ash-ex102_8.htm



Exhibit 10.2

EXECUTION VERSION

 

RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT 

 

Dated as of March 17, 2021

 

by and among

 

CVG CAPITAL III LLC,

as Seller,

 

THE PERSONS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO,

as Purchasers, Group Agents, LC Banks and LC Participants,

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Administrative Agent,

 

ASHLAND LLC,

as initial Servicer,

 

and

 

PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC,

as Structuring Agent


 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

 

 


	
 
	
Page

	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS
	
2

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 1.01. Certain Defined Terms
	
2

	
 
	
Section 1.02. Other Interpretative Matters
	
39

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE II TERMS OF THE PURCHASES AND INVESTMENTS
	
40

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 2.01. Purchase Facility
	
40

	
 
	
Section 2.02. Making Investments; Return of Capital
	
41

	
 
	
Section 2.03. Yield and Fees
	
43

	
 
	
Section 2.04. Records of Investments and Capital
	
43

	
 
	
Section 2.05. Selection of Yield Rates and Tranche Periods
	
43

	
 
	
Section 2.06. Non-Renewing Purchasers
	
44

	
 
	
Section 2.07. Replacement of Purchaser Group
	
44

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE III LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY
	
46

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 3.01. Letters of Credit
	
46

	
 
	
Section 3.02. Issuance of Letters of Credit; Participations
	
46

	
 
	
Section 3.03. Requirements For Issuance of Letters of Credit
	
47

	
 
	
Section 3.04. Disbursements, Reimbursement
	
48

	
 
	
Section 3.05. Repayment of Participation Advances
	
48

	
 
	
Section 3.06. Documentation; Documentary and Processing Charges
	
49

	
 
	
Section 3.07. Determination to Honor Drawing Request
	
49

	
 
	
Section 3.08. Nature of Participation and Reimbursement Obligations
	
49

	
 
	
Section 3.09. Indemnity
	
51

	
 
	
Section 3.10. Liability for Acts and Omissions
	
51

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE IV SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS
	
53

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 4.01. Settlement Procedures
	
53

	
 
	
Section 4.02. Payments and Computations, Etc
	
55

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE V INCREASED COSTS; FUNDING LOSSES; TAXES; ILLEGALITY AND BACK-UP SECURITY INTEREST
	
56

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 5.01. Increased Costs
	
56

	
 
	
Section 5.02. Funding Losses
	
58

	
 
	
Section 5.03. Taxes
	
58

	
 
	
Section 5.04. Inability to Determine Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR; Change in Legality
	
62

	
 
	
Section 5.05. Back-Up Security Interest
	
63

	
 
	
Section 5.06. Benchmark Replacement Setting
	
63

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS, INVESTMENTS AND ISSUANCES
	
71

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 6.01. Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness and the Initial Investment or Issuance
	
71




 


			
	
 
	
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Table of Contents

(continued)

Page

 


	
 
	
Section 6.02. Conditions Precedent to All Investments and Issuances
	
71

	
 
	
Section 6.03. Conditions Precedent to All Releases
	
72

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE VII REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
	
73

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 7.01. Representations and Warranties of the Seller
	
73

	
 
	
Section 7.02. Representations and Warranties of the Servicer
	
79

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE VIII COVENANTS
	
84

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 8.01. Covenants of the Seller
	
84

	
 
	
Section 8.02. Covenants of the Servicer
	
93

	
 
	
Section 8.03. Separate Existence of the Seller
	
100

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATION AND COLLECTION OF RECEIVABLES
	
103

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 9.01. Appointment of the Servicer.
	
103

	
 
	
Section 9.02. Duties of the Servicer
	
104

	
 
	
Section 9.03. Collection Account Arrangements.
	
105

	
 
	
Section 9.04. Enforcement Rights
	
105

	
 
	
Section 9.05. Responsibilities of the Seller
	
107

	
 
	
Section 9.06. Servicing Fee
	
107

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE X EVENTS OF TERMINATION
	
108

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 10.01. Events of Termination
	
108

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE XI THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
	
110

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 11.01. Authorization and Action
	
110

	
 
	
Section 11.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Etc
	
111

	
 
	
Section 11.03. Administrative Agent and Affiliates
	
111

	
 
	
Section 11.04. Indemnification of Administrative Agent
	
111

	
 
	
Section 11.05. Delegation of Duties
	
112

	
 
	
Section 11.06. Action or Inaction by Administrative Agent
	
112

	
 
	
Section 11.07. Notice of Events of Termination; Action by Administrative Agent
	
112

	
 
	
Section 11.08. Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Parties
	
112

	
 
	
Section 11.09. Successor Administrative Agent
	
113

	
 
	
Section 11.10. Structuring Agent
	
113

	
 
	
Section 11.11. LIBOR Notification
	
113

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE XII THE GROUP AGENTS
	
114

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 12.01. Authorization and Action
	
114

	
 
	
Section 12.02. Group Agent’s Reliance, Etc
	
114

	
 
	
Section 12.03. Group Agent and Affiliates
	
114

	
 
	
Section 12.04. Indemnification of Group Agents
	
115

	
 
	
Section 12.05. Delegation of Duties
	
115

	
 
	
Section 12.06. Notice of Events of Termination
	
115

	
 
	
Section 12.07. Non-Reliance on Group Agent and Other Parties
	
115




 


			
	
 
	
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Table of Contents

(continued)

Page

 


	
 
	
Section 12.08. Successor Group Agent
	
116

	
 
	
Section 12.09. Reliance on Group Agent
	
116

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE XIII INDEMNIFICATION
	
116

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 13.01. Indemnities by the Seller
	
116

	
 
	
Section 13.02. Indemnification by the Servicer
	
119

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE XIV SELLER GUARANTY
	
120

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 14.01. Guaranty of Payment
	
120

	
 
	
Section 14.02. Unconditional Guaranty
	
121

	
 
	
Section 14.03. Modifications
	
122

	
 
	
Section 14.04. Waiver of Rights
	
122

	
 
	
Section 14.05. Reinstatement
	
123

	
 
	
SECTION 14.06. Remedies
	
124

	
 
	
Section 14.07. Subrogation
	
124

	
 
	
Section 14.08. Inducement
	
124

	
 
	
Section 14.09. Security Interest
	
124

	
 
	
Section 14.10. Further Assurances
	
125

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
ARTICLE XV MISCELLANEOUS
	
125

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
Section 15.01. Amendments, Etc
	
125

	
 
	
Section 15.02. Notices, Etc
	
126

	
 
	
Section 15.03. Assignability; Addition of Purchasers.
	
126

	
 
	
Section 15.04. Costs and Expenses
	
130

	
 
	
Section 15.05. No Proceedings; Limitation on Payments
	
130

	
 
	
Section 15.06. Confidentiality
	
131

	
 
	
Section 15.07. GOVERNING LAW
	
132

	
 
	
Section 15.08. Execution in Counterparts
	
133

	
 
	
Section 15.09. Integration; Binding Effect; Survival of Termination
	
133

	
 
	
Section 15.10. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION
	
133

	
 
	
Section 15.11. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
	
134

	
 
	
Section 15.12. Ratable Payments
	
134

	
 
	
Section 15.13. Limitation of Liability
	
134

	
 
	
Section 15.14. Intent of the Parties
	
135

	
 
	
Section 15.15. USA Patriot Act
	
135

	
 
	
Section 15.16. Right of Setoff
	
135

	
 
	
Section 15.17. Severability
	
135

	
 
	
Section 15.18. Mutual Negotiations
	
136

	
 
	
Section 15.19. Captions and Cross References
	
136




 




 


			
	
 
	
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Table of Contents

(continued)

Page

 

 

 


	
EXHIBITS
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
EXHIBIT A
	
–
	
Form of [Investment Request][LC Request]

	
EXHIBIT B
	
–
	
Form of Reduction Notice

	
EXHIBIT C
	
–
	
Form of Assignment and Acceptance Agreement

	
EXHIBIT D
	
–
	
Form of Assumption Agreement

	
EXHIBIT E
	
–
	
Form of Letter of Credit Application

	
EXHIBIT F
	
–
	
Credit and Collection Policy

	
EXHIBIT G
	
–
	
Form of Information Package

	
EXHIBIT H
	
–
	
Form of Compliance Certificate

	
EXHIBIT I
	
–
	
Closing Memorandum

	
EXHIBIT J
	
–
	
Form of Weekly Report

	
EXHIBIT K
	
 
	
Special Obligors

	
EXHIBIT L
	
 
	
Form of Supplement to Schedule V

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
SCHEDULES
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
SCHEDULE I
	
–
	
Commitments

	
SCHEDULE II
	
–
	
Lock-Boxes, Collection Accounts and Collection Account Banks

	
SCHEDULE III
	
–
	
Notice Addresses

	
SCHEDULE IV
	
–
	
Initial Schedule of Sold Receivables

	
SCHEDULE V
	
–
	
Excluded Receivables




 

 

 

 


			
	
 
	
-iv-
	
 




 



 

 

This RECEIVABLES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”) is entered into as of March 17, 2021 by and among the following parties:

(i)CVG CAPITAL III LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as Seller (together with its successors and assigns, the “Seller”);

(ii)the Persons from time to time party hereto as Purchasers, LC Banks, LC Participants and Group Agents;

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

(iv)ASHLAND LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, in its individual capacity (“Ashland”) and as initial Servicer (in such capacity, together with its successors and assigns in such capacity, the “Servicer”); and

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

AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT

This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety, as of the date hereof, the Transfer and Administration Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2018 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “Prior Agreement”), among the Seller, Ashland, Ashland Specialty Ingredients G.P., various Group Agents and Investors and Fifth Third Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer (“Fifth Third”).  In connection with the amendment and restatement of the Prior Agreement, Fifth Third, solely in its capacity as the “Administrative Agent” under the Prior Agreement, has assigned all of its rights and obligations as “Administrative Agent” under the Prior Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents pursuant to that certain Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated on or about the Closing Date (the “Assignment and Assumption Agreement”), among the parties hereto, and the parties thereto desire that PNC, and PNC by its execution and delivery of its signature to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement and this Agreement hereby agrees to, become the Administrative Agent.  Notwithstanding the amendment and restatement of the Prior Agreement by this Agreement, (i) the Seller and the Servicer shall continue to be liable to each of the “Indemnified Parties” for the fees and expenses payable by the Seller and/or the Servicer, as applicable, which are accrued and unpaid under the Prior Agreement on the date hereof (collectively, the “Prior Agreement Outstanding Amounts”) and all agreements to indemnify such parties in connection with events or conditions arising or existing prior to the effective date of this Agreement and (ii) the security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent created under the Prior Agreement shall remain in full force and effect as security for such Prior Agreement Outstanding Amounts and for the Seller Obligation Amounts (as defined herein).  This Agreement does not constitute a novation or replacement of the Prior Agreement, but hereby ratifies and reaffirms the Prior Agreement as amended and restated by this Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, each reference to the Prior Agreement in any other document, instrument or agreement shall mean and be a reference to this Agreement.  Nothing contained herein, unless 

 



 

expressly herein stated to the contrary, is intended to amend, modify or otherwise affect any other instrument, document or agreement executed and/or delivered in connection with the Prior Agreement.  

Concurrently herewith, the Seller is requesting that each Purchaser make a new non-ratable Purchase on the Closing Date such that, after giving effect to such Purchase, the related Purchaser’s portion of the Aggregate Capital will be equal to its ratable share (based on Commitments) thereof.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

The Seller has acquired, and will acquire from time to time, Receivables from the Originator(s) pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement.  The Seller desires to sell certain of the Receivables to the Purchasers and, in connection therewith, has requested that the Purchasers (a) make Investments from time to time and (b) the LC Banks issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Seller from time to time, in each case, on the terms, and subject to the conditions set forth herein.  

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

Article I

DEFINITIONS

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

“Account Control Agreement” means each agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, among the Seller, the Servicer (if applicable), the Administrative Agent and a Collection Account Bank, governing the terms of the related Collection Accounts, that provides the Administrative Agent with control within the meaning of the UCC over the deposit accounts subject to such agreement.

“Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance” means, at any time of determination:  (a) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables then in the Receivables Pool, minus (b) the Offset Payables Reduction Amount.

“Adjusted LC Participation Amount” means, at any time of determination, the greater of (i) the LC Participation Amount less the amount of cash collateral held in each LC Collateral Account at such time and (ii) zero ($0).

“Adjusted LIBOR” means with respect to any Tranche Period, the interest rate per annum determined by the applicable Group Agent by dividing (the resulting quotient rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1% per annum) (i) the rate of interest determined by such Group Agent in accordance with its usual procedures (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) to be the rate per annum for deposits in Dollars as reported by Bloomberg 

 


	
 
	
2
	
 




 



 

Finance L.P. and shown on US0001M Screen as the composite offered rate for London interbank deposits for such Tranche Period (or on any successor or substitute page of such service, or any successor to or substitute for such service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such service, as determined by such Group Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at or about 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Business Day which is two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Tranche Period for an amount comparable to the Portion of Capital to be funded at Adjusted LIBOR during such Tranche Period, by (ii) a number equal to 1.00 minus the Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage; provided, however, that with respect to the initial Tranche Period for the Capital of an Investment made on a date that is not the first Business Day of a Fiscal Month, Adjusted LIBOR shall be the interest rate per annum equal to LMIR for each day during such initial Tranche Period from the date that such Investment is made pursuant to Section 2.01 until the last day of such Fiscal Month.  The calculation of Adjusted LIBOR may also be expressed by the following formula:

 


	
 
	
 
	
 
	
Composite of London interbank offered rates shown on

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
Bloomberg Finance L.P. Screen US0001M

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
or appropriate successor

	
Adjusted LIBOR
	
=
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
1.00- Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage




 

Adjusted LIBOR shall be adjusted on the effective date of any change in the Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage as of such effective date. The applicable Group Agent shall give prompt notice to the Seller of Adjusted LIBOR as determined or adjusted in accordance herewith (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Adjusted LIBOR as determined herein would be less than zero (0.00), such rate shall be deemed to be zero percent (0.00%) for purposes of this Agreement.

“Administrative Agent” means PNC, in its capacity as contractual representative for the Purchaser Parties, and any successor thereto in such capacity appointed pursuant to Article XI or Section 15.03(g).

“Adverse Claim” means any ownership interest or claim, mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest, hypothecation, charge or other encumbrance or security arrangement of any nature whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily given, including, but not limited to, any conditional sale or title retention arrangement, and any assignment, deposit arrangement or lease intended as, or having the effect of, security and any filed financing statement or other notice of any of the foregoing (whether or not a lien or other encumbrance is created or exists at the time of the filing); it being understood that any thereof in favor of, or assigned to, the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) shall not constitute an Adverse Claim.

“Advisors” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.06(c).

“Affected Person” means each Purchaser Party, each Program Support Provider, each Liquidity Agent and each of their respective Affiliates.

 


	
 
	
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“Affiliate” means, as to any Person: (a) any other Person that, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or (b) who is a director or officer:  (i) of such Person or (ii) of any Person described in clause (a), except that, in the case of each Conduit Purchaser, Affiliate shall mean the holder(s) of its Capital Stock.  For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall mean the power, direct or indirect:  (x) to vote 25% or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or managers of such Person or (y) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, in either case whether by ownership of securities, contract, proxy or otherwise.

“Aggregate Capital” means, at any time of determination, the aggregate outstanding Capital of all Purchasers and LC Participants at such time. 

“Aggregate Yield” means, at any time of determination, the aggregate accrued and unpaid Yield on the aggregate outstanding Capital of all Purchasers at such time.

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

“Anti-Terrorism Laws” means any Applicable Law relating to terrorism financing, trade sanctions programs and embargoes, import/export licensing, money laundering or bribery, and any regulation, order, or directive promulgated, issued or enforced pursuant to such Applicable Laws, all as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

“Applicable Law” means, with respect to any Person, (x) all provisions of law, statute, treaty, constitution, rule, regulation, ordinance, requirement, restriction, permit, executive order, certificate, decision, directive or order of any Governmental Authority applicable to such Person or any of its property and (y) all judgments, injunctions, orders, writs, decrees and awards of all courts and arbitrators in proceedings or actions in which such Person is a party or by which any of its property is bound.  For the avoidance of doubt, FATCA shall constitute an “Applicable Law” for all purposes of this Agreement.

“Ashland” is defined in the Preamble.

“Ashland Credit Agreement” means the Credit Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2020, among Ashland, as borrower, Ashland Global and Ashland Chemco Inc., a Delaware corporation, as holding companies, Ashland Services B.V., a besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid organized under the laws of the Netherlands, as Dutch borrower, various financial institutions and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as lender, swing line lender, l/c issuer and as administrative agent.

“Ashland Global” means Ashland Global Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation.

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

 


	
 
	
4
	
 




 



 

“Assignment of Claims Acts” means the provisions of United States Code, 31 U.S.C. § 3727 and 41 U.S.C. § 15, and any similar Laws of any other jurisdiction.

“Assumption Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.03(i).

“Attorney Costs” means and includes all reasonable and documented fees, costs, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external counsel and all disbursements of internal counsel.

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

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

(a)the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by the applicable Group Agent or its Affiliate as its “reference rate” or “prime rate”, as applicable.  Such “reference rate” or “prime rate” is set by the applicable Group Agent or its Affiliate based upon various factors, including such Person’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above or below such announced rate, and is not necessarily the lowest rate charged to any customer;

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

(c)0.50% per annum above Adjusted LIBOR applicable to the Yield Period for which the Base Rate is then being determined.

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

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

“Breakage Fee” means (i) for any Yield Period for which Yield is computed by reference to the CP Rate, LMIR, or Adjusted LIBOR and a reduction of Capital is made for any reason on any day other than the last date of the related Yield Period or (ii) to the extent that the Seller shall for any reason, fail to borrow on the date specified by the Seller in connection with any request for funding pursuant to Article II of this Agreement, the amount, if any, by which (A) the additional Yield (calculated without taking into account any Breakage Fee or any shortened duration of such Yield Period pursuant to the definition thereof) which would have accrued during such Yield Period (or, in the case of clause (i) above, until the maturity of the underlying Note) on the reductions of Capital relating to such Yield Period had such reductions not been made (or, in the case of clause (ii) above, the amounts so failed to be borrowed or accepted in connection with any such request for funding by the Seller), exceeds (B) the income, if any, received by the applicable Purchaser from the investment of the proceeds of such reductions of Capital (or such amounts failed to be borrowed by the Seller).  A certificate as to the amount of any Breakage Fee (including 

 


	
 
	
5
	
 




 



 

the computation of such amount) shall be submitted by the affected Purchaser (or applicable Group Agent on its behalf) to the Seller and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

“Business Day” means any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which:  (a) banks are not authorized or required to close in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or New York City, New York and (b) if this definition of “Business Day” is utilized in connection with Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR, dealings are carried out in the London interbank market.

“Capital” means, with respect to any Purchaser, the aggregate amounts (i) paid to, or on behalf of, the Seller in connection with all Investments made by such Purchaser pursuant to Article II, (ii) paid by such Purchaser, as an LC Participant, to any LC Bank in respect of a Participation Advance made by such Purchaser to an LC Bank pursuant to Section 3.04(b) and (iii) with respect to any Purchaser that is an LC Bank, paid by such LC Bank with respect to all drawings under the Letter of Credit to the extent such drawings have not been reimbursed by the Seller or funded by Participation Advances, as reduced from time to time by Collections distributed and applied on account of reducing, returning or repaying such Capital pursuant to Section 2.02(d) or 4.01; provided, that if such Capital shall have been reduced by any distribution and thereafter all or a portion of such distribution is rescinded or must otherwise be returned for any reason, such Capital shall be increased by the amount of such rescinded or returned distribution as though it had not been made.

“Capital Coverage Amount” means, at any time of determination, the amount equal to (a) the Net Receivables Pool Balance at such time, minus (b) the Total Reserves at such time.

“Capital Coverage Deficit” means, at any time of determination, the amount, if any, by which (a) the Aggregate Capital plus the Adjusted LC Participation Amount at such time, exceeds (b) the Capital Coverage Amount at such time.

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

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

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

(a)the failure of the Originators to own, free and clear of any Adverse Claim and on a fully diluted basis, 100% of the membership interests of the Seller;

 


	
 
	
6
	
 




 



 

(b)any Adverse Claim should exist with respect to any Intercompany Loan Agreement or any Intercompany Loan;

(c)the failure of Ashland to own, directly or indirectly, free and clear of any Adverse Claim (other than any Adverse Claims granted to secure obligations under the Transaction Documents and obligations under the Ashland Credit Agreement) and on a fully diluted basis, at least 100% of the outstanding shares of voting stock or other equity interests of each other Originator; or

(d)an event or series of events by which:

(i)any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (such right, an “option right”)), directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the equity securities of Ashland Global entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of Ashland Global on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such “person” or “group” has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right); or

(ii)during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of Ashland Global cease to be composed of individuals (A) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (B) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (A) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (A) and (B) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body; or

(iii)a “change of control” or any comparable term under, and as defined in, the Ashland Credit Agreement or other Debt exceeding $100,000,000 shall have occurred; or

(iv)Ashland ceases to be a wholly-owned, direct or indirect Subsidiary of Ashland Global.

“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the Closing Date, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; 

 


	
 
	
7
	
 




 



 

provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (w) the final rule titled Risk-Based Capital Guidelines; Capital Adequacy Guidelines; Capital Maintenance: Regulatory Capital; Impact of Modifications to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; Consolidation of Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Programs; and Other Related Issues, adopted by the United States bank regulatory agencies on December 15, 2009, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to the agreements reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in “Basel III: A Global Regulatory Framework for More Resilient Banks and Banking Systems” (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified or replaced from time to time), shall in each case be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

“Charged-Off Ratio” means, for any Fiscal Month, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) computed as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Month of (a) the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables which became Charged-Off Receivables during such Fiscal Month divided by (b) the aggregate amount of sales by the Originators giving rise to Pool Receivables in the current Fiscal Month.

“Charged-Off Receivable” means a Pool Receivable (a) as to which an Insolvency Proceeding shall have occurred with respect to the Obligor thereof, (b) which has been identified by the Seller, any Originator or the Servicer as uncollectible, or (c) which, consistent with the Credit and Collection Policy, would be written off as uncollectible.

“Closing Date” means March 17, 2021.

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

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

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

“Collections” means, with respect to any Pool Receivable:  (a) all funds that are received by any Originator, the Seller, the Servicer or any other Person on their behalf in payment of any amounts owed in respect of such Pool Receivable (including purchase price, service charges, finance charges, interest, fees and all other charges), or applied to amounts owed in respect of such Pool Receivable (including insurance payments, proceeds of drawings under supporting letters of credit and net proceeds of the sale or other disposition of repossessed goods or other collateral or property of the related Obligor or any other Person directly or indirectly liable for the payment of such Pool Receivable and available to be applied thereon), (b) all Deemed Collections, (c) all 

 


	
 
	
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proceeds of all Related Security with respect to such Pool Receivable and (d) all other proceeds of such Pool Receivable.

“Commitment” means, with respect to any Committed Purchaser (including a Related Committed Purchaser), LC Participant or LC Bank, as applicable, the maximum aggregate amount of Capital which such Person is obligated to pay hereunder on account of all Investments and all drawings under all Letters of Credit, on a combined basis, as set forth on Schedule I or in the Assumption Agreement or other agreement pursuant to which it became a Purchaser and/or LC Participant, as such amount may be modified in connection with any subsequent assignment pursuant to Section 15.03 or in connection with a reduction in the Facility Limit pursuant to Section 2.02(e).  If the context so requires, “Commitment” also refers to a Committed Purchaser’s obligation to fund Investments, make Participation Advances and/or issue Letters of Credit hereunder in accordance with this Agreement.

“Committed Purchasers” means PNC and each other Person that is or becomes a party to this Agreement in the capacity of a “Committed Purchaser”.

“Concentration Percentage” means (a) except as provided in clause (b) below, (i) for any Group A Obligor, 20.00%, (ii) for any Group B Obligor, 15.00%, (iii) for any Group C Obligor, 10.00% and (iv) for any Group D Obligor, 5.00% and (b) for each of the Obligors listed on Exhibit K (each, a “Special Obligor”), the percentage specified on Exhibit K hereto for such Special Obligor (the applicable “Special Concentration Limit”); provided, however, that the Seller may from time to time deliver written supplements to Exhibit K and, if such supplements are approved in writing by the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent (each in its sole discretion), such supplements shall supersede the then-existing Exhibit K effective as of the date agreed in writing by the Seller and each Group Agent; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser may, upon not less than ten (10) Business Days’ notice to the Seller, cancel or reduce the Special Concentration Limit with respect to any or all Special Obligors, in which case the Concentration Percentage for such Special Obligor(s) shall be determined pursuant to clause (a) above.  In the event that any other Obligor is or becomes an Affiliate of a Special Obligor, the Special Concentration Limit shall apply to both such Obligor and such Special Obligor and shall be calculated as if such Obligor and such Special Obligor were a single Obligor. 

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

“Conduit Purchaser” means each commercial paper conduit that is or becomes a party to this Agreement in the capacity of a “Conduit Purchaser”.

“Contract” means, with respect to any Receivable, any and all contracts, instruments, agreements, leases, invoices, notes or other writings pursuant to which such Receivable arises or that evidence such Receivable or under which an Obligor becomes or is obligated to make payment in respect of such Receivable.

 


	
 
	
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“Controlled Group” means all members of a controlled group of corporations or other business entities and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together with Ashland Global or any of its Subsidiaries, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

“Covered Entity” means (a) each of Seller, the Servicer, each Originator, the Parent and each of Parent’s Subsidiaries and (b) each Person that, directly or indirectly, is in control of a Person described in clause (a) above.  For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall mean the direct or indirect (x) ownership of, or power to vote, 25% or more of the issued and outstanding equity interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or other Persons performing similar functions for such Person, or (y) power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by ownership of equity interests, contract or otherwise.

“CP Rate” means, for any Conduit Purchaser and for any Yield Period for any Portion of Capital (a) the per annum rate equivalent to the weighted average cost (as determined by the applicable Group Agent and which shall include commissions of placement agents and dealers, incremental carrying costs incurred with respect to Notes of such Person maturing on dates other than those on which corresponding funds are received by such Conduit Purchaser, other borrowings by such Conduit Purchaser (other than under any Program Support Agreement) and any other costs associated with the issuance of Notes) of or related to the issuance of Notes that are allocated, in whole or in part, by the applicable Conduit Purchaser to fund or maintain such Portion of Capital (and which may be also allocated in part to the funding of other assets of such Conduit Purchaser); provided, however, that if any component of such rate is a discount rate, in calculating the “CP Rate” for such Portion of Capital for such Yield Period, the applicable Group Agent shall for such component use the rate resulting from converting such discount rate to an interest bearing equivalent rate per annum; provided, further, that notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to the contrary, the Seller agrees that any amounts payable to Conduit Purchasers in respect of Yield for any Yield Period with respect to any Portion of Capital funded by such Conduit Purchasers at the CP Rate shall include an amount equal to the portion of the face amount of the outstanding Notes issued to fund or maintain such Portion of Capital that corresponds to the portion of the proceeds of such Notes that was used to pay the interest component of maturing Notes issued to fund or maintain such Portion of Capital, to the extent that such Conduit Purchasers had not received payments of interest in respect of such interest component prior to the maturity date of such maturing Notes (for purposes of the foregoing, the “interest component” of Notes equals the excess of the face amount thereof over the net proceeds received by such Conduit Purchaser from the issuance of Notes, except that if such Notes are issued on an interest-bearing basis its “interest component” will equal the amount of interest accruing on such Notes through maturity) or (b) any other rate designated as the “CP Rate” for such Conduit Purchaser in the Assumption Agreement or other document pursuant to which such Person becomes a party as a Conduit Purchaser to this Agreement, or any other writing or agreement provided by such Conduit Purchaser to the Seller, the Servicer and the applicable Agent from time to time.

 


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

“Days’ Sales Outstanding” means, for any Fiscal Month, an amount computed as of the last day of such Fiscal Month equal to the product, rounded, if necessary, to the nearest whole number, obtained by multiplying (a) 121 by (b) the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Month by (ii) the aggregate amount of sales giving rise to Pool Receivables originated during the consecutive four (4) month period ended as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Month.

“Debt” has the meaning assigned to the term “Indebtedness” in the Ashland Credit Agreement as in effect on the Closing Date and without giving effect to any subsequent amendments thereto. 

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

“Deemed Financial Covenants” means any one of the “financial covenants” set forth in Section 7.11 of the Ashland Credit Agreement (or any replacement or successor to such section or any similar section or sections in any replacement senior credit agreement) as in effect immediately prior to the initial occurrence of any Group Agent and each of its Affiliates, if applicable, ceasing to be a party to the Ashland Credit Agreement as a lender thereunder.

“Default Ratio” means the ratio (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100 of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) computed as of the last day of each Fiscal Month by dividing:  (a) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables that became Defaulted Receivables during such Fiscal Month, by (b) an amount equal to the quotient of (i) the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during the third and fourth Fiscal Months prior to such Fiscal Month of determination, divided by (ii) 2. 

“Defaulted Receivable” means a Receivable (without duplication):

(a)as to which any payment, or part thereof, remains unpaid for more than 60 days from the original due date for such payment; or

(b)is a Charged-Off Receivable;

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

“Dilution” means, on any date, an amount equal to the sum, without duplication, of the aggregate reduction effected on such day in the Outstanding Balances of the Receivables attributable to any non-cash items including credits, rebates, billing errors, sales or similar taxes, cash discounts, volume discounts, allowances, disputes (it being understood that a Receivable is “subject to dispute” only if and to the extent that, in the reasonable good faith judgment of the applicable Originator (which shall be exercised in the ordinary course of business) such Obligor’s 

 


	
 
	
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obligation in respect of such Receivable is reduced on account of any performance failure on the part of such Originator), set-offs, counterclaims, chargebacks, returned or repossessed goods, sales and marketing discounts, warranties, any unapplied credit memos and other adjustments that are made in respect of Obligors; provided that writeoffs or credits related to an Obligor’s bad credit shall not constitute Dilution; provided, further, that writeoffs or credits related to pricing adjustments shall not constitute Dilution so long as (a) such pricing adjustments are treated as sale reversals and (b) the applicable pricing adjustment is processed the same calendar month during which the related Receivable was generated.

“Dilution Horizon Ratio” means, for any Fiscal Month, the ratio (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) computed as of the last day of such Fiscal Month by dividing:  (a) the sum of (i) the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during such Fiscal Month, plus (ii) 50.00% of the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during the preceding Fiscal Month, by (b) the Net Receivables Pool Balance as of the last day of such Fiscal Month.  Within thirty (30) days of the completion and the receipt by the Administrative Agent of the results of any annual audit or field exam of the Receivables and the servicing and origination practices of the Servicer and the Originators, the numerator of the Dilution Horizon Ratio may be adjusted by the Administrative Agent upon not less than five (5) Business Days’ notice to the Seller to reflect such number of Fiscal Months as the Administrative Agent reasonably believes best reflects the business practices of the Servicer and the Originators and the actual amount of dilution and Deemed Collections that occur with respect to Pool Receivables based on the weighted average dilution lag calculation completed as part of such audit or field exam.

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

“Dilution Reserve Percentage” means, at any time of determination, the product (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) of (a) the Dilution Horizon Ratio, multiplied by (b) the sum of (i) 2.00 times the average of the Dilution Ratios for the twelve (12) most recent Fiscal Months and (ii) the Dilution Volatility Component.

“Dilution Volatility Component” means, for any Fiscal Month, the product (expressed as a percentage) and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) of:

(a)the positive difference, if any, between:  (i) the highest Dilution Ratio for any Fiscal Month during the twelve (12) most recent Fiscal Months and (ii) the arithmetic average of the Dilution Ratios for such twelve (12) Fiscal Months; multiplied by

(b)the quotient of (i) the highest Dilution Ratio during the twelve (12) most recent consecutive Fiscal Months divided by (ii) the arithmetic average of the Dilution Ratios for such twelve (12) consecutive Fiscal Months.

 


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

“Drawing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(a).

“Eligible Assignee” means (i) any Committed Purchaser or any of its Affiliates, (ii) any Person managed by a Committed Purchaser or any of its Affiliates and (iii) any other financial or other institution.

“Eligible Foreign Obligor” means an Obligor (i) that is organized in or that has a head office (domicile), registered office, and chief executive office located in a country that is reasonably acceptable to the Majority Group Agents, and (ii) the Contract that gave rise to such Receivable is governed by the respective laws of a jurisdiction that is reasonably acceptable to the Majority Group Agents or a state, territory, district, commonwealth, or possession of the United States of America.

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

(a)the Obligor of which is: (i) either a U.S. Obligor or an Eligible Foreign Obligor; (ii) not a Governmental Authority (other than a federal, state or municipal governmental entity in the United States of America); (iii) not a Sanctioned Person; (iv) not subject to any Insolvency Proceeding; (v) not an Affiliate of the Seller, the Servicer, the Parent or any Originator; (vi) not the Obligor with respect to Defaulted Receivables with an aggregate Outstanding Balance exceeding 50% of the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all such Obligor’s Pool Receivables, (vii) not a natural person and (viii) not a material supplier to any Originator or an Affiliate of a material supplier;

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

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

(d)that does not have a due date which is more than 180 days after such date of determination;

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

(f)that arises under a duly authorized Contract that (i) is in full force and effect, (ii) is governed by the law of the United States of America or of any State thereof, (iii) is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the related Obligor, enforceable against such Obligor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by 

 


	
 
	
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general principles of equity regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law and (iv) the payments thereunder are free and clear of any withholding Taxes;

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

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

(i)with respect to which all consents, licenses, approvals or authorizations of, or registrations or declarations with or notices to, any Governmental Authority or other Person required to be obtained, effected or given by an Originator in connection with the creation of such Receivable, the execution, delivery and performance by such Originator of the related Contract or the assignment thereof under the Purchase and Sale Agreement have been duly obtained, effected or given and are in full force and effect; provided that the Seller and the Originators shall not be required to comply with any Assignment of Claims Acts;

(j)that is not subject to any existing dispute, right of rescission, set-off, counterclaim, any other defense against the applicable Originator (or any assignee of such Originator) or Adverse Claim, and the Obligor of which holds no right as against the applicable Originator to cause such Originator to repurchase the goods or merchandise, the sale of which shall have given rise to such Receivable;

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

(l)that, together with the Contract related thereto, has not been modified, waived or restructured since its creation, except as permitted pursuant to Section 9.02 of this Agreement); provided that only such portion of such Receivable that is the subject of such modification, waiver or restructuring shall be deemed to be ineligible pursuant to the terms of this clause (l);

(m)in which the Seller owns good and marketable title, free and clear of any Adverse Claims, and that is freely assignable (including without any consent of the related Obligor or any Governmental Authority), and the payments thereon are free and clear of any, or increased to account for any applicable, withholding Taxes;

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

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

 


	
 
	
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(p)that is not a Defaulted Receivable;

(q)for which no Originator, the Seller, the Parent, Performance Guarantor or the Servicer has established any offset or netting arrangements (including customer deposits and advance payments (including payments relating to unearned revenues)) with the related Obligor in connection with the ordinary course of payment of such Receivable; provided that, if such Receivable is subject to any offset or netting arrangements, only the portion of such Receivable that is the subject of such offset or netting arrangements shall be deemed to be ineligible pursuant to the terms of this clause (q);

(r)that represents amounts earned and payable by the Obligor that are not subject to the performance of additional services by the Originator thereof or by the Seller (other than the delivery of the related goods or merchandise with respect to In-Transit Receivables) and the related goods or merchandise shall have been shipped and/or services performed; provided, that if such Receivable is subject to the performance of additional services, only the portion of such Receivable attributable to such additional services shall be ineligible;

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

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

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

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

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and any rule or regulation issued thereunder.

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

“Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage” means, the maximum effective percentage in effect on such day as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the reserve requirements (including without limitation, supplemental, marginal, and emergency reserve requirements) with respect to eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities”).

 


	
 
	
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“Event of Termination” has the meaning specified in Section 10.01.  For the avoidance of doubt, any Event of Termination that occurs shall be deemed to be continuing at all times thereafter unless and until waived in accordance with Section 14.01.

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

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

(b)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables, the Obligor of which is a Governmental Authority, over (ii) the product of (x) 1.50%, multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance; plus

(c)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables, the Obligor of which is incorporated, organized or existing under the laws of India (or any state, province or other political subdivision thereof), over (ii) the product of (x) 10.00% (provided that, such percentage (A) may be reduced (to not less than 7.00%) by the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser (in each case, acting in its sole discretion) on five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Seller and the Servicer and (B) if so reduced, may be subsequently increased (to not more than 10.00%) with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents), multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance; plus

(d)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables, the Obligor of which is incorporated, organized or existing under the laws of Canada (or any province or other political subdivision thereof), over (ii) the product of (x) 3.00%, multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance; plus

(e)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables, the Obligor of which is incorporated, organized or existing under the laws of countries (or any states, provinces, or political subdivision therefor), other than the United States of America, Canada, or India with a long-term foreign currency rating of at least “BBB-” by S&P or “Baa3” by Moody’s, over (ii) the product of (x) 25.00% (provided that, such percentage (A) may be reduced (to not less than 17.50%) by the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser (in each case, acting in its sole discretion) on five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Seller and the Servicer and (B) if so reduced, may be subsequently increased (to not more than 25.00%) with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents), multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance; plus

(f)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables, the Obligor of which is incorporated, organized or existing under the laws of countries (or any states, provinces, or political subdivision therefor), other than the United States of America, Canada, or India with a long-term foreign currency rating less than “BBB-” by S&P or “Baa3” by Moody’s, over (ii) the product of (x) 2.50%, multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance; plus

 


	
 
	
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(g)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables as to which remaining payment terms (computed in days and calculated based on the difference between the date of determination and the stated due date for payment) of invoices are for more than sixty (60) days but less than ninety-one (91) days, over (ii) the product of (x) 25.00%, multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance; plus

(h)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables as to which remaining payment terms (computed in days and calculated based on the difference between the date of determination and the stated due date for payment) of invoices are for more than ninety (90) days but less than one-hundred-twenty-one (121) days, over (ii) the product of (x) 10.00%, multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance; plus

(i)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables as to which remaining payment terms (computed in days and calculated based on the difference between the date of determination and the stated due date for payment) of invoices are for more than one-hundred-twenty (120) days but less than one-hundred-eighty-one (181) days, over (ii) the product of (x) 5.00%, multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance; plus

(j)the excess (if any) of (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Eligible Receivables that are In-Transit Receivables, over (ii) the product of (x) 7.50%, multiplied by (y) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance.

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

“Excluded Receivable” means any Receivable (without giving effect to the exclusion of “Excluded Receivables” from the definition of “Receivable”) that (a) meets all of the following criteria: (i) the Obligor of such Receivable is identified on Schedule V hereto and (ii) such Receivable meets the additional criteria (if any) specified on such Schedule V as being applicable to Receivables owing by such Obligor; provided that such Schedule V may be amended or supplemented from time to time only by a written agreement executed by the Originators, the SPV, the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent (each, in its sole discretion), substantially in the form of Exhibit L hereto or such other form acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Group Agents or (b) is an Ineos TSA Receivable.

“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to an Affected Person or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to an Affected Person: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Affected Person being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Purchaser, 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 Purchaser, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Purchaser with respect to an applicable interest in its Capital or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Purchaser funds an Investment or its Commitment or (ii) such Purchaser changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to 

 


	
 
	
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such Purchaser’s assignor immediately before such Purchaser became a party hereto or to such Purchaser immediately before it changed its lending office and (c) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA.

 “Facility Limit” means (a) at any time during Period 1, $125,000,000 and (b) at any time during Period 2, $100,000,000, in each case, as reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.02(e).  References to the unused portion of the Facility Limit shall mean, at any time of determination, an amount equal to (x) the Facility Limit at such time, minus (y) the Aggregate Capital at such time.

“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any applicable intergovernmental agreement entered into between the United States and any other Governmental Authority in connection with the implementation of the foregoing and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or official practices adopted pursuant to any such intergovernmental agreement.

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

“Fee Letter” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(a).

“Fees” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(a).

“Final Payout Date” means the date on or after the Termination Date when (i) the Aggregate Capital has been reduced to zero and Aggregate Yield has been paid in full, (ii) the LC Participation Amount has been reduced to zero ($0) and no Letters of Credit issued hereunder remain outstanding and undrawn, (iii) all other Seller Obligations have been paid in full (other than contingent or unliquidated obligations for which no claim has been made and other obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination of this Agreement), (iv) all other amounts owing to the Purchaser Parties and any other Seller Indemnified Party or Affected Person hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents have been paid in full and (v) all accrued Servicing Fees have been paid in full.

“Financial Covenant” means any one of the “financial covenants” set forth in Section 7.11 of the Ashland Credit Agreement (or any replacement or successor to such section or any similar section or sections in any replacement senior credit agreement) at such time.

“Financial Covenant Amendment” is defined in Section 8.02(r).

“Financial Covenant Grace Period” is defined in clause (f) of the defined term “Servicer Default”.

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

 


	
 
	
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“Fiscal Month” means each calendar month.

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

“Foreign Receivable” means a Receivable, the Obligor of which is not a United States resident (or, if a corporation or other registered organization, the Obligor of which is not organized and in existence under the laws of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof).

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

“Governmental Acts” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.09.

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

“Group” means, (i) for any Conduit Purchaser, such Conduit Purchaser, together with such Conduit Purchaser’s Related Committed Purchasers, related Group Agent, related LC Bank (if any) and related LC Participants, (ii) for PNC, PNC as a Committed Purchaser, as an LC Participant, as an LC Bank and as a Group Agent, (iii) for any other Purchaser that does not have a related Conduit Purchaser, such Purchaser, together with such Purchaser’s related LC Bank (if any), related LC Participants, related Group Agent and each other Purchaser for which such Group Agent acts as a Group Agent hereunder.

“Group A Obligor” means any Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is not rated) with (a) a short-term rating of at least: (i) “A-1” by S&P and (ii) “P-1” by Moody’s; provided, however, if such Obligor is rated by only one of such rating agencies, then such Obligor will be a “Group A Obligor” if it satisfies either clause (i) or clause (ii) above, or (b) if such Obligor does not have a short-term rating from either S&P or Moody’s, (i) a rating of “A” or better by S&P on such Obligor’s, its parent’s, or its majority owner’s (as applicable) long-term senior unsecured and uncredit-enhanced debt securities, and (ii) “A2” or better by Moody’s on such Obligor’s, its parent’s or its majority owner’s (as applicable) long-term senior unsecured and uncredit-enhanced debt securities; provided, however, if such Obligor is rated by only one of such rating agencies, then such Obligor will be a “Group A Obligor” if it satisfies either clause (i) or clause (ii) above; provided, further that, that if an Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is not rated) receives a split rating from S&P and Moody’s, then such Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable) shall be deemed to have the lower of such ratings from each of S&P and Moody’s and such deemed rating shall be used for the purposes of whether such rating satisfies clauses (a) and (b) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Obligor that is a Subsidiary of an Obligor that satisfies the definition of “Group A Obligor” shall be deemed to be a Group A Obligor and shall be aggregated with the Obligor that satisfies such definition for the purposes of determining the “Concentration Reserve Percentage” and clause (a) of the 

 


	
 
	
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definition of “Excess Concentration” for such Obligors, unless such deemed Obligor separately satisfies the definition of “Group A Obligor”, “Group B Obligor”, or “Group C Obligor”, in which case such Obligor shall be separately treated as a Group A Obligor, a Group B Obligor or a Group C Obligor, as the case may be, and shall be aggregated and combined for such purposes with any of its Subsidiaries that are Obligors.

“Group Agent” means each Person acting as agent on behalf of a Group and designated as the Group Agent for such Group on the signature pages to this Agreement or any other Person who becomes a party to this Agreement as a Group Agent for any Group pursuant to an Assumption Agreement, an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement.

“Group Agent’s Account” means, with respect to any Group, the account(s) from time to time designated in writing by the applicable Group Agent to the Seller and the Servicer for purposes of receiving payments to or for the account of the members of such Group hereunder.

“Group B Obligor” means any Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is not rated) that is not a Group A Obligor with (a) a short-term rating of at least: (i) “A-2” by S&P and (ii) “P-2” by Moody’s; provided, however, if such Obligor is rated by only one of such rating agencies, then such Obligor will be a “Group B Obligor” if it satisfies either clause (i) or clause (ii) above, or (b) if such Obligor does not have a short-term rating from either S&P or Moody’s, (i) a rating of “BBB+” or better by S&P on such Obligor’s, its parent’s, or its majority owner’s (as applicable) long-term senior unsecured and uncredit-enhanced debt securities, and (ii) “Baa1” or better by Moody’s on such Obligor’s, its parent’s or its majority owner’s (as applicable) long-term senior unsecured and uncredit-enhanced debt securities; provided, however, if such Obligor is rated by only one of such rating agencies, then such Obligor will be a “Group B Obligor” if it satisfies either clause (i) or clause (ii) above; provided, further that, that if an Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is not rated) receives a split rating from S&P and Moody’s, then such Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable) shall be deemed to have the lower of such ratings from each of S&P and Moody’s and such deemed rating shall be used for the purposes of whether such rating satisfies clauses (a) and (b) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Obligor that is a Subsidiary of an Obligor that satisfies the definition of “Group B Obligor” shall be deemed to be a Group B Obligor and shall be aggregated with the Obligor that satisfies such definition for the purposes of determining the “Concentration Reserve Percentage” and clause (a) of the definition of “Excess Concentration” for such Obligors, unless such deemed Obligor separately satisfies the definition of “Group A Obligor”, “Group B Obligor”, or “Group C Obligor”, in which case such Obligor shall be separately treated as a Group A Obligor, a Group B Obligor or a Group C Obligor, as the case may be, and shall be aggregated and combined for such purposes with any of its Subsidiaries that are Obligors.

“Group C Obligor” means any Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is not rated) that is not a Group A Obligor or Group B Obligor with (a) a short-term rating of at least: (i) “A-3” by S&P and (ii) “P-3” by Moody’s; provided, however, if such Obligor is rated by only one of such rating agencies, then such Obligor will be a “Group B Obligor” if it satisfies either clause (i) or clause (ii) above, or (b) if such Obligor does not have a short-term rating from either S&P or Moody’s, (i) a rating of “BBB-” or better by S&P on such Obligor’s, its parent’s, or its majority owner’s (as applicable) long-term senior unsecured and uncredit-enhanced 

 


	
 
	
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debt securities, and (ii) “Baa3” or better by Moody’s on such Obligor’s, its parent’s or its majority owner’s (as applicable) long-term senior unsecured and uncredit-enhanced debt securities; provided, however, if such Obligor is rated by only one of such rating agencies, then such Obligor will be a “Group C Obligor” if it satisfies either clause (i) or clause (ii) above; provided, further that, that if an Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable, if such Obligor is not rated) receives a split rating from S&P and Moody’s, then such Obligor (or its parent or majority owner, as applicable) shall be deemed to have the lower of such ratings from each of S&P and Moody’s and such deemed rating shall be used for the purposes of whether such rating satisfies clauses (a) and (b) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Obligor that is a Subsidiary of an Obligor that satisfies the definition of “Group C Obligor” shall be deemed to be a Group C Obligor and shall be aggregated with the Obligor that satisfies such definition for the purposes of determining the “Concentration Reserve Percentage” and clause (a) of the definition of “Excess Concentration” for such Obligors, unless such deemed Obligor separately satisfies the definition of “Group A Obligor”, “Group B Obligor”, or “Group C Obligor”, in which case such Obligor shall be separately treated as a Group A Obligor, a Group B Obligor or a Group C Obligor, as the case may be, and shall be aggregated and combined for such purposes with any of its Subsidiaries that are Obligors.

“Group Commitment” means, with respect to any Group, at any time of determination, the aggregate Commitments of all Committed Purchasers within such Group.  

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

“Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.01.

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

“Immaterial Subsidiary” means as of any date of determination, any Subsidiary that, together with its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, during (or, in the case of assets, as of the last day of) the twelve months preceding such date of determination accounts for (or to which may be attributed) 5.0% or less of the net income or assets (determined on a consolidated basis) of Ashland and its Subsidiaries during (or, in the case of assets, as of the last day of) such twelve month period; provided that, as of any date of determination, the aggregate consolidated net income or assets for all Immaterial Subsidiaries during (or, in the case of assets, as of the last day) of the twelve months preceding such date of determination shall not exceed 10.0% of the total net income or assets of Ashland and its Subsidiaries during (or, in the case of assets, as of the last day of) such twelve month period.

 


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

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

“Ineos TSA Receivable” means a Receivable owing by Ineo Group Ltd. or any Subsidiary thereof arising from the provision of services by any Originator pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2019, by and among Ashland Global, as seller, and INEOS Enterprises Holdings Limited, a corporation organized under the laws of England and Wales, as recipient.  

“Information Package” means a report, in substantially the form of Exhibit G.

“Initial Schedule of Sold Receivables” means the list identifying all Sold Receivables as of the Closing Date, which list is attached as Schedule IV hereto.

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

“Intended Tax Treatment” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.14.

“Intercompany Loan” has the meaning set forth in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

“Intercompany Loan Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

“Investment” means any payment of Capital to the Seller by a Purchaser pursuant to Section 2.01(a) or 2.02.

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

“Investment Request” means a letter in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto executed and delivered by the Seller to the Administrative Agent and the Group Agents pursuant to Section 2.02(a).

“In-Transit Receivable” means, at any time of determination, any Receivable arising in connection with the sale of any goods or merchandise that as of such time, have been shipped but not delivered to the related Obligor.

 


	
 
	
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“Issuance” means the issuance of any Letter of Credit or any modification, extension or renewal of any Letter of Credit.

“LC Bank” means PNC and each other Person that is or becomes a party to this Agreement in the capacity of an “LC Bank”.

“LC Collateral Account” means, with respect to each LC Bank, the account at any time designated as the LC Collateral Account for such LC Bank and established and maintained by the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of such LC Bank and the Related LC Participants), or such other account as may be so designated as such by the Administrative Agent. As of the Closing Date, no such account(s) have been opened. 

“LC Fee Expectation” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.05(c).

“LC Limit” means $75,000,000; provided, that such amount may be increased to an amount up to the Facility Limit upon the written consent of the Administrative Agent, each LC Bank and each Group Agent (each in its sole discretion) following any request therefor by the Servicer not less than five (5) Business Days prior to the proposed increase date.  References to the unused portion of the LC Limit shall mean, at any time of determination, an amount equal to (x) the LC Limit at such time, minus (y) the LC Participation Amount.

“LC Participant” means each Person listed as such (and its respective Commitment) for each Group as set forth on the signature pages of this Agreement or in any Assumption Agreement.

“LC Participation Amount” means at any time of determination, the sum of the amounts then available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit.

“LC Request” means a letter in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto executed and delivered by the Seller to the Administrative Agent, the applicable LC Bank and the Group Agents pursuant to Section 3.02(a).

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

“Letter of Credit” means any stand-by letter of credit issued by an LC Bank at the request of the Seller pursuant to this Agreement.

“Letter of Credit Application” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).

“LIBOR Tranche” means any Capital (or portion thereof) accruing Yield at Adjusted LIBOR.

“Liquidity Agent” means any bank or other financial institution acting as agent for the various Liquidity Providers under each Liquidity Agreement.

 


	
 
	
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“Liquidity Agreement” means any agreement entered into in connection with this Agreement pursuant to which a Liquidity Provider agrees to make purchases or advances to, or purchase assets from, any Conduit Purchaser in order to provide liquidity for such Conduit Purchaser’s Capital and Notes.

“Liquidity Provider” means each bank or other financial institution that provides liquidity support to any Conduit Purchaser pursuant to the terms of a Liquidity Agreement.

“LMIR” means for any day during any Yield Period, the interest rate per annum determined by the applicable Group Agent (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) by dividing (i) the one-month Eurodollar rate for Dollar deposits as reported by Bloomberg Finance L.P. and shown on US0001M Screen or any other service or page that may replace such page from time to time for the purpose of displaying offered rates of leading banks for London interbank deposits in Dollars, as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such day, or if such day is not a Business Day, then the immediately preceding Business Day (or if not so reported, then as determined by the Administrative Agent from another recognized source for interbank quotation), in each case, changing when and as such rate changes, by (ii) a number equal to 1.00 minus the Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage on such day.  The calculation of LMIR may also be expressed by the following formula:

 


	
 
	
 
	
 
	
One-month Eurodollar rate for Dollars

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
shown on Bloomberg US0001M Screen

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
or appropriate successor

	
LMIR
	
=
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
1.00 - Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage




 

LMIR shall be adjusted on the effective date of any change in the Euro-Rate Reserve Percentage as of such effective date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if LMIR as determined herein would be less than zero percent (0.00%), such rate shall be deemed to be zero percent (0.00%) for purposes of this Agreement.

“Lock-Box” means each locked postal box with respect to which a Collection Account Bank has executed an Account Control Agreement pursuant to which it has been granted exclusive access for the purpose of retrieving and processing payments made on the Receivables and which is listed on Schedule II (as such schedule may be modified from time to time in connection with the addition or removal of any Lock-Box in accordance with the terms hereof).

“Loss Horizon Months” means, with respect to calculating the “Loss Horizon Ratio” (as of the last day of the applicable Fiscal Month), the sum of the sum of (a) 3.25 plus (b) an amount equal to the greater of (i) zero and (ii) the quotient of (x) the remainder of (A) an amount equal to the weighted average remaining payment terms of all Eligible Receivables minus (B) 30, divided by (y) 30; provided that with respect to any fraction of a Fiscal Month for purposes of calculating the “Loss Horizon Ratio”, the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during such fraction of a Fiscal Month shall be calculated as a percentage of the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during the applicable Fiscal Month.

 


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

(a)the aggregate initial Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables generated by the Originators during the most recent number of Loss Horizon Months (ending on the last day of the applicable Fiscal Month); by 

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

“Loss Reserve Percentage” means, at any time of determination, the product (expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1%, with 5/1000th of 1% rounded upward) of (a) 2.00, multiplied by (b) the highest average of the Default Ratios for any three (3) consecutive Fiscal Months during the twelve (12) most recent Fiscal Months, multiplied by (c) the Loss Horizon Ratio.

“Majority Group Agents” means one or more Group Agents which in its Group, or their combined Groups, as the case may be, have Committed Purchasers representing more than 66 2/3% of the aggregate Commitments of all Committed Purchasers in all Groups (or, if the Commitments have been terminated, have Purchasers representing more than 66 2/3% of the aggregate outstanding Capital held by all the Purchasers in all Groups); provided, however, that in no event shall the Majority Group Agents include fewer than two (2) Group Agents at any time when there are two (2) or more Groups. 

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

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

(b)the ability of the Seller, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any Originator to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party;

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

(d)the status, perfection, enforceability or priority of the Administrative Agent’s ownership or security interest in the Sold Assets or Seller Collateral; or

(e)the rights and remedies of any Purchaser Party under the Transaction Documents or associated with its respective interest in the Sold Assets or the Seller Collateral.

“Material Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is not an Immaterial Subsidiary.

 


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

“Minimum Funding Threshold” means, on any day, an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the product of (i) 40.00% times (ii) the Facility Limit at such time and (b) the Capital Coverage Amount at such time.

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

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

“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Seller, the Servicer, any Originator, the Parent or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates (other than one considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of Section 414 of the Code) is making or accruing an obligation to make contributions, or has within any of the preceding five plan years made or accrued an obligation to make contributions.

“Net Receivables Pool Balance” means, at any time of determination:  (a) the Adjusted Eligible Receivables Balance, minus (b) the Excess Concentration.

“Notes” means short-term promissory notes issued, or to be issued, by any Conduit Purchaser to fund its investments in accounts receivable or other financial assets.

“Notice Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

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

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

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

“Offset Payables Reduction Amount” means an amount equal to 3.0% of the Outstanding Balance of all Receivables as of such date of determination; provided that in connection with their receipt of each annual audit received pursuant to Section 8.01(g) or Section 8.02(e), the Group Agents in their reasonable credit judgment and after evaluation of the results of such audit may increase such percentage to an amount not to exceed 8.0% so long as (x) such increase is approved by the Majority Group Agents and (y) the Administrative Agent has provided the Seller and the Servicer with at least ten (10) Business Days’ advance notice of such increase.

 


	
 
	
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“Order” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10.

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

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

“Other Taxes” means any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes or any other excise or property Taxes, charges or similar levies or fees arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery, filing, recording, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise in respect of, this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the other documents or agreements to be delivered hereunder or thereunder.

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

“Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurocurrency borrowings by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions, as such composite rate shall be determined by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“NYFRB”), as set forth on its public website from time to time, and as published on the next succeeding Business Day as the overnight bank funding rate by the NYFRB (or by such other recognized electronic source (such as Bloomberg) selected by the Administrative Agent for the purpose of displaying such rate); provided, that if such day is not a Business Day, the Overnight Bank Funding Rate for such day shall be such rate on the immediately preceding Business Day; provided, further, that if such rate shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist, a comparable replacement rate determined by the Administrative Agent at such time (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error). If the Overnight Bank Funding Rate determined as above would be less than zero, then such rate shall be deemed to be zero. The rate of interest charged shall be adjusted as of each Business Day based on changes in the Overnight Bank Funding Rate without notice to the Seller.

“Parent” means Ashland Global.

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

“Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.03(e).

“Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.03(f).

“Participation Advance” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(b).

 


	
 
	
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“PATRIOT Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.15.

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

“Pension Plan” means an employee pension benefit plan as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) and to which any Originator, the Seller or an ERISA Affiliate of any of them may have any liability, including any liability by reason of having been a substantial employer within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA or by reason of being deemed to be a contributing sponsor under Section 4069 of ERISA.

“Percentage” means, at any time of determination, with respect to any Committed Purchaser, a fraction (expressed as a percentage), (a) the numerator of which is (i) prior to the termination of all Commitments hereunder, its Commitment at such time or (ii) if all Commitments hereunder have been terminated, the aggregate outstanding Capital of all Purchasers in such Committed Purchaser’s Group at such time and (b) the denominator of which is (i) prior to the termination of all Commitments hereunder, the aggregate Commitments of all Committed Purchasers at such time or (ii) if all Commitments hereunder have been terminated, the Aggregate Capital at such time.

“Performance Guarantor” means each of Ashland and Ashland Global, jointly and severally.

“Performance Guaranty” means the Performance Guaranty, dated as of the Closing Date, by each Performance Guarantor in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.

“Period 1” means the period beginning on (and including) the Settlement Date occurring in February of each calendar year to (and excluding) the Settlement Date occurring in November of each calendar year. 

“Period 2” means the period beginning on (and including) the Settlement Date occurring in November of each calendar year to (and excluding) the Settlement Date occurring in February of the subsequent calendar year.

“Permitted Linked Account” means (i) with respect to Truist Bank, SPV’s account number ending in 3352 at Truist Bank, and (ii) with respect to Bank of America, N.A., none.

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

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

“Pool Receivable” means a Receivable in the Receivables Pool.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Pool Receivables shall include both Sold Receivables and Unsold Receivables.

 


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

“Pro Rata Share” shall mean, as to any LC Participant, a fraction, the numerator of which equals the Commitment of such LC Participant at such time and the denominator of which equals the aggregate of the Commitments of all LC Participants at such time.

“Program Support Agreement” means and includes any Liquidity Agreement and any other agreement entered into by any Program Support Provider providing for:  (a) the issuance of one or more letters of credit for the account of any Conduit Purchaser, (b) the issuance of one or more surety bonds for which any Conduit Purchaser is obligated to reimburse the applicable Program Support Provider for any drawings thereunder, (c) the sale by any Conduit Purchaser to any Program Support Provider of any Capital (or portions thereof or participation interest therein) maintained by such Conduit Purchaser and/or (d) the making of loans and/or other extensions of credit to any Conduit Purchaser in connection with such Conduit Purchaser’s receivables-securitization program contemplated in this Agreement, together with any letter of credit, surety bond or other instrument issued thereunder.

“Program Support Provider” means and includes, with respect to any Conduit Purchaser, any Liquidity Provider and any other Person (other than any customer of such Conduit Purchaser) now or hereafter extending credit or having a commitment to extend credit to or for the account of, or to make purchases from, such Conduit Purchaser pursuant to any Program Support Agreement.

“Purchase and Sale Agreement” means the Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the Servicer, the Originators and the Seller.

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

“Purchaser Party” means each Purchaser, the LC Banks, each LC Participant, the Administration Agent and each Group Agent.

“Purchasers” means the Conduit Purchasers, the LC Banks and the Committed Purchasers.

“Rating Agency” mean each of S&P, Fitch and Moody’s (and/or each other rating agency then rating the Notes of any Conduit Purchaser).

“Receivable” means any right to payment of a monetary obligation, whether or not earned by performance, owed to any Originator or the Seller (as assignee of an Originator), whether constituting an account, chattel paper, payment intangible, instrument or general intangible, in each instance arising in connection with the sale of goods that have been or are to be sold or for services rendered or to be rendered, and includes, without limitation, the obligation to pay any service charges, finance charges, interest, fees and other charges with respect thereto ; provided, however, that “Receivable” shall not include any such right to payment of a monetary obligation that is an Excluded Receivable.  Any such right to payment arising from any one transaction, 

 


	
 
	
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including, without limitation, any such right to payment represented by an individual invoice or agreement, shall constitute a Receivable separate from a Receivable consisting of any such right to payment arising from any other transaction.

“Receivables Pool” means, at any time of determination, all of the then outstanding Receivables (including both Sold Receivables and Unsold Receivables) transferred (or purported to be transferred) to the Seller pursuant to the Purchase and Sale Agreement prior to the Termination Date.

“Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.03(c).

“Related Committed Purchaser” means with respect to any Conduit Purchaser, each Committed Purchaser listed as such for each Conduit Purchaser as set forth on the signature pages of this Agreement or in any Assumption Agreement.

“Related Conduit Purchaser” means, with respect to any Committed Purchaser, each Conduit Purchaser which is, or pursuant to any Assignment and Acceptance Agreement or Assumption Agreement or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement becomes, included as a Conduit Purchaser in such Committed Purchaser’s Group, as designated on its signature page hereto or in such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, Assumption Agreement or other agreement executed by such Committed Purchaser, as the case may be.

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

“Related Security” means, with respect to any Receivable:

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

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

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

(d)all of the Seller’s and each Originator’s rights, interests and claims under the related Contracts and all supporting obligations, guaranties, indemnities, letters of credit (including any letter-of-credit rights), insurance and other agreements (including the related Contract) or arrangements of whatever character from time to time supporting or securing payment of such Receivable or otherwise relating to such Receivable, whether pursuant to the Contract related to such Receivable or otherwise; 

(e)all books and records of the Seller and each Originator to the extent related to any of the foregoing, and all rights, remedies, powers, privileges, title and interest (but not obligations) in and to each Lock-Box and all Collection Accounts, into which any Collections or 

 


	
 
	
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other proceeds with respect to such Receivables may be deposited, and any related investment property acquired with any such Collections or other proceeds (as such term is defined in the applicable UCC);

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

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

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

“Reportable Compliance Event” means that any Covered Entity becomes a Sanctioned Person, or is charged by indictment, criminal complaint or similar charging instrument, arraigned, or custodially detained in connection with any Anti-Terrorism Law or any predicate crime to any Anti-Terrorism Law, or has knowledge of facts or circumstances to the effect that it is reasonably likely that any aspect of its operations is in actual or probable violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.

“Reportable Event” means any reportable event as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Pension Plan (other than a Pension Plan maintained by an ERISA Affiliate which is considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of Section 414 of the Code).

“Representatives” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.06(c).

“Responsible Officer” means: (a) in the case of a corporation, its president, senior vice president, any vice president or treasurer, assistant treasurer, any manager of debt, and, in any case where two Responsible Officers are acting on behalf of such corporation, the second such Responsible Officer may be a secretary or assistant secretary; (b) in the case of a limited partnership, the Responsible Officer of the general partner, acting on behalf of such general partner in its capacity as general partner; (c) in the case of a limited liability company, the president, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer, executive vice president, senior vice president, or vice president of such limited liability company or of the manager, managing member or sole member of such limited liability company, acting on behalf of such manager, managing member or sole member in its capacity as manager, managing member or sole member, and (d) in the case of a general partnership, the chairman, chief executive officer, president, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer, executive vice president, senior vice president, or vice president, or, if individuals, any of the partners of such general partnership.

“Reimbursement Obligation” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04(a).

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

“Required Capital Amount” means $10,500,000.

 


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

“S&P” means S&P Global Ratings, a division of S&P Global Inc., and any successor thereto that is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

“Sale Date” means each of the following: (a) the Closing Date, (b) the date of each Investment, (c) the last day of each Fiscal Month unless the Seller has (in its discretion) notified the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser in writing that such day shall not be a Sale Date, and (d) each other day (if any) designated as a “Sale Date” by the Seller in its discretion by prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser; provided, however, that no Sale Date shall occur on or after the Termination Date.

“Sanctioned Country” means a country subject to a sanctions program maintained under any Anti-Terrorism Law, including any such country identified on the list maintained and published by OFAC from time to time.

“Sanctioned Person”  means (i) A person named on the list of “Specially Designated Nationals” or “Blocked Persons” maintained and published by OFAC from time to time, (ii) (A) an agency of the government of a Sanctioned Country, (B) an organization controlled by a Sanctioned Country or (C) a person resident in a Sanctioned Country, to the extent subject to a sanctions program administered by OFAC, or (iii) any individual person, group, regime, entity or thing listed or otherwise recognized as a specially designated, prohibited, sanctioned or debarred person, group, regime, entity or thing, or subject to any limitations or prohibitions (including but not limited to the blocking of property or rejection of transactions), under any Anti-Terrorism Law.

“Scheduled Termination Date” means May 31, 2023, as such date may be extended from time to time.

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

“Secured Parties” means each Purchaser Party, each Seller Indemnified Party and each Affected Person.

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

“Seller” has the meaning specified in the preamble to this Agreement.

“Seller Collateral” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.09.

“Seller Guaranty” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.01.

“Seller Indemnified Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.01(a).

 


	
 
	
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“Seller Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.01(a).

“Seller Obligation Final Due Date” means the date that (i) is one hundred eighty (180) days following the Scheduled Termination Date or (ii) such earlier date on which the Aggregate Capital becomes due and payable pursuant to Section 10.01.

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

“Seller’s Net Worth” means, at any time of determination, an amount equal to (i) the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Pool Receivables at such time, minus (ii) the sum of (A) the Aggregate Capital plus the Adjusted LC Participation Amount at such time, plus (B) the Aggregate Yield at such time, plus (C) the aggregate accrued and unpaid Fees at such time, plus (D) the aggregate outstanding principal balance owing under each Intercompany Loan Agreement at such time, plus (E) the aggregate accrued and unpaid interest owing under each Intercompany Loan Agreement at such time, plus (F) without duplication, the aggregate accrued and unpaid other Seller Obligations at such time.

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

“Servicer Default” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:

(a)The Servicer (i) to the extent required hereunder on behalf of the Seller, shall fail to pay when due, any accrued Yield or to make any reduction or repayment of the Capital and such failure continues for one (1) Business Day, (ii) shall fail to transfer Collections received by the Servicer to a Collection Account at such times required under the terms hereof and such failure continues for two (2) Business Days, (iii) shall default in the performance of any payment (other than those covered by clauses (i) and (ii) above) or shall fail to observe or perform in any material respect any term, covenant or agreement under Section 8.02(b)(ii) and such failure continues for two (2) Business Days, (iv) shall fail to observe or perform in any material respect any term, covenant or agreement on the Servicer’s part to be performed under Section 8.02(c) (conduct of business), Section 8.02(g) (extension or amendment of pool receivables), Section 8.02(f) (payments on receivables, collection accounts), Section 8.02(h) (change in credit and collection policy) or Section 8.02(k) (change in payment instructions to obligors) (any of the preceding parenthetical phrases in this clause (iv) are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof), (v) shall fail to observe or perform any other term, covenant or agreement to be observed or performed by it under Section 

 


	
 
	
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4.01, or (vi) shall fail to observe or perform in any material respect any other term, covenant or agreement hereunder or under any of the other Transaction Documents to which such Person is a party or by which such Person is bound, and such failure in the case of this clause (vi) shall remain unremedied for thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (A) receipt of notice thereof from any Group Agent, any Purchaser or the Administrative Agent or (B) knowledge thereof by a Responsible Officer; or

(b)any representation, warranty, certification or statement made by the Servicer in this Agreement, in the Purchase and Sale Agreement or in any of the other Transaction Documents or in any certificate or report delivered by it pursuant to any of the foregoing shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (except any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or by reference to a material adverse effect, which shall prove to have been incorrect in any respect) when made or confirmed and such circumstance shall remain uncured for thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (i) receipt of notice thereof from any Group Agent, any Purchaser or the Administrative Agent or (ii) knowledge thereof by a Responsible Officer; provided that no such representation, warranty, or certification hereunder shall be deemed to be incorrect or violated to the extent any affected Receivable is subject to a Deemed Collection and all required amounts with respect to such Receivable have been deposited into a Collection Account; or

(c)(i) failure of the Servicer (if the Servicer is not also an Originator) to pay when due (subject to the delivery of any required notice, the expiration of any permitted grace period or both) any amounts due under any agreement to which the Servicer is a party and under which any Debt having an aggregate outstanding principal amount (including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit agreement) of greater than $100,000,000 shall be outstanding; (ii) the default by the Servicer (if the Servicer is not also an Originator) (subject to the delivery of any required notice, the expiration of any permitted grace period or both) in the performance of any term, provision or condition contained in any agreement to which the Servicer is a party (other than breach of any Financial Covenant) and under which any Debt owing by it greater than $100,000,000 was created or is governed, regardless of whether such event is an “event of default” or “default” under any such agreement, if the effect of such default is to cause, or to permit the holder of such Debt to cause, such Debt to become due and payable prior to its stated maturity; or (iii) any Debt owing by the Servicer (if the Servicer is not also an Originator) greater than $100,000,000 shall be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled payment) prior to its stated maturity; or

(d)there is entered against the Servicer or any Material Subsidiary thereof (i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments and orders) exceeding $100,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of ten (10) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

 


	
 
	
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(e)any Insolvency Proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Servicer or any of its Material Subsidiaries; or

(f)the Servicer breaches a Financial Covenant or a Deemed Financial Covenant, as applicable; provided that, with respect to a breach of a Financial Covenant, (i) so long as Ashland is in good faith pursuing a waiver under the Ashland Credit Agreement, the breach of such Financial Covenant shall not constitute a Servicer Default until thirty (30) days after Ashland receives notice or otherwise obtains knowledge of such breach (the “Financial Covenant Grace Period”) and (ii) to the extent any such breach of a Financial Covenant is cured by Ashland or waived by the lenders under the Ashland Credit Agreement within the Financial Covenant Grace Period, the related Servicer Default hereunder shall also be deemed waived automatically but only so long as such waiver is granted at a time when each Group Agent (or its Affiliates) is then also a party to the Ashland Credit Agreement and a majority of such Group Agents (being those Group Agents that hold Group Commitments aggregating in excess of 50% of the Facility Limit as of such date) have consented to such waiver under the Ashland Credit Agreement (it being understood that the vote of Affiliates of a Group Agent party to the Ashland Credit Agreement shall be considered for purposes of determining consent).

“Servicer Indemnified Amounts” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.02(a).

“Servicer Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.02(a).

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

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

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

“Sold Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

“Sold Receivables” means, collectively, (i) the Pool Receivables specified as “Sold Receivables” on the Initial Schedule of Sold Receivables, (ii) all additional Pool Receivables specified as “Sold Receivables” on the Investment Requests delivered with respect to all subsequent Investments made hereunder and (iii) all additional Pool Receivables designated as “Sold Receivables” and transferred by the Seller pursuant to Section 2.01(b) in connection with a Release as contemplated by the first paragraph in Section 4.01(a).

“Solvent” means, with respect to any Person and as of any particular date, (i) the present fair market value (or present fair saleable value) of the assets of such Person is not less than the total amount required to pay the probable liabilities of such Person on its total existing debts and 

 


	
 
	
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liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as they become absolute and matured, (ii) such Person is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations and commitments as they mature and become due in the normal course of business, (iii) such Person is not incurring debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (iv) such Person is not engaged in any business or transaction, and is not about to engage in any business or transaction, for which its property would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practice in the industry in which such Person is engaged.

“Special Concentration Limit” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Concentration Percentage.

“Special Obligor” has the meaning set forth in the definition of Concentration Percentage.

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

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

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

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

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

“Total Reserves” means, at any time of determination, an amount equal to the sum of (i) an amount equal to the product of (a) the sum of:  (x) the Yield Reserve Percentage, plus (y) the greater of (I) the sum of the Concentration Reserve Percentage plus the Minimum Dilution Reserve Percentage and (II) the sum of the Loss Reserve Percentage plus the Dilution Reserve Percentage, times (b) the Net Receivables Pool Balance at such time, plus (ii) at any time (a) prior to 90th day preceding the then-current Facility Termination Date, $0, and (ii) thereafter, the LC Fee Expectation.

“Tranche Period” means, with respect to any LIBOR Tranche, a period of one, three or six months selected by the Seller pursuant to Section 2.05.  Each Tranche Period shall commence on 

 


	
 
	
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the first day of a Fiscal Month and end on (but not including) the last day of the Fiscal Month occurring one, two, three or six calendar months thereafter, as selected by the Seller pursuant to Section 2.05; provided, however, that if the date any Capital (or portion thereof) is funded pursuant to an Investment made on a date that is not a Monthly Settlement Date pursuant to Section 2.01, the initial Tranche Period for such Capital (or such portion thereof) shall commence on the date such Investment is made pursuant to Section 2.01 and end on the next Monthly Settlement Date occurring after the day in the applicable succeeding calendar month which corresponds numerically to the beginning day of such initial Tranche Period; provided, further, that if any Tranche Period would end after the Termination Date, such Tranche Period (including a period of one day) shall end on the Termination Date.

“Transaction Documents” means this Agreement, the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Account Control Agreements, the Fee Letter, each Intercompany Loan Agreement, the Performance Guaranty and all other certificates, instruments, UCC financing statements, reports, notices, agreements and documents executed or delivered under or in connection with this Agreement.

“Transaction Information” means any information provided to any Rating Agency, in each case, to the extent related to such Rating Agency providing or proposing to provide a rating of any Notes or monitoring such rating including, without limitation, information in connection with the Seller, the Originator, the Servicer or the Receivables.

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

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

“Unsold Receivables” means, at any time, all Pool Receivables that are not then Sold Receivables.

“U.S. Obligor” means an Obligor that is a corporation or other business organization and is organized under the laws of the United States of America (or of a United States of America territory, district, state, commonwealth, or possession, including, without limitation, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) or any political subdivision thereof.

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

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

“Weekly Report” means a report, in substantially the form of Exhibit J.

“Yield” means an amount payable to each Purchaser in respect of its Capital accruing on each day when such Purchaser has Capital outstanding, which amount for any Purchaser’s Capital (or portion thereof) for any day during any Yield Period (or portion thereof) is the amount accrued 

 


	
 
	
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on such Capital (or portion thereof) during such Yield Period (or portion thereof) in accordance with Section 2.03(b).

“Yield Period” means with respect to any Portion of Capital, (i) initially the period commencing on (and including) the date of the initial Investment with respect to such Portion of Capital and ending on (and including) the last day of the current Fiscal Month, and (ii) thereafter, each period commencing on (and including) the first day of each Fiscal Month and ending on (and including) the last day of each Fiscal Month; provided that

(A)in the case of any Yield Period with respect to any Portion of Capital that commences before the Termination Date and would otherwise end on a date occurring after the Termination Date, such Yield Period shall end on such Termination Date and the duration of each Yield Period which commences on or after the Termination Date shall be of such duration as shall be selected by such Group Agent; and

(B)any Yield Period in respect of which Yield is computed by reference to the CP Rate may be terminated at the election of, and upon notice thereof to the Seller by, the applicable Group Agent any time, in which case the Portion of Capital allocated to such terminated Yield Period shall be allocated to a new Yield Period commencing on (and including) the date of such termination and ending on (but excluding) the next following Settlement Date, and shall accrue Yield by reference to LMIR.

“Yield Rate” means, for any day in any Yield Period for any Purchaser’s Capital (or any portion thereof):

(a)if such Capital (or such portion thereof) is being funded by a Conduit Purchaser on such day through the issuance of Notes, the applicable CP Rate; or 

(b)if such Capital (or such portion thereof) is being funded by any Purchaser on such day other than through the issuance of Notes (including, without limitation, if a Conduit Purchaser is then funding such Capital (or such portion thereof) under a Program Support Agreement, or if a Committed Purchaser is then funding such Capital (or such portion thereof)), then LMIR or Adjusted LIBOR, as determined pursuant to Section 2.05, provided, however, that the Yield Rate applicable to any LIBOR Tranche funded pursuant to an Investment that occurs other than on the first Business Day of a Fiscal Month shall be LMIR for each day during the initial Yield Period applicable to such LIBOR Tranche from the date such Investment is made pursuant to Section 2.01 until the last day of such Fiscal Month;

provided, however, that the “Yield Rate” for any Purchaser’s Capital (or any portion thereof) on any day while an Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing shall be an interest rate per annum equal the sum of 2.00% per annum plus the Base Rate in effect on such day; provided, further, that no provision of this Agreement shall require the payment or permit the collection of Yield in excess of the maximum permitted by Applicable Law; and provided, further, that Yield for any Capital (or such portion thereof) shall not be considered paid by any distribution 

 


	
 
	
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to the extent that at any time all or a portion of such distribution is rescinded or must otherwise be returned for any reason.

“Yield Reserve Percentage” means at any time of determination:

 


	
 
	
 
	
 
	
1.50 x DSO x (BR + SFR)

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
360

	
where:
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 
	
BR
	
=
	
 
	
the Base Rate at such time;

	
 
	
DSO
	
=
	
 
	
the Days’ Sales Outstanding for the most recently ended Fiscal Month; and

	
 
	
SFR
	
=
	
 
	
the Servicing Fee Rate.




 

Section 1.02.  Other Interpretative Matters.  All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.  All terms used in Article 9 of the UCC in the State of New York and not specifically defined herein, are used herein as defined in such Article 9.  Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all references herein to “Article,” “Section,” “Schedule”, “Exhibit” or “Annex” shall mean articles and sections of, and schedules, exhibits and annexes to, this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and all such certificates and other documents, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) references to any amount as on deposit or outstanding on any particular date means such amount at the close of business on such day; (b) the words “hereof,” “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to such agreement (or the certificate or other document in which they are used) as a whole and not to any particular provision of such agreement (or such certificate or document); (c) references to any Article, Section, Schedule, Exhibit or Annex are references to Articles, Sections, Schedules, Exhibits and Annexes in or to such agreement (or the certificate or other document in which the reference is made), and references to any paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision within any Section or definition refer to such paragraph, subsection, clause or other subdivision of such Section or definition; (d) the term “including” means “including without limitation”; (e) references to any Applicable Law refer to that Applicable Law as amended from time to time and include any successor Applicable Law; (f) references to any agreement refer to that agreement as from time to time amended, restated or supplemented or as the terms of such agreement are waived or modified in accordance with its terms; (g) references to any Person include that Person’s permitted successors and assigns; (h) headings are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof; (i) unless otherwise provided, in the calculation of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the term “from” means “from and including”, and the terms “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”; (j) terms in one gender include the parallel terms in the neuter and opposite gender; (k) references to any amount as on deposit or outstanding on any particular date means such amount at the close of business on such day and (l) the term “or” is not exclusive.

 


	
 
	
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Article II

TERMS OF THE PURCHASES AND INVESTMENTS

Section 2.01.  Purchase Facility.  

(a)Investments.  Upon a request by the Seller pursuant to Section 2.02, and on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, the Conduit Purchasers, ratably, in accordance with the aggregate of the Commitments of the Related Committed Purchasers with respect to each such Conduit Purchaser, severally and not jointly, may, in their sole discretion, make payments of Capital to the Seller on a revolving basis, and if and to the extent any Conduit Purchaser does not make any such payment of Capital or if any Group does not include a Conduit Purchaser, the Related Committed Purchaser(s) for such Conduit Purchaser or the Committed Purchaser for such Group, as the case may be, shall, ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments, severally and not jointly, make such payment of Capital to the Seller, in either case, from time to time during the period from the Closing Date to the Termination Date.  Each such payment of Capital by a Purchaser to the Seller shall constitute an Investment hereunder for all purposes.  Under no circumstances shall any Purchaser be obligated to make any Investment if, after giving effect thereto:

(i)the Aggregate Capital plus the LC Participation Amount would exceed the Facility Limit at such time;

(ii)the sum of (A) the Capital of such Purchaser, plus (B) the aggregate outstanding Capital of each other Purchaser in its Group, plus (C) the related LC Participant’s Pro Rata Share of the LC Participation Amount, would exceed the Group Commitment of such Purchaser’s Group;

(iii)if such Purchaser is a Committed Purchaser, the aggregate outstanding Capital of such Committed Purchaser would exceed its Commitment; or

(iv)the Aggregate Capital plus the Adjusted LC Participation Amount would exceed the Capital Coverage Amount at such time.

(b)Sale of Receivables and Other Sold Assets.  In consideration of the Purchasers’ respective agreements to make Investments in accordance with the terms hereof, the Seller, on the Closing Date, on the date of each Investment and on each other date occurring on or prior to the Termination Date, hereby sells, assigns and transfers to the Administrative Agent (for the ratable benefit of the Purchasers according to their Capital as increased or reduced from time to time hereunder), all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in, to and under all of the following, whether now or hereafter owned, existing or arising (collectively, the “Sold Assets”): (i) all Sold Receivables, (ii) all Related Security with respect to such Sold Receivables, (iii) all Collections with respect to such Sold Receivables and (iv) all proceeds of the foregoing.  Such sales, assignments and transfers by the Seller shall, in each case, occur and be deemed to occur for all purposes in accordance with the terms hereof automatically without further action, notice or consent of any party.

 


	
 
	
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(c)Intended Characterization as a Purchase and Sale.  It is the intention of the parties to this Agreement that the transfer and conveyance of the Seller’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Sold Assets to the Administrative Agent (for the ratable benefit of the Purchasers according to their Capital as increased or reduced from time to time hereunder) on each Sale Date pursuant to this Agreement shall constitute a purchase and sale and not a pledge for security, and such purchase and sale of the Sold Assets hereunder shall be treated as a sale for all purposes (except as provided in Sections 2.01(d) and 15.14).  For the avoidance of doubt, this clause (c) shall not be construed to limit or otherwise modify Section 5.05 or any rights, interests, liabilities or obligations of any party thereunder.

(d)Obligations Not Assumed.  Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to the contrary, the foregoing sale, assignment, transfer and conveyance set forth in Section 2.01(b) does not constitute, and is not intended to result in, the creation or an assumption by the Administrative Agent, any Group Agent or any Purchaser of any obligation or liability of the Seller, any Originator, the Servicer, or any other Person under or in connection with all, or any portion of, any Sold Assets, all of which shall remain the obligations and liabilities of the Seller, the Originators, the Servicer and such other Persons, as applicable.

(e)Selection, Designation and Reporting of Sold Receivables.  The Seller (or the Servicer on its behalf) shall select and identify from the Pool Receivables all Sold Receivables to be sold pursuant to Section 2.01(b) in its sole discretion; provided, however, that (i) the Seller shall select Sold Receivables from the Pool Receivables on an invoice-by-invoice basis, and the Seller shall transfer pursuant to Section 2.01(b) 100% of its interest in any invoice that reflects Sold Receivables, such that all Receivables reflected or evidenced by such an invoice shall be included as Sold Receivables, and (ii) the Seller shall not permit the aggregate Outstanding Balance of Sold Receivables to exceed the Aggregate Capital at any time.  The Seller shall maintain (or cause the Servicer to maintain) books and records sufficient to readily identify the Sold Receivables.  The Seller and Servicer shall cause all Sold Receivables to be identified on each Investment Request in accordance with Section 2.02(a) and on each Information Package and Weekly Report delivered hereunder.

Section 2.02.  Making Investments; Return of Capital.  

(a)Each Investment hereunder shall be made on the prior written request from the Seller to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent in the form of an Investment Request attached hereto as Exhibit A.  Each such request for an Investment shall be made no later than 12:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date of the proposed Investment, which date shall be a Business Day (it being understood that any such request made after such time shall be deemed to have been made on the following Business Day) and shall specify (i) the amount of Capital requested (which amount shall (x) not be less than $100,000 and shall be an integral multiple of $100,000) and (y) not cause the aggregate Outstanding Balance of all Sold Receivables (after giving effect to the addition of Pool Receivables to the Sold Receivables in connection with such Investment) to (A) exceed the Aggregate Capital or (B) be less than the Aggregate Capital by $100,000 or more, (ii) the allocation of such amount among the Groups (which shall be ratable based on the Group Commitments), (iii) the account to which the Capital of such Investment shall be distributed, (iv) the date such requested Investment is to be made (which shall be a Business 

 


	
 
	
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Day) and (v) all Pool Receivables that are or, effective upon the making of such Investment, will be, Sold Receivables.

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

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

(d)The Seller shall return in full the outstanding Capital of each Purchaser on the Seller Obligation Final Due Date.  Prior thereto, the Seller shall, on each Settlement Date, reduce the outstanding Capital of the Purchasers to the extent required under Section 4.01 and otherwise in accordance with such Section 4.01 (subject to the priorities for payment set forth therein) by paying the amount of such reduction to the Purchasers in accordance with Section 4.02.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seller, in its discretion, shall have the right to reduce, in whole or in part by payment in accordance with Section 4.02, of the outstanding Capital of the Purchasers on any Business Day upon written notice thereof no later than 12:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date of the proposed reduction to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent in the form of a Reduction Notice attached hereto as Exhibit E; provided, however, that (i) each such reduction shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $100,000 and shall be an integral multiple thereof, (ii) no such reduction shall reduce the Aggregate Capital to an amount less than the Minimum Funding Threshold (other than in connection with the Seller’s designation of a holiday contemplated by Section 8.01(dd)); provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, a reduction may be in an amount necessary to reduce any Capital Coverage Deficit existing at such time to zero, and (ii) any accrued Yield and Fees in respect of the portion(s) of Capital so reduced shall be paid in full on the immediately following Settlement Date.

(e)The Seller may, at any time upon at least ten (10) Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent, terminate the Facility Limit in whole or ratably reduce the Facility Limit in part.  Each partial reduction in the Facility Limit shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, and no such partial reduction shall reduce the Facility Limit to an amount less than $85,000,000.  In connection with any partial reduction in the Facility Limit, the Commitment of each Committed Purchaser and LC Participant, as well as the LC Limit, shall be ratably reduced.

(f)In connection with any reduction of the Commitments, the Seller shall remit to the Administrative Agent (i) instructions regarding such reduction and (ii) for payment to the Purchasers, cash in an amount sufficient to pay (A) Capital of Purchasers in each Group in excess of the Group Commitment of such Group and (B) all other outstanding Seller Obligations with respect to such reduction (determined based on the ratio of the reduction of the Commitments 

 


	
 
	
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being effected to the amount of the Commitments prior to such reduction or, if the Administrative Agent reasonably determines that any portion of the outstanding Seller Obligations is allocable solely to that portion of the Commitments being reduced or has arisen solely as a result of such reduction, all of such portion) including, without duplication, any associated Breakage Fees.  Upon receipt of any such amounts, the Administrative Agent shall apply such amounts first to the reduction of the outstanding Capital, and second to the payment of the remaining outstanding Seller Obligations with respect to such reduction, including any Breakage Fees, by paying such amounts to the Purchasers.

Section 2.03.  Yield and Fees.  

(a)On each Settlement Date, the Seller shall, in accordance with the terms and priorities for payment set forth in Section 4.01, pay to each Group Agent, each Purchaser, the Administrative Agent and the Structuring Agent certain fees (collectively, the “Fees”) in the amounts set forth in the fee letter agreements from time to time entered into, among the Seller, the members of the applicable Group (or their Group Agent on their behalf) and/or the Administrative Agent (each such fee letter agreement, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, collectively being referred to herein as the “Fee Letter”).  At any time that the Minimum Funding Threshold is not satisfied and no compliance holiday is in then effect in accordance with Section 8.01(dd), Yield and Fees shall accrue on an amount equal to the Minimum Funding Threshold.

(b)Each Purchaser’s Capital shall accrue Yield on each day when such Capital remains outstanding at the then applicable Yield Rate for such Capital (or each applicable portion thereof).  The Seller shall pay all Yield (including, for the avoidance of doubt, all Yield accrued on LIBOR Tranches during a Yield Period regardless of whether the applicable Tranche Period has ended), Fees and Breakage Fees accrued during each Yield Period on each Settlement Date in arrears in accordance with the terms and priorities for payment set forth in Section 4.01.

(c)For the avoidance of doubt, the Seller’s obligation to pay all Fees and Yield hereunder when due shall not be contingent up the receipt or availability of Collections.

Section 2.04.  Records of Investments and Capital.  Each Group Agent shall record in its records, the date and amount of each Investment and Participation Advance made by the Purchasers in its Group hereunder, the Yield Rate with respect to the related Capital (and each portion thereof), the Yield accrued on such Purchasers’ Capital and each repayment and payment thereof.  Subject to Section 15.03(c), such records shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error.  The failure to so record any such information or any error in so recording any such information shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Seller hereunder or under the other Transaction Documents to repay the Capital of each Purchaser, together with all Yield accruing thereon and all other Seller Obligations.

Section 2.05.  Selection of Yield Rates and Tranche Periods.  

(a)Subject to the following sentence, each Purchaser’s Capital (including all portions thereof) shall accrue Yield initially at LMIR.  Thereafter, so long as no Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, the Seller may from time to time elect to change or 

 


	
 
	
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continue the type of Yield Rate and/or Tranche Period borne by the Purchasers’ Capital or, subject to the minimum amount requirement set forth in Section 2.02, a portion thereof by notice to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time), one (1) Business Day prior to the expiration of any Tranche Period or Yield Period, as applicable; provided, that there shall not be more than three (3) LIBOR Tranches outstanding hereunder at any one time; provided, further that for the avoidance of doubt, any change from LMIR to Adjusted LIBOR and/or any change to a Tranche Period applicable to any Capital (or portion thereof) shall not be effective until the first day of the Fiscal Month occurring after the date of such request.  Any such notices requesting the continuation or conversion of any Capital (or any portion thereof) to the Administrative Agent may be given by telephone, telecopy, or other telecommunication device acceptable to the Administrative Agent (which notice shall be irrevocable once given and, if by telephone, shall be promptly confirmed in writing in a manner acceptable to the Administrative Agent).

(b)If, by the time required in Section 2.05(a), the Seller fails to select an Tranche Period or Yield Rate for any Capital (or portion thereof), such Capital (or portion thereof) shall automatically accrue Yield at LMIR for the next occurring Yield Period.

Section 2.06.  Non-Renewing Purchasers.  If at any time the Seller requests that the Committed Purchasers renew their Commitments hereunder and some but less than all the Committed Purchasers consent to such renewal within thirty (30) days of the Seller’s request, the Seller may arrange for an assignment, and such non-consenting Committed Purchasers shall agree to assign, to one or more financial institutions acceptable to the related Group Agent and the Seller of all the rights and obligations hereunder of each such non-consenting Committed Purchaser in accordance with Section 15.03.  Any such assignment shall become effective on the then-current Scheduled Termination Date.  Each Committed Purchaser which does not so consent to any renewal shall cooperate fully with the Seller in effectuating any such assignment.  If none or less than all the Commitments of the non-renewing Committed Purchasers are so assigned as provided above, then the Scheduled Termination Date shall not be renewed.

Section 2.07.  Replacement of Purchaser Group.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Transaction Documents and so long as no Event of Termination exists and is continuing, if (x) the Financial Covenants are amended or are otherwise varied from the Ashland Credit Agreement in effect on the Closing Date and (y) any Committed Purchaser that ceases to be a party to the Ashland Credit Agreement as a lender thereunder (along with all of its Affiliates) fails to consent to such amended or otherwise varied Financial Covenants, the Seller may, at its sole expense, upon written notice to the Group Agent for such Committed Purchaser and the Administrative Agent, (i) remove such Committed Purchaser and its Group as a party hereto or (ii) require such Committed Purchaser and its Group to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 15.03), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Transaction Documents to a new or existing Committed Purchaser who agrees to assume such obligations; provided that: 

(a)the Group Agent for such Committed Purchaser shall, on behalf of its Group, have received payment of an amount equal to the Seller Obligations due and payable to its Group hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents from the Seller in the case of a 

 


	
 
	
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removal pursuant to clause (i) above or from the assignee and the Seller, as applicable, in the case of an assignment pursuant to clause (ii) above;

(b)in the case of an assignment pursuant to clause (ii) above, such assignment does not conflict with Applicable Law;

(c)a Committed Purchaser and its Group shall not be required to be removed from this Agreement or make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver or consent by such Committed Purchaser or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Seller to require such removal or such assignment and delegation cease to apply; 

(d)in the case of a removal pursuant to clause (i) above, the Facility Limit shall (x) be reduced by the corresponding amount of such Committed Purchaser’s Commitment and (y) if applicable, concurrently increased up to the amount of the removed Committed Purchaser’s Commitment by the Commitment of any existing Committed Purchaser that has, in its sole discretion, consented to increase its Commitment or new Committed Purchaser that has joined this Agreement by execution of a separate joinder agreement hereto, subject to the consent of the Group Agents (in their sole discretion); provided that, such consent shall not be required if the Seller (with funds other than Collections) has fully cash collateralized the LC Participation Amount (and any LC Fee Expectation) with respect to such new Committed Purchaser and agrees that it will continue to do so in connection with each future Letter of Credit issuance hereunder; provided, further, that in no event shall the Facility Limit be reduced such that the Aggregate Capital will exceed the Facility Limit; 

(e)the Seller shall be permitted to replace any Purchaser which is the Administrative Agent or an Affiliate thereof only, if, in either case, the Administrative Agent is also replaced contemporaneously, pursuant to documents reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent has received payment of an amount equal to all amounts then due and payable to the Administrative Agent hereunder and under each of the other Transaction Document;

(f)the Seller shall be permitted to replace any Purchaser which is an LC Bank or an Affiliate thereof only, if, in either case, such LC Bank is also replaced contemporaneously, pursuant to documents reasonably satisfactory to such LC Bank and both (x) such LC Bank has received payment of an amount equal to all amounts then due and payable to such LC Bank hereunder and under each of the other Transaction Document and (y) no Letters of Credit issued hereunder by such LC Bank remain outstanding and undrawn; and

(g)such removal or assignment shall be made upon not less than ten (10) Business Days’ notice delivered by the Seller to the Group Agent for such Committed Purchaser and the Administrative Agent.  Any Purchaser required to assign pursuant to this Section 2.07 shall have no duty to procure an assignee.

The foregoing removal or assignment will be effective on the date specified in the notice delivered by the Seller to the applicable Group Agent and the Administrative Agent, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions thereto set forth in this Section 2.07.  

 


	
 
	
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Section 2.08.  Status of Conduit Purchasers.  So long as any Conduit Purchaser holds any Capital, such Conduit Purchaser shall be a multi-seller asset-backed commercial paper conduit and shall ensure that its interests hereunder (including its Capital and its interests in the Sold Assets) will constitute less than 50% of such Conduit Purchaser’s total assets.

Article III

LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY

Section 3.01.  Letters of Credit.  

(a)Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and the satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Article VI, each LC Bank shall issue or cause the issuance of Letters of Credit on behalf of the Seller (and, if applicable, on behalf of, or for the account of, an Originator or an Affiliate of such Originator in favor of such beneficiaries as such Originator or an Affiliate of such Originator may elect with the consent of the Seller); provided, however, that no LC Bank will be required to issue or cause to be issued any Letters of Credit to the extent that after giving effect thereto: 

(i)the Aggregate Capital plus the LC Participation Amount would exceed the Facility Limit at such time;

(ii)the Aggregate Capital plus the LC Participation Amount would exceed the Capital Coverage Amount at such time;

(iii)the LC Participation Amount would exceed the LC Limit at such time; or

(iv)the LC Participation Amount would exceed the aggregate of the Commitments of the LC Participants at such time.  

(b)Yield shall accrue on all amounts drawn under Letters of Credit for each day on and after the applicable Drawing Date so long as such drawn amounts shall have not been reimbursed to the applicable LC Bank pursuant to the terms hereof.

Section 3.02.  Issuance of Letters of Credit; Participations.

(a)The Seller may request an LC Bank, upon two (2) Business Days’ prior written notice submitted on or before 1:00 p.m. (New York City time), to issue a Letter of Credit by delivering to the Administrative Agent, each Group Agent and such LC Bank, such LC Bank’s form of Letter of Credit Application (the “Letter of Credit Application”), substantially in the applicable form set out on Exhibit D attached hereto and an LC Request, in each case completed to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent and such LC Bank; and such other certificates, documents and other papers and information as the Administrative Agent or such LC Bank may reasonably request.

(b)Each Letter of Credit shall, among other things, (i) provide for the payment of sight drafts or other written demands for payment when presented for honor thereunder in 

 


	
 
	
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accordance with the terms thereof and when accompanied by the documents described therein and (ii) have an expiry date not later than twelve (12) months after such Letter of Credit’s date of issuance, extension or renewal, as the case may be, and in no event later than twelve (12) months after the Scheduled Termination Date.  The terms of each Letter of Credit may include customary “evergreen” provisions providing that such Letter of Credit’s expiry date shall automatically be extended for additional periods not to exceed twelve (12) months unless, not less than thirty (30) days (or such longer period as may be specified in such Letter of Credit) (the “Notice Date”) prior to the applicable expiry date, the applicable LC Bank delivers written notice to the beneficiary thereof declining such extension; provided, however, that if (x) any such extension would cause the expiry date of such Letter of Credit to occur after the date that is twelve (12) months after the Scheduled Termination Date or (y) the applicable LC Bank determines that any condition precedent (including, without limitation, those set forth in Sections 3.01 and Article VI) to issuing such Letter of Credit hereunder are not satisfied (other than any such condition requiring the Seller to submit an LC Request or Letter of Credit Application in respect thereof), then the applicable LC Bank, in the case of clause (x) above, may (or, at the written direction of any LC Participant, shall) or, in the case of clause (y) above, shall, use reasonable efforts in accordance with (and to the extent permitted by) the terms of such Letter of Credit to prevent the extension of such expiry date (including notifying the Seller and the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit in writing prior to the Notice Date that such expiry date will not be so extended).  Each Letter of Credit shall be subject either to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (2007 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600, and any amendments or revisions thereof adhered to by the applicable LC Bank or the International Standby Practices (ISP98-International Chamber of Commerce Publication Number 590), and any amendments or revisions thereof adhered to by the applicable LC Bank, as determined by the applicable LC Bank.

(c)Immediately upon the issuance by such LC Bank of any Letter of Credit (or any amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof), such LC Bank shall be deemed to have sold and transferred to each LC Participant, and each LC Participant shall be deemed irrevocably and unconditionally to have purchased and received from such LC Bank, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, to the extent of such LC Participant’s Pro Rata Share, in such Letter of Credit, each drawing made thereunder and the obligations of the Seller hereunder with respect thereto, and any security therefor or guaranty pertaining thereto. Upon any change in the Commitments or Pro Rata Shares of the LC Participants pursuant to this Agreement, it is hereby agreed that, with respect to all outstanding Letters of Credit and unreimbursed drawings thereunder, there shall be an automatic adjustment to the participations pursuant to this clause (c) to reflect the new Pro Rata Shares of the assignor and assignee LC Participant or of all LC Participants with Commitments, as the case may be.  In the event that any LC Bank makes any payment under any Letter of Credit and the Seller shall not have reimbursed such amount in full to such LC Bank pursuant to Section 3.04(a), each LC Participant shall be obligated to make Participation Advances with respect to such Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 3.04(b).

Section 3.03.  Requirements For Issuance of Letters of Credit.  The Seller shall authorize and direct the applicable LC Bank to name the Seller, an Originator or an Affiliate of an Originator as the “Applicant” or “Account Party” of each Letter of Credit.

 


	
 
	
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Section 3.04.  Disbursements, Reimbursement.

(a)In the event of any request for a drawing under a Letter of Credit by the beneficiary or transferee thereof, the applicable LC Bank will promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Seller of such request.  The Seller shall reimburse (such obligation to reimburse the applicable LC Bank shall sometimes be referred to as a “Reimbursement Obligation”) the applicable LC Bank prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York City time), on each date that an amount is paid by such LC Bank under any Letter of Credit (each such date, a “Drawing Date”) in an amount equal to the amount so paid by such LC Bank.  In the event the Seller fails to reimburse the applicable LC Bank for the full amount of any drawing under any Letter of Credit by 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Drawing Date (including because the conditions precedent to a Loan requested by the Seller pursuant to Section 2.01 shall not have been satisfied), such LC Bank will promptly notify each LC Participant thereof.  Any notice given by an LC Bank pursuant to this Section may be oral if promptly confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such a prompt written confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such oral notice.

(b)Each LC Participant shall upon any notice pursuant to clause (a) above make available to the applicable LC Bank an amount in immediately available funds equal to its Pro Rata Share of the amount of the drawing (a “Participation Advance”), whereupon the LC Participants shall  each be deemed to have made a Loan to the Seller in that amount.  If any LC Participant so notified fails to make available to the applicable LC Bank the amount of such LC Participant’s Pro Rata Share of such amount by 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Drawing Date, then interest shall accrue on such LC Participant’s obligation to make such payment, from the Drawing Date to the date on which such LC Participant makes such payment (i) at a rate per annum equal to the Overnight Bank Funding Rate during the first three days following the Drawing Date and (ii) at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate on and after the fourth day following the Drawing Date.  The applicable LC Bank will promptly give notice to each LC Participant of the occurrence of the Drawing Date, but failure of the applicable LC Bank to give any such notice on the Drawing Date or in sufficient time to enable any LC Participant to effect such payment on such date shall not relieve such LC Participant from its obligation under this clause (b).  Each LC Participant’s Commitment shall continue until the last to occur of any of the following events:  (A) each LC Bank ceases to be obligated to issue or cause to be issued Letters of Credit hereunder, (B) no Letter of Credit issued hereunder remains outstanding and uncancelled or (C) all Purchaser Parties have been fully reimbursed for all payments made under or relating to Letters of Credit.

Section 3.05.  Repayment of Participation Advances.

(a)Upon (and only upon) receipt by an LC Bank for its account of immediately available funds from or for the account of the Seller (i) in reimbursement of any payment made by such LC Bank under a Letter of Credit with respect to which any LC Participant has made a Participation Advance to such LC Bank or (ii) in payment of Yield on the Investment made or deemed to have been made in connection with any such draw, such LC Bank will pay to each LC Participant, ratably (based on the outstanding drawn amounts funded by each such LC Participant in respect of such Letter of Credit), in the same funds as those received by such LC Bank; it being understood, that such LC Bank shall retain a ratable amount of such funds that were not the subject of any payment in respect of such Letter of Credit by any LC Participant.

 


	
 
	
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(b)If an LC Bank is required at any time to return to the Seller, or to a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian, or any official in any Insolvency Proceeding, any portion of the payments made by the Seller to such LC Bank pursuant to this Agreement in reimbursement of a payment made under a Letter of Credit or interest or fee thereon, each LC Participant shall, on demand of such LC Bank, forthwith return to such LC Bank the amount of its Pro Rata Share of any amounts so returned by such LC Bank plus interest at the Overnight Bank Funding Rate, from the date the payment was first made to such LC Participant through, but not including, the date the payment is returned by such LC Participant.

(c)If any Letters of Credit are outstanding and undrawn on the Termination Date, the applicable LC Collateral Account shall be funded from Collections (or, in the Seller’s sole discretion, by other funds available to the Seller) in an amount equal to the aggregate undrawn face amount of such Letters of Credit plus all related fees to accrue through the stated expiration dates thereof (such fees to accrue, as reasonably estimated by the LC Banks, the “LC Fee Expectation”).

Section 3.06.  Documentation; Documentary and Processing Charges.  The Seller agrees to be bound by the terms of the Letter of Credit Application and by the applicable LC Bank’s interpretations of any Letter of Credit issued for the Seller and by the applicable LC Bank’s written regulations and customary practices relating to letters of credit, though the applicable LC Bank’s interpretation of such regulations and practices may be different from the Seller’s own.  In the event of a conflict between the Letter of Credit Application and this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern.  The applicable LC Bank shall not be liable for any error, negligence and/or mistakes, whether of omission or commission, in following the Seller’s instructions or those contained in the Letters of Credit or any modifications, amendments or supplements thereto.  In addition to any other fees or expenses owing under the Fee Letter or any other Transaction Document or otherwise pursuant to any Letter of Credit Application, the Seller shall pay to the applicable LC Bank for its own account any customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the applicable LC Bank relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect.  Such customary fees shall be due and payable upon demand and shall be nonrefundable.

Section 3.07.  Determination to Honor Drawing Request.  In determining whether to honor any request for drawing under any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, the applicable LC Bank shall be responsible only to determine that the documents and certificates required to be delivered under such Letter of Credit have been delivered and that they comply on their face with the requirements of such Letter of Credit and that any other drawing condition appearing on the face of such Letter of Credit has been satisfied in the manner so set forth.

Section 3.08.  Nature of Participation and Reimbursement Obligations.  Each LC Participant’s obligation in accordance with this Agreement to make Participation Advances as a result of a drawing under a Letter of Credit, and the obligations of the Seller to reimburse the applicable LC Bank upon a draw under a Letter of Credit, shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and  under all circumstances, including the following circumstances:

 


	
 
	
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(i)any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such LC Participant may have against such LC Bank, the other Purchaser Parties, the Seller, the Servicer, an Originator, a Performance Guarantor or any other Person for any reason whatsoever;

(ii)the failure of the Seller or any other Person to comply with the conditions set forth in this Agreement for the making of a purchase, reinvestments, requests for Letters of Credit or otherwise, it being acknowledged that such conditions are not required for the making of Participation Advances hereunder;

(iii)any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Seller, a Performance Guarantor, the Servicer, an Originator or any Affiliate thereof on behalf of which a Letter of Credit has been issued may have against such LC Bank, or any other Purchaser Party or any other Person for any reason whatsoever;

(iv)any claim of breach of warranty that might be made by the Seller, an Originator or any Affiliate thereof, such LC Bank, or any LC Participant against the beneficiary of a Letter of Credit, or the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which the Seller, the Servicer, such LC Bank or any LC Participant may have at any time against a beneficiary, any successor beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds thereof (or any Persons for whom any such transferee may be acting), such LC Bank, any other Purchaser Party or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction (including any underlying transaction between the Seller or any Affiliates of the Seller and the beneficiary for which any Letter of Credit was procured);

(v)the lack of power or authority of any signer of, or lack of validity, sufficiency, accuracy, enforceability or genuineness of, any draft, demand, instrument, certificate or other document presented under any Letter of Credit, or any such draft, demand, instrument, certificate or other document proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid, defective or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, even if the Administrative Agent or such LC Bank has been notified thereof;

(vi)payment by such LC Bank under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document which does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit;

(vii)the solvency of, or any acts or omissions by, any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit, or any other Person having a role in any transaction or obligation relating to a Letter of Credit, or the existence, nature, quality, quantity, condition, value or other characteristic of any property or services relating to a Letter of Credit;

(viii)any failure by such LC Bank or any of such LC Bank’s Affiliates to issue any Letter of Credit in the form requested by the Seller;

(ix)any Material Adverse Effect;

 


	
 
	
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(x)any breach of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document by any party thereto;

(xi)the occurrence or continuance of an Insolvency Proceeding with respect to the Seller, any Performance Guarantor, any Originator or any Affiliate thereof;

(xii)the fact that an Event of Default or an Unmatured Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

(xiii)the fact that this Agreement or the obligations of the Seller or the Servicer hereunder shall have been terminated; and

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

Section 3.09.  Indemnity.  In addition to other amounts payable hereunder, the Seller hereby agrees to protect, indemnify, pay and save harmless the Administrative Agent, each LC Bank, each LC Participant, each other Purchaser Party and each of the LC Banks’ Affiliates that have issued a Letter of Credit from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, taxes, penalties, interest, judgments, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including Attorney Costs) which the Administrative Agent, any LC Bank, any LC Participant, any other Purchaser Party or any of their respective Affiliates may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect, of the issuance of any Letter of Credit, except to the extent resulting from (a) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party to be indemnified as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (b) the wrongful dishonor by any LC Bank of a proper demand for payment made under any Letter of Credit, except if such dishonor resulted from any act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de jure or de facto Governmental Authority (all such acts or omissions herein called “Governmental Acts”).

Section 3.10.  Liability for Acts and Omissions.  As between the Seller, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the LC Banks, the LC Participants, and the other Purchaser Parties, on the other, the Seller assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of any Letter of Credit by, the respective beneficiaries of such Letter of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, none of the Administrative Agent, the LC Banks, the LC Participants, or any other Purchaser Party shall be responsible for: (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for an issuance of any such Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged (even if any LC Bank, any LC Participant or any other Purchaser Party shall have been notified thereof); (ii) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) the failure of the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit, or any other party to which such Letter of Credit may be transferred, to comply fully with any conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit or any other claim of the Seller against any beneficiary of such Letter of Credit, or any such transferee, or any dispute between or among the Seller and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any such transferee; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, 

 


	
 
	
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electronic mail, cable, telegraph, telex, facsimile or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; or (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of the Administrative Agent, the LC Banks, the LC Participants, and the other Purchaser Parties, including any Governmental Acts, and none of the above shall affect or impair, or prevent the vesting of, any of the LC Banks’ rights or powers hereunder.  In no event shall the Administrative Agent, the LC Banks, the LC Participants, or the other Purchaser Parties or their respective Affiliates, be liable to the Seller or any other Person for any indirect, consequential, incidental, punitive, exemplary or special damages or expenses (including without limitation Attorney Costs), or for any damages resulting from any change in the value of any property relating to a Letter of Credit.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent, the LC Banks, the LC Participants, and the other Purchaser Parties and each of their respective Affiliates (i) may rely on any written communication believed in good faith by such Person to have been authorized or given by or on behalf of the applicant for a Letter of Credit; (ii) may honor any presentation if the documents presented appear on their face to comply with the terms and conditions of the relevant Letter of Credit; (iii) may honor a previously dishonored presentation under a Letter of Credit, whether such dishonor was pursuant to a court order, to settle or compromise any claim of wrongful dishonor, or otherwise, and shall be entitled to reimbursement to the same extent as if such presentation had initially been honored, together with any interest paid by any LC Bank or its Affiliates; (iv) may honor any drawing that is payable upon presentation of a statement advising negotiation or payment, upon receipt of such statement (even if such statement indicates that a draft or other document is being delivered separately), and shall not be liable for any failure of any such draft or other document to arrive, or to conform in any way with the relevant Letter of Credit; (v) may pay any paying or negotiating bank claiming that it rightfully honored under the laws or practices of the place where such bank is located; and (vi) may settle or adjust any claim or demand made on the Administrative Agent, the LC Banks, the LC Participants, or the other Purchaser Parties or their respective Affiliates, in any way related to any order issued at the applicant’s request to an air carrier, a letter of guarantee or of indemnity issued to a carrier or any similar document (each an “Order”) and may honor any drawing in connection with any Letter of Credit that is the subject of such Order, notwithstanding that any drafts or other documents presented in connection with such Letter of Credit fail to conform in any way with such Letter of Credit.

In furtherance and extension and not in limitation of the specific provisions set forth above, any action taken or omitted by an LC Bank under or in connection with any Letter of Credit issued by it or any documents and certificates delivered thereunder, if taken or omitted in good faith and without gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, shall not put such LC Bank under any resulting liability to the Seller, any Purchaser Party or any other Person.

 


	
 
	
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Article IV

SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS

Section 4.01.  Settlement Procedures.  

(a)The Servicer shall set aside and hold in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties (or, if so requested by the Administrative Agent, segregate in a separate account designated by the Administrative Agent, which shall be an account maintained and controlled by the Administrative Agent unless the Administrative Agent otherwise instructs in its sole discretion), for application in accordance with the priority of payments set forth below, all Collections on Pool Receivables that are received by the Servicer or the Seller or received in any Lock-Box or Collection Account; provided, however, that so long as each of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 6.03 are satisfied on such date, (A) the Servicer may release to the Seller from such Collections received on Unsold Receivables the amount (if any) necessary to pay (x) the purchase price for Receivables purchased by the Seller on such date in accordance with the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement or (y) amounts owing by the Seller to any Originator under any Intercompany Loan Agreement and (B) the Servicer may release to the Seller all or a portion of such Collections received on Sold Receivables in exchange for the Seller designating an equivalent amount (based on aggregate Outstanding Balances) of Unsold Receivables as new Sold Receivables on Seller’s books and records pursuant to Section 2.01(e), which new Sold Receivables will be automatically and immediately sold by the Seller to the Administrative Agent (for the ratable benefit of the Purchasers) pursuant to Section 2.01(b) upon such release (each such release of Collections described in clauses (A) and (B) above, a “Release”).  On each Settlement Date, the Servicer (or, following its assumption of control of the Collection Accounts, the Administrative Agent) shall, distribute such Collections in the following order of priority:

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

(ii)second, to each Purchaser and other Purchaser Party (ratably, based on the amount then due and owing), all accrued and unpaid Yield, Fees and Breakage Fees due to such Purchaser and other Purchaser Party for the immediately preceding Yield Period (including any additional amounts or indemnified amounts payable under Sections 5.03 and 13.01 in respect of such payments), plus, if applicable, the amount of any such Yield, Fees and Breakage Fees (including any additional amounts or indemnified amounts payable under Sections 5.03 and 13.01 in respect of such payments) payable for any prior Yield Period to the extent such amount has not been distributed to such Purchaser or Purchaser Party;

(iii)third, as set forth in clause (a), (b) or (c) below, as applicable:

(b)prior to the occurrence of the Termination Date : (I) first, to the extent that a Capital Coverage Deficit exists on such date, to the Purchasers (ratably, based on the aggregate outstanding Capital of each Purchaser at such time) for the return of a portion of the outstanding 

 


	
 
	
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Aggregate Capital at such time, in an aggregate amount equal to the amount necessary to reduce the Capital Coverage Deficit to zero ($0) and (II) second, to each LC Collateral Account (ratably based on the face amount of LCs issued by the applicable LC Bank), in reduction of the Adjusted LC Participation Amount, in an amount equal to the amount necessary (after giving effect to clause (I) above) to reduce the Capital Coverage Deficit to zero ($0); 

(c)on and after the occurrence of the Termination Date : (I) first, to each Purchaser (ratably, based on the aggregate outstanding Capital of each Purchaser at such time) for the return in full of the aggregate outstanding Capital of such Purchaser at such time and (II) second, to the applicable LC Collateral Account (ratably based on the face amount of LCs issued by the applicable LC Bank) (A) the amount necessary to reduce the Adjusted LC Participation Amount to zero ($0) and (B) an amount equal to the LC Fee Expectation at such time; or

(d)prior to the occurrence of the Termination Date, at the election of the Seller and in accordance with Section 2.02(d), to the return of all or any portion of the outstanding Capital of the Purchasers at such time (ratably, based on the aggregate outstanding Capital of each Purchaser at such time);

(i)fourth,  to the Purchaser Parties, the Affected Persons and the Seller Indemnified Parties (ratably, based on the amount due and owing at such time), for the payment of all other Seller Obligations then due and owing by the Seller to the Purchaser Parties, the Affected Persons and the Seller Indemnified Parties; and

(ii)fifth, the balance, if any, to be paid to the Seller for its own account.

Amounts payable pursuant to clauses first through fourth above shall be paid first from available Collections on Sold Receivables and other Sold Assets, and second, to the extent necessary in order to make all such payments in full, from Collections on Unsold Receivables and other Seller Collateral.  The Seller’s right to receive payments (if any) from time to time pursuant to clause fifth above shall, to the extent arising from Collections on Sold Receivables, constitute compensation to the Seller for the Seller’s provision of the Seller Guaranty and the Purchaser Parties’ interests in the Seller Collateral.  

(e)All payments or distributions to be made by the Servicer, the Seller and any other Person to the Purchasers (or their respective related Affected Persons and the Seller Indemnified Parties), the LC Banks and the LC Participants hereunder shall be paid or distributed to the related Group Agent at its Group Agent’s Account.  Each Group Agent, upon its receipt in the applicable Group Agent’s Account of any such payments or distributions, shall distribute such amounts to the applicable Purchasers, the LC Banks, the LC Participants, Affected Persons and the Seller Indemnified Parties within its Group ratably; provided that if such Group Agent shall have received insufficient funds to pay all of the above amounts in full on any such date, such Group Agent shall pay such amounts to the applicable Purchasers, the LC Banks, LC Participants, Affected Persons and the Seller Indemnified Parties within its Group in accordance with the priority of payments forth above, and with respect to any such category above for which there are insufficient funds to pay all amounts owing on such date, ratably (based on the amounts in such categories owing to each such Person in such Group) among all such Persons in such Group entitled to payment thereof.

 


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

(g)For the purposes of this Section 4.01:

(i)if on any day the Outstanding Balance of any Pool Receivable is reduced or adjusted as a result of any Dilution, the Seller shall be deemed to have received on such day a Collection of such Pool Receivable in the amount of such reduction or adjustment and shall on the second Business Day following knowledge of such Dilution pay any and all such amounts in respect thereof to a Collection Account (or as otherwise directed by the Administrative Agent at such time) for the benefit of the Purchaser Parties for application pursuant to Section 4.01(a);

(ii)if on any day any of the representations or warranties in Sections 7.01(p), (u), or (r) is not true with respect to any Pool Receivable, the Seller shall be deemed to have received on such day a Collection of such Pool Receivable in full and shall on the second Business Day following knowledge thereof pay the amount of such deemed Collection to a Collection Account (or as otherwise directed by the Administrative Agent at such time) for the benefit of the Purchaser Parties for application pursuant to Section 4.01(a) (Collections deemed to have been received pursuant to Section 4.01(d) are hereinafter sometimes referred to as “Deemed Collections”);

(iii)except as provided in clauses (i) or (ii) above or otherwise required by Applicable Law or the relevant Contract, all Collections received from an Obligor of any Receivable shall be applied to the Receivables of such Obligor in the order of the age of such Receivables, starting with the oldest such Receivable, unless such Obligor designates in writing its payment for application to specific Receivables; and

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

Section 4.02.  Payments and Computations, Etc.  (a) All amounts to be paid by the Seller or the Servicer to the Administrative Agent, any Purchaser Party, any Affected Person or any Seller Indemnified Party hereunder shall be paid no later than noon (New York City time) on the day when due in same day funds to the applicable Group Agent’s Account.

 


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

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

Article V

INCREASED COSTS; FUNDING LOSSES; TAXES; ILLEGALITY AND BACK-UP SECURITY INTEREST

Section 5.01.  Increased Costs.

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

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

(ii)subject any Affected Person to any Taxes (except to the extent such Taxes are Indemnified Taxes or Excluded Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or value of Receivables or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(iii)impose on any Affected Person any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) (A) affecting the Sold Assets, the Seller Collateral, this Agreement, any other Transaction Document, any Program Support Agreement, any Capital or any participation therein or (B) affecting its obligations or rights to make Investments or fund or maintain Capital or participate in Letters of Credit;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Affected Person of (A) acting as the Administrative Agent, a Group Agent or a Purchaser hereunder or as a Program Support Provider with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, (B) making any Investment or funding or maintaining any Capital (or any portion thereof) or issuing or participating in, any Letter of Credit (or interests therein) or (C) maintaining its obligation to make any Investment or to fund or maintain any Capital (or any portion thereof) or issuing or participating in, any Letter of Credit (or interests therein), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Affected Person hereunder, then, upon request of such Affected Person (or its Group Agent), the Seller shall pay to such Affected Person such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Affected Person for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 


	
 
	
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(b)Capital and Liquidity Requirements.  If any Affected Person determines that any Change in Law affecting such Affected Person or any lending office of such Affected Person or such Affected Person’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements, has or would have the effect of (x) increasing the amount of capital required to be maintained by such Affected Person or Affected Person’s holding company, if any, (y) reducing the rate of return on such Affected Person’s capital or on the capital of such Affected Person’s holding company, if any, or (z) causing an internal capital or liquidity charge or other imputed cost to be assessed upon such Affected Person or Affected Person’s holding company, if any, in each case, as a consequence of (A) this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (B) the commitments of such Affected Person hereunder or under any other Transaction Document or any related Program Support Agreement, (C) the Investments, Letters of Credit or participations in Letters of Credit, made or issued by such Affected Person, or (D) any Capital (or portion thereof), to a level below that which such Affected Person or such Affected Person’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Affected Person’s policies and the policies of such Affected Person’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time, upon request of such Affected Person (or its Group Agent), the Seller will pay to such Affected Person such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Affected Person or such Affected Person’s holding company for any such increase, reduction or charge.

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

(d)Certificates for Reimbursement.  A certificate of an Affected Person (or its Group Agent on its behalf) setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Affected Person or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in clause (a), (b) or (c) of this Section and delivered to the Seller, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Seller shall, subject to the priorities of payment set forth in Section 4.01, pay such Affected Person the amount shown as due on any such certificate on the first Settlement Date occurring at least ten (10) days after the Seller’s receipt of such certificate.

(e)Delay in Requests.  Failure or delay on the part of any Affected Person to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Affected Person’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Seller shall not be required to compensate an Affected Person pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Affected Person notifies the Seller of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Affected Person’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the one hundred eighty (180) days period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 


	
 
	
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Section 5.02.  Funding Losses.

(a)The Seller will pay each Purchaser all Breakage Fees.

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

Section 5.03.  Taxes.

(a)Payments Free of Taxes.  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Seller under any Transaction Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law.  If any Applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of the applicable Purchaser Party, Affected Person or Seller Indemnified Party) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment to a Purchaser Party, Affected Person or Seller Indemnified Party, then the applicable Purchaser Party, Affected Person or Seller Indemnified Party shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the Seller shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section), the applicable Purchaser Party, Affected Person or Seller Indemnified Party 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 Seller.  The Seller shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law, or, at the option of the Administrative Agent, timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

(c)Indemnification by the Seller.  The Seller shall indemnify each Affected Person, within ten days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any (I) Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Affected Person or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Affected Person and any penalties, interest and 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 and (II) Taxes that arise because an Investment or any Capital is not treated for U.S. federal, state, local or franchise tax purposes consistently with the Intended Tax Treatment (such indemnification will include any U.S. federal, state or local income and franchise taxes necessary to make such Affected Person whole on an after-tax basis taking into account the taxability of receipt of payments under this clause (II) and any reasonable expenses (other than Taxes) arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the foregoing).  Promptly upon having knowledge that any such Indemnified Taxes have been levied, imposed or assessed, and promptly upon notice by the Administrative Agent or any Affected Person (or its related Group Agent), the Seller shall pay such Indemnified Taxes directly to the 

 


	
 
	
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relevant taxing authority or Governmental Authority (or to the Administrative Agent or such Affected Person if such Taxes have already been paid to the relevant taxing authority or Governmental Authority); provided that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Affected Person shall be under any obligation to provide any such notice to the Seller.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Seller by an Affected Person (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of an Affected Person, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d)Indemnification by the Purchasers.  Each Purchaser (other than the Conduit Purchasers) shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Purchaser, its Related Conduit Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons (but only to the extent that the Seller and its Affiliates have not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting any obligation of the Seller, the Servicer or their Affiliates to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to the failure of such Purchaser, its Related Conduit Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons to comply with Section 15.03(f) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Purchaser, its Related Conduit Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Transaction Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Purchaser (or its Group Agent) by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Purchaser (other than the Conduit Purchasers) hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Purchaser, its Related Conduit Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons under any Transaction Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to such Purchaser, its Related Conduit Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates that are Affected Persons from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (d).

(e)Evidence of Payments.  As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by the Seller to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 5.03, the Seller shall deliver to the Administrative Agent evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(f)Status of Affected Persons.  (i) Any Affected Person that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Transaction Document shall deliver to the Seller and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Seller or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Seller or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Affected Person, if reasonably requested by the Seller or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Seller or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Seller or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Affected Person is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, 

 


	
 
	
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the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Sections 5.03(f)(ii)(A), 5.03(f)(ii)(B) and 5.03(g)) shall not be required if, in the Affected Person’s reasonable judgment, such completion, execution or submission would subject such Affected Person to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Affected Person.

(ii)Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

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

(B)any Affected Person that is not a U.S. Person shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Seller and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the Affected Person) from time to time upon the reasonable request of the Seller or the Administrative Agent, whichever of the following is applicable:

(1)in the case of such an Affected Person claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Transaction Document, executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W‐8BEN or Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Transaction Document, Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

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

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

 


	
 
	
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Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable; or

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

(C)any Affected Person that is not a U.S. Person shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Seller and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient), from time to time upon the reasonable request of the Seller or the Administrative Agent, executed originals of any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by Applicable Law to permit the Seller or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made. 

(g)Documentation Required by FATCA.  If a payment made to an Affected Person under any Transaction Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Affected Person were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Affected Person shall deliver to the Seller and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by Applicable Law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Seller 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 Seller or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Seller and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Affected Person has complied with such Affected Person’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment.  Solely for purposes of this clause (g), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

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

 


	
 
	
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(i)Updates.  Each Affected Person agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 5.03(f) or (g) expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Seller and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

(j)Treatment of Certain Refunds.  If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes (including any tax credit in lieu of a refund) as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 5.03 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 5.03), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 5.03 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (j) (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 (j), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (j) 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 with respect to such Tax had never been paid.  This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

Section 5.04.  Inability to Determine Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR; Change in Legality.

(a)If any Group Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto absent manifest error) on any day, by reason of circumstances affecting the interbank Eurodollar market, either that: (i) dollar deposits in the relevant amounts and for the relevant Yield Period or day, as applicable, are not available, (ii) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR for such Yield Period or day, as applicable, or (iii) Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR determined pursuant hereto does not accurately reflect the cost to the applicable Affected Person (as conclusively determined by such Group Agent) of maintaining any Portion of Capital during such Yield Period or day, as applicable, such Group Agent shall promptly give telephonic notice of such determination, confirmed in writing, to the Seller on such day.  Upon delivery of such notice: (i) no Portion of Capital shall be funded thereafter at Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR unless and until such Group Agent shall have given notice to the Administrative Agent and the Seller that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist and (ii) with respect to any outstanding Portion of Capital then funded at Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR, such Yield Rate shall automatically and immediately be converted to the Base Rate.

(b)If on any day any Group Agent shall have been notified by any Affected Person that such Affected Person has determined (which determination shall be final and conclusive absent manifest error) that any Change in Law, or compliance by such Affected Person 

 


	
 
	
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with any Change in Law, shall make it unlawful or impossible for such Affected Person to fund or maintain any Portion of Capital at or by reference to Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR, such Group Agent shall notify the Seller and the Administrative Agent thereof.  Upon receipt of such notice, until the applicable Group Agent notifies the Seller and the Administrative Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer apply, (i) no Portion of Capital shall be funded at or by reference to Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR and (ii) the Yield for any outstanding portions of Capital then funded at Adjusted LIBOR or LMIR shall automatically and immediately be converted to the Base Rate.

Section 5.05.  Back-Up Security Interest.  

(a)If, notwithstanding the intent of the parties stated in Section 2.01(c), the sale, assignment and transfer of any Sold Assets to the Administrative Agent (for the ratable benefit of the Purchasers) hereunder (including pursuant to Section 2.01(b)) is not treated as a sale for all purposes (except as provided in Sections 2.01(d) and 14.14), then such sale, assignment and transfer of such Sold Assets shall be treated as the grant of a security interest by the Seller to the Administrative Agent (for the ratable benefit of the Purchasers) to secure the payment and performance of all the Seller’s obligations to the Administrative Agent, the Purchasers and the other Secured Parties hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents (including all Seller Obligations).  Therefore, as security for the performance by the Seller of all the terms, covenants and agreements on the part of the Seller to be performed under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, including the punctual payment when due of the Aggregate Capital and all Yield and all other Seller Obligations, the Seller hereby grants to the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in, all of the Seller’s right, title and interest in, to and under all of the Sold Assets, whether now or hereafter owned, existing or arising.  

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

(c)For the avoidance of doubt, (i) the grant of security interest pursuant to this Section 5.05 shall be in addition to, and shall not be construed to limit or modify, the sale of Sold Assets pursuant to Section 2.01(b) or the Seller’s grant of security interest pursuant to Section 14.09, (ii) nothing in Section 2.01 shall be construed as limiting the rights, interests (including any security interest), obligations or liabilities of any party under this Section 5.05, and (iii) subject to the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), this Section 5.05 shall not be construed to contradict the intentions of the parties set forth in Section 2.01(c).

Section 5.06.  Benchmark Replacement Setting

(a)Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Transaction Document, if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in 

 


	
 
	
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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 Transaction Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (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 Transaction Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Purchasers without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Group Agents comprising the Majority Group Agents.

(b)Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. 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 Transaction 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 Transaction Document. 

(c)Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Seller and the Purchasers 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 paragraph (d) 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 Purchasers (or group of Purchasers) pursuant to this Section 5.06, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 5.06.

(d)Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Transaction Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or USD LIBOR) 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 

 


	
 
	
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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 “Yield 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 “Yield Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.  

(e)Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Seller’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Seller may revoke any request for an Investment accruing Yield based on USD LIBOR, conversion to or continuation of Investments accruing Yield based on USD LIBOR to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Seller will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for an Investment of or conversion to Investments bearing accruing Yield by reference to the Base Rate. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of the Base Rate based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of the Base Rate.

(f)Secondary Term SOFR Conversion.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Transaction 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 (i) the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder or under any Transaction Document in respect of such Benchmark setting (the “Secondary Term SOFR Conversion Date”) and subsequent Benchmark settings, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; and (ii) Capital outstanding on the Secondary Term SOFR Conversion Date accruing Yield based on the then-current Benchmark shall be deemed to have been converted to Capital accruing Yield at the Benchmark Replacement with a tenor approximately the same length as the interest payment period of the then-current Benchmark; provided that, this paragraph (f) shall not be effective unless the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Purchasers and the Seller a Term SOFR Notice.

(g)Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Section titled “Benchmark Replacement Setting”:

“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (x) if the then current Benchmark is a term rate or is based on a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark that is or may be used for determining the length of a Yield 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 “Yield Period” pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section 5.06, or (y) if the then current Benchmark is not a term rate nor based on a term rate, any payment period for 

 


	
 
	
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interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark pursuant to this Agreement as of such date.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Available Tenor for LMIR is one month.

“Benchmark” means, initially, USD LIBOR; 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 USD LIBOR 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 paragraph (a) of this Section 5.06.

“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 Seller 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 U.S. 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, with respect to a Term SOFR Transition Event, on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date, the “Benchmark Replacement” shall revert to and shall be determined as set forth in clause (1) of this definition. 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 Transaction Documents.

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

(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: 

 


	
 
	
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i.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 Available Tenor 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; 

ii.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 Available Tenor 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

(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 Seller 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 U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities; 

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

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Yield Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of investment requests or reductions, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides may be 

 


	
 
	
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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 Transaction Documents). 

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

(3) 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); 

(4) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date determined by the Administrative Agent, which date shall promptly follow the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein; 

(5) in the case of a Term SOFR Transition Event, the date that is set forth in the Term SOFR Notice provided to the Purchasers and the Seller pursuant to this Section 5.06, which date shall be at least 30 days from the date of the Term SOFR Notice; or

(6) 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 Purchasers, 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 Purchasers, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from Purchasers comprising the Majority Group Agents. 

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: 

 


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

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

(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) or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent 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 this Section 5.06 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Transaction Document in accordance with this Section 5.06.

“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. 

 


	
 
	
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“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. 

“Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is USD LIBOR, the occurrence of: 

 

(1) a notification by the Administrative Agent to (or the request by the Seller to the Administrative Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least five currently outstanding U.S. 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 Seller to trigger a fallback from USD LIBOR and the provision by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Purchasers. 

“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 USD LIBOR or, if no floor is specified, zero. 

“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. 

“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is USD LIBOR, 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 USD LIBOR, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion. 

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

“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 on the immediately succeeding Business Day. 

 


	
 
	
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“SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate). 

“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time. 

“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 Purchasers and the Seller 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, and is determinable for each Available Tenor, (b) the administration of Term SOFR is administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent and (c) a Benchmark Transition Event has previously occurred resulting in a Benchmark Replacement in accordance with Section 5.06 that is not Term SOFR.

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

“USD LIBOR” means the London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollars.

Article VI

CONDITIONS to Effectiveness, Investments and issuances

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

Section 6.02.  Conditions Precedent to All Investments and Issuances.  Each Investment and Issuance hereunder on or after the Closing Date shall be subject to the conditions precedent that:

(a)in the case of:

(i)an Investment, the Seller shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent an Investment Request for such Investment, and 

 


	
 
	
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(ii)a Letter of Credit, (A) the Seller shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent, each Group Agent and the applicable LC Bank, a Letter of Credit Application and an LC Request, in each case, in accordance with Section 2.02(a) or Section 3.02(a), as applicable and (B) in the case of the initial issuance of a Letter of Credit by an LC Bank, the applicable LC Collateral Account shall have been established at PNC;

(b)the Servicer shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent all Information Packages and Weekly Reports required to be delivered hereunder;

(c)the conditions precedent to such Investment or Issuance specified in Section 2.01(i) through (iv) and Section 3.01(a), as applicable, shall be satisfied;

(d)on the date of such Investment or Issuance the following statements shall be true and correct (and upon the occurrence of such Investment or Issuance, the Seller and the Servicer shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such statements are then true and correct):

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

(ii)no Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, and no Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination would result from such Investment or Issuance;

(iii)no Capital Coverage Deficit exists or would exist after giving effect to such Investment or Issuance; and

(iv)the Termination Date has not occurred.

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

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

(b)the Seller shall use the proceeds of such Release solely to pay the purchase price for Receivables purchased by the Seller in accordance with the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement and amounts owing by the Seller to the Originators under the Intercompany Loan Agreements; and

 


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

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

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

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

(iv)the Termination Date has not occurred.

Article VII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Section 7.01.  Representations and Warranties of the Seller.  The Seller represents and warrants to each Purchaser Party as of the Closing Date, on each Settlement Date and on each day on which an Investment, Issuance or Release shall have occurred:

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

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

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

 


	
 
	
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consummation of the transactions provided for in, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

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

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

(f)Action, Suit.  The Seller is not in violation of any order of any Governmental Authority that would, individually or in the aggregate with all such other violations, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There are no actions, suits, litigation or proceedings pending or, to its knowledge, threatened in writing against or affecting it or any of its Affiliates or their respective properties, in or before any Governmental Authority, as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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

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

 


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

(j)Offices; Legal Name.  The Seller’s sole jurisdiction of organization is the State of Delaware and such jurisdiction has not changed within four months prior to the date of this Agreement.  The office of the Seller is located at Suite 450, 5475 Rings Road, Dublin, OH 43017.  The legal name of the Seller is CVG Capital III LLC.

(k)Investment Company Act; Volcker Rule.  The Seller (i) is not, and is not controlled by, an “investment company” registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act and (ii) is not a “covered fund” under the Volcker Rule.  In determining that the Seller is not a “covered fund” under the Volcker Rule, the Seller relies on, and is entitled to rely on, the exemption from the definition of “investment company” set forth in Section 3(c)(5) of the Investment Company Act.

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

(m)Accuracy of Information.  None of the written information (including e-mail) heretofore, contemporaneously or hereafter furnished by the Seller, the Servicer, any Originator or any of their respective agents or advisors to any Purchaser, any Group Agent, any LC Bank, any LC Participant or the Administrative Agent for purposes of or in connection with any Transaction Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby contains or will contain any statement which is untrue or misleading in any material respect on the date as of which such information is provided, dated or certified, and no such item of information contains or will contain any untrue statement of material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, as the case may be; provided that any such information delivered subsequent to any other written information and on the same subject matter shall, solely to the extent each such item of information is delivered to the same addressee, supersede such earlier delivered information unless the Seller, the applicable Originator or the Servicer shall expressly state otherwise in writing.  No written information (including e-mail) (subject to the proviso of the preceding sentence) contained in any report or certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading on the date as of which such information is dated or certified.  With respect to any projections, budgets and other forward looking financial information, it is understood and agreed that (i) any forward-looking information furnished by the Seller, any Originator or the Servicer is subject to inherent uncertainties and contingencies, which may be beyond the control of such Person, (ii) no assurance is given by the Seller, any Originator or the Servicer that the results or forecast in any such forward-looking information will be realized and (iii) the actual results may differ from the forecast results set forth in such forward-looking information and such differences may be material.  Furthermore, no representation or warranty is made with respect to information of a general economic or general industry nature.  Notwithstanding anything in the forgoing paragraph, it is understood and agreed that this Section 7.01(m) shall not apply to any matters addressed by Section 7.01(u).

 


	
 
	
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(n)Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance.  No Covered Entity is a Sanctioned Person.  No Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, (i) has any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (ii) does business in or with, or derives any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; or (iii) engages in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law.

(o)Transaction Information.  None of the Seller, any Affiliate of the Seller or any third party with which the Seller or any Affiliate thereof has contracted, has delivered, in writing or orally, to any Rating Agency, any Transaction Information without providing such Transaction Information to the applicable Group Agent prior to delivery to such Rating Agency and has not participated in any oral communications with respect to Transaction Information with any Rating Agency without inviting such Group Agent to participate in such oral communications.

(p)Perfection Representations.

(i)This Agreement creates a valid and continuing ownership or security interest (as defined in the applicable UCC) in the Seller’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral which (A) ownership or security interest has been perfected and is enforceable against creditors of and purchasers from the Seller and (B) will be free of all Adverse Claims in such Sold Assets and Seller Collateral; 

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

(iii)Prior to the sale of, or grant of security interest in, the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral hereunder, the Seller owns and has good and marketable title to such Sold Assets and Seller Collateral free and clear of any Adverse Claim of any Person. After giving effect to the sale of, or grant of security interest in, the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral hereunder, the Administrative Agent owns or has a first priority perfected security interest in the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral free and clear of any Adverse Claim of any Person;

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

(v)Other than the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement, the Seller has not pledged, assigned, sold, granted a security interest in, or otherwise conveyed any of the Sold Assets or Seller Collateral except as 

 


	
 
	
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permitted by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.  The Seller has not authorized the filing of and is not aware of any financing statements filed against the Seller that include a description of collateral covering the Sold Assets or Seller Collateral other than any financing statement (i) in favor of the Administrative Agent or (ii) that has been terminated. The Seller is not aware of any judgment lien, ERISA lien or tax lien filings against the Seller; and

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

provided, however, that Seller does not make any representation as to whether any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable has been perfected solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America). 

(q)The Lock-Boxes and Collection Accounts.

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

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

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

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

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

(s)Compliance with Law.  The Seller has complied with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject except to the extent any noncompliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 


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

(u)Eligible Receivables.  Each Receivable included as an Eligible Receivable in the calculation of the Net Receivables Pool Balance as of any date is an Eligible Receivable as of such date.

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

(w)Tax Status.  The Seller (i) either is, and shall at all relevant times continue to be, (A) a “disregarded entity” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation § 301.7701-3 for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is wholly owned by a “United States person” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) or (B) a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of the beneficial owners of which are “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) and (ii) is not and will not at any relevant time become an association (or publicly traded partnership) taxable a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  The Seller is not subject to any Tax in any jurisdiction outside the United States or any material state or local tax.

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

(y)Other Transaction Documents.  Each representation and warranty made by the Seller under each other Transaction Document to which it is a party is true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made.

(z)Liquidity Coverage Ratio.  The Seller does not, does not and will not during this Agreement issue any LCR Security.  The Seller further represents and warrants that its assets and liabilities are consolidated with the assets and liabilities of Ashland Global for purposes of GAAP.

(aa)Beneficial Ownership Regulation.  As of the Closing Date, the Seller is an entity that is organized under the laws of the United States or of any state and at least 51% of whose common stock or analogous equity interest is owned directly or indirectly by a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or designated as a NASDAQ National Market Security listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange and is excluded on that basis from the definition of "Legal Entity Customer" as defined in the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

(bb)Linked Accounts.  Except for the Permitted Linked Account, there are no (i) “Linked Accounts” (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Bank of America, N.A.) 

 


	
 
	
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with respect to any Collection Account maintained at Bank of America, N.A, or (ii) any controlled disbursement account or other deposit account at any time linked to any of the Accounts (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Truist Bank) by a zero balance account connection or other automated funding mechanism with respect to any Collection Account maintained at Truist Bank.

(cc)ERISA.  No steps have been taken by any Person to terminate any Pension Plan the assets of which are not sufficient to satisfy all of its benefit liabilities (as determined under Title IV of ERISA), no contribution failure has occurred or is expected to occur with respect to any Pension Plan sufficient to give rise to a lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA, and each Pension Plan has been administered in all material respects in compliance with its terms and applicable provision of ERISA and the Code.

(dd)Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties.  On the date of each Investment or Issuance, on the date of each Release, on each Settlement Date and on the date each Information Package, Weekly Report or other report is delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Group Agent hereunder, the Seller shall be deemed to have certified that (i) all representations and warranties of the Seller hereunder are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such day as though made on and as of such day, except for representations and warranties which apply as to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date) and (ii) no Event of Termination or an Unmatured Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing or will result from such Investment, Issuance or Release.

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

Section 7.02.  Representations and Warranties of the Servicer.  The Servicer represents and warrants to each Purchaser Party as of the Closing Date, on each Settlement Date and on each day on which an Investment, Issuance or Release shall have occurred:

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

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

(c)Power and Authority; Due Authorization.  The Servicer has all necessary power and authority to (i) execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and (ii) perform its obligations under this Agreement and the 

 


	
 
	
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other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the execution, delivery and performance of, and the consummation of the transactions provided for in, this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by the Servicer by all necessary action.

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

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

(f)Action, Suit.  The Servicer is not in violation of any order of any Governmental Authority that would, individually or in the aggregate with all such other violations, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There are no actions, suits, litigation or proceedings pending or, to its knowledge, threatened in writing against or affecting it or any of its Affiliates or their respective properties, in or before any Governmental Authority, as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(g)No Consents.  The Servicer is not required to obtain the consent of any other party or any consent, license, approval, registration, authorization or declaration of or with any Governmental Authority in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document to which it is a party that has not already been obtained, except where the failure to obtain such consent, license, approval, registration, authorization or declaration could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(h)Compliance with Applicable Law.  The Servicer (i) shall duly satisfy all obligations on its part to be fulfilled under or in connection with the Pool Receivables and the related Contracts, (ii) has maintained in effect all qualifications required under Applicable Law in 

 


	
 
	
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order to properly service the Pool Receivables and (iii) has complied in all material respects with all Applicable Laws in connection with servicing the Pool Receivables, except to the extent any noncompliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(i)Accuracy of Information.  None of the written information (including e-mail) heretofore, contemporaneously or hereafter furnished by the Seller, the Servicer, any Originator or any of their respective agents or advisors to any Purchaser, any Group Agent, any LC Bank, any LC Participant or the Administrative Agent for purposes of or in connection with any Transaction Document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby contains or will contain any statement which is untrue or misleading in any material respect on the date as of which such information is provided, dated or certified, and no such item of information contains or will contain any untrue statement of material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, as the case may be; provided that any such information delivered subsequent to any other written information and on the same subject matter shall, solely to the extent each such item of information is delivered to the same addressee, supersede such earlier delivered information unless the Seller, the applicable Originator or the Servicer shall expressly state otherwise in writing.  No written information (including e-mail) (subject to the proviso of the preceding sentence) contained in any report or certificate delivered pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading on the date as of which such information is dated or certified.  With respect to any projections, budgets and other forward looking financial information, it is understood and agreed that (i) any forward-looking information furnished by the Seller, any Originator or the Servicer is subject to inherent uncertainties and contingencies, which may be beyond the control of such Person, (ii) no assurance is given by the Seller, any Originator or the Servicer that the results or forecast in any such forward-looking information will be realized and (iii) the actual results may differ from the forecast results set forth in such forward-looking information and such differences may be material.  Furthermore, no representation or warranty is made with respect to information of a general economic or general industry nature.  Notwithstanding anything in the forgoing paragraph, it is understood and agreed that this Section 7.02(i) shall not apply to any matters addressed by Section 7.02(l).

(j)Location of Records.  The offices where the initial Servicer keeps all of its records relating to the servicing of the Pool Receivables are located at 5475 Rings Road, Dublin, OH 43017.

(k)Credit and Collection Policy.  The Servicer has complied in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contracts.

(l)Eligible Receivables.  Each Receivable included as an Eligible Receivable in the calculation of the Net Receivables Pool Balance as of any date is an Eligible Receivable as of such date.

(m)Servicing Programs.  No license or approval is required for the Administrative Agent’s use of any software or other computer program used by the Servicer, any 

 


	
 
	
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Originator or any Sub-Servicer in the servicing of the Pool Receivables, other than those which have been obtained and are in full force and effect.

(n)Servicing of Pool Receivables.  Since the Closing Date there has been no material adverse change in the ability of the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer to service and collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security.

(o)Other Transaction Documents.  Each representation and warranty made by the Servicer under each other Transaction Document to which it is a party (including, without limitation, the Purchase and Sale Agreement) is true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made.

(p)Investment Company Act.  The Servicer is not an “investment company,” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company,” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act.

(q)Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance.  No Covered Entity is a Sanctioned Person.  No Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, (i) has any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (ii) does business in or with, or derives any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; or (iii) engages in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law.

(r)Transaction Information.  Except as may be required by Applicable Law, none of the Servicer, any Affiliate of the Servicer or any third party with which the Servicer or any Affiliate thereof has contracted, has delivered, in writing or orally, to any Rating Agency, or monitoring a rating of, any Notes, any Transaction Information without providing such Transaction Information to the applicable Group Agent prior to delivery to such Rating Agency and has not participated in any oral communications with respect to Transaction Information with any Rating Agency without inviting such Group Agent to participate in such oral communications.

(s)Financial Condition.  The consolidated balance sheets of the Servicer and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 and the related statements of income and shareholders’ equity of the Servicer and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter then ended, copies of which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent and the Group Agents, present fairly in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the Servicer and its consolidated Subsidiaries for the period ended on such date, all in accordance with GAAP.

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

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

 


	
 
	
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(v)Opinions.  The facts regarding the Seller, the Servicer, each Originator, each Performance Guarantor, the Receivables, the Related Security and the related matters set forth or assumed in each of the opinions of counsel delivered in connection with this Agreement and the Transaction Documents are true and correct in all material respects.

(w)Other Transaction Documents.  Each representation and warranty made by the Servicer under each other Transaction Document to which it is a party is true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made.

(x)Linked Accounts.  Except for the Permitted Linked Account, there are no (i) “Linked Accounts” (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Bank of America, N.A.) with respect to any Collection Account maintained at Bank of America, N.A, or (ii) any controlled disbursement account or other deposit account at any time linked to any of the Accounts (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Truist Bank) by a zero balance account connection or other automated funding mechanism with respect to any Collection Account maintained at Truist Bank.

(y)No Servicer Default.  No event has occurred and is continuing and no condition exists which constitutes or may reasonably be expected to constitute a Servicer Default.

(z)ERISA.  No steps have been taken by any Person to terminate any Pension Plan the assets of which are not sufficient to satisfy all of its benefit liabilities (as determined under Title IV of ERISA), no contribution failure has occurred or is expected to occur with respect to any Pension Plan sufficient to give rise to a lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA, and each Pension Plan has been administered in all material respects in compliance with its terms and applicable provision of ERISA and the Code.

(aa)Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties.  On the date of each Investment or Issuance, on the date of each Release, on each Settlement Date and on the date each Information Package, Weekly Report or other report is delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Group Agent hereunder, the Servicer shall be deemed to have certified that (i) all representations and warranties of the Servicer hereunder are true and correct in all material respects on and as of such day as though made on and as of such day, except for representations and warranties which apply as to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such date) and (ii) no Event of Termination or an Unmatured Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing or will result from such Investment, Issuance or Release.

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

 


	
 
	
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Article VIII

COVENANTS

Section 8.01.  Covenants of the Seller.  At all times from the Closing Date until the Final Payout Date:

(a)Payment of Principal and Yield.  The Seller shall duly and punctually pay Capital, Yield, Fees and all other amounts payable by the Seller hereunder in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(b)Existence.  The Seller shall keep in full force and effect its existence and rights as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware, and shall obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is or shall be necessary to protect the validity and enforceability of this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the Sold Assets and the Seller Collateral, except to the extent the failure to be so duly organized, in good standing or to maintain authority would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. 

(c)Financial Reporting.  The Seller will maintain a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and the Seller (or the Servicer on its behalf) shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent:

(i)Annual Financial Statements of the Seller.  Promptly upon completion and in no event later than 90 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Seller, annual unaudited financial statements of the Seller certified by a Financial Officer of the Seller that they fairly present in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP, the financial condition of the Seller as of the date indicated and the results of its operations for the periods indicated.

(ii)Quarterly Financial Statements of the Seller.  Promptly upon completion and in no event later than 45 days following the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in each of the Seller’s fiscal years, quarterly unaudited financial statements of the Seller certified by a Financial Officer of the Seller that they fairly present in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP, the financial condition of the Seller as of the date indicated and the results of its operations for the periods indicated.

(iii)Information Packages and Weekly Reports.  By no later than 4:00 p.m. on the second Business Day prior to each Settlement Date, or if such day is not a Business Day then on the next succeeding Business Day (and, during the continuation of an Event of Termination or an Unmatured Event of Termination, within three (3) Business Days after a request from the Administrative Agent or any Group Agent), the Servicer (or the Seller on its behalf) shall prepare and forward to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent an Information Package, certified by the Servicer.  In addition to the foregoing, at such times as (a) Ashland Global’s unsecured debt has a public rating from S&P below “BB-”, or (b) Ashland’s unsecured debt has a public rating from Moody’s below “Ba3”, the Servicer shall be obligated to prepare and forward to the Administrative 

 


	
 
	
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Agent and each Group Agent a Weekly Report on every Thursday of each calendar week (or the next Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), certified by the Servicer (or the Seller on its behalf).  The reporting period covered by a Weekly Report shall be the period ending on (and including) the Friday preceding the applicable reporting date and beginning on (and including) the Saturday preceding such Friday.  

(iv)Other Information.  Such other information (including non-financial information) as the Administrative Agent or any Group Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

(v)Quarterly Financial Statements of Parent.  As soon as available and in no event later than 45 days following the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in each of Parent’s fiscal years, (i) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet and statements of income of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter and the related unaudited consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the elapsed portion of the fiscal year ended with the last day of such fiscal quarter, in each case setting forth comparative figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter in the prior fiscal year, all of which shall be certified by a Financial Officer of Parent that they fairly present in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP, the financial condition of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations for the periods indicated, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes and (ii) management’s discussion and analysis of the important operational and financial developments during such fiscal quarter.

(vi)Annual Financial Statements of Parent.  Within 90 days after the close of each of Parent’s fiscal years, the consolidated balance sheet of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and the related consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for such fiscal year setting forth comparative figures for the preceding fiscal year, all reported on by independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing (without (x) a “going concern” or like qualification or exception or (y) a qualification as to the scope of the audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects, in accordance with GAAP, the financial condition of Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations for the periods indicated.

(vii)Other Reports and Filings.  Promptly (but in any event within ten days) after the filing or delivery thereof, copies of all financial information, proxy materials and reports, if any, which Parent or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries shall publicly file with the SEC or deliver to holders (or any trustee, agent or other representative therefor) of any of its material Debt pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing the same.

(viii)Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any financial information, proxy statements or other material required to be delivered pursuant to this paragraph (c) shall be deemed to have been furnished to each of the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent on the date that such report, proxy statement or other material is posted on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.  

 


	
 
	
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(d)Notices.  The Seller (or the Servicer on its behalf) will notify the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent in writing of any of the following events promptly upon (but in no event later than five (5) Business Days after) a Financial Officer or other officer learning of the occurrence thereof, with such notice describing the same, and if applicable, the steps being taken by the Person(s) affected with respect thereto:

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

(ii)[Reserved].

(iii)Litigation.  The institution of any litigation, arbitration proceeding or governmental proceeding with respect to the Seller, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any Originator, which with respect to any Person other than the Seller, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(iv)Adverse Claim.  (A) Any Person shall obtain an Adverse Claim upon the Sold Assets or Seller Collateral or any portion thereof, (B) any Person other than the Seller, the Servicer or the Administrative Agent shall obtain any rights or direct any action with respect to any Collection Account (or related Lock-Box) or (C) any Obligor shall receive any change in payment instructions with respect to Pool Receivable(s) from a Person other than the Servicer or the Administrative Agent.  

(v)Change in Name or Jurisdiction of Organization, etc.  At least thirty (30) days before any change in any Originator’s or the Seller’s name, jurisdiction of organization or any other change requiring the amendment of UCC financing statements.

(vi)Change in Accountants or Accounting Policy.  Any change in (i) the external accountants of the Seller, the Servicer, any Originator or the Parent, (ii) any accounting policy of the Seller or (iii) any material accounting policy of any Originator that is relevant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (it being understood that any change to the manner in which any Originator accounts for the Pool Receivables shall be deemed “material” for such purpose).

(vii)Termination Event.  The occurrence of a Purchase and Sale Termination Event under the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

(viii)Material Adverse Change.  Promptly after the occurrence thereof, notice of any Material Adverse Effect.

(e)Conduct of Business.  The Seller will carry on and conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted and will do all things necessary to remain duly organized, validly existing and in good standing as a domestic organization in its jurisdiction of organization and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted, except to 

 


	
 
	
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the extent the failure to be so duly organized, in good standing or to maintain authority would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(f)Compliance with Laws.  The Seller will comply with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject if the failure to comply could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(g)Furnishing of Information and Inspection of Receivables.  The Seller will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent from time to time such information with respect to the Pool Receivables and the other Sold Assets and the Seller Collateral as the Administrative Agent or any Group Agent may reasonably request.  The Seller will, at the Seller’s expense, during regular business hours with prior written notice (i) permit the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent or their respective agents or representatives to (A) examine and make copies of and abstracts from all books and records relating to the Pool Receivables or other Sold Assets and the Seller Collateral, (B) visit the offices and properties of the Seller for the purpose of examining such books and records and (C) discuss matters relating to the Pool Receivables, the other Sold Assets, the Seller Collateral or the Seller’s performance hereunder or under the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party with any of the officers, directors, employees or independent public accountants of the Seller having knowledge of such matters and (ii) without limiting the provisions of clause (i) above, during regular business hours, at the Seller’s expense, upon prior written notice from the Administrative Agent, permit certified public accountants or other auditors acceptable to the Administrative Agent to conduct a review of its books and records with respect to such Pool Receivables and other Sold Assets and the Seller Collateral; provided, that the Seller shall be required to reimburse the Administrative Agent for only one (1) such review pursuant to clause (ii) above in any twelve-month period, unless an Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing.

(h)Payments on Receivables, Collection Accounts.  The Seller (or the Servicer on its behalf) will, and will cause each Originator to, at all times, instruct all Obligors to deliver payments on the Pool Receivables to a Collection Account or a Lock-Box.  The Seller (or the Servicer on its behalf) will, and will cause each Originator to, at all times, maintain such books and records necessary to identify Collections received from time to time on Pool Receivables and to segregate such Collections from other property of the Servicer and the Originators.  If any payments on the Pool Receivables or other Collections are received by the Seller, the Servicer or an Originator, it shall hold such payments in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Group Agents and the other Secured Parties and promptly (but in any event within two (2) Business Days after receipt) remit such funds into a Collection Account.  The Seller (or the Servicer on its behalf) will cause each Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of each applicable Account Control Agreement.  The Seller shall not permit funds other than Collections on Pool Receivables and other Sold Assets and Seller Collateral to be deposited into any Collection Account.  If such funds are nevertheless deposited into any Collection Account, the Seller (or the Servicer on its behalf) will within two (2) Business Days identify and transfer such funds to the appropriate Person entitled to such funds.  The Seller will not, and will not permit the Servicer, any Originator or any other Person to commingle Collections or other funds to which the Administrative Agent, any Group Agent or any other Secured Party is entitled, with any other funds.  The Seller shall only add a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box) or a Collection 

 


	
 
	
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Account Bank to those listed on Schedule II to this Agreement, if the Administrative Agent has received notice of such addition and an executed and acknowledged copy of an Account Control Agreement (or an amendment thereto) in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent from the applicable Collection Account Bank.  The Seller shall only terminate a Collection Account Bank or close a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box) with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.  The Servicer shall ensure that no disbursements are made from any Collection Account, other than such disbursements that are made at the direction and for the account of the Seller.

(i)Sales, Liens, etc.  Except as otherwise provided herein, the Seller will not sell, assign (by operation of law or otherwise) or otherwise dispose of, or create or suffer to exist any Adverse Claim upon (including, without limitation, the filing of any financing statement) or with respect to, any Pool Receivable, Sold Assets or any Seller Collateral, or assign any right to receive income in respect thereof.

(j)Extension or Amendment of Pool Receivables.  Except as otherwise permitted in Section 9.02, the Seller will not, and will not permit the Servicer to, alter the delinquency status or adjust the Outstanding Balance or otherwise modify the terms of any Pool Receivable in any material respect, or amend, modify or waive, in any material respect, any term or condition of any related Contract.  The Seller shall at its expense, timely and fully perform and comply in all material respects with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Contracts related to the Pool Receivables, and timely and fully comply with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contract.

(k)Change in Credit and Collection Policy.  The Seller will not make any change in the Credit and Collection Policy that could impair the collectability of any Eligible Receivable in any material respect or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents.  At least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date any material change in or amendment to the Credit and Collection Policy is made, the Seller will deliver a copy of the updated Credit and Collection Policy to the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser.

(l)Fundamental Changes.  The Seller shall not, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents, permit itself (i) to merge or consolidate with or into, or convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to, any Person or (ii) undertake any division of its rights, assets, obligations, or liabilities pursuant to a plan of division or otherwise pursuant to Applicable Law or (iii) to be directly owned by any Person other than an Originator.  The Seller shall not, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents, make any change in the Seller’s name, identity, corporate structure or location or make any other change in the Seller’s identity or corporate structure that could impair or otherwise render any UCC financing statement filed in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document “seriously misleading” as such term (or similar term) is used in the applicable UCC.

(m)Books and Records.  The Seller shall maintain and implement (or cause the Servicer to maintain and implement) administrative and operating procedures (including an ability 

 


	
 
	
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to recreate records evidencing Pool Receivables and related Contracts in the event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain (or cause the Servicer to keep and maintain) all documents, books, records, computer tapes and disks and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all Pool Receivables (including records adequate to permit the daily identification of each Pool Receivable and all Collections of and adjustments to each existing Pool Receivable).

(n)Identifying of Records.  The Seller shall: (i) identify (or cause the Servicer to identify) its master data processing records relating to Pool Receivables and related Contracts with a legend that indicates that the Pool Receivables have been pledged in accordance with this Agreement and (ii) cause each Originator so to identify its master data processing records with such a legend.

(o)Change in Payment Instructions to Obligors.  The Seller shall not (and shall not permit the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer to) add, replace or terminate any Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box) or make any change in its (or their) instructions to the Obligors regarding payments to be made to the Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box), other than any instruction to remit payments to a different Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box), unless the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) prior written notice of such addition, termination or change and (ii) a signed and acknowledged Account Control Agreement (or amendment thereto) with respect to such new Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box), and the Administrative Agent shall have consented to such change in writing.

(p)Security Interest, Etc.  The Seller shall (and shall cause the Servicer to), at its expense, take all action necessary or reasonably desirable to establish and maintain a valid and enforceable ownership or security interest in the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral, and a first priority perfected security interest in the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim, in favor of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), including taking such action to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the security interest of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) as the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party may reasonably request; provided, however, that Seller shall not be required to perfect any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America).  In order to evidence the security interests of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, the Seller shall, from time to time take such action, or execute and deliver such instruments as may be necessary (including, without limitation, such actions as are reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent) to maintain and perfect, as a first-priority interest, the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Receivables, Related Security and Collections; provided, however, that Seller shall not be required to perfect any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America).  The Seller shall, from time to time and within the time limits established by law, prepare and present to the Administrative Agent for the Administrative Agent’s authorization and approval, all financing statements, amendments, continuations or initial financing statements in lieu of a continuation statement, or other filings necessary to continue, maintain and perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest as a first-

 


	
 
	
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priority interest.  The Administrative Agent’s approval of such filings shall authorize the Seller to file such financing statements under the UCC without the signature of the Seller, any Originator or the Administrative Agent where allowed by Applicable Law.  Notwithstanding anything else in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, the Seller shall not have any authority to file a termination, partial termination, release, partial release, or any amendment that deletes the name of a debtor or excludes any Sold Assets or Seller Collateral of any such financing statements filed in connection with the Transaction Documents, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

(q)Certain Agreements.  Without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents, the Seller will not (and will not permit any Originator or the Servicer to) amend, modify, waive, revoke or terminate any Transaction Document to which it is a party or any provision of the Seller’s organizational documents which requires the consent of the “Independent Director” (as such term is used in the Seller’s Certificate of Formation and Limited Liability Company Agreement).

(r)Restricted Payments.  (i)  Except pursuant to clause (ii) below, the Seller will not: (A) purchase or redeem any of its membership interests, (B) declare or pay any dividend or set aside any funds for any such purpose, (C) prepay, purchase or redeem any Debt, (D) lend or advance any funds or (E) repay any loans or advances to, for or from any of its Affiliates (the amounts described in clauses (A) through (E) being referred to as “Restricted Payments”).

(ii)Subject to the limitations set forth in clause (iii) below, the Seller may make Restricted Payments so long as such Restricted Payments are made only in one or more of the following ways: (A) the Seller may make cash payments (including prepayments) on the Intercompany Loans in accordance with their respective terms and (B) the Seller may declare and pay dividends if, both immediately before and immediately after giving effect thereto, the Seller’s Net Worth is not less than the Required Capital Amount.

(iii)The Seller may make Restricted Payments only out of the funds, if any, it receives pursuant to Sections 4.01 of this Agreement; provided that the Seller shall not pay, make or declare any Restricted Payment (including any dividend) if, after giving effect thereto, any Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination shall have occurred and be continuing.

(s)Other Business.  The Seller will not: (i) engage in any business other than the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (ii) create, incur or permit to exist any Debt of any kind (or cause or permit to be issued for its account any letters of credit (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Letters of Credit issued hereunder) or bankers’ acceptances other than pursuant to this Agreement or the Intercompany Loan Agreements or (iii) form any Subsidiary or make any investments in any other Person.

(t)Use of Collections Available to the Seller.  The Seller shall apply the Collections available to the Seller to make payments in the following order of priority: (i) the payment of its obligations under this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents 

 


	
 
	
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(other than the Intercompany Loan Agreements), (ii) the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Intercompany Loans and (iii) other legal and valid purposes.

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

(ii)The Seller authorizes the Administrative Agent to file financing statements, continuation statements and amendments thereto and assignments thereof, relating to the Receivables, the Related Security, the related Contracts, Collections with respect thereto and the other Sold Assets and Seller Collateral without the signature of the Seller.  A photocopy or other reproduction of this Agreement shall be sufficient as a financing statement where permitted by law.

(iii)The Seller shall at all times be organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and shall not take any action to change its jurisdiction of organization.

(iv)The Seller will not change its name, location, identity or corporate structure unless (x) the Seller, at its own expense, shall have taken all action necessary or appropriate to perfect or maintain the perfection of the security interest under this Agreement (including, without limitation, the filing of all financing statements and the taking of such other action as the Administrative Agent may request in connection with such change or relocation) and (y) if requested by the Administrative Agent, the Seller shall cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent, an opinion, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as to such UCC perfection and priority matters as the Administrative Agent may request at such time.

(v)Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance.  The Seller will not become a Sanctioned Person.  No Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, will (a) have any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (b) do business in or with, or derive any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (c) engage in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law or (d) use the proceeds of any Investment or Issuance to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.  The funds used to repay each Investment or Issuance will not be derived from any unlawful activity.  The Seller shall comply with all Anti-Terrorism Laws.  The Seller shall promptly notify the 

 


	
 
	
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Administrative Agent and each Purchaser in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event.  The Seller has not used and will not use the proceeds of any Investment or Issuance to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Country.

(w)Transaction Information.  Except as may be required by Applicable Law, none of the Seller, any Affiliate of the Seller or any third party with which the Seller or any Affiliate thereof has contracted, shall deliver, in writing or orally, to any Rating Agency, any Transaction Information without providing such Transaction Information to the applicable Group Agent prior to delivery to such Rating Agency and will not participate in any oral communications with respect to Transaction Information with any Rating Agency without the participation of such Group Agent.

(x)Taxes.  The Seller will (i) timely file all Tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed by it and (ii) pay, or cause to be paid, all Taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than Taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

(y)Seller’s Tax Status.  The Seller will remain (i) either (A) a wholly-owned subsidiary of a United States person (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) or (B) a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of the beneficial owners of which are “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) and (ii) not be subject to withholding under Section 1446 of the Code. No action will be taken that would cause the Seller to (i) be treated other than as (A) a “disregarded entity” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation § 301.7701-3 for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (B) a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of the beneficial owners of which are “United States persons” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code or (ii) become an association taxable as a corporation or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  The Seller shall not become subject to any Tax in any jurisdiction outside the United States or any material state or local tax.  If Seller is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then it will, to the extent eligible, make an election under Section 6221(b) or Section 6226(a) of the Code (or any similar election available pursuant to the U.S. Treasury Regulations under Sections 6221 through 6241 of the Code at such time) for the applicable taxable year or with respect to an applicable determination of partnership adjustment.

(z)Liquidity Coverage Ratio.  The Seller shall not issue any LCR Security.

(aa)Beneficial Ownership Regulation.  Promptly following any change that would result in a change to the status as an excluded “Legal Entity Customer” under (and as defined in) the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, the Seller shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a Certification of Beneficial Owner(s) complying with the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

(bb)Linked Accounts.  Except for the Permitted Linked Account, Seller shall not permit any (i) “Linked Account” (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Bank of America, N.A.) to exist with respect to any Collection Account maintained at Bank of America, 

 


	
 
	
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N.A, or (ii) controlled disbursement account or other deposit account at any time linked to any of the Accounts (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Truist Bank) by a zero balance account connection or other automated funding mechanism with respect to any Blocked Account maintained at Truist Bank; provided, however, that at any time (w) during the continuance of a an Event of Termination, (x) during the continuance of an Unmatured Event of Termination, (y) that Ashland Global’s unsecured debt has a public rating from S&P below “BB-”, or (z) that Ashland’s unsecured debt has a public rating from Moody’s below “Ba3”, the Seller shall, if so instructed by the Administrative Agent (in its sole discretion), cause the Permitted Linked Account, promptly, but not later than five (5) Business Days following the Seller’s or the Servicer’s receipt of such instruction, to cease being a (i) “Linked Account” (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Bank of America, N.A.) or (ii) controlled disbursement account or other deposit account linked to any of the Accounts (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Truist Bank) by a zero balance account connection or other automated funding mechanism with respect to any Collection Account maintained at Truist Bank.

(cc)Seller’s Net Worth.  The Seller shall not permit the Seller’s Net Worth to be less than the Required Capital Amount.

(dd)Minimum Funding Threshold.  At all times after the 60th day following the Closing Date, the Seller shall cause the Aggregate Capital to exceed the Minimum Funding Threshold at all times; provided, that, upon written notice from the Seller to the Administrative Agent, the Seller shall be entitled to designate by written notice to the Administrative Agent a holiday from compliance with the Minimum Funding Threshold for a period of sixty consecutive calendar days not more than once per calendar year. 

Section 8.02.  Covenants of the Servicer.  At all times from the Closing Date until the Final Payout Date:

(a)Existence.  The Servicer shall keep in full force and effect its existence and rights as a corporation or other entity under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation.  The Servicer shall obtain and preserve its qualification to do business in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or the servicing of the Pool Receivables as required by this Agreement requires such qualification, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)Financial Reporting.  The Servicer will maintain a system of accounting established and administered in accordance with GAAP, and the Servicer shall furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent:

(i)Compliance Certificates.  No later than five (5) Business Days after the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 8.01(c)(v) and (vi), a compliance certificate in form and substance substantially similar to Exhibit H signed by a Financial Officer of the Servicer stating that no Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, or if any Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, stating the nature and status thereof.

 


	
 
	
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(ii)Information Packages and Weekly Reports.  By no later than 4:00 p.m. on the second Business Day prior to each Settlement Date, or if such day is not a Business Day then on the next succeeding Business Day (and, during the continuation of an Event of Termination or an Unmatured Event of Termination, within three (3) Business Days after a request from the Administrative Agent or any Group Agent), the Servicer (or the Seller on its behalf) shall prepare and forward to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent an Information Package, certified by the Servicer.  In addition to the foregoing, at such times as (a) Ashland Global’s unsecured debt has a public rating from S&P below “BB-”, or (b) Ashland’s unsecured debt has a public rating from Moody’s below “Ba3”, the Servicer shall be obligated to prepare and forward to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent a Weekly Report on every Thursday of each calendar week (or the next Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), certified by the Servicer (or the Seller on its behalf).  The reporting period covered by a Weekly Report shall be the period ending on (and including) the Friday preceding the applicable reporting date and beginning on (and including) the Saturday preceding such Friday.

(iii)Other Information.  Such other information (including non-financial information) as the Administrative Agent or any Group Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

(c)Notices.  The Servicer will notify the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent in writing of any of the following events promptly upon (but in no event later than five (5) Business Days after) a Financial Officer or other officer learning of the occurrence thereof, with such notice describing the same, and if applicable, the steps being taken by the Person(s) affected with respect thereto:

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

(ii)[Reserved].

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

(iv)Adverse Claim.  (A) Any Person shall obtain an Adverse Claim upon the Sold Assets or the Seller Collateral or any portion thereof, (B) any Person other than the Seller, the Servicer or the Administrative Agent shall obtain any rights or direct any action with respect to any Collection Account (or related Lock-Box) or (C) any Obligor shall receive any change in payment instructions with respect to Pool Receivable(s) from a Person other than the Servicer or the Administrative Agent.  

(v)Change in Name or Jurisdiction of Organization, etc.  At least thirty (30) days before any change in any Originator’s or the Seller’s name, jurisdiction of organization or any other change requiring the amendment of UCC financing statements.

 


	
 
	
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(vi)Change in Accountants or Accounting Policy.  Any change in (i) the external accountants of the Seller, the Servicer, any Originator or the Parent, (ii) any accounting policy of the Seller or (iii) any material accounting policy of any Originator that is relevant to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (it being understood that any change to the manner in which any Originator accounts for the Pool Receivables shall be deemed “material” for such purpose).

(vii)Termination Event.  The occurrence of a Purchase and Sale Termination Event under the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

(viii)ERISA.  Promptly after the filing, giving or receiving thereof, copies of all reports and notices with respect to any Reportable Event pertaining to any Pension Plan and copies of any notice by any Person of its intent to terminate any Pension Plan, and promptly upon the occurrence thereof, written notice of any contribution failure with respect to any Pension Plan sufficient to give rise to a lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA.

(ix)Material Adverse Change.  Promptly after the occurrence thereof, notice of any Material Adverse Effect.

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

(e)Compliance with Laws.  The Servicer will comply with all Applicable Laws to which it may be subject if the failure to comply could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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

 


	
 
	
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Collateral; provided, that the Servicer shall be required to reimburse the Administrative Agent for only one (1) such review pursuant to clause (ii) above in any twelve-month period unless an Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing.

(g)Payments on Receivables, Collection Accounts.  The Servicer will at all times, instruct all Obligors to deliver payments on the Pool Receivables to a Collection Account or a Lock-Box.  The Servicer will, at all times, maintain such books and records necessary to identify Collections received from time to time on Pool Receivables and to segregate such Collections from other property of the Servicer and the Originators.  If any payments on the Pool Receivables or other Collections are received by the Seller, the Servicer or an Originator, it shall hold such payments in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Group Agents and the other Secured Parties and promptly (but in any event within two (2) Business Day after receipt) remit such funds into a Collection Account.  The Servicer shall not permit funds other than Collections on Pool Receivables and other Sold Assets and Seller Collateral to be deposited into any Collection Account.  If such funds are nevertheless deposited into any Collection Account, the Servicer will within two (2) Business Days identify and transfer such funds to the appropriate Person entitled to such funds.  The Servicer will not, and will not permit the Seller, any Originator or any other Person to commingle Collections or other funds to which the Administrative Agent, any Group Agent or any other Secured Party is entitled, with any other funds.  The Servicer shall only add a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box), or a Collection Account Bank to those listed on Schedule II to this Agreement, if the Administrative Agent has received notice of such addition and an executed and acknowledged copy of an Account Control Agreement (or an amendment thereto) in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent from the applicable Collection Account Bank.  The Servicer shall only terminate a Collection Account Bank or close a Collection Account (or a related Lock-Box) with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.  

(h)Extension or Amendment of Pool Receivables.  Except as otherwise permitted in Section 9.02, the Servicer will not alter the delinquency status or adjust the Outstanding Balance or otherwise modify the terms of any Pool Receivable in any material respect, or amend, modify or waive, in any material respect, any term or condition of any related Contract. The Servicer shall at its expense, timely and fully perform and comply in all material respects with all provisions, covenants and other promises required to be observed by it under the Contracts related to the Pool Receivables, and timely and fully comply in all material respects with the Credit and Collection Policy with regard to each Pool Receivable and the related Contract.

(i)Change in Credit and Collection Policy.  The Servicer will not make any change in the Credit and Collection Policy that could impair the collectability of any Eligible Receivable in any material respect or reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents.  At least ten (10) Business Days prior to the date any material change in or amendment to the Credit and Collection Policy is made, the Servicer will deliver a copy of the updated Credit and Collection Policy to the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser.

(j)Records.  The Servicer will maintain and implement administrative and operating procedures (including an ability to recreate records evidencing Pool Receivables and related Contracts in the event of the destruction of the originals thereof), and keep and maintain 

 


	
 
	
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all documents, books, records, computer tapes and disks and other information reasonably necessary or advisable for the collection of all Pool Receivables (including records adequate to permit the daily identification of each Pool Receivable and all Collections of and adjustments to each existing Pool Receivable).

(k)Identifying of Records.  The Servicer shall identify its master data processing records relating to Pool Receivables and related Contracts with a legend that indicates that the Pool Receivables have been pledged in accordance with this Agreement.

(l)Change in Payment Instructions to Obligors.  The Servicer shall not (and shall not permit any Sub-Servicer to) add, replace or terminate any Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box) or make any change in its instructions to the Obligors regarding payments to be made to the Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box), other than any instruction to remit payments to a different Collection Account (or any related Lock-Box), unless the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) prior written notice of such addition, termination or change and (ii) a signed and acknowledged Account Control Agreement (or an amendment thereto) with respect to such new Collection Accounts (or any related Lock-Box) and the Administrative Agent shall have consented to such change in writing.

(m)Security Interest, Etc.  The Servicer shall, at its expense, take all action necessary or reasonably desirable to establish and maintain a valid and enforceable first priority perfected security interest in the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim in favor of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), including taking such action to perfect, protect or more fully evidence the security interest of the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) as the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party may reasonably request; provided, however, that Servicer shall not be required to perfect any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America).  In order to evidence the security interests of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, the Servicer shall, from time to time take such action, or execute and deliver such instruments as may be necessary (including, without limitation, such actions as are reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent) to maintain and perfect, as a first-priority interest, the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Receivables, Related Security and Collections; provided, however, that Servicer shall not be required to perfect any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America).  The Servicer shall, from time to time and within the time limits established by law, prepare and present to the Administrative Agent for the Administrative Agent’s authorization and approval, all financing statements, amendments, continuations or initial financing statements in lieu of a continuation statement, or other filings necessary to continue, maintain and perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest as a first-priority interest.  The Administrative Agent’s approval of such filings shall authorize the Servicer to file such financing statements under the UCC without the signature of the Seller, any Originator or the Administrative Agent where allowed by Applicable Law.  Notwithstanding anything else in the Transaction Documents to the contrary, the Servicer shall not have any authority to file a termination, partial termination, release, partial release, or any amendment that deletes the name 

 


	
 
	
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of a debtor or excludes collateral of any such financing statements filed in connection with the Transaction Documents, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.  

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

(o)Transaction Information.  None of the Servicer, any Affiliate of the Servicer or any third party contracted by the Servicer or any Affiliate thereof, shall deliver, in writing or orally, to any Rating Agency, any Transaction Information without providing such Transaction Information to the applicable Group Agent prior to delivery to such Rating Agency, and will not participate in any oral communications with respect to Transaction Information with any Rating Agency without the participation of such Group Agent.

(p)Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance.  The Servicer will not become a Sanctioned Person.  No Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, will (a) have any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (b) do business in or with, or derive any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (c) engage in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law or (d) use the proceeds of any Investment or Issuance to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.  The funds used to repay each Investment or Issuance will not be derived from any unlawful activity.  The Servicer shall comply with all Anti-Terrorism Laws.  The Servicer shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Purchaser in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event.

(q)Taxes.  The Servicer will (i) timely file all Tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed by it and (ii) pay, or cause to be paid, all Taxes, assessments and other governmental charges, if any, other than Taxes, assessments and other governmental charges being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.

(r)Seller’s Tax Status.   The Servicer shall not take or cause any action to be taken that could result in the Seller (i) being treated other than as (A) a “disregarded entity” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation § 301.7701-3 for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (B) a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of the beneficial owners of which are 

 


	
 
	
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“United States persons” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code or (ii) becoming an association taxable as a corporation or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or (iii) becoming subject to any Tax in any jurisdiction outside the United States or any material state or local tax.

(s)Deemed Financial Covenants. If, at any time after the Closing Date and until the Final Payout Date, the Financial Covenants are amended or are otherwise varied from the Ashland Credit Agreement in effect on the Closing Date, Ashland shall provide copies of such changes or amendments to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent within three (3) Business Days following the effective date of any such changes or amendments to the Ashland Credit Agreement. So long as each Committed Purchaser (or its Affiliates) is a party to the Ashland Credit Agreement as a lender thereunder, this Agreement shall not contain independent financial covenants (whether identical to those in the Ashland Credit Agreement or otherwise).  If any Committed Purchaser (and its Affiliates) ceases to be a party to the Ashland Credit Agreement as a lender thereunder (including due to termination or expiration of the Ashland Credit Agreement without being replaced by a successor credit agreement) and such Committed Purchaser does not otherwise consent to the Financial Covenants, Deemed Financial Covenants shall become effective.  If requested by any Purchaser or the Administrative Agent, the Servicer and the Seller shall cooperate with the Purchasers to amend the provisions of this Agreement to evidence the Deemed Financial Covenants (a “Financial Covenant Amendment”); provided that in lieu of Deemed Financial Covenants becoming effective, the Seller may instead exercise its rights to remove or replace the applicable Committed Purchaser and its Group under Section 2.07.  Neither the Administrative Agent nor any Purchaser shall require any fee to provide a waiver of any breach of a Financial Covenant or to document a Financial Covenant Amendment if such fee is in addition to the fees otherwise payable to such party as a lender under the Ashland Credit Agreement (it being understood that the foregoing shall not apply to the reimbursement of the Administrative Agent for reasonable legal expenses to the extent otherwise payable under Section 15.04 hereof).

(t)Linked Accounts.  Except for the Permitted Linked Account, Servicer shall not permit any (i) “Linked Account” (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Bank of America, N.A.) to exist with respect to any Collection Account maintained at Bank of America, N.A, or (ii) controlled disbursement account or other deposit account at any time linked to any of the Accounts (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Truist Bank) by a zero balance account connection or other automated funding mechanism with respect to any Blocked Account maintained at Truist Bank; provided, however, that at any time (w) during the continuance of a an Event of Termination, (x) during the continuance of an Unmatured Event of Termination, (y) that Ashland Global’s unsecured debt has a public rating from S&P below “BB-”, or (z) that Ashland’s unsecured debt has a public rating from Moody’s below “Ba3”, the Seller shall, if so instructed by the Administrative Agent (in its sole discretion), cause the Permitted Linked Account, promptly, but not later than five (5) Business Days following the Seller’s or the Servicer’s receipt of such instruction, to cease being a (i) “Linked Account” (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Bank of America, N.A.) or (ii) controlled disbursement account or other deposit account linked to any of the Accounts (as defined in the Account Control Agreement with Truist Bank) by a zero balance account connection or other automated funding mechanism with respect to any Collection Account maintained at Truist Bank.

 


	
 
	
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Section 8.03.  Separate Existence of the Seller.  Each of the Seller and the Servicer hereby acknowledges that the Secured Parties, the Group Agents and the Administrative Agent are entering into the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents in reliance upon the Seller’s identity as a legal entity separate from any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor and their Affiliates.  Therefore, each of the Seller and Servicer shall take all steps specifically required by this Agreement or reasonably required by the Administrative Agent or any Group Agent to continue the Seller’s identity as a separate legal entity and to make it apparent to third Persons that the Seller is an entity with assets and liabilities distinct from those of the Performance Guarantors, the Originators, the Servicer and any other Person, and is not a division of the Performance Guarantors, the Originators, the Servicer, its Affiliates or any other Person. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and in addition to and consistent with the other covenants set forth herein, each of the Seller and the Servicer shall take such actions as shall be required in order that:

(a)Special Purpose Entity.  The Seller will be a special purpose company whose primary activities are restricted in its Limited Liability Company Agreement to: (i) purchasing or otherwise acquiring from the Originators, owning, holding, collecting, granting security interests or selling interests in the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral, (ii) entering into agreements for the selling, servicing and financing of the Receivables Pool (including the Transaction Documents) and (iii) conducting such other activities as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out its primary activities.

(b)No Other Business or Debt.  The Seller shall not engage in any business or activity except as set forth in this Agreement nor, incur any indebtedness or liability other than as expressly permitted by the Transaction Documents.

(c)Independent Director. Not fewer than one member of the Seller’s board of directors (the “Independent Director”) shall be a natural person who (i) has never been, and shall at no time be, an equityholder, director, officer, manager, member, partner, officer, employee or associate, or any relative of the foregoing, of any member of the Parent Group (as hereinafter defined) (other than his or her service as an Independent Director of the Seller or an independent director of any other bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity formed for the sole purpose of securitizing, or facilitating the securitization of, financial assets of any member or members of the Parent Group), (ii) is not a customer or supplier of any member of the Parent Group (other than his or her service as an Independent Director of the Seller or an independent director of any other bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity formed for the sole purpose of securitizing, or facilitating the securitization of, financial assets of any member or members of the Parent Group), (iii) is not any member of the immediate family of a person described in (i) or (ii) above, and (iv) has (x) prior experience as an independent director for a corporation or limited liability company whose organizational or charter documents required the unanimous consent of all independent directors thereof before such corporation or limited liability company could consent to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it or could file a petition seeking relief under any applicable federal or state law relating to bankruptcy and (y) at least three years of employment experience with one or more entities that provide, in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, advisory, management or placement services to issuers of securitization or structured finance instruments, agreements or securities.  For purposes of this clause (c), “Parent 

 


	
 
	
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Group” shall mean (i) the Parent, the Servicer, each Performance Guarantor and each Originator, (ii) each person that directly or indirectly, owns or controls, whether beneficially, or as a trustee, guardian or other fiduciary, five percent (5%) or more of the membership interests in the Parent, (iii) each person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Parent and (iv) each of such person’s officers, directors, managers, joint venturers and partners.  For the purposes of this definition, “control” of a person means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.  A person shall be deemed to be an “associate” of (A) a corporation or organization of which such person is an officer, director, partner or manager or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of ten percent (10%) or more of any class of equity securities, (B) any trust or other estate in which such person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity and (C) any relative or spouse of a person described in clause (A) or (B) of this sentence, or any relative of such spouse.

The Seller shall (A) give written notice to the Administrative Agent of the election or appointment, or proposed election or appointment, of a new Independent Director of the Seller, which notice shall be given not later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the date such appointment or election would be effective (except when such election or appointment is necessary to fill a vacancy caused by the death, disability, or incapacity of the existing Independent Director, or the failure of such Independent Director to satisfy the criteria for an Independent Director set forth in this clause (c), in which case the Seller shall provide written notice of such election or appointment within one (1) Business Day) and (B) with any such written notice, certify to the Administrative Agent that the Independent Director satisfies the criteria for an Independent Director set forth in this clause (c).

The Seller’s Limited Liability Company Agreement shall provide that: (A) the Seller’s board of directors shall not approve, or take any other action to cause the filing of, a voluntary bankruptcy petition with respect to the Seller unless the Independent Director shall approve the taking of such action in writing before the taking of such action and (B) such provision and each other provision requiring an Independent Director cannot be amended without the prior written consent of the Independent Director.

The Independent Director shall not at any time serve as a trustee in bankruptcy for the Seller, the Parent, any Performance Guarantor, any Originator, the Servicer or any of their respective Affiliates. 

(d)Organizational Documents.  The Seller shall maintain its organizational documents in conformity with this Agreement, such that it does not amend, restate, supplement or otherwise modify its ability to comply with the terms and provisions of any of the Transaction Documents, including, without limitation, Section 8.01(p).

(e)Conduct of Business.  The Seller shall conduct its affairs strictly in accordance with its organizational documents and observe all necessary, appropriate and customary company formalities, including, but not limited to, holding all regular and special members’ and board of directors’ meetings appropriate to authorize all company action, keeping separate and accurate minutes of its meetings, passing all resolutions or consents necessary to 

 


	
 
	
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authorize actions taken or to be taken, and maintaining accurate and separate books, records and accounts, including, but not limited to, payroll and intercompany transaction accounts.

(f)Compensation.  Any employee, consultant or agent of the Seller will be compensated from the Seller’s funds for services provided to the Seller, and to the extent that Seller shares the same officers or other employees as the Servicer (or any other Affiliate thereof), the salaries and expenses relating to providing benefits to such officers and other employees shall be fairly allocated among such entities, and each such entity shall bear its fair share of the salary and benefit costs associated with such common officers and employees.  The Seller will not engage any agents other than its attorneys, auditors and other professionals, and a servicer and any other agent contemplated by the Transaction Documents for the Receivables Pool, which servicer will be fully compensated for its services by payment of the Servicing Fee.

(g)Servicing and Costs.  The Seller will contract with the Servicer to perform for the Seller all operations required on a daily basis to service the Receivables Pool.  The Seller will not incur any indirect or overhead expenses for items shared with the Servicer (or any other Affiliate thereof) that are not reflected in the Servicing Fee.  To the extent, if any, that the Seller (or any Affiliate thereof) shares items of expenses not reflected in the Servicing Fee, such as legal, auditing and other professional services, such expenses will be allocated to the extent practical on the basis of actual use or the value of services rendered, and otherwise on a basis reasonably related to the actual use or the value of services rendered.

(h)Operating Expenses.  The Seller’s operating expenses will not be paid by the Servicer, the Parent, any Performance Guarantor, any Originator or any Affiliate thereof.

(i)Stationary.  The Seller will have its own separate stationary.

(j)Books and Records.  The Seller’s books and records will be maintained separately from those of the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators and any of their Affiliates and in a manner such that it will not be difficult or costly to segregate, ascertain or otherwise identify the assets and liabilities of the Seller.

(k)Disclosure of Transactions.  All financial statements of the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators or any Affiliate thereof that are consolidated to include the Seller will disclose that (i) the Seller’s sole business consists of the purchase or acceptance through capital contributions of the Receivables and Related Rights from the Originators and the subsequent retransfer of or granting of a security interest in such Receivables and Related Rights to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement, (ii) the Seller is a separate legal entity with its own separate creditors who will be entitled, upon its liquidation, to be satisfied out of the Seller’s assets prior to any assets or value in the Seller becoming available to the Seller’s equity holders and (iii) the assets of the Seller are not available to pay creditors of the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators or any Affiliate thereof.

(l)Segregation of Assets.  The Seller’s assets will be maintained in a manner that facilitates their identification and segregation from those of the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators or any Affiliates thereof.

 


	
 
	
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(m)Corporate Formalities.  The Seller will strictly observe limited liability company formalities in its dealings with the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators or any Affiliates thereof, and funds or other assets of the Seller will not be commingled with those of the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators or any Affiliates thereof except as permitted by this Agreement in connection with servicing the Pool Receivables.  The Seller shall not maintain joint bank accounts or other depository accounts to which the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators or any Affiliate thereof (other than the Servicer solely in its capacity as such) has independent access.  The Seller is not named, and has not entered into any agreement to be named, directly or indirectly, as a direct or contingent beneficiary or loss payee on any insurance policy with respect to any loss relating to the property of the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators or any Subsidiaries or other Affiliates thereof.  The Seller will pay to the appropriate Affiliate the marginal increase or, in the absence of such increase, the market amount of its portion of the premium payable with respect to any insurance policy that covers the Seller and such Affiliate.

(n)Arm’s-Length Relationships.  The Seller will maintain arm’s-length relationships with the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators and any Affiliates thereof.  Any Person that renders or otherwise furnishes services to the Seller will be compensated by the Seller at market rates for such services it renders or otherwise furnishes to the Seller.  Neither the Seller on the one hand, nor the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, any Originator or any Affiliate thereof, on the other hand, will be or will hold itself out to be responsible for the debts of the other or the decisions or actions respecting the daily business and affairs of the other.  The Seller, the Servicer, the Parent, the Performance Guarantors, the Originators and their respective Affiliates will immediately correct any known misrepresentation with respect to the foregoing, and they will not operate or purport to operate as an integrated single economic unit with respect to each other or in their dealing with any other entity.

Article IX

ADMINISTRATION AND COLLECTION
OF RECEIVABLES

Section 9.01.  Appointment of the Servicer.  

(a)The servicing, administering and collection of the Pool Receivables shall be conducted by the Person so designated from time to time as the Servicer in accordance with this Section 9.01.  Until the Administrative Agent gives notice to Ashland (in accordance with this Section 9.01) of the designation of a new Servicer, Ashland is hereby designated as, and hereby agrees to perform the duties and obligations of, the Servicer pursuant to the terms hereof. Upon the occurrence of a Servicer Default, the Administrative Agent may (with the consent of the Majority Group Agents) and shall (at the direction of the Majority Group Agents) designate as Servicer any Person (including itself) to succeed Ashland or any successor Servicer, on the condition in each case that any such Person so designated shall agree to perform the duties and obligations of the Servicer pursuant to the terms hereof.

 


	
 
	
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(b)Upon the designation of a successor Servicer as set forth in clause (a) above, Ashland agrees that it will terminate its activities as Servicer hereunder in a manner that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines will facilitate the transition of the performance of such activities to the new Servicer, and Ashland shall cooperate with and assist such new Servicer. Such cooperation shall include access to and transfer of records (including all Contracts) related to Pool Receivables and use by the new Servicer of all licenses (or the obtaining of new licenses), hardware or software necessary or reasonably desirable to collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security.

(c)Ashland acknowledges that, in making its decision to execute and deliver this Agreement, the Administrative Agent and each member in each Group have relied on Ashland’s agreement to act as Servicer hereunder. Accordingly, Ashland agrees that it will not voluntarily resign as Servicer without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents.

(d)The Servicer may delegate its duties and obligations hereunder to any subservicer (each a “Sub-Servicer”); provided, that, in each such delegation: (i) such Sub-Servicer shall agree in writing to perform the delegated duties and obligations of the Servicer pursuant to the terms hereof, (ii) the Servicer shall remain liable for the performance of the duties and obligations so delegated, (iii) the Seller, the Administrative Agent, each Purchaser and each Group Agent shall have the right to look solely to the Servicer for performance, (iv) the terms of any agreement with any Sub-Servicer shall provide that the Administrative Agent may terminate such agreement upon the termination of the Servicer hereunder by giving notice of its desire to terminate such agreement to the Servicer (and the Servicer shall provide appropriate notice to each such Sub-Servicer) and (v) if such Sub-Servicer is not an Affiliate of the Parent, the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents shall have consented in writing in advance to such delegation.

Section 9.02.  Duties of the Servicer.

(a)The Servicer shall take or cause to be taken all such action as may be necessary or reasonably advisable to service, administer and collect each Pool Receivable from time to time, all in accordance with this Agreement and all Applicable Laws, with reasonable care and diligence, and in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy and consistent with the past practices of the Originators.  The Servicer shall set aside, for the accounts of each Group, the amount of Collections to which each such Group is entitled in accordance with Article IV hereof.  The Servicer may, in accordance with the Credit and Collection Policy and consistent with past practices of the Originators, take such action, including modifications, waivers or restructurings of Pool Receivables and related Contracts, as the Servicer may reasonably determine to be appropriate to maximize Collections thereof or reflect adjustments expressly permitted under the Credit and Collection Policy or as expressly required under Applicable Laws or the applicable Contract; provided, that for purposes of this Agreement: (i) such action shall not, and shall not be deemed to, change the number of days such Pool Receivable has remained unpaid from the date of the original due date related to such Pool Receivable, (ii) such action shall not alter the status of such Pool Receivable as a Defaulted Receivable or limit the rights of any Secured Party under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document and (iii) if an Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, the Servicer may take such action only upon the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.  The Seller shall deliver to the Servicer and the Servicer shall hold 

 


	
 
	
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for the benefit of the Administrative Agent (individually and for the benefit of each Group), in accordance with their respective interests, all records and documents (including computer tapes or disks) with respect to each Pool Receivable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if an Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may direct the Servicer to commence or settle any legal action to enforce collection of any Pool Receivable that is a Defaulted Receivable or to foreclose upon or repossess any Related Security with respect to any such Defaulted Receivable.

(b)The Servicer’s obligations hereunder shall terminate on the Final Payout Date.  Promptly following the Final Payout Date, the Servicer shall deliver to the Seller all books, records and related materials that the Seller previously provided to the Servicer, or that have been obtained by the Servicer, in connection with this Agreement.

Section 9.03.  Collection Account Arrangements.  Prior to the Closing Date, the Seller shall have entered into Account Control Agreements with all of the Collection Account Banks and delivered executed counterparts of each to the Administrative Agent.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination, the Administrative Agent may (with the consent of the Majority Group Agents) and shall (upon the direction of the Majority Group Agents) at any time thereafter give notice to each Collection Account Bank that the Administrative Agent is exercising its rights under the Account Control Agreements to do any or all of the following: (a) to have the exclusive ownership and control of the Collection Accounts transferred to the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) and to exercise exclusive dominion and control over the funds deposited therein (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), (b) to have the proceeds that are sent to the respective Collection Accounts redirected pursuant to the Administrative Agent’s instructions rather than deposited in the applicable Collection Account and (c) to take any or all other actions permitted under the applicable Account Control Agreement.  The Seller hereby agrees that if the Administrative Agent at any time takes any action set forth in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall have exclusive control (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) of the proceeds (including Collections) of all Pool Receivables and the Seller hereby further agrees to take any other action that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to transfer such control.  Any proceeds of Pool Receivables received by the Seller or the Servicer thereafter shall be sent immediately to, or as otherwise instructed by, the Administrative Agent.

Section 9.04.  Enforcement Rights.

(a)At any time following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Termination:

(i)the Administrative Agent (at the Seller’s expense) may direct the Obligors that payment of all amounts payable under any Pool Receivable is to be made directly to the Administrative Agent or its designee;

(ii)the Administrative Agent may instruct the Seller or the Servicer to give notice of the Secured Parties’ interest in Pool Receivables to each Obligor, which notice shall direct that payments be made directly to the Administrative Agent or its designee (on behalf of the Secured Parties), and the Seller or the Servicer, as the case may 

 


	
 
	
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be, shall give such notice at the expense of the Seller or the Servicer, as the case may be; provided, that if the Seller or the Servicer, as the case may be, fails to so notify each Obligor within two (2) Business Days following instruction by the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent (at the Seller’s or the Servicer’s, as the case may be, expense) may so notify the Obligors;

(iii)the Administrative Agent may request the Servicer to, and upon such request the Servicer shall: (A) assemble all of the records necessary or desirable to collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security, and transfer or license to a successor Servicer the use of all software necessary or desirable to collect the Pool Receivables and the Related Security, and make the same available to the Administrative Agent or its designee (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) at a place selected by the Administrative Agent and (B) segregate all cash, checks and other instruments received by it from time to time constituting Collections in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and, promptly upon receipt, remit all such cash, checks and instruments, duly endorsed or with duly executed instruments of transfer, to the Administrative Agent or its designee; 

(iv)notify the Collection Account Banks that the Seller and the Servicer will no longer have any access to the Collection Accounts;

(v)the Administrative Agent may (or, at the direction of the Majority Group Agents shall) replace the Person then acting as Servicer; and

(vi)the Administrative Agent may collect any amounts due from an Originator under the Purchase and Sale Agreement or the Performance Guarantors under the Performance Guaranty.

For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent upon an Event of Termination are in addition to and not exclusive of the rights and remedies contained herein and under the other Transaction Documents.

(b)The Seller hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), and irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution and with full authority in the place and stead of the Seller, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to take any and all steps in the name of the Seller and on behalf of the Seller necessary or desirable, in the reasonable determination of the Administrative Agent, after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Termination, to collect any and all amounts or portions thereof due under any and all Sold Assets and Seller Collateral, including endorsing the name of the Seller on checks and other instruments representing Collections and enforcing such Sold Assets and Seller Collateral.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this subsection, none of the powers conferred upon such attorney-in-fact pursuant to the preceding sentence shall subject such attorney-in-fact to any liability if any action taken by it shall prove to be inadequate or invalid, nor shall they confer any obligations upon such attorney-in-fact in any manner whatsoever.

 


	
 
	
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(c)The Servicer hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties), and irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution and with full authority in the place and stead of the Servicer, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to take any and all steps in the name of the Servicer and on behalf of the Servicer necessary or desirable, in the reasonable determination of the Administrative Agent, after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Termination, to collect any and all amounts or portions thereof due under any and all Sold Assets and Seller Collateral, including endorsing the name of the Servicer on checks and other instruments representing Collections and enforcing such Sold Assets and Seller Collateral.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this subsection, none of the powers conferred upon such attorney-in-fact pursuant to the preceding sentence shall subject such attorney-in-fact to any liability if any action taken by it shall prove to be inadequate or invalid, nor shall they confer any obligations upon such attorney-in-fact in any manner whatsoever.

Section 9.05.  Responsibilities of the Seller.

(a)Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Seller shall: (i) perform all of its obligations, if any, in all material respects under the Contracts related to the Pool Receivables to the same extent as if interests in such Pool Receivables had not been transferred hereunder, and the exercise by the Administrative Agent, or any other Purchaser Party of their respective rights hereunder shall not relieve the Seller from such obligations and (ii) pay when due any taxes, including any sales taxes payable in connection with the Pool Receivables and their creation and satisfaction, except as otherwise permitted herein. None of the Purchaser Parties shall have any obligation or liability with respect to any Sold Assets or Seller Collateral, nor shall any of them be obligated to perform any of the obligations of the Seller, the Servicer or any Originator thereunder.

(b)Ashland hereby irrevocably agrees that if at any time it shall cease to be the Servicer hereunder, it shall act (if the then-current Servicer so requests) as the data-processing agent of the Servicer and, in such capacity, Ashland shall conduct the data-processing functions of the administration of the Receivables and the Collections thereon in substantially the same way that Ashland conducted such data-processing functions while it acted as the Servicer.  In connection with any such processing functions, the Seller shall pay to Ashland its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses from the Seller’s own funds (subject to the priority of payments set forth in Section 4.01). 

Section 9.06.  Servicing Fee.  

(a)Subject to clause (b) below, the Seller shall pay the Servicer a fee (the “Servicing Fee”) equal to 1.00% per annum (the “Servicing Fee Rate”) of the daily average aggregate Outstanding Balance of the Pool Receivables.  Accrued Servicing Fees shall be payable from Collections to the extent of available funds in accordance with Section 4.01.  

(b)If the Servicer ceases to be Ashland or an Affiliate thereof, the Servicing Fee shall be the greater of: (i) the amount calculated pursuant to clause (a) above and (ii) an alternative amount specified by the successor Servicer not to exceed 110% of the aggregate 

 


	
 
	
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reasonable costs and expenses incurred by such successor Servicer in connection with the performance of its obligations as Servicer hereunder.

Article X

EVENTS OF TERMINATION

Section 10.01.  Events of Termination.  If any of the following events (each an “Event of Termination”) shall occur:

(a)the Seller or any Originator shall (i) fail to pay when due, any accrued Yield or to make any reduction or repayment of the Aggregate Capital and such failure continues for one (1) Business Day, (ii) fail to transfer Collections received by Seller or such Originator to a Collection Account at such times required under the terms hereof and such failure continues for two (2) Business Days, or (iii) default in the performance of any payment (other than those covered by clauses (i) and (ii) above) and such failure continues for ten (10) days; or

(b)any representation, warranty, certification or statement made or deemed confirmed by the Seller or any Originator in this Agreement, any other Transaction Document to which it is a party or in any other information, report or document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (except any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or by reference to a material adverse effect, which shall prove to have been incorrect in any respect) when made or confirmed and such circumstance shall remain uncured for thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (i) receipt of notice thereof from any Group Agent, any Purchaser or the Administrative Agent or (ii) knowledge thereof by a Responsible Officer; provided that no such representation, warranty, or certification hereunder shall be deemed to be incorrect or violated to the extent any affected Receivable is subject to a Deemed Collection and all required amounts with respect to such Receivable have been deposited into a Collection Account; or 

(c)the Seller shall default in any material respect in the performance of any undertaking (i) to be performed or observed under Section 8.01(d)(i) (notice of events of termination or unmatured events of termination), Section 8.01(e) (conduct of business), Section 8.01(h) (payments on receivables, collection accounts), Section 8.01(i) (sales, liens, etc.), Section 8.01(j) (extension or amendment of pool receivables), Section 8.01(k) (change in credit and collection policy), Section 8.01(l) (fundamental changes), Section 8.01(o) (change in payment instructions to obligors), Section 8.01(q) (certain agreements), Section 8.01(s) (other business) or Section 8.03 (separate existence of seller), (any of the preceding parenthetical phrases in this clause (i) are for purposes of reference only and shall not otherwise affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision hereof) or (ii) to be performed or observed under any other provision of this Agreement or any provision of any other Transaction Document to which it is a party and such default in the case of this clause (ii) shall continue for thirty (30) days after the earlier to occur of (A) receipt of notice thereof from any Group Agent, any Purchaser or the Administrative Agent or (B) knowledge thereof by a Responsible Officer; or

(d)any Insolvency Proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Seller, any Originator, or any Material Subsidiary of any Originator; or

 


	
 
	
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(e)the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall for any reason fail or cease to have a valid and enforceable perfected first priority ownership or security interest in the Affected Assets, free and clear of any Adverse Claim; provided (x) that the Seller and the Originators shall not be required to comply with any Assignment of Claims Acts, (y) that the forgoing clause (e) shall not apply to any Receivable subject to a Deemed Collection and all required amounts with respect to which have been deposited into a Collection Account and (z) that none of Seller, Servicer or any Originator shall be required to perfect any sale, pledge or other assignment of any Foreign Receivable solely as against the related Obligor solely pursuant to the laws of jurisdictions other than the United States of America (or any State or municipality in the United States of America); or

(f)a Servicer Default shall have occurred (it being understood that if such Servicer Default is cured or waived, the related Event of Termination shall also be deemed cured or waived automatically); or

(g)a Capital Coverage Deficit shall occur, and shall not have been cured for one (1) Business Day; or

(h)the average for three consecutive Fiscal Months of the Default Ratio is greater than 2.50%; or

(i)the average for three consecutive Fiscal Months of the Charged-Off Ratio is greater than 1.00%; or

(j)the average for three consecutive Fiscal Months of the Dilution Ratio is greater than 7.50%; or 

(k)(i) failure of the Seller or any Originator to pay when due (subject to the delivery of any required notice, the expiration of any permitted grace period or both) any amounts due under any agreement to which any such Person is a party and under which any Debt having an aggregate outstanding principal amount (including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit agreement) of greater than $10,000 in the case of the Seller, or $100,000,000, in the case of any Originator, shall be outstanding; (ii) the default by the Seller or any Originator (subject to the delivery of any required notice, the expiration of any permitted grace period or both) in the performance of any term, provision or condition contained in any agreement to which any such Person is a party (other than breach of any Financial Covenant) and under which any Debt owing by the Seller or any Originator greater than such respective amounts was created or is governed, regardless of whether such event is an “event of default” or “default” under any such agreement, if the effect of such default is to cause, or to permit the holder of such Debt to cause, such Debt to become due and payable prior to its stated maturity; or (iii) any Debt owing by the Seller or any Originator greater than such respective amounts shall be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled payment) prior to its stated maturity; or;

(l)a Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred with respect to the Seller; or

(m)there shall be a Change in Control; or

 


	
 
	
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(n)any Person shall institute steps to terminate any Pension Plan if the assets of such Pension Plan are insufficient to satisfy all of its benefit liabilities (as determined under Title IV of ERISA), or a contribution failure occurs with respect to any Pension Plan which is sufficient to give rise to a lien under Section 302(f) of ERISA; or

(o)any material provision of this Agreement, the Performance Guaranty or any other Transaction Document to which an Originator, the Servicer or the Seller is a party shall cease to be in full force and effect or such Originator, the Servicer or the Seller shall so state in writing; or

(p)there is entered against any Originator or any Material Subsidiary thereof (i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments and orders) exceeding $100,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of ten (10) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect;

then, and in any such event, the Administrative Agent may (or, at the direction of the Majority Group Agents shall) by notice to the Seller (x) declare the Termination Date to have occurred (in which case the Termination Date shall be deemed to have occurred), (y) declare the Seller Obligation Final Due Date to have occurred (in which case the Seller Obligation Final Due Date shall be deemed to have occurred) and (z) declare the Aggregate Capital and all other Seller Obligations to be immediately due and payable (in which case the Aggregate Capital and all other Seller Obligations shall be immediately due and payable); provided that, automatically upon the occurrence of any event (without any requirement for the giving of notice) described in subsection (d) of this Section 10.01 with respect to the Seller, the Termination Date shall occur and the Aggregate Capital and all other Seller Obligations shall be immediately due and payable.  Upon any such declaration or designation or upon such automatic termination, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall have, in addition to the rights and remedies which they may have under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, all other rights and remedies provided after default under the UCC and under other Applicable Law, which rights and remedies shall be cumulative.  Any proceeds from liquidation of the Sold Assets and Seller Collateral shall be applied in the order of priority set forth in Section 4.01.

Article XI

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Section 11.01.  Authorization and Action.  Each Purchaser Party hereby appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties other than those expressly set forth in the Transaction Documents, and no 

 


	
 
	
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implied obligations or liabilities shall be read into any Transaction Document, or otherwise exist, against the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent does not assume, nor shall it be deemed to have assumed, any obligation to, or relationship of trust or agency with, the Seller or any Affiliate thereof or any Purchaser Party except for any obligations expressly set forth herein.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, in no event shall the Administrative Agent ever be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to any provision of any Transaction Document or Applicable Law.

Section 11.02.  Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Etc.  Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them as Administrative Agent under or in connection with this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Administrative Agent’s servicing, administering or collecting Pool Receivables in the event it replaces the Servicer in such capacity pursuant to Section 9.01), in the absence of its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent: (a) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for any Purchaser Party or the Servicer), independent certified 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; (b) makes no warranty or representation to any Purchaser Party (whether written or oral) and shall not be responsible to any Purchaser Party for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made by any other party in or in connection with this Agreement; (c) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement on the part of any Purchaser Party or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of any Purchaser Party; (d) shall not be responsible to any Purchaser Party for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; and (e) shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in so relying, upon any notice (including notice by telephone), consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by facsimile) believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

Section 11.03.  Administrative Agent and Affiliates.  With respect to any Investment or Issuance or interests therein owned by any Purchaser Party that is also the Administrative Agent, such Purchaser Party shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Purchaser Party and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent and any of its Affiliates may generally engage in any kind of business with the Seller or any Affiliate thereof and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof, all as if the Administrative Agent were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to any other Secured Party.

Section 11.04.  Indemnification of Administrative Agent.  Each Committed Purchaser agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Seller or any Affiliate thereof), ratably according to the respective Percentage of such Committed Purchaser, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed 

 


	
 
	
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on, incurred by, or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; provided that no Committed Purchaser shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Section 11.05.  Delegation of Duties.  The Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

Section 11.06.  Action or Inaction by Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully justified in failing or refusing to take action under any Transaction Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Group Agents or the Majority Group Agents, as the case may be, and assurance of its indemnification by the Committed Purchasers, as it deems appropriate.  The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document in accordance with a request or at the direction of the Group Agents or the Majority Group Agents, as the case may be, and such request or direction and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all Purchaser Parties.  The Purchaser Parties and the Administrative Agent agree that unless any action to be taken by the Administrative Agent under a Transaction Document (i) specifically requires the advice or concurrence of all Group Agents or (ii) may be taken by the Administrative Agent alone or without any advice or concurrence of any Group Agent, then the Administrative Agent may take action based upon the advice or concurrence of the Majority Group Agents.

Section 11.07.  Notice of Events of Termination; Action by Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination unless the Administrative Agent has received notice from any Purchaser Party or the Seller stating that an Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination has occurred hereunder and describing such Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination.  If the Administrative Agent receives such a notice, it shall promptly give notice thereof to each Group Agent, whereupon each Group Agent shall promptly give notice thereof to its respective Conduit Purchaser(s) and Related Committed Purchaser(s).  The Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, concerning an Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination or any other matter hereunder as the Administrative Agent deems advisable and in the best interests of the Secured Parties.

Section 11.08.  Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Parties.  Each Purchaser Party expressly acknowledges that neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by the Administrative Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by the Administrative Agent.  Each Purchaser Party represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent that, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Purchaser 

 


	
 
	
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Party and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, it has made and will continue to make its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, operations, property, prospects, financial and other conditions and creditworthiness of the Seller, each Originator, each Performance Guarantor or the Servicer and the Pool Receivables and its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to take, or omit, action under any Transaction Document.  Except for items expressly required to be delivered under any Transaction Document by the Administrative Agent to any Purchaser Party, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Purchaser Party with any information concerning the Seller, any Originator, any Performance Guarantor or the Servicer that comes into the possession of the Administrative Agent or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates.

Section 11.09.  Successor Administrative Agent.

(a)The Administrative Agent may, upon at least thirty (30) days’ notice to the Seller, the Servicer and each Group Agent, resign as Administrative Agent.  Except as provided below, such resignation shall not become effective until a successor Administrative Agent is appointed by the Majority Group Agents as a successor Administrative Agent and has accepted such appointment.  If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Group Agents, within thirty (30) days after the departing Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, the departing Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Secured Parties, appoint a successor Administrative Agent as successor Administrative Agent.  If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Group Agents within sixty (60) days after the departing Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, the departing Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Secured Parties, petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor Administrative Agent.

(b)Upon such acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights and duties of the resigning Administrative Agent, and the resigning Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Transaction Documents.  After any resigning Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article XI and Article XIII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent.

Section 11.10.  Structuring Agent.  Each of the parties hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Structuring Agent shall not have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement, other than the Structuring Agent’s right to receive fees pursuant to Section 2.03.  Each Purchaser Party acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on the Structuring Agent in deciding to enter into this Agreement and to take, or omit to take, any action under any Transaction Document.

Section 11.11.  LIBOR Notification.  Section 5.06 of this Agreement provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest in the event that the London interbank offered rate is no longer available or in certain other circumstances. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to the London interbank offered rate or 

 


	
 
	
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other rates in the definition of “Adjusted LIBOR” or “LMIR” or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate therefor.

Article XII

THE GROUP AGENTS

Section 12.01.  Authorization and Action.  Each Purchaser Party that belongs to a Group hereby appoints and authorizes the Group Agent for such Group to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to such Group Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  No Group Agent shall have any duties other than those expressly set forth in the Transaction Documents, and no implied obligations or liabilities shall be read into any Transaction Document, or otherwise exist, against any Group Agent.  No Group Agent assumes, nor shall it be deemed to have assumed, any obligation to, or relationship of trust or agency with the Seller or any Affiliate thereof, any Purchaser except for any obligations expressly set forth herein.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, in no event shall any Group Agent ever be required to take any action which exposes such Group Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to any provision of any Transaction Document or Applicable Law.

Section 12.02.  Group Agent’s Reliance, Etc.  No Group Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them as a Group Agent under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents in the absence of its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Group Agent: (a) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Seller or the Servicer), independent certified 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; (b) makes no warranty or representation to any Purchaser Party (whether written or oral) and shall not be responsible to any Purchaser Party for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made by any other party in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; (c) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document on the part of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof or any other Person or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof; (d) shall not be responsible to any Purchaser Party for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement, any other Transaction Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; and (e) shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in so relying, upon any notice (including notice by telephone), consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by facsimile) believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

Section 12.03.  Group Agent and Affiliates.  With respect to any Investment or Issuance or interests therein owned by any Purchaser Party that is also a Group Agent, such Purchaser Party shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Purchaser and may exercise the same as though it were not a Group Agent.  A Group Agent and any of its Affiliates may generally engage in any kind of business with the Seller or any Affiliate thereof and any 

 


	
 
	
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Person who may do business with or own securities of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof or any of their respective Affiliates, all as if such Group Agent were not a Group Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to any other Secured Party.

Section 12.04.  Indemnification of Group Agents.  Each Committed Purchaser in any Group agrees to indemnify the Group Agent for such Group (to the extent not reimbursed by the Seller or any Affiliate thereof), ratably according to the proportion of the Percentage of such Committed Purchaser to the aggregate Percentages of all Committed Purchasers in such Group, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against such Group Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any action taken or omitted by such Group Agent under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document; provided that no Committed Purchaser shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from such Group Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Section 12.05.  Delegation of Duties.  Each Group Agent may execute any of its duties through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.  No Group Agent shall be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.

Section 12.06.  Notice of Events of Termination.  No Group Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination unless such Group Agent has received notice from the Administrative Agent, any other Group Agent, any other Purchaser Party, the Servicer or the Seller stating that an Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination has occurred hereunder and describing such Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination.  If a Group Agent receives such a notice, it shall promptly give notice thereof to the Purchaser Parties in its Group and to the Administrative Agent (but only if such notice received by such Group Agent was not sent by the Administrative Agent).  A Group Agent may take such action concerning an Unmatured Event of Termination or Event of Termination as may be directed by Committed Purchasers in its Group representing a majority of the Commitments in such Group (subject to the other provisions of this Article XII), but until such Group Agent receives such directions, such Group Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, as such Group Agent deems advisable and in the best interests of the Conduit Purchasers and Committed Purchasers in its Group.

Section 12.07.  Non-Reliance on Group Agent and Other Parties.  Each Purchaser Party expressly acknowledges that neither the Group Agent for its Group nor any of such Group Agent’s directors, officers, agents or employees has made any representations or warranties to it and that no act by such Group Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by such Group Agent.  Each Purchaser Party represents and warrants to the Group Agent for its Group that, independently and without reliance upon such Group Agent, any other Group Agent, the Administrative Agent or any other Purchaser Party and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, it has made and will continue to make its own appraisal of and 

 


	
 
	
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investigation into the business, operations, property, prospects, financial and other conditions and creditworthiness of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof and the Receivables and its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to take, or omit, action under any Transaction Document.  Except for items expressly required to be delivered under any Transaction Document by a Group Agent to any Purchaser Party in its Group, no Group Agent shall have any duty or responsibility to provide any Purchaser Party in its Group with any information concerning the Seller or any Affiliate thereof that comes into the possession of such Group Agent or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates.

Section 12.08.  Successor Group Agent.  Any Group Agent may, upon at least thirty (30) days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, the Seller, the Servicer and the Purchaser Parties in its Group, resign as Group Agent for its Group.  Such resignation shall not become effective until a successor Group Agent is appointed by the Purchaser(s) in such Group.  Upon such acceptance of its appointment as Group Agent for such Group hereunder by a successor Group Agent, such successor Group Agent shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights and duties of the resigning Group Agent, and the resigning Group Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Transaction Documents.  After any resigning Group Agent’s resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article XII and Article XIII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was a Group Agent.

Section 12.09.  Reliance on Group Agent.  Unless otherwise advised in writing by a Group Agent or by any Purchaser Party in such Group Agent’s Group, each party to this Agreement may assume that (i) such Group Agent is acting for the benefit and on behalf of each of the Purchaser Parties in its Group, as well as for the benefit of each assignee or other transferee from any such Person and (ii) each action taken by such Group Agent has been duly authorized and approved by all necessary action on the part of the Purchaser Parties in its Group.

Article XIII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 13.01.  Indemnities by the Seller.  

(a)Without limiting any other rights that the Administrative Agent, the Purchaser Parties, the Affected Persons and their respective assigns, officers, directors, agents and employees (each, a “Seller Indemnified Party”) may have hereunder or under Applicable Law, the Seller hereby agrees to indemnify each Seller Indemnified Party from and against any and all claims, losses and liabilities (including Attorney Costs) (all of the foregoing being collectively referred to as “Seller Indemnified Amounts”) arising out of or resulting from this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the use of proceeds of the Investment or Issuance or the security interest in respect of any Pool Receivable or any other Sold Assets or Seller Collateral; excluding, however, (a) Seller Indemnified Amounts to the extent a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holds that such Seller Indemnified Amounts resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Seller Indemnified Party seeking indemnification and (b) Taxes that are covered by Section 5.03 (other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim).  Without limiting or being limited by the foregoing, the Seller shall pay on demand (it being understood that if any portion of such 

 


	
 
	
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payment obligation is made from Collections, such payment will be made at the time and in the order of priority set forth in Section 4.01), to each Seller Indemnified Party any and all amounts necessary to indemnify such Seller Indemnified Party from and against any and all Seller Indemnified Amounts relating to or resulting from any of the following (but excluding Seller Indemnified Amounts and Taxes described in clauses (a) and (b) above):

(i)any Pool Receivable which the Seller or the Servicer includes as an Eligible Receivable as part of the Net Receivables Pool Balance but which is not an Eligible Receivable at such time;

(ii)any representation, warranty or statement made or deemed made by the Seller (or any of its respective officers) under or in connection with this Agreement, any of the other Transaction Documents, any Information Package, any Weekly Report or any other information or report delivered by or on behalf of the Seller pursuant hereto which shall have been untrue or incorrect when made or deemed made;

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

(iv)the failure to vest in the Administrative Agent a first priority perfected ownership or security interest in all or any portion of the Sold Assets or Seller Collateral, in each case free and clear of any Adverse Claim;

(v)the failure to have filed, or any delay in filing, financing statements, financing statement amendments, continuation statements or other similar instruments or documents under the UCC of any applicable jurisdiction or other Applicable Laws with respect to any Pool Receivable, any other Sold Assets or any Seller Collateral, whether at the time of any Investment or Issuance or at any subsequent time;

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

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

(viii)any products liability, environmental or other claim arising out of or in connection with any Pool Receivable or other merchandise, goods or services which are the subject of or related to any Pool Receivable;

 


	
 
	
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(ix)the commingling of Collections of Pool Receivables at any time with other funds;

(x)any investigation, litigation or proceeding (actual or threatened) related to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the use of proceeds of any Investment or Issuance or in respect of any Pool Receivable, any other Sold Assets or any Seller Collateral or any related Contract;

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

(xii)any setoff with respect to any Pool Receivable;

(xiii)any claim brought by any Person other than a Seller Indemnified Party arising from any activity by the Seller or any Affiliate of the Seller in servicing, administering or collecting any Pool Receivable; 

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

(xv)any failure of a Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of the applicable Account Control Agreement, the termination by a Collection Account Bank of any Account Control Agreement or any amounts (including in respect of any indemnity) payable by the Administrative Agent to a Collection Account Bank under any Account Control Agreement;

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

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

(xviii)the failure of delay to provide any Obligor with an invoice or other evidence of indebtedness;

(xix)the use of proceeds of any Investment or Issuance; or

(xx)any reduction in Capital as a result of the distribution of Collections if all or a portion of such distributions shall thereafter be rescinded or otherwise must be returned for any reason.

 


	
 
	
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(b)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, solely for purposes of the Seller’s indemnification obligations in clauses (ii), (iii), (vii) and (xi) of this Article XIII, any representation, warranty or covenant qualified by the occurrence or non-occurrence of a material adverse effect or similar concepts of materiality shall be deemed to be not so qualified.

(c)If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Seller Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold it harmless, then the Seller shall contribute to such Seller Indemnified Party the amount paid or payable by such Seller Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Seller and its Affiliates on the one hand and such Seller Indemnified Party on the other hand in the matters contemplated by this Agreement as well as the relative fault of the Seller and its Affiliates and such Seller Indemnified Party with respect to such loss, claim, damage or liability and any other relevant equitable considerations.  The reimbursement, indemnity and contribution obligations of the Seller under this Section shall be in addition to any liability which the Seller may otherwise have, shall extend upon the same terms and conditions to each Seller Indemnified Party, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of the Seller and the Seller Indemnified Parties.

(d)Any indemnification or contribution under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Section 13.02.  Indemnification by the Servicer.  

(a)The Servicer hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Seller, the Administrative Agent, the Purchaser Parties, the Affected Persons and their respective assigns, officers, directors, agents and employees (each, a “Servicer Indemnified Party”), from and against any loss, liability, expense, damage or injury suffered or sustained by reason of any acts, omissions or alleged acts or omissions arising out of activities of the Servicer pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, including any judgment, award, settlement, Attorney Costs and other costs or expenses incurred in connection with the defense of any actual or threatened action, proceeding or claim (all of the foregoing being collectively referred to as, “Servicer Indemnified Amounts”); excluding (i) Servicer Indemnified Amounts to the extent a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction holds that such Servicer Indemnified Amounts resulted solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Servicer Indemnified Party seeking indemnification, (ii) Taxes that are covered by Section 5.03 (other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim) and (iii) Servicer Indemnified Amounts to the extent the same includes losses in respect of Pool Receivables that are uncollectible solely on account of the insolvency, bankruptcy, lack of creditworthiness or other financial inability to pay of the related Obligor.  Without limiting or being limited by the foregoing, the Servicer shall pay on demand, to each Servicer Indemnified Party any and all amounts necessary to indemnify such Servicer Indemnified Party from and against any and all Servicer Indemnified Amounts relating to or resulting from any of the following (but excluding Servicer Indemnified Amounts described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above):

(i)any representation, warranty or statement made or deemed made by the Servicer (or any of its respective officers) under or in connection with this Agreement, any of the other Transaction Documents, any Information Package, any Weekly Report or 

 


	
 
	
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any other information or report delivered by or on behalf of the Servicer pursuant hereto which shall have been untrue or incorrect when made or deemed made;

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

(iii)the commingling of Collections of Pool Receivables at any time with other funds; 

(iv)any failure of a Collection Account Bank to comply with the terms of the applicable Account Control Agreement, the termination by a Collection Account Bank of any Account Control Agreement or any amounts (including in respect of any indemnity) payable by the Administrative Agent to a Collection Account Bank under any Account Control Agreement; or

(v)any failure of the Servicer to comply with its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.

(b)If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Servicer Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold it harmless, then the Servicer shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Servicer Indemnified Party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Servicer and its Affiliates on the one hand and such Servicer Indemnified Party on the other hand in the matters contemplated by this Agreement as well as the relative fault of the Servicer and its Affiliates and such Servicer Indemnified Party with respect to such loss, claim, damage or liability and any other relevant equitable considerations.  The reimbursement, indemnity and contribution obligations of the Servicer under this Section shall be in addition to any liability which the Servicer may otherwise have, shall extend upon the same terms and conditions to Servicer Indemnified Party, and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives of the Servicer and the Servicer Indemnified Parties.

(c)Any indemnification or contribution under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

Article XIV

seller guaranty

Section 14.01.  Guaranty of Payment.  The Seller hereby absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to each Purchaser, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties the prompt payment of the Sold Receivables by the related Obligors and all other payment obligations included in the Sold Assets (collectively, the “Guaranteed Obligations”), in each case, in full when due, whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise (such guaranty, the “Seller Guaranty”).  The Seller Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection and is a continuing irrevocable guaranty and shall apply to all Guaranteed Obligations whenever arising.  To the extent the obligations of the Seller hereunder in respect to 

 


	
 
	
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the Seller Guaranty shall be adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason (including because of any applicable state or federal Law relating to fraudulent conveyances or transfers) then such obligations of the Seller shall be limited to the maximum amount that is permissible under Applicable Law (whether federal or state or otherwise and including the Bankruptcy Code and any other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar laws).

Section 14.02.  Unconditional Guaranty.  The obligations of the Seller under the Seller Guaranty are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of any Guaranteed Obligations, any Contract, any Transaction Document or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor.  The Seller agrees that the Seller Guaranty may be enforced by the Administrative Agent or the Purchasers without the necessity at any time of resorting to or exhausting any other security or collateral and without the necessity at any time of having recourse to any of the other Transaction Documents or any collateral, including the Sold Assets, hereafter securing the Guaranteed Obligations, the Seller Obligations or otherwise, and the Seller hereby waives the right to require the Administrative Agent or the Purchasers to make demand on or proceed against any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer or any Performance Guarantor or any other Person or to require the Administrative Agent or the Purchasers to pursue any other remedy or enforce any other right.  The Seller further agrees that no Person or Governmental Authority shall have any right to request any return or reimbursement of funds from the Administrative Agent or the Purchasers in connection with monies received under or in respect of the Seller Guaranty. The Seller further agrees that nothing contained herein shall prevent the Administrative Agent or the Purchasers from suing on any of the other Transaction Documents or foreclosing its or their, as applicable, security interest in or lien on the Sold Assets or any other collateral securing the Guaranteed Obligations or the Seller Obligations or from exercising any other rights available to it or them, as applicable, under any Transaction Document, or any other instrument of security and the exercise of any of the aforesaid rights and the completion of any foreclosure proceedings shall not constitute a discharge of the Seller’s obligations under the Seller Guaranty; it being the purpose and intent of the Seller that its obligations under the Seller Guaranty shall be absolute, independent and unconditional under any and all circumstances.  Neither the Seller Guaranty nor any remedy for the enforcement thereof shall be impaired, modified, changed or released in any manner whatsoever by an impairment, modification, change, release, increase or limitation of the liability of any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer or any Performance Guarantor or by reason of the bankruptcy or insolvency of any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer or any Performance Guarantor.  The Seller hereby waives any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension, accrual, or increase of any of the Guaranteed Obligations  and notice of or proof of reliance by the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser on the Seller Guaranty or acceptance of the Seller Guaranty.  All dealings between any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or the Seller, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Purchasers, on the other hand, shall be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon the Seller Guaranty.  The Seller hereby represents and warrants that it is, and immediately after giving effect to the Seller Guaranty and the obligation evidenced hereby, will be, solvent.  The Seller Guaranty and the obligations of the Seller under the Seller Guaranty shall be valid and enforceable and shall not be subject to any limitation, impairment or discharge for any reason (other than payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations), 

 


	
 
	
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including the occurrence of any of the following, whether or not the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser shall have had notice or knowledge of any of them:  (A) any failure to assert or enforce or agreement not to assert or enforce, or the stay or enjoining, by order of court, by operation of law or otherwise, of the exercise or enforcement of, any claim or demand or any right, power or remedy with respect to the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations or any agreement relating thereto, or with respect to any guaranty of or other security for the payment of the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations, (B) any waiver, amendment or modification of, or any consent to departure from, any of the terms or provisions (including provisions relating to any Event of Termination) of any Transaction Document or any agreement or instrument executed pursuant thereto, or of any guaranty or other security for the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations, (C) to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any agreement relating thereto, at any time being found to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect, (D) the application of payments received from any source to the payment of Debt other than the Guaranteed Obligations, even though the Administrative Agent might have elected to apply such payment to any part or all of the Guaranteed Obligations, (E) any failure to perfect or continue perfection of a security interest in any of the Sold Assets or other Seller Collateral, (F) any defenses, set-offs or counterclaims which the Seller, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any Obligor may allege or assert against the Administrative Agent  or any Purchaser in respect of the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations, including failure of consideration, breach of warranty, payment, statute of frauds, statute of limitations, accord and satisfaction and usury, and (G) any other act or thing or omission, or delay to do any other act or thing, which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of the Seller as an obligor in respect of the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations.

Section 14.03.  Modifications.  The Seller agrees that: (a) all or any part of any security interest, lien, collateral security or supporting obligation now or hereafter held for any Guaranteed Obligation may be exchanged, compromised or surrendered from time to time; (b) none of the Purchasers or the Administrative Agent shall have any obligation to protect, perfect, secure or insure any security interest or lien now or hereafter held, if any, for the Guaranteed Obligations; (c) the time or place of payment of any Guaranteed Obligation may be changed or extended, in whole or in part, to a time certain or otherwise, and may be renewed or accelerated, in whole or in part; (d) any Obligor, any Originator, the Seller, the Servicer or any Performance Guarantor and any other party (including any co-guarantor) liable for payment of any Guaranteed Obligation may be granted indulgences generally; (e) any of the provisions of Contracts or any other agreements or documents governing or giving rise to any Guaranteed Obligation may be modified, amended or waived; and (f) any deposit balance for the credit of any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or the Seller or any other party (including any co-guarantor) liable for the payment of any Guaranteed Obligation or liable upon any security therefor may be released, in whole or in part, at, before or after the stated, extended or accelerated maturity of the Guaranteed Obligations, all without notice to or further assent by the Seller, which shall remain bound thereon, notwithstanding any such exchange, compromise, surrender, extension, renewal, acceleration, modification, indulgence or release.

Section 14.04.  Waiver of Rights.  The Seller expressly waives to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law: (a) notice of acceptance of the Seller Guaranty by the Purchasers and the Administrative Agent; (b) presentment and demand for payment or performance of any of 

 


	
 
	
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the Guaranteed Obligations; (c) protest and notice of dishonor or of default (except as specifically required in this Agreement) with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or with respect to any security therefor; (d) notice of the Purchasers or the Administrative Agent obtaining, amending, substituting for, releasing, waiving or modifying any security interest or lien, if any, hereafter securing the Guaranteed Obligations, or the Purchasers or the Administrative Agent subordinating, compromising, discharging or releasing such security interests or liens, if any; (e) all other notices, demands, presentments, protests or any agreement or instrument related to the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations to which the Seller might otherwise be entitled; (f) any right to require the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser as a condition of payment or performance by the Seller, to (A) proceed against any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any other Person, (B) proceed against or exhaust any other security held from any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any other Person, (C) proceed against or have resort to any balance of any deposit account, securities account or credit on the books of the Administrative Agent, the Purchasers or any other Person, or (D) pursue any other remedy in the power of the Administrative Agent or the Purchasers whatsoever; (g) any defense arising by reason of the incapacity, lack of authority or any disability or other defense of any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any other Person including any defense based on or arising out of the lack of validity or the unenforceability of the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations or any agreement or instrument relating thereto or by reason of the cessation of the liability of any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any other Person from any cause other than payment in full of the Sold Assets and the Guaranteed Obligations; (h) any defense based upon any Applicable Law which provides that the obligation of a surety must be neither larger in amount nor in other respects more burdensome than that of the principal; (i) any defense based upon the Administrative Agent’s or any Purchaser’s errors or omissions in the administration of the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations; (j) (A) any principles or provisions of law, statutory or otherwise, which are or might be in conflict with the terms of this Agreement and any legal or equitable discharge of the Sold Assets or the Guaranteed Obligations, (B) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the Seller’s liability under the Seller Guaranty or the enforcement of the Seller Guaranty, (C) any rights to set-offs, recoupments and counterclaims, and (D) promptness, diligence and any requirement that the Administrative Agent and the Purchasers protect, secure, perfect or insure any other security interest or lien or any property subject thereto; and (k) to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by Applicable Law which limit the liability of or exonerate guarantors or sureties, or which may conflict with the terms of this Agreement and the Seller Guaranty.

Section 14.05.  Reinstatement.  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, the obligations of the Seller under this Article XIV shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of any Person in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in bankruptcy or reorganization or otherwise, and the Seller agrees that it will indemnify Administrative Agent and each Purchaser on demand for all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable fees of counsel) incurred by such Person in connection with such rescission or restoration, including any such costs and expenses incurred in defending against any claim alleging that such payment 

 


	
 
	
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constituted a preference, fraudulent transfer or similar payment under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.

Section 14.06.  Remedies.  The Seller agrees that, as between the Seller, on the one hand, and Administrative Agent and the Purchasers, on the other hand, the Guaranteed Obligations may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Article X (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in Article X) notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or preventing such Guaranteed Obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against any other Person and that, in the event of such declaration (or such Guaranteed Obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable by any other Person) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Seller.  

Section 14.07.  Subrogation.  The Seller hereby waives all rights of subrogation (whether contractual or otherwise) to the claims of the Administrative Agent, the Purchasers and the other Secured Parties against any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any other Person in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations until such time as all Guaranteed Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Final Payout Date has occurred. The Seller further agrees that, to the extent such waiver of its rights of subrogation is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void or voidable for any reason, any rights of subrogation shall be junior and subordinate to any rights the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser may have against any Obligor, any Originator, the Servicer, any Performance Guarantor or any other Person in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations.

Section 14.08.  Inducement.  The Purchasers have been induced to make the Investments and Issuances under this Agreement in part based upon the Seller Guaranty that the Seller desires that the Seller Guaranty be honored and enforced as separate obligations of the Seller, should Administrative Agent and the Purchasers desire to do so.

Section 14.09.  Security Interest.  

(a)To secure the prompt payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Seller Guaranty and all other Seller Obligations, the Seller hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Purchasers and the other Secured Parties, a continuing security interest in and lien upon all property and assets of the Seller, whether now or hereafter owned, existing or arising and wherever located, including the following (collectively, the “Seller Collateral”): (i) all Unsold Receivables, (ii) all Related Security with respect to such Unsold Receivables, (iii) all Collections with respect to such Unsold Receivables, (iv) the Lock-Boxes and Collection Accounts and all amounts on deposit therein, and all certificates and instruments, if any, from time to time evidencing such Lock-Boxes and Collection Accounts and amounts on deposit therein, (v) all rights (but none of the obligations) of the Seller under the Purchase and Sale Agreement; (vi) all other personal and fixture property or assets of the Seller of every kind and nature including, without limitation, all goods (including inventory, equipment and any accessions thereto), instruments (including promissory notes), documents, accounts, chattel paper (whether tangible or electronic), deposit accounts, securities accounts, securities entitlements, letter-of-credit rights, commercial tort claims, securities and all other investment property, supporting obligations, money, any other contract rights or rights to the payment of money, insurance claims and proceeds, and all general intangibles (including all 

 


	
 
	
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payment intangibles) (each as defined in the UCC) and (vii) all proceeds of, and all amounts received or receivable under any or all of, the foregoing.

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

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

(d)For the avoidance of doubt, the grant of security interest pursuant to this Section 14.09 shall be in addition to, and shall not be construed to limit or modify, the sale of Sold Assets pursuant to Section 2.01(b) or the Seller’s grant of security interest pursuant to Section 5.05.

Section 14.10.  Further Assurances.  Promptly upon request, the Seller shall deliver such instruments, assignments or other documents or agreements, and shall take such actions, as the Administrative Agent or any Purchaser deems appropriate to evidence or perfect its security interest and lien on any of the Seller Collateral, or otherwise to give effect to the intent of this Article XIV.

Article XV

MISCELLANEOUS 

Section 15.01.  Amendments, Etc.  

(a)No failure on the part of any Purchaser Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.  No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof shall be effective unless in a writing signed by the Administrative Agent and the Majority Group Agents (and, in the case of any amendment, also signed by the Seller), and then such amendment, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that (A) no 

 


	
 
	
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amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Servicer, affect the rights or duties of the Servicer under this Agreement; (B) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent:

(i)change (directly or indirectly) the definitions of, Capital Coverage Deficit, Defaulted Receivable, Eligible Receivable, Facility Limit, Seller Obligation Final Due Date, Net Receivables Pool Balance or Total Reserves contained in this Agreement, or increase the then existing Concentration Percentage or Special Concentration Limit for any Obligor or change the calculation of the Capital Coverage Amount;

(ii)reduce the amount of Capital or Yield that is payable hereunder or delay any scheduled date for payment thereof;

(iii)change any Event of Termination or Servicer Default;

(iv)release all or a material portion of the Sold Assets or Seller Collateral from the Administrative Agent’s security interest created hereunder;

(v)release any Performance Guarantor from any of its obligations under the Performance Guaranty or terminate the Performance Guaranty;

(vi)change any of the provisions of this Section 15.01 or the definition of “Majority Group Agents”; or

(vii)change the order of priority in which Collections are applied pursuant to Section 4.01.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (A) no amendment, waiver or consent shall increase any Committed Purchaser’s or LC Participant’s Commitment hereunder without the consent of such Committed Purchaser or LC Participant, as applicable, and (B) no amendment, waiver or consent shall reduce any Fees payable by the Seller to any member of any Group or delay the dates on which any such Fees are payable, in either case, without the consent of the Group Agent for such Group. 

Section 15.02.  Notices, Etc.  All notices and other communications hereunder shall, unless otherwise stated herein, be in writing (which shall include facsimile communication) and faxed or delivered, to each party hereto, at its address set forth under its name on Schedule III hereto or at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties hereto.  Notices and communications by facsimile shall be effective when sent (and shall be followed by hard copy sent by regular mail), and notices and communications sent by other means shall be effective when received.

Section 15.03.  Assignability; Addition of Purchasers.  

(a)Assignment by Conduit Purchasers.  This Agreement and the rights of each Conduit Purchaser hereunder (including its right to receive payments of Capital and Yield) shall be assignable by such Conduit Purchaser and its successors and permitted assigns (i) to any Program Support Provider of such Conduit Purchaser without prior notice to or consent from the 

 


	
 
	
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Seller or any other party, or any other condition or restriction of any kind, (ii) to any other Purchaser with prior notice to the Seller but without consent from the Seller or (iii) with the prior written consent of the Seller (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that such consent shall not be required if an Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing), to any other Eligible Assignee.  Each assignor of Capital (or any portion thereof) or any interest therein may, in connection with the assignment or participation, disclose to the assignee or Participant any information relating to the Seller and its Affiliates, including the Receivables, furnished to such assignor by or on behalf of the Seller and its Affiliates or by the Administrative Agent; provided that, prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or Participant agrees to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential information relating to the Seller and its Affiliates received by it from any of the foregoing entities in a manner consistent with Section 15.06(b).

(b)Assignment by Committed Purchasers.  Each Committed Purchaser may assign to any Eligible Assignee or to any other Committed Purchaser all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment and any Capital or interests therein owned by it); provided, however that

(i)except for an assignment by a Committed Purchaser to either an Affiliate of such Committed Purchaser or any other Committed Purchaser, each such assignment shall require the prior written consent of the Seller (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that such consent shall not be required if an Event of Termination or an Unmatured Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing);

(ii)each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all rights and obligations under this Agreement;

(iii)the amount being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance Agreement with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than the lesser of (x) $5,000,000 and (y) all of the assigning Committed Purchaser’s Commitment; and

(iv)the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement.

Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording from and after the effective date specified in such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement, and to the extent that rights and obligations under this Agreement have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Committed Purchaser hereunder and (y) the assigning Committed Purchaser shall, to the extent that rights and obligations have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, relinquish such rights and be released from such obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Committed Purchaser’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Committed Purchaser shall cease to be a party hereto).

 


	
 
	
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(c)Register.  The Administrative Agent shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Seller, maintain at its address referred to on Schedule III of this Agreement (or such other address of the Administrative Agent notified by the Administrative Agent to the other parties hereto) a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance Agreement delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Committed Purchasers and the Conduit Purchasers, the Commitment of each Committed Purchaser and the aggregate outstanding Capital (and stated Yield) of each Conduit Purchaser and Committed Purchaser from time to time (the “Register”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Seller, the Servicer, the Administrative Agent, the Group Agents, and the other Purchaser Parties may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Committed Purchaser or Conduit Purchaser, as the case may be, under this Agreement for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Seller, the Servicer, any Group Agent, any Conduit Purchaser or any Committed Purchaser at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(d)Procedure.  Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement executed and delivered by an assigning Committed Purchaser and an Eligible Assignee or assignee Committed Purchaser, the Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement has been duly completed, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance Agreement, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Seller and the Servicer.

(e)Participations.  Each Committed Purchaser may sell participations to one or more Eligible Assignees (each, a “Participant”) in or to all or a portion of its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment and its Capital and Yield thereon); provided, however, that

(i)such Committed Purchaser’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Seller hereunder) shall remain unchanged, and

(ii)such Committed Purchaser shall remain solely responsible to the other parties to this Agreement for the performance of such obligations.

The Administrative Agent, the Group Agents, the LC Banks, the LC Participants, the Conduit Purchasers, the other Committed Purchasers, the Seller and the Servicer shall have the right to continue to deal solely and directly with such Committed Purchaser in connection with such Committed Purchaser’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.  The Seller agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 5.01 and 5.03 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 5.03(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.03(f) shall be delivered to the participating Purchaser)) to the same extent as if it were a Purchaser and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to clause (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 5.01 or 5.03, with respect to any participation, than its participating Purchaser 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.

 


	
 
	
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(f)Participant Register.  Each Committed Purchaser that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Seller, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the Capital (and stated Yield) participated to each Participant, together with each Participant’s interest in the other obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Committed Purchaser 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, Capital, Yield, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under any this Agreement) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Capital, Yield, Letters 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 Committed Purchaser 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.

(g)Assignments by Agents.  This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent herein shall be assignable by the Administrative Agent or such Group Agent, as the case may be, and its successors and assigns; provided that in the case of an assignment to a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent or such Group Agent, so long as no Event of Termination or Unmatured Event of Termination has occurred and is continuing, such assignment shall require the Seller’s consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

(h)Assignments by the Seller or the Servicer.  Neither the Seller nor, except as provided in Section 9.01, the Servicer may assign any of its respective rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, each LC Bank and each Group Agent (such consent to be provided or withheld in the sole discretion of such Person). 

(i)Addition of Purchasers or Groups.  The Seller may, with written notice to the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent, add additional Persons as Purchasers (by creating a new Group) or cause an existing Purchaser or LC Participant to increase its Commitment; provided, however, that the Commitment of any existing Purchaser or LC Participant may only be increased with the prior written consent of such Purchaser or LC Participant.  Each new Purchaser or LC Participant (or Group) shall become a party hereto, by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent and the Seller, an assumption agreement (each, an “Assumption Agreement”) in the form of Exhibit D hereto (which Assumption Agreement shall, in the case of any new Purchaser or LC Participant, be executed by each Person in such new Purchaser’s Group).

(j)Pledge to a Federal Reserve Bank. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Purchaser, Program Support Provider or any of their respective Affiliates may at any time pledge or grant a security interest in all or any portion of its interest in, to and under this Agreement (including, without limitation, rights to payment of Capital and Yield) and any other Transaction Document to secure its obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, without notice to or the consent of the Seller, the Servicer, any Affiliate thereof or any Purchaser Party; provided, 

 


	
 
	
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however, that that no such pledge shall relieve such assignor of its obligations under this Agreement.

(k)Pledge to a Security Trustee.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Conduit Purchaser may at any time pledge or grant a security interest in all or any portion of its interest in, to and under this Agreement (including, without limitation, rights to payment of Capital and Yield) and any other Transaction Document to a collateral trustee (or Person acting in a similar capacity)  as collateral security in connection with such Conduit Purchaser’s asset-backed commercial paper note program, without notice to or the consent of the Seller, the Servicer, any Affiliate thereof or any Purchaser Party; provided, however, that that no such pledge shall relieve such assignor of its obligations under this Agreement.

Section 15.04.  Costs and Expenses.  In addition to the rights of indemnification granted under Section 13.01 hereof, the Seller agrees to pay on demand all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement, any Program Support Agreement (or any supplement or amendment thereof) related to this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (together with all amendments, restatements, supplements, consents and waivers, if any, from time to time hereto and thereto), including, without limitation, (i) the Attorney Costs for the Administrative Agent and the other Purchaser Parties and any of their respective Affiliates with respect thereto and with respect to advising the Administrative Agent and the other Purchaser Parties and their respective Affiliates as to their rights and remedies under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and (ii) reasonable accountants’, auditors’ and consultants’ fees and expenses for the Administrative Agent and the other Purchaser Parties and any of their respective Affiliates and the fees and charges of any nationally recognized statistical rating agency incurred in connection with the administration and maintenance of this Agreement or advising the Administrative Agent or any other Purchaser Party as to their rights and remedies under this Agreement or as to any actual or reasonably claimed breach of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.  In addition, the Seller agrees to pay on demand all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including Attorney Costs), of the Administrative Agent and the other Purchaser Parties and their respective Affiliates, incurred in connection with the enforcement of any of their respective rights or remedies under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.

Section 15.05.  No Proceedings; Limitation on Payments.  

(a)Each of the Seller, the Administrative Agent, the Servicer, each Group Agent, each Purchaser, each LC Participant and each assignee of Capital or any Yield thereof or of any other Seller Obligations agrees that it will not institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, any Conduit Purchaser any Insolvency Proceeding so long as any Notes or other senior indebtedness issued by such Conduit Purchaser shall be outstanding or there shall not have elapsed one year plus one day since the last day on which any such Notes or other senior indebtedness shall have been outstanding.

(b)Each of the Servicer, each Group Agent, each Purchaser and each assignee of Capital or any Yield thereof or of any other Seller Obligations, hereby covenants and agrees that it will not institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against, the Seller any Insolvency Proceeding until one year and one day after the Final Payout Date; provided, that the 

 


	
 
	
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Administrative Agent may take any such action in its sole discretion following the occurrence of an Event of Termination.

(c)Notwithstanding any provisions contained in this Agreement to the contrary, a Conduit Purchaser shall not, and shall be under no obligation to, pay any amount, if any, payable by it pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document unless (i) such Conduit Purchaser has received funds which may be used to make such payment and which funds are not required to repay such Conduit Purchaser’s Notes when due and (ii) after giving effect to such payment, either (x) such Conduit Purchaser could issue Notes to refinance all of its outstanding Notes (assuming such outstanding Notes matured at such time) in accordance with the program documents governing such Conduit Purchaser’s securitization program or (y) all of such Conduit Purchaser’s Notes are paid in full.  Any amount which any Conduit Purchaser does not pay pursuant to the operation of the preceding sentence shall not constitute a claim (as defined in Section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code) against or company obligation of such Conduit Purchaser for any such insufficiency unless and until such Conduit Purchaser satisfies the provisions of clauses (i) and (ii) above.  The provisions of this Section 15.05 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 15.06.  Confidentiality.

(a)Each of the Seller and the Servicer covenants and agrees to hold in confidence, and not disclose to any Person, the terms of this Agreement or the Fee Letter (including any fees payable in connection with this Agreement, the Fee Letter or any other Transaction Document or the identity of the Administrative Agent or any other Purchaser Party), except as the Administrative Agent and each Group Agent may have consented to in writing prior to any proposed disclosure; provided, however, that it may disclose such information (i) to its Advisors and Representatives, (ii) to the extent such information has become available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by or through the Seller, the Servicer or their Advisors and Representatives or (iii) to the extent it should be (A) required by Applicable Law, or in connection with any legal or regulatory proceeding or (B) requested by any Governmental Authority to disclose such information; provided, that, in the case of clause (iii) above, the Seller and the Servicer will use reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality and will (unless otherwise prohibited by Applicable Law) notify the Administrative Agent and the affected Purchaser Party of its intention to make any such disclosure prior to making such disclosure.  Each of the Seller and the Servicer agrees to be responsible for any breach of this Section by its Representatives and Advisors and agrees that its Representatives and Advisors will be advised by it of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree to comply with this Section.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly agreed that each of the Seller, the Servicer and their respective Affiliates may publish a press release or otherwise publicly announce the existence and principal amount of the Commitments under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; provided that the Administrative Agent shall be provided a reasonable opportunity to review such press release or other public announcement prior to its release and provide comment thereon; and provided, further, that no such press release shall name or otherwise identify the Administrative Agent, any other Purchaser Party or any of their respective Affiliates without such Person’s prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Seller consents to the publication by the Administrative Agent or any other 

 


	
 
	
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Purchaser Party of a tombstone or similar advertising material relating to the financing transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b)Each of the Administrative Agent and each other Purchaser Party, severally and with respect to itself only, agrees to hold in confidence, and not disclose to any Person, any confidential and proprietary information concerning the Seller, the Servicer and their respective Affiliates and their businesses or the terms of this Agreement (including any fees payable in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents), except as the Seller or the Servicer may have consented to in writing prior to any proposed disclosure; provided, however, that it may disclose such information (i) to its Advisors and Representatives and to any related Program Support Provider, (ii) to its assignees and Participants and potential assignees and Participants and their respective counsel if they agree in writing to hold it confidential, (iii) to the extent such information has become available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by or through it or its Representatives or Advisors or any related Program Support Provider, (iv) to any nationally recognized statistical rating organization in connection with obtaining or maintaining the rating of any Conduit Purchaser’s Notes or as contemplated by 17 CFR 240.17g-5(a)(3), (v) at the request of a bank examiner or other regulatory authority or in connection with an examination of any of the Administrative Agent, any Group Agent or any Purchaser or their respective Affiliates or Program Support Providers or (vi) to the extent it should be (A) required by Applicable Law, or in connection with any legal or regulatory proceeding or (B) requested by any Governmental Authority to disclose such information; provided, that, in the case of clause (vi) above, the Administrative Agent, each Group Agent and each Purchaser will use reasonable efforts to maintain confidentiality and will (unless otherwise prohibited by Applicable Law) notify the Seller and the Servicer of its making any such disclosure as promptly as reasonably practicable thereafter.  Each of the Administrative Agent, each Group Agent and each Purchaser, severally and with respect to itself only, agrees to be responsible for any breach of this Section by its Representatives, Advisors and Program Support Providers and agrees that its Representatives, Advisors and Program Support Providers will be advised by it of the confidential nature of such information and shall agree to comply with this Section.

(c)As used in this Section, (i) “Advisors” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s accountants, attorneys and other confidential advisors and (ii) “Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates, Subsidiaries, directors, managers, officers, employees, members, investors, financing sources, insurers, professional advisors, representatives and agents; provided that such Persons shall not be deemed to Representatives of a Person unless (and solely to the extent that) confidential information is furnished to such Person.]

(d)Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent not inconsistent with applicable securities laws, each party hereto (and each of its employees, representatives or other agents) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure (as defined in Section 1.6011-4 of the Treasury Regulations) of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to such Person relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.

Section 15.07.  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PARTIES HERETO, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 

 


	
 
	
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(INCLUDING SECTIONS 5-1401 AND 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY OTHER CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE PERFECTION, THE EFFECT OF PERFECTION OR PRIORITY OF THE INTERESTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY PURCHASER IN THE sold ASSETS OR SELLER COLLATERAL IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF NEW YORK).

Section 15.08.  Execution in Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart hereof by facsimile or other electronic means shall be equally effective as delivery of an originally executed counterpart.

Section 15.09.  Integration; Binding Effect; Survival of Termination.  This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents contain the final and complete integration of all prior expressions by the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof superseding all prior oral or written understandings.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  This Agreement shall create and constitute the continuing obligations of the parties hereto in accordance with its terms and shall remain in full force and effect until the Final Payout Date; provided, however, that the provisions of Sections 3.08, 3.09, 3.10, 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 11.04, 11.06, 12.04, 13.01, 13.02, 14.08, 14.09, 14.10, 15.04, 15.05, 15.06, 15.09, 15.11 and 15.13 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

Section 15.10.  CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.  (a) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO (I) WITH RESPECT TO THE SELLER AND THE SERVICER, THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION, AND (II) WITH RESPECT TO EACH OF THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO, THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION, IN EACH CASE, OF ANY NEW YORK STATE OR FEDERAL COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, AND EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING (I) IF BROUGHT BY THE SELLER, THE SERVICER OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF, SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED, AND (II) IF BROUGHT BY ANY OTHER PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED, IN EACH CASE, IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT.  NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 15.10 SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OTHER PURCHASER PARTY TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE SELLER OR THE SERVICER OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PROPERTY IN THE COURTS OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS.  EACH OF THE SELLER AND THE SERVICER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY EFFECTIVELY DO SO, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR 

 


	
 
	
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PROCEEDING.  THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

(b)EACH OF THE SELLER AND THE SERVICER CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES OF SUCH PROCESS TO IT AT ITS ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 15.02.  NOTHING IN THIS SECTION 15.10 SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OTHER PURCHASER PARTY TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW.

Section 15.11.  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT.

Section 15.12.  Ratable Payments.  If any Purchaser Party, whether by setoff or otherwise, has payment made to it with respect to any Seller Obligations in a greater proportion than that received by any other Purchaser Party entitled to receive a ratable share of such Seller Obligations, such Purchaser Party agrees, promptly upon demand, to purchase for cash without recourse or warranty a portion of such Seller Obligations held by the other Purchaser Parties so that after such purchase each Purchaser Party will hold its ratable proportion of such Seller Obligations; provided that if all or any portion of such excess amount is thereafter recovered from such Purchaser Party, such purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.

Section 15.13.  Limitation of Liability.  

(a)No claim may be made by the Seller or any Affiliate thereof or any other Person against any Purchaser Party or their respective Affiliates, members, directors, officers, employees, incorporators, attorneys or agents for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages in respect of any claim for breach of contract or any other theory of liability arising out of or related to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection herewith or therewith; and each of the Seller and the Servicer hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue upon any claim for any such damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in its favor.  None of the Purchaser Parties and their respective Affiliates shall have any liability to the Seller or any Affiliate thereof or any other Person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Seller or any Affiliate thereof in connection with or as a result of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except to the extent that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the Seller or any Affiliate thereof result from the breach of contract, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Purchaser Party in performing its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party.

 


	
 
	
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(b)The obligations of the Administrative Agent and each of the other Purchaser Parties under this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents are solely the corporate obligations of such Person.  No recourse shall be had for any obligation or claim arising out of or based upon this Agreement or any other Transaction Document against any member, director, officer, employee or incorporator of any such Person.

Section 15.14.  Intent of the Parties.  The Seller has structured this Agreement with the intention that the obligations of the Seller hereunder (including the obligation to return Capital to the Purchasers and make payments of Yield thereon) will be treated under United States federal, and applicable state, local and foreign tax law as debt (the “Intended Tax Treatment”).  The Seller, the Servicer, the Administrative Agent and the other Purchaser Parties agree to file no tax return, or take any action, inconsistent with the Intended Tax Treatment unless required by law.  Each assignee and each Participant acquiring an interest in an Investment or Issuance, by its acceptance of such assignment or participation, agrees to comply with the immediately preceding sentence.

Section 15.15.  USA Patriot Act.  Each of the Administrative Agent and each of the other Purchaser Parties hereby notifies the Seller and the Servicer that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001) (the “PATRIOT Act”), the Administrative Agent and the other Purchaser Parties may be required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Seller, the Originators, the Servicer and the Performance Guarantors, which information includes the name, address, tax identification number and other information regarding the Seller, the Originators, the Servicer and the Performance Guarantors that will allow the Administrative Agent and the other Purchaser Parties to identify the Seller, the Originators, the Servicer and the Performance Guarantors in accordance with the PATRIOT Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the PATRIOT Act.  Each of the Seller and the Servicer agrees to provide the Administrative Agent and each other Purchaser Parties, from time to time, with all documentation and other information required by bank regulatory authorities under “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including, without limitation, the PATRIOT Act.

Section 15.16.  Right of Setoff.  Each of the Administrative Agent, each Group Agent and each Purchaser is hereby authorized (in addition to any other rights it may have) at any time after the occurrence of the Termination Date due to the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Termination, upon prior written notice to the Seller, to set-off, appropriate and apply (without presentment, demand, protest or other notice which are hereby expressly waived) any deposits and any other indebtedness held or owing by the Administrative Agent, such Group Agent or such Purchaser to, or for the account of, the Seller against the amount of the Seller Obligations owing by the Seller to such Person or to the Administrative Agent or such Group Agent on behalf of such Person (even if contingent or unmatured).

Section 15.17.  Severability.  Any provisions of this Agreement which are prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 


	
 
	
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Section 15.18.  Mutual Negotiations.  This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are the product of mutual negotiations by the parties thereto and their counsel, and no party shall be deemed the draftsperson of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any provision hereof or thereof or to have provided the same.  Accordingly, in the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity of any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, such inconsistency or ambiguity shall not be interpreted against any party because of such party’s involvement in the drafting thereof.

Section 15.19.  Captions and Cross References.  The various captions (including the table of contents) in this Agreement are provided solely for convenience of reference and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement.  Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Agreement to any Section, Schedule or Exhibit are to such Section Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement, as the case may be, and references in any Section, subsection, or clause to any subsection, clause or subclause are to such subsection, clause or subclause of such Section, subsection or clause.

Section 15.20.Post-Closing Covenant.  Each of the Seller and Servicer shall undertake to cause the satisfaction and discharge of the lien against Ashland LLC in favor of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services described in the state tax lien file number 201107130086592 filed in Franklin County, Ohio, prior to June 17, 2021 (or such later date as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent and the Majority Purchaser Agents).  Until such date, the existence of such lien shall not constitute a violation of the provisions of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.   

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

 

 


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


		
	
 
	
CVG CAPITAL III LLC

By:    /s/ William Whitaker               
Name:  William Whitaker
Title:    President

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
ASHLAND LLC,

as the Servicer

By:    /s/ William Whitaker 

Name:  William Whitaker
Title:    Vice President & Treasurer




 

 




 


	
 
	
S-1
	
Receivables Purchase Agreement




 



 


		
	
 
	
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Administrative Agent 


By:  /s/ Henry Chan

Name:  Henry Chan
Title:    Senior Vice President

 

 

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Group Agent for the PNC Group



By:  /s/ Henry Chan

Name:  Henry Chan
Title:    Senior Vice President

 

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 

 

	


	
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as an LC Bank, Committed Purchaser and LC Participant



By:  /s/ Henry Chan

Name:  Henry Chan
Title:    Senior Vice President

 

 




 


		
	


	
 

PNC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC,
as Structuring Agent



By:  /s/ Henry Chan

Name:  Henry Chan
Title:    Managing Director

 







 


	
 
	
S-2
	
Receivables Purchase Agreement




 



 


		
	


	
FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Group Agent for the Fifth Third Group



By:  /s/ Andrew D. Jones

Name:  Andrew D. Jones
Title:    Managing Director

 

	
 
	
 

	
 
	
 

 

	
 
	
FIFTH THIRD BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as a Committed Purchaser and LC Participant



By:  /s/ Andrew D. Jones

Name:  Andrew D. Jones
Title:    Managing Director




 

 


	
 
	
S-3
	
Receivables Purchase Agreement