Exhibit 4.2

 


 



 

GOLAR LNG PARTNERS LP

 

as Issuer,

 

and

 

[                                        ],

 

as Trustee

 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of             , 2012

 

Subordinated Debt Securities

 


 



 











 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

 

	
TIA Section
    	
 
    	
Indenture Section
    
	
310(a)
    	
 
    	
7.10
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
7.10
    	
 
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
N.A.
    	
 
    
	
311(a)
    	
 
    	
7.11
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
7.11
    	
 
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
N.A.
    	
 
    
	
312(a)
    	
 
    	
5.01
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
5.02
    	
 
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
5.02
    	
 
    
	
313(a)
    	
 
    	
5.03
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
5.03
    	
 
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
13.03
    	
 
    
	
(d)
    	
 
    	
5.03
    	
 
    
	
314(a)
    	
 
    	
4.05
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
N.A.
    	
 
    
	
(c)(1)
    	
 
    	
13.05
    	
 
    
	
(c)(2)
    	
 
    	
13.05
    	
 
    
	
(c)(3)
    	
 
    	
N.A.
    	
 
    
	
(d)
    	
 
    	
N.A.
    	
 
    
	
(e)
    	
 
    	
13.05
    	
 
    
	
(f)
    	
 
    	
N.A.
    	
 
    
	
315(a)
    	
 
    	
7.01
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
6.07 
    	
&   13.03
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
7.01
    	
 
    
	
(d)
    	
 
    	
7.01
    	
 
    
	
(e)
    	
 
    	
6.08
    	
 
    
	
316(a) (last   sentence)
    	
 
    	
1.01
    	
 
    
	
(a)(1)(A)
    	
 
    	
6.06
    	
 
    
	
(a)(1)(B)
    	
 
    	
6.06
    	
 
    
	
(a)(2)
    	
 
    	
9.01
    	
(d)
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
6.04
    	
 
    
	
(c)
    	
 
    	
5.04
    	
 
    
	
317(a)(1)
    	
 
    	
6.02
    	
 
    
	
(a)(2)
    	
 
    	
6.02
    	
 
    
	
(b)
    	
 
    	
4.04
    	
 
    
	
318(a)
    	
 
    	
13.07
    	
 
    


 

N.A. means Not Applicable

NOTE:  This Cross-Reference table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed part of this Indenture.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	
ARTICLE I
    
	
 
    
	
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 1.01
    	
Definitions
    	
1
    
	
Section 1.02
    	
Other Definitions
    	
6
    
	
Section 1.03
    	
Incorporation by Reference of   Trust Indenture Act
    	
7
    
	
Section 1.04
    	
Rules of Construction
    	
7
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE II
    
	
 
    
	
DEBT SECURITIES
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 2.01
    	
Forms Generally
    	
7
    
	
Section 2.02
    	
Form of Trustee’s   Certificate of Authentication
    	
8
    
	
Section 2.03
    	
Principal Amount; Issuable in   Series
    	
8
    
	
Section 2.04
    	
Execution of Debt Securities
    	
10
    
	
Section 2.05
    	
Authentication and Delivery of   Debt Securities
    	
11
    
	
Section 2.06
    	
Denomination of Debt Securities
    	
12
    
	
Section 2.07
    	
Registration of Transfer and   Exchange
    	
12
    
	
Section 2.08
    	
Temporary Debt Securities
    	
14
    
	
Section 2.09
    	
Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or   Stolen Debt Securities
    	
14
    
	
Section 2.10
    	
Cancellation of Surrendered Debt   Securities
    	
15
    
	
Section 2.11
    	
Provisions of the Indenture and   Debt Securities for the Sole Benefit of the Parties and the Holders
    	
15
    
	
Section 2.12
    	
Payment of Interest; Interest   Rights Preserved
    	
16
    
	
Section 2.13
    	
Securities Denominated in   Dollars
    	
16
    
	
Section 2.14
    	
Wire Transfers
    	
16
    
	
Section 2.15
    	
Securities Issuable in the   Form of a Global Security
    	
16
    
	
Section 2.16
    	
Medium Term Securities
    	
19
    
	
Section 2.17
    	
Defaulted Interest
    	
19
    
	
Section 2.18
    	
CUSIP Numbers
    	
20
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE III
    
	
 
    
	
REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 3.01
    	
Applicability of Article
    	
20
    
	
Section 3.02
    	
Notice of Redemption; Selection   of Debt Securities
    	
20
    
	
Section 3.03
    	
Payment of Debt Securities   Called for Redemption
    	
22
    
	
Section 3.04
    	
Mandatory and Optional Sinking   Funds
    	
22
    
	
Section 3.05
    	
Redemption of Debt Securities   for Sinking Fund
    	
23
    


 

ii











 

	
ARTICLE IV
    
	
 
    
	
PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 4.01
    	
Payment of Principal of, and   Premium, If Any, and Interest on, Debt Securities
    	
24
    
	
Section 4.02
    	
Maintenance of Offices or   Agencies for Registration of Transfer, Exchange and Payment of Debt   Securities
    	
25
    
	
Section 4.03
    	
Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in   the Office of Trustee
    	
25
    
	
Section 4.04
    	
Duties of Paying   Agents, etc.
    	
25
    
	
Section 4.05
    	
SEC Reports; Financial   Statements
    	
26
    
	
Section 4.06
    	
Compliance Certificate
    	
27
    
	
Section 4.07
    	
Further Instruments and Acts
    	
27
    
	
Section 4.08
    	
Existence
    	
27
    
	
Section 4.09
    	
Maintenance of Properties
    	
27
    
	
Section 4.10
    	
Payment of Taxes and Other   Claims
    	
28
    
	
Section 4.11
    	
Waiver of Certain Covenants
    	
28
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE V
    
	
 
    
	
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 5.01
    	
Issuer to Furnish Trustee   Information as to Names and Addresses of Holders; Preservation of Information
    	
28
    
	
Section 5.02
    	
Communications to Holders
    	
29
    
	
Section 5.03
    	
Reports by Trustee
    	
29
    
	
Section 5.04
    	
Record Dates for Action by   Holders
    	
29
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE VI
    
	
 
    
	
REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND HOLDERS IN EVENT OF DEFAULT
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 6.01
    	
Events of Default
    	
30
    
	
Section 6.02
    	
Collection of Debt by   Trustee, etc.
    	
31
    
	
Section 6.03
    	
Application of Moneys Collected   by Trustee
    	
32
    
	
Section 6.04
    	
Limitation on Suits by Holders
    	
33
    
	
Section 6.05
    	
Remedies Cumulative; Delay or   Omission in Exercise of Rights Not a Waiver of Default
    	
34
    
	
Section 6.06
    	
Rights of Holders of Majority in   Principal Amount of Debt Securities to Direct Trustee and to Waive Default
    	
34
    
	
Section 6.07
    	
Trustee to Give Notice of   Defaults Known to It, but May Withhold Such Notice in Certain   Circumstances
    	
35
    
	
Section 6.08
    	
Requirement of an Undertaking to   Pay Costs in Certain Suits under the Indenture or Against the Trustee
    	
35
    


 

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ARTICLE VII
    
	
 
    
	
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 7.01
    	
Certain Duties and   Responsibilities
    	
35
    
	
Section 7.02
    	
Certain Rights of Trustee
    	
37
    
	
Section 7.03
    	
Trustee Not Liable for Recitals   in Indenture or in Debt Securities
    	
38
    
	
Section 7.04
    	
Trustee, Paying Agent or   Registrar May Own Debt Securities
    	
38
    
	
Section 7.05
    	
Moneys Received by Trustee to Be   Held in Trust
    	
38
    
	
Section 7.06
    	
Compensation and Reimbursement
    	
38
    
	
Section 7.07
    	
Right of Trustee to Rely on an   Officers’ Certificate Where No Other Evidence Specifically Prescribed
    	
39
    
	
Section 7.08
    	
Separate Trustee; Replacement of   Trustee
    	
39
    
	
Section 7.09
    	
Successor Trustee by Merger
    	
40
    
	
Section 7.10
    	
Eligibility; Disqualification
    	
41
    
	
Section 7.11
    	
Preferential Collection of   Claims Against Issuer
    	
41
    
	
Section 7.12
    	
Compliance with Tax Laws
    	
41
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE VIII
    
	
 
    
	
CONCERNING THE HOLDERS
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 8.01
    	
Evidence of Action by Holders
    	
41
    
	
Section 8.02
    	
Proof of Execution of   Instruments and of Holding of Debt Securities
    	
41
    
	
Section 8.03
    	
Who May Be Deemed Owner of   Debt Securities
    	
42
    
	
Section 8.04
    	
Instruments Executed by Holders   Bind Future Holders
    	
42
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE IX
    
	
 
    
	
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 9.01
    	
Purposes for Which Supplemental   Indenture May Be Entered into Without Consent of Holders
    	
43
    
	
Section 9.02
    	
Modification of Indenture with   Consent of Holders of Debt Securities
    	
44
    
	
Section 9.03
    	
Effect of Supplemental   Indentures
    	
45
    
	
Section 9.04
    	
Debt Securities May Bear   Notation of Changes by Supplemental Indentures
    	
46
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE X
    
	
 
    
	
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 10.01
    	
Consolidations and Mergers of   the Issuer
    	
46
    
	
Section 10.02
    	
Rights and Duties of Successor   Company
    	
46
    


 

iv











 

	
ARTICLE XI
    
	
 
    
	
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF
    
	
INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 11.01
    	
Applicability of Article
    	
47
    
	
Section 11.02
    	
Satisfaction and Discharge of   Indenture; Defeasance
    	
47
    
	
Section 11.03
    	
Conditions of Defeasance
    	
48
    
	
Section 11.04
    	
Application of Trust Money
    	
49
    
	
Section 11.05
    	
Repayment to Issuer
    	
49
    
	
Section 11.06
    	
Indemnity for U.S. Government   Obligations
    	
49
    
	
Section 11.07
    	
Reinstatement
    	
50
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE XII
    
	
 
    
	
[RESERVED]
    
	
 
    
	
ARTICLE XIII
    
	
 
    
	
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 13.01
    	
Successors and Assigns of Issuer   Bound by Indenture
    	
50
    
	
Section 13.02
    	
Acts of Board, Committee or   Officer of Successor Company Valid
    	
50
    
	
Section 13.03
    	
Required Notices or Demands
    	
50
    
	
Section 13.04
    	
Indenture and Debt Securities to   Be Construed in Accordance with the Laws of the State of New York
    	
51
    
	
Section 13.05
    	
Officers’ Certificate and   Opinion of Counsel to Be Furnished upon Application or Demand by the Issuer
    	
51
    
	
Section 13.06
    	
Payments Due on Legal Holidays
    	
52
    
	
Section 13.07
    	
Provisions Required by TIA to   Control
    	
52
    
	
Section 13.08
    	
Computation of Interest on Debt   Securities
    	
52
    
	
Section 13.09
    	
Rules by Trustee, Paying   Agent and Registrar
    	
52
    
	
Section 13.10
    	
No Recourse Against Others
    	
52
    
	
Section 13.11
    	
Severability
    	
52
    
	
Section 13.12
    	
Effect of Headings
    	
53
    
	
Section 13.13
    	
Indenture May Be Executed   in Counterparts
    	
53
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE XIV
    
	
 
    
	
SUBORDINATION OF DEBT SECURITIES
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Section 14.01
    	
Applicability of Article;   Agreement to Subordinate
    	
53
    
	
Section 14.02
    	
Liquidation, Dissolution,   Bankruptcy
    	
53
    
	
Section 14.03
    	
Default on Senior Indebtedness
    	
53
    
	
Section 14.04
    	
Acceleration of Payment of Debt   Securities
    	
54
    
	
Section 14.05
    	
When Distribution Must Be Paid   Over
    	
54
    
	
Section 14.06
    	
Subrogation
    	
54
    
	
Section 14.07
    	
Relative Rights
    	
55
    
	
Section 14.08
    	
Subordination May Not Be   Impaired by Issuer
    	
55
    


 

v











 

	
Section 14.09
    	
Rights of Trustee and Paying   Agents
    	
55
    
	
Section 14.10
    	
Distribution or Notice to   Representative
    	
55
    
	
Section 14.11
    	
Article XIV Not to Prevent   Defaults or Limit Right to Accelerate
    	
55
    
	
Section 14.12
    	
Trust Moneys Not Subordinated
    	
56
    
	
Section 14.13
    	
Trustee Entitled to Rely
    	
56
    
	
Section 14.14
    	
Trustee to Effectuate   Subordination
    	
56
    
	
Section 14.15
    	
Trustee Not Fiduciary for   Holders of Senior Indebtedness
    	
56
    
	
Section 14.16
    	
Reliance by Holders of Senior   Indebtedness on Subordination Provisions
    	
56
    


 

vi









 

THIS INDENTURE dated as of                   , 2012 is between Golar LNG Partners LP, a Marshall Islands limited partnership (the “Issuer”), and [                                  ], a                                         , as trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

RECITALS OF THE ISSUER

 

The Issuer has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Issuer’s debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series unlimited as to principal amount (herein called the “Debt Securities”), as in this Indenture provided. All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Issuer, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH

 

That in order to declare the terms and conditions upon which the Debt Securities are authenticated, issued and delivered, and in consideration of the premises, and of the purchase and acceptance of the Debt Securities by the holders thereof, the Issuer and the Trustee covenant and agree with each other, for the benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the Debt Securities or any series thereof, as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

Section 1.01          Definitions.

 

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing. The Trustee may request and may conclusively rely upon an Officers’ Certificate to determine whether any Person is an Affiliate of any specified Person.

 

“Agent” means any Registrar or paying agent.

 

“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

 

“Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any authorized committee of the Board of Directors of the Issuer or any directors and/or officers of the Issuer to whom such Board of Directors or such committee shall have duly delegated its authority to act hereunder.

 

“Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

 











 

“capital stock” of any Person means and includes any and all shares, rights to purchase, warrants or options (whether or not currently exercisable), participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) the equity (which includes, but is not limited to, common stock, preferred stock and partnership and joint venture interests) of such Person (excluding any debt securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable for, such equity).

 

“Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

“Debt” of any Person at any date means any obligation created or assumed by such Person for the repayment of borrowed money and any guarantee thereof.

 

“Debt Security” or “Debt Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any debt security or debt securities, as the case may be, of any series authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

 

“Default” means any event, act or condition that is, or after notice or the passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

 

“Depositary” means, unless otherwise specified by the Issuer pursuant to either Sections 2.03 or 2.15, with respect to Debt Securities of any series issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or any successor thereto registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute or regulations.

 

“Designated Senior Indebtedness” means, as to any series of Debt Securities, any Senior Indebtedness identified as Designated Senior Indebtedness in the Board Resolution or supplemental Indenture setting forth the terms of such series.

 

“Dollar” or “$” means such currency of the United States as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

 

“Equity Interests” means: (1) in the case of a corporation, capital stock; (2) in the case of an association or a business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock; (3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); (4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person; and (5) all warrants, options or other rights to acquire any of the interests described in clauses (1) through (4) above (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, any of the interests described in clauses (1) through (4) above).

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor statute.

 

“Floating Rate Security” means a Debt Security that provides for the payment of interest at a variable rate determined periodically by reference to an interest rate index specified pursuant to Section 2.03.

 

2











 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession of the United States, as in effect from time to time.

 

“General Partner” means Golar GP LLC, a Marshall Islands limited liability company, and its successors as general partner of the Issuer.

 

“Global Security” means with respect to any series of Debt Securities issued hereunder, a Debt Security which is executed by the Issuer and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction, all in accordance with this Indenture and any Indentures supplemental hereto, or resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, which shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee and which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series or any portion thereof, in either case having the same terms, including, without limitation, the same original issue date, date or dates on which principal is due and interest rate or method of determining interest.

 

“guarantee” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt or other obligation of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt or other obligation of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (b) entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Debt or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, however, that the term “guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.  The term “guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

“Holder,” “Holder of Debt Securities” or other similar terms means, a Person in whose name a Debt Security is registered in the Debt Security Register (as defined in Section 2.07(a)).

 

“Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed, or, if amended or supplemented as herein provided, as so amended or supplemented and shall include the form and terms of particular series of Debt Securities as contemplated hereunder, whether or not a supplemental Indenture is entered into with respect thereto.

 

“Issuer Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Issuer by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President of the Issuer, and by the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Accounting Officer, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, an Assistant Controller, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer, in each case delivered to the Trustee, or if the Issuer shall change its form of entity to other than a limited partnership, by Persons or officers, members, agents and others holding positions comparable to those of the foregoing nature, as applicable.

 

3











 

“Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York, New York or at a Place of Payment are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.  If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

 

“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, security interest, pledge, charge or other encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law.

 

“Officer” means, with respect to a Person, the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, Controller, Secretary, Assistant Secretary or any Assistant Vice President of such Person.

 

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two  Officers of the Issuer.  One of the Officers signing the Officers’ Certificate of the Issuer must be the Issuer’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer or chief accounting officer (or if the Issuer shall change its form of entity to other than a limited partnership, by Persons, officers, members, agents and others holding positions comparable to those of the foregoing nature, as applicable).

 

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee.  The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer or the Trustee.

 

“Original Issue Discount Debt Security” means any Debt Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01.

 

“Outstanding,” when used with respect to any series of Debt Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all Debt Securities of that series theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

 

(a)                                 Debt Securities of that series theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

 

(b)                                 Debt Securities of that series for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any paying agent (other than the Issuer) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Issuer (if the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent) for the Holders of such Debt Securities; provided, that, if such Debt Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; and

 

(c)                                  Debt Securities of that series which have been paid pursuant to Section 2.09 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Debt Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Debt Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory

 

4











 

to it that such Debt Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Debt Securities are valid obligations of the Issuer;

 

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of any series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, Debt Securities owned by the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities or any Affiliate of the Issuer or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Debt Securities which an officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded.  Debt Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Debt Securities and that the pledgee is not either of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities or an Affiliate of the Issuer or of such other obligor.  In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Debt Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Debt Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01.

 

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

 

“Redemption Date,” when used with respect to any Debt Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

“Representative” means the trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issue of Senior Indebtedness and, in the absence of any trustee, agent or representative, it means the holder or holders of such issue.

 

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor statute.

 

“Senior Indebtedness” means, as to any series of Debt Securities, the indebtedness of the Issuer identified as Senior Indebtedness in the Board Resolution or supplemental Indenture setting forth the terms of such series.

 

“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the

 

5











 

happening of any contingency beyond the control of the issuer unless such contingency has occurred).

 

“Subsidiary” of any Person means:

 

(1)                                 any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of equity interests entitled, without regard to the occurrence of any contingency, to vote in the election of directors, managers, trustees or equivalent Persons thereof is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or combination thereof; or

 

(2)                                 in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the partners’ equity interests, considering all partners’ equity interests as a single class, is at such time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of such Person or combination thereof.

 

“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§77aaa-77bbbb), as in effect on the date of this Indenture as originally executed and, to the extent required by law, as amended.

 

“Trustee” initially means [                                      ] and any other Person or Persons appointed as such from time to time pursuant to Section 7.08, and, subject to the provisions of Article VII, includes its or their successors and assigns.  If at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Debt Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of that series.

 

“Trust Officer” means any officer or assistant officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its corporate trust matters.

 

“United States” means the United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia), its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.

 

“U.S. Government Obligations” means direct obligations of the United States of America, obligations on which the payment of principal and interest is fully guaranteed by the United States of America or obligations or guarantees for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.

 

“Yield to Maturity” means the yield to maturity, calculated at the time of issuance of a series of Debt Securities, or, if applicable, at the most recent redetermination of interest on such series and calculated in accordance with accepted financial practice.

 

Section 1.02          Other Definitions.

 

	
Term
    	
 
    	
Defined in Section
    	
 
    
	
“Blockage Notice” 
    	
 
    	
14.03
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Payment Blockage Period” 
    	
 
    	
14.03
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Debt Security Register” 
    	
 
    	
2.07
    	
 
    	
 
    


 

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“Defaulted Interest” 
    	
 
    	
2.17
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Event of Default” 
    	
 
    	
6.01
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Place of Payment” 
    	
 
    	
2.03
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Registrar” 
    	
 
    	
2.07
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Subordinated Debt Securities” 
    	
 
    	
14.01
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
“Successor Company” 
    	
 
    	
10.01
    	
 
    	
 
    


 

Section 1.03          Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.  Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.

 

All terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.

 

Section 1.04          Rules of Construction.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

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

 

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

 

(c)           “or” is not exclusive;

 

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

 

(e)           provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and

 

(f)            the principal amount of any noninterest bearing or other discount security at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the issuer dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

ARTICLE II

 

DEBT SECURITIES

 

Section 2.01          Forms Generally.  The Debt Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form established without the approval of any Holder by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or in one or more Indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Issuer may deem appropriate (and, if not contained in a supplemental Indenture entered into in accordance with Article IX, as are not prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture) or as may be required or appropriate to comply with any law or with any rules made pursuant thereto or with any rules of any securities exchange on which such series of Debt Securities may be listed, or to conform to 

 

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general usage, or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Debt Securities as evidenced by their execution of the Debt Securities.

 

The definitive Debt Securities of each series shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Debt Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Debt.

 

Section 2.02          Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.  The Trustee’s certificate of authentication on all Debt Securities authenticated by the Trustee shall be in substantially the following form:

 

TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

This is one of the Debt Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

	
 
    	
[                                                    ],
    
	
 
    	
As Trustee
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Authorized Signatory
    


 

Section 2.03          Principal Amount; Issuable in Series.  The aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities which may be issued, executed, authenticated, delivered and outstanding under this Indenture is unlimited.

 

The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series in fully registered form.  There shall be established, without the approval of any Holders, in or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more Indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Debt Securities of any series any or all of the following:

 

(a)           the title of the Debt Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Debt Securities of the series from all other Debt Securities);

 

(b)           any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Debt Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Debt Securities of the series pursuant to this Article II);

 

(c)           the date or dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the Debt Securities of the series are payable;

 

(d)           the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the Debt Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any, or the method of determining such rate or rates, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest shall be payable, or the method by which such date will be determined, the record dates for the

 

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determination of Holders thereof to whom such interest is payable; and the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve thirty-day months;

 

(e)           the place or places, if any, in addition to or instead of the corporate trust office of the Trustee, where the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, Debt Securities of the series shall be payable (“Place of Payment”);

 

(f)            the price or prices at which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Issuer or otherwise;

 

(g)           the obligation, if any, of the Issuer to redeem, purchase or repay Debt Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the price or prices at which and the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions upon which Debt Securities of the series shall be redeemed, purchased or repaid, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligations;

 

(h)           the terms, if any, upon which the Debt Securities of the series may be convertible into or exchanged for capital stock (which may be represented by depositary shares), other Debt Securities or warrants for capital stock or Debt or other securities of any kind of the Issuer or any other obligor and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange shall be effected, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate, the conversion or exchange period and any other provision in addition to or in lieu of those described herein;

 

(i)            if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which Debt Securities of the series shall be issuable;

 

(j)            if the amount of principal of or any premium or interest on Debt Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index or pursuant to a formula, the manner in which such amounts will be determined;

 

(k)           if the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of Debt Securities of the series will not be determinable as of any one or more dates prior to such Stated Maturity, the amount which will be deemed to be such principal amount as of any such date for any purpose, including the principal amount thereof which will be due and payable upon any maturity other than the Stated Maturity or which will be deemed to be Outstanding as of any such date (or, in any such case, the manner in which such deemed principal amount is to be determined);

 

(l)            any changes or additions to Article XI, including the addition of additional covenants that may be subject to the covenant defeasance option pursuant to Section 11.02(b);

 

(m)          if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Debt Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.01 or provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 6.02;

 

(n)           the terms, if any, of the transfer, mortgage, pledge or assignment as security for the Debt Securities of the series of any properties, assets, moneys, proceeds, securities or other

 

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collateral, including whether certain provisions of the TIA are applicable and any corresponding changes to provisions of this Indenture as currently in effect;

 

(o)           any addition to or change in the Events of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of the series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the Holders to declare the principal of, and premium and interest on, such Debt Securities due and payable;

 

(p)           if the Debt Securities of the series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities, the terms and conditions, if any, upon which such Global Security or Securities may be exchanged in whole or in part for other individual Debt Securities in definitive registered form; and the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities and the form of any legend or legends to be borne by any such Global Security or Securities in addition to or in lieu of the legend referred to in Section 2.15(a);

 

(q)           any trustees, authenticating or paying agents, transfer agents or registrars;

 

(r)            the applicability of, and any addition to or change in the covenants and definitions currently set forth in this Indenture or in the terms currently set forth in Article X, including conditioning any merger, conveyance, transfer or lease permitted by Article X upon the satisfaction of any Debt coverage standard by the Issuer and any Successor Company (as defined in Article X);

 

(s)            with regard to Debt Securities of the series that do not bear interest, the dates for certain required reports to the Trustee; and

 

(t)            any other terms of the Debt Securities of the series (which terms shall not be prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture).

 

All Debt Securities of any one series appertaining thereto shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such resolution of the Board of Directors and as set forth in such Officers’ Certificate or in any such Indenture supplemental hereto.

 

Section 2.04          Execution of Debt Securities.  The Debt Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Issuer by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President or a Vice President of the Issuer, and, if the seal of the Issuer is reproduced thereon, it shall be attested by its Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, a Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer.  Such signatures upon the Debt Securities may be the manual or facsimile signatures of the present or any future such authorized officers and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Debt Securities.  The seal of the Issuer, if any, may be in the form of a facsimile thereof and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Debt Securities.

 

Only such Debt Securities as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form hereinbefore recited, signed manually by the Trustee, shall be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the

 

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Trustee upon any Debt Security executed by the Issuer, shall be conclusive evidence that the Debt Security so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.

 

In case any officer of the Issuer who shall have signed any of the Debt Securities shall cease to be such officer before the Debt Securities so signed shall have been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, or disposed of by the Issuer, such Debt Securities nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the Person who signed such Debt Securities had not ceased to be such officer of the Issuer; and any Debt Security may be signed on behalf of the Issuer by such Persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Debt Security, shall be the proper officers of the Issuer, although at the date of such Debt Security or of the execution of this Indenture any such Person was not such officer.

 

Section 2.05          Authentication and Delivery of Debt Securities.  At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Debt Securities of any series executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, and the Trustee shall thereupon authenticate and deliver said Debt Securities to or upon an Issuer Order.  In authenticating such Debt Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Debt Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon:

 

(a)           a copy of any resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors, certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Issuer, authorizing the terms of issuance of any series of Debt Securities;

 

(b)           an executed supplemental Indenture, if any;

 

(c)           an Officers’ Certificate; and

 

(d)           an Opinion of Counsel prepared in accordance with Section 13.05 which shall also state:

 

(i)            that the form of such Debt Securities has been established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a supplemental Indenture as permitted by Section 2.01 in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(ii)           that the terms of such Debt Securities have been established by or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors or by a supplemental Indenture as permitted by Section 2.03 in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(iii)          that such Debt Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Issuer in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable in accordance with their terms except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and rights of acceleration and the availability of equitable remedies may be limited by equitable principles of general applicability;

 

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(iv)                              that the Issuer has the partnership power to issue such Debt Securities and has duly taken all necessary partnership action with respect to such issuance;

 

(v)                                 that the issuance of such Debt Securities will not contravene the organizational documents of the Issuer or result in any material violation of any of the terms or provisions of any law or regulation or of any material indenture, mortgage or other agreement known to such counsel by which the Issuer is bound;

 

(vi)                              that authentication and delivery of such Debt Securities and the execution and delivery of any supplemental Indenture will not violate the terms of this Indenture; and

 

(vii)                           such other matters as the Trustee may reasonably request.

 

Such Opinion of Counsel need express no opinion as to whether a court in the United States would render a money judgment in a currency other than that of the United States.

 

The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Debt Securities under this Section 2.05 if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors or trustees, executive committee or a trust committee of directors, trustees or vice presidents (or any combination thereof) shall determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate Debt Securities of any series.  Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate Debt Securities whenever the Trustee may do so.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as any Registrar, paying agent or agent for service of notices and demands.

 

Unless otherwise provided in the form of Debt Security for any series, each Debt Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

 

Section 2.06                             Denomination of Debt Securities.  Unless otherwise provided in the form of Debt Security for any series, the Debt Securities of each series shall be issuable only as fully registered Debt Securities in such Dollar denominations as shall be specified or contemplated by Section 2.03.  In the absence of any such specification with respect to the Debt Securities of any series, the Debt Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

 

Section 2.07                             Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

 

(a)                                 The Issuer shall keep or cause to be kept a register for each series of Debt Securities issued hereunder (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Debt Security Register”), in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of all Debt Securities and the transfer of Debt Securities as in this Article II provided.  At all reasonable times the Debt Security Register shall be open for inspection by the 

 

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Trustee.  Subject to Section 2.15, upon due presentment for registration of transfer of any Debt Security at any office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.02, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the transferee or transferees a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of authorized denominations for a like aggregate principal amount.  In no event may Debt Securities be issued as, or exchanged for, bearer securities.

 

Unless and until otherwise determined by the Issuer by resolution of the Board of Directors, the register of the Issuer for the purpose of registration, exchange or registration of transfer of the Debt Securities shall be kept at the principal corporate trust office of the Trustee and, for this purpose, the Trustee shall be designated “Registrar.”

 

Debt Securities of any series (other than a Global Security, except as set forth below) may be exchanged for a like aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities of the same series of other authorized denominations.  Subject to Section 2.15, Debt Securities to be exchanged shall be surrendered at the office or agency to be maintained by the Issuer as provided in Section 4.02, and the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor the Debt Security or Debt Securities which the Holder making the exchange shall be entitled to receive.

 

(b)                                 All Debt Securities presented or surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or payment shall (if so required by the Issuer, the Trustee or the Registrar) be duly endorsed or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Trustee and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

 

All Debt Securities issued in exchange for or upon transfer of Debt Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Debt Securities surrendered for such exchange or transfer.

 

No service charge shall be made for any exchange or registration of transfer of Debt Securities (except as provided by Section 2.09), but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, fee, assessment or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto, other than those expressly provided in this Indenture to be made at the Issuer’s own expense or without expense or without charge to the Holders.

 

The Issuer shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Securities for a period of 15 days next preceding any mailing of notice of redemption of Debt Securities of such series or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Debt Securities selected, called or being called for redemption.

 

Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Debt Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name a Debt Security is registered as the absolute owner of such Debt Security for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of, and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on, such Debt Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or 

 

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not such Debt Security is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any agent of the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

Section 2.08                             Temporary Debt Securities.  Pending the preparation of definitive Debt Securities of any series, the Issuer may execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver temporary Debt Securities (printed, lithographed, photocopied, typewritten or otherwise produced) of any authorized denomination, and substantially in the form of the definitive Debt Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Debt Securities, all as may be determined by the Issuer with the concurrence of the Trustee.  Temporary Debt Securities may contain such reference to any provisions of this Indenture as may be appropriate.  Every temporary Debt Security shall be executed by the Issuer and be authenticated by the Trustee upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with like effect, as the definitive Debt Securities.

 

If temporary Debt Securities of any series are issued, the Issuer will cause definitive Debt Securities of such series to be prepared without unreasonable delay.  After the preparation of definitive Debt Securities of such series, the temporary Debt Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Debt Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Debt Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Issuer at a Place of Payment for such series, without charge to the Holder thereof, except as provided in Section 2.07 in connection with a transfer. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Debt Securities of any series, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Debt Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor.  Until so exchanged, temporary Debt Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Debt Securities of such series.

 

Upon any exchange of a portion of a temporary Global Security for a definitive Global Security or for the individual Debt Securities represented thereby pursuant to Section 2.07 or this Section 2.08, the temporary Global Security shall be endorsed by the Trustee to reflect the reduction of the principal amount evidenced thereby, whereupon the principal amount of such temporary Global Security shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount to be exchanged and endorsed.

 

Section 2.09                             Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Debt Securities.  If (a) any mutilated Debt Security is surrendered to the Trustee at its corporate trust office or (b) the Issuer and the Trustee receive evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Debt Security, and there is delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any paying agent harmless, and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee receives notice that such Debt Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, then the Issuer shall execute and, upon an Issuer Order, the Trustee shall authenticate 

 

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and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Security, a new Debt Security of the same series of like tenor, form, terms and principal amount, bearing a number not contemporaneously Outstanding.  Upon the issuance of any substituted Debt Security, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, fee, assessment or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses connected therewith.  In case any Debt which has matured or is about to mature or which has been called for redemption shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Issuer may, instead of issuing a substituted Debt Security, pay or authorize the payment of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Debt Security) if the applicant for such payment shall furnish the Issuer and the Trustee with such security or indemnity as either may require to save it harmless from all risk, however remote, and, in case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence to the satisfaction of the Issuer and the Trustee of the destruction, loss or theft of such Debt Security and of the ownership thereof.

 

Every substituted Debt Security of any series issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.09 by virtue of the fact that any Debt Security is destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Security shall be found at any time, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Debt Securities of that series duly issued hereunder.  All Debt Securities shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Debt Securities, and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies, notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement or payment of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.

 

Section 2.10                             Cancellation of Surrendered Debt Securities.  All Debt Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange shall, if surrendered to the Issuer or any paying agent or a Registrar, be delivered to the Trustee for cancellation by it, or if surrendered to the Trustee, shall be canceled by it, and no Debt Securities shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture.  All canceled Debt Securities held by the Trustee shall be destroyed (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act) and certification of their destruction delivered to the Issuer, unless otherwise directed.  On request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall deliver to the Issuer canceled Debt Securities held by the Trustee.  If the Issuer shall acquire any of the Debt Securities, however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Debt represented thereby unless and until the same are delivered or surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Issuer may not issue new Debt Securities to replace Debt Securities it has redeemed, paid or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

 

Section 2.11                             Provisions of the Indenture and Debt Securities for the Sole Benefit of the Parties and the Holders.  Nothing in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities, expressed or implied, shall give or be construed to give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, the Holders or any Registrar or paying agent, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Indenture, or under any covenant, condition or provision herein contained; all its covenants, conditions and provisions being for the sole benefit of the parties hereto, the Holders and any Registrar and paying agents.

 

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Section 2.12                             Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved.

 

(a)                                 Interest on any Debt Security that is payable and is punctually paid or duly provided for on any interest payment date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Debt Security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest notwithstanding the cancellation of such Debt Security upon any transfer or exchange subsequent to the regular record date.  Payment of interest on Debt Securities shall be made at the corporate trust office of the Trustee (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03), or at the option of the Issuer, by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Debt Security Register or, if provided pursuant to Section 2.03 and in accordance with arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee, at the option of the Holder by wire transfer to an account designated by the Holder.

 

(b)                                 Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 and Section 2.17, each Debt Security of a particular series delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Debt Security of the same series shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Debt Security.

 

Section 2.13                             Securities Denominated in Dollars.  Except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03 for Debt Securities of any series, payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, Debt Securities of such series will be made in Dollars.

 

Section 2.14                             Wire Transfers.  Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in this Indenture, the Issuer may make any payment of moneys required to be deposited with the Trustee on account of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities (whether pursuant to optional or mandatory redemption payments, interest payments or otherwise) by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Trustee before 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date such moneys are to be paid to the Holders of the Debt Securities in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

Section 2.15                             Securities Issuable in the Form of a Global Security.

 

(a)                                 If the Issuer shall establish pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.03 that the Debt Securities of a particular series are to be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, then the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee or its agent shall, in accordance with Section 2.05, authenticate and deliver, such Global Security or Securities, which shall represent, and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, the Outstanding Debt Securities of such series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities, or such portion thereof as the Issuer shall specify in an Officers’ Certificate, shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities or its nominee, shall be delivered by the Trustee or its agent to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instruction and shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:

 

“UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY 

 

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CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO HEREIN,”

 

or such other legend as may then be required by the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities.

 

(b)                                 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.15 or of Section 2.07 to the contrary, and subject to the provisions of paragraph (c) below, unless the terms of a Global Security expressly permit such Global Security to be exchanged in whole or in part for definitive Debt Securities in registered form, a Global Security may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 2.07, only by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary for such Global Security, or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary to a successor Depositary for such Global Security selected or approved by the Issuer, or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.

 

(c)                                  (i)                                     If at any time the Depositary for a Global Security or Securities notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or Securities or if at any time the Depositary for the Debt Securities for such series shall no longer be eligible or in good standing under the Exchange Act or other applicable statute, rule or regulation, the Issuer shall appoint a successor Depositary with respect to such Global Security or Securities.  If a successor Depositary for such Global Security or Securities is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days after the Issuer receives such notice or becomes aware of such ineligibility, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee or its agent, upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of such individual Debt Securities of such series in exchange for such Global Security, will authenticate and deliver, individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.

 

(ii)                                  The Issuer may at any time and in its sole discretion determine that the Debt Securities of any series or portion thereof issued or issuable in the form of one or more Global Securities shall no longer be represented by such Global Security or Securities.  In such event the Issuer will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of individual Debt Securities of such series in exchange in whole or in part for such Global Security, will authenticate and 

 

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deliver individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such series or portion thereof in exchange for such Global Security or Securities.

 

(iii)                               If specified by the Issuer pursuant to Sections 2.01 and 2.03 with respect to Debt Securities issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security, the Depositary for such Global Security may surrender such Global Security in exchange in whole or in part for individual Debt Securities of such series of like tenor and terms in definitive form on such terms as are acceptable to the Issuer, the Trustee and such Depositary.  Thereupon the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee or its agent upon receipt of an Issuer Order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Debt Securities of such series shall authenticate and deliver, without service charge, to each Person specified by such Depositary a new Debt Security or Securities of the same series of like tenor and terms and of any authorized denomination as requested by such Person in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for such Person’s beneficial interest in the Global Security; and to such Depositary a new Global Security of like tenor and terms and in an authorized denomination equal to the difference, if any, between the principal amount of the surrendered Global Security and the aggregate principal amount of Debt Securities delivered to Holders thereof.

 

(iv)                              In any exchange provided for in any of the preceding three paragraphs, the Issuer will execute and the Trustee or its agent will authenticate and deliver individual Debt Securities. Upon the exchange of the entire principal amount of a Global Security for individual Debt Securities, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee or its agent.  Except as provided in the preceding paragraph, Debt Securities issued in exchange for a Global Security pursuant to this Section 2.15 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary for such Global Security, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee or the Registrar.  The Trustee or the Registrar shall deliver such Debt Securities to the Persons in whose names such Debt Securities are so registered.

 

Payments in respect of the principal of and interest on any Debt Securities registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee will be payable to the Depositary or such nominee in its capacity as the registered owner of such Global Security.  The Issuer and the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name the Debt Securities, including the Global Security, are registered as the owner thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever.  None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any Registrar, the paying agent or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of the beneficial ownership interests of the Global Security by the Depositary or its nominee or any of the Depositary’s direct or indirect participants, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the Depositary, its nominee or any of its direct or indirect participants relating to the beneficial ownership interests of the Global Security, the payments to the beneficial owners of the Global Security of amounts paid to the Depositary or its nominee, or any other matter relating to the actions and practices of the Depositary, its nominee or any of its direct or indirect participants.  None of the Issuer, the Trustee or any such agent will be liable for any delay by the Depositary, its nominee, or any of its direct or indirect participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the Debt Securities, and 

 

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the Issuer and the Trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from the Depositary or its nominee for all purposes (including with respect to the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the Debt Securities to be issued).

 

Section 2.16                             Medium Term Securities.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, if all Debt Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary for the Issuer to deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate, resolutions of the Board of Directors, supplemental Indenture, Opinion of Counsel or written order or any other document otherwise required pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.03, 2.05 or 13.05 at or prior to the time of authentication of each Debt Security of such series if such documents are delivered to the Trustee or its agent at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first such Debt Security of such series to be issued; provided, that any subsequent request by the Issuer to the Trustee to authenticate Debt Securities of such series upon original issuance shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Issuer that, as of the date of such request, the statements made in the Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Sections 2.05 or 13.05 shall be true and correct as if made on such date and that the Opinion of Counsel delivered at or prior to such time of authentication of an original issuance of Debt Securities shall specifically state that it shall relate to all subsequent issuances of Debt Securities of such series that are identical to the Debt Securities issued in the first issuance of Debt Securities of such series.

 

An Issuer Order delivered by the Issuer to the Trustee in the circumstances set forth in the preceding paragraph, may provide that Debt Securities which are the subject thereof will be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or its agent on original issue from time to time upon the telephonic or written order of Persons designated in such written order (any such telephonic instructions to be promptly confirmed in writing by such Person) and that such Persons are authorized to determine, consistent with the Officers’ Certificate, supplemental Indenture or resolution of the Board of Directors relating to such written order, such terms and conditions of such Debt Securities as are specified in such Officers’ Certificate, supplemental Indenture or such resolution.

 

Section 2.17                             Defaulted Interest.  Any interest on any Debt Security of a particular series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on the dates and in the manner provided in the Debt Securities of such series and in this Indenture (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder thereof on the relevant record date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (a) or (b) below:

 

(a)                                 The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Debt Securities of such series are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each such Debt Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons 

 

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entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided.  Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment.  The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer of such special record date and, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor to be mailed, first class postage pre-paid, to each Holder thereof at its address as it appears in the Debt Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such special record date.  Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the special record date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Debt Securities of such series are registered at the close of business on such special record date.

 

(b)                                 The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Debt Securities of such series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Debt Securities of such series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

 

Section 2.18                             CUSIP Numbers.  The Issuer in issuing the Debt Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Debt Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Debt Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.

 

ARTICLE III

 

REDEMPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

Section 3.01                             Applicability of Article.  The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to the Debt Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.03 for Debt Securities of such series.

 

Section 3.02                             Notice of Redemption; Selection of Debt Securities.  In case the Issuer shall desire to exercise the right to redeem all or, as the case may be, any part of the Debt Securities of any series in accordance with their terms, by resolution of the Board of Directors or a supplemental Indenture, the Issuer shall fix a date for redemption and shall give notice of such redemption at least 30 and not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the Holders of Debt Securities of such series so to be redeemed as a whole or in part, in the manner provided in Section 13.03.  The notice if given in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.  In any case, failure to give such notice or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Debt 

 

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Security of a series designated for redemption as a whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Debt Security of such series.

 

Each such notice of redemption shall specify the date fixed for redemption, the redemption price at which Debt Securities of such series are to be redeemed (or the method of calculating such redemption price), the Place or Places of Payment that payment will be made upon presentation and surrender of such Debt Securities, that any interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption will be paid as specified in said notice, that the redemption is for a sinking fund payment (if applicable), that, unless otherwise specified in such notice, that, if the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment, the paying agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, that on and after said date any interest thereon or on the portions thereof to be redeemed will cease to accrue, that in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities original issue discount accrued after the date fixed for redemption will cease to accrue, the terms of the Debt Securities of that series pursuant to which the Debt Securities of that series are being redeemed and that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Debt Securities of that series.  If less than all the Debt Securities of a series are to be redeemed the notice of redemption shall specify the certificate numbers of the Debt Securities of that series to be redeemed.  In case any Debt Security of a series is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and shall state that on and after the date fixed for redemption, upon surrender of such Debt Security, a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of that series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof, will be issued.

 

At least 45 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date unless the Trustee consents to a shorter period, the Issuer shall give written notice to the Trustee of the Redemption Date, the principal amount of Debt Securities to be redeemed and the series and terms of the Debt Securities pursuant to which such redemption will occur.  Such notice shall be accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel from the Issuer to the effect that such redemption will comply with the conditions herein.  If fewer than all the Debt Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the record date relating to such redemption shall be selected by the Issuer and given in writing to the Trustee, which record date shall be not less than 15 days after the date of notice to the Trustee.

 

By 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Redemption Date for any Debt Securities, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or with a paying agent (or, if the Issuer is acting as its own paying agent, segregate and hold in trust) an amount of money in Dollars (except as provided pursuant to Section 2.03) sufficient to pay the redemption price of such Debt Securities or any portions thereof that are to be redeemed on that date, together with any interest accrued to the Redemption Date.

 

If less than all the Debt Securities of like tenor and terms of a series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such other method as in its sole discretion it shall deem appropriate and fair, the Debt Securities of that series or portions thereof (in multiples of $1,000) to be redeemed.  In any case where more than one Debt Security of such series is registered in the same name, the Trustee in its discretion may treat the aggregate principal amount so registered as if it were represented by one Debt Security of such series.  The 

 

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Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Debt Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Debt Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.  If any Debt Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof on such Redemption Date, the principal, premium, if any, and interest shall bear interest until paid from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by the Debt Securities of that series.  If less than all the Debt Securities of unlike tenor and terms of a series are to be redeemed, the particular Debt Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by the Issuer.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Debt Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Debt Securities called for redemption.

 

Section 3.03                             Payment of Debt Securities Called for Redemption.  If notice of redemption has been given as provided in Section 3.02, the Debt Securities or portions of Debt Securities of the series with respect to which such notice has been given shall become due and payable on the date and at the Place or Places of Payment stated in such notice at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption, and on and after said date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of such Debt Securities at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued to said date) any interest on the Debt Securities or portions of Debt Securities of any series so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, any original issue discount in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities shall cease to accrue.  On presentation and surrender of such Debt Securities at the Place or Places of Payment in said notice specified, the said Debt Securities or the specified portions thereof shall be paid and redeemed by the Issuer at the applicable redemption price, together with any interest accrued thereon to the date fixed for redemption.

 

Any Debt Security that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at the corporate trust office or such other office or agency of the Issuer as is specified pursuant to Section 2.03 with, if the Issuer, the Registrar or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer, the Registrar and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Debt Security without service charge, a new Debt Security or Debt Securities of the same series, of like tenor and form, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Debt Security so surrendered; except that if a Global Security is so surrendered, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Depositary for such Global Security, without service charge, a new Global Security in a denomination equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Global Security so surrendered.  In the case of a Debt Security providing appropriate space for such notation, at the option of the Holder thereof, the Trustee, in lieu of delivering a new Debt Security or Debt Securities as aforesaid, may make a notation on such Debt Security of the payment of the redeemed portion thereof.

 

Section 3.04                             Mandatory and Optional Sinking Funds.  The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Debt Securities of any series, resolution of the Board of Directors or a supplemental Indenture is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms 

 

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of Debt Securities of any series, resolution of the Board of Directors or a supplemental Indenture is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.”

 

In lieu of making all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to any Debt Securities of a series in cash, the Issuer may at its option (a) deliver to the Trustee Debt Securities of that series theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired by the Issuer or (b) receive credit for the principal amount of Debt Securities of that series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Issuer pursuant to the terms of such Debt Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture; provided, that such Debt Securities have not been previously so credited.  Such Debt Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the redemption price specified in such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly.

 

Section 3.05                             Redemption of Debt Securities for Sinking Fund.  Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Debt Securities, the Issuer will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, any resolution or supplemental Indenture, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Debt Securities of that series pursuant to this Section 3.05 (which Debt Securities, if not previously redeemed, will accompany such certificate) and whether the Issuer intends to exercise its right to make any permitted optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series.  Such certificate shall also state that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to such series.  Such certificate shall be irrevocable and upon its delivery the Issuer shall be obligated to make the cash payment or payments therein referred to, if any, by 11 a.m., New York City time, on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date.  Failure of the Issuer to deliver such certificate (or to deliver the Debt Securities specified in this paragraph) shall not constitute a Default, but such failure shall require that the sinking fund payment due on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date for that series shall be paid entirely in cash and shall be sufficient to redeem the principal amount of such Debt Securities subject to a mandatory sinking fund payment without the option to deliver or credit Debt Securities as provided in this Section 3.05 and without the right to make any optional sinking fund payment, if any, with respect to such series.

 

Any sinking fund payment or payments (mandatory or optional) made in cash plus any unused balance of any preceding sinking fund payments made in cash which shall equal or exceed $100,000 (or a lesser sum if the Issuer shall so request) with respect to the Debt Securities of any particular series shall be applied by the Trustee on the sinking fund payment date on which such payment is made (or, if such payment is made before a sinking fund payment date, on the sinking fund payment date following the date of such payment) to the redemption of such Debt Securities at the redemption price specified in such Debt Securities, resolution or supplemental Indenture for operation of the sinking fund together with any accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption.  Any sinking fund moneys not so applied or allocated by the Trustee to the redemption of Debt Securities shall be added to the next cash sinking fund payment received by the Trustee for such series and, together with such payment, shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.05.  Any and all sinking fund moneys with 

 

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respect to the Debt Securities of any particular series held by the Trustee on the last sinking fund payment date with respect to Debt Securities of such series and not held for the payment or redemption of particular Debt Securities shall be applied by the Trustee, together with other moneys, if necessary, to be deposited sufficient for the purpose, to the payment of the principal of the Debt Securities of that series at its Stated Maturity.

 

The Trustee shall select the Debt Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in the last paragraph of Section 3.02 and the Issuer shall cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the manner provided in Section 3.02 except that the notice of redemption shall also state that the Debt Securities are being redeemed by operation of the sinking fund.  Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Debt Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Section 3.03.

 

The Trustee shall not redeem any Debt Securities of a series with sinking fund moneys or mail any notice of redemption of such Debt Securities by operation of the sinking fund for such series during the continuance of a Default in payment of interest on such Debt Securities or of any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default occurring as a consequence of this paragraph) with respect to such Debt Securities, except that if the notice of redemption of any such Debt Securities shall theretofore have been mailed in accordance with the provisions hereof, the Trustee shall redeem such Debt Securities if cash sufficient for that purpose shall be deposited with the Trustee for that purpose in accordance with the terms of this Article III.  Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for such series at the time when any such Default or Event of Default shall occur and any moneys thereafter paid into such sinking fund shall, during the continuance of such Default or Event of Default, be held as security for the payment of such Debt Securities; provided, however, that in case such Default or Event of Default shall have been cured or waived as provided herein, such moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next sinking fund payment date for such Debt Securities on which such moneys may be applied pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.05.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

PARTICULAR COVENANTS OF THE ISSUER

 

Section 4.01                             Payment of Principal of, and Premium, If Any, and Interest on, Debt Securities.  The Issuer, for the benefit of each series of Debt Securities, will duly and punctually pay or cause to be paid the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, each of the Debt Securities at the place, at the respective times and in the manner provided herein or in the Debt Securities.  Each installment of interest on the Debt Securities may at the Issuer’s option be paid by mailing checks for such interest payable to the Person entitled thereto pursuant to Section 2.07(a) to the address of such Person as it appears on the Debt Security Register.

 

Principal, premium and interest of Debt Securities of any series shall be considered paid on the date due if, by 11 a.m., New York City time, on such date the Trustee or any paying agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal, premium and interest then due.

 

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The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal or premium, if any, at the rate specified therefor in the Debt Securities and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

Section 4.02                             Maintenance of Offices or Agencies for Registration of Transfer, Exchange and Payment of Debt Securities.  The Issuer will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Debt Securities an office or agency where Debt Securities of such series may be presented or surrendered for payment, and it shall also maintain (in or outside such Place of Payment) an office or agency where Debt Securities of such series may be surrendered for transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer in respect of the Debt Securities of such series and this Indenture may be served.  The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the office of the Trustee where its corporate trust business is principally administered in the United States, and the Issuer hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

 

The Issuer may also from time to time designate different or additional offices or agencies to be maintained for such purposes (in or outside of such Place of Payment), and may from time to time rescind any such designation; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Issuer of its obligations described in the preceding paragraph.  The Issuer will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such additional designation or rescission of designation and any change in the location of any such different or additional office or agency.

 

Section 4.03                             Appointment to Fill a Vacancy in the Office of Trustee.  The Issuer, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.08, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder with respect to each series of Debt Securities.

 

Section 4.04                             Duties of Paying Agents, etc.

 

(a)                                 The Issuer shall cause each paying agent, if any, other than the Trustee, to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 4.04,

 

(i)                                     that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of any series (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Issuer or by any other obligor on the Debt Securities of such series) in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series;

 

(ii)                                  that it will give the Trustee notice of any failure by the Issuer (or by any other obligor on the Debt Securities of such series) to make any payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of such series when the same shall be due and payable; and

 

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(iii)                               that it will at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held by it as such agent.

 

(b)                                 If the Issuer shall act as its own paying agent, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, the Debt Securities of any series, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Debt Securities of such series a sum sufficient to pay such principal, premium, if any, or interest so becoming due.  The Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure by the Issuer to take such action or the failure by any other obligor on such Debt Securities to make any payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, such Debt Securities when the same shall be due and payable.

 

(c)                                  Anything in this Section 4.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Issuer may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, or for any other reason, pay or cause to be paid to the Trustee all sums held in trust by it or any paying agent, as required by this Section 4.04, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Issuer or such paying agent.

 

(d)                                 Whenever the Issuer shall have one or more paying agents with respect to any series of Debt Securities, it will, prior to each due date of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, any Debt Securities of such series, deposit with any such paying agent a sum sufficient to pay the principal, premium or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto, and (unless any such paying agent is the Trustee) the Issuer will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

 

(e)                                  Anything in this Section 4.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, the agreement to hold sums in trust as provided in this Section 4.04 is subject to the provisions of Section 11.05.

 

Section 4.05                             SEC Reports; Financial Statements.

 

(a)                                 The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are Outstanding, file with the Trustee, within 15 days after it files the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Issuer is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. The Issuer shall also comply with the provisions of TIA Section 314(a).

 

(b)                                 If the Issuer is required to furnish annual or quarterly reports to its unitholders pursuant to the Exchange Act, the Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are outstanding, cause any annual report furnished to its unitholders generally and any quarterly or other financial reports furnished by it to its unitholders generally to be filed with the Trustee and mailed to the Holders in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 5.03.

 

(c)                                  The Issuer shall provide the Trustee with a sufficient number of copies of all reports and other documents and information that the Trustee may be required to deliver to Holders under this Section.

 

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(d)                                 The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Notes are Outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days of any Officer of the Issuer becoming aware of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

Section 4.06                             Compliance Certificate.

 

(a)                                 The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer, an Officers’ Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers of the Issuer with a view to determining whether the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his knowledge the Issuer has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof, without regard to any grace period or requirement of notice required by this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which such Officer may have knowledge and what action the Issuer is taking or propose to take with respect thereto) and that to the best of his knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Debt Securities are prohibited or, if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the Issuer are taking or propose to take with respect thereto.

 

(b)                                 The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Debt Securities are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee within 30 days after the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default under this Indenture, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default, the status thereof and what action the Issuer are taking or propose to take with respect thereto.

 

Section 4.07                             Further Instruments and Acts.  The Issuer will, upon request of the Trustee, execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may reasonably be necessary or proper to carry out more effectually the purposes of this Indenture.

 

Section 4.08                             Existence.  Except as permitted by Article X hereof, the Issuer shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and all rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Issuer, provided that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise, if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer.

 

Section 4.09                             Maintenance of Properties.  The Issuer shall cause all properties owned by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or used or held for use in the conduct of its business or the business of any such Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order (reasonable wear and tear excepted) and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Issuer may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided that nothing in this Section shall prevent the Issuer from discontinuing the operation or maintenance 

 

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of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Issuer, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any such Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

 

Section 4.10                             Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.  The Issuer shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (i) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries or upon the income, profits or property of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, and (ii) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon the property of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that the Issuer shall not be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

 

Section 4.11                             Waiver of Certain Covenants.  The Issuer may, with respect to the Debt Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any covenant set forth in this Article IV (except Sections 4.01 through 4.08) or made applicable to such Debt Securities pursuant to Section 2.03, if, before or after the time for such compliance, the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected, waive such compliance in such instance with such covenant, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such covenant except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Issuer and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such covenant shall remain in full force and effect.

 

ARTICLE V

 

HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY THE TRUSTEE

 

Section 5.01                             Issuer to Furnish Trustee Information as to Names and Addresses of Holders; Preservation of Information.  The Issuer covenants and agrees that it will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of each series:

 

(a)                                 not more than 10 days after each record date with respect to the payment of interest, if any, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of such record date, and

 

(b)                                 at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Issuer of any such request, a list of similar form and contents as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished;

 

provided, however, that so long as the Trustee shall be the Registrar, such lists shall not be required to be furnished.

 

The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the Holders (i) contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in this Section 5.01 or (ii) received by it in the capacity of paying agent or Registrar (if so acting) hereunder.

 

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The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in this Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

 

Section 5.02                             Communications to Holders.  Holders may communicate pursuant to Section 312(b) of the TIA with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Debt Securities.  The Issuer, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Section 312(c) of the TIA.

 

Section 5.03                             Reports by Trustee.  Within 60 days after each January 31, beginning with the first January 31 following the date of this Indenture, and in any event on or before April 1 in each year, the Trustee shall mail to Holders a brief report dated as of such January 31 that complies with TIA Section 313(a); provided, however, that if no event described in TIA Section 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted.  The Trustee also shall comply with TIA Section 313(b).

 

Reports pursuant to this Section 5.03 shall be transmitted by mail:

 

(a)                                 to all Holders, as the names and addresses of such Holders appear in the Debt Security Register; and

 

(b)                                 except in the cases of reports under Section 313(b)(2) of the TIA, to each Holder of a Debt Security of any series whose name and address appear in the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in accordance with Section 5.01.

 

A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Holders shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and each stock exchange (if any) on which the Debt Securities of any series are listed.  The Issuer agree to notify promptly the Trustee whenever the Debt Securities of any series become listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

 

Section 5.04                             Record Dates for Action by Holders.  If the Issuer shall solicit from the Holders of Debt Securities of any series any action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any direction, notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action), the Issuer may, at its option, by resolution of the Board of Directors, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders of Debt Securities entitled to take such action, but the Issuer shall have no obligation to do so.  Any such record date shall be fixed at the Issuer’s discretion.  If such a record date is fixed, such action may be sought or given before or after the record date, but only the Holders of Debt Securities of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders of Debt Securities for the purpose of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of Debt Securities of such series Outstanding have authorized or agreed or consented to such action, and for that purpose the Debt Securities of such series Outstanding shall be computed as of such record date.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

REMEDIES OF THE TRUSTEE AND HOLDERS IN EVENT OF DEFAULT

 

Section 6.01                             Events of Default.  If any one or more of the following shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to Debt Securities of any series (each of the following, an “Event of Default”):

 

(a)                                 default in the payment of any installment of interest upon any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

 

(b)                                 default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable, whether at Stated Maturity, upon redemption, by declaration, upon required repurchase or otherwise; or

 

(c)                                  default in the payment of any sinking fund payment with respect to any Debt Securities of that series as and when the same shall become due and payable; or

 

(d)                                 failure on the part of the Issuer, duly to observe or perform any other of the covenants or agreements on the part of the Issuer in the Debt Securities of that series, in any resolution of the Board of Directors authorizing the issuance of that series of Debt Securities, in this Indenture with respect to such series or in any supplemental Indenture with respect to such series (other than a covenant a default in the performance of which is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with), continuing for a period of 60 days after the date on which written notice specifying such failure and requiring the Issuer, to remedy the same shall have been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Issuer, by the Trustee or to the Issuer, and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding; or

 

(e)                                  the Issuer, pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law,

 

(i)                                     commences a voluntary case,

 

(ii)                                  consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

 

(iii)                               consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property; or

 

(iv)                              makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;

 

(f)                                   a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

 

(i)                                     is for relief against the Issuer as debtor in an involuntary case,

 

(ii)                                  appoints a Custodian of the Issuer or a Custodian for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuer, or if applicable, any of or

 

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(iii)                               orders the liquidation of the Issuer and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days;

 

(g)                                  any other Event of Default provided with respect to Debt Securities of that series; then and in each and every case that an Event of Default described in clause (a), (b), (c), (d), or (g) with respect to Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, unless the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities of that series shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series then Outstanding hereunder, by notice in writing to the Issuer (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), may declare the principal of (or, if the Debt Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series), premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall be immediately due and payable, anything in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities of that series contained to the contrary notwithstanding.  If an Event of Default described in clause (e) or (f) occurs, then and in each and every such case, unless the principal of and interest on all the Debt Securities shall have become due and payable, the principal of (or, if any Debt Securities are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof), premium, if any, and interest on all the Debt Securities then Outstanding hereunder shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders, anything in this Indenture or in the Debt Securities contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series by written notice to the Trustee may waive all past Defaults (except with respect to the nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) and rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction already rendered and if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest that has become due solely because of acceleration.  Upon any such rescission, the parties hereto shall be restored respectively to their several positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the parties hereto shall continue as though no such proceeding had been taken.

 

Section 6.02                             Collection of Debt by Trustee, etc.  If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, shall be entitled and empowered to institute any action or proceedings at law or in equity for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid or enforce the performance of any provision of the Debt Securities of the affected series or this Indenture, and may prosecute any such action or proceedings to judgment or final decree, and may enforce any such judgment or final decree against the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series (and collect in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series wherever situated the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable).

 

In case there shall be pending proceedings for the bankruptcy or for the reorganization of the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of any series under any Bankruptcy Law, or in case a Custodian shall have been appointed for its property, or in case of any other similar 

 

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judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of any series, its creditors or its property, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of Debt Securities of any series shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.02, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise, to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal, premium, if any, and interest (or, if the Debt Securities of such series are Original Issue Discount Debt Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series) owing and unpaid in respect of the Debt Securities of such series, and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and for reimbursement of all expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith) and of the Holders thereof allowed in any such judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer, or any other obligor upon the Debt Securities of such series, its creditors or its property, and to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute all amounts received with respect to the claims of such Holders and of the Trustee on their behalf, and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization is hereby authorized by each of such Holders to make payments to the Trustee, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of payments directly to such Holders, to pay to the Trustee such amount as shall be sufficient to cover reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and all other reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee except as a result of its negligence or bad faith.

 

All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Debt Securities of any series, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any such Debt Securities, or the production thereof in any trial or other proceedings relative thereto, and any such action or proceedings instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment (except for any amounts payable to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.06) shall be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of all the Debt Securities in respect of which such action was taken.

 

In case of an Event of Default hereunder the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any of such rights, either at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.

 

Section 6.03                             Application of Moneys Collected by Trustee.  Any moneys or other property collected by the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.02 with respect to Debt Securities of any series shall be applied, in the order following, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee for the distribution of such moneys or other property, upon presentation of the several Debt Securities of such series in respect of which moneys or other property have been collected, and the notation thereon of the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

 

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FIRST:  To the payment of all money due the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.06;

 

SECOND:  In case the principal of the Outstanding Debt Securities in respect of which such moneys have been collected shall not have become due, to the payment of interest on the Debt Securities of such series in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon the overdue installments of interest at the rate or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities) borne by the Debt Securities of such series, such payments to be made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;

 

THIRD:  In case the principal of the Outstanding Debt Securities in respect of which such moneys have been collected shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon the Debt Securities of such series for principal and premium, if any, and interest, with interest on the overdue principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate or Yield to Maturity (in the case of Original Issue Discount Debt Securities) borne by the Debt Securities of such series; and, in case such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon the Debt Securities of such series, then to the payment of such principal and premium, if any, and interest, without preference or priority of principal and premium, if any, over interest, or of interest over principal and premium, if any, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Debt Security of such series over any Debt Security of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such principal and premium, if any, and interest; and

 

FOURTH:  The remainder, if any, shall be paid to the Issuer, its successors or assigns, or to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

 

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.03.  At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer shall mail to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.

 

Section 6.04          Limitation on Suits by Holders.  No Holder of any Debt Security of any series shall have any right by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any action or proceeding at law or in equity or in bankruptcy or otherwise, upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of that same series and of the continuance thereof and unless the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action or proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder and shall have offered to the Trustee such reasonable indemnity or security as it may require against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred therein or thereby, and the Trustee, for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity or security shall have failed to institute any such action or proceedings and no direction inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee pursuant to Section 6.06; it being

 

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understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the Holder of every Debt Security with every other Holder and the Trustee, that no one or more Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any Holders, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder, or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all such Holders.  For the protection and enforcement of the provisions of this Section 6.04, each and every Holder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, however, the right of any Holder of any Debt Security to receive payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on, such Debt Security, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Debt Security, and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

 

Section 6.05          Remedies Cumulative; Delay or Omission in Exercise of Rights Not a Waiver of Default.  All powers and remedies given by this Article VI to the Trustee or to the Holders shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any thereof or of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the Holders, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture, and no delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Default occurring and continuing as aforesaid, shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Default or an acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.04, every power and remedy given by this Article VI or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders.

 

Section 6.06          Rights of Holders of Majority in Principal Amount of Debt Securities to Direct Trustee and to Waive Default.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series at the time Outstanding shall have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any right, trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Debt Securities of such series; provided, however, that such direction shall not be otherwise than in accordance with law and the provisions of this Indenture, and that subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee being advised by counsel shall determine that the action so directed may not lawfully be taken, or if the Trustee shall by a responsible officer or officers determine that the action so directed would involve it in personal liability or would be unduly prejudicial to Holders of Debt Securities of such series not taking part in such direction; and provided, further, however, that nothing in this Indenture contained shall impair the right of the Trustee to take any action deemed proper by the Trustee and which is not inconsistent with such direction by such Holders.  Prior to the acceleration of the maturity of the Debt Securities of any series, as provided in Section 6.01, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series at the time Outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all the Debt Securities of that series waive any past Default or Event of Default and its consequences for that series, except a Default in the payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Debt Securities and a Default in respect of a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent

 

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of each Holder affected thereby.  In case of any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of the Debt Securities of that series shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder, respectively; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 6.07          Trustee to Give Notice of Defaults Known to It, but May Withhold Such Notice in Certain Circumstances.  The Trustee shall, within 90 days after the occurrence of a Default known to it, or if later, within 30 days after the Trustee obtains actual knowledge of the Default, with respect to a series of Debt Securities give to the Holders thereof, in the manner provided in Section 13.03, notice of all Defaults with respect to such series known to the Trustee, unless such Defaults shall have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice; provided, that, except in the case of Default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any of the Debt Securities of such series or in the making of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a committee of directors or responsible officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders thereof.

 

Section 6.08          Requirement of an Undertaking to Pay Costs in Certain Suits under the Indenture or Against the Trustee.  All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Debt Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit in the manner and to the extent provided in the TIA, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section 6.08 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 25 percent in principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any Debt Security on or after the due date for such payment expressed in such Debt Security.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

 

Section 7.01          Certain Duties and Responsibilities.  The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default which may have occurred, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture.  In case an Event of Default has occurred (which has not been cured or waived), the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

 

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No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, its own bad faith or its own willful misconduct, except that:

 

(a)           this paragraph shall not be construed to limit the effect of the first paragraph of this Section 7.01;

 

(b)           prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to the Debt Securities of a series and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default with respect to such series which may have occurred:

 

(i)            the duties and obligations of the Trustee with respect to Debt Securities of any series shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations with respect to such series as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to such series shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee;

 

(ii)           in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture; but the Trustee shall examine the evidence furnished to it pursuant to Sections 4.05 and 4.06 to determine whether or not such evidence conforms to the requirement of this Indenture;

 

(iii)          the Trustee shall not be liable for an error of judgment made in good faith by a responsible officer, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

 

(iv)          the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it with respect to Debt Securities of any series in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of that series relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to Debt Securities of such series.

 

None of the provisions of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

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Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.

 

Section 7.02          Certain Rights of Trustee.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01:

 

(a)           the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note or other paper or document (whether in its original or facsimile form) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

 

(b)           any request, direction, order or demand of the Issuer mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by an Issuer Order (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed); and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be evidenced to the Trustee by a copy thereof certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer;

 

(c)           the Trustee may consult with counsel, and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or Opinion of Counsel;

 

(d)           the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders of Debt Securities of any series pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby;

 

(e)           the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

 

(f)            prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing of all Events of Default which may have occurred, the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, approval or other paper or document, unless requested in writing to do so by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then Outstanding Debt Securities of a series affected by such matter; provided, however, that if the payment within a reasonable time to the Trustee of the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation is not, in the opinion of the Trustee, reasonably assured to the Trustee by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Indenture, the Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against such costs, expenses or liabilities as a condition to so proceeding, and the reasonable expense of every such investigation shall be paid by the Issuer or, if paid by the Trustee, shall be repaid by the Issuer upon demand;

 

(g)           the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be

 

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responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed by it with due care hereunder; and

 

(h)           if any property other than cash shall at any time be subject to a Lien in favor of the Holders, the Trustee, if and to the extent authorized by a receivership or bankruptcy court of competent jurisdiction or by the supplemental instrument subjecting such property to such Lien, shall be entitled to make advances for the purpose of preserving such property or of discharging tax Liens or other prior Liens or encumbrances thereon.

 

Section 7.03          Trustee Not Liable for Recitals in Indenture or in Debt Securities.  The recitals contained herein, in the Debt Securities (except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication) shall be taken as the statements of the Issuer, and the Trustee assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same.  The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Debt Securities of any series, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Debt Securities and perform its obligations hereunder, and that the statements made by it or to be made by it in a Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 supplied to the Issuer are true and accurate.  The Trustee shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Issuer of any of the Debt Securities or of the proceeds thereof.

 

Section 7.04          Trustee, Paying Agent or Registrar May Own Debt Securities.  The Trustee or any paying agent or Registrar, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Debt Securities and subject to the provisions of the TIA relating to conflicts of interest and preferential claims may otherwise deal with the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, paying agent or Registrar.

 

Section 7.05          Moneys Received by Trustee to Be Held in Trust.  Subject to the provisions of Section 11.05, all moneys received by the Trustee shall, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.  The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any moneys received by it hereunder.  So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, all interest allowed on any such moneys shall be paid from time to time to the Issuer upon an Issuer Order.

 

Section 7.06          Compensation and Reimbursement.  The Issuer covenants and agrees to pay in Dollars to the Trustee from time to time, and the Trustee shall be entitled to, reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust), and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Issuer will pay or reimburse in Dollars the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any of the provisions of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents, attorneys and counsel and of all Persons not regularly in its employ), including without limitation, Section 6.02, except any such expense, disbursement or advances as may arise from its negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith.  The Issuer also covenants to indemnify in Dollars the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or

 

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administration of this trust or trusts hereunder, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim of liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.  The obligations of the Issuer under this Section 7.06 to compensate and indemnify the Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall constitute additional Debt hereunder and shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.  The Issuer and the Holders agree that such additional Debt shall be secured by a Lien prior to that of the Debt Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee, as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, particular Debt Securities.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(e) or 6.01(f) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law.

 

Section 7.07          Right of Trustee to Rely on an Officers’ Certificate Where No Other Evidence Specifically Prescribed.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.01, whenever in the administration of the provisions of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it necessary or desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering or omitting any action hereunder, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee and such certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof.

 

Section 7.08          Separate Trustee; Replacement of Trustee.  The Issuer may, but need not, appoint a separate Trustee for any one or more series of Debt Securities.  The Trustee may resign with respect to one or more or all series of Debt Securities at any time by giving notice to the Issuer.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series may remove the Trustee for such series and only such series by so notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee.  The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if:

 

(a)           the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;

 

(b)           the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;

 

(c)           a Custodian takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

 

(d)           the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

 

If the Trustee resigns, is removed by the Issuer or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of a particular series and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the retiring Trustee), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.  No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no

 

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appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of this Section 7.08.

 

A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer.  Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders of Debt Securities of each applicable series.  The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.06.

 

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee gives notice of resignation or is removed, the retiring Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the Debt Securities of any applicable series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee for the Debt Securities of such series.

 

If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Holder of Debt Securities of any applicable series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee for the Debt Securities of such series.

 

Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.06 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

 

In the case of the appointment hereunder of a separate or successor trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of one or more series, the Issuer, any retiring Trustee and each successor or separate Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of any applicable series shall execute and deliver an Indenture supplemental hereto (i) which shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of any retiring Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of any series as to which any such retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in such retiring Trustee and (ii) that shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental Indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such separate, retiring or successor Trustee shall be Trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee.

 

Section 7.09          Successor Trustee by Merger.  If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation or banking association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

 

In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Debt Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Debt Securities so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Debt Securities shall not have been

 

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authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Debt Securities either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Debt Securities or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

 

Section 7.10          Eligibility; Disqualification.  The Trustee shall at all times satisfy the requirements of Section 310(a) of the TIA.  The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.  No obligor upon the Debt Securities of a particular series or Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such obligor shall serve as Trustee upon the Debt Securities of such series.  The Trustee shall comply with Section 310(b) of the TIA; provided, however, that there shall be excluded from the operation of Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA this Indenture or any indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest or participation in other securities of the Issuer are outstanding if the requirements for such exclusion set forth in Section 310(b)(1) of the TIA are met.

 

Section 7.11          Preferential Collection of Claims Against Issuer.  The Trustee shall comply with Section 311(a) of the TIA, excluding any creditor relationship listed in Section 311(b) of the TIA.  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Section 311(a) of the TIA to the extent indicated therein.

 

Section 7.12          Compliance with Tax Laws.  The Trustee hereby agrees to comply with all U.S. Federal income tax information reporting and withholding requirements applicable to it with respect to payments of premium (if any) and interest on the Debt Securities, whether acting as Trustee, Registrar, paying agent or otherwise with respect to the Debt Securities.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

CONCERNING THE HOLDERS

 

Section 8.01          Evidence of Action by Holders.  Whenever in this Indenture it is provided that the Holders of a specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any or all series may take action (including the making of any demand or request, the giving of any direction, notice, consent or waiver or the taking of any other action) the fact that at the time of taking any such action the Holders of such specified percentage have joined therein may be evidenced by any instrument or any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by Holders in Person or by agent or proxy appointed in writing,  by the record of the Holders voting in favor thereof at any meeting of Holders duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.02 or by a combination of such instrument or instruments and any such record of such a meeting of Holders.

 

Section 8.02          Proof of Execution of Instruments and of Holding of Debt Securities.  Subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01, 7.02 and 13.09, proof of the execution of any instrument by a Holder or his agent or proxy shall be sufficient if made in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Trustee or in such manner as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee. The ownership of Debt Securities of any series shall be proved by the Debt Security Register or by a certificate of the Registrar for such series. The Trustee may

 

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require such additional proof of any matter referred to in this Section 8.02 as it shall deem necessary.

 

Section 8.03          Who May Be Deemed Owner of Debt Securities.  Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer of any Debt Security, the Issuer, the Trustee, any paying agent and any Registrar may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Debt Security shall be registered upon the books of the Issuer as the absolute owner of such Debt Security (whether or not such Debt Security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notation of ownership or other writing thereon) for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal of and premium, if any, and (subject to Section 2.12) interest on such Debt Security and for all other purposes, and neither the Issuer nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any Registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary; and all such payments so made to any such Holder for the time being, or upon his order, shall be valid and, to the extent of the sum or sums so paid, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for moneys payable upon any such Debt Security.

 

None of the Issuer, the Trustee, any agent of the Trustee, any paying agent or any Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

Section 8.04          Instruments Executed by Holders Bind Future Holders.  At any time prior to (but not after) the evidencing to the Trustee, as provided in Section 8.01, of the taking of any action by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action and subject to the following paragraph, any Holder of a Debt Security which is shown by the evidence to be included in the Debt Securities the Holders of which have consented to such action may, by filing written notice with the Trustee at its corporate trust office and upon proof of holding as provided in Section 8.02, revoke such action so far as concerns such Debt Security.  Except as aforesaid any such action taken by the Holder of any Debt Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders and owners of such Debt Security and of any Debt Security issued upon transfer thereof or in exchange or substitution therefor, irrespective of whether or not any notation in regard thereto is made upon such Debt Security or such other Debt Securities.  Any action taken by the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series specified in this Indenture in connection with such action shall be conclusively binding upon the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders of all the Debt Securities of such series.

 

The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Debt Securities entitled to give their consent or take any other action required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture.  If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders of Debt Securities at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to revoke any consent previously given or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders of Debt Securities after such record date.  No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days after such record date unless the consent of the Holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the Debt

 

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Securities of such series specified in this Indenture shall have been received within such 120-day period.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

 

Section 9.01          Purposes for Which Supplemental Indenture May Be Entered into Without Consent of Holders.  The Issuer, when authorized by resolutions of the Board of Directors, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time, without the consent of Holders, enter into an Indenture or Indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the TIA as in force at the date of the execution thereof) for one or more of the following purposes:

 

(a)           to evidence the succession pursuant to Article X of another Person to the Issuer, or successive successions, and the assumption by the Successor Company (as defined in Section 10.01) of the covenants, agreements and obligations of the Issuer in this Indenture and in the Debt Securities;

 

(b)           to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer or to add to the covenants of the Issuer such further covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the Holders of all or any series of Debt Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Debt Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) as the Board of Directors shall consider to be for the protection of the Holders of such Debt Securities, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a Default in any of such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions a Default or an Event of Default permitting the enforcement of all or any of the several remedies provided in this Indenture; provided, that in respect of any such additional covenant, restriction, condition or provision such supplemental Indenture may provide for a particular period of grace after Default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed in the case of other Defaults) or may provide for an immediate enforcement upon such Default or may limit the remedies available to the Trustee upon such Default or may limit the right of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of any or all series of Debt Securities to waive such default;

 

(c)           to cure any ambiguity or omission or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein, in any supplemental Indenture or in any Debt Securities of any series that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein, in any supplemental Indenture or in the Debt Securities of such series; to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or with the Trustee, or to make such other provisions in regard to matters or questions arising under this Indenture as shall not adversely affect the interests of any Holders of Debt Securities of any series;

 

(d)           to modify or amend this Indenture in such a manner as to permit the qualification of this Indenture or any Indenture supplemental hereto under the TIA as then in effect, except that nothing herein contained shall permit or authorize the inclusion in any Indenture supplemental hereto of the provisions referred to in Section 316(a)(2) of the TIA;

 

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(e)                                  to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, Debt Securities; provided, that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Debt Securities of any series in any material respect or permit or facilitate the issuance of Debt Securities of any series in uncertificated form;

 

(f)                                   to secure any or all of the Debt Securities;

 

(g)                                  to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder;

 

(h)                                 to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture in respect of one or more series of Debt Securities; provided, however, that any such addition, change or elimination not otherwise permitted under this Section 9.01 shall neither apply to any Debt Security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental Indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor modify the rights of the Holder of any such Debt Security with respect to such provision or shall become effective only when there is no such Debt Security Outstanding;

 

(i)                                     to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor or separate Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee; and

 

(j)                                    to establish the form or terms of Debt Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 2.01 and 2.03.

 

The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Issuer in the execution of any such supplemental Indenture, to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained and to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment, mortgage or pledge of any property thereunder, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental Indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

Any supplemental Indenture authorized by the provisions of this Section 9.01 may be executed by the Issuer and the Trustee without the consent of the Holders of any of the Debt Securities at the time Outstanding, notwithstanding any of the provisions of Section 9.02.

 

Section 9.02                             Modification of Indenture with Consent of Holders of Debt Securities.  Without notice to any Holder but with the consent (evidenced as provided in Section 8.01) of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Debt Securities of each series affected by such supplemental Indenture (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for any such series of Debt Securities), the Issuer, when authorized by resolutions of the Board of Directors, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an Indenture or Indentures supplemental hereto (which shall conform to the provisions of the TIA as in force at the date of execution thereof) for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the 

 

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Holders of the Debt Securities of such series; provided, that no such supplemental Indenture, without the consent of the Holders of each Debt Security so affected, shall: reduce the percentage in principal amount of Debt Securities of any series whose Holders must consent to an amendment;  reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Debt Security;  reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any Debt Security;  reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Debt Security or change the time at which any Debt Security may or shall be redeemed in accordance with Article III; make any Debt Security payable in currency other than the Dollar; impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of premium, if any, principal of and interest on such Holder’s Debt Securities on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Debt Securities; release any security that may have been granted in respect of the Debt Securities; or make any change in Section 6.06 or this Section 9.02.

 

A supplemental Indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has been expressly included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Debt Securities or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Debt Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Debt Securities of any other series.

 

Upon the request of the Issuer, accompanied by a copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such supplemental Indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of Holders as aforesaid, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer in the execution of such supplemental Indenture unless such supplemental Indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter into such supplemental Indenture.

 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.02 to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental Indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.

 

An amendment under this Section 9.02 may not make any change that adversely affects the rights of any holder of Senior Indebtedness then Outstanding unless the holders of such Senior Indebtedness (or any group or Representative thereof authorized to give a consent) consents to such change.

 

After an amendment under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuer shall mail to Holders of Debt Securities of each series affected thereby a notice briefly describing such amendment.  The failure to give such notice to all such Holders, or any defect therein, shall not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.02.

 

Section 9.03                             Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution of any supplemental Indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX, this Indenture shall be and be deemed to be modified and amended in accordance therewith and the respective rights, limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities under this Indenture of the Trustee, the Issuer and the Holders shall thereafter be determined, exercised and enforced hereunder subject in all respects to such modifications and amendments, and all the terms and conditions of any 

 

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such supplemental Indenture shall be and be deemed to be part of the terms and conditions of this Indenture for any and all purposes.

 

The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02, may receive an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel as conclusive evidence that any such supplemental Indenture complies with the provisions of this Article IX.

 

Section 9.04                             Debt Securities May Bear Notation of Changes by Supplemental Indentures.  Debt Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental Indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Article IX may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental Indenture.  New Debt Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Board of Directors, to any modification of this Indenture contained in any such supplemental Indenture may be prepared and executed by the Issuer, authenticated by the Trustee and delivered in exchange for the Debt Securities of such series then Outstanding.  Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Debt Security of such series shall not affect the validity of such amendment.

 

ARTICLE X

 

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE

 

Section 10.01                      Consolidations and Mergers of the Issuer.  The Issuer shall not consolidate or amalgamate with or merge with or into any Person, or sell, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all its assets to any Person, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, except (1) in accordance with the provisions of its partnership agreement, and (2) unless:  (a) either (i) the Issuer shall be the continuing Person in the case of a merger or (ii) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person if other than the such Issuer (the “Successor Company”), shall expressly assume, by an Indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Debt Securities according to their tenor; (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Debt which becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Subsidiary of the Successor Company as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default or Event of Default would occur or be continuing; and (c) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or disposition and such supplemental Indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.

 

Section 10.02                      Rights and Duties of Successor Company.  In case of any consolidation, amalgamation or merger in respect of the Issuer where the Issuer is not the continuing Person, or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer in accordance with Section 10.01, the Successor Company shall succeed to and be substituted for the Issuer with the same effect as if it had been named herein as the respective party to this Indenture, and the predecessor entity shall be released from all liabilities and obligations under this Indenture and the Debt Securities, except that no such release will occur in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of its assets.  The Successor Company thereupon may cause to be signed, and may issue either in its own 

 

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name or in the name of the Issuer, any or all the Debt Securities issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the order of the Successor Company, instead of the Issuer, and subject to all the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee shall authenticate and shall deliver any Debt Securities which previously shall have been signed and delivered by the officers of the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication, and any Debt Securities which the Successor Company thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that purpose.  All the Debt Securities so issued shall in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Debt Securities theretofore or thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture as though all such Debt Securities had been issued at the date of the execution hereof.

 

In case of any such consolidation, amalgamation, merger, sale or disposition such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Debt Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF 
 INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE; UNCLAIMED MONEYS

 

Section 11.01                      Applicability of Article.  The provisions of this Article XI relating to defeasance of Debt Securities shall be applicable to each series of Debt Securities except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 2.03 for Debt Securities of such series.

 

Section 11.02                      Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance.

 

(a)                                 If at any time the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Debt Securities of any series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than any Debt Securities of such series which shall have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which shall have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 2.09 and Debt Securities for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuer as provided in Section 11.05) or all Debt Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation shall have become due and payable, or are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption, and the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee as trust funds the entire amount in cash sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all Debt Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including principal and premium, if any, and interest due or to become due on such date of Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be, and if in either case the Issuer shall also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Issuer, then this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of such Debt Securities herein expressly provided for) with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, and the Trustee, on demand of the Issuer accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel and at the cost and expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction of and discharging this Indenture.

 

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(b)                                 Subject to Sections 11.02(c), 11.03 and 11.07, the Issuer at any time may terminate, with respect to Debt Securities of a particular series,  all its obligations under the Debt Securities of such series and this Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of such series (“legal defeasance option”) or the operation of (x) any covenant made applicable to such Debt Securities pursuant to Section 2.03, (y) Sections 6.01(d) and 6.01(g) (“covenant defeasance option”).  The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option.

 

If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Debt Securities of the defeased series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default.  If the Issuer exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Debt Securities of the defeased series may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Sections 6.01(d) and 6.01(g).

 

Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Issuer terminates.

 

(c)                                  Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 2.07, 2.09, 4.02, 4.04, 5.01, 7.06, 11.05, 11.06 and 11.07 shall survive until the Debt Securities of the defeased series have been paid in full.  Thereafter, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 7.06, 11.05 and 11.06 shall survive.

 

Section 11.03                      Conditions of Defeasance.  The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option with respect to Debt Securities of a particular series only if:

 

(a)                                 the Issuer irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Debt Securities of such series to Stated Maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

 

(b)                                 the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing its opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be sufficient to pay the principal, premium and interest when due on all the Debt Securities of such series to Stated Maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

 

(c)                                  91 days pass after the deposit is made and during the 91-day period no Default specified in Sections 6.01(e) or 6.01(f) with respect to the Issuer occurs which is continuing at the end of the period;

 

(d)                                 no Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit and after giving effect thereto;

 

(e)                                  the deposit does not constitute a default under any other agreement binding on the Issuer;

 

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(f)                                   the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

 

(g)                                  in the event of the legal defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that the Issuer has received from the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case of the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance had not occurred;

 

(h)                                 in the event of the covenant defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of Debt Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not occurred; and

 

(i)                                     the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Debt Securities of such series as contemplated by this Article XI have been complied with.

 

Before or after a deposit, the Issuer may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Debt Securities of such series at a future date in accordance with Article III.

 

Section 11.04                      Application of Trust Money.  The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article XI.  It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through any paying agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Debt Securities of the defeased series.

 

Section 11.05                      Repayment to Issuer.  The Trustee and any paying agent shall promptly turn over to the Issuer upon request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.

 

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and any paying agent shall pay to the Issuer upon request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium or interest that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Holders entitled to such money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors.

 

Section 11.06                      Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations.  The Issuer shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee and the Holders against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.

 

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Section 11.07                      Reinstatement.  If the Trustee or any paying agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article XI by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or government authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Debt Securities of the defeased series shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article XI until such time as the Trustee or any paying agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article XI.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

[RESERVED]

 

This Article XII has been intentionally omitted.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 13.01                      Successors and Assigns of Issuer Bound by Indenture.  All the covenants, stipulations, promises and agreements in this Indenture contained by or in behalf of the Issuer or the Trustee shall bind their respective successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

 

Section 13.02                      Acts of Board, Committee or Officer of Successor Company Valid.  Any act or proceeding by any provision of this Indenture authorized or required to be done or performed by any board, committee or officer of the Issuer shall and may be done and performed with like force and effect by the like board, committee or officer of any Successor Company.

 

Section 13.03                      Required Notices or Demands.  Any notice or communication by the Issuer or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing (in the English language) and delivered in Person or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the other’s address:

 

If to the Issuer:

 

Golar LNG Partners LP
 Attention:  Principal Executive Officer
 Par-la-Ville Place
 14 Par-la-Ville Road
 Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda
 +1 (441) 295-4705

 

If to the Trustee:


 [                                        ]
 [                                        ]
 [                                        ]
 [                                        ]

 

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The Issuer or the Trustee by notice to the others may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given:  at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; on the first Business Day on or after being sent, if telecopied and the sender receives confirmation of successful transmission; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

 

Any notice required or permitted to a Holder by the Issuer or the Trustee pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture shall be deemed to be properly mailed by being deposited postage prepaid in a post office letter box in the United States addressed to such Holder at the address of such Holder as shown on the Debt Security Register.  Any report pursuant to Section 313 of the TIA shall be transmitted in compliance with subsection (c) therein.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any notice to Holders of Floating Rate Debt Securities regarding the determination of a periodic rate of interest, if such notice is required pursuant to Section 2.03, shall be sufficiently given if given in the manner specified pursuant to Section 2.03.

 

In the event of suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give notice by mail, then such notification as shall be given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice for every purpose hereunder.

 

In the event it shall be impracticable to give notice by publication, then such notification as shall be given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice for every purpose hereunder.

 

Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it or any defect in any notice by publication as to a Holder shall not affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders.  If a notice or communication is mailed or published in the manner provided above, it is conclusively presumed duly given.

 

Section 13.04                      Indenture and Debt Securities to Be Construed in Accordance with the Laws of the State of New York.  THIS INDENTURE AND EACH DEBT SECURITY SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE NEW YORK CONTRACTS, AND FOR ALL PURPOSES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SAID STATE.

 

Section 13.05                      Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to Be Furnished upon Application or Demand by the Issuer.  Upon any application or demand by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under any of the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such 

 

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document is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

 

Each certificate or opinion provided for in this Indenture and delivered to the Trustee with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include (a) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition, (b) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based, (c) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with and (d) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

 

Section 13.06                      Payments Due on Legal Holidays.  In any case where the date of maturity of interest on or principal of and premium, if any, on the Debt Securities of a series or the date fixed for redemption or repayment of any Debt Security or the making of any sinking fund payment shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment for the Debt Securities of such series, then payment of interest or principal and premium, if any, or the making of such sinking fund payment need not be made on such date at such Place of Payment, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the date of maturity or the date fixed for redemption, and no interest shall accrue for the period after such date.  If a record date is not a Business Day, the record date shall not be affected.

 

Section 13.07                      Provisions Required by TIA to Control.  If and to the extent that any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision included in this Indenture which is required to be included in this Indenture by any of Sections 310 to 318, inclusive, of the TIA, such required provision shall control.

 

Section 13.08                      Computation of Interest on Debt Securities.  Interest, if any, on the Debt Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to Section 2.03.

 

Section 13.09                      Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of Holders.  The Registrar and any paying agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

 

Section 13.10                      No Recourse Against Others.  The General Partner and its directors, officers, employees and members, as such, shall have no liability for any obligations of the Issuer under the Debt Securities, this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  By accepting a Debt Security, each Holder shall waive and release all such liability.  The waiver and release shall be part of the consideration for the issue of the Debt Securities.

 

Section 13.11                      Severability.  In case any provision in this Indenture or the Debt Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

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Section 13.12                      Effect of Headings.  The article and section headings herein and in the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

Section 13.13                      Indenture May Be Executed in Counterparts.  This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original; but such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

ARTICLE XIV

 

SUBORDINATION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

Section 14.01                      Applicability of Article; Agreement to Subordinate.  The provisions of this Article XIV shall be applicable to the Debt Securities of any series (Debt Securities of such series being referred to in this Article XIV as “Subordinated Debt Securities”) except to the extent such provisions may be changed or added to pursuant to Section 2.03. Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Debt Security agrees that the indebtedness evidenced by such Subordinated Debt Security is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article XIV (as the same may be changed or added to pursuant to Section 2.03 or by any supplemental indenture), to the prior payment of all Senior Indebtedness and that the subordination is for the benefit of and enforceable by the holders of Senior Indebtedness. All provisions of this Article XIV shall be subject to Section 14.12.

 

Section 14.02                      Liquidation, Dissolution, Bankruptcy.  Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of the Issuer to creditors upon a voluntary or involuntary liquidation or a dissolution of the Issuer or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Issuer or its property:

 

(1)                         holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of the Senior Indebtedness (including interest (if any), accruing on or after the commencement of a proceeding in bankruptcy, whether or not allowed as a claim against the Issuer in such bankruptcy proceeding) before Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities shall be entitled to receive any payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities from the Issuer; and

 

(2)                         until the Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, any distribution to which Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities would be entitled but for this Article XIV shall be made to holders of Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear, except that such Holders may receive Equity Interests and any debt securities that are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness of the Issuer to at least the same extent as the Subordinated Debt Securities.

 

Section 14.03                      Default on Senior Indebtedness.  The Issuer may not pay the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities or make any deposit into a defeasance trust or pursuant to Article XI and may not repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire (except, in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities that provide for a mandatory sinking fund

 

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pursuant to Section 3.04, by the delivery of Subordinated Debt Securities by the Issuer to the Trustee pursuant to the first paragraph of Section 3.05) any Debt Securities (collectively, “pay the Subordinated Debt Securities”) if (i) any principal, premium, interest or any other amount payable in respect of Senior Indebtedness is not paid within any applicable grace period (including at maturity) or (ii) any other default on Senior Indebtedness occurs and the maturity of such Senior Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms unless, in either case, (x) the default has been cured or waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or (y) such Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; provided, however, that the Issuer may pay the Subordinated Debt Securities without regard to the foregoing if the Issuer and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representative of each issue of Designated Senior Indebtedness. During the continuance of any default (other than a default described in clause (i) or (ii) of the preceding sentence) with respect to any Senior Indebtedness pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated immediately without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, the Issuer may not pay the Subordinated Debt Securities for a period (a “Payment Blockage Period”) commencing upon the receipt by the Issuer and the Trustee of written notice of such default from the Representative of any Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to effect a Payment Blockage Period (a “Blockage Notice”) and ending 179 days thereafter (or earlier if such Payment Blockage Period is terminated (i) by written notice to the Trustee and the Issuer from the Person or Persons who gave such Blockage Notice, (ii) by repayment in full in cash of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or (iii) because the default giving rise to such Blockage Notice is no longer continuing). Notwithstanding the provisions described in the immediately preceding sentence (but subject to the provisions contained in the first sentence of this Section 14.03), unless the holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Representative of such holders shall have: accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness, the Issuer may resume payments on the Subordinated Debt Securities after such Payment Blockage Period. Not more than one Blockage Notice may be given in any consecutive 360-day period, irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to any number of issues of Senior Indebtedness during such period. For purposes of this Section 14.03, no default or event of default which existed or was continuing on the date of the commencement of any Payment Blockage Period with respect to the Senior Indebtedness initiating such Payment Blockage Period shall be, or be made, the basis of the commencement of a subsequent Payment Blockage Period by the Representative of such Senior Indebtedness, whether or not within a period of 360 consecutive days, unless such default or event of default shall have been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days.

 

Section 14.04                      Acceleration of Payment of Debt Securities.  If payment of the Subordinated Debt Securities is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the Issuer or the Trustee shall promptly notify the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness (or their Representatives) of the acceleration.

 

Section 14.05                      When Distribution Must Be Paid Over.  If a distribution is made to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities that because of this Article XIV should not have been made to them, the Holders who receive such distribution shall hold it in trust for holders of Senior Indebtedness and pay it over to them as their interests may appear.

 

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Section 14.06                      Subrogation.  After all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full and until the Subordinated Debt Securities are paid in full, Holders thereof shall be subrogated to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions applicable to Senior Indebtedness. A distribution made under this Article XIV to holders of Senior Indebtedness which otherwise would have been made to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities is not, as between the Issuer and such Holders, a payment by the Issuer on Senior Indebtedness.

 

Section 14.07                      Relative Rights.  This Article XIV defines the relative rights of Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities and holders of Senior Indebtedness. Nothing in the Indenture shall:

 

(1)                         impair, as between the Issuer and Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities, the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities in accordance with their terms; or

 

(2)                         prevent the Trustee or any Holder of Subordinated Debt Securities from exercising its available remedies upon an Event of Default, subject to the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions otherwise payable to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities.

 

Section 14.08                      Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Issuer.  No right of any holder of Senior Indebtedness to enforce the subordination of the indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Securities shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by the Issuer or by its failure to comply with the Indenture.

 

Section 14.09                      Rights of Trustee and Paying Agents.  Notwithstanding Section 14.03, the Trustee or any paying agent may continue to make payments on Subordinated Debt Securities and shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of facts that would prohibit the making of any such payments unless, not less than two Business Days prior to the date of such payment, a responsible officer of the Trustee receives notice satisfactory to it that payments may not be made under this Article XIV. The Issuer, the Registrar, any paying agent, a Representative or a holder of Senior Indebtedness may give the notice; provided, however, that, if an issue of Senior Indebtedness has a Representative, only the Representative may give the notice.  The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may hold Senior Indebtedness with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. The Registrar and any paying agent may do the same with like rights. The Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article XIV with respect to any Senior Indebtedness which may at any time be held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness; and nothing in Article VII shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Nothing in this Article XIV shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.06.

 

Section 14.10                      Distribution or Notice to Representative.  Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders of Senior Indebtedness, the distribution may be made and the notice given to their Representative (if any).

 

Section 14.11                      Article XIV Not to Prevent Defaults or Limit Right to Accelerate.  The failure to make a payment pursuant to the Debt Securities by reason of any provision in this

 

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Article XIV shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a Default. Nothing in this Article XIV shall have any effect on the right of the Holders or the Trustee to accelerate the maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities.

 

Section 14.12                      Trust Moneys Not Subordinated.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, payments from money or the proceeds of U.S. Government Obligations held in a defeasance trust or in trust under Article XI by the Trustee for the payment of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the Subordinated Debt Securities shall not be subordinated to the prior payment of any Senior Indebtedness or subject to the restrictions set forth in this Article XIV, and none of the Holders thereof shall be obligated to pay over any such amount to the Issuer or any holder of Senior Indebtedness or any other creditor of the Issuer.

 

Section 14.13                      Trustee Entitled to Rely.  Upon any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article XIV, the Trustee and the Holders shall be entitled to rely (i) upon any order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction in which any proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 14.02 are pending, (ii) upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other Person making such payment or distribution to the Trustee or to such Holders or (iii) upon the Representatives for the holders of Senior Indebtedness for the purpose of ascertaining the Persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Issuer, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article XIV.  In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article XIV, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article XIV, and, if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment. The provisions of Sections 7.01 and 7.02 shall be applicable to all actions or omissions of actions by the Trustee pursuant to this Article XIV.

 

Section 14.14                      Trustee to Effectuate Subordination.  Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Debt Security authorizes and directs the Trustee on its behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate the subordination between the Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities and the holders of Senior Indebtedness as provided in this Article XIV and appoints the Trustee as attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

 

Section 14.15                      Trustee Not Fiduciary for Holders of Senior Indebtedness.  The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall mistakenly pay over or distribute to Holders of Subordinated Debt Securities or the Issuer or any other Person, money or assets to which any holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled by virtue of this Article XIV or otherwise.

 

Section 14.16                      Reliance by Holders of Senior Indebtedness on Subordination Provisions.  Each Holder by accepting a Subordinated Debt Security acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing subordination provisions are, and are intended to be, an inducement and a 

 

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consideration to each holder of any Senior Indebtedness, whether such Senior Indebtedness was created or acquired before or after the issuance of the Subordinated Debt Securities, to acquire and continue to hold, or to continue to hold, such Senior Indebtedness and such holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be deemed conclusively to have relied on such subordination provisions in acquiring and continuing to hold, or in continuing to hold, such Senior Indebtedness.

 

[Remainder of This Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

	
 
    	
GOLAR   LNG PARTNERS LP
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:   Graham Robjohns
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:     Principal Executive Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
[TRUSTEE]
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title: