

 


 

 

 

(j)

Financial Statements; Projections. The Lenders shall have received from the Borrowers

(i)the Historical Financial Statements, (ii) pro forma consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date, and reflecting the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents, in each to occur on or prior to the Effective Date, which pro forma financial statements shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and (iii) the Projections.

 

(k)Availability. On the Effective Date and immediately after giving effect to the Transactions contemplated to occur on the Effective Date and the payment of all related costs and expenses, Borrowers and their Subsidiaries shall have Availability of at least $75,000,000.

 

(l)Corporate Structure. The corporate structure, capital structure and other material debt instruments, material accounts and governing documents of the Borrowers and their Affiliates shall be acceptable to the Lenders in their sole discretion.

 

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

 

(n)Funding Account. The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice setting forth  the deposit account(s) of the Borrowers (the “Funding Account”) to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrowers to transfer the proceeds of any Borrowings requested or authorized pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(o)Opinions of Counsel. The Lenders, the Administrative Agent and their respective  counsel shall have received executed copies of the written opinions of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, counsel for the Borrowers, as to such matters as Lenders may reasonably request, dated as of the Effective Date and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lenders (and each Borrower hereby instructs such counsel to deliver such opinions to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent).

 

(p)Miscellaneous. The Administrative Agent shall have received such certificates, documents and other customary instruments, and evidence of the satisfaction of such other conditions as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, including without limitation satisfactory results of a completed collateral field audit examination, lien searches, appraisals, quality of earnings report, floor plan audit examination and supporting information. All corporate, limited liability and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall be satisfactory to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.

 

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding; provided, that the Effective Date shall be deemed to have occurred upon the initial funding of Loans by the Lenders. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived

 

82

 

 


 

 

pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 2:00 p.m., New York time, on April 1, 2021 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time), and it is acknowledged and agreed that the Lenders shall not have any obligation to make Loans hereunder and the Issuing Bank shall not have any obligation to issue Letters of Credit hereunder unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied, the conditions in Section 4.02 are satisfied and the Effective Date has occurred.

 

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

 

(a)The representations and warranties of each Borrower set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects only as of such specified date, and that any representation or warranty which is subject to any materiality qualifier shall be required to be true and correct in all respects).

 

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

 

Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section. Notwithstanding the failure to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Section, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, continue to make Loans and an Issuing Bank may, but shall have no obligation to, issue, amend, renew or extend, or cause to be issued, amended, renewed or extended, any Letter of Credit for the ratable account and risk of Lenders from time to time if the Administrative Agent believes that making such Loans or issuing, amending, renewing or extending, or causing the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of, any such Letter of Credit is in the best interests of the Lenders.

 

ARTICLE V  Affirmative Covenants

 

Until all of the Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Borrower executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Borrowers, with the Lenders that, at all times on and after the Effective Date (and all covenants in Article V of the Existing Credit Agreement shall be effective until the Effective Date):

 

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

 

(a)by no later than ninety days (90) after the end of each Fiscal Year, commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2021, the audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all reported on by UHY LLP or other independent public accountants reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (without a "going concern" or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Alta

 

83

 

 


 

 

Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and such report shall also include (x) a detailed summary of any audit adjustments; (y) a reconciliation of any audit adjustments or reclassifications to the previously provided monthly financials; and (z) restated monthly financials for any impacted periods;

 

(b)(i) by no later than forty five (45) days after the end of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year, commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ending March 31, 2021, the unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such Fiscal Quarter and the then elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, and (ii) by no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar month (including each month that is also the end of a Fiscal Quarter), commencing with the first month ending on a date after the Effective Date, the unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such month and the then elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(c)simultaneous with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of each Borrower (i) certifying as to whether an Event of Default has occurred and, if an Event of Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.13 and calculating the Applicable Margin, and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

 

(d)within 30 days of the end of each calendar month and, in addition, during any Cash Dominion Period, by Wednesday of each week for the weekly period ending on the Friday of the week prior to the date such Borrowing Base Certificate is submitted (or, in each case the next Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) and at such other times as may be required by the Administrative Agent, a Borrowing Base Certificate as of the end of such period and a listing of Accounts, Eligible Equipment Inventory – New, Eligible Equipment Inventory – Rental Fleet, Eligible Equipment Inventory – Unappraised, Eligible Equipment Inventory – Used Fleet (and to include the orderly liquidation value (based on most recent appraisal) of Eligible Equipment Inventory where applicable), accounts payable and parts inventory of the Borrowers (and Guarantors, if any) as of the end of such period (provided that, for such weekly reporting, the required information shall be limited a Borrowing Base Certificate, updated solely for an Accounts rollforward, for ineligible Accounts relating to Floor Plan Priority Collateral and for the current Revolving Exposure) in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and certified by each Borrower by one of its Financial Officers;

 

(e)within 30 days of the end of each calendar month and, in addition, during any Cash Dominion Period, by Wednesday of each week for the weekly period ending on the Friday of the week prior to the date such Borrowing Base Certificate is submitted (or, in each case the next Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) and at such other times as may be required by the Administrative Agent,

 

84

 

 


 

 

as of the period then ended (provided that, the information required under this clause (e) for weekly reports shall be limited to the information under clause (e)(i) below and such other additional information required by the Administrative Agent), all delivered electronically in a file acceptable to the Administrative Agent:

 

(i)a detailed aging of the Borrowers’ Accounts, including all invoices aged by invoice date and due date (with an explanation of the terms offered), prepared in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, together with a summary specifying the name, address, and balance due for each Account Debtor;

 

(ii)a schedule detailing the Borrowers’ Inventory, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (1) by location (showing Inventory located with a third party under any consignment, bailee arrangement, or warehouse agreement), by class (used, rental, parts, etc.), by product type, and by volume on hand, which Inventory shall be valued at the lower of cost (determined on a first-in, first-out basis unless otherwise agreed) or market and adjusted for Reserves as the Administrative Agent has previously indicated to the Borrower Representative are deemed by the Administrative Agent to be appropriate, and (2) including a report of any variances or other results of Inventory counts performed by the Borrowers since the last Inventory schedule (including information regarding sales or other reductions, additions, returns, credits issued by Borrowers and complaints and claims made against the Borrowers);

 

(iii)a worksheet of calculations prepared by the Borrowers to determine Eligible Accounts and Eligible Equipment Inventory, such worksheets detailing the Accounts and Inventory excluded from Eligible Accounts and Eligible Equipment Inventory and the reason for such exclusion;

 

(iv)a reconciliation of the Borrowers’ Accounts and Inventory, in a form and manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent, between (A) the amounts shown in the Borrowers’ general ledger and financial statements and the reports delivered pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above and (B) the amounts and dates shown in the reports delivered pursuant to clauses (i) and above and the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered pursuant to clause (d) above as of such date;

 

(v)a listing of all Equipment in a form and manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (1) included in the Revolving Borrowing Base with the Net Book Value of each item that has been appraised, (2) that has been acquired since the last appraisal with the Net Book Value, acquisition cost and date of acquisition of each such item, (3) a list of all equipment purchased with Floor Plan Loans and the net Book Value thereof, and (4) a reconciliation of the aggregate equipment associated with the Floor Plan Loans and Revolving Loans to the perpetual inventory; and

 

(vi)a reconciliation of the loan balance per the Borrowers’ general ledger to the loan balance under this Agreement;

 

(f)as soon as available but in any event within 30 days of the end of each calendar month and at such other times as may be requested by the Administrative Agent, as of the month then ended, a schedule and aging of the Borrowers’ accounts payable, delivered electronically in a file acceptable to the Administrative Agent;

 

 

(g)

promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request during a Cash Dominion Period:

 

85

 

 


 

 

(i)copies of invoices issued by the Borrowers in connection with any Accounts, credit memos, shipping and delivery documents, and other information related thereto;

 

(ii)copies of purchase orders, invoices, and shipping and delivery documents in connection with any Inventory or Equipment purchased by any Loan Party;

 

(iii)a listing of all Equipment that has been sold since the last Borrowing Base Certificate with the Net Book Value and date of sale of each such item;

 

(iv)an updated customer list for each Borrower and its Subsidiaries, which list shall state the customer’s name, mailing address and phone number, delivered electronically in a file acceptable to the Administrative Agent and certified as true and correct by a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative;

 

(v)the Borrowers’ sales journal, cash receipts journal (identifying trade and non- trade cash receipts) and debit memo/credit memo journal for such period requested by the Administrative Agent;

 

(vi)a detailed listing of all advances of proceeds of Loans requested by the Borrower Representative for each Borrower for such period requested by the Administrative Agent and a detailed listing of all intercompany loans made by the Borrowers for such period requested by the Administrative Agent;

 

(vii)copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other  materials filed by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by any Borrower to its equity owners generally, as the case may be;

 

(viii)certificates of good standing or the substantive equivalent available in the jurisdiction of incorporation, formation or organization for each Loan Party from the appropriate governmental officer in such jurisdiction; and

 

 

(ix)

a schedule detailing the balance of all intercompany accounts of the Loan Parties;

 

 

(h)

promptly after any request therefor by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of

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

 

(i)promptly following any request therefor, copies of any detailed audit reports or management letters submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of any Borrower by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of any Borrowers or any Subsidiary, or any audit of any of them as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request;

 

(j)without limiting the other reporting obligations hereunder, contemporaneously with, or promptly after, delivery thereof to the applicable holder of Second Lien Documents or any floor plan financing, copies of (i) notices of default under the Second Lien Documents or any floor plan financing;

 

86

 

 


 

 

(ii)upon the Administrative Agent’s request, availability and borrowing base reports thereunder; and (iii) upon the Administrative Agent’s request, all other financial or other reporting under the Second Lien Documents or any floor plan financing that relate to the financial condition of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries or related to the Collateral, in each case, to the extent not already delivered to Administrative Agent or the Lenders under this Section 5.01, unless such reporting has been waived by the Second Lien Holders or holders of such floor plan financing;

 

(k)promptly and in any event within five (5) days of the filing thereof with the IRS, the federal tax returns of each Borrower;

 

(l)as soon as available but in any event no later than 31 days after the end of, and no earlier than 60 days prior to the end of, each fiscal year of Alta Group, a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated and consolidating balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement) of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries for each month of the upcoming fiscal year (the “Projections”) in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

 

(m)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 Alta Group, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the any Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or with any national securities exchange, and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders pursuant hereto;

 

(n)promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by any Borrower 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 Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof;

 

(o)promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof, a copy of any rating letter or notification with respect to the Second Lien Notes from any credit rating company; and

 

(p)promptly following any request therefor, (x) a listing of accounts receivable, accounts payable and inventory, (y) such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of any Loan Party including a schedule of amortization required under any floor plan financing, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through Administrative Agent) may reasonably request and (z) information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

 

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which such materials are publicly available as posted on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR); or (ii) on which such documents are posted on a Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether made available by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (A) upon written request by the Administrative Agent (or any Lender through the Administrative Agent) to the Borrower Representative, the Borrower Representative shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or such Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent  or such Lender and (B) the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by fax or through Electronic Systems) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent

87

 

 


 

through Electronic Systems electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by any Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents to it and maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events. The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt (and in any event within two (2) Business Days) written notice of the following:

 

 

(a)

the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b)the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c)any material change in accounting or financial reporting practices by any Borrower or any Subsidiary, including without limitation the manner in which equipment is depreciated;

 

(d)the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Loan Parties in an aggregate amount exceeding $2,500,000;

 

(e)any Lien (other than Permitted Encumbrances) or claim made or asserted against any of the Collateral;

 

(f)any loss, damage, or destruction to the Collateral in the amount of $2,500,000 or more, whether or not covered by insurance;

 

(g)within two (2) Business Days of receipt thereof, any and all default notices received under or with respect to any leased location or public warehouse where Collateral having an aggregate value in excess of $2,500,000 is located;

 

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

 

(i)any amendment, supplement or other modification of any Second Lien Documents or any floor plan financing, together with a fully executed copy of such amendment, supplement or modification;

 

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

 

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

 

Each notice delivered under this Section (i) shall be in writing, (ii) shall contain a heading or a reference line that reads “Notice under Section 5.02 of the Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit

88

 

 


 

 

Agreement dated April 1, 2021” and (iii) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower Representative setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.

 

SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or give rise to the collection or enforcement of any Lien.

 

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, (a) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and (b) maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, in each case as determined by the Administrative Agent. Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrowers will and will cause each other Loan Party to (i) at all times maintain, if available, fully paid flood hazard insurance on all real property that is located in a special flood hazard area and that is subject to a Mortgage, on such terms and in such amounts as required by The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (as amended) or as otherwise required by the Administrative Agent, (ii) furnish to the Administrative Agent evidence of renewal (and payment of renewal premiums therefor) of all such policies prior to the expiration or lapse thereof, and (iii) furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any re-designation of any such improved real property into or out of a special flood hazard area. Each such policy of insurance shall (i) name the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders as an additional insured thereunder as its interests may appear, and (ii) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a lenders' loss payable clause or endorsement, satisfactory in form and  substance to the Administrative Agent, that names the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders, as the lenders' loss payee thereunder and provides for at least thirty days' prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of any modification or cancellation of such policy.

 

SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, permit independent agents or representatives acceptable to the Administrative Agent to conduct comprehensive field audits and floor plan audits and appraisals of the each Loan Party's books, records, properties and assets, including, without limitation, all collateral subject to the Collateral Documents, and the Borrowers (and the Guarantors, if any) shall pay for the reasonable costs of such audits and appraisals. The Borrowers agree that the Administrative Agent may require semi-annual appraisals of the equipment and inventory of the Loan Parties and may require periodic appraisals of the real property of the Loan Parties if determined to be required by the

 

89

 

 


 

 

Administrative Agent, and may order additional appraisals upon and after the occurrence of any Event of Default. The Administrative Agent will use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct annual field audits and semi-annual appraisals of the equipment and inventory, provided that the Administrative Agent may conduct such audits and appraisals more frequently upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default.

 

SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws. Each Borrower will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party, to be or become subject at any time to any law, regulation, or list of any government agency (including, without limitation, the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control list) that prohibits or limits any Lender from making any advance or extension of credit to any Borrower or Guarantor or from otherwise conducting business with a Borrower or Guarantor, or fail to provide documentary and other evidence of any Borrower's or Guarantor's identity as may be reasonably requested by any Lender at any time to enable such Lender to verify each Borrower's or Guarantor's identity or to comply with any applicable law or regulation, including, without limitation, Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section 5318. Each Borrower will maintain, and cause each Loan Party to maintain, in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Loan Parties and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit. The proceeds of the Revolving Loans will be used for refinancing certain Indebtedness in existence on the Effective Date, for working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes (including the Transactions) of the Loan Parties in the ordinary course of business. No part of the proceeds of any Loan and no Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X. No Borrower will request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and no Borrower shall use, and each Borrower shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (b) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, except to the extent permitted for a Person required to comply with Sanctions, or (c) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

 

SECTION 5.09. Collateral Security; Further Assurances. (a) To guarantee or secure the payment when due of the Secured Obligations, each Borrower shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent Collateral Documents granting or providing for the following:

 

 

(i)

Loan Party Guaranties of all present and future Guarantors.

 

(ii)Security Agreements granting a first priority, enforceable Lien and security interest, subject only to Liens permitted by Section 6.02, on all present and future accounts, chattel paper, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, farm products, fixtures, chattel paper, equipment, general intangibles, goods, instruments, inventory, investment property, letter-of-credit rights (as terms are defined in the UCC) and all other personal property of each Loan Party.

 

90

 

 


 

 

(iii)Mortgages granting a first priority, enforceable Lien and security interest, subject only to Liens permitted by Section 6.02, on all present and future material fee real property (including fixtures) of each Loan Party, together with such documents and the satisfaction of such other conditions customarily required in connection with Mortgages as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and at the Borrowers’ expense; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to grant Mortgages on the Howell Property.

 

 

(iv)

All other security and collateral described in the Collateral Documents.

 

(b)Each Borrower agrees that it will promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, notify the Administrative Agent of the formation or acquisition of any Subsidiary or the acquisition of any assets on which a Lien is required to be granted and that is not covered by existing Collateral Documents. Each Borrower agrees that it will promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, execute and deliver, and cause each Loan Party to execute and deliver, promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such joinder agreements, Loan Party Guaranties and other Collateral Documents and other agreements, documents and instruments, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, sufficient to join each Loan Party as a Borrower to this Agreement and to grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, the Loan Party Guaranties and Liens contemplated by this Agreement and the Collateral Documents. In connection therewith, the Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information regarding such newly formed or acquired Subsidiaries as may be required to comply with the applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act. The Borrowers shall deliver, and cause each other Loan Party to deliver, to the Administrative Agent all original instruments payable to it with any endorsements thereto required by the Administrative Agent and all original certificated securities and other certificates with respect to any Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party and required to be pledged with any blank stock or other powers required by the Administrative Agent. Additionally, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver, and cause each other Loan Party to execute and deliver, promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such certificates, legal opinions, insurance, lien searches, environmental reports, organizational and other charter documents, resolutions and other documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection therewith. Each Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each lessor of real property to any Loan Party where any material Collateral is located to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. Each Borrower  shall execute and deliver, and cause each other Loan Party to execute and deliver, promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such agreements and instruments evidencing any intercompany loans or other advances among the Loan Parties, or any of them, and all such intercompany loans or other advances owing by any Borrower or owing by any Guarantor which are not owed to a Borrower shall be, and are hereby made, subordinate and junior to the Secured Obligations and no payments may be made on such intercompany loans or other advances upon and during the continuance of an Event of Default unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent.

 

(c)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Borrowers acknowledge that all Subsidiaries of any of the Borrowers, whether now existing or hereafter arising, are required hereunder to become a Borrower, Guarantor and Loan Party, and failure to do so in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be an Event of Default hereunder.

 

SECTION 5.10. Depository Banks. Each Loan Party shall maintain the Administrative Agent as such Loan Party’s principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of operating, administrative, cash management, collection activity, and other deposit accounts for the conduct of its business and as its principal source of other Banking Services. In addition, (i) NITCO may maintain a

 

91

 

 


 

 

deposit account with Citizens Bank, N.A. so long as it continues to be subject to a deposit account control agreement satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (ii) NITCO may continue to maintain the deposit account with KeyBank National Association so long as any funds in such account exceeding $100,000 shall be immediately transferred to a deposit account with the Administrative Agent, and (iii) the Loan Parties may maintain such other deposit accounts as the Administrative Agent approves in its Permitted Discretion, and such deposit accounts shall be subject to the terms of the Security Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.11 Additional Covenants. If at any time any Loan Party  enters  into  or becomes a party to any instrument or agreement relating to or amending or otherwise modifying any provisions applicable to the Second Lien Indenture, which includes any material covenants or defaults not substantially provided for in this Agreement or more favorable to the lender or lenders thereunder than those provided for in this Agreement, then the Borrowers will promptly so advise the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. Thereupon, if the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders shall request, upon notice to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement or an additional agreement (as the Administrative Agent may request), providing for substantially the same material covenants and defaults as those provided for in such instrument or agreement to the extent required and as may be selected by (i) the Administrative Agent or (ii) the Required Lenders.

 

ARTICLE VI  Negative Covenants

 

Until all of the Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Borrower executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Borrowers, with the Lenders that, at all times on and after the Effective Date (and all covenants in Article VI of the Existing Credit Agreement shall be effective until the Effective Date):

 

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

 

 

(a)

Secured Obligations;

 

(b)Floor Plan Obligations, provided that any increases in the amount thereof are subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any refinancing thereof shall be made in accordance with the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(c)Second Lien Obligations, provided that any increases in the amount thereof are subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any refinancing thereof shall be made in accordance with the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(d)other Indebtedness existing on the Effective Date and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and not to exceed the amounts set forth on Schedule 6.01, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; provided that any floor plan financings set forth on Schedule 6.01 may be increased subject to compliance with Section 6.01(j) and the other terms hereof, and the outstanding borrowed amounts under vendor floor plan financings described on Schedule 6.01 shall be subject to Section 6.01(j) below;

 

(e)Indebtedness among the Loan Parties, provided that any such Indebtedness owing by any Borrower shall qualify as Subordinated Debt if requested by the Administrative Agent;

 

(f)Indebtedness of any Loan Party incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations (other than those Capital Lease Obligations permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(i) below) and any Indebtedness assumed in

 

92

 

 


 

 

connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within ninety (90) days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (e) shall not exceed

$3,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

 

(g)

Swap Obligations permitted under Section 6.05;

 

(h)Subordinated Debt, including any refinancing thereof, in each case on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(i)Indebtedness of Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent consisting of floor plan financings (including any Floor Plan Obligations) and other vendor financing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and, if required by the Administrative Agent, subject to an intercreditor agreement reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; provided that (i) the aggregate stated maximum amount of all such floor plan financings and all such other vendor financing plus the aggregate stated maximum amount of all floor plan financings described on Schedule 6.01 shall not exceed $250,000,000, (ii) any Indebtedness owing to any Person and its Affiliates listed on Schedule 6.01 that is not a party to an intercreditor agreement with the Administrative Agent and reasonably acceptable to, the Administrative Agent, shall not exceed the amount designated on Schedule 6.01 for such Person and its Affiliates, regardless of whether such Indebtedness is otherwise permitted under this clause (ii) or any other clause of this Section 6.01 and (iii) the aggregate stated maximum amount of the financings in which CNHI or any of its Affiliates is the lender shall not exceed $25,000,000 at any time unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Required Lenders;

 

(j)Indebtedness of any Loan Party if (i) such Indebtedness is permitted under the Second Lien Indenture, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such Indebtedness, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be greater than 1.1 to 1.0 calculated on a on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (iii) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Indebtedness on a pro forma basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iv) both before and  after giving effect to such Indebtedness on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct, and (v) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to each of the foregoing items; and

 

(k)Indebtedness not otherwise permitted under this Section 6.01 in an aggregate principal amount that, when aggregated with the principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (k), together with any refinancing thereof, does not at any one time outstanding exceed the greater of (i) $50,000,000 and (ii) 7.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of any incurrence.

 

SECTION 6.02. Liens. No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it except:

 

 

(a)

Permitted Encumbrances;

 

(b)Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent securing the Secured Obligations, Liens in favor of the Floor Plan Administrative Agent securing the Floor Plan Obligations subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and subordinate Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

93

 

 


 

 

(c)any Lien on any property or asset of any Loan Party existing on the Effective Date and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of any Loan Party and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the Effective Date and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

 

(d)Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by any Loan Party; provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (e) of Section 6.01,

 

(ii)

such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within ninety

(90) days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such security interests shall not apply to any other property or assets of any Loan Party;

 

(e)Liens solely on equipment of a Loan Party acceptable to the Administrative Agent purchased with Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(i) on terms reasonably approved in writing by the Administrative Agent;

 

(f)Other Liens securing Indebtedness then outstanding and secured pursuant to this clause measured at the time of securing such Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the greater of (i) $50,000,000 and (ii) 7.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness and Liens; provided, that to the extent any such Indebtedness is secured by Liens on Collateral, such Liens shall be subordinate to the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent securing the Secured Obligations pursuant to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement or other intercreditor arrangement acceptable to the Administrative Agent providing comparable Lien subordination; and

 

(g)Liens incurred to secure Indebtedness of any Loan Party if (i) such Liens and Indebtedness are permitted under the Second Lien Indenture, (ii) such Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted hereunder, (iii) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Liens and the related secured Indebtedness on a pro forma basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iv) both before and after giving effect to such Liens and the related secured Indebtedness on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct, (v) the holders of such Liens or their agent, trustee or authorized representative shall become party to Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Second Lien Documents that grant a security interest, and all such Liens shall be subordinate to the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent securing the Secured Obligations pursuant to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, and (vi) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to each of the foregoing items.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Liens securing any Indebtedness and other obligations under any floor plan financing (other than the floor plan financing under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement) shall be limited to a Lien on the inventory financed by the applicable floor plan financing and proceeds of such inventory, and any such Lien shall not attach to any other assets or any such inventory after the payment of the purchase price for such inventory except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes. (a) No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) any of its assets, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, and provided that with respect to the matters in the following clauses (ii) through (viii) at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect

 

94

 

 


 

 

thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) any Borrower or Subsidiary may sell, transfer or lease inventory and scrap or otherwise dispose of obsolete material, inventory or equipment in the ordinary course of business upon terms substantially consistent with past practices, (ii) any Subsidiary of a Borrower may merge into a Borrower in a transaction in which a Borrower is the surviving entity, any Loan Party (other than a Borrower) may merge into any other Loan Party in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Loan Party, (iv) any Borrower may merge into any other Borrower (other than Alta Group), (v) any Loan Party may sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its assets to any other Loan Party, (vi) Alta Illinois may sell or transfer the CNHI Financing Paper to CNHI in the ordinary course of business, (vii) Alta Illinois may sell the Peru Property, and (viii) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrowers determine in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrowers and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders and all assets of such Subsidiary are transferred to a Loan Party; provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a wholly-owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.

 

(b)No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, consummate a Division as the Dividing Person, without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent. Without limiting the foregoing, if any Loan Party that is a limited liability company consummates a Division (with or without the prior consent of Administrative Agent as required above), each Division Successor shall be required to comply with the obligations set forth in Section 5.09 and the other further assurances obligations set forth in the Loan Documents and become a Loan Party under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(c)No Borrower will, nor will it permit any Guarantor to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrowers and Guarantors on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto.

 

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and  Acquisitions.  No  Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a wholly owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any Equity Interests, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or make any Acquisition, except:

 

 

(a)

Permitted Investments;

 

(b)existing investments and advances described on Schedule 6.04 hereto, but no increase in the amount thereof;

 

 

(c)

loans or advances solely among Loan Parties;

 

(d)if no Default exists or would be caused thereby, Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, provided that no Default exists at the time of, or would be caused by, the incurrence of such Guarantees;

 

(e)investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

95

 

 


 

 

(f)the Loan Parties may create one or more Subsidiaries to conduct the business of the Borrowers in accordance with Section 5.03 so long as such Subsidiaries promptly after their creation become Guarantors;

 

 

(g)

Permitted Acquisitions; and

 

(h)in addition to investments, loans and advances permitted by paragraphs (a) through (g) above, other investments, loans and advances by the Borrowers and the Guarantors provided that (i) the aggregate amount invested, loaned or advanced pursuant to this paragraph (h) (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of such investments, loans and advances) does not exceed $500,000 in the aggregate, (ii) no Default exists or would be caused thereby, and (iii) the aggregate unused amount of the Revolving Commitments on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such additional investment, loan or advance equals or exceeds $10,000,000.

 

SECTION 6.05. Swap Agreements. No Borrower will, nor will it not permit  any  other Loan Party to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which any Loan Party has actual exposure, and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of any Loan Party and (c) in each case under clause (a) and (b), to the extent reasonably approved by Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 6.06. Restricted Payments.  The Borrowers will not, and will not permit any other Loan Party to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:

 

(a)the Loan Parties may declare and pay dividends with respect to their Equity Interests payable solely in additional common shares of their Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity),

 

 

(b)

the Loan Parties may make Restricted Payments payable solely to a Loan Party,

 

 

(c)

Alta Group may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 in any fiscal year so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment and the Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith on a pro forma basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent after giving effect to such Restricted Payment as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 5.01(b)(i); and

 

(d)Alta Group may make other Restricted Payments so long as the Payment Condition is satisfied.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrowers will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, issue any Disqualified Equity.

 

SECTION 6.07. Transactions with Affiliates. The Borrowers will not, and will not permit any other Loan Party to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Loan Party than could be obtained on an arm's-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions solely among Loan Parties, and in each case not involving any other Affiliate and (c) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.06.

 

96

 

 


 

 

SECTION 6.08. Restrictive Agreements. No Borrower will, and will not permit any other Loan Party to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of any Loan Party to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to a Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrowers or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by the Floor Plan Credit Agreement or the Second Lien Indenture as of the Effective Date, subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (iv) clause (a) above shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (v) clause (a) above shall not apply to customary provisions in leases restricting the assignment thereof.

 

SECTION 6.09. Change of Name or Location; Change of Fiscal Year. No Loan Party shall

(a)change its name as it appears in official filings in the state of its incorporation or organization, (b) change its chief executive office, principal place of business, mailing address, corporate offices or warehouses or locations at which Collateral is held or stored, or the location of its records concerning the Collateral as set forth in the Collateral Documents, (c) change the type of entity that it is, (d) change its organization identification number, if any, issued by its state of incorporation or other organization, or (e) change its state of incorporation or organization, in each case, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of such change and the Administrative Agent shall have acknowledged in writing that either (1) such change will not adversely affect the validity, perfection or priority of the Administrative Agent's security interest in the Collateral, or (2) any reasonable action requested by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith has been completed or taken (including any action to continue the perfection of any Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders, in any Collateral), provided that, any new location shall be in the continental U.S. No Loan Party shall change its Fiscal Year or Fiscal Quarter end without the prior consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 6.10. Amendments to Agreements. No Borrower will, nor will it permit any  other Loan Party to, amend, supplement or otherwise modify (a) its articles of incorporation, charter, certificate of formation, operating agreement, by-laws or other organizational document (and including without limitation any other agreement, instrument or document entered into to evidence or govern the terms of any Permitted Preferred Equity or any other Equity Interests), in any manner adverse to the Lenders, except to incorporate the terms of the Permitted Preferred Equity as described in the definition thereof, (b) any Second Lien Document, or (c) any instrument or agreement evidencing or relating to any Subordinated Debt except as permitted under the applicable Subordination Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.11. Prepayment of Indebtedness; Subordinated Debt. No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to, directly or indirectly (a) make any payment or other distribution with respect to any Subordinated Debt in contravention of the applicable Subordination Agreement or with respect to any Second Lien Obligations in contravention of the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement or (b) voluntarily purchase, redeem, defease or prepay any principal of, premium, if any, interest or other amount payable in respect of any Indebtedness (including without limitation any Second Lien Obligations) prior to its scheduled maturity, other than:

 

 

(i)

the Secured Obligations and the Floor Plan Obligations;

 

97

 

 


 

 

(ii)Indebtedness secured by a Lien permitted by Section 6.02(c) if the asset securing such Indebtedness has been sold or otherwise disposed of in accordance herewith;

 

(iii)Indebtedness permitted hereunder upon any permitted refinancing thereof in accordance herewith (or with respect to any Second Lien Obligations in accordance with the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement); and

 

(iv)voluntary prepayments of the Second Lien Obligations so long as (w) after giving effect to such prepayment pursuant to this clause (iv) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is not less than 1.0 to 1.0 (as determined on a pro forma as if such prepayment had been made on the last day of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which the Borrowers have provided financial statements to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01), (x) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such prepayment; (y) immediately after giving effect to such prepayment and at all times during the 60-day period immediately prior thereto, the Borrowers shall have Availability calculated on a on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent of not less than 17.5% of the Revolving Commitment; and (z) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to the items described in (w), (x) and (y) above and attaching calculations for item (w).

 

SECTION 6.12. Government Regulation. No Loan Party shall be or become subject at any time to any law, regulation, or list of any government agency (including, without limitation, the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control list) that prohibits or limits any Lender from making any advance or extension of credit to any Loan Party or from otherwise conducting business with the Borrowers or Guarantors, or fail to provide documentary and other evidence of any Loan Party's identity as may be requested by any Lender at any time to enable such Lender to verify any Loan Party's identity or to comply with any applicable law or regulation, including, without limitation, Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section 5318.

 

SECTION 6.13. Financial Covenants.

 

(a) Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. As of the end of any Fiscal Quarter (commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ending March 31, 2021) for which Borrowers’ financial statements have been (or should have been) delivered and in which the Borrowers’ Availability was at any time less than 10% of the Revolving Commitment, the Borrowers will not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio  to be less    than 1.0 to 1.0.  Once such covenant is in effect, compliance with the covenant will be discontinued on  the first day immediately succeeding the last day of the Fiscal Quarter which includes the 60th consecutive day on which the Borrowers’ Availability remains in excess of 10% of the Revolving Commitment, so long as (i) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) such covenant has not been in effect and discontinued (A) more than once in the immediately preceding twelve (12) consecutive months or (B) more than three times during the term of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.14. Alta Group, Alta Holdings and Alta Enterprises as a Holding Company. Alta Enterprises shall not (a) incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness or any other obligation or liability whatsoever other than the Indebtedness and obligations under the Loan Documents, the Floor Plan Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents and unsecured guaranties of its Subsidiaries floor plan financing with Volvo Commercial Finance LLC The Americas in respect of Volvo financing; (b) create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by it other than the Liens, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, in favor of the Administrative Agent, the Floor Plan Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative; (c) engage in any business or activity or own any assets other than (i) holding 100% of the Equity Interest of each other Borrower (other than Alta Group and Alta Holdings); and (ii) performing its obligations and activities incidental thereto under the Loan Documents, the Floor Plan Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (d)

 

98

 

 


 

 

consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, any Person; (e) sell or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of any of its Subsidiaries; or (f) fail to hold itself out to the public as a legal entity separate and distinct from all other Persons. Alta Holdings shall not (a) incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness or any other obligation or liability whatsoever other than the Indebtedness and obligations under the Loan Documents, the Floor Plan Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (b) create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by it other than the Liens, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, in favor of the Administrative Agent, the Floor Plan Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative; (c) engage in any business or activity or own any assets other than (i) holding the Equity Interest of Alta Enterprises; and (ii) performing its obligations and activities incidental thereto under the Loan Documents, the Floor Plan Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (d) consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, any Person; (e) sell or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of Alta Enterprises other than to Alta Group; or (f) fail to hold itself out to the public as a legal entity separate and distinct from all other Persons. Alta Group shall not (a) incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness or any other obligation or liability whatsoever other than the Indebtedness and obligations under the Loan Documents, the Floor Plan Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (b) create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by it other than the Liens, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, in favor of the Administrative Agent, the Floor Plan Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative; (c) engage in any business or activity or own any assets other than (i) holding the Equity Interest of Alta Holdings and Alta Enterprises; and (ii) performing its obligations and activities incidental thereto under the Loan Documents, the Floor Plan Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (d) consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, any Person; (e) sell or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of Alta Enterprises or Alta Holdings; or (f) fail to hold itself out to the public as a legal entity separate and distinct from all other Persons.

 

ARTICLE VII   Events of Default If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:

(a)any Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

 

(b)any Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three (3) Business Days;

 

(c)any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any amendment or modification hereof or waiver hereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made;

 

(d)any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.05, 5.08, 5.09, 5.10 or 5.11 or in Article VI;

 

(e)any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or

 

(d)

of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of fifteen (15) days after the

 

99

 

 


 

 

earlier of (i) the Borrowers obtaining actual knowledge of such defaults and (ii) notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrowers (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);

 

(f)any Loan Party shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable and all applicable grace periods thereunder shall have expired;

 

(g)any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(h)an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of any Loan Party or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

(i)any Loan Party shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition  seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the fore- going;

 

(j)any Loan Party shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

 

(k)

one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of

$2,500,000 shall be rendered against any Loan Party or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of any Loan Party to enforce any such judgment;

 

(l)an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Loan Party in an aggregate amount exceeding $2,500,000 for all periods;

 

 

(m)

a Change in Control shall occur;

 

(n)any Collateral Document shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any Collateral Document, or any Loan Party shall fail to comply with any of the terms or provisions of any Collateral Document if the failure continues beyond any period of grace provided for in the applicable Collateral Document, or any

 

100

 

 


 

 

Collateral Document granting a Lien shall for any reason fail to create a valid and perfected first priority security interest in any material Collateral purported to be covered thereby or subordination to be created thereunder, except as permitted by the terms of this Agreement or any Collateral Document, and in each case except to the extent that any such loss of perfection or priority results from the failure of the Administrative Agent to maintain possession of certificates representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents and except to the extent that such loss is covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and the related insurer promptly after such loss shall have acknowledged in writing that such loss is covered by such title insurance policy;

 

(o)any material provision of any other Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Loan Party shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction based on any such assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms); or

 

(p)the cancellation or termination of any franchise agreement of any Borrower with Hyster- Yale Group, Inc. or Volvo Construction Equipment, NA (collectively, the “Material OEMs”), unless such Borrower has entered into replacement franchise agreements within 90 days of such cancellation or termination (i) with another OEM of comparable business value to the Material OEMs, and (ii) upon similar terms and conditions to the agreements cancelled or terminated with the Material OEMs,  including volume, exclusivity and other requirements, each of which shall be acceptable in form and substance to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

 

(q)(i) an Event of Default (as defined in the Floor Plan Credit Agreement on the Effective Date) shall occur and be continuing under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement, (ii) the Floor Plan Credit Agreement is terminated, (iii) for any reason the Floor Plan Credit Agreement ceases to be in full force and effect, or ceases to be binding on the Borrowers, (iv) for any reason, JPMCB is no longer a Lender under the Floor Plan Credit Agreement, or (v) for any reason, JPMCB is not the Floor Plan Administrative Agent; or

 

(r)any Subordination Agreement or Intercreditor Agreement shall fail to remain in full force or effect, or any event of default shall have occurred under any Subordination Agreement or Intercreditor Agreement, or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of any Subordination Agreement or Intercreditor Agreement;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to any Borrower described in clause (h) or

(i)of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrowers, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers, and (iii) exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC. In case of any event with respect to the Borrowers described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent may exercise any rights and remedies provided to the

 

101

 

 


 

 

Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC.

 

ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action.

(a)Each Lender, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender and each Issuing Bank authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than within the United States, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute and enforce any Collateral Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s behalf. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.

 

 

(b)

As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents

 

(c)(including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender and each Issuing Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders and the Issuing Banks with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may affect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(d)In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its

 

102

 

 


 

 

duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

 

(i)the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, Issuing Bank, any other Secured Party or holder of any other obligation other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby;

 

(ii)where the Administrative Agent is required or deemed to act as a trustee in respect of any Collateral over which a security interest has been created pursuant to a Loan Document expressed to be governed by the laws of country, or is required or deemed to hold any Collateral “on trust” pursuant to the foregoing, the obligations and liabilities of the Administrative Agent to the Secured Parties in its capacity as trustee shall be excluded to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; and

 

(iii)nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account;

 

(e)The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non-appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.

 

(f)None of any Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent or any Arranger shall have obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.

 

(g)In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrowers) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

103

 

 


 

 

(i)to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Disbursements and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(ii)to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each other Secured Party to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section 9.03). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or Issuing Bank any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or Issuing Bank or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or Issuing Bank in any such proceeding.

 

(h)The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and, except solely to the extent of the Borrowers’ rights to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article, none of the Borrowers or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Secured Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article.

 

SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Indemnification, Etc.

 

(a)Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

 

(b)The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (i) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.02” in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower Representative, or (ii) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice

 

104

 

 


 

 

of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrowers, a Lender or an Issuing Bank. Further, the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, or (vi) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral.

 

(c)Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrowers), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or Issuing Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or Issuing Bank for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or Issuing Bank sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).

 

SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications.

 

(a)Each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks by posting the Communications on IntraLinks™, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic system chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).

 

(b)Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and each Borrower hereby approves

 

105

 

 


 

 

distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

 

(c)THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY ARRANGER, ANY DOCUMENTATION AGENT, ANY SYNDICATION AGENT OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.

 

Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.

 

(a)Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.

 

(b)Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.

 

(c)Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

 

SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitment, Loans (including Swingline Loans) and Letters of Credit, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be. The terms “Issuing Banks”, “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a

 

106

 

 


 

 

Lender, Issuing Bank or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with, any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks.

 

SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent.

 

(a)The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower Representative, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In either case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Borrower Representative (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.

 

(b)Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower Representative, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and continue to be entitled to the rights set forth in such Collateral Document and Loan Document, and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this Section (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender and each Issuing Bank. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article, Section 2.17(d) and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set

 

107

 

 


 

 

forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (a) above.

 

SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks.

 

(a)Each Lender and each Issuing Bank represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent, or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent, or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non- public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrowers and their Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

(b)Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date or the effective date of any such Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall have become a Lender hereunder.

 

(c)Each Lender hereby agrees that (i) it has requested a copy of each Report prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent; (ii) the Administrative Agent (A) makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of any Report or any of the information contained therein or any inaccuracy or omission contained in or relating to a Report and (B) shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report; (iii) the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and that any Person performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ books and records, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel and that the Administrative Agent undertakes no obligation to update, correct or supplement the Reports; (iv) it will keep all Reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, not share the Report with any Loan Party or any other Person except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement; and (v) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, (A) it will hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any Report in connection with any

 

108

 

 


 

 

extension of credit that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to the Borrowers, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a Loan or Loans; and (B) it will pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent or any such other Person as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.

 

(d)(i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment  of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.06(d) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

 

(ii)Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment. Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on  interbank compensation from time to time in effect.

 

(iii)The Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrower or any other Loan Party.

 

(iv)Each party’s obligations under this Section 8.06(d) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.

 

109

 

 


 

 

SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters.

 

(a)Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Secured Party’s right to file a proof of claim in an insolvency proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Secured Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof. In its capacity, the Administrative Agent is a “representative” of the Secured Parties within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the UCC. In the event that any Collateral is hereafter pledged by any Person as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized, and hereby granted a power of attorney, to execute and  deliver on behalf of the Secured Parties any Loan Documents necessary or appropriate to grant and perfect a Lien on such Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.

 

(b)In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no arrangements in respect of Banking Services the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations and no Swap Agreement the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations, will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Loan Party under any Loan Document. By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such arrangement in respect of Banking Services or Swap Agreement, as applicable, shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.

 

(c)The Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to subordinate or release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 6.02(d). The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

 

SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Loan Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to

 

110

 

 


 

 

such acquisition vehicle or vehicles (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Required Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership interests, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Obligations and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.

 

SECTION 8.09. Certain ERISA Matters.

 

(a)Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, and each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

 

(i)such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit 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,

 

111

 

 


 

 

(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.

 

In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, and each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent, or any Arranger, any Syndication Agent, any Documentation Agent or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the Collateral or the assets of such Lender (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related to hereto or thereto).

 

(b)The Administrative Agent, and each Arranger, Syndication Agent and Co-Documentation Agent hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of  Credit, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

 

SECTION 8.10. Flood Laws. JPMCB has adopted internal policies and procedures that address requirements placed on federally regulated lenders under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 and related legislation (the “Flood Laws”). JPMCB, as administrative agent or collateral agent on a syndicated facility, will post on the applicable electronic platform (or otherwise distribute to each Lender in the syndicate) documents that it receives in connection with the Flood Laws. However, JPMCB reminds each Lender and Participant in the facility that, pursuant to the Flood Laws, each federally regulated Lender (whether acting as a Lender or Participant in the facility) is responsible for assuring its own compliance with the flood insurance requirements.

 

ARTICLE IXMiscellaneous

 

112

 

 


 

 

SECTION 9.01. Notices.

 

(a)Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone or Electronic Systems (and subject in each case to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile, as follows:

 

(i)if to the Borrowers, to it at 13211 Merriman Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48150-1826, Attention: President (Facsimile No. 248-449-6701).

(ii)if to the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2 Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Omolola Eneh Phone No: 1-312-954-1007

Email: omolola.eneh@chase.com

 

With copy(s) to:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2 Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Commercial Banking Group Fax No: (844) 490-5663

Email: jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com jpm.agency.servicing.1@jpmorgan.com

 

(iii)if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or facsimile number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

All such notices and other communications (A) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail shall be deemed to have been given when received, (B) sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient, or (C) delivered through Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below shall be effective as provided in such paragraph.

 

(b)Notices and other communications to the Borrower Representative, any Loan Party and the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, or pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or to compliance certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.01unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, pursuant to procedures approved by it;  provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

113

 

 


 

 

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise proscribes, all such notices and other communications (i) sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if not given during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient.

 

(c)Any party hereto may change its address, facsimile number or e-mail address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments. (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Event of Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Event of Default at the time.

 

(b)  Subject to Section 2.13(c) and (d), and Section 9.02(c) below, neither this Agreement nor  any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the Required Lenders (or by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Required Lenders with the consent of the Required Lenders) or, (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent (with the consent of the Required Lenders) and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees or other amounts payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (other than as specified in Section 2.12(b)), (iii) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement (other than any reduction of the amount of, or any extension of the payment date for, the mandatory prepayments required under Section 2.10, in each case which shall only require the approval of the Required Lenders) or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Obligations payable hereunder, or otherwise reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.17(b) or (c) in a manner that would alter the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender other than as permitted hereunder (provided that it being understood and agreed that (x) any increase in the total Commitments and related modifications approved by each Lender increasing any of its Commitments and by the Required Lenders

 

114

 

 


 

 

shall not be deemed to alter the manner in which payments are shared or alter any other pro rata sharing of payments and (y) any “amend-and-extend” transaction that extends any applicable maturity or termination date only for those Lenders that agree to such an extension (which extension may include increased pricing and fees for such extending Lenders, and which extension shall not apply to those Lenders that do not approve such extension) shall not be deemed to alter the manner in which payments are shared or alter any other pro rata sharing of payments), (v) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders”, or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender, (vi) release all or substantially all of the Guarantors from their obligation under the Loan Party Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender, or (vii) except as provided in clause (c) of this Section or in any Collateral Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral, or subordinate the Lien of the Administrative Agent on any assets to be included in the Revolving Borrowing Base or on all or substantially all of the Collateral, in each case without the written consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender); provided further that (x) no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, and (y) the foregoing shall not prevent any amendment contemplated by the terms of Section 2.21 and the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent may agree to any required changes to this Agreement not inconsistent with the terms of Section 2.21. The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments and other transactions entered into pursuant to Section 9.04, Section 2.08 or Section 2.21. Notwithstanding the above, the Administrative Agent may (and each of the Lenders and each Secured Party by accepting the benefits of the Collateral hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to) enter into the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents (including any additional Collateral Documents at any time) and any intercreditors with floor plan lenders and any amendments or other modifications thereof as determined by Administrative Agent, in each case that are not contrary to the terms of this Agreement.

 

(c)The Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to, and the Administrative Agent hereby agrees with the Borrowers that it shall (so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the Payment in Full (other than payment and satisfaction of Unliquidated Obligations), (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if the Borrowers certify to the Administrative Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), (iii) constituting property leased to any Loan Party under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (iv) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral and the Administrative Agent shall not be required to execute any such release on terms which, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable opinion, would expose the Administrative Agent to liability or create any obligation or entail any consequence other than the release of such Liens without recourse or warranty.

 

(d)Notwithstanding Section 9.02(b), (i) this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended with the written consent of the Required Lenders, Lenders providing one or more additional credit facilities, the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers (x) to add one or more additional credit facilities to this Agreement and to permit the extensions of credit from time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this

 

115

 

 


 

 

Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof, (y) to reasonably and appropriately include the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders and (z) to make such other technical amendments as are reasonably deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers in connection with the foregoing, (ii) any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of one Class of Lenders (but not of any other Class of Lenders) may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and the requisite percentage in interest of the affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time and (iii) any waiver, amendment or modification of any commitment letter or fee letter may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into only by the parties thereto.

 

(e)If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrowers may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which will provide such consent and which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Borrowers shall pay to  such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrowers hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.14 and 2.16, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.15 had the Loans of such Non- Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender. Each party hereto agrees that an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (b) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to an be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

(f)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, if the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers shall have jointly identified an obvious error or any error or omission of a technical or immaterial nature, in each case, in any provision of the Loan Documents, then the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers shall be permitted to amend such provision and such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within five (5) Business Days following receipt of notice thereof.

 

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver. (a) The Borrowers shall jointly and severally pay (i) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by each of the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, and documented disbursements of counsel for the

 

116

 

 


 

 

Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through a service such as Intralinks or Approved Electronica Platform) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated, and including without limitation costs and expenses incurred in connection with appraisals (provided that the Borrowers shall be liable for the cost of such appraisals only if such appraisals are required by applicable law or regulation or required by the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default or otherwise required hereunder or any other Loan Document), insurance reviews, field examinations (internal and external fees and charges, provided that, if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers shall not be liable for the costs and expenses of more than four floor plan field examinations in any Fiscal Year or more than one such collateral field examination in any Fiscal Year), appraisals (provided that, if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers shall not be liable for the cost of more than two equipment and inventory appraisals in any Fiscal Year or more than such real property appraisals determined to be legally necessary by the Administrative Agent), filing financing statements and continuations, and other actions to perfect, protect, and continue the Administrative Agent’s Liens; sums paid or incurred to take any action required of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents that such Loan Party fails to pay or take; and costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, and documented disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

 

(b)Limitation of Liability. To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) neither any Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall assert, and each Borrower and each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Syndication Agent, any Co- Documentation Agent any Issuing Bank and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “Lender-Related Person”) for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(b) shall relieve any Borrower or any other Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(c), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.

 

(c)Indemnity. The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Arranger, each Syndication Agent, each Co-Documentation Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, (ii) the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the

 

117

 

 


 

 

consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) any action taken in connection with this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the payment of principal, interest and fees,

(iv) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (v) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary,

(vi) the failure of a Loan Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence with respect to a payment made by such Loan Party for Taxes pursuant to Section 2.16, or (vii) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by any Loan Party or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee. This Section 9.03(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses or damages arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

(d)Lender Reimbursement. Each Lender severally agrees to pay any amount required to be paid by any Loan Party under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9.03 to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each, an “Agent-Related Person”) (to the extent not reimbursed by the Loan Parties and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), ratably according to their respective Applicable Percentage in effect on the date on which such payment is sought under this Section (or, if such payment is sought after the date upon which the Commitments shall have terminated and the Loans shall have been paid in full, ratably in accordance with such Applicable Percentage immediately prior to such date), from and against any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before or after the payment of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in any way relating to or arising out of the Commitments, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by such Agent-Related Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that the unreimbursed expense or Liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in its capacity as such; provided, further, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such Liabilities, costs, expenses or disbursements that are found by a final and non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from such Agent-Related Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.

 

(e)All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.

 

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns. (a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that

(i)no Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by any Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent

 

118

 

 


 

 

expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)(i)   Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may    assign to one or more assignees (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:

 

(A)the Borrower Representative; provided that, the Borrower Representative shall be deemed to have consented to an assignment unless it shall have objected thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof; provided further that no consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee; and

 

 

(B)

the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender.

 

 

(ii)

Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

 

(A)except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $1,000,000, unless each of the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent; provided that no such consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(B)each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent;

 

(C)the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500;

 

(D)the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Loan Parties and their affiliates, the Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws; and

 

 

(E)

the assignee may not be a Loan Party or any Affiliate of a Loan Party.

 

119

 

 


 

 

For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:

 

Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

Ineligible Institution” means a (a) natural person, (b) a Defaulting Lender or its Lender Parent, (c) company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof; provided that, with respect to clause (c), such company, investment vehicle or trust shall not constitute an Ineligible Institution if it (i) has not been established for the primary purpose of acquiring any Loans or Commitments, (ii) is  managed by a professional advisor, who is not such natural person or a relative thereof, having significant experience in the business of making or purchasing commercial loans, and (iii) has assets greater than $25,000,000 and a significant part of its activities consist of making or purchasing commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business or (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party.

 

(iii)Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this  Agreement  that  does  not  comply  with  this  Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

 

(iv)The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(v)Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the

 

120

 

 


 

 

information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.04(c), 2.05(d) or (e), 2.06(b), 2.17(c) or 9.03(c), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

 

(c)Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities, other than an Ineligible Institution (a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and 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 Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. The Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Sections 2.16(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.16(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender and the  information  and  documentation  required  under  Section 2.16(g) will be delivered to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.17 and 2.18 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 2.14 or 2.16 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 Borrowers’ request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrowers to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.18(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.17(d) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under this Agreement or any other 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.

 

121

 

 


 

 

(d)Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding  and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15,

2.16 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.

 

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Signature. (a) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

(b)   Delivery  of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any   other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be;

 

122

 

 


 

 

provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting  the  generality of the foregoing, the Borrower and each Loan Party hereby (i) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (ii) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (iii) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (iv) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Borrower and/or each Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.

 

SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, the Issuing Bank and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held, and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender, the Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any and all of the Secured Obligations held by such Lender, the Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, the Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates shall have made any demand under the Loan Documents and although such obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender or the Issuing Bank different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.20 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Secured Obligations

 

123

 

 


 

 

owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The applicable Lender, the Issuing Bank or such Affiliate shall notify the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent of such setoff or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such setoff or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender, the Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have.

 

SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. (a) The Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of law provision) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national banks.

 

(b)Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Secured Party relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Collateral or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

 

(c)Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal or New York state court sitting in New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents, the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such state court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(d)Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(e)Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED,

 

124

 

 


 

 

EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and  the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, trustees, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority,

(c)to the extent required by Requirement of Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to any Loan Party and its obligations, (g) with the prior consent of the Borrowers or (h) to the extent such Information becomes (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrowers. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from any Borrower or any Person on any Borrower’s behalf with respect to any Loan Party or any of its or their business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Borrower or such Person and other than information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrowers or such Person after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided  in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information; provided, further, that information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry shall be excluded from this definition of “Information”.

 

SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrowers in violation of any Requirement of Law.

 

SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party,

 

125

 

 


 

 

which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

SECTION 9.15. Interest Rate Limitation.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the "Charges"), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the "Maximum Rate") which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

 

SECTION 9.16. Disclosure. Each Borrower and Lender hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.

 

SECTION 9.17. Dealer Access System. The Borrower Representative has requested access to the Administrative Agent’s internet web based “Dealer Access System” to permit borrower to access certain account information relating to the Loan and to facilitate the making of any payments on the Loan by authorizing the Administrative Agent to debit any one or more of the Borrower Representative’s deposit accounts with the Administrative Agent or with such other financial institutions as indicated by the Borrower Representative. In consideration for the Administrative Agent’s granting to access to the Administrative Agent’s Dealer Access System to view loan account information and make Loan payments, the Borrower Representative acknowledges its responsibility for the security of its passwords and other information necessary for access to the Administrative Agent’s Dealer Access System and fully, finally, and forever releases and discharges the Administrative Agent and its successors, assigns, directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all causes of action, claims, debts, demands, and liabilities, of whatever kind or nature, in law or equity, the Borrower Representative may now or hereafter have, in any way relating to the Borrower Representative’s access to, or use of, or the Administrative Agent’s suspension or termination of certain systems features of the Administrative Agent’s Dealer Access System.

 

SECTION 9.18. Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.

 

SECTION 9.19. Amendment and Restatement.

 

(a)On the Effective Date the Existing Credit Agreement shall be amended, restated and superseded in its entirety by this Agreement. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) this Agreement, any promissory notes delivered pursuant hereto and the other Loan Documents executed and delivered in connection herewith do not constitute a novation or termination of the “Obligations” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) (the Existing Obligations”) under the Existing Credit

 

126

 

 


 

 

Agreement or any of the “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) as in effect prior to the Effective Date and the Obligations hereunder are issued in exchange and replacement for such Existing Obligations and (ii) such Existing Obligations are in all respects continuing and shall collectively constitute Obligations under the this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Liens securing the Existing Agreement or the obligations thereunder be deemed affected hereby, it being the intent and agreement of the Loan Parties that, except as otherwise provided in the Loan Documents, the Liens on the collateral granted to secure the obligations of the existing loan parties in connection with the Existing Agreement and the other “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Existing Agreement), shall not be extinguished and shall remain valid, binding and enforceable securing the obligations under the Existing Agreement as amended and restated hereby and each other Loan Document, and agreement evidencing all of any part of any Secured Obligations.

 

(b)Notwithstanding the modifications effected by this Agreement of the representations, warranties and covenants of the Borrowers contained in the Existing Credit Agreement, the Borrowers acknowledge and agree that any causes of action or other rights created in favor of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or its successors arising out of the representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in or delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement shall survive the execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

(c)All indemnification obligations of the Borrowers arising under the Existing Credit Agreement (including any arising from a breach of the representations thereunder) shall survive this amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement.

 

(d)By its execution hereof, each Lender hereby (i) consents to the amendments and amendments and restatements to be executed in connection herewith with respect to any of the Collateral Documents delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement and any additional Collateral Documents to be executed in connection herewith, all as in form and substance approved by the Administrative Agent, and (ii) authorizes and directs the Administrative Agent to enter into such amendments and amendments and restatements.

 

(e)For purposes of determining withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, from and after the Effective Date, the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent shall treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to treat) this Agreement as not qualifying as a “grandfathered obligation” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).

 

(f)TCF National Bank (successor in interest to Chemical Bank) (the “Departing Lender”) has agreed pursuant to a separate departing lender consent that it shall no longer constitute a Lender under this Agreement as of the Effective Date. The Departing Lender shall not have a Commitment on and after the Effective Date. The Departing Lender shall cease to be a party to the Credit Agreement as of the Effective Date, with no rights, duties or obligations thereunder. The consent of a Departing Lender is not required to give effect to the changes contemplated by this Amendment. The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to take such steps under the Credit Agreement as reasonably required to give effect to the departure of the Departing Lender, including, without limitation, reallocating outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement among the remaining Lenders ratably based on their Commitments, and all amounts owing to the Departing Lender shall be paid by the Company, or as otherwise determined by the Administrative Agent in connection with such reallocation, to the Departing Lender as of the Effective Date. Each of the Borrowers and Lenders agrees with and consents to the foregoing.

 

(g)All parties hereto acknowledge and agree if the Effective Date does not occur at or prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, on April 1, 2021, the Existing Credit Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without modification hereunder.

 

127

 

 


 

 

SECTION 9.20. Marketing Consent. The Borrowers hereby authorize JPMCB and its affiliates (collectively, the “JPMCB Parties”), at their respective sole expense, but without any prior approval by any Borrower, to include the Borrowers’ name and logo in advertising slicks posted on its internet site, in pitchbooks or sent in mailings to prospective customers and to give such other publicity to this Agreement as each may from time to time determine in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the JPMCB Parties shall not publish the Borrowers’ name in a newspaper or magazine without obtaining the Borrowers’ prior written approval. The foregoing authorization shall remain in effect unless the Borrower Representative notifies JPMCB in writing that such authorization is revoked.

 

SECTION 9.21. 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 Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:      (a)      the application of any  Write-Down and Conversion Powers by     the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and

 

 

(b)

the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

 

 

(i)

a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

 

(ii)a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

 

(iii)the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.

 

SECTION 9.22. No Fiduciary Duty, etc. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Borrowers with respect to the Loan Documents and the transaction contemplated herein and therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, any Borrower or any other person. Each Borrower agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Additionally, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising any Borrower as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. The Borrowers shall consult with their own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to any Borrower with respect thereto.

 

Each Borrower further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its affiliates, is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, the Borrowers and other companies with which the Borrowers may have commercial or

 

128

 

 


 

 

other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit  Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.

 

In addition, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which the Borrowers may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from any Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with the Borrowers in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. Each Borrower also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to any Borrower, confidential information obtained from other companies.

 

SECTION 9.23. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs.

 

(a)To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “QFC Credit Support” and each such QFC a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States).

 

(b)In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

 

SECTION 9.24. Joint and Several. Each Borrower hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees it is jointly and severally liable to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders for the Secured Obligations. In furtherance thereof, each Borrower agrees that wherever in this Agreement it is provided that a Borrower is liable for a payment, such obligation is the joint and several obligation of each Borrower. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that its joint and several liability under this Agreement and the Loan Documents is absolute and unconditional and shall not in any manner be affected or impaired by any acts or omissions whatsoever by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Person. Each Borrower's liability for the Secured Obligations shall not in

 

129

 

 


 

 

any manner be impaired or affected by who receives or uses the proceeds of the credit extended hereunder or for what purposes such proceeds are used, and each Borrower waives notice of borrowing requests issued by, and loans or other extensions of credit made to, other Borrowers. Each Borrower  hereby agrees not to exercise or enforce any right of exoneration, contribution, reimbursement, recourse or subrogation available to such Borrower against any party liable for payment under this Agreement and the Loan Documents unless and until the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender has been paid in full and all of the Secured Obligations are satisfied and discharged following termination or expiration of all commitments of the Lenders to extend credit to the Borrowers. Each Borrower's joint  and several liability hereunder with respect to the Secured Obligations shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the unconditional liability of such Borrower irrespective of (i) the validity, enforceability, avoidance or subordination of any of the Secured Obligations or of any other document evidencing all or any part of the Secured Obligations, (ii) the absence of any attempt to collect any of the Secured Obligations from any other Loan Party or any Collateral or other security therefor, or the absence of any other action to enforce the same, (iii) the amendment, modification, waiver, consent, extension, forbearance or granting of any indulgence by the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to any provision of any instrument executed by any other Loan Party evidencing or securing the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, or any other agreement now or hereafter executed by any other Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent, (iv) the failure by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to take any steps to perfect or maintain the perfected status of its Lien upon, or to preserve its rights to, any of the Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations or the Administrative Agent’s release of any Collateral or of its Liens upon any Collateral, (v) the release or compromise, in whole or in part, of the liability of any other Loan Party for the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, (vi) any increase in the amount of the Secured Obligations beyond any limits imposed herein or in the amount of any interest, fees or other charges payable in connection therewith, in each case, if consented to by any other Borrower, or any decrease in the same, or (vii) any other circumstance that might constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of any Loan Party. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may proceed directly and at once, without notice to any Borrower, against any or all of Loan Parties to collect and recover all or any part of the Secured Obligations, without first proceeding against any other Loan Party or against any Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations, and each Borrower waives any provision that might otherwise require the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under applicable law to pursue or exhaust its remedies against any Collateral or other Loan Party before pursuing such Borrower or its property. Each Borrower consents and agrees that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall be under no obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Loan Party or against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations.

 

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 


 


 

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

 

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.

 

By:       __/s/ Anthony Colucci______________________

Name: Anthony Colucci

Title:    Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC.

 

By:       __/s/ Anthony Colucci______________________

Name: Anthony Colucci

Title:    Authorized Representative

 

 

 

ALTA ENTERPRISES, LLC

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC

ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C.

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C.

NITCO, LLC

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC

PEAKLOGIX, LLC

 

 

By:       ___/s/ Anthony Colucci______

Name: Anthony Colucci

Title:    Authorized Representative

of each of the above, on behalf of each of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent

 

 

By: ____/s/ Michael Byrne____________________

Name: Michael Byrne

Title: Authorized Officer

 

 

COMERICA BANK, as a Lender and a Co-Documentation Agent

 

 

By  ____/s/ Michael Cliff______

Name: Michael Cliff

Title: Vice President

 

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender and a Co-Documentation Agent

 

 

By  ____/s/ Jack McAllister__________

Name: Jack McAllister

Title: Vice President

 

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender and a Co-Documentation Agent

 

 

By  ____/s/ Todd Poulson_______________

Name: Todd Poulson

Title: Vice President

 

 

BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., as a Lender and a Co-Documentation Agent

 

 

By  _____/s/ Ran Li__________________

Name: Ran Li

Title: Vice President

 

 

KEYBANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender and a Co-Documentation Agent

 

 

By  __/s/ Matthew McLuckey___________

Name: Matthew McLuckey

Title: Vice President

 

Signature Page to Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement

 

 

 


 

FLAGSTAR BANK

 

 

By  ____/s/ Leo C. Kujawa_______________

Name: Leo C. Kujawa

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement

 

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

 

 

SIXTH AMENDED AND RESTATED FLOOR PLAN FIRST LIEN CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

April 1, 2021

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.,

ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC.,

ALTA ENTERPRISES, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC,

ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC,

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C.,

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C.,

NITCO, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC,

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC, and

PEAKLOGIX, LLC,

as Borrowers

The Lenders Party Hereto

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

as Administrative Agent

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Sole Bookrunner and Sole Lead Arranger

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I Definitions

2

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms

2

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings

37

SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally

37

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP

38

SECTION 1.05. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notification

38

SECTION 1.06. Status of Obligations

39

SECTION 1.07. Divisions

39

SECTION 1.08. Pro Forma Adjustments

39

 

 

ARTICLE II The Credits

39

SECTION 2.01. Commitments

39

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings

40

SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings

40

SECTION 2.04. [Intentionally Omitted]

41

SECTION 2.05. [Intentionally Omitted]

41

SECTION 2.06. Funding of Borrowings

41

SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections

42

SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments

42

SECTION 2.09. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt

42

SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans

44

SECTION 2.11. Fees

44

SECTION 2.12. Interest

45

SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality

46

SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs

48

SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments

49

SECTION 2.16. Taxes

49

SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs

53

SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

55

SECTION 2.19. Defaulting Lenders

56

SECTION 2.20. Appointment of Borrower Representative

57

SECTION 2.21. Expansion Option

57

SECTION 2.22. Returned Payments

58

SECTION 2.23. Banking Services and Swap Agreements

58

 

 

ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties

59

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers

59

SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability

59

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts

59

SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change

59

SECTION 3.05. Properties

60

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters

60

SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements

61

SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status

61

SECTION 3.09. Taxes

61

SECTION 3.10. ERISA

61

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure

61

 

i


 

SECTION 3.12. Solvency

62

SECTION 3.13. Security Interest in Collateral

62

SECTION 3.14. Labor Disputes; Etc

62

SECTION 3.15. No Default

62

SECTION 3.16. Margin Regulations

62

SECTION 3.17. Subordinated Debt

63

SECTION 3.18. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions

63

SECTION 3.19. EEA Financial Institutions

63

SECTION 3.20. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions

63

SECTION 3.21. Material Agreements

63

SECTION 3.22. Capitalization and Subsidiaries

63

SECTION 3.23. Use of Proceeds

64

SECTION 3.24. Affiliate Transactions

64

SECTION 3.25. Second Lien Transactions

64

SECTION 3.26. Insurance

64

SECTION 3.27. Common Enterprise

64

 

 

ARTICLE IV Conditions

65

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date

65

SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event

67

 

 

ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants

68

SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements and Other Information

68

SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events

72

SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business

72

SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations

72

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance

72

SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights

72

SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws

73

SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds

73

SECTION 5.09. Collateral Security; Further Assurances

73

SECTION 5.10. Depository Banks

74

SECTION 5.11. Additional Covenants in the Second Lien Indenture and ABL Credit Agreement

75

 

 

ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants

75

SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness

76

SECTION 6.02. Liens

77

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes

78

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions

79

SECTION 6.05. Swap Agreements

79

SECTION 6.06. Restricted Payments

80

SECTION 6.07. Transactions with Affiliates

80

SECTION 6.08. Restrictive Agreements

80

SECTION 6.09. Change of Name or Location; Change of Fiscal Year

80

SECTION 6.10. Amendments to Agreements

81

SECTION 6.11. Prepayment of Indebtedness; Subordinated Debt

81

SECTION 6.12. Government Regulation

82

SECTION 6.13. Financial Covenants

82

SECTION 6.14. Alta Group, Alta Holdings and Alta Enterprises as a Holding Company

82

 

 

 

ii


 

ARTICLE VII Events of Default

83

 

 

ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent

85

SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action

85

SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc

88

SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications

89

SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually

90

SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent

90

SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders

91

SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters

93

SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding

94

SECTION 8.09. Certain ERISA Matters

95

SECTION 8.10. Flood Laws

96

 

 

ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous

96

SECTION 9.01. Notices

96

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments

98

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc

101

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns

102

SECTION 9.05. Survival

106

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Signature

106

SECTION 9.07. Severability

107

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff

108

SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process

108

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

109

SECTION 9.11. Headings

109

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality

109

SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law

110

SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act

110

SECTION 9.15. Interest Rate Limitation

110

SECTION 9.16. Disclosure

110

SECTION 9.17. Dealer Access System

110

SECTION 9.18. Appointment for Perfection

110

SECTION 9.19. Amendment and Restatement

111

SECTION 9.20. Marketing Consent

112

SECTION 9.21. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions

112

SECTION 9.22. No Fiduciary Duty, etc

112

SECTION 9.23. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs

113

SECTION 9.24. Joint and Several

114

 

 

iii


 

 

SCHEDULES:

 

Commitment Schedule

Schedule 1.01 Permitted Preferred Equity Terms

Schedule 3.05 Loan Parties

Schedule 3.06 Disclosed Matters

Schedule 3.17 Subordinated Debt Documents

Schedule 3.21 Material Agreements

Schedule 3.22 Capitalization and Subsidiaries

Schedule 3.25 Second Lien Documents

Schedule 3.26 Insurance

Schedule 6.01 Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.02 Existing Liens

Schedule 6.04 Existing Investments

 

EXHIBITS:

 

Exhibit A

Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B

Form of Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement

Exhibit C-1

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

Exhibit C-2

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

Exhibit C-3

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

Exhibit C-4

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

 

 

 

iv


 

 

This Sixth Amended and Restated  Floor  Plan  First  Lien  Credit  Agreement,  dated  as  of  April 1, 2021 (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), is among ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation, ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC., a Michigan corporation, ALTA ENTERPRISES, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C., a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C., a Michigan limited liability company, NITCO, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, PEAKLOGIX, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, the Lenders party hereto, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

R E C I T A L S

 

A.The borrowers (including the Borrowers hereto, as successors or assigns thereof) party thereto, the lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent are party to that certain Fifth Amended and Restated Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of February 3, 2020, which amended and restated that certain Fourth Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 2019, which amended and restated that certain Third Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of December 27, 2017, which amended and restated that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 30, 2016, which amended and restated that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2012, and which amended and restated that certain Credit Agreement dated as of May 5, 2011 (as amended, the “Existing Credit Agreement”).

 

B.The Borrowers party hereto, the Lenders party hereto and the Administrative Agent wish to amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth below.

 

C.Concurrently herewith, the Borrowers, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as ABL Administrative Agent (as defined below) are entering into the ABL Credit Agreement (as defined below), which amends and restates the ABL Credit Agreement (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) on the terms and conditions set forth therein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements made herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree that the Existing Credit Agreement is amended and restated in its entirety (as specified in Section 9.19) as follows:

 

 

1


 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

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

 

ABL Administrative Agent” means JPMCB, in its capacity as administrative agent under the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

ABL Availability” means “Availability” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement, on the Effective Date, subject to any Subsequent Definition thereof.

 

ABL Average Quarterly Availability” means, for any Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group, an amount equal to the average daily ABL Availability during such Fiscal Quarter (or, for the Fiscal Quarter ending March 31, 2020, for the period from and including the Effective Date through March 31, 2020), as determined by the ABL Administrative Agent’s system of records; provided, that in order to determine ABL Availability on any day for purposes of this definition, the Revolving Borrowing Base for such day shall be determined by reference to the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered to the ABL Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01 of the ABL Credit Agreement as of such day. Terms used in this definition but not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the ABL Credit Agreement.

 

ABL Credit Agreement” means the Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Borrowers, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and the ABL Administrative Agent, as amended, refinanced, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

ABL Lender” means a “Lender” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement on the Effective Date, subject to any Subsequent Definition thereof.

 

ABL Loan Documents” means the “Loan Documents” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement on the Effective Date, subject to any Subsequent Definition thereof.

 

ABL Loans” means the “Loans” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement on the Effective Date, subject to any Subsequent Definition thereof.

 

ABL Obligations” means the “Secured Obligations” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement on the Effective Date, subject to any Subsequent Definition thereof.

 

ABL Revolving Commitment” means the “Revolving Commitment” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement on the Effective Date, subject to any Subsequent Definition thereof.

 

ABL Secured Parties” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement on the Effective Date, subject to any Subsequent Definition thereof.

 

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

 

Account Debtor” means any Person obligated on an Account.

 

Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on or after the date of this Agreement, by which any Loan Party (i) acquires any going business or all or substantially all

 

2


 

of the assets of any firm, corporation or limited liability company, or division thereof, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (ii) directly or indirectly acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the Equity Interests of a Person.

 

Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100,000 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

 

Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate” means, for any day, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) 2.50% plus (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one (1)-month interest period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Adjusted LIBO Rate for any day shall be based on the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day; provided further, that, if the LIBO Screen Rate at such time shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement; provided, further, that, if the LIBO Screen Rate, as determined without giving effect to the first proviso set forth in the definition of the “LIBO Screen Rate,” at such time shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of determining the “Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate” and the “CB Floating Rate”.

 

Administrative Agent” means JPMCB, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

 

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

 

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

 

Affiliate” means, at any time, and with respect to any Person, any other Person that at such time directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, or is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such first Person, and, with respect to any Borrower, shall include any Person beneficially owning or holding, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any class of voting or equity interests of such Borrower or any Subsidiary or any Person of which such Borrower and its Subsidiaries beneficially own or hold, in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any class of voting or equity interests.

 

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

 

Alta Construction Equipment Florida” means Alta Construction Equipment Florida, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.

 

Alta Enterprises” means Alta Enterprises, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.

 

Alta Group” means Alta Equipment Group Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

Alta Holdings” means Alta Equipment Holdings, Inc., a Michigan corporation.

 

Alta Illinois” means Alta Construction Equipment Illinois, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.

 

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

 

 

3


 

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

 

Applicable Margin” means, for any day, with respect to any Floor Plan Loans that are CBFR Loans, Floor Plan Loans that are Eurodollar Loans and commitment fees payable under Section 2.11(a) hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the applicable caption, as the case may be, based upon the ABL Average Quarterly Availability during the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group:

 

Level

ABL Average Quarterly Availability

Applicable Margin - CBFR Loans

Applicable Margin – Adjusted Eurodollar

Loans

Applicable Margin - Commitment Fees

I

< $25,000,000

75.0 bps

325.0 bps

25.0 bps

II

≥ $25,000,000

but

< $100,0000,000

50.0 bps

300.0 bps

25.0 bps

III

≥ $100,000,000

25.0 bps

275.0 bps

25.0 bps

 

For purposes of the foregoing, each change in the Applicable Margin resulting from a change in ABL Average Quarterly Availability shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the first day of each Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group and ending on the last day of such Fiscal Quarter, it being understood and agreed that, for purposes of determining the Applicable Margin on the first day of any Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group, the ABL Average Quarterly Availability during the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter of Alta Group shall be used. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the ABL Average Quarterly Availability shall be deemed to be in Level I at the option of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Required Lenders if the Borrowers fail to deliver any Borrowing Base Certificate (as such term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) or related information required to be delivered by them pursuant to Section 5.01, during the period from the expiration of the time for delivery thereof until each such Borrowing Base Certificate and related information is so delivered. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Applicable Margin shall be set at Level III as of the Effective Date and shall be adjusted for the first time thereafter based on the ABL Average Quarterly Availability for the Fiscal Quarter ending June 30, 2021.

 

If at any time the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent determines that the Borrowing Base Certificate (as such term is defined in the ABL Credit Agreement) or related information upon which the ABL Average Quarterly Availability was determined were incorrect (whether based on a restatement, fraud or otherwise), the Borrowers shall be required to immediately (or, in the case of a determination made by the Administrative Agent, immediately following the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor (provided, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to any Borrower under any bankruptcy or similar law, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent)) and retroactively pay any additional amount that the Borrowers would have been required to pay if such financial statements had been accurate at the time they were delivered.

 

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

 

Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, with respect to Floor Plan Loans, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Floor Plan Commitment and the denominator of which is the aggregate Floor Plan Commitment of all Lenders (if the Floor Plan Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of

 

4


 

the aggregate Floor Plan Exposures most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments and to any Lender’s status as a Defaulting Lender at the time of determination); provided that in the case of Section 2.19 when a Defaulting Lender shall exist, “Applicable Percentage” shall mean the percentage of the total Floor Plan Commitments (disregarding any Defaulting Lender’s Floor Plan Commitment) represented by such Lender’s Floor Plan Commitment.

 

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

 

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

 

Approved Location” means each location described in Section 3.4 of the Security Agreement and each other location agreed to in writing by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

 

Arranger” means JPMCB, in its capacity as sole bookrunner and sole lead arranger hereunder.

 

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

 

Augmenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

 

Available Floor Plan Commitment” means, at any time, the aggregate Floor Plan Commitment of all Lenders then in effect m inus the aggregate Floor Plan Exposure of all Lenders at such time (calculated, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, as if such Defaulting Lender had funded its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Borrowings).

 

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to clause (g) of Section 2.13.

 

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

 

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

 

Bailed Unit”  or  “B   ailed Units”  has the meaning assigned to it in clause (l) of the definition of “Eligible Floor Plan Equipment”.

 

Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (b) stored value cards, merchant

 

5


 

processing services, and (d) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts and interstate depository network services).

 

Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceedings, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

 

Banking Services Reserves” means all Reserves which the Administrative Agent from time to time establishes in its Permitted Discretion for Banking Services then provided or outstanding.

 

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

 

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

 

Benchmark” means, initially, LIBO Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to LIBO Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause (c) or clause (d) of Section 2.13.

 

Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

(1)the sum of (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

(2)the sum of (a) Daily Simple SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

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

 

6


 

 

provided that, in the case of clause (1), such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; provided further that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event, and the delivery of a Term SOFR Notice, on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date the “Benchmark Replacement” shall revert to and shall be deemed to be the sum of (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, as set forth in clause (1) of this definition (subject to the first proviso above).

 

If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1), (2) or (3) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

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

 

(1)for purposes of clauses (1) and (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent:

 

(a)the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for the applicable Corresponding Tenor;

 

(b)the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Interest Period that would apply to the fallback rate for a derivative transaction referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon an index cessation event with respect to such Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor; and

 

(i)for purposes of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities;

 

provided that, in the case of clause (1) above, such adjustment is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such Benchmark Replacement Adjustment from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “CB Floating Rate,”

 

7


 

the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides in its reasonable discretion may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

 

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

 

(1)in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

 

(2)in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein;

 

(3)in the case of a Term SOFR Transition Event, the date that is thirty (30) days after the date a Term SOFR Notice is provided to the Lenders and the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.13(f); or

 

(4)in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

 

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

 

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

 

 

8


 

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

 

(3)a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer representative.

 

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

 

Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.13 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.13.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

 

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

 

Board of Directors” means: (1) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation or such directors or committee serving a similar function; (2) with respect to a limited liability company, the board of managers of the company or such managers or committee serving a similar function; (3) with respect to a partnership, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the partnership; and (4) with respect to any other Person, the managers, directors, trustees, board or committee of such Person or its owners serving a similar function.

 

 

9


 

Borrower Representative” means Alta Group in its capacity as representative of the Borrowers as set forth in Section 2.20.

 

Borrowers” means Alta Group and its Subsidiaries.

 

Borrowing” means Floor Plan Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

 

Borrowing Request” means a request for a Borrowing under Section 2.03.

 

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Detroit, Chicago or New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for general business in London.

 

Capital Expenditures” means, without duplication, any expenditure or commitment to expend money for any purchase or other acquisition of any asset which would be classified as a fixed or capital asset, including without limitation leasehold improvements, but excluding new, used or parts inventory, on a consolidated balance sheet of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, such expenditures will be reduced by the sum of (a) the Net Cash Proceeds received with respect to any sale of any fixed or capital assets (excluding new, used, and parts inventory) net of any gain recognized in connection with such sale and (b)any piece of rental equipment financed via either Loans, ABL Loans or any other floorplan line (up to the value advanced on such asset thereunder), in each case (both clauses (a) and (b)) as determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

Capital Lease” means any lease of property, real or personal, the obligations with respect to which are required to be capitalized on a balance sheet of the lessee in accordance with GAAP.

 

Capital Lease Obligations” means the aggregate principal component of capitalized lease obligations relating to a Capital Lease determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

CB Floating Rate” means the Prime Rate; provided that the CB Floating Rate shall never be less than the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day). Any change in the CB Floating Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate, respectively.

 

CBFR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the CB Floating Rate.

 

Change in Control” means any of the following:

 

(a)the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) other than Permitted Investors, of Equity Interests representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Alta Group;

 

(b)occupation at any time of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of Alta Group by Persons who were not (i) directors of Alta Group on the date of this

 

10


 

Agreement or nominated or appointed by the board of directors of Alta Group or (ii) appointed by directors so nominated or appointed;

 

(c)the acquisition of direct or indirect Control of Alta Group by any Person or group other than Permitted Investors;

 

(d)Alta Group shall fail to own and control, directly, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests representing 100% of each of the aggregate ordinary voting power and aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Alta Holdings;

 

(e)Alta Group and Alta Holdings shall fail to own, directly, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests representing 100% of each of the aggregate ordinary voting power and aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Alta Enterprises;

 

(f)Alta Enterprises shall fail to own, directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests representing 100% of each of the aggregate ordinary voting power and aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each other Borrower (other than Alta Group and Alta Holdings); or

 

(g)any “change in control” (or any comparable term) under any Second Lien Document or ABL Loan Document or any other event that would require or permit the Second Lien Holders or ABL Lenders or any of them to require an acceleration or prepayment of the Second Lien Obligations or the ABL Obligations, as applicable.

 

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any of the (a)following: the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) compliance by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.14(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.

 

Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.15.

 

Class”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Floor Plan Loans.

 

CNHI” means CNH Industrial Capital America LLC.

 

CNHI Financing Paper” means, those certain financing contracts between Alta Illinois, as lender, and certain customers of Alta Illinois, as debtors, entered into by such parties from time to time to finance the purchase from Alta Illinois by such customers of equipment manufactured by CNHI from time to time.

 

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

 

 

11


 

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

 

Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreements, any Mortgages, the Loan Party Guaranties, the Subordination Agreements, the Intercreditor Agreements and all other agreements, instruments and documents executed in connection with this Agreement at any time (either before, concurrently or after the Effective Date, and including without limitation any of the foregoing delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement) that are intended to create or evidence Liens to secure, Guarantees of, or subordinations to, all or any part of the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, all other security agreements, pledge agreements, pledge and security agreements, pledges, powers of attorney, guaranties, subordination agreements, consents, assignments, contracts, leases, and financing statements, and all other written matter whether theretofore, now or hereafter executed by an Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent, all as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the sum of such Lender’s Floor Plan Commitment and any other commitments, if any are established pursuant to any amendment hereto at any time. The initial amount of each Lender’s Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation  or  record  (as  such  term  is  defined  in  Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C), pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Consolidated EBITDA” means, with reference to any period, the Net Income for such period, and plus (a) to the extent reducing such Net Income, without duplication, (i) Interest Expense, (ii) expense for income taxes, (iii) depreciation, (iv) amortization, (v) any non-cash charges for such period (but excluding (1) any non-cash charge that results from the write-down or write-off of accounts receivable or that is in respect of any other item that was included in Net Income in a prior period, (2) any non-cash charge that relates to the write-down or write-off of inventory or equipment, any additions to bad debt reserves or bad debt expense, (3) any non-cash charge to the extent it represents an accrual of or a reserve for cash expenditures in any future period) and (4) any non-cash losses related to the sale of rental equipment in the ordinary course of business, (vi) any reasonable non-recurring fees, cash charges and other cash expenses made or incurred in connection with (1) the Transactions, or (2) any amendments, restatements, supplements, waivers or other modifications to the Loan Documents, ABL Loan Documents, or the Second Lien Documents, (vii) losses deducted during the specified period, but only to the extent proceeds of insurance (including, without limitation, business interruption insurance) or indemnity recovery are actually received during such period, (viii) reasonable transaction expenses and fees for such period with respect to with respect to Permitted Acquisitions consummated or sought but not consummated by any Loan Party, (ix) pro forma adjustments under Section 1.08, (x) reasonable expenses and fees incurred during the specified period in connection with the administration of the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents after the

 

12


 

Effective Date (including in all cases expenses and fees paid to the Administrative Agent and/or the Lenders), (xi) fees and expenses during the specified period which are directly related to any proposed or actual issuance of debt or equity, investment or asset dispositions, in each case permitted under this Agreement, (xii) any extraordinary or non-recurring losses in the aggregate in any period of twelve consecutive months not to exceed the result of (A) 10% of Consolidated EBITDA, less (B) any noncash gains or losses on the sale of fixed or capital assets offset for gains from the sale of fixed or capital assets calculated (x) at the price at which the applicable Loan Party sold the applicable asset, minus (y) such Loan Party’s initial purchase price of such asset (for the avoidance of doubt, without reducing this clause (y) for any depreciation or amortization thereof), for such twelve consecutive months (prior to giving effect to this clause (xii)), and (xiii) the amount of “run rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions and other synergies, projected by Alta Group in good faith to be realized as a result of specified actions taken, actions with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or actions that are expected to be taken (which cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (A) such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable, (B) such cost savings, operating expense reductions or synergies do not exceed 15% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (before giving effect to any adjustment as a result of this clause (xiii)), and (C) such actions have been taken, such actions with respect to which substantial steps have been taken or such actions are expected to be taken within 18 months after the date of determination to take such action; provided, further, that the adjustments pursuant to this clause (xiii) may be incremental to (but not duplicative of) pro forma adjustments made pursuant to clause (a)(ix) of this definition;  minus without duplication and to the extent included in Net Income, (i) any cash payments made during such period in respect of non-cash charges described in clause (a)(v) taken in a prior period and (ii) any non- cash items of income for such period (other than any non-cash gains related to the sale of rental equipment in the ordinary course of business), all calculated for Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

Consolidated Total Assets” means, at any time, the total assets of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter prior to the applicable date of determination for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(b) hereof, as applicable, provided, that, for purposes of testing the covenants contained in Section 6.01(k) and Section 6.02(f), respectively, the consolidated total assets of the Alta Group and its Subsidiaries shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

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.

 

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

 

Covered Entity” means any of the following:

 

(i)a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

 

(ii)a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R.§ 47.3(b); or

 

 

13


 

(iii)a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R.§ 382.2(b).

 

Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, such Lender’s Floor Plan Exposure at such time.

 

Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent or any other Lender.

 

Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Administrative Agent in accordance with the conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining “Daily Simple SOFR” for business loans; provided, that if the Administrative Agent decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion.

 

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

 

Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

 

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, or (ii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement has not been satisfied, (b) has notified any Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in  which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations as of the date of certification) to fund prospective Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of a (i) Bankruptcy Event or (ii) a Bail-In Action.

 

Demonstrator Unit” or “Demonstrator Units” has the meaning assigned to it in clause (j) of the definition of “Eligible Floor Plan Equipment”.

 

Disclosed Matters” means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in S chedule 3.06.

 

Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (in one transaction or in a series of transactions and whether effected pursuant to a Division or otherwise) of any property by any Person (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any issuance of Equity Interests by a

 

14


 

Subsidiary of such Person), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

 

Disqualified Equity” means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option  of the holder thereof, in whole or in part.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is LIBO Rate, the occurrence of:

 

(1)a notification by the Administrative Agent to (or the request by the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least five currently outstanding dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a SOFR-based rate (including SOFR, a term SOFR or any other rate based upon SOFR) as a benchmark rate (and such syndicated credit facilities are identified in such notice and are publicly available for review), and

 

(2)the joint election by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative to trigger a fallback from LIBO Rate and the provision by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Lenders.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

15


 

 

Effective Date” means the date upon which all of the conditions set forth in Article IV are satisfied; provided, that such conditions are satisfied on or before April 1, 2021.

 

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

 

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

 

Eligible Floor Plan Equipment” means, as of any date, the equipment owned by a Borrower and meeting each of the following requirements:

 

(a)such Borrower has the right to subject such equipment to a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent; such equipment is subject to a first priority perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent and is free and clear of all other Liens of any nature whatsoever (except for (i) a second Lien in favor of the ABL Secured Parties, subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) a third Lien in favor of Second Lien Representative, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, and (iii) Permitted Encumbrances which do not have priority over the Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent);

 

(b)the full purchase price of such equipment will be paid simultaneously with the making of a Floor Plan Loan hereunder and such Borrower will have good title to such equipment upon such payment;

 

(c)such equipment is located on an Approved Location, except for (x) Demonstrator Units, (y) Bailed Units and (z) Loaner Units; provided, that no more than forty (40) Demonstrator Units, Bailed Units and Loaner Units in the aggregate may be located at locations other than Approved Locations at any time;

 

(d)such equipment is in good working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and is used or held for use by such Borrower in the ordinary course of business of such Borrower;

 

(e)such equipment is not subject to any agreement which restricts the ability of such Borrower to use, sell, transport or dispose of such equipment or which restricts the Administrative Agent’s ability to take possession of, sell or otherwise dispose of such equipment;

 

(f)such equipment constitutes equipment owned by the Borrowers that is acceptable in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent;

 

(g)the manufacturer serial number on such equipment is visible after such equipment placed in service;

 

(h)such equipment shall not constitute rental units;

 

(i) such equipment is one (1) model year old or less on the date of the borrowing of the applicable Floor Plan Loan;

 

16


 

 

(j)with respect to such equipment to be used as demonstrator units, (i) each such unit must be subject to a valid and enforceable demonstrator agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and consented to in writing by the Administrative Agent, and (ii) if the term of the applicable demonstrator agreement is for a period of more than three hundred and sixty (360) days, such equipment shall be subject to a properly perfected, first position Lien in favor of the applicable Borrower and collaterally assigned to the Administrative Agent to secure the Secured Obligations pursuant to documentation in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent (each such Eligible Floor Plan Equipment to be used as a demonstrator unit that complies with the provisions of this clause (j), a “Demonstrator Unit” and collectively, the “D  emonstrator Units”);

 

(k)with respect to such equipment to be used as loaner units, (i) such units must be on (1) the site of a guaranteed service agreement customer and serve as backup to such customer’s fleet or (2) be construction equipment, (ii) such equipment must have an executed loaner or demo contract in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and (iii) if any piece of equipment will remain or remains at a location for 30 days or more, the applicable Borrower shall promptly file a UCC-1 financing statement naming such customer as debtor and Borrower as secured party and describing such equipment as the collateral, and shall provide evidence of such filing to the Administrative Agent and such lien shall be collaterally assigned to the Administrative Agent to secure the Secured Obligations pursuant to documentation in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent (each such Eligible Floor Plan Equipment to be used as a loaner unit that complies with the provisions of this clause (k), a “Loaner Unit” and collectively, the “L  oaner Units”);

 

(l)with respect to such equipment at bailment companies, (i) each such unit shall be subject to a bailment agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and consented to in writing by the Administrative Agent, (ii) the applicable Borrower shall have delivered an executed bailee letter to the Administrative Agent in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent for each such piece of equipment, (iii) if any piece of equipment will remain or remains at a bailee location for 30 days or more, the applicable Borrower shall promptly file a UCC-1 financing statement naming such bailee as debtor and Borrower as secured party and describing such equipment as the collateral, and shall provide evidence of such filing to the Administrative Agent and such lien shall be collaterally assigned to the Administrative Agent to secure the Secured Obligations pursuant to documentation in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (iv) the applicable Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent with the address and contact information of such bailee, and (v) such unit shall be at the bailment company solely for the purpose of repairs and alterations pursuant to the requirements of the Borrowers’ business in the ordinary course (each such Eligible Floor Plan Equipment to be held at a bailment company that complies with the provisions of this clause (l), a “Bailed Unit” and collectively, the “B   ailed Units”);

 

(m)such equipment is not otherwise unacceptable to the Administrative Agent; and

 

(n)such equipment shall be depreciated in a manner consistent with past practices by the Borrowers and be in accordance with GAAP.

 

In the event that inventory which was previously Eligible Floor Plan Equipment ceases to be Eligible Floor Plan Equipment hereunder (except in the event that such ineligibility is solely pursuant to clause (e) hereof), such Borrower or the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof on and at the time of submission to the Administrative Agent of the next Borrowing Request or upon the delivery of any financial statements required to be delivered by Section 5.01.

 

 

17


 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with any Borrower (or Guarantor, if any), is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, Section 4001(14) of ERISA or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

18


 

 

Event of Loss” means, with respect to any assets, any of the following: (a) any loss, destruction or damage of such assets; (b) any pending or threatened institution of any proceedings for the condemnation or seizure of such assets or for the exercise of any right of eminent domain; or (c) any actual condemnation, seizure or taking, by exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise, of such assets, or confiscation of such assets or the requisition of the use of such assets.

 

Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan 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 Borrowers under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

Extenuating Circumstance” means any period during which the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion (i) that due to unforeseen and/or nonrecurring circumstances, it is impractical and/or not feasible to submit or receive a Borrowing Request by email or fax or through Electronic System, and (ii) to accept a Borrowing Request telephonically.

 

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

 

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

 

19


 

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

 

Financial Officer” means the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, vice president of finance, director of finance, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of such company.

 

First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means an intercreditor agreement dated on or before the Effective Date among the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the ABL Administrative Agent, and in form and substance acceptable to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the ABL Administrative Agent, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Fiscal Quarter” means each of the quarterly accounting periods of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year.

 

Fiscal Year” means each annual accounting period of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries ending on December 31. As an example, reference to the 2020 Fiscal Year shall mean the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2020.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA, minus, Capital Expenditures, to (b) Fixed Charges, all as calculated for the four consecutive Fiscal Quarters then ending on a consolidated basis for Alta Group and its Subsidiaries, and subject to Section 1.08.

 

Fixed Charges” means, for any period, without duplication, cash Interest Expense, plus prepayments (other than (x) prepayments of ABL Loans and (y) prepayments constituting refinancings through the incurrence of additional Indebtedness expressly permitted by Section 6.01), and scheduled principal and curtailment payments on Indebtedness made during such period (other than payments on intercompany Indebtedness between the Borrowers), plus expense for taxes paid in cash, plus Restricted Payments paid in cash, plus Capital Lease Obligation payments, all calculated for the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

Flood Laws” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.10.

 

Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to LIBO Rate.

 

Floor Plan Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the Floor Plan Termination Date.

 

Floor Plan Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Floor Plan Loans, expressed as an amount representing the maximum possible aggregate amount of such Lender’s Floor Plan Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08, (b) increased from time to time pursuant to Section 2.21, and (c) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender’s Floor Plan Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Floor Plan Commitment, as applicable. As of the Effective Date, the aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Floor Plan Commitments is $40,000,000.

 

Floor Plan Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Floor Plan Loans at such time.

 

20


 

 

Floor Plan Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01.

 

Floor Plan Termination Date” means the earliest of (a) the date on which the Floor Plan Commitments are reduced to zero or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof, (b) April 1, 2026, or (c) December 31, 2025 if any of the Second Lien Notes are outstanding on December 31, 2025.

 

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

 

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

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.

 

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

 

Greenawalt” means Ryan Greenawalt and any trust controlled by him, for his benefit, his spouse’s benefit or the benefit of any lineal descendants of Ryan Greenawalt.

 

Guarantees” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, any obligations of such Person (other than endorsements in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection) Guaranteeing or intended to Guarantee any Indebtedness of any other Person in any manner, whether direct or indirect, and including without limitation any obligation, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such Indebtedness or any property constituting security therefor, (ii) to advance or provide funds or other support for the payment or purchase of any such Indebtedness or to maintain working capital, solvency or other balance sheet condition of such other Person (including without limitation keep well agreements, maintenance agreements or similar agreements or arrangements) for the benefit of any holder of Indebtedness of such other Person, (iii) to lease or purchase assets, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the holder of such Indebtedness against loss in respect thereof, (iv) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation or (v) to otherwise assure or hold harmless the holder of such Indebtedness against loss in respect thereof. The amount of any Guarantee hereunder shall (subject to any limitations set forth therein) be deemed to be an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount (or maximum principal amount, if larger) of the Indebtedness in respect of which such Guarantee is made.

 

Guarantors” means the Borrowers (as a Guarantor with respect to all Secured Obligations of each of the other Loan Parties) and each existing and future subsidiary of any of the foregoing.

 

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

 

21


 

 

Historical Financial Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.04(a).

 

Howell Property” means the real property and improvements owned by Alta Illinois and located at North Side of Samuelson Road East of 11th Street (Illinois Route 251), Rockford, Illinois.

 

IBA” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.05.

 

Impacted Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “LIBO Rate”.

 

Increasing Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

 

Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, with respect to any Person, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, or upon which interest payments are customarily made, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to assets purchased by such Person (other than customary reservations or retentions of title under agreements with suppliers entered into in the ordinary course of business), (d) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of assets or services purchased by such Person (other than trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of business) which would appear as liabilities on a balance sheet of such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person under take-or-pay or similar arrangements, (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on, or payable out of the proceeds of production from, assets owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed, (g) all Guarantees of such Person with respect to Indebtedness of another Person, (h) Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) the maximum amount of all standby letters of credit issued or bankers’ acceptances facilities created or similar instruments for the account of such Person and, without duplication, all drafts drawn thereunder (to the extent unreimbursed), as reduced from time to time, (j) all Disqualified Equity, (k) the principal balance outstanding under any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease, accounts receivable securitization program, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing product, based on the amount that would be deemed outstanding thereunder if such transaction was structured as a secured financing on balance sheet, (l) the Indebtedness of any partnership in which such Person is a general partner, (m) obligations under any earn-out or similar obligations determined in accordance with GAAP, (n) the portion of indebtedness of any unincorporated joint  venture in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer that is pro rata to such Person’s ownership interest in such joint venture and (o) buyback obligations to the extent such obligations exceed the associated asset value set forth in the financial statements of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries.

 

Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b)to the extent not otherwise described in the foregoing clause (a), Other Taxes. “Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(c).

 

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

 

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

 

Intercreditor Agreements” means, collectively, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any other intercreditor agreement in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

 

 

22


 

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

 

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any CBFR Loan, the first Business Day of each calendar month and the Floor Plan Termination Date and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and the Floor Plan Termination Date.

 

Interest Period” means with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one month thereafter, as the Borrower Representative may elect; provided, that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (ii) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

 

Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the LIBO Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the LIBO Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available) that is shorter than the Impacted Interest Period and (b) the LIBO Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available) that exceeds the Impacted Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided that, if any Interpolated Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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

 

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or such successor thereto.

 

JPMCB” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

 

JPMCB Parties” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.20.

 

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

 

 

23


 

Lenders” means the Persons listed on the Commitment Schedule and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or Section 2.21 or otherwise, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise.

 

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

 

LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any applicable Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing, the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that, if the LIBO Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period (an “Impacted Interest Period”), then the LIBO Rate shall be the Interpolated Rate, subject to Section 2.13 in the event that the Administrative Agent shall conclude that it shall not be possible to determine such Interpolated Rate (which conclusion shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error). Notwithstanding the above, to the extent that “LIBO  Rate” or “Adjusted LIBO Rate” is used in connection with a CBFR Borrowing, such rate shall be determined as modified by the definition of Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate.

 

LIBO Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period or for any CBFR Borrowing, the London interbank offered rate as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate for Dollars) for a period equal in length to such Interest Period as displayed on such day and time on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen that displays such rate (or, in the event such rate does not appear on a Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); provided that, if the LIBO Screen Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement; provided further, that the foregoing shall not be applicable to determine the “Adjusted One Month LIBOR Rate” and the “CB Floating Rate”.

 

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of Equity Interests or securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such Equity Interests or securities.

 

Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any promissory notes issued pursuant to this Agreement, the Collateral Documents, each Intercreditor Agreement, each Subordination Agreement, any assignment of representations and warranties, insurance or similar agreement and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lenders and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, intercreditors, landlord waivers and access agreements, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, letter of credit agreements and all other written matter whether heretofore (including without limitation any of the foregoing executed in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement), now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in the  Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to the Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

 

Loan Parties” means the Borrowers and the Guarantors, if any.

 

24


 

 

Loan Party Guaranty” means any guaranty agreements from any Guarantor delivered in connection with any Loan Document at any time (and for avoidance of doubt, excluding any and all such guaranty agreements of any Persons that are not Guarantors as defined herein delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement) as are requested by the Administrative Agent and its counsel, in each case as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Loaner Unit” or “Loaner Units” has the meaning assigned to it in clause (k) of the definition of “Eligible Floor Plan Equipment”.

 

Loans” means the loans and advances made by the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement.

 

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

 

Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, property or financial condition of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Loan Parties to perform any of their Obligations, or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent of the Lenders under the Loan Documents, including without limitation the Collateral and the priority of the Administrative Agent’s Liens thereon.

 

Material Agreement” means any agreement listed on Schedule 3.21.

 

Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Loan Parties in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $5,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the “obligations” of any Loan Party in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that such Loan Party would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.15.

 

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

 

Mortgages” means any mortgage, deed of trust or other agreement from any Loan Party granting a Lien on any of its real property delivered in connection with any Loan Document at any time (either before, concurrently or after the Effective Date, and including without limitation any of the foregoing delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement), each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, entered into by any Loan Party at any time for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

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

 

Net Book Value” means the net book value of any asset, taking into account diminutions, depreciations and other accounting charges, determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Net Cash Proceeds” means, without duplication in connection with any sale or other disposition of any asset or any settlement by, or receipt of payment in respect of, any property insurance claim or condemnation award, the cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received) of such sale, settlement or payment, net of documented attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, investment banking fees, amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a

 

25


 

Lien expressly permitted hereunder on any asset which is the subject of such sale, insurance claim or condemnation award (other than any Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) and other fees actually incurred in connection therewith and net of taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and of any other costs incurred in connection with such sale, disposition, settlement or receipt.

 

Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) determined for Alta Group and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that the following shall be excluded from the calculation of Net Income: (a) the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with Alta Group or any Subsidiary, (b) the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which Alta Group or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by Alta Group or such Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions and (c) the undistributed earnings of any Subsidiary (other than a Borrower), to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Subsidiary is not at the time permitted by the terms of any contractual obligation (other than under any Loan Document) or Requirement of Law applicable to such Subsidiary.

 

NITCO” means NITCO, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company.

 

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

 

NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

26


 

 

Other Taxes” means any present or future stamp, court, documentary intangible, recording, filing or similar other excise or property Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, or from the registration, 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 under Section 2.18(b)).

 

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

 

Paid  in  Full”  or  “Payment  in  Full”  means,  (i)  the  indefeasible  payment  in  full  in  cash  of  all outstanding Loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (ii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all accrued and unpaid fees, (iii) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all reimbursable expenses and other Secured Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations for which no claim has been made and other obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination of this Agreement), together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (iv) the termination of all Commitments, and (v) the termination of the Secured Swap Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Payment Condition” shall be deemed to be satisfied in connection with a Restricted Payment or a Permitted Acquisition if:

 

(a)no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition and the Loans (if any) requested to be made and other Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith on a pro forma basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent after giving effect to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 5.01(b)(i);

 

(b)both before and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition and the Loans (if any) requested to be made and other Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct;

 

(c)immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition and at all times during the 60-day period immediately prior to such Restricted Payment or Permitted Acquisition, the Borrowers shall have ABL Availability calculated on a on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent of not less than 17.5% of the ABL Revolving Commitment; and

 

(d) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to the items described in (a), (b) and (c) above and attaching calculations in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

 

27


 

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

 

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

 

Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by a Loan Party in a transaction that (i) is consented to in writing by Required Lenders in their sole discretion or (ii) otherwise satisfies each of the following requirements:

 

(a)such Acquisition is not a hostile or contested Acquisition;

 

(b)the business acquired in connection with such Acquisition (i) is not engaged, directly or indirectly, in any line of business other than the businesses in which the Loan Parties are engaged on the Effective Date and any business activities that are substantially similar, related, or incidental thereto and (ii) shall have generated a positive amount of earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (calculated in substantially the same manner as Consolidated EBITDA less any noncash gains or losses on the sale of fixed or capital assets offset for gains from the sale of fixed or capital assets calculated (x) at the price at which the applicable business sold the applicable asset, minus (y) such business’s initial purchase price of such asset (for the avoidance of doubt, without reducing this clause (y) for any depreciation or amortization thereof)), less unfinanced Capital Expenditures, during the twelve-month period most recently ended prior to the date of such Acquisition;

 

(c)the Payment Condition is satisfied;

 

(d)as soon as available, but not less than fifteen (15) days (or such shorter period agreed to by the Administrative Agent) prior to such Acquisition, the Borrower Representative shall have provided the Lenders (i) notice of such Acquisition and (ii) a copy of all business and financial information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, including pro forma financial statements, statements of cash flow, availability projections, a quality of earnings analysis and a certificate, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, demonstrating compliance with the requirements set forth in clause (c) above;

 

(e)if such Acquisition is an acquisition of the Equity Interests of a Person, the Acquisition is structured so that the acquired Person shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Borrower; and

 

(f)no Loan Party shall, as a result of or in connection with any such Acquisition, assume or incur any direct or contingent liabilities (whether relating to environmental, tax, litigation, or other matters) that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Permitted Discretion” means a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) business judgment.

 

Permitted Encumbrances” means:

 

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

 

(b)carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

 

28


 

 

(c)Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) consisting of pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(g)minor imperfections in title that do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of any Loan Party;

 

provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness.

Permitted Investments” means:

 

(a)direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Permitted Investors” means Greenawalt, Anthony J. Colucci, Craig F. Brubaker, Alan Hammersley, Richard A. Papalia, and Sponsor.

 

 

29


 

Permitted Preferred Equity” means Equity Interests of Alta Group satisfying each of the following conditions: (a) such Equity Interests are preferred with respect to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of Alta Group, over other Equity Interests of any other class of Alta Group, (b) such Equity Interests are not Disqualified Equity, (c) such Equity Interests are on the terms described on Schedule 1.01, with such changes thereto as approved in writing in advance by the Administrative Agent, (d) the aggregate liquidation value of such Equity Interests does not exceed $40,000,000 plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, and (e) any cash dividends, redemptions, repurchases or other distributions or payments thereon are subject to, among other agreements evidencing Indebtedness of Alta Group, the terms of this Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Prepayment Events” means:

 

(a)any Sale (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction) of any Eligible Floor Plan Equipment or any other equipment purchased with Floor Plan Loans;

 

(b)Event of Loss in respect of any Eligible Floor Plan Equipment or any other equipment purchased with Floor Plan Loans; or

 

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

 

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

 

Pro Forma Basis” means, with respect to the calculation of any test, financial ratio, basket or covenant under this Agreement, including Consolidated Total Assets, Fixed Charges, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Consolidated EBITDA and definitions used therein, as of any date, that pro forma effect will be given to all applicable transactions in the manner described in Section 1.08.

 

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

 

Proceeds” means (a) all “proceeds,” as defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, with respect to the Collateral, and (b) whatever is recoverable or recovered when any Collateral is sold, exchanged, collected, or disposed of, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, whether cash or non-cash.

 

30


 

 

Projections” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(b).

 

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

 

QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

 

QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

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

 

Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is LIBO Rate, 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (2) if such Benchmark is not LIBO Rate, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(b)(iv).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Report” means reports prepared by the Administrative Agent or another Person showing the results of appraisals, field examinations or audits pertaining to the assets of the Loan Parties from information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrowers, after the Administrative Agent has exercised its rights of inspection pursuant to this Agreement, which Reports may be distributed to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent.

 

Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having Credit Exposure and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Credit Exposure and unused Commitments at such time; provided that (a) it shall require at least two Lenders (with any Lenders that are Affiliates constituting one Lender for purposes of this definition) to constitute Required Lenders if there are two or more Lenders party hereto, and (b) the Credit Exposure and unused Commitments of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time.

 

 

31


 

Requirement of Law” means, as to any Person, the certificate of incorporation and bylaws, certificate of organization and operating agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

Reserves” means any and all reserves which the Administrative Agent deems necessary, in its Permitted Discretion, to maintain (including, without limitation, an availability reserve, reserves for accrued and unpaid interest on the Secured Obligations, Banking Services Reserves, reserves for rent at locations leased by any Loan Party and for consignees, reserves for dilution of Accounts, reserves for Inventory shrinkage, reserves for Swap Obligations, reserves for contingent liabilities of any Loan Party, reserves for uninsured losses of any Loan Party, reserves for uninsured, underinsured, un-indemnified or under-indemnified liabilities or potential liabilities with respect to any litigation, reserves for taxes, fees, assessments, and other governmental charges and reserves for parts inventory attached to open work orders) with respect to the Collateral or any Loan Party.

 

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

 

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

 

Restricted Payment” means (i) any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests of any Loan Party, (ii) any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in the any Loan Party or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in any Loan Party or (iii) management fees, agency fees or other fees or similar amounts payable by any Loan Party to any of its Affiliates.

 

Sale” means the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets, other than an Event of Loss.

 

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

 

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

 

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

 

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.

 

 

32


 

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission.

 

Second Lien Documents” means the “Second Lien Documents” as defined in the Second Lien Indenture.

 

Second Lien Holders” means the Persons referred to as “Holders” in the Second Lien Indenture.

 

Second Lien Indenture” means the Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, among Alta Group, the guarantors thereunder and the Second Lien Representative, as amended, refinanced, replaced, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement” means an intercreditor agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto, dated as of the Effective Date, among the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the ABL Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Second Lien Notes” means the 5.625% senior secured second lien notes due 2026 in the aggregate principal amount of $315,000,000 issued by the Borrowers on the Effective Date under the Second Lien Indenture.

 

Second Lien Obligations” means the “Obligations” as defined in the Second Lien Indenture.

 

Second Lien Representative” means Wilmington Trust, National Association, in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent under any of the Second Lien Documents, or any successor trustee and collateral agent under any of the Second Lien Documents.

 

Secured Obligations” means, collectively, (i) the Obligations, (ii) the Banking Services Obligations and (iii) Secured Swap Obligations; provided, however, that the definition of “Secured Obligations” shall not create any Guarantee by any Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Guarantor.

 

Secured Parties” means the holders of the Secured Obligations from time to time and shall include (i) each Lender, (ii) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in respect of all other present and future obligations and liabilities of the each Loan Party of every type and description arising under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (iii) each Lender and Affiliate of such Lender in respect of Swap Agreements entered into with such Person by any Loan Party, (iv) each Lender and Affiliate of such Lender in respect of Banking Services provided by such Person to any Loan Party, (v) each indemnified party under Section 9.03 in respect of the obligations and liabilities of the Borrowers to such Person hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and (vi) their respective successors and (in the case of a Lender, permitted) transferees and assigns.

 

Secured Swap Obligations” of a Person means any and all obligations of such Person, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements permitted hereunder to the extent the provider of such Swap Agreement is a Lender or was a Lender or an Affiliate of any such Lender at the time such Swap Agreement is entered into, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction described in the foregoing clause (a).

 

 

33


 

Security Agreement” means each security agreement, pledge agreement, pledge and security agreement and similar agreement and any other agreement from any Loan Party granting a Lien on any of its personal property (including without limitation any Equity Interests owned by such Loan Party) delivered in connection with any Loan Document at any time (either before, concurrently or after the Effective Date, and including without limitation any of the foregoing delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement), each in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent, entered into by any Loan Party at any time for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement, as amended or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Settlement Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(c).

 

SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at approximately 8:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

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

 

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

 

Sponsor” means, collectively, B. Riley Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“B. Riley Financial”) and any Affiliates of B. Riley Financial which are (a) directly or indirectly controlled by B. Riley Financial and (b) organized primarily for making debt and/or equity investments in one or more companies.

 

Statements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f).

 

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

 

Subordinated Debt” means any Indebtedness or other obligations of any Loan Party satisfying each of the following conditions: (a) the payment and priority thereof is subordinated to the payment of the Secured Obligations, including customary payment blockage and other customary provisions, all in a manner, including a Subordination Agreement, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, (b) any maturity thereof is reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, and (c) the other terms and conditions thereof, including pricing, covenants and defaults, are otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders.

 

Subordinated Debt Documents” means any document, agreement or instrument evidencing any Subordinated Debt or entered into in connection with any Subordinated Debt.

 

 

34


 

Subordination Agreements” means, collectively, all present and future subordination agreements between the Administrative Agent, the Loan Parties and the holders of any Subordinated Debt with respect to Subordinated Debt in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders and as amended or modified from time to time as permitted hereunder.

 

Subsequent Definition” means any amendment to or modification of any term used herein, but defined in the ABL Credit Agreement (each, a “Definition Modification” and collectively, “Definition Modifications”) in each case after the date hereof, as such Definition Modification is in effect on the date so modified (without giving effect to any subsequent Definition Modification thereof unless the terms thereof qualify as a “Subsequent Definition” hereunder) if, and only in the event that the following statements are true: (a) JPMCB is an ABL Lender and the ABL Administrative Agent under the ABL Credit Agreement at the time of such Definition Modification, (b) JPMCB approved such Definition Modification together with the other lenders party to the ABL Credit Agreement necessary for such approval and (c) the amendment, modification, waiver or consent containing such Definition Modification is effective and all the conditions precedent thereto have been satisfied or waived.

 

subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

 

Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of any Loan Party.

 

Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, spot, future, credit default or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries or the Guarantors, if any, shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

Swap Obligations” of a Person means any and all obligations of such Person (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceedings, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceedings), whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements permitted hereunder, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction.

 

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

 

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

 

35


 

 

Term SOFR Notice” means a notification by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative of the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event.

 

Term SOFR Transition Event” means the determination by the Administrative Agent that (a) Term SOFR has been recommended for use by the Relevant Governmental Body, (b) the administration of Term SOFR is administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent and (c) a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, has previously occurred resulting in a Benchmark Replacement in accordance with Section 2.13 that is not Term SOFR.

 

Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of the Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof, the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of all ABL Loan Documents and Second Lien Documents and the issuance of the Second Lien Notes on the Effective Date and the transactions related thereto and the payment of fees and expenses in connection with the foregoing.

 

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the CB Floating Rate.

 

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

 

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

 

U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.16(f)(ii)(B)(3).

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

36


 

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

 

Volvo” means Volvo Construction Equipment, LLC.

 

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

 

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

 

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Floor Plan Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar  L oan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Floor Plan Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Floor Plan Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Floor Plan Borrowing”).

 

SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”.  Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement, (f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition, and (g) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

 

37


 

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Borrowers notify the Administrative Agent that the Borrowers request an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrowers that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. For purposes of calculating all financial covenants and all other covenants, any Acquisition or any sale or other disposition outside the ordinary course of business by any Loan Party of any asset or group of related assets in one or a series of related transactions, including the incurrence of any Indebtedness and any related financing or other transactions in connection with any of the foregoing, occurring during the period for which such matters are calculated shall be deemed to have occurred on the first day of the relevant period for which such matters were calculated on a Pro Forma Basis. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of any Loan Party at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.

 

SECTION 1.05. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notification. The interest rate on Eurodollar Loans is determined by reference to the LIBO Rate, which is derived from the London interbank offered rate. The London interbank offered rate is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that, after the end of 2021, it would no longer persuade or compel contributing banks to make rate submissions to the ICE Benchmark Administration (together with any successor to the ICE Benchmark Administrator, the “IBA”) for purposes of the IBA setting the London interbank offered rate. As a result, it is possible that commencing in 2022, the London interbank offered rate may no longer be available or may no longer be deemed an appropriate reference rate upon which to determine the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans. In light of this eventuality, public and private sector industry initiatives are currently underway to identify new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of the London interbank offered rate. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, Section 2.13(c) and (d) provide the mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower Representative, pursuant to Section 2.13(f), of any change to the reference rate upon which the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans is based. However, the Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to the London interbank offered rate or other rates in the definition of “LIBO Rate” or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof (including, without limitation, (i) any such alternative, successor or replacement rate implemented pursuant to Section 2.13(c) or (d), whether upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, and (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes pursuant to Section 2.13(e)), including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the LIBO Rate or have the same volume or liquidity as did the London interbank offered rate prior to its discontinuance or unavailability.

 

38


 

 

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

 

SECTION 1.07. Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any Division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.

 

SECTION 1.08. Pro Forma Adjustments. To the extent a Borrower or any Subsidiary makes any Permitted Acquisition, any Disposition outside the ordinary course of business permitted by Section 6.05 or any permitted investment, merger, consolidation or discontinuance of operations during the period of four Fiscal Quarters most recently ended, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma adjustments arising out of events which are directly attributable to such Permitted Acquisition, Disposition, investment, merger, consolidation or discontinued operations, are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact, in each case as determined on a basis consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the SEC, and as certified by a Financial Officer of such Borrower), as if such Permitted Acquisition, Disposition, investment, merger, consolidation or discontinued operations (and any related incurrence, repayment or assumption of Indebtedness) had occurred in the first day of such four Fiscal Quarter period and, without duplication, to all adjustments of the type described in the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” and all defined terms used therein to the extent such adjustments continue to be applicable to such four Fiscal Quarter period.

 

ARTICLE II

 

The Credits

 

SECTION 2.01. Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to make Floor Plan Loans to the Borrowers from time to time during the Floor Plan Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (a) such Lender’s Floor Plan Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Floor Plan Commitment, or (b) the sum of the total Floor Plan Exposures exceeding the total Floor Plan Commitments. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the applicable Borrower(s) may borrow, prepay and reborrow Floor Plan Loans.

 

SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings.

 

(a)Each Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the

 

39


 

applicable Class. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required.

 

(b)Subject to Section 2.13, each Floor Plan Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of Eurodollar Loans. Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(c)At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $1,000,000. At the time that each CBFR Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be  in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $50,000 and not less than $100,000; provided that a CBFR Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Floor Plan Commitments. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of five Eurodollar Borrowings outstanding with respect to all Floor Plan Loans.

 

(d)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrowers shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested would end after the Floor Plan Termination Date.

 

SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering a Borrowing Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative or through Electronic System if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent (or if an Extenuating Circumstance shall exist, by telephone) not later than noon, Chicago time three (3) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and each such telephonic Borrowing Request, if permitted, shall be confirmed immediately upon the cessation of the Extenuating Circumstance by hand delivery, facsimile or a communication through Electronic System to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative. Each such written (or if permitted, telephonic) Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

 

(i)the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;

 

(ii)the name of the applicable Borrower;

 

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

 

(iv)the location and number of the applicable Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06.

 

Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.04.  [Intentionally Omitted].

 

 

40


 

SECTION 2.05.  [Intentionally Omitted].

 

SECTION 2.06.  Funding of Borrowings.

 

(a)Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 11:00 a.m., eastern time, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, and by 2:00 p.m., eastern time, in the case of a CBFR Borrowing, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage.  The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the applicable Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to the Funding Account.

 

(b)Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing in the  case of  a  Eurodollar  Borrowing and  prior  to  2:00 p.m., eastern time, on the proposed date of any Borrowing in the case of a CBFR Borrowing, that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable 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 Borrowers each severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the applicable Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of a Borrower, the interest rate applicable to CBFR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing; provided, that any interest received from the Borrowers by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning when Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.

 

(c)Notwithstanding the above, with respect to any Floor Plan Loans requested hereunder and in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement, each Lender agrees that JPMCB may, but shall not be obligated to, make such Floor Plan Loans on behalf of Lenders on an interim basis and accept and apply payments thereon on an interim basis. On each date of this Agreement  (a  “Settlement  Date”),  JPMCB  will  by  written  notice  given  to  the  Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m., eastern time, require the Lenders to acquire their Applicable Percentages of all Floor Plan Loans on such Settlement Date and the Lenders will otherwise make payments among themselves as required by the Administrative Agent so that each Lender holds its Applicable Percentage of the Floor Plan Loans. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Floor Plan Loans. Each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above, to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of JPMCB, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding Floor Plan Loans and otherwise make payments among themselves as required by the Administrative Agent so that each Lender holds its Applicable Percentage of the Floor Plan Loans. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer  of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in this Section 2.06 above with respect to Loans made by such

 

41


 

Lender, and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to JPMCB and any other applicable Lender the amounts required under this Section 2.06(c).

 

SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections. Subject to the terms of Section 2.13, each Borrowing shall be a Eurodollar Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.08. Termination and Reduction of Commitments.

 

(a)Unless previously terminated, the Floor Plan Commitments shall terminate on the Floor Plan Termination Date.

 

(b)The Borrowers may at any time terminate the Floor Plan Commitments upon the payment in full of all outstanding Floor Plan Loans, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

 

(c)The Borrowers may from time  to  time  reduce  the  Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $1,000,000 and shall reduce all Commitments of  any Class on a  pro rata basis and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance herewith, the aggregate Credit Exposure would exceed the Commitments.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.09. Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt.

 

(a)The Borrowers hereby jointly and severally unconditionally promise to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender as follows:

 

(i)monthly principal payments on the Floor Plan Exposure on the first Business Day of each month in an amount equal to the sum of (v) 2.08% of the purchase price of Eligible Floor Plan Equipment purchased with a Floor Plan Loan commencing twelve (12) months after such purchase, (w) 1.52% of the Loaner Units (excluding cranes) purchased with a Floor Plan Loan if the purchase price of such Loaner Units was greater than or equal to $150,000, commencing on or within six (6) months of such purchase (to be determined by the Administrative Agent), (x) 1.67% of the Loaner Units (excluding cranes) purchased with a Floor Plan Loan if the purchase price of such Loaner Units was less than $150,000, commencing immediately following such purchase, (y) 1.28% of the Loaner Units purchased with a Floor Plan Loan if such Loaner Units is a crane commencing six (6) months after such purchase, (z) 2.08% of the purchase price of Eligible Floor Plan Equipment purchased new with vendor financing allowed under Section 6.01, and refinanced with a Floor Plan Loan

 

42


 

(provided that such refinancing does not occur more than six (6) months after the original purchase of such Eligible Floor Plan Equipment and the lender under the applicable vendor financing shall have released its Liens on such Eligible Floor Plan Equipment) commencing six (6) months after such refinancing;

 

(ii)unless earlier payment is required, (v) each Floor Plan Loan described in clause (i)(v) above shall be paid in full on or before the date sixty (60) months after the date such Floor Plan Loan was initially made, (w) each Floor Plan Loan described in clause (i)(w) above shall be paid in full on or before the date seventy-two (72) months after the date such Floor Plan Loan was initially made, (x) each Floor Plan Loan described in clause (i)(x) above shall be paid in full on or before the date sixty (60) months after the date such Floor Plan Loan was initially made, (y) each Floor Plan Loan described in clause (i)(y) above shall be paid in full on or before the date eighty-four (84) months after the date such Floor Plan Loan was initially made, and (z) each Floor Plan Loan described in clause (i)(z) above shall be paid in full  on or before the date fifty-  four (54) months after the date such Floor Plan Loan was initially made; and

 

(iii)to the extent not previously paid and notwithstanding the above, any unpaid Floor Plan Exposure and all other Obligations shall be hereby jointly and severally unconditionally paid in full by the Borrowers on the Floor Plan Termination Date.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SECTION 2.10. Prepayment of Loans.

 

(a)Each Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part without premium or penalty but subject to breakfunding payments

 

43


 

required pursuant to Section 2.15 and subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (e) of this Section.

 

(b)In the event and on such occasion that the total Floor Plan Exposure exceeds the aggregate Floor Plan Commitments, the Borrowers shall jointly and severally unconditionally prepay the Floor Plan Exposure in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

 

(c)In the event and on each occasion that any Net Cash Proceeds are received by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary in respect of any Prepayment Event, the Borrowers shall, immediately after such Net Cash Proceeds are received by any Loan Party or Subsidiary, prepay the Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that a Borrower has not been paid in full for any piece of Eligible Floor Plan Equipment or any other equipment purchased with a Floor Plan Loan on or prior to the date that is sixty (60) days after the date of the Disposition of such piece of equipment, on such sixtieth (60th) day, the Borrowers shall prepay the Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the amount of Net Cash Proceeds that the applicable Borrower would have received if the purchaser of such equipment had paid in full on the date of such Disposition;

 

(d)[intentionally reserved].

 

(e)The Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by facsimile) or through Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, of any prepayment hereunder noon, Chicago time, (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Borrowing, three (3) Business Days before the date of prepayment, or (ii) in the case of prepayment of a CBFR Borrowing, one (1) Business Day before the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the related Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.08, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.08. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing, in each case any such prepayments shall be accompanied by (i) accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.12 and (ii) any breakfunding payments required pursuant to Section 2.15.

 

(f)All prepayments under Sections 2.10(b) or (c) shall be applied to the Credit Exposure until paid in full (with no corresponding reduction in the Floor Plan Commitments). Within the parameters of the applications set forth above, prepayments shall be applied first to CBFR Loans and then to Eurodollar Loans (in the case of Eurodollar Loans, in direct order of Interest Period maturities).

 

SECTION 2.11. Fees.

 

(a)The Borrowers jointly and severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at a per annum rate equal to the Applicable Margin on the average daily amount of the Available Floor Plan Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which such Lender’s Floor Plan Commitment terminates. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the first day of each month and on the date on which any of the Floor Plan Commitments terminate, as applicable, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. All

 

44


 

commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

(b)The Borrowers jointly and severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon in writing between the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.12. Interest.

 

(a)Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this Agreement to the contrary (subject to the following clause (b) of this Section 2.12 and to Section 2.13), all Floor Plan Loans that are (i) Eurodollar Borrowings shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus the Applicable Margin and (ii) CBFR Borrowings shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the CB Floating Rate plus the Applicable Margin.

 

(b)Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, (x)for purposes of the interest rate on all Loans outstanding, the Applicable Margin (other than with respect to commitment fees) shall be increased by 3% and (y) interest shall accrue on all other amounts outstanding hereunder that are due hereunder at 3% plus the rate applicable to CBFR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section, in each case:

 

(i)automatically upon the occurrence of any Event of  Default  under clauses (h) or (i) of Article VII until such Event of Default is no longer continuing; and

 

(ii)in the event any other Event of Default is continuing, upon a declaration by the Required Lenders (at their option) by written notice to the Borrower Representative that they elect to have such interest and fees accrue until such Event of Default is no longer continuing or such notice is revoked by Required Lenders (which revocation shall be at the option of Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.02).

 

(c)Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and upon termination of the related Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of a CBFR Loan), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment, and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

 

(d)All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the CB Floating Rate at times when the CB Floating Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day), and payable jointly and severally by the Borrowers. The applicable CB Floating Rate, Adjusted LIBO Rate or LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

SECTION 2.13. Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality.

 

45


 

 

(a)Subject to clauses (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) of this Section 2.13, if prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:

 

(i)the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable (including, without limitation, by means of an Interpolated Rate or because the LIBO Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis) for such Interest Period; provided that no Benchmark Transition Event shall have occurred at such time; or

 

(ii)the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the LIBO Rate, as applicable, for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

 

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower Representative and the Lenders through Electronic System as provided in Section 9.01 as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower Representative and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (A) any existing Eurodollar Borrowing shall be repaid or converted into a CBFR Borrowing on the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable thereto, and (B) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as a CBFR Borrowing.

 

(b)If any Lender determines that any Requirement of Law has made it unlawful, or if any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable lending office to make, maintain, fund or continue any Eurodollar Borrowing, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower Representative through the Administrative Agent, any obligations of such Lender to make, maintain, fund or continue Eurodollar Loans or to convert CBFR Borrowings to Eurodollar Borrowings will be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrowers will upon demand  from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), either prepay or convert all Eurodollar Borrowings of such Lender to CBFR Borrowings, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Borrowings to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrowers will also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

 

(c)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, (and any Swap Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 2.13), if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark

 

46


 

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

 

(d)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document and subject to the proviso below in this paragraph, if a Term SOFR Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder or under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that, this clause (d) shall not be effective unless the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative a Term SOFR Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to deliver a Term SOFR Notice after a Term SOFR Transition Event and may do so in its sole discretion.

 

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

 

(f)The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower Representative and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (ii)the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause (g) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 2.13, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.13.

 

(A)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or LIBO Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a

 

47


 

Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.14. Increased Costs.

 

(a)If any Change in Law shall:

 

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

 

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

 

(iii)subject any Recipient  to  any Taxes (other than  (A)  Indemnified Taxes,

(B)Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and

 

(C)Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting into or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)If any Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments or the Loans made by, such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c)A certificate in reasonable detail of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in

 

48


 

paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.15. Break Funding Payments. In the event of (a) the payment of  any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or as a result of any prepayment pursuant to Section 2.10), (b) the conversion  of any Eurodollar  Loan  other  than  on the last  day of the  Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.08(d) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.18, then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar  deposits  of  a  comparable  amount  and  period  from  other  banks  in  the  eurodollar  market.  A certificate in reasonable detail of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

 

SECTION 2.16. Taxes.

 

(a)Withholding Taxes; Gross-Up; Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Borrower 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 Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.16), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

 

49


 

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

 

(c)Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Borrowers to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.16, the Borrower Representative shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment, or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

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

 

(f)Status of Lenders.

 

(i)Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in

 

50


 

Section 2.16(f)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

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

 

(A)any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent), an executed copy of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

 

(B)any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

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

 

(2)in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

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

 

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

 

 

51


 

(C)any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

(D)if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower Representative 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.

 

(E)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 Representative and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(g)Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.16 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.16), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 2.16 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph (g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its

 

52


 

Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(h)Survival.Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.16 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document (including the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations).

 

(i)Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 2.16, the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

 

SECTION 2.17. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs.

 

(a)The Borrowers shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, or fees, or of amounts payable under Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, or otherwise) prior to 1:00 p.m., eastern time, on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder, in immediately available funds, without set off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at such office designated by the Administrative Agent, except that any payment pursuant to Section 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 or 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. Unless otherwise provided for herein, if any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars.

 

(b)Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all payments and any proceeds of Collateral or payments on Loan Party Guaranties received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrowers), or (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.10) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, such funds shall be applied ratably in the following order (and applied at each level until the Secured Obligations at that level are paid in full before proceeding the next lower level) as follows:

 

first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements including amounts then due to the Administrative Agent from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Secured Swap Obligations),

 

second, to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Secured Swap Obligations),

 

third, to pay interest and principal then due and payable on the Loans, ratably (with amounts applied to the any Loans applied to any installments due on any Loans in inverse order of maturity),

 

 

53


 

fourth, to payment of any amounts owing with respect to Secured Swap Obligations and Banking Services Obligations (all such amounts under this “fourth” item being applied ratably in accordance with all such amounts due),

 

fifth, to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender or any of their Affiliates by any Borrower, and

 

sixth, to the payment of the surplus, if any, to the Borrowers or whoever else may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrowers, or unless an Event of Default is in existence, none of the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Eurodollar Loan of a Class, except (a) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable to any such Eurodollar Loan or in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding CBFR Loans of the same Class and, in any event, the Borrowers shall pay any break funding payment required pursuant to Section 2.15. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Secured Obligations arising under Banking Services Obligations or Secured Swap Obligations shall be excluded from the application described above and paid in clause fifth if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof (other than with respect to Banking Services Obligations or Secured Swap Obligations held by any JPMCB Party, of which the Administrative Agent shall be deemed to automatically have received notice thereof), together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably requested from the applicable provider of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

 

(c)If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans to the extent necessary 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; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to any Loan Party or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against any Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation.

 

(d)Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrowers prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrowers will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent

 

54


 

forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

(e)If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.06(b), 2.17(c) or 9.03(d), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), (i) apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender for the benefit of the Administrative Agent to satisfy such Lender’s obligations to it under such Section until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid, and/or (ii) hold any such amounts in a segregated account as cash collateral for, and application to, any future funding obligations of such Lender under any such Section, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) above, in any order as determined by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.

 

(f)The Administrative Agent may from time to time provide the Borrowers with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Secured Obligations (the “Statements”). The Administrative Agent is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrowers’ convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers pay the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrowers shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ right to receive payment in full at another time.

 

(g)At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder, whether made following a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.03 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of the Borrowers maintained with the Administrative Agent. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably authorize (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Loans and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Section 2.03, and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.

 

SECTION 2.18. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

 

(ii)If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if any Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.16, 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

 

55


 

Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

(iii)If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 2.14 or 2.16) and obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrowers shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and in circumstances where its consent would be required under Section 9.04), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting  from  a  claim  for  compensation  under  Section 2.14 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.16, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (i) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (ii)the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

SECTION 2.19. Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

 

(a)fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.11(a);

 

(b)any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, as the Borrower Representative may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to satisfy such Defaulting

 

56


 

Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement; fourth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; fifth, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrowers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrowers against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; and sixth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto; and

 

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

 

SECTION 2.20. Appointment of Borrower Representative. Each Borrower hereby appoints the Borrower Representative as its agent, attorney-in-fact and representative for the purpose of (i) making any borrowing requests or other requests required under this Agreement, (ii) the giving and receipt of notices by and to Borrowers under this Agreement, (iii) the delivery of all documents, reports, certificates, financial statements and written materials required to be delivered by Borrowers under this Agreement, and (iv) all other purposes incidental to any of the foregoing. Each Borrower agrees that any action taken by the Borrower Representative as the agent, attorney-in-fact and representative of the Borrowers shall be binding upon each Borrower to the same extent as if directly taken by such Borrower and any notice to the Borrower Representative shall be deemed notice to all Borrowers.

 

SECTION 2.21. Expansion Option.

 

(a)The Borrowers may from time to time (but not more than two times after the Effective Date) elect to increase the Floor Plan Commitments, in each case in minimum increments of $5,000,000 so long as, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of such increases does not exceed $10,000,000. The Borrowers may arrange for any such increase to be provided by one or more Lenders (each Lender so agreeing to an increase in any of its the Floor Plan Commitments, as applicable, an “Increasing Lender”), or by one or more new banks, financial institutions or other entities, excluding, in each case, any Ineligible Institution (each such new bank, financial institution or other entity, an “Augmenting Lender”), to extend such Floor Plan Commitments; provided that (i) each Increasing Lender and Augmenting Lender, shall be subject to the approval of the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent and (ii) (x) in the case of an Increasing Lender and an Augmenting Lender, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and each such Augmenting Lender and Increasing Lender execute a Lender Addition and Acknowledgement Agreement. No consent of any Lender (other than

 

57


 

the Lenders participating in the increase) shall be required for any increase in the Floor Plan Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.21.

 

(b)Increases and new Floor Plan Commitments, as applicable, created pursuant to this Section 2.21 shall become effective on the date agreed by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the relevant Increasing Lenders or Augmenting Lenders, and the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such increase in the Floor Plan Commitments, as applicable, shall become effective under this paragraph unless, (i) on the proposed date of the effectiveness of such increase, (A) the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02 shall be satisfied or waived by the Required Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated as of such date and executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrowers and (B) the Borrowers shall be in compliance (on a pro forma basis) with the Section 6.13(a), and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have approved such increase and shall have received documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date as to the corporate power and authority of the Borrowers to borrow hereunder after giving effect to such increase.

 

(c)On the effective date of any increase in the Floor Plan Commitments, as applicable, being made, (i) each relevant Increasing Lender and Augmenting Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding applicable Loans of all the Lenders to equal its Applicable Percentage (as modified by such increase) of such outstanding Loans, and (ii) the Borrowers shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Loans as of the date of any increase in the Floor Plan Commitments, as applicable (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified in a notice delivered by the Borrowers, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.03).  The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Eurodollar Loan, shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods. Nothing contained in this Section 2.21 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase its Floor Plan Commitment hereunder.

 

SECTION 2.22. Returned Payments. If, after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), the Administrative Agent or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion), then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.22 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.22 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 2.23. Banking Services and Swap Agreements. Each Lender or Affiliate thereof providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after entering into such Banking Services or Swap Agreements, written notice setting forth the aggregate amount of all Banking Services Obligations and Secured Swap Obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof to such Lender or Affiliate (whether matured or

 

58


 

unmatured, absolute or contingent). In furtherance of that requirement,  each such Lender or Affiliate thereof shall furnish the Administrative Agent, from time to time after a significant change therein or upon a request therefor, a summary of the amounts due or to become due in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and Secured Swap Obligations. The most recent information provided to the Administrative Agent shall be used in determining which tier of the waterfall, contained in Section 2.17(b), such Banking Services Obligations and/or Secured Swap Obligations will be placed. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as Chase or its Affiliate is the Administrative Agent, neither Chase nor any of its Affiliates providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party shall be required to provide any notice described in this Section 2.23 in respect of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

The Borrowers represent and warrant to the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers. Each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

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

 

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts.  The performance by each Loan Party  of its obligations under the Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, operating agreement, by-laws or other organizational documents of any Loan Party or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any material indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Loan Party or its assets (as to any such violation or default to the extent it could result in a Material Adverse Effect), or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by any Loan Party, and (d) other than pursuant to the Collateral Documents and, subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the ABL Loan Documents, the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Second Lien Documents, will not result in the creation or imposition of or other requirement to create, any Lien on any asset of any Loan Party.

 

SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.

 

(a)The Borrowers have heretofore furnished to the Lenders the consolidated balance sheet and statement of income, stockholders equity and cash flows of Alta Enterprises and its Subsidiaries (as described in such audit) as of and for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2020, audited by UHY LLP, independent public accountants, and the consolidated balance sheet and

 

59


 

statement of income, stockholders equity and cash flows of Alta Enterprises and its Subsidiaries as of January 31, 2021 prepared by a Financial Officer (collectively, the “Historical Financial  Statements”). Such financial statements for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2020 present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and results of operations and cash flows of Alta Enterprises and its Subsidiaries as of such date and for such periods in accordance with GAAP, and such financial statements as of January 31, 2021 present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position and results of operations and cash flows of Alta Enterprises and its Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP.

 

(b)The pro forma financial statements and projections delivered to the Administrative Agent prior to the Effective Date for the Fiscal Years ending December 31, 2020 through and including December 31, 2022 of Alta Group (the “Projections”) fairly present in all material respects the pro forma consolidated financial condition of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries after giving effect to the Transactions in accordance with GAAP, and contain reasonable assumptions and give appropriate effect to those assumptions, and are based on estimates and assumptions considered reasonable by Alta Group and the best information available to Alta Group at the time made, and use information consistent with the plans of Alta Group, it being recognized by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, however, that projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts, and that the actual results during the period or periods covered by said projections probably will differ from the projected results and that such differences may be material.

 

(c)Since December 31, 2020 there has been no Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.05. Properties.

 

(a)Each Loan Party has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business, except for minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted.

 

(b)Each Loan Party owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business, and the use thereof by the Loan Parties does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)As of the date of this Agreement, each Loan Party, including its ownership, is described on Schedule 3.05 hereto. The Loan Parties listed on Schedule 3.05 include all Subsidiaries of each Loan Party. Each Loan Party has and will have all requisite power to own or lease the properties material to its business and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

 

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters.

 

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

 

 

60


 

(b)Except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has or expects to incur any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

 

(c)Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or materially increased the likelihood of, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Each Loan Party is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status. No Loan Party is required to register as an “investment company” under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

SECTION 3.09. Taxes. Each Loan Party has timely filed or caused to be filed all federal and all material state and local Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all material Taxes required to have been paid by it, except Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Loan Party has set aside on its books adequate reserves.

 

SECTION 3.10. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed the fair market value of the assets of such Plan. Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Benefit Plan complies with, and has been operated in accordance with, all applicable laws, including ERISA and the Code, and the terms of such Benefit Plan, (ii) no Borrower or Guarantor has any liability for a fine, penalty, damage, or excise tax with respect to an Benefit Plan, and no Borrower or Guarantor has received notice from a governmental authority, plan administrator, or participant (or any participant’s agent) that any such fine, penalty, damage or excise tax may be owing by such Borrower or Guarantor and (iii) each Benefit Plan intended by an Borrower or Guarantor to be qualified under Section 401 of the Code is so qualified.

 

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure.

 

(a)The Borrowers have disclosed to the Lenders all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any Loan Party is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of any Borrower (including without limitation any information memorandum provided to any of the Lenders) to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrowers represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time (it being understood that such forecasts or projections are subject

 

61


 

to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Borrowers, and that no Borrower makes no representation as to the attainability of such forecasts or projections or as to whether such forecasts or projections will be achieved or will materialize).

 

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

 

SECTION 3.12. Solvency. After giving effect to the Transactions, (a) the fair value of the assets of each Loan Party, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (b) the present fair saleable value of the assets (including contingent assets) will be sufficient to pay the probable liability of such Loan Party’s debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (c) each Loan Party will be able to pay its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; (d) each Loan Party will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which it is engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted following the Effective Date; (e) no Loan Party is “insolvent” within the meaning of Section 101(32) of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. § 101, et seq.), as amended, and any successor statute; and (f) no Loan Party has incurred (by way of assumption or otherwise) any obligations or liabilities (contingent or otherwise) under any Loan Documents, or made any conveyance in connection therewith, with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud either present or future creditors of  such Loan Party or any of its Affiliates.

 

SECTION 3.13. Security Interest in Collateral. The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and, upon the filing of appropriate financing statements and, with respect to any intellectual property, filings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, and, with respect to real property, the Mortgages, or taking such other action as may be required for perfection under applicable law, such Liens will constitute, to the extent required by the Loan Documents, perfected and continuing Liens on the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations, enforceable against the applicable Loan Party and all third parties, and having priority over all other Liens on the Collateral other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02, to the extent any such Liens would have priority over the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to any applicable law.

 

SECTION 3.14. Labor Disputes; Etc. There are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Loan Party pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrowers, threatened. There are no labor controversies pending against or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, threatened against or affecting any Loan Party (i)which could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) that involve this Agreement or the Transactions. The hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters. All payments due from any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 3.15. No Default. No Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

SECTION 3.16. Margin Regulations. No part of the proceeds of any Loan have been used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U, and X. No Loan Party is engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no part of the proceeds of any Borrowing hereunder will be used to

 

62


 

buy or carry any Margin Stock. Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of any Loan Party only or of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) will be Margin Stock.

 

SECTION 3.17. Subordinated Debt. All representations and warranties of any Loan Party contained in any Subordinated Debt Document are true and correct in all material respects when made.  As of the Effective Date, all outstanding Subordinated Debt and Subordinated Debt Documents are described on Schedule 3.17. As of the Effective Date, there are no other documents, agreements or instruments evidencing the Subordinated Debt or otherwise entered into in connection with the Subordinated Debt other than as described on Schedule 3.17 hereto and each Borrower represents and agrees that there will be no other documents, agreements or instruments evidencing the Subordinated Debt or otherwise relating thereto without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. Complete and accurate copies of all documents, agreements or instruments described on Schedule 3.17 have been delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Effective Date. All Secured Obligations are senior debt as defined in the Subordinated Debt Documents and entitled to the benefits of the subordination and other provisions thereof. There is no event of default or event or condition which could become an event of default with notice or lapse of time or both, under any Subordinated Debt Document and the Subordinated Debt Documents are in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 3.18. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Each Borrower has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by each Loan Party, their Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and each Borrower, its Affiliates and their respective officers and employees and to the knowledge of the Borrowers its directors and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of the Loan Parties nor any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or, to the knowledge of any Borrower, any agent of any Loan Party that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 3.19. EEA Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an EEA Financial Institution.

 

SECTION 3.20. Plan Assets; Prohibited Transactions. None of the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries is an entity deemed to hold “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations), and neither the execution, delivery nor performance of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, including the making of any Loan hereunder, will give rise to a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

 

SECTION 3.21. Material Agreements. All material dealer or similar agreements to which any Loan Party is a party or is bound as of the date of this Agreement are listed on Schedule 3.21. No Loan Party is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (i) any material franchise or similar agreement to which it is a party or any other Material Agreement as of the Effective Date, (ii) any material franchise or similar agreement to which it is a party or any other Material Agreement after the Effective Date that could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (iii) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Material Indebtedness.

 

SECTION 3.22. Capitalization and Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.22 sets forth (a) a correct and complete list of the name and relationship to Alta Group of each Subsidiary, (b) a true and complete listing of each class of each of Alta Group’s entity’s authorized Equity Interests, all of which issued Equity Interests are validly issued, outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable, and owned beneficially and of record by the Persons identified on Schedule 3.22, and (c) the type of entity of Alta Group and each Subsidiary. All of the issued and

 

63


 

outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable. Each Loan Party has and will have all requisite power to own or lease the properties material to its business and to carry on its business as now being conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

 

SECTION 3.23. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans have been used, and will be used,  as set forth in Section 5.08.

 

SECTION 3.24. Affiliate Transactions. Except for agreements in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Loan Party than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, as of the date of this Agreement, there are no existing or proposed agreements, arrangements, understandings or transactions between any Loan Party and any of the officers, members, managers, directors, stockholders, parents, holders of other Equity Interests, employees or Affiliates (other than Subsidiaries) of any Loan Party or any members of their respective immediate families, and none of the foregoing Persons is directly or indirectly indebted to or has any direct or indirect ownership, partnership, or voting interest in any Affiliate of any Loan Party or any Person with which any Loan Party has a business relationship or which competes with any Loan Party.

 

SECTION 3.25. Second Lien Transactions. On the Effective Date the Borrowers have received the proceeds of the Second Lien Notes in an aggregate principal amount of not less than $300,000,000, net of fees and expenses, in accordance with Section 4.01(g). All representations and warranties of any Loan Party contained in any Second Lien Document are true and correct in all material respects when made. As of the Effective Date, all Second Lien Documents (including without limitation all additional Second Lien Documents and all amendments and other modifications to be executed as of the Effective Date) are described on Schedule 3.25. As of the Effective Date, there are no other material documents, agreements or instruments evidencing the Second Lien Obligations or otherwise entered into in connection with the Second Lien Obligations other than as described on Schedule 3.25. Complete and accurate copies of all documents, agreements or instruments described on Schedule 3.25 have been delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Effective Date. There is no event of default or event or condition which could become an event of default with notice or lapse of time or both, under any Second Lien Document and the Second Lien Documents are in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 3.26.  Insurance.  Schedule 3.26 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained   by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the date of this Agreement. As of the Effective Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance have been paid. Each Borrower maintains, and has caused each Subsidiary to maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance on all their real and personal property in such amounts, subject to such deductibles and self- insurance retentions and covering such properties and risks as are adequate and customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.

 

SECTION 3.27. Common Enterprise. The successful operation and condition of each  of  the Loan Parties is dependent on the continued successful performance of the functions of the group of the Loan Parties as a whole and the successful operation of each of the Loan Parties is dependent on the successful performance and operation of each other Loan Party. Each Loan Party expects to derive  benefit (and its board of directors or other governing body has determined that it may reasonably be expected to derive benefit), directly and indirectly, from (i) successful operations of each of the other Loan Parties and (ii) the credit extended by the Lenders to the Borrowers hereunder, both in their separate capacities and as members of the group of companies. Each Loan Party has determined that execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and any other Loan Documents to be executed by such Loan Party is within its purpose, in furtherance of its direct and/or indirect business interests, will be of direct and/or indirect benefit to such Loan Party, and is in its best interest.

 

 

64


 

ARTICLE IV

 

Conditions

 

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02 or addressed in a post-closing letter agreement):

 

(a)Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto either (A) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (B) written evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy or electronic mail message transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement and (ii) duly executed copies of the Loan Documents and such other legal opinions, certificates, documents, instruments, lien searches, and agreements and documents as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request and the completion of such other due diligence and other conditions and requirements as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request in connection with the Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, Winstead PC.

 

(b)Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, signed by a Financial Officer or other executive officer of each Borrower and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, on the initial Borrowing date stating and showing that, after giving pro forma effect to all Loans required to be made or issued on the date hereof and all other amounts to be paid on the Effective Date, the satisfaction of all closing conditions under this Section 4.01 and the completion of all other Transactions to be completed on the Effective Date, (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing, (ii) the representations and warranties contained in Article III are true and correct in all material respects as of such date, (iii) all financial covenants in Section 6.13 are complied with on a Pro Forma Basis, and (iv) the Borrowers have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions contained in this Agreement from the date of this Agreement until the Effective Date, assuming that Articles V and VI hereof are applicable from the date of this Agreement.

 

(c)Fees. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received, substantially concurrently with the effectiveness hereof, all fees required to be paid, and all expenses for which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and documented expenses of legal counsel to the Administrative Agent), on or before the Effective Date. All such amounts will be paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Effective Date and will be reflected in the funding instructions given by the Loan Parties to the Administrative Agent on or before the Effective Date.

 

(d)Existing Indebtedness. The Loan Parties shall have paid, concurrently with the initial Loans hereunder, all Indebtedness that is not permitted hereunder and shall have terminated all credit facilities and all Liens relating thereto, all in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel, including without limitation all such payoffs and Lien releases with respect to the Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 3, 2020 (as amended) among the Borrowers, the noteholders thereunder and U.S. Bank National Association, as the representative of such noteholders.

 

(e)Insurance. The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence of insurance coverage in form, scope, and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, together with endorsements naming the Administrative Agent as an additional insured and first lenders’ loss payee, and otherwise in compliance with the terms of Section 5.05.

 

 

65


 

(f)A BL Credit Agreement. Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the initial extensions of credit hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall have received copies of all final ABL Loan Documents to be effective as of the Effective Date, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any other intercreditor agreement required by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith, all duly executed by all parties thereto.

 

(g)Second Lien Notes.Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the initial extensions of credit hereunder, Borrowers shall have received the proceeds of the Second Lien Notes in the principal amount of $300,000,000, and the Administrative Agent shall have received the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement duly executed by all parties and copies of all final Second Lien Documents to be effective as of the Effective Date.

(h)Intercreditor Agreements. The Administrative Agent shall have received copies of all agreements evidencing any floor plan financing of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries and, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, copies of all agreements evidencing any other Indebtedness permitted hereunder, and shall have received intercreditor agreements or amendments to existing intercreditor agreements, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, with respect to all floor plan financing permitted hereunder executed by all applicable providers of such floor plan financing, the Administrative Agent, the ABL Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(i)Filings, Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement) required by the Collateral Documents or under law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of itself, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02), shall be in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.

 

(j)Financial Statements; Projections. The Lenders shall have received from the Borrowers (i) the Historical Financial Statements, (ii) pro forma consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date, and reflecting the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, and the Second Lien Documents, in each to occur on or prior to the Effective Date, which pro forma financial statements shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent, and (iii) the Projections.

 

(k)Availability. On the Effective Date and immediately after giving effect to the Transactions contemplated to occur on the Effective Date and the payment of all related costs and expenses, Borrowers and their Subsidiaries shall have ABL Availability of at least $75,000,000.

 

(l)Corporate Structure. The corporate structure, capital structure and other material debt instruments, material accounts and governing documents of the Borrowers and their Affiliates shall be acceptable to the Lenders in their sole discretion.

 

(m)U SA PATRIOT Act, Etc. (i) The Administrative Agent shall have received, (x) at least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date, all documentation and other information regarding the Borrowers requested in connection with applicable “know your customer” and anti- money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, to the extent requested in writing of the Borrowers at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, and (y) a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, for each Loan Party, and (ii) to the extent the Borrowers qualify as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, at least five (5) days prior to

 

66


 

the Effective Date, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to the Borrower Representative at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to each Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification (provided that, upon the execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (ii) shall be deemed to be satisfied).

 

(n)Funding Account. The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice setting forth the deposit account(s) of the Borrowers (the “Funding Account”) to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrowers to transfer the proceeds of any Borrowings requested or authorized pursuant to this Agreement.

(o)Opinions of Counsel.The Lenders, the Administrative Agent and their respective counsel shall have received executed copies of the written opinions of Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC, counsel for the Borrowers, as to such matters as Lenders may reasonably request, dated as of the Effective Date and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lenders (and each Borrower hereby instructs such counsel to deliver such opinions to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent).

 

(p)Governmental and Third Party Approvals.All governmental and third party approvals necessary in connection with the financing contemplated hereby and the continuing operations of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries (including shareholder approvals, if any) shall have been obtained on reasonably satisfactory terms and shall be in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority that would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose materially adverse conditions on the financing thereof or, any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(q)Miscellaneous. The Administrative Agent shall have received such certificates, documents and other customary instruments, and evidence of the satisfaction of such other conditions as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, including without limitation satisfactory results of a completed collateral field audit examination, lien searches, appraisals, quality of earnings report, floor plan audit examination and supporting information. All  corporate, limited liability and other proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and all documents and instruments incident to such transactions shall be satisfactory to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.

 

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding; provided, that the Effective Date shall be deemed to have occurred upon the initial funding of Loans by the Lenders. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 2:00 p.m., New York time, on April 1, 2021 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time), and it is acknowledged and agreed that the Lenders shall not have any obligation to make Loans hereunder unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied, the conditions in Section 4.02 are satisfied and the Effective Date has occurred.

 

SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:

 

(a)The representations and warranties of each Borrower set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Borrowing (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is

 

67


 

made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects only as of such specified date, and that any representation or warranty which is subject to any materiality qualifier shall be required to be true and correct in all respects).

 

(b)At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(c)The receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that equipment is being purchased with such Floor Plan Loan that will constitute Eligible Floor Plan Equipment (including without limitation all supporting documentation requested by the Administrative Agent) and that the amount of such Floor Plan Loan does not exceed the dealer cost of such Eligible Floor Plan Equipment being purchased minus any Reserves with respect thereto established by the Administrative Agent, all as determined by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.

 

Each Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section. Notwithstanding the failure to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Section, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, continue to make Loans from time to time if the Administrative Agent believes that making such Loans is in the best interests of the Lenders.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Affirmative Covenants

 

Until all of the Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Borrower executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Borrowers, with the Lenders that, at all times on and after the Effective Date (and all covenants in Article V of the Existing Credit Agreement shall be effective until the Effective Date):

 

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

 

(a)by no later than ninety days (90) after the end of each Fiscal Year, commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2021, the audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all reported on by UHY LLP or other independent public accountants reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, and such report shall also include (x) a detailed summary of any audit adjustments; (y) a reconciliation of any audit adjustments or reclassifications to the previously provided monthly financials; and (z) restated monthly financials for any impacted periods;

 

(b)(i) by no later than forty five (45) days after the end of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year, commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ending March 31, 2021, the unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such Fiscal Quarter and the then elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative

 

68


 

form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, and (ii) by no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar month (including each month that is also the end of a Fiscal Quarter), commencing with the first month ending on a date after the Effective Date, the unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries as of the end of and for such month and the then elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(c)simultaneous with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or(b)above, a certificate of a Financial Officer of each Borrower (i) certifying as to whether an Event of Default has occurred and, if an Event of Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.13 and calculating the Applicable Margin, and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

 

(d)[Intentionally omitted];

 

(e)[Intentionally omitted];

 

(f)[Intentionally omitted];

 

(g)[Intentionally omitted];

 

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

 

(i)promptly following any request therefor, copies of any detailed audit reports or management letters submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of any Borrower by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of any Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any audit of any of them as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request;

 

(j)without limiting the other reporting obligations hereunder, contemporaneously with, or promptly after, delivery thereof to the applicable holder of Second Lien Documents, ABL Loan Documents or any floor plan financing, copies of (i) notices of default under the Second Lien

 

69


 

Documents, the ABL Loan Documents or any floor plan financing; (ii) upon the Administrative Agent’s request, availability and borrowing base reports thereunder; and (iii) upon the Administrative Agent’s request, all other financial or other reporting under the Second Lien Documents, the ABL Loan Documents or any floor plan financing that relate to the financial condition of Borrowers and their Subsidiaries or related to the Collateral, in each case, to the extent not already delivered to Administrative Agent or the Lenders under this Section 5.01, unless such reporting has been waived by the Second Lien Holders, the ABL Lenders or holders of such floor plan financing;

(k)promptly and in any event within five (5) days of the filing thereof with the IRS, the federal tax returns of each Borrower;

 

(l)as soon as available but in any event no later than 31 days after the end of, and no earlier than 60 days prior to the end of, each fiscal year of Alta Group, a copy of the plan and forecast (including a projected consolidated and consolidating balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement) of Alta Group and its Subsidiaries for each month of the upcoming fiscal year in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

 

(m)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 Alta Group, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the any Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or with any national securities exchange, and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders pursuant hereto;

 

(n)promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by any Borrower 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 Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof;

 

(o)promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by any Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof, a copy of any rating letter or notification with respect to the Second Lien Notes from any credit rating company; and

 

(p)promptly following any request therefor, (x) a listing of accounts receivable, accounts payable and inventory, (y) such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of any Loan Party including a schedule of amortization required under any floor plan financing, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through Administrative Agent) may reasonably request and (z)information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

 

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which such materials are publicly available as posted on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR); or (ii) on which such documents are posted on a Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether made available by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (A) upon written request by the Administrative Agent (or any Lender through the Administrative Agent) to the Borrower Representative, the Borrower Representative shall

 

70


 

deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or such Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (B) the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by fax or through Electronic Systems) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent through Electronic Systems electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by any Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents to it and maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events. The Borrowers will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt (and in any event within two (2) Business Days) written notice of the following:

 

(a)the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b)the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c)any material change in accounting or financial reporting practices by any Borrower or any Subsidiary, including without limitation the manner in which equipment is depreciated;

 

(d)the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Loan Parties in an aggregate amount exceeding $2,500,000;

 

(e)any Lien (other than Permitted Encumbrances) or claim made or asserted against any of the Collateral;

 

(f)any loss, damage, or destruction to the Collateral in the amount of $2,500,000 or more, whether or not covered by insurance;

 

(g)within two (2) Business Days of receipt thereof, any and all default notices received under or with respect to any leased location or public warehouse where Collateral having an aggregate value in excess of $2,500,000 is located;

 

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

 

(i)any amendment, supplement or other modification of any Second Lien Documents, any ABL Loan Documents or any floor plan financing, together with a fully executed copy of such amendment, supplement or modification;

 

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

 

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

 

 

71


 

Each notice delivered under this Section (i) shall be in writing, (ii) shall contain a heading or a reference line that reads “Notice under Section 5.02 of the Sixth Amended and Restated Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement dated April 1, 2021” and (iii) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower Representative setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.

 

SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) such Loan Party has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or give rise to the collection or enforcement of any Lien.

 

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, (a) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and (b) maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, in each case as determined by the Administrative Agent. Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrowers will and will cause each other Loan Party to (i) at all times maintain, if available, fully paid flood hazard insurance on all real property that is located in a special flood hazard area and that is subject to a Mortgage, on such terms and in such amounts as required by The National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (as amended) or as otherwise required by the Administrative Agent, (ii) furnish to the Administrative Agent evidence of renewal (and payment of renewal premiums therefor) of all such policies prior to the expiration or lapse thereof, and (iii) furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any re-designation of any such improved real property into or out of a special flood hazard area. Each such policy of insurance shall (i) name the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders as an additional insured thereunder as its interests may appear, and (ii) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a lenders’ loss payable clause or endorsement, satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent, that names the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders, as the lenders’ loss payee thereunder and provides for at least thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of any modification or cancellation of such policy.

 

SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested. The Borrowers will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, permit independent agents or representatives acceptable to the Administrative Agent to conduct comprehensive field audits and floor plan audits and appraisals of the each Loan Party’s books, records, properties and assets, including, without limitation, all collateral subject to the Collateral Documents, and the Borrowers (and the Guarantors, if any) shall pay for the reasonable costs of such audits and appraisals. The Borrowers agree that the Administrative Agent may require semi-annual appraisals of the equipment and

 

72


 

inventory of the Loan Parties and may require periodic appraisals of the real property of the Loan Parties if determined to be required by the Administrative Agent, and may order additional appraisals upon and after the occurrence of any Event of Default. The Administrative Agent may in its sole discretion conduct floor plan audits up to three times annually and annual field audits, provided that the Administrative Agent may conduct additional audits and appraisals from time to time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default in Administrative Agent’s sole discretion.

 

SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws. Each Borrower will, and will cause each other Loan Party to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party, to be or become subject at any time to any law, regulation, or list of any government agency (including, without limitation, the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control list) that prohibits or limits any Lender from making any advance or extension of credit to any Borrower or Guarantor or from otherwise conducting business with a Borrower or Guarantor, or fail to provide documentary and other evidence of any Borrower’s or Guarantor’s identity as may be reasonably requested by any Lender at any time to enable such Lender to verify each Borrower’s or Guarantor’s identity or to comply with any applicable law or regulation, including, without  limitation,  Section  326  of  the  USA  PATRIOT  Act  of  2001,  31 U.S.C. Section 5318. Each Borrower will maintain, and cause each Loan Party to maintain, in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Loan Parties and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 5.08. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Floor Plan Loans will be used solely for purchasing equipment that will constitute Eligible Floor Plan Equipment upon its purchase. No part of  the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X. No Borrower will request any Borrowing, and no Borrower shall use, and each Borrower shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing (a) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (b)for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, except to the extent permitted for a Person required to comply with Sanctions, or (c) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

 

SECTION 5.09. Collateral Security; Further Assurances.

 

(a)To guarantee or secure the payment when due of the Secured Obligations, each Borrower shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent Collateral Documents granting or providing for the following:

 

(i)Loan Party Guaranties of all present and future Guarantors.

 

(ii)Security Agreements granting a first priority, enforceable Lien and security interest, subject only to Liens permitted by Section 6.02, on all present and future accounts, chattel paper, commercial tort claims, deposit accounts, documents, farm products, fixtures, chattel paper, equipment, general intangibles, goods, instruments, inventory, investment property, letter-of-credit rights (as terms are defined in the UCC) and all other personal property of each Loan Party.

 

(iii)Mortgages granting a first priority, enforceable Lien and security interest, subject only to Liens permitted by Section 6.02, on all present and future material fee real

 

73


 

property (including fixtures) of each Loan Party, together with such documents and the satisfaction of such other conditions customarily required in connection with Mortgages as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and at the Borrowers’ expense; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to grant Mortgages on the Howell Property.

 

(iv)All other security and collateral described in the Collateral Documents.

 

(b)Each Borrower agrees that it will promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, notify the Administrative Agent of the formation or acquisition of any Subsidiary or the acquisition of any assets on which a Lien is required to be granted and that is not covered by existing Collateral Documents. Each Borrower agrees that it will promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, execute and deliver, and cause each Loan Party to execute and deliver, promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such joinder agreements, Loan Party Guaranties and other Collateral Documents and other agreements, documents and instruments, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, sufficient to join each Loan Party as a Borrower to this Agreement and to grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, the Loan Party Guaranties and Liens contemplated by this Agreement and the Collateral Documents. In connection therewith, the Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information regarding such newly formed or acquired Subsidiaries as may be required to comply with the applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act. The Borrowers shall deliver, and cause  each other Loan Party to deliver, to the Administrative Agent all original instruments payable to it with any endorsements thereto required by the Administrative Agent and all original certificated securities and other certificates with respect to any Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party and required to be pledged with any blank stock or other powers required by the Administrative Agent. Additionally, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver, and cause each other Loan Party to execute and deliver, promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such certificates, legal opinions, insurance, lien searches, environmental reports, organizational and other charter documents, resolutions and other documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection therewith. Each Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause each lessor of real property to any Loan Party where any material Collateral is located to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. Each Borrower shall execute and deliver, and cause each other Loan Party to execute and deliver, promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such agreements and instruments evidencing any intercompany loans or other advances among the Loan Parties, or any of them, and all such intercompany loans or other advances owing by any Borrower or owing by any Guarantor which are not owed to a Borrower shall be, and are hereby made, subordinate and junior to the Secured Obligations and no payments may be made on such intercompany loans or other advances upon and during the continuance of an Event of Default unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent.

 

(c)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Borrowers acknowledge that all Subsidiaries of any of the Borrowers, whether now existing or hereafter arising, are required hereunder to become a Borrower, Guarantor and Loan Party, and failure to do so in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be an Event of Default hereunder.

 

SECTION 5.10. Depository Banks. Each Loan Party shall maintain the Administrative Agent as such Loan Party’s principal depository bank, including for the maintenance of operating, administrative, cash management, collection activity, and other deposit accounts for the conduct of its business and as its principal source of other Banking Services. In addition, (i) NITCO may maintain a deposit account with Citizens Bank, N.A. so long as it continues to be subject to a deposit account control agreement satisfactory to the

 

74


 

Administrative Agent, (ii) NITCO may continue to maintain the deposit account with KeyBank National Association so long as any funds in such account exceeding $100,000 shall be immediately transferred to a deposit account with the Administrative Agent, and (iii) the Loan Parties may maintain such other deposit accounts as the Administrative Agent approves in its Permitted Discretion, and such deposit accounts shall be subject to the terms of the Security Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.11. Additional Covenants in the Second Lien Indenture and ABL Credit Agreement.

 

(a)If at any time any Loan Party enters into or becomes a party to any instrument or agreement relating to or amending or otherwise modifying any provisions applicable to the Second Lien Indenture, which includes any material covenants or defaults not substantially provided for in this Agreement or more favorable to the lender or lenders thereunder than those provided for in this Agreement, then the Borrowers will promptly so advise the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. Thereupon, if the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders shall request, upon notice to the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement or an additional agreement (as the Administrative Agent may request), providing for substantially the same material covenants and defaults as those provided for in such instrument or agreement to the extent required and as may be selected by (i) the Administrative Agent or (ii) the Required Lenders.

 

(b)If at any time any Loan Party enters into or becomes a party to any amendment or other modification to the ABL Credit Agreement or any other ABL Loan Document, then (i) the Borrowers will promptly so advise the Administrative Agent and (ii) this Agreement or such Loan Document, as applicable, shall be deemed automatically amended in order to (i) incorporate any provisions which are more favorable to the lender or lenders thereunder than those provided for in the Loan Documents and (ii) give substantially similar effect to any comparable provisions contained herein or in any applicable Loan Document (in each case, after taking into account that this facility is a floor plan facility), except and unless such amendment or modification to the ABL Credit Agreement or such other ABL Loan Document, as applicable, would (v) amend or modify any provisions related to pricing or any fees (including any definitions related to the foregoing), (w) compromise or otherwise impair the Collateral, (x) permit any Liens to be placed on the Collateral not otherwise permitted by this Agreement (prior to giving effect to such amendment or modification), (y) amend or modify any of the mechanical provisions contained in Article II of this Agreement or otherwise, or (z) amend or modify any provisions specific only to this Agreement, the Floor Plan Loans, the Collateral or any of the mechanics related thereto or any of the related definitions contained in the foregoing.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Negative Covenants

 

Until all of the Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, each Borrower executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Borrowers, with the Lenders that, at all times on and after the Effective Date (and all covenants in Article VI of the Existing Credit Agreement shall be effective until the Effective Date):

 

 

75


 

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

 

(a)Secured Obligations;

(b) ABL Obligations, provided that any increases in the amount thereof are subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any refinancing thereof shall be made in accordance with the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(c)Second Lien Obligations, provided that any increases in the amount thereof are subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and any refinancing thereof shall be made in accordance with the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(d)other Indebtedness existing on the Effective Date and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and not to exceed the amounts set forth on Schedule 6.01, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; provided that any floor plan financings set forth on Schedule 6.01 may be increased subject to compliance with Section 6.01(i) and the other terms hereof, and the outstanding borrowed amounts under vendor floor plan financings described on Schedule 6.01 shall be subject to Section 6.01(i) below;

 

(e)Indebtedness among the Loan Parties, provided that any such Indebtedness owing by any Borrower shall qualify as Subordinated Debt if requested by the Administrative Agent;

 

(f)Indebtedness of any Loan Party incurred to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations (other than those Capital Lease Obligations permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(i) below) and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within ninety (90) days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (f) shall not exceed $3,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

(g)Swap Obligations permitted under Section 6.05;

 

(h)Subordinated Debt, including any refinancing thereof, in each case on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(i)Indebtedness of Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent consisting of floor plan financings (including any Secured Obligations) and other vendor financing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and, if required by the Administrative Agent, subject to an intercreditor agreement reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; provided that (i) the aggregate stated maximum amount of all such floor plan financings and all such other vendor financing plus the aggregate stated maximum amount of all floor plan financings described  on Schedule 6.01 shall not at any time exceed $250,000,000, (ii) any Indebtedness owing to any Person and its Affiliates listed on Schedule 6.01 that is not a party to an intercreditor agreement with the Administrative Agent and reasonably acceptable to, the Administrative Agent, shall not exceed the amount designated on Schedule 6.01 for such Person and its Affiliates, regardless of whether  such Indebtedness is otherwise permitted under this clause (ii) or any other clause of this Section 6.01 and (iii) the aggregate stated maximum amount of the financings in which CNHI or any of its Affiliates is the lender shall not exceed $25,000,000 at any time unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Required Lenders;

 

76


 

 

(j)Indebtedness of any Loan Party if (i) such Indebtedness is permitted under the Second Lien Indenture, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such Indebtedness, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be greater than 1.1 to 1.0 calculated on a on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (iii) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Indebtedness on a pro forma basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iv) both before and after giving effect to such Indebtedness on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct, and (v) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to each of the foregoing items; and

 

(k)Indebtedness not otherwise permitted under this Section 6.01 in an aggregate principal amount that, when aggregated with the principal amount of all Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (k), together with any refinancing thereof, does not at any one time outstanding exceed the greater of (i) $50,000,000 and (ii) 7.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of any incurrence.

 

SECTION 6.02. Liens. No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to,  create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it except:

 

(a)Permitted Encumbrances;

 

(b)Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent securing the Secured Obligations, Liens in favor of the ABL Administrative Agent securing the ABL Obligations subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and subordinate Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(c)any Lien on any property or asset of any Loan Party existing on the Effective Date and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of any Loan Party and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the Effective Date and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

 

(d)Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by any Loan Party; provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (f) of Section 6.01, (ii) such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within ninety (90) days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets and (iv) such security interests shall not apply to any other property or assets of any Loan Party;

 

(e)Liens solely on equipment of a Loan Party acceptable to the Administrative Agent purchased with Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(i) on terms reasonably approved in writing by the Administrative Agent;

 

(f)Other Liens securing Indebtedness then outstanding and secured pursuant to this clause (f) measured at the time of securing such Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the greater of (i) $50,000,000 and (ii) 7.5% of Consolidated Total Assets at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness and Liens; provided, that to the extent any such Indebtedness is secured by Liens on Collateral, such Liens shall be subordinate to the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent securing the Secured Obligations pursuant to the Second Lien Intercreditor

 

77


 

Agreement or other intercreditor arrangement acceptable to the Administrative Agent providing comparable Lien subordination; and

(g)Liens incurred to secure Indebtedness of any Loan Party if (i) such Liens and Indebtedness are permitted under the Second Lien Indenture, (ii) such Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted hereunder, (iii) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Liens and the related secured Indebtedness on a pro forma basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iv) both before and after giving effect to such Liens and the related secured Indebtedness on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent, each of the representations and warranties in the Loan Documents is true and correct, (v) the holders of such Liens or their agent, trustee or authorized representative shall become party to Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Second Lien Documents that grant a security interest, and all such Liens shall be subordinate to the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent securing the Secured Obligations pursuant to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, and (vi) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to each of the foregoing items.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Liens securing any Indebtedness and other obligations under any floor plan financing (other than the floor plan financing hereunder) shall be limited to a Lien on the inventory financed by the applicable floor plan financing and proceeds of such inventory, and any such Lien shall not attach to any other assets or any such inventory after the payment of the purchase price for such inventory except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes.

 

(a)No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) any of its assets, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, and provided that with respect to the matters in the following clauses (ii) through (viii) at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) any Borrower or Subsidiary may sell, transfer or lease inventory and scrap or otherwise dispose of obsolete material, inventory or equipment in the ordinary course of business upon terms substantially consistent with past practices, (ii) any Subsidiary of a Borrower may merge into a Borrower in a transaction in which a Borrower is the surviving entity, (iii) any Loan Party (other than a Borrower) may merge into any other Loan Party in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Loan Party, (iv) any Borrower may merge into any other Borrower (other than Alta Group), (v) any Loan Party may sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its assets to any other Loan Party, (vi) Alta Illinois may sell or transfer the CNHI Financing Paper to CNHI in the ordinary course of business, and (vii) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrowers determine in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrowers and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders and all assets of such Subsidiary are transferred to a Loan Party; provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a wholly-owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.

 

(b)No Loan Party will, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, consummate a Division as the Dividing Person, without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent. Without limiting the foregoing, if any Loan Party that is a limited liability company consummates a Division (with or without the prior consent of Administrative Agent as required above), each Division Successor shall be required to comply with the obligations set forth in Section 5.09 and the other further assurances obligations set forth in the Loan Documents and become a Loan Party under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

78


 

(c)No Borrower will, nor will it permit any Guarantor to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrowers and Guarantors on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto.

 

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions.  No  Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a wholly owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any Equity Interests, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or make any Acquisition, except:

 

(a)Permitted Investments;

 

(b)existing investments and advances described on Schedule 6.04 hereto, but no increase in the amount thereof;

 

(c)loans or advances solely among Loan Parties;

 

(d)if no Default exists or would be caused thereby, Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, provided that no Default exists at the time of, or would be caused by, the incurrence of such Guarantees;

 

(e)investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(f)the Loan Parties may create one or more Subsidiaries to conduct the business of the Borrowers in accordance with Section 5.03 so long as such Subsidiaries promptly after their creation become Guarantors;

 

(g)Permitted Acquisitions; and

 

(h)in addition to investments, loans and advances permitted by paragraphs (a) through (g) above, other investments, loans and advances by the Borrowers and the Guarantors provided that (i) the aggregate amount invested, loaned or advanced pursuant to this paragraph (h)(determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of such investments, loans and advances) does not exceed $500,000 in the aggregate, (ii) no Default exists or would be caused thereby, and (iii) the aggregate unused amount of the ABL Revolving Commitments on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such additional investment, loan or advance equals or exceeds $10,000,000.

 

SECTION 6.05. Swap Agreements. No Borrower will, nor will it not permit any other Loan  Party to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which any Loan Party has actual exposure, (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of any Loan Party, and (c) in each case under clause (a) and (b), to the extent reasonably approved by Administrative Agent.

 

79


 

SECTION 6.06. Restricted Payments. The Borrowers will not, and will not  permit any other Loan Party to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:

 

(a)the Loan Parties may declare and pay dividends with respect to their Equity Interests payable solely in additional common shares of their Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity),

 

(b)the Loan Parties may make Restricted Payments payable solely to a Loan Party,

 

(c)Alta Group may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 in any fiscal year so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment and the Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith on a pro forma basis satisfactory to the Administrative Agent after giving effect to such Restricted Payment as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 5.01(b)(i); and

 

(d)Alta Group may make other Restricted Payments so long as the Payment Condition is satisfied.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrowers will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, issue any Disqualified Equity.

 

SECTION 6.07. Transactions with Affiliates. The Borrowers will not, and will not permit any other Loan Party to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to such Loan Party than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions solely among Loan Parties, and in each case not involving any other Affiliate and (c) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.06.

 

SECTION 6.08. Restrictive Agreements. No Borrower will, and will not permit any other Loan Party to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of any Loan Party to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to a Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrowers or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by the ABL Credit Agreement as of the Effective Date, subject to the Intercreditor Agreements, (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by the Second Lien Indenture as of the Effective Date, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, (iv) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (v) clause (a) above shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (vi) clause (a) above shall not apply to customary provisions in leases restricting the assignment thereof.

 

SECTION 6.09. Change of Name or Location; Change of Fiscal Year. No Loan Party shall (a) change its name as it appears in official filings in the state of its incorporation or organization, (b) change its chief executive office, principal place of business, mailing address, corporate offices or warehouses or locations at which Collateral is held or stored, or the location of its records concerning the Collateral as set forth in the Collateral Documents, (c) change the type of entity that it is, (d) change its organization identification number,

 

80


 

if any, issued by its state of incorporation or other organization, or (e) change its state of incorporation or organization, in each case, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of such change and the Administrative Agent shall have acknowledged in writing that either (1) such change will not adversely affect the validity, perfection or priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, or (2) any reasonable action requested by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith has been completed or taken (including any action to continue the perfection of any Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders, in any Collateral), provided that, any new location shall be in the continental U.S. No Loan Party shall change its Fiscal Year or Fiscal Quarter end without the prior consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 6.10. Amendments to Agreements. No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to, amend, supplement or otherwise modify (a) its articles of incorporation, charter, certificate of formation, operating agreement, by-laws or other organizational document (and including without limitation any other agreement, instrument or document entered into to evidence or govern the terms of any Permitted Preferred Equity or any other Equity Interests), in any manner adverse to the Lenders, except to incorporate the terms of the Permitted Preferred Equity as described in the definition thereof, (b) any Second Lien Document, or (c) any instrument or agreement evidencing or relating to any Subordinated Debt except as permitted under the applicable Subordination Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.11. Prepayment of Indebtedness; Subordinated Debt. No Borrower will, nor will it permit any other Loan Party to, directly or indirectly (a) make any payment or other distribution with respect to any Subordinated Debt in contravention of the applicable Subordination Agreement or with respect to any Second Lien Obligations in contravention of the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement or (b)voluntarily purchase, redeem, defease or prepay any principal of, premium, if any, interest or other amount payable in respect of any Indebtedness (including without limitation any Second Lien Obligations) prior to its scheduled maturity, other than:

 

(i)the Secured Obligations and the ABL Obligations;

 

(ii)Indebtedness secured by a Lien permitted by Section 6.02(c) if the asset securing such Indebtedness has been sold or otherwise disposed of in accordance herewith;

 

(iii)Indebtedness permitted hereunder upon any permitted refinancing thereof in accordance herewith (or with respect to any Second Lien Obligations in accordance with the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement); and

 

(iv)voluntary prepayments of the Second Lien Obligations so long as (w) after giving effect to such prepayment pursuant to this clause (iv) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is not less than 1.0 to 1.0 (as determined on a pro forma as if such prepayment had been made on the last day of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which the Borrowers have provided financial statements to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01), (x) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such prepayment; (y) immediately after giving effect to such prepayment and at all times during the 60-day period immediately prior thereto, the Borrowers shall have ABL Availability calculated on a on a pro forma basis acceptable to the Administrative Agent of not less than 17.5% of the ABL Revolving Commitment; and (z) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to the items described in (w), (x) and (y) above and attaching calculations for item (w).

 

 

81


 

SECTION 6.12. Government Regulation. No Loan Party shall be or become subject at any time to any law, regulation, or list of any government agency (including, without limitation, the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control list) that prohibits or limits any Lender from making any advance or extension of credit to any Loan Party or from otherwise conducting business with the Borrowers or Guarantors, or fail to provide documentary and other evidence of any Loan Party’s identity as may be requested by any Lender at any time to enable such Lender to verify any Loan Party’s identity or to comply with any applicable law or regulation, including, without limitation, Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section 5318.

 

SECTION 6.13. Financial Covenants.

 

(a)Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  As of the end of any Fiscal Quarter (commencing with the Fiscal Quarter ending March 31, 2021) for which Borrowers’ financial statements have been (or should have been) delivered and in which the Borrowers’ ABL Availability was at any time less than 10% of the ABL Revolving Commitment, the Borrowers will not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be less than 1.0 to 1.0. Once such covenant is in effect, compliance with the covenant will be discontinued on the first day immediately succeeding the last day of the Fiscal Quarter which includes the 60th consecutive day on which the Borrowers’ ABL Availability remains in excess of 10% of the ABL Revolving Commitment, so long as (i) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) such covenant has not been in effect and discontinued (A) more than once in the immediately preceding twelve (12) consecutive months or

(B)more than three times during the term of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.14. Alta Group, Alta Holdings and Alta Enterprises as a Holding Company. Alta Enterprises shall not (a) incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness or any other obligation or liability whatsoever other than the Indebtedness and obligations under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents and unsecured guaranties of its Subsidiaries floor plan financing with Volvo Commercial Finance LLC The Americas in respect of Volvo financing; (b) create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by it other than the Liens, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, in favor of the Administrative Agent, the ABL Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative; (c) engage in any business or activity or own any assets other than (i) holding 100% of the Equity Interest of each other Borrower (other than Alta Group and Alta Holdings); and (ii) performing its obligations and activities incidental thereto under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (d) consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, any Person; (e) sell or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of any of its Subsidiaries; or (f) fail to hold itself out to the public as a legal entity separate and distinct from all other Persons. Alta Holdings shall not (a) incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness or any other obligation or liability whatsoever other than the Indebtedness and obligations under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (b) create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by it other than the Liens, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, in favor of the Administrative Agent, the ABL Administrative Agent and the Second Lien Representative; (c) engage in any business or activity or own any assets other than (i) holding the Equity Interest of Alta Enterprises; and (ii) performing its obligations and activities incidental thereto under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (d) consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, any Person; (e) sell or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of Alta Enterprises other than to Alta Group; or (f) fail to hold itself out to the public as a legal entity separate and distinct from all other Persons. Alta Group shall not (a) incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness or any other obligation or liability whatsoever other than the Indebtedness and obligations under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (b) create or suffer to exist any Lien upon any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by it other than the Liens, subject to the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement, in favor of the Administrative Agent, the ABL Administrative Agent

 

82


 

and the Second Lien Representative; (c) engage in any business or activity or own any assets other than (i) holding the Equity Interest of Alta Holdings and Alta Enterprises; and (ii) performing its obligations and activities incidental thereto under the Loan Documents, the ABL Loan Documents and the Second Lien Documents; (d) consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, any Person; (e) sell or otherwise dispose of any Equity Interests of Alta Enterprises or Alta Holdings; or (f) fail to hold itself out to the public as a legal entity separate and distinct from all other Persons.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Events of Default

 

If any of the following events (“E   vents of Default”) shall occur:

 

(a)any Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of ten (10) days;

 

(b)any Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of ten (10) days;

 

(c)any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any amendment or modification hereof or waiver hereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made;

 

(d)any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.05, 5.08, 5.09, 5.10 or 5.11 or in Article VI;

 

(e)any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of fifteen (15) days after the earlier of (i) the Borrowers obtaining actual knowledge of such defaults and (ii) notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrowers (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);

 

(f)any Loan Party shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable and all applicable grace periods thereunder shall have expired;

 

(g)any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

 

83


 

(h)an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of any Loan Party or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

(i)any Loan Party shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(j)any Loan Party shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

(k)one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500,000 shall be rendered against any Loan Party or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of any Loan Party to enforce any such judgment;

 

(l)an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Loan Party in an aggregate amount exceeding $2,500,000 for all periods;

 

(m)a Change in Control shall occur;

 

(n)any Collateral Document shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any Collateral Document, or any Loan Party shall fail to comply with any of the terms or provisions of any Collateral Document if the failure continues beyond any period of grace provided for in the applicable Collateral Document, or any Collateral Document granting a Lien shall for any reason fail to create a valid and perfected first priority security interest in any material Collateral purported to be covered thereby or subordination to be created thereunder, except as permitted by the terms of this Agreement or any Collateral Document, and in each case except to the extent that any such loss of perfection or priority results from the failure of the Administrative Agent to maintain possession of certificates representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents and except to the extent that such loss is covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and the related insurer promptly after such loss shall have acknowledged in writing that such loss is covered by such title insurance policy;

(o) any material provision of any other Loan Document for any reason ceases to be valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms (or any Loan Party shall challenge the enforceability of any Loan Document or shall assert in writing, or engage in any action or inaction based on any such assertion, that any provision of any of the Loan Documents has ceased to be or otherwise is not valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms);

 

84


 

 

(p)the cancellation or termination of any franchise agreement of any Borrower with Hyster-Yale Group, Inc. or Volvo Construction Equipment, NA (collectively, the “Material OEMs”), unless such Borrower has entered into replacement franchise agreements within 90 days of such cancellation or termination (i) with another OEM of comparable business value to the Material OEMs, and (ii) upon similar terms and conditions to the agreements cancelled or terminated with the Material OEMs, including volume, exclusivity and other requirements, each of which shall be acceptable in form and substance to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion; or

 

(q)(i) an Event of Default (as defined in the ABL Credit Agreement on the Effective Date, subject to any Subsequent Definition thereof) shall occur and be continuing under the ABL Credit Agreement, (ii) the ABL Credit Agreement is terminated, (iii) for any reason the ABL Credit Agreement ceases to be in full force and effect, or ceases to be binding on the Borrowers, (iv) for any reason, JPMCB is no longer a Lender under the ABL Credit Agreement, or (v) for any reason, JPMCB is not the ABL Administrative Agent; or

 

(r)any Subordination Agreement or Intercreditor Agreement shall fail to remain in full force or effect, or any event of default shall have occurred under any Subordination Agreement or Intercreditor Agreement, or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of any Subordination Agreement or Intercreditor Agreement;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to any Borrower described in clause (h) or (i)of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower Representative, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers, and (iii) exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC. In case of any event with respect to the Borrowers described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent may exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

The Administrative Agent

 

SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action.

 

(a)Each Lender, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are

 

85


 

delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In addition, to the extent required  under the laws of any jurisdiction other than within the United States, each Lender hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute and enforce any Collateral Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s behalf. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.

 

(b)As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may affect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(c)In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

 

(i)the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, any other Secured Party or holder of any other obligation other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of

 

86


 

fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby;

 

(ii)where the Administrative Agent is required or deemed to act as a trustee in respect of any Collateral over which a security interest has been created pursuant to a Loan Document expressed to be governed by the laws of country, or is required or deemed to hold any Collateral “on trust” pursuant to the foregoing, the obligations and liabilities of the Administrative Agent to the Secured Parties in its capacity as trustee shall be excluded to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law; and

 

(iii)nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account;

 

(d)The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub- agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub- agent, and shall apply to their respective activities pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non- appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.

 

(e)None of any Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent or any Arranger shall have obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.

 

(f)In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrowers) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

(i)to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(ii)to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and each other Secured Party to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section

 

87


 

9.03). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

 

(g)The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, and, except solely to the extent of the Borrowers’ rights to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article, none of the Borrowers or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Secured Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article.

 

SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc.

 

(a)Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment) or (ii)responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

 

(b)The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (i) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.02“ in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower Representative, or (ii) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrowers or a Lender. Further, the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, or (vi) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral.

 

88


 

 

(c)Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrowers), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv)makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).

 

SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications.

 

(a)Each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders by posting the Communications on IntraLinks™, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic system chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic  P latform”).

 

(b)Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders and each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders and each Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

 

(c)THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE

 

89


 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY ARRANGER, ANY DOCUMENTATION AGENT, ANY SYNDICATION AGENT  OR  ANY  OF  THEIR   RESPECTIVE  RELATED  PARTIES  (COLLECTIVELY,    “ APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR  THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.

 

Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent or any Lender by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.

 

(a)Each Lender agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.

 

(b)Each of the Lenders and each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.

 

(c)Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitment and Loans, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender. The terms “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with, any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

SECTION 8.05.  Successor Administrative Agent.

 

(a)The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders  shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty

 

90


 

(30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In either case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior  written approval of the Borrower Representative (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.

 

(b)Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders and the Borrower Representative, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and continue to be entitled to the rights set forth in such Collateral Document and Loan Document, and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this Section (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article, Section 2.17(d) and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (a) above.

 

SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders.

 

(a)Each Lender represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the

 

91


 

foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent, or any other Lender, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender  also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent, or any other Lender, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrowers and their Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

(b)Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date or the effective date of any such Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall have become a Lender hereunder.

 

(c)Each Lender hereby agrees that (i) it has requested a copy of each Report prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent; (ii) the Administrative Agent (A) makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of any Report or any of the information contained therein or any inaccuracy or omission contained in or relating to a Report and (B) shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report; (iii) the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and that any Person performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ books and records, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel and that the Administrative Agent undertakes no obligation to update, correct or supplement the Reports; (iv) it will keep all Reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, not share the Report with any Loan Party or any other Person except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement; and (v) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, (A) it will hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any Report in connection with any extension of credit that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to the Borrowers, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a Loan or Loans; and (B) it will pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent or any such other Person as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.

 

(d)(i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “ Payment”) were

 

92


 

erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.06(d) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

 

(ii)Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment. Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.

 

(iii)The Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by the Borrower or any other Loan Party.

 

(iv)Each party’s obligations under this Section 8.06(d) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.

 

SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters.

 

(a)Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Secured Party’s right to file a proof of claim in an insolvency proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Secured Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof.  In its capacity, the Administrative Agent is a

 

93


 

“representative” of the Secured Parties within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the UCC. In the event that any Collateral is hereafter pledged by any Person as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized, and hereby granted a power of attorney, to execute and deliver on behalf of the Secured Parties any Loan Documents necessary or appropriate to grant and perfect a Lien on such Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.

 

(b)In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no arrangements in respect of Banking Services the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations and no Swap Agreement the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations, will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Loan Party under any Loan Document. By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such arrangement in respect of Banking Services or Swap Agreement, as applicable, shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.

 

(c)The Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to subordinate or release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 6.02(d). The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Loan Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents

 

94


 

shall provide for, control by the vote of the Required Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership interests, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Obligations and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.

 

SECTION 8.09. Certain ERISA Matters.

 

(a)Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, and each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

 

(i)such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans 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 Commitments and this Agreement,

 

(iii)(A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I

 

95


 

of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Commitments and this Agreement, or

 

(iv)such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

 

In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, and each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent, or any Arranger, any Syndication Agent, any Documentation Agent or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the Collateral or the assets of such Lender (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related to hereto or thereto).

 

(b)The Administrative Agent, and each Arranger, Syndication Agent and Co- Documentation Agent hereby informs the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

 

SECTION 8.10. Flood Laws. JPMCB has adopted internal policies and procedures that address requirements placed on federally regulated lenders under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 and related legislation (the “Flood Laws”). JPMCB, as administrative agent or collateral agent on a syndicated facility, will post on the applicable electronic platform (or otherwise distribute to each Lender in the syndicate) documents that it receives in connection with the Flood Laws. However, JPMCB reminds each Lender and Participant in the facility that, pursuant to the Flood Laws, each federally regulated Lender (whether acting as a Lender or Participant in the facility) is responsible for assuring its own compliance with the flood insurance requirements.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 9.01. Notices.

 

(a)Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone or Electronic Systems (and subject in each case to paragraph (b) below), all notices

 

96


 

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:

 

(i)if to the Borrowers, to it at 13211 Merriman Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48150-1826, Attention: President (Facsimile No. 248-449-6701).

 

(ii)if to the Administrative Agent:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Omolola Eneh

Phone No: 1-312-954-1007

Email: omolola.eneh@chase.com

With copy(s) to:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Middle Market Servicing

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Commercial Banking Group

Fax No: (844) 490-5663

Email: jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com jpm.agency.servicing.1@jpmorgan.com

 

(iii)if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or facsimile number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

All such notices and other communications (A) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail shall be deemed to have been given when received, (B)sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient, or (C)delivered through Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below shall be effective as provided in such paragraph.

 

(b)Notices and other communications to the Borrower Representative, any Loan Party and the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, or pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or to compliance certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise proscribes, all such notices and other communications (i) sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if not given during the

 

97


 

normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient.

 

(c)Any party hereto may change its address, facsimile number or e-mail address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments.

 

(a)No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan shall not be construed as a waiver of any Event of Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Event of Default at the time.

 

(i)Subject to Section 2.13(c) and (d) and Section 9.02(c) below, neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the Required Lenders (or by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Required Lenders with the consent of the Required Lenders) or, (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent (with the consent of the Required Lenders) and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees or other amounts payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (other than as specified in Section 2.12(c)), (iii) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan (other than any reduction of the amount of, or any extension of the payment date for, the mandatory prepayments required under Section 2.10, in each case which shall only require the approval of the Required Lenders) or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Obligations payable hereunder, or otherwise reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.17(b) or (c) in a manner that would alter the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender other than as permitted hereunder (provided that it being understood and agreed that (x) any increase in the total Commitments and related modifications approved by each Lender increasing any of its Commitments and by the Required Lenders shall not be deemed to alter the manner in which payments are shared or alter any other pro rata sharing of payments and (y) any “amend-and- extend” transaction that extends any applicable maturity or termination date

 

98


 

only for those Lenders that agree to such an extension (which extension may include increased pricing and fees for such extending Lenders, and which extension shall not apply to those Lenders that do not approve such extension) shall not be deemed to alter the manner in which payments are shared or alter any other pro rata sharing of payments), (v) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders”, or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender, (vi) release all or substantially all of the Guarantors from their obligation under the Loan Party Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender, or (vii) except as provided in clause (c) of this Section or in any Collateral Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral or subordinate the Lien of the Administrative Agent on all or substantially all of the Collateral, in each case without the written consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender); provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments and other transactions entered into pursuant to Section 9.04 or Section 2.08. Notwithstanding the above, the Administrative Agent may (and each of the Lenders and each Secured Party by accepting the benefits of the Collateral hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to) enter into the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents (including any additional Collateral Documents at any time) and any intercreditors with floor plan lenders and any amendments or other modifications thereof as determined by Administrative Agent, in each case that are not contrary to the terms of this Agreement.

 

(b)The Lenders hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to, and the Administrative Agent hereby agrees with the Borrowers that it shall (so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the Payment in Full (other than payment and satisfaction of Unliquidated Obligations), (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if the Borrowers certify to the Administrative Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), (iii) constituting property leased to any Loan Party under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (iv) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral and the Administrative Agent shall not be required to execute any such release on terms which, in the Administrative Agent’s reasonable opinion, would expose the Administrative Agent to liability or create any obligation or entail any consequence other than the release of such Liens without recourse or warranty.

 

(c)Notwithstanding Section 9.02(b), (i) this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended with the written consent of the Required Lenders, Lenders providing one or more additional credit facilities, the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers (x) to add one or more additional credit facilities to this Agreement and to permit the extensions of credit from time to time outstanding thereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof, (y) to reasonably and appropriately include the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders and (z) to make such other technical amendments as are reasonably deemed appropriate by the Administrative

 

99


 

Agent and the Borrowers in connection with the foregoing, (ii) any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of one Class of Lenders (but not of any other Class of Lenders) may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and the requisite percentage in interest of the affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time and (iii) any waiver, amendment or modification of any commitment letter or fee letter may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into only by the parties thereto.

 

(d)If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting  L ender”), then the Borrowers may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which will provide such consent and which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non- Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Borrowers shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrowers hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.14 and 2.16, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.15 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender. Each party hereto agrees that an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to an be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

(e)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, if the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers shall have jointly identified an obvious error or any error or omission of a technical or immaterial nature, in each case, in any provision of the Loan Documents, then the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers shall be permitted to amend such provision and such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document if the same is not objected to in writing by the Required Lenders within five (5)Business Days following receipt of notice thereof.

 

(f)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent may, at any time and from time to time, without the input or consent of any Lender or any Loan Party, prepare any amendment to this Agreement or any other Loan Documents as may be necessary, appropriate or desirable in the opinion of the Administrative Agent in order to memorialize any deemed amendments effectuated by Section 5.11(b).

 

 

100


 

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc.

 

(a)The Borrowers shall jointly and severally pay (i) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by each of the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, and documented disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent, in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through a service such as Intralinks or Approved Electronica Platform) of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated, and including without limitation costs and expenses incurred in connection with appraisals (provided that the Borrowers shall be liable for the cost of such appraisals only if such appraisals are required by applicable law or regulation or required by the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default or otherwise required hereunder or any other Loan Document), insurance reviews, field examinations (internal and external fees and charges, provided that, if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers shall not be liable for the costs and expenses of more than three floor plan field examinations in any Fiscal Year or more than one such collateral field examination in any Fiscal Year), appraisals (provided that, if no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers shall not be liable for the cost of more than two equipment and inventory appraisals in any Fiscal Year or more than such real property appraisals determined to be legally necessary by the Administrative Agent), filing financing statements and continuations, and other actions to perfect, protect, and continue the Administrative Agent’s Liens; sums paid or incurred to take any action required of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents that such Loan Party fails to pay or take; and costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral), and (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, or any Lender, including the fees, and documented disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.

 

(b)L imitation of Liability.  To the extent permitted by applicable law (i)  neither any Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall assert, and each Borrower and each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “L   ender-Related Person”) for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(b) shall relieve any Borrower or any other Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(c), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.

 

(c)Indemnity.The   Loan  Parties,   jointly   and   severally,   shall   indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Arranger, each Syndication Agent, each Co-Documentation Agent and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred

 

101


 

by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, (ii) the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) any action taken in connection with this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the payment of principal, interest and fees, (iv) any Loan or the use of the proceeds therefrom, (v) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, (vi) the failure of a Loan Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence with respect to a payment made by such Loan Party for Taxes pursuant to Section 2.16, or (vii) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by any Loan Party or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available  to  the  extent that  such  Liabilities or  related  expenses are  determined  by a  court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee. This Section 9.03(c) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses or damages arising from any non- Tax claim.

 

(d)Lender Reimbursement.Each Lender severally agrees to pay any amount required to be paid by any Loan Party under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9.03 to the Administrative Agent, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each, an “Agent- Related Person”) (to the extent not reimbursed by the Loan Parties and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), ratably according to their respective Applicable Percentage in effect on the date on which such payment is sought under this Section (or, if such payment is sought after the date upon which the Commitments shall have terminated and the Loans shall have been paid in full, ratably in accordance with such Applicable Percentage immediately prior to such date), from and against any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before or after the payment of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in any way relating to or arising out of the Commitments, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by such Agent-Related Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that the unreimbursed expense or Liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in its capacity as such; provided, further, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such Liabilities, costs, expenses or disbursements that are found by a final and non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from such Agent-Related Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.

 

(e)All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.

 

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns.

 

(a)The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that (i)no Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by any Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or

 

102


 

obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)(i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph 9.04(b)(ii)  below,  any  Lender may assign to one or more assignees (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:

(A) the Borrower Representative; provided that, the Borrower Representative shall be deemed to have consented to an assignment unless it shall have objected thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof; provided further that no consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee; and

 

(B)the Administrative Agent.

 

(ii)Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

 

(A)except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $1,000,000, unless each of the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent; provided that no such consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(B)each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent;

 

(C)the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500;

 

(D)the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Loan Parties and their affiliates, the Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will

 

103


 

be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws; and

 

(E)the assignee may not be a Loan Party or any Affiliate of a Loan Party.

 

For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:

 

Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

Ineligible  Institution”  means  a  (a)  natural  person,  (b)  a  Defaulting Lender, (i)company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof; provided that, with respect to clause (c), such company, investment vehicle or trust shall not constitute an Ineligible Institution if it (i) has not been established for the primary purpose of acquiring any Loans or Commitments, (ii) is managed by a professional advisor, who is not such natural person or a relative thereof, having significant experience in the business of making or purchasing commercial loans, and (iii) has assets greater than $25,000,000 and a significant part of its activities consist of making or purchasing commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business, or (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party.

 

(iii)Subject  to  acceptance   and   recording   thereof   pursuant   to paragraph 9.04(b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

 

(iv)The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

 

104


 

(v)Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; p rovided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.06(b), 2.17(c) or 9.03(c), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

 

(c)Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) other than an Ineligible Institution in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); p rovided 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 Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; p rovided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. The Borrowers  agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Sections 2.16(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.16(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender and the information and documentation required under Section 2.16(g) will be delivered to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of  this  Section;  p rovided that  such  Participant  (A) agrees  to  be  subject  to the  provisions  of Sections 2.17 and 2.18 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 2.14 or 2.18 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 Borrowers’ request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with  the  Borrowers  to  effectuate  the  provisions  of  Section 2.18(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.17(d) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan

 

105


 

Document (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans or its other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(d)Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign  a security interest in all or any   portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties  made  by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or  knowledge of any Event of Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.

 

SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Signature.

 

(a)This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

(b)Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y)any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate,

 

106


 

request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper- based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower and each Loan Party hereby (i) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (ii) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (iii) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (iv) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Borrower and/or each Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.

 

SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand,

 

107


 

provisional or final) at any time held, and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any and all of the Secured Obligations held by such Lender or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or their respective Affiliates shall have made any demand under the Loan Documents and although such obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.20 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Secured Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The applicable Lender or such Affiliate shall notify the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent of such setoff or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such setoff or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this  Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or their respective Affiliates may have.

 

SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

 

(a)The Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of law provision) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national banks.

 

(b)Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Secured Party relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Collateral or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

 

(c)Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal or New York state court sitting in New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents, the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such state court or, to the extent permitted by law, in such federal court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(d)Each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby

 

108


 

irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(e)Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, trustees, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by Requirement of Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to any Loan Party and its obligations, (g) with the prior consent of the Borrowers or (h) to the extent such Information becomes (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrowers. For the purposes of this Section, “I nformation” means all information received from any Borrower or any Person on any Borrower’s behalf with respect to any Loan Party or any of its or their business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by any Borrower or such Person and other than information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry; p rovided that, in the case of information received from the Borrowers or such Person after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information; provided, further, that information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry shall be excluded from this definition of “Information”.

 

 

109


 

SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, no Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrowers in violation of any Requirement of Law.

 

SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act.  Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the  USA PATRIOT Act hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

SECTION 9.15. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “M    aximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

 

SECTION 9.16. Disclosure. Each Borrower  and Lender hereby acknowledges and agrees that  the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.

 

SECTION 9.17. Dealer Access System. The Borrower Representative  has requested access to  the Administrative Agent’s internet web based “Dealer Access System” to permit borrower to access certain account information relating to the Loan and to facilitate the making of any payments on the Loan by authorizing the Administrative Agent to debit any one or more of the Borrower Representative’s deposit accounts with the Administrative Agent or with such other financial institutions as indicated by the Borrower Representative. In consideration for the Administrative Agent’s granting to access to the Administrative Agent’s Dealer Access System to view loan account information and make Loan payments, the Borrower Representative acknowledges its responsibility for the security of its passwords and other information necessary for access to the Administrative Agent’s Dealer Access System and fully, finally, and forever releases and discharges the Administrative Agent and its successors, assigns, directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all causes of action, claims, debts, demands, and liabilities, of whatever kind or nature, in law or equity, the Borrower Representative may now or hereafter have, in any way relating to the Borrower Representative’s access to, or use of, or the Administrative Agent’s suspension or termination of certain systems features of the Administrative Agent’s Dealer Access System.

 

SECTION 9.18. Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.

 

110


 

SECTION 9.19. Amendment and Restatement.

 

(a)On the Effective Date the Existing Credit Agreement shall be amended, restated and superseded in its entirety by this Agreement. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) this Agreement, any promissory notes delivered pursuant hereto and the other Loan Documents executed and delivered in connection herewith do not constitute a novation or termination of the “Obligations” or “Secured Obligations” (as such terms are defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) (the “Existing Obligations”) under the Existing Credit Agreement or any of the “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) as in effect prior to the Effective Date and the Obligations hereunder are issued in exchange and replacement for such Existing Obligations and (ii) such Existing Obligations are in all respects continuing and shall collectively constitute Obligations or ABL Obligations, as applicable, under this Agreement with only the terms thereof being modified as provided in this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Liens securing the Existing Credit Agreement or the obligations thereunder be deemed affected hereby, it being the intent and agreement of the Loan Parties that, except as otherwise provided in the Loan Documents, the Liens on the collateral granted to secure the obligations of the existing loan parties in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement and the other “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement), shall not be extinguished and shall remain valid, binding and enforceable securing the obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement as amended and restated hereby, and each other Loan Document and agreement evidencing all of any part of any Secured Obligations.

 

(b)Notwithstanding the modifications effected by this Agreement of the representations, warranties and covenants of the Borrowers contained in the Existing Credit Agreement, the Borrowers acknowledge and agree that any causes of action or other rights created in favor of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or its successors arising out of the representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in or delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement shall survive the execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

(c)All indemnification obligations of the Borrowers arising under the Existing Credit Agreement (including any arising from a breach of the representations thereunder) shall survive this amendment and restatement of the Existing Credit Agreement.

 

(d)By its execution hereof, each Lender hereby (i) consents to the amendments and amendments and restatements to be executed in connection herewith with respect to any of the Collateral Documents delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement and any additional Collateral Documents to be executed in connection herewith, all as in form and substance approved by the Administrative Agent, and (ii) authorizes and directs the Administrative Agent to enter into such amendments and amendments and restatements.

 

(e)For purposes of determining withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, from and after the Effective Date, the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent shall treat (and the Lenders hereby authorize the Administrative Agent to treat) this Agreement as not qualifying as a “grandfathered obligation” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1471-2(b)(2)(i).

 

(f)All parties hereto acknowledge and agree if the Effective Date does not occur at or prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, on April 1, 2021, the Existing Credit Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without modification hereunder.

 

SECTION 9.20. Marketing Consent. The Borrowers hereby authorize JPMCB and its affiliates (collectively, the “JPMCB Parties”), at their respective sole expense, but without any prior approval by any Borrower, to include the Borrowers’ name and logo in advertising slicks posted on its internet site, in

 

111


 

pitchbooks or sent in mailings to prospective customers and to give such other publicity to this Agreement as each may from time to time determine in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the  foregoing, the JPMCB Parties shall not publish the Borrowers’ name in a newspaper or magazine without obtaining the Borrowers’ prior written approval. The foregoing authorization shall remain in effect unless the Borrower Representative notifies JPMCB in writing that such authorization is revoked.

 

SECTION 9.21. 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 Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

(a)the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and

 

(b)the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

 

(i)a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

 

(ii)a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

 

(iii)the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.

 

SECTION 9.22. No Fiduciary Duty, etc. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Borrowers with respect to the Loan Documents and the transaction contemplated herein and therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, any Borrower or any other person. Each Borrower agrees that it will not  assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Additionally, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising any Borrower as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. The Borrowers shall consult with their own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated hereby, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to any Borrower with respect thereto.

 

Each Borrower further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its affiliates, is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, the Borrowers and other companies with which the Borrowers may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by  any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect

 

112


 

of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.

 

In addition, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which the Borrowers may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from any Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with the Borrowers in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. Each Borrower also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to any Borrower, confidential information obtained from other companies.

 

SECTION 9.23. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs.

 

(a)To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “Q   FC Credit Support” and each such QFC a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “ U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States).

 

(b)In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

 

 

 

113


 

 

 

SECTION 9.24. Joint and Several. Each Borrower hereby unconditionally  and  irrevocably agrees it is jointly and severally liable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for the Secured Obligations. In furtherance thereof, each Borrower agrees that wherever in this Agreement it is provided that a Borrower is liable for a payment, such obligation is the joint and several obligation of each Borrower. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that its joint and several liability under this Agreement and the Loan Documents is absolute and unconditional and shall not in any manner be affected or impaired by any acts or omissions whatsoever by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other Person. Each Borrower’s liability for the Secured Obligations shall not in any manner be impaired or affected by who receives or uses the proceeds of the credit extended hereunder or for what purposes such proceeds are used, and each Borrower waives notice of borrowing requests issued by, and loans or other extensions of credit made to, other Borrowers. Each Borrower hereby agrees not to exercise or enforce any right of exoneration, contribution, reimbursement, recourse or subrogation available to such Borrower against any party liable for payment under this Agreement and the Loan Documents unless and until the Administrative Agent and each Lender has been paid in full and all of the Secured Obligations are satisfied and discharged following termination or expiration of all commitments of the Lenders to extend credit to the Borrowers. Each Borrower’s joint and several liability hereunder with respect to the Secured Obligations shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the unconditional liability of such Borrower irrespective of (i) the validity, enforceability, avoidance or subordination of any of the Secured Obligations or of any other document evidencing all or any part of the Secured Obligations, (ii) the absence of any attempt to collect any of the Secured Obligations from any other Loan Party or any Collateral or other security therefor, or the absence of any other action to enforce the same, (iii) the amendment, modification, waiver, consent, extension, forbearance or granting of any indulgence by the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to any provision of any instrument executed by any other Loan Party evidencing or securing the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, or any other agreement now or hereafter executed by any other Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent, the failure by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to take any steps to perfect or maintain the perfected status of its Lien upon, or to preserve its rights to, any of the Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations or the Administrative Agent’s release of any Collateral or of its Liens upon any Collateral, (v) the release or compromise, in whole or in part, of the liability of any other Loan Party for the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, (vi) any increase in the amount of the Secured Obligations beyond any limits imposed herein or in the amount of any interest, fees or other charges payable in connection therewith, in each case, if consented to by any other Borrower, or any decrease in the same, or (vii) any other circumstance that might constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of any Loan Party. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may proceed directly and at once, without notice to any Borrower, against any or all of Loan Parties to collect and recover all or any part of the Secured Obligations, without first proceeding against any other Loan Party or against any Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations, and each Borrower waives any provision that might otherwise require the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under applicable law to pursue or exhaust its remedies against any Collateral or other Loan Party before pursuing such Borrower or its property. Each Borrower consents and agrees that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall be under no obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Loan Party or against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

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

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Anthony Colucci

Name:

 

Anthony Colucci

Title:

 

Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Anthony Colucci

Name:

 

Anthony Colucci

Title:

 

Authorized Representative

 

 

 

ALTA ENTERPRISES, LLC

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC

ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C.

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C.

NITCO, LLC

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC

PEAKLOGIX, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Anthony Colucci

Name:

 

Anthony Colucci

Title:

 

Authorized Representative

 

 

of each of the above, on behalf of each of the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Sixth Amended and Restated Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement

 

 


 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Frederick B. Varhula

Name:

 

Frederick B. Varhula

Title:

 

Authorized Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature Page to Sixth Amended and Restated Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement

 

Exhibit 10.3

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

This Intercreditor Agreement (this “Agreement”), is dated as of April 1, 2021, and is between JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, with its successors and assigns, and as more specifically defined below, the “ABL First Lien Agent”) for the ABL First Lien Secured Parties (as defined below), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, with its successors and assigns, and as more specifically defined below, the “Floor Plan First Lien Agent”) for the Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties (as defined below) and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent (in such capacity, with its successors and assigns, and as more specifically defined below, the “Second Lien Agent”) for the Second Lien Secured Parties (as defined below), and acknowledged by ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC., a Michigan corporation, Alta Enterprises, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C., a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C., a Michigan limited liability company, NITCO, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company, PEAKLOGIX, LLC, a Michigan limited liability company (all of the foregoing limited liability companies and corporations, collectively, the “Borrowers”, each individually, a “Borrower”), and all other Loan Parties (as defined below).

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the ABL First Lien Agent and certain financial institutions are parties to that certain Sixth Amended and Restated ABL First Lien Credit Agreement of even effective date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance herewith, the “Existing ABL First Lien Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which such financial institutions have agreed to make loans and extend other financial accommodations to the Borrowers; and

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the Floor Plan First Lien Agent and certain financial institutions are parties to that certain Sixth Amended and Restated Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement of even effective date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance herewith, the “Existing Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement”), pursuant to which such financial institutions have agreed to make loans and extend other financial accommodations to the Borrowers; and

WHEREAS, the Company, the guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Second Lien Agent and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Second Lien Trustee”) are parties to that certain Indenture of even effective date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance herewith, the “Existing Second Lien Indenture”), pursuant to which the Company is issuing the Second Lien Notes (as defined below); and

WHEREAS, the Borrowers have granted to the ABL First Lien Agent for the benefit of the ABL First Lien Secured Parties liens and security interests in the Common Collateral as security for payment and performance of the ABL First Lien Obligations; and

WHEREAS, the Borrowers have granted to the Floor Plan First Lien Agent for the benefit of the Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties liens and security interests in the Common Collateral as security for payment and performance of the Floor Plan First Lien Obligations; and

 


 

WHEREAS, the Borrowers have granted to the Second Lien Agent for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties liens and security interests in the Common Collateral as security for payment and performance of the Second Lien Obligations; and

WHEREAS, parties hereto desire to set forth in this Agreement their rights and remedies with respect to the Common Collateral and other agreements among the parties hereto.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the existence and sufficiency of which is expressly recognized by all of the parties hereto, the parties agree as follows:

SECTION 1.Definitions.

1.1.Defined Terms.  The following terms, as used herein, have the following meanings:

“ABL First Lien Agent” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.  In the case of any Replacement ABL First Lien Agreement, the ABL First Lien Agent shall be the Person identified as such in such Agreement.

“ABL First Lien Credit Agreement” means the collective reference to (a) the Existing ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, and (b) any revolving credit agreement subject to a borrowing base or similar agreement or instrument complying with the terms of this Agreement and evidencing or governing the terms of any indebtedness or other financial accommodation that has been incurred to extend, replace, refinance or refund in whole or in part the indebtedness and other obligations outstanding under the Existing ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, or any other agreement or instrument referred to in this clause (b) (a “Replacement ABL First Lien Credit Agreement”).  Any reference to the ABL First Lien Credit Agreement hereunder shall be deemed a reference to any ABL First Lien Credit Agreement then extant.

“ABL First Lien Guarantee” means any guarantee by any Loan Party of any or all of the ABL First Lien Obligations.

“ABL First Lien Obligations” means (a) all principal of and interest (including without limitation any Post-Petition Amounts) and premium (if any) on all loans made pursuant to the ABL First Lien Credit Agreement or any DIP Financing by the ABL First Lien Secured Parties to the extent such DIP Financing was made in compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 6.3, (b) all reimbursement obligations (if any) and interest thereon (including without limitation any Post-Petition Amounts) with respect to any letters of credit or similar instruments issued pursuant to the ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, (c) all Swap Obligations, (d) all Banking Services Obligations and (e) all guarantee obligations, indemnities, fees, expenses and other amounts payable from time to time pursuant to the ABL First Lien Documents, in each case whether or not allowed or allowable in an Insolvency Proceeding. To the extent any payment with respect to any ABL First Lien Obligation (whether by or on behalf of any Loan Party, as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise) is declared to be a fraudulent conveyance or a preference in any respect, set aside or required to be paid to a debtor in possession, receiver or similar Person, then the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, for the purposes of this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the ABL First Lien Secured Parties, the Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties, be deemed to be reinstated and outstanding as if such payment had not occurred from and after such date of reinstatement.

“ABL First Lien Secured Parties” means the ABL First Lien Agent, the "Lenders" party from time to time to the ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, and any other holders of the ABL First Lien Obligations.

2


 

“ABL First Lien Security Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” as defined in the ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, and any other documents that are designated under the ABL First Lien Credit Agreement as “First Lien Security Documents” for purposes of this Agreement.

Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. “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.

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

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

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

Borrower” and “Borrowers” have the meanings set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed.

“Collateral Agents” means the ABL First Lien Agent, the Floor Plan First Lien Agent and the Second Lien Agent.

Common Collateral” means all assets that are both First Lien Collateral and Second Lien Collateral.

DIP Conditions” means (a) the maximum aggregate principal amount of the applicable DIP Financing extended by First Lien Secured Parties, or consented or not objected to by the requisite First Lien Secured Parties, when taken together with the aggregate principal amount of outstanding pre-petition First Lien Obligations that will not be repaid by such DIP Financing (but excluding the amount of any "carve-out" for professional fees and expenses) does not exceed the Maximum First Lien Principal Amount, (b) the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations are subordinated to or pari passu with such DIP Financing, (c) the Second Lien Secured Parties retain a Lien on the Common Collateral (including proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of such Insolvency Proceeding) with the same priority as existed prior to the commencement of such Insolvency Proceeding, except to the extent of any requisite subordination in accordance with Section 6.3(c), (d) such DIP Financing does not compel any Loan Party to seek confirmation of a specific plan of reorganization for which all or substantially all of the material terms are set forth in the documentation relating to such DIP Financing, (e) such DIP Financing does not expressly require the sale, liquidation or disposition of all or any substantial part of the Common Collateral prior to a default under the DIP Financing, (f) the terms of such DIP Financing (including interest rate, fees and other terms) are commercially reasonable under the circumstances, and (g) such DIP Financing is otherwise subject to the terms of this Agreement.

3


 

DIP Financing” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

“Effective Date” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Existing ABL First Lien Credit Agreement as of the date hereof.

Enforcement Action” means, with respect to the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations, as applicable, any (a) judicial or non-judicial foreclosure proceeding, the exercise of any power of sale, the taking of a deed, assignment, bill of sale or other conveyance in lieu of foreclosure, the obtaining of a receiver or the taking of any other enforcement action against the Common Collateral, or (b) exercise of any right or remedy available under the First Lien Documents or the Second Lien Documents, as applicable, at law, in equity or otherwise to enforce, foreclose upon, take possession of or sell any Common Collateral.

“Excess ABL First Lien Obligations” means the aggregate principal amount of the ABL First Lien Obligations outstanding under the ABL First Lien Documents (excluding any outstanding Banking Services Obligations and Swap Obligations) that are in excess of the Maximum ABL First Lien Principal Amount, and any accrued interest and recurring commitment and other similar fees to the extent, but only to the extent, attributable to such excess.  

Excess First Lien Obligations” means the aggregate principal amount of the Excess ABL First Lien Obligations plus the aggregate principal amount of the Excess Floor Plan First Lien Obligations

“Excess Floor Plan First Lien Obligations” means the aggregate principal amount of the Floor Plan First Lien Obligations outstanding under the Floor Plan First Lien Documents (excluding any outstanding Banking Services Obligations and Swap Obligations) that are in excess of the Maximum Floor Plan First Lien Principal Amount, and any accrued interest and recurring commitment and other similar fees to the extent, but only to the extent, attributable to such excess.  

Excess Second Lien Obligations” means the aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Obligations outstanding under the Second Lien Documents that is in excess of the Maximum Second Lien Principal Amount, and any accrued interest and recurring commitment and other similar fees to the extent, but only to the extent, attributable to such excess.  

“Existing ABL First Lien Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the first WHEREAS clause of this Agreement.

“Existing Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the second WHEREAS clause of this Agreement.

“Existing Second Lien Indenture” has the meaning set forth in the third WHEREAS clause of this Agreement.

“First Lien Agents” means the ABL First Lien Agent and the Floor Plan First Lien Agent.

"First Lien Collateral” means all assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower or any other Loan Party, in which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted at any time to any First Lien Secured Party as security for any First Lien Obligation.

“First Lien Credit Agreements” means the ABL First Lien Credit Agreement and the Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement.

First Lien Default” means any "Default" under and as defined in any First Lien Credit Agreement.

4


 

First Lien Documents” means each First Lien Credit Agreement, each First Lien Security Document, each First Lien Guarantee, this Agreement, each other “Loan Document” as defined in each First Lien Credit Agreement as in effect on the date hereof, respectively, and the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, in each case, as the same may be amended, supplemented, refinanced, or otherwise modified from time to time, in accordance with terms hereof.

First Lien Guarantees” means the ABL First Lien Guarantees and the Floor Plan First Lien Guarantees.

“First Lien Intercreditor Agreement” is defined in Section 10.3.

“First Lien Obligations” means the ABL First Lien Obligations and the Floor Plan First Lien Obligations.

First Lien Obligations Payment Date” means the first date on which (a) the First Lien Obligations (other than those that constitute Unasserted Contingent Obligations, and other than Excess First Lien Obligations) have been indefeasibly paid in cash in full (or cash collateralized or defeased in accordance with the respective terms of the First Lien Documents), (b) all commitments to extend credit under the First Lien Documents have been terminated, and (c) there are no outstanding letters of credit or similar instruments issued under the First Lien Documents (other than such as have been cash collateralized or defeased in accordance with the respective terms of the First Lien Documents); provided, however, that for purposes of this definition, the amount to have been paid pursuant to clause (a) above and the amount required to be cash collateralized or defeased pursuant to clause (c) above shall not include such amounts to the extent constituting Excess First Lien Obligations.

“First Lien Representative” means, at any time, the First Lien Agent designated under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement as the “First Lien Representative” at such time. On the date hereof, the First Lien Representative is the ABL First Lien Agent, and for purposes of this Agreement shall remain the ABL First Lien Agent until the  Second Lien Agent receives a written notification signed by both First Lien Agents designating a different First Lien Representative.

First Lien Secured Parties” means the First Lien Agents, the First Lien Representative, the "Lenders" party from time to time to any of the First Lien Credit Agreements, respectively, and any other holders of any of the First Lien Obligations.

First Lien Security Documents” means the ABL First Lien Security Documents and the Floor Plan First Lien Security Documents.  

“Floor Plan First Lien Agent” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.  In the case of any Replacement Floor Plan First Lien Agreement, the Floor Plan First Lien Agent shall be the Person identified as such in such Agreement.

Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement” means the collective reference to (a) the Existing Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement, and (b) any floor plan or asset based (or combination thereof) credit agreement or similar agreement or instrument complying with the terms of this Agreement and evidencing or governing the terms of any indebtedness or other financial accommodation that has been incurred to extend, replace, refinance or refund in whole or in part the indebtedness and other obligations outstanding under the Existing Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement, or any other agreement or instrument referred to in this clause (b) (a “Replacement Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement”).  Any reference to the Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement hereunder shall be deemed a reference to any Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement then extant.

5


 

“Floor Plan First Lien Guarantee” means any guarantee by any Loan Party of any or all of the Floor Plan First Lien Obligations.

Floor Plan First Lien Obligations” means (a) all principal of and interest (including without limitation any Post-Petition Amounts) and premium (if any) on all loans made pursuant to the Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement or any DIP Financing by the Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties to the extent such DIP Financing was made in compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 6.3, (b) all reimbursement obligations (if any) and interest thereon (including without limitation any Post-Petition Amounts) with respect to any letters of credit or similar instruments issued pursuant to the Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement, (c) all Swap Obligations, (d) all Banking Services Obligations and (e) all guarantee obligations, indemnities, fees, expenses and other amounts payable from time to time pursuant to the Floor Plan First Lien Documents, in each case whether or not allowed or allowable in an Insolvency Proceeding. To the extent any payment with respect to any Floor Plan First Lien Obligation (whether by or on behalf of any Loan Party, as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise) is declared to be a fraudulent conveyance or a preference in any respect, set aside or required to be paid to a debtor in possession, receiver or similar Person, then the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, for the purposes of this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties, the ABL First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties, be deemed to be reinstated and outstanding as if such payment had not occurred from and after such date of reinstatement.

“Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties” means the Floor Plan First Lien Agent, the "Lenders" party from time to time to the Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement, and any other holders of the Floor Plan First Lien Obligations.

“Floor Plan First Lien Security Documents” means the “Collateral Documents” as defined in the Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement, and any other documents that are designated under the Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement as “First Lien Security Documents” for purposes of this Agreement.

Insolvency Proceeding” means any proceeding in respect of bankruptcy, insolvency, winding up, receivership, dissolution or assignment for the benefit of creditors, in each of the foregoing events whether under the Bankruptcy Code or any similar federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership or similar law.

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt, lien, pledge, hypothecation, collateral assignment, assignation, debenture, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

Loan Party” means each Borrower and each subsidiary or other affiliate of any Borrower that hereafter becomes a party to any First Lien Document or Second Lien Document.  All references in this Agreement to any Loan Party shall include such Loan Party as a debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Loan Party in any Insolvency Proceeding.  

“Maximum ABL First Lien Principal Amount” means the greater of $600,000,000 and the maximum principal amount of ABL First Lien Obligations permitted to be incurred under the Second Lien Indenture (plus increases in principal after the Effective Date resulting solely from payments in kind of interest, but only to the extent such payments are permitted by the terms hereof), fees, indemnities, expenses, charges and other amounts thereon. The amount of Banking Services Obligations and the amount of Swap Obligations included in ABL First Lien Obligations shall not be subject to a limitation.

6


 

Maximum First Lien Principal Amountmeans the Maximum ABL First Lien Principal Amount plus the Maximum Floor Plan First Lien Principal Amount.

Maximum Floor Plan First Lien Principal Amount” means the greater of $50,000,000 and the maximum principal amount of Floor Plan First Lien Obligations permitted to be incurred under the Second Lien Indenture (plus increases in principal after the Effective Date resulting solely from payments in kind of interest, but only to the extent such payments are permitted by the terms hereof), fees, indemnities, expenses, charges and other amounts thereon. The amount of Banking Services Obligations and the amount of Swap Obligations included in Floor Plan First Lien Obligations shall not be subject to a limitation.

Maximum Second Lien Principal Amount” means the greater of $315,000,000 and the maximum principal amount of Second Lien Obligations permitted to be incurred under the First Lien Credit Agreements.

Permitted Actions” means: (a) file a proof of claim or statement of interest, vote on a plan of reorganization (including a vote to accept or reject a plan of partial or complete liquidation, reorganization, arrangement composition, or extension), and make other filings, arguments, and motions, with respect to the Second Lien Obligations and the Common Collateral in any Insolvency Proceeding commenced by or against any Loan Party; (b) take action to create, perfect, preserve, or protect (but not enforce) any Lien on the Common Collateral securing the Second Lien Obligations, so long as such actions are (i) not adverse to the priority status in accordance with this Agreement of Liens on the Common Collateral securing any of the First Lien Obligations or the First Lien Secured Parties' rights to exercise remedies and (ii) otherwise not in violation of this Agreement; (c) file necessary pleadings in opposition to a claim objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of a Second Lien Obligation or a Lien securing the Second Lien Obligations; (d) join (but not exercise any control over) a judicial foreclosure or Lien enforcement proceeding with respect to the Common Collateral initiated by either First Lien Agent, to the extent that such action could not reasonably be expected to interfere materially with such Enforcement Action, but no Second Lien Secured Party may receive any proceeds thereof unless expressly permitted herein; (e) bid for or purchase Common Collateral at any public, private, or judicial foreclosure upon such Common Collateral, or any sale of Common Collateral during an Insolvency Proceeding; provided that such bid may not include a “credit bid” in respect of any Second Lien Obligations unless the net cash proceeds of such bid are otherwise sufficient to cause the First Lien Obligations Payment Date and are applied to cause the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, in each case, at the closing of such bid; (f) accelerate any Second Lien Obligations in accordance with the provisions of the Second Lien Documents; (g) seek adequate protection during an Insolvency Proceeding to the extent expressly permitted by Section 6; (h) inspect or appraise the Common Collateral (and to engage or retain investment bankers or appraisers for the sole purposes of appraising or valuing the Common Collateral), or to receive information or reports concerning the Common Collateral, in each case pursuant to the terms of the Second Lien Documents and applicable law; (i) take any action to the extent necessary to prevent the running of any applicable statute of limitation or similar restriction on claims, or to assert a compulsory crossclaim or counterclaim against any Loan Party; (j) object to the proposed retention of Common Collateral by any First Lien Secured Party pursuant to Section 9-620 of the Uniform Commercial Code; (k) take any action to seek and obtain specific performance or injunctive relief to compel a Loan Party to comply with (or not violate or breach) an obligation under the Second Lien Documents, other than an obligation to pay money; (l) enforce the terms of any subordination agreement with respect to any indebtedness subordinated to the Second Lien Obligations so long as any proceeds are applied in accordance with Section 5.1; and (m) exercise any rights and remedies that could be exercised by an unsecured creditor in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Documents and applicable law; in each case (i.e.; with respect to any of the actions described in this paragraph) to the extent not expressly prohibited by, or contrary to, the terms of this Agreement.  Except as expressly provided for herein, no

7


 

provision hereof shall be construed to prohibit the payment by the Borrowers of regularly scheduled principal, interest, fees and other amounts, including but not limited to prepayments and repayments of any loans and any premiums or make-whole amounts owed in respect of the Second Lien Obligations so long as the receipt thereof is not in violation of Section 5.1.

Person” means any person, individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, association, institution, entity, party, including any government and any political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof.

Post-Petition Amounts” means any interest,  fees, costs, expenses or other charges that accrues after the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding (or would accrue but for the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding), whether or not allowed or allowable in any such Insolvency Proceeding.

Recovery” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.6.

“Replacement ABL First Lien Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “ABL First Lien Credit Agreement”.

“Replacement Floor Plan First Lien Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement”.

Replacement Second Lien Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Second Lien Indenture.”

Second Lien Agent” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.  In the case of any Replacement Second Lien Indenture, the Second Lien Agent shall be the Person identified as such in such Agreement.

Second Lien Collateral” means all assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by any Borrower or any other Loan Party, in which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted to any Second Lien Secured Party as security for any Second Lien Obligation.

Second Lien Default” means any “Default” under and as defined in the Second Lien Documents.

Second Lien Default Notice” means written notice of a Second Lien Default from the Second Lien Agent to each First Lien Agent.

Second Lien Documents” means the Second Lien Indenture, the Second Lien Notes, each Second Lien Security Document, each Second Lien Guarantee and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Second Lien Agent or any Second Lien Secured Party and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, intercreditors, landlord waivers and access agreements, consents, assignments, contracts, notices and all other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Second Lien Agent or any Second Lien Secured Party in connection with the Indenture or the transactions contemplated thereby, in each case, as the same may be amended, supplemented, refinanced, or otherwise modified from time to time, in accordance with terms hereof.

Second Lien Guarantee” means any guarantee by any Loan Party of any or all of the Second Lien Obligations.

Second Lien Indenture” means the collective reference to (a) the Existing Second Lien Indenture, and (b) any credit agreement, loan agreement, note agreement, promissory note, indenture, or

8


 

other agreement or instrument complying with the terms of this Agreement and evidencing or governing the terms of any indebtedness or other financial accommodation that has been incurred to extend, replace, refinance or refund in whole or in part the indebtedness and other obligations outstanding under the Existing Second Lien Agreement or any other agreement or instrument referred to in this clause (b) (a “Replacement Second Lien Indenture”).  Any reference to the Second Lien Indenture hereunder shall be deemed a reference to any Second Lien Indenture then extant.

Second Lien Notes” means (i) the $315,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.625% senior secured second lien notes due 2026 issued by the Company under the Indenture (the “Initial Notes”), and (ii) any additional notes issued by the Company under the Indenture having identical terms and conditions as the Initial Notes (other than the issue date, the issue price, the first interest payment date and the first date from which interest will accrue).

Second Lien Obligations” means (a) all principal of and interest (including without limitation any Post-Petition Amounts) and premium (if any) on all indebtedness under the Second Lien Indenture, including the Second Lien Notes and (b) all guarantee obligations, indemnities, fees, premiums, make-whole amounts, expenses and other amounts payable from time to time pursuant to the Second Lien Documents, in each case whether or not allowed or allowable in an Insolvency Proceeding.  To the extent any payment with respect to any Second Lien Obligation (whether by or on behalf of any Loan Party, as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise) is declared to be a fraudulent conveyance or a preference in any respect, set aside or required to be paid to a debtor in possession, any First Lien Secured Party, receiver or similar Person, then the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, for the purposes of this Agreement and the rights and obligations of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties, be deemed to be reinstated and outstanding as if such payment had not occurred from and after such date of reinstatement.

Second Lien Secured Parties” means the Second Lien Agent, the Second Lien Trustee, and the holders from time to time of the Second Lien Obligations, including without limitation, holders of the Second Lien Notes.

Second Lien Security Documents” means the “Security Documents” as defined in the Existing Second Lien Indenture (or equivalent term of any other Second Lien Indenture) and any documents that are designated under the Second Lien Indenture as “Second Lien Security Documents” for purposes of this Agreement.

Secured Parties” means the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties.

Standstill Period” means the period commencing on the date of a Second Lien Default and ending upon the date which is the earlier of (a) 180 days after each First Lien Agent has received a Second Lien Default Notice with respect to such Second Lien Default, or (b) the date on which the First Lien Obligations Payment Date has occurred.

“Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates or pricing risk or any similar transaction or any combination of the foregoing transactions, which includes agreements to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from floating to fixed rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of any Loan Party.

Swap Obligations” means, with respect to any Loan Party, any obligations of such Loan Party owed to any First Lien Secured Party (or any of its Affiliates) whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements, and (b) any

9


 

and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction.

Unasserted Contingent Obligations” means, at any time, First Lien Obligations for taxes, costs, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities (excluding (a) the principal of, and interest and premium (if any) on, and fees and expenses relating to, any First Lien Obligation and (b) contingent reimbursement obligations in respect of amounts that may be drawn under outstanding letters of credit) in respect of which no assertion of liability (whether oral or written) and no claim or demand for payment (whether oral or written) has been made (and, in the case of First Lien Obligations for indemnification, no notice for indemnification has been issued by the indemnitee) at such time.

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

1.2.Amended Agreements.  All references in this Agreement to agreements or other contractual obligations shall, unless otherwise specified, be deemed to refer to such agreements or contractual obligations as amended, supplemented, restated, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time to the extent permitted hereby.

1.3.Rules of Construction.  The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”.  Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented, refinanced or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements, refinancings or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

SECTION 2.[Reserved].

SECTION 3.Lien Priorities.

3.1.Subordination of Liens.  

(a)Any and all Liens now existing or hereafter created or arising in favor of any Second Lien Secured Party securing the Second Lien Obligations, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise are expressly junior in priority, operation and effect to any and all Liens now existing or hereafter created or arising in favor of the First Lien Secured Parties securing any of the First Lien Obligations (other than Excess First Lien Obligations), notwithstanding (i) anything to the contrary contained in any agreement or filing to which any Second Lien Secured Party may now or hereafter be a party, and regardless of the time, order or method of grant, attachment, recording or perfection of any financing statements or other security interests, assignments, pledges, deeds, mortgages and other liens, charges or encumbrances or any defect or deficiency or alleged defect or deficiency in any of the foregoing, (ii) any provision of the Uniform Commercial Code or any applicable law or any First Lien Document or Second Lien Document or any other circumstance

10


 

whatsoever and (iii) the fact that any such Liens in favor of any First Lien Secured Party securing any such First Lien Obligations are (x) subordinated to any Lien securing any obligation of any Loan Party other than the Second Lien Obligations pursuant to a final-non appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction or (y) otherwise subordinated, voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.

(b)No First Lien Secured Party or Second Lien Secured Party shall (i) object to or contest, or support any other Person in contesting or objecting to, at any hearing or in any proceeding (including without limitation, any Insolvency Proceeding) the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of any security interest in the Common Collateral granted to the other or (ii) demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or claim the benefit of any marshalling, appraisal, valuation or similar right which it may have in respect of such Common Collateral or the Liens on such Common Collateral, except to the extent that such rights are expressly granted in this Agreement.  Notwithstanding any failure by any First Lien Secured Party or Second Lien Secured Party to perfect its security interests in the Common Collateral or any avoidance, invalidation or subordination by any court of competent jurisdiction of the security interests in the Common Collateral granted to the First Lien Secured Parties or the Second Lien Secured Parties, the priority and rights as between the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties with respect to the Common Collateral shall be as set forth herein.

(c)All Liens securing Second Lien Obligations (other than the Excess Second Lien Obligations) will be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Collateral securing any Excess First Lien Obligations and all Liens securing any Excess First Lien Obligations will be junior and subordinate in all respects to any Lien securing Second Lien Obligations (other than the Excess Second Lien Obligations). All Liens securing Excess First Lien Obligations will be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Collateral securing any Excess Second Lien Obligations and all Liens securing any Excess Second Lien Obligations will be junior and subordinate in all respects to any Lien securing Excess First Lien Obligations.

3.2.[Reserved]

3.3.Legend.  

(a)Until the termination of this Agreement, the Second Lien Secured Parties will cause to be clearly, conspicuously and prominently inserted on the face of any Second Lien Security Agreement the following legend (or a substantially similar legend):

“The liens and security interests on the property described herein are junior and subordinate in the manner and to the extent set forth in that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 1, 2021 among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as ABL First Lien Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Floor Plan First Lien Agent and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Second Lien Agent, and acknowledged by the Loan Parties referred to therein, as amended from time to time.”

(b)Each Collateral Agent hereby acknowledges that, to the extent that it holds, or a third party holds on its behalf, physical possession of or “control” (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code) over Common Collateral pursuant to its applicable Security Documents, such possession or control is also for the benefit of each other Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties solely to the extent required to perfect their security interest in such Common Collateral.  Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to impose any duty on any Collateral Agent (or any third party acting on its behalf) with respect to such Common Collateral or provide any Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party with any rights with respect to such Common Collateral beyond those specified in this Agreement and the applicable Security Documents; provided that (i) prior to the occurrence of the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, the Second Lien Agent shall deliver to the ABL First Lien Agent, at the Borrowers’ sole

11


 

cost and expense, any Common Collateral in its possession or control together with any necessary endorsements to the extent required by the First Lien Documents and (ii) subsequent to the occurrence of the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, the First Lien Agents shall (x) deliver to the Second Lien Agent, at the Borrowers’ sole cost and expense, the Common Collateral in its possession or control together with any necessary endorsements to the extent required by the Second Lien Documents or (y) direct and deliver such Common Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction otherwise directs; and provided, further, that the provisions of this Agreement are intended solely to govern the respective Lien priorities as between the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties and shall not impose on the First Lien Secured Parties any obligations in respect of the disposition of any Common Collateral (or any proceeds thereof) that would conflict with prior perfected Liens or any claims thereon in favor of any other Person that is not a Secured Party.

3.4.No New Liens.  So long as the First Lien Obligations Payment Date has not occurred, the parties hereto agree that there shall be no Lien, and no Loan Party shall have any right to create any Lien, on any assets of any Loan Party securing any Second Lien Obligation or First Lien Obligation, as applicable, if these same assets are not subject to, and do not become subject to, Liens securing the First Lien Obligations or a Lien securing the Second Lien Obligations, as applicable (unless each First Lien Agent, or the Second Lien Agent, as applicable, shall have declined in writing to receive a Lien on such asset).  To the extent that the foregoing provisions are not complied with for any reason (without limiting any other rights and remedies available to the First Lien Secured Parties or the Second Lien Secured Parties, as applicable, against the Loan Parties) and to the extent as a result thereof such assets are not included in First Lien Collateral or Second Lien Collateral, as the case may be, each of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties agrees that any amounts received by or distributed to any such party pursuant to or as a result of Liens granted on such assets in contravention of this Section 3.4 shall be subject to Section 5.1 (and solely for such purpose, each of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties shall be deemed to have a valid and perfected Lien on any such assets, and as such, such assets shall constitute Common Collateral for such purpose).

SECTION 4.Enforcement Rights.  

4.1.Exclusive Enforcement Regarding Common Collateral. Until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date has occurred, whether or not an Insolvency Proceeding has been commenced by or against any Loan Party, the First Lien Representative on behalf of the First Lien Secured Parties, after giving the Second Lien Agent at least 10 Business Days' prior written notice of their intent to take an Enforcement Action (except to the extent, and only to the extent, that the First Lien Representative reasonably believes that such Enforcement Action is immediately required in order to prevent any material loss or material decrease in value of any Common Collateral, in which event, the First Lien Representative shall provide the Second Lien Agent with notice of the occurrence of such Enforcement Action as soon as reasonably practicable), shall have the exclusive right to take and continue any Enforcement Action (including the right to credit bid their debt) with respect to the Common Collateral, without any consultation with, consent or involvement of or interference by any Second Lien Secured Party, but subject to the provisos set forth in Sections 4.2 and 6.2.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a First Lien Default, the First Lien Representative, the First Lien Agents and the other First Lien Secured Parties may take and continue any Enforcement Action with respect to the First Lien Obligations and the Common Collateral in such order and manner as they may determine in their sole discretion in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the First Lien Documents and applicable law.

4.2.Standstill.   The Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that, until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date has occurred, but subject to the provisos at the end of this Section 4.2 and Section 6.2, without the prior written consent of the First Lien Agents:

(a)they will not take or cause to be taken any Enforcement Action;

12


 

(b)they will not take or cause to be taken any action, the purpose or effect of which is to make any Lien in respect of any Second Lien Obligation pari passu with or senior to, or to give any Second Lien Secured Party any preference or priority relative to, the Liens with respect to the First Lien Obligations (other than Excess First Lien Obligations) or the First Lien Secured Parties with respect to any of the Common Collateral;

(c)they will not contest, oppose, object to, interfere with, hinder or delay, in any manner, whether by judicial proceedings (including without limitation the filing of an Insolvency Proceeding) or otherwise, any foreclosure, sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the Common Collateral by any First Lien Secured Party or any other Enforcement Action taken (or any forbearance from taking any Enforcement Action) by or on behalf of any First Lien Secured Party, in each case in accordance with this Agreement and applicable law;

(d)they have no right to (i) direct either First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party to exercise any right, remedy or power with respect to the Common Collateral or pursuant to the First Lien Security Documents (or, to the extent they may have any such right described in this clause (d)(i), whether as a junior lien creditor or otherwise, they hereby irrevocably waive such right) or (ii) except as expressly permitted in this Agreement, consent or object to the exercise by either First Lien Agent or any First Lien Secured Party of any right, remedy or power with respect to the Common Collateral pursuant to the First Lien Security Documents or to the timing or manner in which any such right is exercised or not exercised;

(e)they will not institute any suit or other proceeding or assert in any suit, Insolvency Proceeding or other proceeding any claim against any First Lien Secured Party seeking damages from or other relief by way of specific performance, instructions or otherwise, with respect to, and no First Lien Secured Party shall be liable for, any action taken or omitted to be taken by any First Lien Secured Party with respect to, the Common Collateral or pursuant to the applicable First Lien Documents in compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and

(f)they will not seek, and hereby waive any right, to have the Common Collateral or any part thereof marshaled upon any foreclosure or other disposition of the Common Collateral;

provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing and so long as no Standstill Period is in effect, any Second Lien Secured Party may exercise and continue to pursue any Enforcement Actions under the Second Lien Documents or applicable law following the occurrence of and during the continuation of a Second Lien Default; provided, further, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any Second Lien Secured Party exercise any Enforcement Actions if, notwithstanding the expiration of the Standstill Period, any First Lien Secured Party shall have commenced (prior to the expiration of the Standstill Period) and be diligently pursuing any Enforcement Action with respect to all or any material portion of the Common Collateral; and provided, further, that (i) in any Insolvency Proceeding commenced by or against any Loan Party, the Second Lien Agent and the Second Lien Secured Parties may take any action expressly permitted by Section 6, (ii) nothing herein shall (x) limit Second Lien Secured Parties from initiating or maintaining Permitted Actions, or (y) restrict or otherwise limit Second Lien Secured Parties from commencing or joining any other person in commencing, or filing a petition for, any Insolvency Proceeding against any Loan Party; provided that the Second Lien Secured Parties shall not exercise any such right referred to in this clause (y) during the Standstill Period and shall not, without giving each First Lien Agent 10 Business Days' prior written notice (which notice may, for the avoidance of doubt, be given during the Standstill Period), exercise any rights or remedies described in clause (m) of the definition of  Permitted Actions during the Standstill Period.

4.3.Cooperation.  The Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that each of them shall take such actions as either First Lien Agent shall reasonably request, at the expense of the Loan Parties, in connection with the exercise by the First Lien

13


 

Secured Parties of their rights set forth herein in respect of the Common Collateral.  Each First Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the other First Lien Secured Parties, agrees that each of them shall take such actions as the Second Lien Agent shall reasonably request, at the expense of the Loan Parties, in connection with the exercise by the Second Lien Secured Parties of their rights set forth herein in respect of the Common Collateral.

4.4.Unsecured Creditor Remedies; Judgment Creditors.  Except as expressly set forth in Sections 3.1(b), 4.1, the final proviso to 4.2, 6, 9.1 and 10.1, the Second Lien Agent and the Second Lien Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies available to unsecured creditors generally, but solely to the extent such actions are not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement.  In the event that any Second Lien Secured Party becomes a judgment lien creditor as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor, such judgment lien shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement for all purposes to the same extent as all other Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations are subject to the terms of this Agreement.

4.5.Actions Upon Breach.   Should either any First Lien Secured Party or any Second Lien Secured Party, as applicable, contrary to this Agreement, in any way take, attempt to or threaten to take, any action with respect to the Common Collateral (including, without limitation, any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement), or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, the other party may obtain relief against the First Lien Secured Party or the Second Lien Secured Party, as applicable, by injunction, specific performance and/or other appropriate equitable relief, it being understood and agreed by the First Lien Secured Parties or the Second Lien Secured Parties, as applicable, that (i) the damages suffered by the Secured Parties seeking relief from the actions of the other Secured Parties against whom such relief is sought may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable, and (ii) the First Lien Secured Parties or the Second Lien Secured Parties, as applicable, waive any defense that the Loan Parties and/or any Secured Party seeking relief cannot demonstrate damage and/or be made whole by the awarding of damages.

SECTION 5.Application of Proceeds of Common Collateral; Dispositions and Releases of Common Collateral; Inspection and Insurance.  

5.1.Application of Proceeds; Turnover Provisions.  All proceeds of Common Collateral received by the First Lien Secured Parties or the Second Lien Secured Parties in connection with an Insolvency Proceeding or an Enforcement Action, shall be distributed as follows: first to the First Lien Representative for application to the First Lien Obligations (other than any Excess First Lien Obligations) in accordance with the terms of the First Lien Documents and the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date has occurred, and thereafter, to the Second Lien Agent for application to the Second Lien Obligations (other than any Excess Second Lien Obligations) in accordance with the Second Lien Documents until the Second Lien Obligations (other than any Excess Second Lien Obligations) are paid in full, in cash.  In the event any Excess First Lien Obligations remain unpaid after full payment of the Second Lien Obligations (other than any Excess Second Lien Obligations), any remaining proceeds of Common Collateral shall be delivered to the First Lien Representative for application to such Excess First Lien Obligations in accordance with the terms of the First Lien Documents and the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement.  In the event any Excess Second Lien Obligations remain unpaid after full payment of the First Lien Obligations (including all Excess First Lien Obligations), any remaining proceeds of Common Collateral shall be delivered to the Second Lien Agent for application to such Excess Second Lien Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Documents. Until the occurrence of the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, any Common Collateral, including without limitation any such Common Collateral constituting proceeds, that may be received by any Second Lien Secured Party in violation of this Agreement shall be segregated and held in trust and promptly paid over to the First Lien Representative, for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties, for application pursuant to this Section 5.1 (and subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement as to the allocation thereof among the First Lien Secured Parties), in the same form as received, with any necessary

14


 

endorsements, and each Second Lien Secured Party hereby authorizes each of the First Lien Representative and the First Lien Agents to make any such endorsements as agent for the Second Lien Agent (which authorization, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable).

5.2.Releases of Collateral.  

(a)Until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, if the First Lien Agents release a Lien on all or any portion of the Common Collateral in connection with: (a) an Enforcement Action, (b) a sale pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, or (c) a disposition of any Collateral that is permitted pursuant to the First Lien Documents and the Second Lien Documents, then any Lien of the Second Lien Agent on such Common Collateral will be, except as otherwise provided below, automatically and simultaneously released to the same extent (it being understood that the Second Lien Agent shall still, subject to the terms of this Agreement, have a security interest with respect to the proceeds of such Common Collateral except to the extent applied to First Lien Obligations in accordance with Section 5.1); provided, that in each case of the releases by First Lien Agents in subclauses (a), (b) and (c), (1) the net cash proceeds of such Enforcement Action or disposition are applied to permanently repay the First Lien Obligations (or any DIP Financing, as applicable) in accordance with Section 5.1 (it being acknowledged that any credit bid by either First Lien Agent in any foreclosure or other disposition of any Common Collateral pursuant to any Enforcement Action is deemed to be a permanent repayment of the First Lien Obligations (or any DIP Financing, as applicable) for purposes hereof), (2) such sale is conducted in accordance with applicable law, and (3) such Enforcement Action, sale or disposition does not result in a sale or transfer of Common Collateral to any Borrower, or any of their affiliates. After the occurrence of the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, any Common Collateral, including without limitation any such Common Collateral constituting proceeds, that may be received by any Secured Party in violation of this Agreement shall be segregated and held in trust and promptly paid over to the applicable Representative, for the benefit of the applicable  Secured Parties, for application pursuant to this Section 5.1 (and subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement as to the allocation thereof among the First Lien Secured Parties), in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsement.

(b)If the Lien of Second Lien Agent in the Common Collateral is to be released pursuant to the foregoing clause (a), the Second Lien Agent shall promptly execute and deliver such release documents and instruments and shall take such further actions as the First Lien Representative shall reasonably request to evidence any release of such Lien described in paragraph (a).  Until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, the Second Lien Agent hereby appoints the First Lien Representative and any officer or duly authorized person of the First Lien Representative, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power of attorney in the place and stead of the Second Lien Agent and in the name of the Second Lien Agent or in the First Lien Representative’s own name, from time to time, in the First Lien Representative’s sole discretion, for the purposes of carrying out the terms of this Section 5.2, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute and deliver any and all documents and instruments as may be reasonably necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Section 5.2, including, without limitation, any financing statements, endorsements, assignments, releases or other documents or instruments of transfer (which appointment, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable).

5.3.[Reserved].  

5.4.Insurance.  Until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date has occurred, the First Lien Agents will have the sole and exclusive right (i) to be named as additional insured and loss payee under any insurance policies maintained from time to time by any Loan Party (except that the Second Lien Agent shall have the right to be named as additional insured and loss payee so long as its second lien status is identified in a manner satisfactory to the First Lien Agents); (ii) to adjust or settle any insurance policy or claim covering the Common Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and (iii) to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the Common Collateral. All

15


 

insurance proceeds not released to and utilized by any Loan Party pursuant to the First Lien Documents and the Second Lien Documents for restoration, replacement or reinvestment in accordance with the applicable terms of the First Lien Documents will be applied in the order provided herein.

SECTION 6.Insolvency Proceedings.  

6.1.[Reserved]  

6.2.Filing of Motions.  Until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date has occurred, the Second Lien Agent agrees on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties that no Second Lien Secured Party shall, in or in connection with any Insolvency Proceeding, file any pleadings or motions, take any position at any hearing or proceeding of any nature, or otherwise take any action whatsoever, in each case that (a) violates, or is prohibited by, this Section 6 (or, in the absence of an Insolvency Proceeding, otherwise would violate or be prohibited by this Agreement), (b) asserts any right, benefit or privilege that arises in favor of the Second Lien Agent or Second Lien Secured Parties, in whole or in part, as a result of their Lien or interest in the Common Collateral to the extent in contravention of the terms of this Agreement, or (c) challenges the amount, validity, priority, enforceability or voidability of any Liens or claims held by either First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party, or the extent to which the First Lien Obligations (other than the Excess First Lien Obligations) constitute secured claims under Section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise; provided that the Second Lien Agent may take and maintain any Permitted Actions.

6.3.Financing Matters.  If any Loan Party becomes subject to any Insolvency Proceeding, and if the First Lien Agents desire to consent (or not object) to the use of cash collateral under the Bankruptcy Code or to provide financing to any Loan Party under the Bankruptcy Code or to consent (or not object) to the provision of such financing to any Loan Party by any third party (any such financing, “DIP Financing”), then the Second Lien Agent agrees, subject to the DIP Conditions, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, that each Second Lien Secured Party (a) will be deemed to have consented to, will raise no objection to, nor support any other Person objecting to, the use of such cash collateral or to such DIP Financing, (b) will not request or accept adequate protection or any other relief in connection with the use of such cash collateral or such DIP Financing, except as set forth in paragraph 6.5 below, (c) will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) their Liens (i) to such DIP Financing on the same terms as the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations are subordinated thereto (and such subordination will not alter in any manner the terms of this Agreement), (ii) to any adequate protection provided to the First Lien Secured Parties in connection therewith and (iii) to any reasonable and customary “carve-out” agreed to by the First Lien Agents, and (d) agrees that notice received three (3) business days prior to the filing of the motion seeking entry of an order approving such usage of cash collateral or approving such financing shall be adequate notice.   If any Loan Party becomes subject to any Insolvency Proceeding and the First Lien Secured Parties provide a DIP Financing that satisfies the DIP Conditions and this Section 6.3, the Second Lien Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, that none of the Second Lien Secured Parties shall provide DIP Financing to any Loan Party secured by Liens equal or senior in priority to the Liens securing any First Lien Obligations (other than the Excess First Lien Obligations) or the Liens securing such DIP Financing provided by the First Lien Secured Parties or that affords the lenders under any DIP Financing provided to any Loan Party by any Second Lien Secured Party a claim that is equal or senior to any adequate protection claims of the First Lien Secured Parties in respect of their interests in the Common Collateral, without the prior written consent of the First Lien Agents.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, solely in their capacity as unsecured creditors and not as secured creditors of any Loan Party, may raise any objections to any use, sale, or lease of “cash collateral”, or DIP Financing that could be raised by any unsecured creditor of the Loan Parties.

16


 

6.4.Relief From the Automatic Stay.  Until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, the Second Lien Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, that none of them will, without the prior written consent of the First Lien Agents, (a) seek relief from the automatic stay or from any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof, in each case in respect of any Common Collateral, or (b) oppose any request by either First Lien Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties to seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of any Common Collateral; provided that the Second Lien Agent may seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of the Common Collateral if and to the extent the First Lien Agents have obtained relief from or modification of such stay in respect of the Common Collateral, but may not thereafter take or pursue any Enforcement Action with respect to any applicable Common Collateral to which such relief or modification is applicable, except in accordance with the other applicable terms of this Agreement.

6.5.Adequate Protection.  The Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that none of them shall object, contest, or support any other Person objecting to or contesting, (a) any request by either First Lien Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties for adequate protection or any adequate protection provided to either First Lien Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties or (b) any objection by either First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on a claim of a lack of adequate protection or (c) the payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts to either First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party on account of the First Lien Obligations (other than Excess First Lien Obligations) under Section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section and in Section 6.3(b), Second Lien Secured Parties may seek or accept adequate protection consisting of (x) a replacement Lien on the Common Collateral, subordinated to the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations and such DIP Financing on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations are so subordinated to the First Lien Obligations under this Agreement, (y) superpriority claims junior in all respects to the superpriority claims granted to the First Lien Secured Parties and (z) subject to the right of the First Lien Secured Parties to object thereto, the payment of post-petition interest at the pre-default rate, fees and expenses (provided, in the case of this clause (z), that the First Lien Secured Parties have been granted adequate protection in the form of post-petition interest at a rate no lower than the pre-default rate and the payment of their fees and expenses). In the event the Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties, seeks or accepts adequate protection in accordance with the above provisions of this Section 6.5 and such adequate protection is granted in the form of additional collateral, then the Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself or any of the Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that each First Lien Agent shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional collateral as security for the First Lien Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional collateral securing the Second Lien Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing the First Lien Obligations and any such DIP Financing and any other Liens granted to the First Lien Secured Parties as adequate protection, with such subordination to be on the same terms that the other Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations are subordinated to the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations under this Agreement. The Second Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that except as expressly set forth in this Section, none of them shall seek or accept adequate protection without the prior written consent of the First Lien Agents.

6.6.Avoidance Issues.  If any First Lien Secured Party is required in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay or relinquish to a trustee, a receiver, or the estate of any Loan Party, because such amount was avoided or ordered to be paid, disgorged or relinquished for any reason, including, without limitation because it was found to be a fraudulent or preferential transfer or because the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations are unperfected or otherwise voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed, any amount (a “Recovery”), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of set-off or otherwise, then, subject to the proviso below, the First Lien Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the First Lien Obligations Payment Date shall be deemed not to have

17


 

occurred.  If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto from the date of reinstatement.  The Second Lien Secured Parties agree that none of them shall be entitled to benefit from any Recovery, solely to the extent arising in respect of or on account of each First Lien Secured Party's interest in the Second Lien Collateral or on account of such First Lien Secured Party's "secured claim" against any Loan Party within the meaning of section 506 of the Bankruptcy Code, to any extent beyond what they would have been entitled to had such Recovery not occurred (solely to the extent arising in respect of or on account of such Second Lien Secured Party's interest in the Second Lien Collateral or an account of such Second Lien Secured Party's "secured claim" against any Loan Party within the meaning of section 506 of the Bankruptcy)(in each case, a "Secured Claim Recovery"), it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such Secured Claim Recovery otherwise allocable to them shall instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement; provided, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) any amount received by the Second Lien Secured Parties in respect of a Secured Claim Recovery to be so turned over shall be limited to the amount in excess of the amount they would have received on account of its interest in the Second Lien Collateral or pursuant to its secured claim under section 506 of the Bankruptcy Code had such Secured Claim Recovery not occurred and (ii) except for the amounts specified in the foregoing clause (i) in respect of a Secured Claim Recovery, the Second Lien Secured Parties shall otherwise be entitled to receive and retain any amounts allocable to them in respect of any other Recovery.

6.7.Asset Dispositions in an Insolvency Proceeding.  In an Insolvency Proceeding, neither the Second Lien Agent nor any other Second Lien Secured Party, in its capacity as a secured creditor only,  shall oppose any sale or disposition of any assets of any Loan Party that is consented to by the First Lien Secured Parties, and will be deemed to have consented under Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code (and otherwise) to any sale consented to by the First Lien Secured Parties and to have released their Liens on such assets so long as the First Lien Secured Parties have released their Liens on such assets and the net cash proceeds from the sale or disposition are applied in accordance with Section 5.1; provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision herein to the contrary, the Second Lien Agent and each other Second Lien Secured Party, solely in its capacity as an unsecured creditor and not as a secured creditor of any Loan Party, shall be entitled to oppose any sale or disposition of any assets of any Loan Party under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code without the consent or approval of the First Lien Agents.

6.8.Plans of Reorganization; Reorganization Securities.  Prior to the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, no Second Lien Secured Party shall, without the consent of the First Lien Representative, directly or indirectly propose, support or vote in favor of any a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in connection with an Insolvency Proceeding that is in contravention of the provisions of this Agreement; provided that nothing in this Section 6.8 shall restrict any Second Lien Secured Party from voting any unsecured claim held by such Second Lien Secured Party in favor of any plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in connection with an Insolvency Proceeding.  Nothing in this Agreement prohibits or limits the right of the Second Lien Secured Parties to receive and retain (a) any debt or equity securities that are issued by a reorganized debtor pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in connection with an Insolvency Proceeding, provided that if any debt securities are distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in connection with an Insolvency Proceeding both on account of First Lien Obligations and on account of Second Lien Obligations and both (i) such debt obligations are secured by Liens and (ii) such Liens are upon the same property, then, as between the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations or (b) any distribution received by such Second Lien Secured Party pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan in connection with an

18


 

Insolvency Proceeding in respect of any claim classified under such plan as an unsecured claim in accordance with section 506(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code.  

6.9.Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification.  Each Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that (a) the grants of Liens pursuant to the First Lien Security Documents and the Second Lien Security Documents constitute separate and distinct grants of Liens and (b) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Common Collateral, the First Lien Obligations and the Second Lien Obligations are fundamentally different from each other and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in an Insolvency Proceeding.  To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that the claims of the First Lien Secured Parties and Second Lien Secured Parties in respect of the Common Collateral constitute only one secured claim (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then the Second Lien Secured Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that all distributions shall be made as if there were separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Loan Parties in respect of the Common Collateral, with the effect being that, to the extent that the aggregate value of the Common Collateral is sufficient (for this purpose ignoring all claims held by the Second Lien Secured Parties), the First Lien Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of Post-Petition Amounts before any distribution is made in respect of the claims held by the Second Lien Secured Parties.  The Second Lien Secured Parties hereby acknowledge and agree to turn over to the First Lien Secured Parties amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of the preceding sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Lien Secured Parties.

6.10.No Waivers of Rights of First Lien Secured Parties.  Subject to Section 3.1(b), nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit either First Lien Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by any Second Lien Secured Party not expressly permitted hereunder, including the seeking by any Second Lien Secured Party of adequate protection (except as provided in Section 6.5).

6.11.Effectiveness in Insolvency Proceedings.  This Agreement, which the parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a “subordination agreement” under Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, shall be effective before, during and after the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding.

6.12.Rights as Unsecured Creditors.  In any Insolvency Proceeding, the Second Lien Secured Parties may exercise any rights and remedies that could be exercised by an unsecured creditor in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Documents and applicable law, in each case to the extent not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement.

SECTION 7.Modifications to First Lien Documents or Second Lien Documents.

7.1.Restrictions on First Lien Document Modifications.  The First Lien Documents may not be amended, renewed, extended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified without the prior written consent of the Second Lien Agent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), in a manner that either violates or is otherwise inconsistent with this Agreement.

7.2.Restrictions on Second Lien Document Modifications.  The Second Lien Documents may not be amended, renewed, extended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified without the prior written consent of the First Lien Agents (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld), in a manner that either violates or is otherwise inconsistent with this Agreement.

19


 

SECTION 8.Reliance; Waivers; etc.

8.1.Reliance.  The First Lien Documents are deemed to have been executed and delivered, and all extensions of credit thereunder are deemed to have been made or incurred, in reliance upon this Agreement.  The Second Lien Agent, on behalf of it itself and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, expressly waives all notice of the acceptance of and reliance on this Agreement by the First Lien Secured Parties.  The Second Lien Documents are deemed to have been executed and delivered and all extensions of credit thereunder are deemed to have been made or incurred, in reliance upon this Agreement.  Each First Lien Agent, on behalf of itself and the other First Lien Secured Parties for which it is First Lien Agent, expressly waives all notices of the acceptance of and reliance on this Agreement by the Second Lien Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties.

8.2.No Warranties or Liability.  The Second Lien Agent and the First Lien Agents acknowledge and agree that none of them has made any representation or warranty with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any other First Lien Document or any Second Lien Document.  Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Second Lien Agent, the Second Lien Trustee, and the Second Lien Secured Parties and the First Lien Agents and the First Lien Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective extensions of credit to any Loan Party in accordance with law and their usual practices, modified from time to time as they deem appropriate.

8.3.No Waivers.  No right or benefit of any party hereunder shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of such party or any other party hereto or by any noncompliance by any Loan Party with the terms and conditions of any of the First Lien Documents or the Second Lien Documents.

SECTION 9.Obligations Unconditional.

9.1.First Lien Obligations Unconditional.  All rights and interests of the First Lien Secured Parties hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the Second Lien Secured Parties (and, to the extent applicable, the Loan Parties) hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

(a)any lack of validity or enforceability of any First Lien Document and regardless of whether any of the Liens of the First Lien Agents and First Lien Secured Parties are not perfected or are voidable for any reason; or

(b)any change in the time, place or manner of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any portion of the First Lien Obligations, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct, in writing or otherwise, including any increase in the amount thereof, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding or restatement of any First Lien Document, except to the extent expressly prohibited hereunder;

(c)any exchange, release or lack of perfection of any Lien of any of the First Lien Agents and First Lien Secured Parties on any Common Collateral or any other asset, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the First Lien Obligations or any guarantee thereof, except to the extent expressly prohibited hereunder;

(d)the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of any Loan Party; or

(e)any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party in respect of the First Lien Obligations, or of any of the First Lien Secured Parties or any Loan Party, to the extent applicable, in respect of this Agreement.

20


 

9.2.Second Lien Obligations Unconditional.  All rights and interests of the Second Lien Secured Parties hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of the First Lien Secured Parties (and, to the extent applicable, the Loan Parties) hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

(a)any lack of validity or enforceability of any Second Lien Document and regardless of whether the Liens of the Second Lien Agent and Second Lien Secured Parties are not perfected or are voidable for any reason;

(b)any change in the time, place or manner of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any portion of the Second Lien Obligations, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct, in writing or otherwise, including any increase in the amount thereof, or any refinancing, replacement, refunding or restatement of any Second Lien Document, except to the extent expressly prohibited hereunder;

(c)any exchange, release or lack of perfection of any Lien of the Second Lien Agent and Second Lien Secured Parties on any Common Collateral or any other asset, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the Second Lien Obligations or any guarantee thereof, except to the extent expressly prohibited hereunder; or

(d)the commencement of any Insolvency Proceeding in respect of any Loan Party; or

(e)any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party in respect of the Second Lien Obligations, or of any of the Second Lien Secured Parties or any Loan Party, to the extent applicable, in respect of this Agreement.

SECTION 10.Miscellaneous.

10.1.Rights of Subrogation.  The Second Lien Agent, for and on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties, agrees that no payment to either First Lien Agent or any First Lien Secured Party pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall entitle the Second Lien Agent or any Second Lien Secured Party to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date.  Following the First Lien Obligations Payment Date, the Second Lien Secured Parties shall be subrogated to the rights of the First Lien Secured Parties to the extent that payments and distributions otherwise payable to the Second Lien Secured Parties have been applied to the First Lien Obligations in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and each First Lien Agent agrees to execute such documents, agreements, and instruments as the Second Lien Agent or any Second Lien Secured Party may reasonably request to evidence the transfer by subrogation to any such Person of an interest in the First Lien Obligations resulting from payments to either First Lien Agent by such Person, so long as all costs and expenses (including all reasonable legal fees and disbursements) incurred in connection therewith by each First Lien Agent are paid by such Person upon request for payment thereof.  

10.2.Further Assurances.  Each of the Second Lien Agent and the First Lien Agents will, at the Loan Parties’ expense and at any time and from time to time, promptly execute and deliver all further instruments and documents, and take all further action, that may be necessary or desirable, or that the other party may reasonably request, in order to protect any right or interest granted or purported to be granted hereby or to enable the First Lien Agents or the Second Lien Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder; provided, however, that no party shall be required to pay over any payment or distribution, execute any instruments or documents, or take any other action referred to in this Section 10.2, to the extent that such action would contravene any law, order or other legal requirement or any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement, and in the event of a controversy or dispute, such party may interplead any payment or distribution in any court of competent jurisdiction, without further responsibility in respect of such payment or distribution under this Section 10.2.

21


 

10.3.Conflicts.  In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any First Lien Document or any Second Lien Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern; provided that the foregoing shall not limit or alter the protections afforded such Collateral Agent as provided in Section 10.13; provided further, however, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the intercreditor agreement dated on or before the Effective Date (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “First Lien Intercreditor Agreement”), among the First Lien Secured Parties, the terms and conditions of the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall control among the First Lien Secured Parties as to the relative rights of the First Lien Secured Parties in respect of the Common Collateral.  

10.4.Continuing Nature of Provisions.  Subject to Section 6.6, this Agreement shall continue to be effective, and shall not be revocable by any party hereto, until the First Lien Obligations Payment Date shall have occurred; provided, that Section 5.1 shall continue in effect with respect to the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to Excess First Lien Obligations.  This is a continuing agreement and the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties may continue, at any time and without notice to the other parties hereto, to extend credit and other financial accommodations, lend monies and provide indebtedness to, or for the benefit of, any Borrower or any other Loan Party on the faith hereof.

10.5.Amendments; Waivers.  No amendment or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the First Lien Agents and the Second Lien Agent.

10.6.Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Borrowers and the other Loan Parties.  Each of the Second Lien Secured Parties and the First Lien Secured Parties hereby assumes responsibility for keeping itself informed of  the financial condition of the Borrowers and each of the other Loan Parties and all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations.  The Second Lien Secured Parties and the First Lien Secured Parties hereby agree that no party shall have any duty to advise any other party of information known to it regarding such condition or any such circumstances.  In the event the Second Lien Agent or either First Lien Agent, in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any information to any other party to this Agreement, it shall be under no obligation (a) to provide any such information to such other party or any other party on any subsequent occasion, (b) to undertake any investigation not a part of its regular business routine, or (c) to disclose any other information.

10.7.Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York, except as otherwise required by mandatory provisions of law and except to the extent that remedies provided by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York are governed by the laws of such jurisdiction.

10.8.Submission to Jurisdiction.  

(a)Each First Lien Secured Party, each Second Lien Secured Party and each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court 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, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each such party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court.  Each such party agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the

22


 

judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the any First Lien Secured Party or Second Lien Secured Party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

(b)Each First Lien Secured Party, each Second Lien Secured Party and each Loan Party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so (i) any objection it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section and (ii) the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding.

(c)Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 10.9.  Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

10.9.Notices.  Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing and may be personally served, telecopied, or sent by overnight express courier service or United States mail and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service, upon receipt of a telecopy or five days after deposit in the United States mail (certified, with postage prepaid and properly addressed).  For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto (until notice of a change thereof is delivered as provided in this Section) shall be as set forth below each party’s name on the signature pages hereof, or, as to each party, at such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties.

10.10.Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the parties hereto and each of the First Lien Secured Parties and Second Lien Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, and nothing herein is intended, or shall be construed to give, any other Person any right, remedy or claim under, to or in respect of this Agreement or any Common Collateral.

10.11.Headings.  Section headings used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

10.12.Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

10.13.Agents. The ABL First Lien Agent has executed this Agreement as directed under and in accordance with the Existing ABL First Lien Credit Agreement and will perform this Agreement solely in its capacity as ABL First Lien Agent and not individually. In performing under this Agreement, the ABL First Lien Agent shall have all rights, protections, immunities and indemnities granted it under the Existing ABL First Lien Credit Agreement. Subject to the terms of the Existing ABL First Lien Credit Agreement, the ABL First Lien Agent shall have no obligation to perform or exercise any discretionary act. The Floor Plan First Lien Agent has executed this Agreement as directed under and in accordance with the Existing Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement and will perform this Agreement solely in its capacity as Floor Plan First Lien Agent and not individually. In performing under this Agreement, the Floor Plan First Lien Agent shall have all rights, protections, immunities and indemnities granted it under the Existing Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement. Subject to the terms of the Existing Floor Plan First Lien Credit Agreement, the Floor Plan First Lien Agent shall have no obligation to perform or exercise any discretionary act.  The Second Lien Agent has executed this Agreement as directed under and in

23


 

accordance with the Existing Second Lien Indenture and will perform this Agreement solely in its capacity as Second Lien Agent and not individually. In performing under this Agreement, the Second Lien Agent shall have all rights, protections, immunities and indemnities granted it under the Existing Second Lien Indenture. Subject to the terms of the Existing Second Lien Indenture, the Second Lien Agent shall have no obligation to perform or exercise any discretionary act.

10.14.Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile, PDF or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

10.15.WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.

10.16.Additional Loan Parties.  Each Person that becomes a Loan Party after the date hereof shall be deemed to have acknowledged this Agreement in the manner set forth on the Acknowledgement attached hereto upon execution and delivery by such Person of a joinder agreement in accordance with the requirements of each First Lien Credit Agreement and the Second Lien Indenture.

10.17.No Third Party Beneficiaries. The provisions of this Agreement are solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Secured Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and this Agreement shall not be deemed to create any rights or priorities in favor of any other Person, including, without limitation, any Loan Party, and there are no other parties or Persons whatsoever including, without limitation, the Loan Parties, who are intended to be benefited in any manner whatsoever by this Agreement.

 

 

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

24


 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as ABL First Lien Agent for and on behalf of the ABL First Lien Secured Parties



By:   /s/ Michael Byrne___________          
Name:  Michael Byrne
Title:  Authorized Officer

 

Address for Notices:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Loan and Agency Services

10 South Dearborn, 7th Floor

Chicago, Illinois 60603, Mail Code IL1-0010

Attention: Alta Equipment Group

Facsimile No: (312) 385-7096

 

Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement


 

 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Floor Plan First Lien Agent for and on behalf of the Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties



By:     /s/ Frederick B. Varhula________________
Name:  Frederick B. Varhula

Title:  Authorized Officer

 

Address for Notices:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

111 E. Wisconsin Ave., Floor 15

Mail Code WI1-2033

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Attention: Fred Varhula

Reference: Alta Equipment Group

 

 

 

Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement


 

 

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Second Lien Agent for and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties



By:     /s/ Jane Schweiger___________
Name:   Jane Schweiger
Title:   Vice President

 

 

Address for Notices:

 

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION 50 South Sixth Street, Suite 1290

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Attention: Alta Equipment Group Inc. Administrator

Facsimile No:  612-217-5651

Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement


 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The undersigned hereby acknowledge and consent to the foregoing Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2021 (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) among JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as the ABL First Lien Agent, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as the Floor Plan First Lien Agent, and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the Second Lien Agent.  Unless otherwise defined in this Acknowledgement, terms defined in the Intercreditor Agreement have the same meanings when used in this Acknowledgement.

Each Loan Party hereby acknowledges that it has received a copy of the foregoing Intercreditor Agreement and consents thereto, agrees to recognize all rights granted thereby to the ABL First Lien Secured Parties, the Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties, and will not do any act or perform any obligation which is not in accordance with the agreements set forth therein.  Each Loan Party agrees that the Intercreditor Agreement may be amended by the ABL First Lien Secured Parties, the Floor Plan First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties, without notice to, or the consent of any such Loan Party or any other Person; provided, however, that each Loan Party agrees to be bound by the Intercreditor Agreement only as in effect on the date hereof and, to the extent that such Loan Party has been notified of the terms of any amendment, as so amended.

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

 

Acknowledgment to Intercreditor Agreement


 

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT GROUP INC.

 

 

By:       /s/ Anthony Colucci___________________

Name: Anthony Colucci

Title:    Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

ALTA EQUIPMENT HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By:       /s/ Anthony Colucci___________________

Name: Anthony Colucci

Title:   Authorized Representative

 

ALTA ENTERPRISES, LLC

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT ILLINOIS, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MICHIGAN, LLC

ALTA HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICES, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY, L.L.C.

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, L.L.C.

NITCO, LLC

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLORIDA, LLC

ALTA INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC,

ALTA CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT NEW YORK, LLC

PEAKLOGIX, LLC

 

 

By:       /s/ Anthony Colucci___________________

Name: Anthony Colucci

Title:   Authorized Representative

of each of the above, on behalf of each of the above

 

 

 

Address for Notices:

 

13211 Merriman Rd

Livonia, MI 48150-1826

Attention: President

Facsimile No. 248-449-6701

Acknowledgment Page to Intercreditor Agreement