Exhibit 10.1

 


 



 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as May 29, 2013

 

among

 

EARTHLINK, INC.,

as the Borrower,

 

CERTAIN OTHER CREDIT PARTIES

PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME,

 

THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO,

 

and

 

REGIONS BANK,

as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent

 

REGIONS CAPITAL MARKETS,

a division of Regions Bank,

as a Joint Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager

 

and

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK,

as a Joint Lead Arranger

 


 



 











 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
Page
    
	
Section 1.
    	
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
    	
1
    
	
Section 1.1
    	
Definitions
    	
1
    
	
Section 1.2
    	
Accounting Terms
    	
29
    
	
Section 1.3
    	
Rules of Interpretation
    	
30
    
	
Section 2
    	
LOANS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT
    	
31
    
	
Section 2.1
    	
Revolving Loans
    	
31
    
	
Section 2.2
    	
Swingline Loans
    	
33
    
	
Section 2.3
    	
Issuances of Letters of Credit   and Purchase of Participations Therein
    	
35
    
	
Section 2.4
    	
Pro Rata Shares; Availability of   Funds
    	
38
    
	
Section 2.5
    	
Evidence of Debt; Register;   Lenders’ Books and Records; Notes
    	
40
    
	
Section 2.6
    	
Scheduled Principal Payments
    	
40
    
	
Section 2.7
    	
Interest on Loans
    	
40
    
	
Section 2.8
    	
Conversion/Continuation
    	
42
    
	
Section 2.9
    	
Default Rate of Interest
    	
43
    
	
Section 2.10
    	
Fees
    	
43
    
	
Section 2.11
    	
Prepayments/Commitment Reductions
    	
45
    
	
Section 2.12
    	
Application of Prepayments
    	
46
    
	
Section 2.13
    	
General Provisions Regarding   Payments
    	
46
    
	
Section 2.14
    	
Sharing of Payments by Lenders
    	
47
    
	
Section 2.15
    	
Cash Collateral
    	
48
    
	
Section 2.16
    	
Defaulting Lenders
    	
49
    
	
Section 2.17
    	
Removal or Replacement of Lenders
    	
51
    
	
Section 3
    	
YIELD PROTECTION
    	
52
    
	
Section 3.1
    	
Making or Maintaining LIBOR Loans
    	
52
    
	
Section 3.2
    	
Increased Costs
    	
54
    
	
Section 3.3
    	
Taxes
    	
55
    
	
Section 3.4
    	
Designation of a Different   Lending Office
    	
59
    
	
Section 4
    	
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
    	
59
    
	
Section 4.1
    	
Conditions Precedent to Initial   Credit Extension
    	
59
    
	
Section 4.2
    	
Conditions to Each Credit   Extension
    	
61
    
	
Section 5
    	
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
    	
62
    
	
Section 5.1
    	
Organization; Requisite Power and   Authority; Qualification
    	
62
    
	
Section 5.2
    	
Equity Interests and Ownership
    	
62
    
	
Section 5.3
    	
Due Authorization
    	
62
    
	
Section 5.4
    	
No Conflict
    	
62
    
	
Section 5.5
    	
Governmental Consents
    	
62
    
	
Section 5.6
    	
Binding Obligation
    	
63
    
	
Section 5.7
    	
Financial Statements
    	
63
    
	
Section 5.8
    	
No Material Adverse Effect
    	
63
    
	
Section 5.9
    	
No Adverse Proceedings
    	
63
    
	
Section 5.10
    	
Tax Matters
    	
63
    
	
Section 5.11
    	
Properties
    	
63
    
	
Section 5.12
    	
Environmental Matters
    	
64
    
	
Section 5.13
    	
No Defaults
    	
64
    
	
Section 5.14
    	
Information Regarding Credit   Parties; Tax Identification Numbers
    	
64
    
	
Section 5.15
    	
Governmental Regulation
    	
65
    
	
Section 5.16
    	
Employee Matters
    	
66
    
	
Section 5.17
    	
Pension Plans
    	
66
    
	
Section 5.18
    	
Solvency
    	
67
    
				


 

i











 

	
Section 5.19
    	
Compliance with Laws
    	
67
    
	
Section 5.20
    	
Security Interests
    	
67
    
	
Section 5.21
    	
Disclosure
    	
67
    
	
Section 5.22
    	
Insurance
    	
67
    
	
Section 5.23
    	
Pledge Agreement and Security   Agreement
    	
68
    
	
Section 5.24
    	
Mortgages
    	
68
    
	
Section 6
    	
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
    	
68
    
	
Section 6.1
    	
Financial Statements and Other   Reports
    	
68
    
	
Section 6.2
    	
Existence
    	
71
    
	
Section 6.3
    	
Payment of Taxes and Claims
    	
71
    
	
Section 6.4
    	
Maintenance of Properties
    	
71
    
	
Section 6.5
    	
Insurance
    	
72
    
	
Section 6.6
    	
Inspections
    	
72
    
	
Section 6.7
    	
Compliance with Laws
    	
72
    
	
Section 6.8
    	
Use of Proceeds
    	
72
    
	
Section 6.9
    	
Environmental
    	
72
    
	
Section 6.10
    	
Joinder of Guarantors
    	
73
    
	
Section 6.11
    	
Books and Records
    	
73
    
	
Section 6.12
    	
Pledge of Personal Property   Assets
    	
74
    
	
Section 6.13
    	
Real Estate Assets
    	
74
    
	
Section 6.14
    	
Further Assurances
    	
75
    
	
Section 7
    	
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
    	
76
    
	
Section 7.1
    	
Indebtedness
    	
76
    
	
Section 7.2
    	
Liens
    	
78
    
	
Section 7.3
    	
No Further Negative Pledges
    	
80
    
	
Section 7.4
    	
Restricted Payments
    	
80
    
	
Section 7.5
    	
Restrictions on Subsidiary   Distributions
    	
81
    
	
Section 7.6
    	
Investments
    	
81
    
	
Section 7.7
    	
Use of Proceeds
    	
82
    
	
Section 7.8
    	
Financial Covenants
    	
82
    
	
Section 7.9
    	
Fundamental Changes; Disposition   of Assets; Acquisitions
    	
82
    
	
Section 7.10
    	
Disposal of Subsidiary Interests
    	
83
    
	
Section 7.11
    	
Transactions with Shareholders   and Affiliates
    	
83
    
	
Section 7.12
    	
Prepayment of Other Funded Debt
    	
83
    
	
Section 7.13
    	
Conduct of Business
    	
84
    
	
Section 7.14
    	
Fiscal Year
    	
84
    
	
Section 7.15
    	
Amendments to Organizational   Agreements/Contractual Obligations
    	
84
    
	
Section 7.16
    	
Capital Expenditures
    	
84
    
	
Section 7.17
    	
Applicability of Negative   Covenants
    	
84
    
	
Section 8
    	
GUARANTY
    	
84
    
	
Section 8.1
    	
The Guaranty
    	
84
    
	
Section 8.2
    	
Obligations Unconditional
    	
85
    
	
Section 8.3
    	
Reinstatement
    	
86
    
	
Section 8.4
    	
Certain Waivers
    	
86
    
	
Section 8.5
    	
Remedies
    	
86
    
	
Section 8.6
    	
Rights of Contribution
    	
87
    
	
Section 8.7
    	
Guaranty of Payment; Continuing   Guaranty
    	
87
    
	
Section 8.8
    	
Keepwell
    	
87
    
	
Section 9
    	
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES;   APPLICATION OF FUNDS
    	
87
    
	
Section 9.1
    	
Events of Default
    	
87
    
	
Section 9.2
    	
Remedies
    	
89
    
				


 

ii











 

	
Section 9.3
    	
Application of Funds
    	
90
    
	
Section 10
    	
AGENCY
    	
91
    
	
Section 10.1
    	
Appointment and Authority
    	
91
    
	
Section 10.2
    	
Rights as a Lender
    	
92
    
	
Section 10.3
    	
Exculpatory Provisions
    	
92
    
	
Section 10.4
    	
Reliance by Administrative Agent
    	
93
    
	
Section 10.5
    	
Delegation of Duties
    	
93
    
	
Section 10.6
    	
Resignation of Administrative   Agent
    	
93
    
	
Section 10.7
    	
Non-Reliance on Administrative   Agent and Other Lenders
    	
94
    
	
Section 10.8
    	
No Other Duties, etc.
    	
95
    
	
Section 10.9
    	
Administrative Agent   May File Proofs of Claim
    	
95
    
	
Section 10.10
    	
Collateral and Guaranty Matters
    	
95
    
	
Section 11
    	
MISCELLANEOUS
    	
96
    
	
Section 11.1
    	
Notices; Effectiveness;   Electronic Communications
    	
96
    
	
Section 11.2
    	
Expenses; Indemnity; Damage   Waiver
    	
98
    
	
Section 11.3
    	
Set-Off
    	
99
    
	
Section 11.4
    	
Amendments and Waivers
    	
100
    
	
Section 11.5
    	
Successors and Assigns
    	
102
    
	
Section 11.6
    	
Independence of Covenants
    	
106
    
	
Section 11.7
    	
Survival of Representations,   Warranties and Agreements
    	
106
    
	
Section 11.8
    	
No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative;   Enforcement
    	
106
    
	
Section 11.9
    	
Marshalling; Payments Set Aside
    	
107
    
	
Section 11.10
    	
Severability
    	
107
    
	
Section 11.11
    	
Obligations Several; Independent   Nature of Lenders’ Rights
    	
107
    
	
Section 11.12
    	
Headings
    	
108
    
	
Section 11.13
    	
Applicable Laws
    	
108
    
	
Section 11.14
    	
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
    	
108
    
	
Section 11.15
    	
Confidentiality
    	
108
    
	
Section 11.16
    	
Usury Savings Clause
    	
109
    
	
Section 11.17
    	
Counterparts; Integration;   Effectiveness
    	
110
    
	
Section 11.18
    	
No Advisory or Fiduciary   Relationsh
    	
110
    
	
Section 11.19
    	
Electronic Execution of   Assignments and Other Documents
    	
110
    
	
Section 11.20
    	
USA PATRIOT Act
    	
111
    
	
Section 11.21
    	
Designation as Senior Debt
    	
111
    
				


 

iii











 

	
Appendices
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Appendix A
    	
 
    	
Lenders, Revolving Commitments and Revolving   Commitment Percentages
    
	
Appendix B
    	
 
    	
Notice Information
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Schedules
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Schedule 2.3
    	
 
    	
Existing Letters of Credit
    
	
Schedule 5.1
    	
 
    	
Organization; Requisite Power and Authority;   Qualification
    
	
Schedule 5.2
    	
 
    	
Equity Interests and Ownership
    
	
Schedule 5.11(b)
    	
 
    	
Real Estate Assets
    
	
Schedule 5.14
    	
 
    	
Capital Structure, Ownership and Tax   Identification Numbers of Credit Parties
    
	
Schedule 5.22
    	
 
    	
Insurance Coverage
    
	
Schedule 7.1
    	
 
    	
Existing Indebtedness
    
	
Schedule 7.2
    	
 
    	
Existing Liens
    
	
Schedule 7.5
    	
 
    	
Existing Restrictions on Subsidiaries
    
	
Schedule 7.6
    	
 
    	
Existing Investments
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Exhibits
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
Exhibit 2.1
    	
 
    	
Form of Funding Notice
    
	
Exhibit 2.3
    	
 
    	
Form of Issuance Notice
    
	
Exhibit 2.5-1
    	
 
    	
Form of   Revolving Loan Note
    
	
Exhibit 2.5-2
    	
 
    	
Form of   Swingline Note
    
	
Exhibit 2.8
    	
 
    	
Form of Conversion/Continuation   Notice
    
	
Exhibit 3.3   (1-4)
    	
 
    	
Forms   of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates
    
	
Exhibit 6.1(c)
    	
 
    	
Form of Compliance Certificate
    
	
Exhibit 6.10
    	
 
    	
Form of Guarantor Joinder Agreement
    
	
Exhibit 10.1(c)
    	
 
    	
Form of Intercreditor Agreement
    
	
Exhibit 11.5
    	
 
    	
Form of Assignment Agreement
    


 

iv











 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of May 29, 2013 (as amended, restated, increased, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), is entered into by and among EARTHLINK, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), certain Subsidiaries of the Borrower from time to time party hereto, as Guarantors, the Lenders from time to time party hereto, REGIONS BANK, as administrative agent (in such capacity, “Administrative Agent”) and collateral agent (in such capacity, “Collateral Agent”).

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower and certain of the Guarantors are a party to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of May 20, 2011 (as amended and modified, the “Original Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, such Guarantors, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Regions Bank, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent; and

 

WHEREAS, in connection with the issuance by the Borrower of $300,000,000 of the Senior Secured Notes, the Borrower and the Guarantors have requested that the Lenders amend and restate the Original Credit Agreement to permit the issuance of the Senior Secured Notes and to make certain other amendments to the Original Credit Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Lenders have agreed to amend and restate the Original Credit Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

 

Section 1.                                          DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

Section 1.1                                    Definitions.  The following terms used herein, including in the introductory paragraph, recitals, exhibits and schedules hereto, shall have the following meanings:

 

“Accepting Lenders” means as defined in Section 11.4(g).

 

“Acquisition”, by any Person, means the acquisition by such Person, in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of all or any substantial portion of the property of another Person or at least a majority of the Equity Interests of another Person, in each case whether or not involving a merger or consolidation with such other Person and whether for cash, property, services, assumption of Indebtedness, securities or otherwise.

 

“Acquisition Indebtedness” means as defined in Section 7.1(h).

 

“Adjusted LIBOR Rate” means, for any Interest Rate Determination Date with respect to an Interest Period for an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, the rate per annum obtained by dividing (a) (i) the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (including any successor thereto if the British Bankers Association is no longer making such rate available, “LIBOR”) published by Reuters (or such other commercially available source providing quotations of LIBOR), such page currently being Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page, for deposits (for delivery on the first day of such period) with a term equivalent to such period in Dollars, determined as of

 












 

approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such Interest Rate Determination Date, or (ii) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (i) does not appear on such page or service or if such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on such other page or other service which displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits (for delivery on the first day of such period) with a term equivalent to such period in Dollars, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such Interest Rate Determination Date, or (iii) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (i) and (ii) are not available, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to quotation rate (or the arithmetic mean of rates) offered to first class banks in the London interbank market for deposits (for delivery on the first day of the relevant period) in Dollars of amounts in same day funds comparable to the principal amount of the applicable Loan of Regions Bank or any other Lender selected by the Administrative Agent, for which the Adjusted LIBOR Rate is then being determined with maturities comparable to such period as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such Interest Rate Determination Date, by (b) an amount equal to (i) one, minus (ii) the Applicable Reserve Requirement.

 

“Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan” means Loans bearing interest based on the Adjusted LIBOR Rate.

 

“Administrative Agent” means as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto, together with its successors and assigns.

 

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

 

“Adverse Proceeding” means any action, suit, proceeding (whether administrative, judicial or otherwise), governmental investigation or arbitration (whether or not purportedly on behalf of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries) at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Authority pending against any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or any material property of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

“Affected Lender” means as defined in Section 3.1(b).

 

“Affected Loans” means as defined in Section 3.1(b).

 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

 

“Agent” means each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent.

 

“Aggregate Revolving Commitments” means the Revolving Commitments of all the Lenders.  The aggregate principal amount of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments in effect on the Effective Date is ONE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ($135,000,000).

 

“Agreement” means as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto.

 

“Applicable Laws” means all applicable laws, including all applicable provisions of constitutions, statutes, rules, ordinances, regulations and orders of all Governmental Authorities and all orders, rulings, writs and decrees of all courts, tribunals and arbitrators.

 

2











 

“Applicable Margin” means (a) from the Effective Date through the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(c) for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2013, the percentage per annum based upon Pricing Level 3 in the table set forth below, and (b) thereafter, the percentage per annum determined by reference to the table set forth below using the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio as set forth in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.1(c), with any increase or decrease in the Applicable Margin resulting from a change in the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio becoming effective on the first Business Day immediately following the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered.

 

	
Pricing 
   Level
    	
 
    	
Consolidated Net Total
   Leverage Ratio
    	
 
    	
Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans
   and Letter of Credit Fee
    	
 
    	
Base Rate
   Loans
    	
 
    	
Commitment
    Fee
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
1
    	
 
    	
< 1.50:1.0
    	
 
    	
2.75
    	
%
    	
1.75
    	
%
    	
0.375
    	
%
    
	
2
    	
 
    	
> 1.50:1.0 but < 2.00:1.0
    	
 
    	
3.00
    	
%
    	
2.00
    	
%
    	
0.500
    	
%
    
	
3
    	
 
    	
> 2.00:1.0 but < 2.50:1.0
    	
 
    	
3.25
    	
%
    	
2.25
    	
%
    	
0.500
    	
%
    
	
4
    	
 
    	
> 2.50:1.0 but < 3.00:1.0
    	
 
    	
3.50
    	
%
    	
2.50
    	
%
    	
0.500
    	
%
    
	
5
    	
 
    	
> 3.00:1.0
    	
 
    	
3.75
    	
%
    	
2.75
    	
%
    	
0.500
    	
%
    


 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) if at any time a Compliance Certificate is not delivered by the date due in accordance therewith, then, upon the request of the Required Lenders, Pricing Level 5 as set forth in the table above shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and shall remain in effect until the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered and (y) the determination of the Applicable Margin for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.7(e).

 

“Applicable Reserve Requirement” means, at any time, for any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, the maximum rate, expressed as a decimal, at which reserves (including any basic marginal, special, supplemental, emergency or other reserves) are required to be maintained with respect thereto against “Eurocurrency liabilities” (as such term is defined in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time) under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or other applicable banking regulator.  Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, the Applicable Reserve Requirement shall reflect any other reserves required to be maintained by such member banks with respect to (a) any category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the applicable Adjusted LIBOR Rate or any other interest rate of a Loan is to be determined, or (b) any category of extensions of credit or other assets which include Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans.  An Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan shall be deemed to constitute Eurocurrency liabilities and as such shall be deemed subject to reserve requirements.  The rate of interest on Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the Applicable Reserve Requirement.

 

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

 

“Asset Sale” means a sale, lease, sale and leaseback, assignment, conveyance, exclusive license (as licensor), transfer or other disposition to, or any exchange of property with, any Person, in one transaction or a series of transactions, of all or any part of any Credit Party’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ businesses, assets or properties of any kind, whether real, personal, or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, created, leased or licensed, including the Equity Interests of any Guarantor, other than (a) dispositions of surplus, obsolete or worn out property, whether

 

3











 

now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business; (b) dispositions of inventory sold, and Intellectual Property licensed, in the ordinary course of business; (c) dispositions of accounts or payment intangibles (each as defined in the UCC) resulting from the compromise or settlement thereof in the ordinary course of business for less than the full amount thereof; (d) the abandonment of Intellectual Property in the ordinary course of business to the extent the same does not individually or in the aggregate materially affect the ability of any Credit Party to operate its business; (e) any transfer in connection with a Restricted Payment to the extent permitted under Section 7.4; and (f) any sale, lease, license, transfer or other disposition of property to any Credit Party or any Subsidiary; provided, that if the transferor of such property is a Credit Party, (i) the transferee must be a Credit Party or (ii) to the extent such transaction constitutes an Investment, such transaction is permitted under Section 7.6.

 

“Assignment Agreement” means an assignment agreement entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 11.5(b)) and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit 11.5 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Attributable Principal Amount” means (a) in the case of Capital Leases, the amount of Capital Lease obligations determined in accordance with GAAP, (b) in the case of Synthetic Leases, an amount determined by capitalization of the remaining lease payments thereunder as if it were a Capital Lease determined in accordance with GAAP, (c) in the case of Securitization Transactions, the outstanding principal amount of such financing, after taking into account reserve amounts and making appropriate adjustments, determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable judgment and (d) in the case of Sale and Leaseback Transactions, the present value (discounted in accordance with GAAP at the debt rate implied in the applicable lease) of the obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the term of such lease.

 

“Authorized Officer” means, as applied to any Person, any individual holding the position of chairman of the board (if an officer), chief executive officer, president or one of its vice presidents (or the equivalent thereof), and such Person’s chief financial officer or treasurer.

 

“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

 

“Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1⁄2 of one percent (0.5%) and (c) the LIBOR Index Rate in effect on such day plus one percent (1.0%).  Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the LIBOR Index Rate shall be effective on the effective day of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the LIBOR Index Rate, respectively.

 

“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Base Rate.

 

“Borrower” means as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto.

 

“Borrowing” means (a) a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period, or (b) a borrowing of Swingline Loans, as appropriate.

 

“Business Day” means (a) any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day which is a legal holiday under the laws of the State of New York or is a day on which banking institutions located in such

 

4











 

state are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close, and (b) with respect to all notices, determinations, fundings and payments in connection with the Adjusted LIBOR Rate or any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans (and in the case of determinations, the LIBOR Index Rate), the term “Business Day” means any day which is a Business Day described in clause (a) and which is also a day for trading by and between banks in Dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

“Capital Lease” means, as applied to any Person, any lease of any property (whether real, personal or mixed) by that Person as lessee that, in conformity with GAAP (but subject to Section 1.2), is or should be accounted for as a capital lease on the balance sheet of that Person.

 

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

 

“Cash Equivalents” means, as at any date of determination, any of the following: (a) marketable securities (i) issued or directly and unconditionally guaranteed as to interest and principal by the United States Government, or (ii) issued by any agency of the United States the obligations of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one (1) year after such date; (b) marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof, in each case maturing within one (1) year after such date and having, at the time of the acquisition thereof, a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody’s; (c) commercial paper maturing no more than one (1) year from the date of creation thereof and having, at the time of the acquisition thereof, a rating of at least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody’s; (d) certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances maturing within one (1) year after such date and issued or accepted by any Lender or by any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia that (i) is at least “adequately capitalized” (as defined in the regulations of its primary federal banking regulator), and (ii) has Tier 1 capital (as defined in such regulations) of not less than $100,000,000; and (e) shares of any money market mutual fund that (i) has substantially all of its assets invested continuously in the types of investments referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above, (ii) has net assets of not less than $500,000,000, and (iii) has the highest rating obtainable from either S&P or Moody’s.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(b)                                 during any period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of the Borrower cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii) and clause (iii), any individual whose initial nomination for, or assumption of office as, a member of that board or equivalent governing body occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more directors by any person or group other than a solicitation for the election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the board of directors).

 

“Collateral” means the collateral identified in, and at any time covered by, the Collateral Documents.

 

“Collateral Agent” means as defined in the introductory paragraph hereto, together with its successors and assigns.

 

“Collateral Documents” means the Pledge Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Mortgages (if any) and all other instruments, documents and agreements delivered by any Credit Party pursuant to this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents in order to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a Lien on any real, personal or mixed property of that Credit Party as security for the Obligations.

 

“Commitment Fee” means as defined in Section 2.10(a).

 

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

 

“Compliance Certificate” means a Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 6.1(c).

 

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

 

“Consolidated Capital Expenditures” means, for any period for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the aggregate of all expenditures during such period determined on a consolidated basis that, in

 

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accordance with GAAP, are or should be included in “purchase of property and equipment or which should otherwise be capitalized” or similar items reflected in the consolidated statement of cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

 

“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the sum of (a) Consolidated Net Income, plus (b) to the extent deducted in determining net income, without duplication (i) Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) taxes, (iii) depreciation and amortization, plus (iv) all non-cash charges or losses, including, without limitation (1) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down related to intangible assets (including goodwill), long-lived assets and investments in debt and equity securities pursuant to GAAP, (2) long-term incentive plan accruals and any non-cash expenses resulting from the grant of stock options or other equity-based incentives to any director, officer or employee of the Borrower or any other Credit Party, (3) restructuring charges and non-recurring charges for such period and (4) any non-cash charges or losses resulting from the application of purchase accounting, in each case on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP, provided that (x) for any period during which an Acquisition has occurred, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, (y) the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA shall exclude (A) mark-to-market adjustments in the valuation of derivative obligations resulting from the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and (B) any non-cash gains or losses on foreign currency derivatives and any foreign currency transaction non-cash gains or losses and any foreign currency exchange translation gains or losses that arise on consolidation of integrated operations, plus (v) non-recurring cash restructuring charges incurred following the Effective Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15,000,000 during the period of four (4) Fiscal Quarters most recently ended for which the company has provided supporting detail acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.  Except as otherwise expressly provided, the applicable period shall be the four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of the date of determination.

 

“Consolidated Funded Debt” means Funded Debt of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Group” means, as of any date, the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of such date to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense paid or payable in cash for the period of four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of such date.

 

“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, all interest expense on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP, but including, in any event, the interest component under capital leases and the implied interest component under Securitization Transactions.  Except as expressly provided otherwise, the applicable period shall be the four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of the date of determination.

 

“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, net income (or loss) determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, excluding any extraordinary gains or losses and related tax effects thereon.  Except as otherwise expressly provided, the applicable period shall be the four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of the date of determination.

 

“Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Debt (net of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries maintained in the United States in excess of $75,000,000 (but with Consolidated Funded

 

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Debt not to be reduced by more than $50,000,000)) (including the Loans and other Obligations under this Agreement) as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of such date.

 

“Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Debt (net of unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries maintained in the United States in excess of $75,000,000 (but with Consolidated Funded Debt not to be reduced by more than $50,000,000)) that is secured by a Lien or other pledge of collateral interest (including the Loans and other Obligations under this Agreement) as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of such date.

 

“Contractual Obligation” means, as applied to any Person, any provision of any Security issued by that Person or of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, contract, undertaking, agreement or other instrument to which that Person is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound or to which it or any of its properties is subject.

 

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

 

“Conversion/Continuation Date” means the effective date of a continuation or conversion, as the case may be, as set forth in the applicable Conversion/Continuation Notice.

 

“Conversion/Continuation Notice” means a Conversion/Continuation Notice substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.8.

 

“Credit Date” means the date of a Credit Extension.

 

“Credit Document” means any of this Agreement, the Notes, the Collateral Documents, the Fee Letter, the Intercreditor Agreement, any document executed and delivered by the Borrower and/or any other Credit Party pursuant to which any Aggregate Revolving Commitments are increased pursuant to Section 2.1(c), any documents or certificates executed by the Borrower in favor of any Issuing Bank relating to Letters of Credit, and all other documents, instruments or agreements executed and delivered by a Credit Party for the benefit of any Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in connection herewith or therewith, and including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Guarantor Joinder Agreement.

 

“Credit Extension” means the making of a Loan or the issuing of a Letter of Credit.

 

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

 

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

 

“Default” means a condition or event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

“Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (a) with respect to Obligations other than Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans referencing the LIBOR Index Rate) and the Letter of Credit Fee, the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, if any, applicable to such Loans plus two percent

 

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(2%) per annum, (b) with respect to Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, the Adjusted LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin, if any, applicable to Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans plus two percent (2%) per annum and (c) with respect to the Letter of Credit Fee, the Applicable Margin plus two percent (2%) per annum.

 

“Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.16(b), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two (2) Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (which conditions precedent, together with the applicable default, if any, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans) within two (2) Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such Lenders’ obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with the applicable default, if any, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.  Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.16(b)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower, each Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and each Lender.

 

“Dollars” and the sign “$” mean the lawful money of the United States of America.

 

“Domestic Credit Party” means any Credit Party that is organized under the laws of any State of the United States or the District of Columbia.

 

“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

“Effective Date” means May 29, 2013.

 

“Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 11.5(b), subject to any consents and representations, if any as may be required therein.

 

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“Environmental Claim” means any known investigation, written notice, notice of violation, written claim, action, suit, proceeding, written demand, abatement order or other written order or directive (conditional or otherwise), by any Person arising (a) pursuant to or in connection with any actual or alleged violation of any Environmental Law; (b) in connection with any Hazardous Material or any actual or alleged Hazardous Materials Activity; or (c) in connection with any actual or alleged damage, injury, threat or harm to human health, safety, natural resources or the environment.

 

“Environmental Laws” means any and all current or future federal or state (or any subdivision of either of them), statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, judgments, Governmental Authorizations, or any other written requirements of Governmental Authorities relating to (a)  any Hazardous Materials Activity; (b) the generation, use, storage, transportation or disposal of Hazardous Materials; or (c)  protection of human health and the environment from pollution, in any manner applicable to any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective Facilities.

 

“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower, any other Credit Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) personal injury resulting from exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which Borrower or any Subsidiary assumed liability with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

“Equity Interests”  means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.

 

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended to the date hereof and from time to time hereafter, any successor statute, and the regulations thereunder.

 

“ERISA Affiliate” means, as applied to any Person, (a) any corporation which is a member of a controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Section 414(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of which that Person is a member; (b) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a group of trades or businesses under common control within the meaning of Section 414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of which that Person is a member; and (c) any member of an affiliated service group within the meaning of Section 414(m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of which that Person, any corporation described in clause (a) above or any trade or business described in clause (b) above is a member.

 

“ERISA Event” means (a) a “reportable event” within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder with respect to any Pension Plan (excluding those for which notice to the PBGC has been waived by regulation); (b) the failure to meet the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any Pension Plan (whether or not waived in accordance with Section 412(c) of the Internal Revenue Code), the failure to make by its due date any minimum required contribution or any required installment under Section 430(j) of the Internal Revenue

 

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Code with respect to any Pension Plan or the failure to make by its due date any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (c) the provision by the administrator of any Pension Plan pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA of a notice of intent to terminate such plan in a distress termination described in Section 4041(c) of ERISA; (d) the withdrawal from any Pension Plan with two (2) or more contributing sponsors or the termination of any such Pension Plan, in either case resulting in material liability pursuant to Section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA; (e) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate any Pension Plan, or the occurrence of any event or condition reasonably likely to constitute grounds under ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (f) the imposition of liability pursuant to Section 4062(e) or 4069 of ERISA or by reason of the application of Section 4212(c) of ERISA, each case reasonably likely to result in material liability; (g) the withdrawal of any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates in a complete or partial withdrawal (within the meaning of Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA) from any Multiemployer Plan if such withdrawal is reasonably likely to result in material liability, or the receipt by any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates of notice from any Multiemployer Plan that it is in reorganization or insolvency pursuant to Section 4241 or 4245 of ERISA, or that it is in “critical” or “endangered” status within the meaning of Section 103(f)(2)(G) or ERISA, or that it intends to terminate or has terminated under Section 4041A or 4042 of ERISA, if such reorganization, insolvency or termination is reasonably likely to result in material liability; (h) the imposition of fines, penalties, taxes or related charges under Chapter 43 of the Internal Revenue Code or under Section 409, Section 502(c), (i) or (l), or Section 4071 of ERISA in respect of any Pension Plan if such fines, penalties, taxes or related charges are reasonably likely to result in material liability; (i) the assertion of a material claim (other than routine claims for benefits and funding obligations in the ordinary course) against any Pension Plan other than a Multiemployer Plan or the assets thereof, or against any Person in connection with any Pension Plan such Person sponsors or maintains reasonably likely to result in material liability; (j) receipt from the Internal Revenue Service of a final written determination of the failure of any Pension Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the failure of any trust forming part of any such plan to qualify for exemption from taxation under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code; or (k) the imposition of a lien pursuant to Section 430(k) of the Internal Revenue Code or pursuant to Section 303(k) or 4068 of ERISA.

 

“Event of Default” means as defined in Section 9.1.

 

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

 

“Excluded Accounts” means (a) any disbursement deposit account the funds in which are used solely for the payment of salaries and wages, employee benefits, workers’ compensation and similar expenses; (b) deposit accounts and securities accounts the average daily balance (determined for the most recently completed calendar month) in which does not at any time exceed $2,500,000 in the aggregate for all such accounts and (c) cash collateral accounts maintained for reimbursement of the cash-secured letters of credit set forth in Section 4(a) of Schedule 7.1 in an amount not to exceed 105% of the aggregate face amount of such cash-secured letters of credit outstanding at any date of determination, or such lesser amount required to be posted by the applicable letter of credit issuers.

 

“Excluded Property” means, with respect to any Credit Party, including any Person that becomes a Credit Party after the Effective Date as contemplated by Section 6.10, (a) any owned or leased real or personal property which is located outside of the United States, (b) any personal property (including, without limitation, motor vehicles) in respect of which perfection of a Lien is not either (i) governed by the Uniform Commercial Code or (ii) effected by appropriate evidence of the Lien being filed in either the United States Copyright Office or the United States Patent and Trademark Office, unless reasonably

 

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requested by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders, (c) the Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary of a Credit Party in excess of sixty-six percent (66%) of the issued and outstanding voting Equity Interests of such Foreign Subsidiary, (d) any property which, subject to the terms of Section 7.3, is subject to a Lien of the type described in Section 7.2(m) pursuant to documents which prohibit such Credit Party from granting any other Liens in such property, (e) any leasehold interest of any Credit Party, (f) any real property of any Credit Party owned in fee simple that has a fair market value of less than $1,000,000, in any individual instance, (g) any certificates, licenses and other authorizations issued by any Governmental Authority to the extent that Applicable Laws prohibit the granting of a security interest therein; (h) any property to the extent that the grant of a security interest therein would violate Applicable Law, require a consent not obtained of any Governmental Authority, or constitute a breach of or default under, or result in the termination of or require a consent not obtained under, any contract, lease, license or other agreement evidencing or giving rise to such property, or result in the invalidation thereof or provide any party thereto with a right of termination (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Section 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the applicable UCC or any other Applicable Law or principles of equity), (i) Excluded Accounts, (j) any Intellectual Property if the grant of a security interest therein would result in the invalidation of the Credit Party’s interest therein, (k) to the extent a grant of security interest therein is prohibited under the terms of the Federal Stimulus Grant Funds program, any item of property or asset the purchase of which was financed using Federal Stimulus Grant Funds that are subject to any security interest granted in connection with any Federal Stimulus Grant Funds, and (l) proceeds and products of any and all of the foregoing excluded property described in clauses (a) through (j) above only to the extent such proceeds and products would constitute property or assets of the type described in clauses (a) through (k) above; provided, however, that (x) the security interest granted to the Collateral Agent under the Security Agreement or any other Credit Document shall attach immediately to any asset of any Grantor at such time as such asset ceases to meet any of the criteria for “Excluded Property” described in any of the foregoing clauses (a) through (k) above and (y) to the extent that any of the foregoing property described in clauses (a) through (l) are pledged as collateral to secure the Senior Secured Notes or any Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness, such type of property shall not constitute “Excluded Property” hereunder so long as such property is pledged to secure the Senior Secured Notes or such Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness, as applicable.

 

“Excluded Subsidiaries” means any Regulated Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) that has not received all necessary regulatory approvals to become a Guarantor hereunder.

 

“Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guaranty of such Guarantor of, or the grant under a Credit Document by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act (or the application or official interpretation thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act (determined after giving effect to Section 8.8 hereof and any and all guarantees of such Guarantor’s Swap Obligations by other Credit Parties) at the time the Guaranty of such Guarantor, or grant by such Guarantor of a security interest, becomes effective with respect to such Swap Obligation.  If a Swap Obligation arises under a Master Agreement governing more than one Hedge Agreement, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to Hedge Agreements for which such Guaranty or security interest becomes illegal.

 

“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political

 

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subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Revolving Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Revolving Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 2.17 or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.3, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.3(f) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

“Existing Letters of Credit” means those Letters of Credit outstanding on the Effective Date and identified on Schedule 2.3.

 

“Facility” means any real property including all buildings, fixtures or other improvements located on such real property now, hereafter or heretofore owned, leased, operated or used by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective predecessors.

 

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

 

“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means for any day, the rate per annum (expressed, as a decimal, rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher one one-hundredth of one percent (1/100 of 1%)) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided, (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day shall be the average rate charged to Regions Bank or any other Lender selected by the Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Federal Stimulus Grant Funds” means any proceeds awarded to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by the United States Department of Commerce or any other federal governmental agency pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or other similar legislation.

 

“Fee Letter” means that certain letter agreement dated May 13, 2013 among the Borrower, Regions Bank and Regions Capital Markets, a division of Regions Bank.

 

“Financial Officer Certification” means, with respect to the financial statements for which such certification is required, the certification of the chief financial officer of the Borrower that such financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Consolidated Group as at the dates indicated and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the periods indicated, subject to changes resulting from audit and normal year-end adjustments.

 

“First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means any Foreign Subsidiary whose Equity Interests are owned directly by a Domestic Credit Party.

 

“Fiscal Quarter” means a fiscal quarter of any Fiscal Year.

 

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

 

“Flood Hazard Property” means any Real Estate Asset subject to a mortgage or deed of trust in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, and located in an area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having special flood or mud slide hazards.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Funded Debt” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:

 

(a)                                 all obligations for borrowed money, whether current or long-term (including the Obligations hereunder), all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments and all Indebtedness in the form of an earnout or other similar contingent obligation incurred in connection with an Acquisition to the extent such earnout or other similar contingent obligation is required to be set forth as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person;

 

(b)                                 all purchase money indebtedness (including indebtedness and obligations in respect of conditional sales and title retention arrangements, except for customary conditional sales and title retention arrangements with suppliers that are entered into in the ordinary course of business) and all indebtedness and obligations in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services;

 

(c)                                  all obligations under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances and similar instruments (including bank guaranties);

 

(d)                                 the Attributable Principal Amount of Capital Leases, Synthetic Leases and Securitization Transactions;

 

(e)                                  all preferred stock and comparable equity interests providing for mandatory redemption, sinking fund or other like payments;

 

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(f)                                   Support Obligations in respect of Funded Debt of another Person; and

 

(g)                                  Funded Debt of any partnership or joint venture or other similar entity in which such Person is a general partner or joint venturer, and, as such, has personal liability for such obligations, but only to the extent there is recourse to such Person for payment thereof.

 

For purposes hereof, the amount of Funded Debt shall be determined (i) based on the outstanding principal amount in the case of borrowed money indebtedness under clause (a) and purchase money indebtedness and the deferred purchase obligations under clause (b), (ii) based on the maximum amount available to be drawn in the case of letter of credit obligations and the other obligations under clause (c), and (iii) based on the amount of Funded Debt that is the subject of the Support Obligations in the case of Support Obligations under clause (f).

 

“Funding Notice” means a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.1.

 

“GAAP” means, subject to the limitations on the application thereof set forth in Section 1.2, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States in effect as of the date of determination thereof.

 

“Governmental Acts” means any act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de jure or de facto government or Governmental Authority.

 

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

 

“Governmental Authorization” means any permit, license, authorization, plan, directive, consent order or consent decree of or from any Governmental Authority.

 

“Guaranteed Obligations” means as defined in Section 8.1(a).

 

“Guarantor Joinder Agreement” means a Guarantor Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 6.10 delivered by a Credit Party pursuant to Section 6.10.

 

“Guarantors” means (a) each Person identified on the signature pages hereto (or, if applicable, a Guarantor Joinder Agreement) as a “Guarantor”, (b) each other Person that becomes a Guarantor pursuant to the terms hereof, and (c) with respect to (i) obligations under any Secured Hedge Agreements, (ii) obligations under any Secured Treasury Management Agreements and (iii) Swap Obligations of a Specified Credit Party (determined before giving effect to Section 8.1 and 8.8) under the Guaranty hereunder, the Borrower, in each case together with their successors and permitted assigns.  The term “Guarantors” shall not include any Excluded Subsidiary.

 

“Guaranty” means the guaranty of each Guarantor set forth in Section 8.

 

“Hazardous Materials” means any hazardous substances defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, 42 USCA 9601, et. seq., as amended (“CERCLA”), including any hazardous waste as defined under 40 C.F.R. Parts 260-270, gasoline or petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof), asbestos or polychlorinated biphenyls.

 

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“Hazardous Materials Activity” means any past, current, proposed or threatened activity, event or occurrence involving any Hazardous Materials, including the use, manufacture, possession, storage, holding, presence, existence, location, Release, threatened Release, discharge, placement, generation, transportation, processing, construction, treatment, abatement, removal, remediation, disposal, disposition or handling of any Hazardous Materials, and any corrective action or response action with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

“Hedge Agreement” means any agreement evidencing, memorializing or confirming Hedging Obligations of a Person.

 

“Hedge Bank” means any Person in its capacity as a party to a Hedge Agreement with the Borrower or any Subsidiary provided that (a) at the time such Person enters into such Hedge Agreement, such Person is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, or (b) such Hedge Agreement exists on the Effective Date and such Person is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender on the Effective Date.

 

“Hedging Obligations” of any Person means any and all obligations and liabilities of such Person, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired under (a) any and all Hedging Transactions, (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Hedging Transactions and (c) any and all renewals, extensions and modifications of any Hedging Transactions and any and all substitutions for any Hedging Transactions.

 

“Hedging Transaction” of any Person means (a) any transaction (including an agreement with respect to any such transaction) now existing or hereafter entered into by such Person that is a rate swap transaction, swap option, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index swap or option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction, currency option, spot transaction, credit protection transaction, credit swap, credit default swap, credit default option, total return swap, credit spread  transaction, repurchase transaction, reverse repurchase transaction, buy/sell-back transaction, securities lending transaction,  or any other similar transaction (including any option with respect to any of these transactions) or any combination thereof, whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.

 

“Highest Lawful Rate” means the maximum lawful interest rate, if any, that at any time or from time to time may be contracted for, charged, or received under Applicable Laws relating to any Lender which are currently in effect or, to the extent allowed under such Applicable Laws, which may hereafter be in effect and which allow a higher maximum nonusurious interest rate than Applicable Laws now allow.

 

“Immaterial Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Borrower that has not already become a Guarantor hereunder that (a) at any time (i) has Consolidated EBITDA attributable to such Subsidiary for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters most recently ended in an amount less than five percent (5.0%) of Consolidated EBITDA for such period and (ii) holds assets with an aggregate fair market value of less than five percent (5.0%) of the aggregate fair market value of the total assets of the Consolidated Group and (b) when taken together with other Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors hereunder, (x) has Consolidated EBITDA attributable to such Subsidiary for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters then ended in an amount less than five percent (5.0%) Consolidated EBITDA for such period and (y)

 

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holds assets with an aggregate fair market value of less than five percent (5.0%) of the aggregate fair market value of the total assets of the Consolidated Group.

 

“Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:

 

(a)                                 all Funded Debt; and

 

(b)                                 net obligations under any Hedge Agreement.

 

“Indemnified Taxes” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party under any Credit Document.

 

“Indemnitee” means as defined in Section 11.2(b).

 

“Index Rate Determination Date” means the Effective Date and the first Business Day of each calendar month thereafter; provided, however, that, solely for purposes of the definition of Base Rate, Index Rate Determination Date means the date of determination of the Base Rate.

 

“Intellectual Property” means all trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, franchises, licenses and other intellectual property rights.

 

“Intercreditor Agreement” means that certain Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2013 among Regions Bank, as administrative agent for the initial credit agreement secured parties, Regions Bank, as the 2020 notes collateral agent, Regions Bank, as the 2020 notes authorized representative and each additional collateral agent and authorized representative form time to time party thereto and consented to by the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit 10.1(c), as amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

“Interest Payment Date” means with respect to (a) any Base Rate Loan and any Swingline Loan, the last Business Day of each calendar quarter, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date and the Revolving Commitment Termination Date; and (b) any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan; provided, in the case of each Interest Period of longer than three (3) months “Interest Payment Date” shall also include each date that is three (3) months, or an integral multiple thereof, after the commencement of such Interest Period.

 

“Interest Period” means, in connection with an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, an interest period of one (1), two (2), three (3) or six (6) months, as selected by the Borrower in the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice, (a) initially, commencing on the Credit Date or Conversion/Continuation Date thereof, as the case may be; and (b) thereafter, commencing on the day on which the immediately preceding Interest Period expires; provided, (i) if an Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next succeeding Business Day unless no further Business Day occurs in such month, in which case such Interest Period shall expire on the immediately preceding Business Day; (ii) any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of a calendar month and (iii) no Interest Period with respect to any portion of the Revolving Loans shall extend beyond the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

“Interest Rate Determination Date” means, with respect to any Interest Period, the date that is two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.

 

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“Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

“Investment” means (a) any direct or indirect purchase or other acquisition by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of, or of a beneficial interest in, any of the Securities of any other Person (other than another Credit Party); (b) any direct or indirect redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition for value, by any Subsidiary of the Borrower from any Person (other than the Borrower), of any Equity Interests of such Person; (c) any direct or indirect loan, advance (other than advances to employees for moving, entertainment and travel expenses, drawing accounts and similar expenditures in the ordinary course of business) or capital contributions by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to any other Person (other than another Credit Party), including all indebtedness and accounts receivable from that other Person that are not current assets or did not arise from sales to that other Person in the ordinary course of business and (d) all investments consisting of any exchange-traded or over the counter derivative transaction, including any Hedge Agreement.  The amount of any Investment shall be the original cost of such Investment of the type described in clauses (a), (b) and (c), plus the cost of all additions thereto, without any adjustments for increases or decreases in value, or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs with respect to such Investment, minus amounts returned in cash in respect of such Investment.

 

“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

“ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance of such Letter of Credit).

 

“Issuance Notice” means an Issuance Notice substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.3.

 

“Issuing Banks” means Regions Bank and other Lenders designated by the Borrower and who have agreed to act as an Issuing Bank hereunder, each in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, together with its permitted successors and assigns in such capacity and “Issuing Bank” means any one of the foregoing.

 

“ITC^Deltacom” means ITC^Deltacom, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

“ITC^Deltacom Notes” means, collectively, those certain 10.5% senior secured notes due 2016 issued by ITC^Deltacom under the ITC^Deltacom Indenture.

 

“ITC^Deltacom Indenture” means that certain indenture dated as of April 9, 2010 by and among ITC^Deltacom, certain guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

 

“Joint Lead Arrangers” means Regions Capital Markets, a division of Regions Bank, and Fifth Third Bank.

 

“Lenders” means the Persons with loans and commitments hereunder shown on Appendix A, as updated from time to time to reflect an increase in or termination of commitments, together with successors and assigns in accordance with the provisions hereof.  Unless context requires otherwise, the term “Lenders” shall include the Swingline Lender.

 

“Letter of Credit” means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder and shall include the Existing Letters of Credit.

 

“Letter of Credit Fees” means as defined in Section 2.10(b)(i).

 

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“Letter of Credit Borrowing” means any extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit that has not been reimbursed or refinanced as a Borrowing of Revolving Loans.

 

“Letter of Credit Obligations” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the maximum amount available to be drawn under Letters of Credit then outstanding, assuming compliance with all requirements for drawings referenced therein, plus (b) the aggregate amount of all drawings under Letters of Credit that have not been reimbursed by the Borrower, including Letter of Credit Borrowings.  For all purposes of this Agreement, (i) amounts available to be drawn under Letters of Credit will be calculated as provided in Section 1.3(i), and (ii) if a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.

 

“Letter of Credit Sublimit” means, as of any date of determination, the lesser of (a) THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS ($30,000,000) and (b) the aggregate unused amount of the Revolving Commitments then in effect.

 

“Letter of Credit Usage” means, as at any date of determination, the sum of (a) the maximum aggregate amount which is, or at any time thereafter may become, available for drawing under all Letters of Credit then outstanding, and (b) the aggregate amount of all drawings under Letters of Credit honored by any Issuing Bank and not theretofore reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower.

 

“LIBOR Index Rate” means, for any interest rate calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, (a) the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one sixteenth of one percent (1/16 of 1%)) equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate which appears on the page of the Reuters Screen which displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate (such page currently being Reuters Screen LIBOR Page) for deposits (for delivery on the first day of such period) with a term of one month commencing that day in Dollars, determined two (2) Business Days prior to such date as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such day, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or if such page or service shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one sixteenth of one percent (1/16 of 1%)) equal to the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the offered rate on such other page or other service which displays an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits (for delivery on the first day of such period) with a term of one month in Dollars, determined two Business Days prior to such date as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such day, or (c) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum (rounded upward to the next whole multiple of one sixteenth of one percent (1/16 of 1%)) equal to quotation rate (or the arithmetic mean of rates) offered to first class banks in the London interbank market for deposits (for delivery on the first day of the relevant period) in Dollars of amounts in same day funds comparable to the principal amount of the applicable Loan of Regions Bank or any other Lender selected by the Administrative Agent, for which the  LIBOR Index Rate is then being determined with maturities comparable to such period as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time).

 

“LIBOR Index Rate Loan” means Loans bearing interest based on the LIBOR Index Rate.

 

“LIBOR Loan” means Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans or LIBOR Index Rate Loans, as applicable.

 

“Lien” means (a) any lien, mortgage, pledge, assignment, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease or license in the nature thereof) and any option, trust or

 

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other preferential arrangement having the practical effect of any of the foregoing, and (b) in the case of Securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such Securities.

 

“Liquidity” means the sum of (a) unrestricted cash of the Credit Parties plus (b) availability existing under the Aggregate Revolving Commitments that is actually available to be drawn.

 

“Loan” means any Revolving Loan or Swingline Loan, and the Base Rate Loans and LIBOR Loans comprising such Loans.

 

“Loan Modification Agreement” means as defined in Section 11.4(g).

 

“Loan Modification Offer” means as defined in Section 11.4(g)

 

“Margin Stock” means as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as in effect from time to time.

 

“Material Adverse Effect” means any effect, event, condition, action, omission, change or state of facts that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a material adverse effect with respect to (a) the business operations, properties, assets, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) the ability of the Credit Parties, taken as a whole, to fully and timely perform the Obligations; (c) the legality, validity, binding effect, or enforceability against a Credit Party of a Credit Document to which it is a party; (d) the value of the whole or any material part of the Collateral or the priority of Liens in the Collateral in favor of the Collateral Agent for the holders of the Obligations; or (e) the rights, remedies and benefits available to, or conferred upon, any Agent and any Lender or any holder of Obligations under any Credit Document.

 

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investor Services, Inc., together with its successors.

 

“Mortgaged Property” means any Real Estate Asset that is owned by a Credit Party and is subject to a Mortgage.

 

“Mortgages” means the mortgages, deeds of trust or deeds to secure debt that purport to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a security interest in the fee interest of any Credit Party in any Mortgaged Property.

 

“Multiemployer Plan” means any “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA which is sponsored, maintained or contributed to by, or required to be contributed to by, any Credit Party or any of their ERISA Affiliates or with respect to which any Credit Party or any of their ERISA Affiliates previously sponsored, maintained or contributed to or was required to contributed to, and still has  liability.

 

“Non-Consenting Lender” means as defined in Section 2.17.

 

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

 

“Note” means a Revolving Loan Note or a Swingline Note.

 

“Obligations” means all obligations, indebtedness and other liabilities of every nature of each Credit Party from time to time owed to the Agents (including former Agents), any Issuing Bank, the Lenders (including former Lenders in their capacity as such) or any of them, the Hedge Banks and the

 

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Treasury Management Banks, under any Credit Document, Secured Hedge Agreement or Secured Treasury Management Agreement, together with all renewals, extensions, modifications or refinancings of any of the foregoing, whether for principal, interest (including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with respect to such Credit Party, would have accrued on any Obligation, whether or not a claim is allowed against such Credit Party for such interest in the related bankruptcy proceeding), reimbursement of amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, payments for early termination of Hedge Agreements, fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise; provided, however, that the “Obligations” of a Credit Party shall exclude any Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to such Credit Party.

 

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

 

“Organizational Documents” means (a) with respect to any corporation, its certificate or articles of incorporation or organization, as amended, and its by-laws, as amended, (b) with respect to any limited partnership, its certificate of limited partnership, as amended, and its partnership agreement, as amended, (c) with respect to any general partnership, its partnership agreement, as amended, and (d) with respect to any limited liability company, its articles of organization, certificate of formation or comparable documents, as amended, and its operating agreement, as amended.  In the event any term or condition of this Agreement or any other Credit Document requires any Organizational Document to be certified by a secretary of state or similar governmental official, the reference to any such “Organizational Document” shall only be to a document of a type customarily certified by such governmental official.

 

“Original Credit Agreement” means as defined in the recitals hereto.

 

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

 

“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Credit Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.17).

 

“Outstanding Amount” means (a) with respect to Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any Borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date and (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit Obligations on any date, the aggregate outstanding amount of such Letter of Credit Obligations on such date after giving effect to any Credit Extension with respect to a Letter of Credit occurring on such date and any other changes in the amount of the Letter of Credit Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by (or on account of) the Borrower of any drawing under any Letter of Credit.

 

“Participant” means as defined in Section 11.5(d).

 

“Participant Register” means as defined in Section 11.5(d).

 

“Patriot Act” means as defined in Section 5.15(f).

 

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

 

“Pension Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA other than a Multiemployer Plan, which is subject to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA and which is sponsored, maintained or contributed to by, or required to be contributed to by, any Credit Party or any of their ERISA Affiliates or with respect to which any Credit Party or any of their ERISA Affiliates previously sponsored, maintained or contributed to, or was required to contribute to, and still has liability.

 

“Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition that satisfies the following conditions:

 

(a)                                the Property acquired (or the Property of the Person acquired) in such Acquisition is a business permitted under Section 7.13;

 

(b)                                in the case of an Acquisition of the Equity Interests, the board of directors (or other comparable governing body) of such other Person shall have approved the Acquisition; and

 

(c)                                 (i) no Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing immediately before or immediately after giving effect thereto, (ii) the representations and warranties made by the Credit Parties in each Credit Document shall be true and correct in all material respects as if made on the date of such Acquisition (after giving effect thereto) except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, (iii) after giving effect thereto on a Pro Forma Basis, (1) the Credit Parties shall be in compliance with the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio set forth in Section 7.8(a) and (2) the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 3.00:1.0 and (iv) at least five (5) Business Days prior to the consummation of such Acquisition, an Authorized Officer of the Borrower shall provide a compliance certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, affirming compliance with each of the items set forth in clauses (a) through (c) hereof.

 

“Permitted Amendments” means as defined in Section 11.4(g).

 

“Permitted Liens” means each of the Liens permitted pursuant to Section 7.2.

 

“Permitted Refinancing” means any extension, renewal or replacement of any existing Indebtedness so long as any such renewal, refinancing and extension of such Indebtedness (a) has market terms and conditions, (b) has an average life to maturity that is greater than or equal to that of the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced, (c) does not include an obligor that was not an obligor with respect to the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced, (d) remains subordinated, if the Indebtedness being refinanced or extended was subordinated to the prior payment of the Obligations, such extended, renewed or refinanced Indebtedness, (e) does exceed in a principal amount the Indebtedness being renewed, extended or refinanced plus reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith, and (f) is not incurred, created or assumed, if any  Default or Event of Default has occurred and continues to exist or would result therefrom.

 

“Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness” means any senior secured Indebtedness of the Borrower (and senior secured guaranties thereof by any Guarantor) which satisfies the following requirements:  (a) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent the documents related thereto prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, including a joinder agreement to the Intercreditor Agreement, (b) the final maturity thereof is no earlier than ninety-one (91) days following the Revolving Commitment Termination Date, (c) the documents related thereto do not contain any financial maintenance covenants (or defaults having the same effect as a financial maintenance covenant) that are more restrictive than the

 

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financial maintenance covenants hereunder, (d) there are no scheduled amortization, mandatory redemption or sinking fund provisions or similar provisions prior to the maturity of such Indebtedness in excess of five percent (5%) of the initial principal thereof per year and (e) the other terms and conditions of each incurrence of such Indebtedness shall be no more onerous or restrictive on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, than the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

 

“Permitted Senior Unsecured Indebtedness” means any senior unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower (and senior unsecured guaranties thereof by any Guarantor) which satisfies the following requirements:  (a) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent the documents related thereto prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, (b) the final maturity thereof is no earlier than ninety-one (91) days following the Revolving Commitment Termination Date, (c) the documents related thereto do not contain (i) any financial maintenance covenants (or defaults having the same effect as a financial maintenance covenant) that are more restrictive than the financial maintenance covenants hereunder or (ii) any cross-default provisions to the credit facilities established under this Agreement or any other Credit Documents (other than cross payment default provisions), (d) there are no scheduled amortization, mandatory redemption or sinking fund provisions or similar provisions prior to the maturity of such Indebtedness in excess of five percent (5)% of the initial principal thereof per year and (e) the other terms and conditions of each incurrence of such Indebtedness shall be no more onerous or restrictive on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, than the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

 

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

 

“Pledge Agreement” means the amended and restated pledge agreement dated as of the Effective Date given by the Credit Parties, as pledgors, to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations (as defined therein), and any other pledge agreements that may be given by any Person pursuant to the terms hereof, in each case as the same may be amended and modified from time to time.

 

“Platform” means as defined in Section 11.1(d).

 

“Prime Rate” means the per annum rate which the Administrative Agent publicly announces from time to time to be its prime lending rate, as in effect from time to time.  The Administrative Agent’s prime lending rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate charged to customers.

 

“Principal Office” means, for the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank, such Person’s “Principal Office” as set forth on Appendix B, or such other office as it may from time to time designate in writing to the Borrower and each Lender.

 

“Pro Forma Basis” means, with respect to any transaction, for determining compliance with the covenants hereunder and pricing (including for purposes of determining the Applicable Margin), that such transaction shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the period of four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters ending as of the end of the most recent Fiscal Quarter for which annual or quarterly financial statements shall have been delivered in accordance with the provisions hereof.  Further, for purposes of making calculations on a Pro Forma Basis hereunder, (a) in the case of any Asset Sale, (i) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property, entities or business units that are the subject of such Asset Sale shall be excluded to the extent relating to any period prior to the date thereof and (ii) Indebtedness paid or retired in connection with such Asset Sale shall be deemed to have been paid and retired as of the first day of the applicable period; and (b) in the case of any

 

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Acquisition, merger or consolidation, (i) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property, entities or business units that are the subject thereof shall be included to the extent relating to any period prior to the date thereof, (ii) Indebtedness incurred or repaid in connection with such Acquisition, merger or consolidation, shall be deemed to have been incurred or repaid as of the first day of the applicable period (and interest expense shall be imputed for the applicable period assuming prevailing interest rates hereunder) and (iii) cost savings that have been realized since the consummation of such Acquisition, merger or consolidation shall be deemed to have been achieved as of the first day of the applicable period.

 

“Property” means an interest of any kind in any property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible.

 

“Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each Credit Party that, at the time the Guaranty (or grant of security interest, as applicable) becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation, has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 or such other Credit Party as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act and which may cause another Person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” with respect to such Swap Obligation at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

“Real Estate Asset” means, at any time of determination, any fee interest then owned by any Credit Party in any real property.

 

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

 

“Refunded Swingline Loans” means as defined in Section 2.2(b)(iii).

 

“Register” means as defined in Section 11.5(c).

 

“Regulated Subsidiary” means any wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Borrower for which regulatory approval is required prior to its becoming a Credit Party hereunder.

 

“Reimbursement Date” means as defined in Section 2.3(d).

 

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

 

“Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, pouring, injection, escaping, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, dumping, leaching or migration of any Hazardous Material into the indoor or outdoor environment (including the abandonment or disposal of any barrels, containers or other closed receptacles containing any Hazardous Material), including the movement of any Hazardous Material through the air, soil, surface water or groundwater.

 

“Removal Effective Date” means as defined in Section 10.6(b).

 

“Required Approval” means as defined in Section 11.4(g).

 

“Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Credit Exposures representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the Revolving Credit Exposures of all Lenders.  The Revolving Credit Exposure of any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time;

 

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provided that the amount of any participation in any Swingline Loan and any unreimbursed drawing of any Letter of Credit that such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund that have not been reallocated to and funded by another Lender shall be deemed to be held by the Lender that is the Swingline Lender or the applicable Issuing Bank, as the case may be, in making such determination.

 

“Resignation Effective Date” means as defined in Section 10.6(a).

 

“Restricted Payment” means (a) any dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of any shares of any class of Equity Interests of the Borrower now or hereafter outstanding, except a dividend payable solely in shares of that class of Equity Interests to the holders of that class; (b) any redemption, retirement, sinking fund or similar payment, purchase or other acquisition for value, direct or indirect, of any shares of any class of Equity Interests of the Borrower now or hereafter outstanding; (c) any payment made to retire, or to obtain the surrender of, any outstanding warrants, options or other rights to acquire shares of any class of Equity Interests of the Borrower or the Borrower now or hereafter outstanding; and (d) any payment or prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or redemption, purchase, retirement, defeasance (including in-substance or legal defeasance), sinking fund or similar payment with respect to, any Indebtedness subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations.

 

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

 

“Revolving Commitment” means the commitment of a Lender to make or otherwise fund any Revolving Loan and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder and “Revolving Commitments” means such commitments of all Lenders in the aggregate.  The amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment, if any, is set forth on Appendix A or in the applicable Assignment Agreement, subject to any adjustment or reduction pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.  The aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments as of the Effective Date is ONE HUNDRED THIRTY FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ($135,000,000).

 

“Revolving Commitment Percentage” means, for each Lender, a fraction (expressed as a percentage carried to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and the denominator of which is Aggregate Revolving Commitments.  The initial Revolving Commitment Percentages are set forth on Appendix A.

 

“Revolving Commitment Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to the earlier of (a) (i) in the case of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans, the Revolving Commitment Termination Date or (ii) in the case of the Letters of Credit, the expiration date thereof, or (b) in each case, the date on which the Revolving Commitments shall have been terminated as provided herein.

 

“Revolving Commitment Termination Date” means the earliest to occur of (a) May 29, 2017; (b) the date the Revolving Commitments are permanently reduced to zero pursuant to Section 2.11(b); and (c) the date of the termination of the Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 9.2.

 

“Revolving Loan” means a Loan made by a Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1(a).

 

“Revolving Loan Note” means a promissory note in the form of Exhibit 2.5-1, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

“Revolving Obligations” means the Revolving Loans, the Letter of Credit Obligations and the Swingline Loans.

 

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“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means, with respect to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any Person (other than a Credit Party) whereby the Borrower or such Subsidiary shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property being sold or transferred.

 

“Sanctioned Entity” means (a) a country or a government of a country, (b) an agency of the government of a country, (c) an organization directly or indirectly controlled by a country or its government, or (d) a person or entity resident in or determined to be resident in a country, that is subject to a country sanctions program administered and enforced by OFAC.

 

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

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw Hill Corporation, together with its successors.

 

“Secured Hedge Agreement” means any Hedge Agreement permitted under Section 7.1 that is entered into by and between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any Hedge Bank.

 

“Secured Treasury Management Agreement” means any Treasury Management Agreement that is entered into by and between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any Treasury Management Bank.

 

“Securities” means any stock, shares, partnership interests, limited liability company interests, voting trust certificates, certificates of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement or arrangement (e.g., stock appreciation rights), options, warrants, bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, secured or unsecured, convertible, subordinated or otherwise, or in general any instruments commonly known as “securities” or any certificates of interest, shares or participations in temporary or interim certificates for the purchase or acquisition of, or any right to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing.

 

“Securitization Transaction” means any financing or factoring or similar transaction (or series of such transactions) entered by the Borrower or any Subsidiary pursuant to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary may sell, convey or otherwise transfer, or grant a security interest in, accounts, payments, receivables, rights to future lease payments or residuals or similar rights to payment (the “Securitization Receivables”) to a special purpose subsidiary or affiliate (a “Securitization Subsidiary”) or any other Person.

 

“Security Agreement” means the amended and restated security agreement dated as of the Effective Date given by the Credit Parties, as grantors, to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations (as defined therein), and any other security agreements that may be given by any Person pursuant to the terms hereof, in each case as the same may be amended and modified from time to time.

 

“Senior Secured Notes” means, collectively, those certain 7.375% senior secured notes due 2020 issued by the Borrower under the Senior Secured Notes Indenture.

 

“Senior Secured Notes Indenture” means that certain indenture dated as of May 29, 2013 by and among the Borrower, certain guarantors party thereto and Regions Corporate Trust.

 

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“Solvent” means, with respect to any Person, that as of the date of determination, both (a) (i) the sum of such Person’s debt (including contingent liabilities) does not exceed the present fair saleable value of such Person’s present assets; (ii) such Person’s capital is not unreasonably small in relation to its business as contemplated on the Effective Date or with respect to any transaction contemplated or undertaken after the Effective Date; and (iii) such Person has not incurred and does not intend to incur, or believe (nor should it reasonably believe) that it will incur, debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they become due (whether at maturity or otherwise); and (b) such Person is “solvent” within the meaning given that term and similar terms under Applicable Laws relating to fraudulent transfers and conveyances.  For purposes of this definition, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability (irrespective of whether such contingent liabilities meet the criteria for accrual under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 5).

 

“Specified Credit Party” means, any Credit Party that is, at the time on which the Guaranty (or grant of security interest, as applicable) becomes effective with respect to a Swap Obligation, a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, organization, trust or other entity that would not be an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act at such time but for the effect of Section 8.8.

 

“Subordinated Debt” means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that by its terms is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment of the Obligations under this Agreement on terms and conditions, and evidenced by documentation, reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders and which also satisfies the following requirements:  (a) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent the Subordinated Debt Documents prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, (b) the respective Subordinated Debt Documents do not contain (i) any financial maintenance covenants (or defaults having the same effect as a financial maintenance covenant) or (ii) any cross-default provisions to the credit facilities established under this Agreement or any other Credit Documents (other than cross payment default provisions), (c) there are no scheduled amortization, mandatory redemption or sinking fund provisions or similar provisions prior to the maturity of such Indebtedness and (d) the other terms and conditions of such Indebtedness shall be no more onerous or restrictive on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, than the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

 

“Subordinated Debt Documents” means all documentation (including, without limitation, any indenture or purchase agreement) entered into in connection with any incurrence of Subordinated Debt.

 

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other business entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of Equity Interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Person or Persons (whether directors, managers, trustees or other Persons performing similar functions) having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person, or the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of such Person in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, if such statements were prepared as of such date, or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; provided, in determining the percentage of ownership interests of any Person controlled by another Person, no ownership interest in the nature of a “qualifying share” of the former Person shall be deemed to be outstanding.  Unless otherwise provided, “Subsidiary” shall refer to a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

“Support Obligations” means, as to any Person, any (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness payable or

 

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performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness , (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien).  The amount of any Support Obligations shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Support Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith.

 

“Swap Obligation” means with respect to any Guarantor any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

“Swingline Lender” means Regions Bank in its capacity as the Swingline Lender hereunder, together with its permitted successors and assigns in such capacity.

 

“Swingline Loan” means a Loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2.

 

“Swingline Note” means a promissory note in the form of Exhibit 2.5-2, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

“Swingline Rate” means either (a) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin applicable to Base Rate Loans or (b) such other rate of interest as the Borrower and the Swingline Lender may agree.

 

“Swingline Sublimit” means, at any time of determination, the lesser of (a) TEN MILLION DOLLARS ($10,000,000) and (b) the aggregate unused amount of Revolving Commitments then in effect.

 

“Synthetic Lease” means a lease transaction under which the parties intend that (a) the lease will be treated as an “operating lease” by the lessee pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, as amended and (b) the lessee will be entitled to various tax and other benefits ordinarily available to owners (as opposed to lessees) of like property.

 

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

 

“Title Policy” means as defined in Section 6.13(b)(iii).

 

“Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments” means, as at any date of determination, the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving Loans, (b) the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Swingline Loans and (c) the Letter of Credit Usage.

 

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“Treasury Management Agreement” means any agreement governing the provision of treasury or cash management services, including deposit accounts, funds transfer, automated clearinghouse, commercial credit cards, purchasing cards, cardless e-payable services, debit cards, stored value cards, zero balance accounts, returned check concentration, controlled disbursement, lockbox, account reconciliation and reporting and trade finance services.

 

“Treasury Management Bank” means (a) any Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time that it becomes a party to a Treasury Management Agreement with any Credit Party and (b) any Lender on the Effective Date or Affiliate of such Lender that is a party to a Treasury Management Agreement with any Credit Party in existence on the Effective Date.

 

“Type of Loan” means a Base Rate Loan or a LIBOR Loan.

 

“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent legislation) as in effect in the State of New York (or any other applicable jurisdiction, as the context may require).

 

“United States” or “U.S.” means the United States of America.

 

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

 

“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” means as defined in Section 3.3(f).

 

“Withholding Agent” means any Credit Party and the Administrative Agent.

 

Section 1.2                                    Accounting Terms.

 

(a)                                 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in conformity with GAAP; provided, however, that for all purposes of this Agreement, leases shall continue to be classified and accounted for on a basis consistent with that reflected in the audited financial statements of Borrower for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, notwithstanding any change in GAAP relating thereto, unless the parties hereto shall enter into a mutually acceptable amendment addressing such changes, as provided for below.  Financial statements and other information required to be delivered by the Borrower to the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and Section 6.1(b) shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP as in effect at the time of such preparation (and delivered together with the reconciliation statements provided for in Section 6.1(e), if applicable); provided, however, that if at any time any change in GAAP or in the consistent application thereof would affect the computation of any financial covenant or requirement set forth in any Credit Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall object in writing to determining compliance based on such change, then such computations shall continue to be made on a basis consistent with the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and Section 6.1(b) as to which no such objection has been made.

 

(b)                                   Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, determinations of (i) the applicable pricing level under the definition of “Applicable Margin” and (ii) compliance with the financial covenants, shall be made on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

(c)                                    FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20.  Notwithstanding the above, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100%

 

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of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.

 

Section 1.3                                    Rules of Interpretation.

 

(a)                                 The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.  The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”.  The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”.  Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Credit Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Credit Document, shall be construed to refer to such Credit Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Credit Document to Sections, Exhibits, Appendices and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Sections of, and Exhibits, Appendices and Schedules to, the Credit Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

(b)                                 The terms lease and license shall include sub-lease and sub-license.

 

(c)                                  All terms not specifically defined herein or by GAAP, which terms are defined in the UCC, shall have the meanings assigned to them in the UCC of the relevant jurisdiction, with the term “instrument” being that defined under Article 9 of the UCC of such jurisdiction.

 

(d)                                 Unless otherwise expressly indicated, in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”, the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”, and the word “through” means “to and including”.

 

(e)                                  To the extent that any of the representations and warranties contained in Section 5 under this Agreement or in any of the other Credit Documents is qualified by “Material Adverse Effect”, the qualifier “in all material respects” contained in Section 4.2(b) and the qualifier “in any material respect” contained in Section 9.1(d) shall not apply.

 

(f)                                   Whenever the phrase “to the knowledge of” or words of similar import relating to the knowledge of a Person are used herein or in any other Credit Document, such phrase shall mean and refer to the actual knowledge of the Authorized Officers of such Person.

 

(g)                                  This Agreement and the other Credit Documents are the result of negotiation among, and have been reviewed by counsel to, among others, the Administrative Agent and the Credit Parties, and are the product of discussions and negotiations among all parties.  Accordingly, this Agreement and the other Credit Documents are not intended to be construed against the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders merely on account of the Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s involvement in the preparation of such documents.

 

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(h)                                 Unless otherwise indicated, all references to a specific time shall be construed to Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Savings Time, as the case may be.  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all references to dollar amounts and “$” shall mean Dollars.

 

(i)                                     Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided, however, that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any letter of credit application or other issuer document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.

 

Section 2                                             LOANS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT

 

Section 2.1                                    Revolving Loans.

 

(a)                                 Revolving Loans.  During the Revolving Commitment Period, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender severally agrees to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate amount up to but not exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment; provided, that after giving effect to the making of any Revolving Loan, in no event shall (i) the Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitments of all Lenders as of such date and (ii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender exceed such Lender’s Revolving Commitment.  Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) may be repaid and reborrowed during the Revolving Commitment Period.  Each Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall expire on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date and all Revolving Loans and all other amounts owed hereunder with respect to the Revolving Loans and the Revolving Commitments shall be paid in full no later than such date.

 

(b)                                 Mechanics for Revolving Loans.

 

(i)                                     Except pursuant to Section 2.2(b)(iii), all Revolving Loans shall be made in an aggregate minimum amount of $500,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess of that amount.

 

(ii)                                  Whenever the Borrower desires that the Lenders make a Revolving Loan, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a fully executed and delivered Funding Notice no later than (x) 11:00 a.m. at least three (3) Business Days in advance of the proposed Credit Date in the case of an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan and (y) 10:00 a.m. on the Credit Date in the case of a Loan that is a Base Rate Loan.  Except as otherwise provided herein, a Funding Notice for a Credit Extension of Loans that are Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans shall be irrevocable on and after the related Interest Rate Determination Date, and the Borrower shall be bound to make a borrowing in accordance therewith.

 

(iii)                               Notice of receipt of each Funding Notice in respect of each Revolving Loan, together with the amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage thereof, together with the applicable interest rate, shall be provided by the Administrative Agent to each applicable Lender by telefacsimile with reasonable promptness, but (provided the Administrative Agent shall have received such notice by 12:00 noon) not later than 2:00 p.m. on the same day as the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such notice from the Borrower.

 

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(iv)                              Each Lender shall make its Revolving Commitment Percentage of the requested Revolving Loan available to the Administrative Agent not later than 2:00 p.m. on the applicable Credit Date by wire transfer of same day funds in Dollars, at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office.  Except as provided herein, upon satisfaction or waiver of the applicable conditions precedent specified herein, the Administrative Agent shall make the proceeds of such Credit Extension available to the Borrower on the applicable Credit Date by causing an amount of same day funds in Dollars equal to the proceeds of all Loans received by the Administrative Agent in connection with the Credit Extension from the Lenders to be credited to the account of the Borrower at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office or such other account as may be designated in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.

 

(c)                                  Increase in Revolving Commitments.  The Borrower may from time to time increase the Aggregate Revolving Commitments (but not the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swingline Sublimit) by a maximum aggregate amount of up to Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000) with additional Revolving Commitments from one or more existing Lenders or new Revolving Commitments from one or more other financial institutions selected by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank; provided that:

 

(i)                                     any such increase shall be in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof;

 

(ii)                                  no Default or Event of Default shall exist before and immediately after giving effect to such increase in the Revolving Commitments;

 

(iii)                               no existing Lender shall be under any obligation to increase its Revolving Commitment, and any such decision whether to increase its Revolving Commitment shall be in such Lender’s sole and absolute discretion;

 

(iv)                              (A) any new Lender shall join this Agreement by executing such joinder documents reasonably required by the Administrative Agent and/or (B) any existing Lender electing to increase its Revolving Commitment shall have executed a commitment agreement reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(v)                                 before giving effect to any such increase in the Revolving Commitments, the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of each Credit Party dated as of the date of such increase in the Revolving Commitments signed by an Authorized Officer of such Credit Party (A) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Credit Party approving or consenting to such increase, (B) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, the representations and warranties contained in Section 5 and the other Credit Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such increase, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.1(c), the representations and warranties contained in Section 5.7 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) of Section 6.1, and (C) certifying and demonstrating in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to any such increase in the Revolving Commitments and assuming that the Revolving Commitments (including any increased Revolving Commitments pursuant to this clause (c)) are fully drawn, (1) the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 3.25:1.0, (2) the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 2.5:1.0 and (3) no Default or Event of Default shall exist;

 

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(vi)                              none of the Joint Lead Arrangers and their Affiliates shall have any commitment or obligation for arranging any such increase in the Revolving Commitments without their prior written consent and subject to such conditions, including fee arrangements, as they may provide in connection therewith;

 

(vii)                           the Borrower shall have paid any applicable upfront and arrangement fees;

 

(viii)                        the conditions precedent to each Credit Extension set forth in Section 4.2 shall have been satisfied;

 

(ix)                              the Borrower shall prepay any Revolving Loans outstanding on the date of any such increase in the Revolving Commitments to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Revolving Loans ratable with any revised Revolving Commitments arising from any non-ratable increase in the Revolving Commitments under this Section; and

 

(x)                                 such increase in the Revolving Commitments shall be on the same terms as for Revolving Loans contained in this Agreement.

 

Section 2.2                                   Swingline Loans.

 

(a)                                 Swingline Loans Commitments.  During the Revolving Commitment Period, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swingline Lender may, in its sole discretion, make Swingline Loans to the Borrower in the aggregate amount up to but not exceeding the Swingline Sublimit; provided, that after giving effect to the making of any Swingline Loan, in no event shall (i) the Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments exceed the Revolving Commitments then in effect and (ii) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender exceed such Lender’s Revolving Commitment.  Amounts borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.2 may be repaid and reborrowed during the Revolving Commitment Period.  The Swingline Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall expire on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date and all Swingline Loans and all other amounts owed hereunder with respect to the Swingline Loans and the Revolving Commitments shall be paid in full no later than such date.

 

(b)                                 Borrowing Mechanics for Swingline Loans.

 

(i)                                     Whenever the Borrower desires that the Swingline Lender make a Swingline Loan, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a Funding Notice no later than 11:00 a.m. on the proposed Credit Date.

 

(ii)                                  The Swingline Lender shall make the amount of its Swingline Loan available to the Administrative Agent not later than 3:00 p.m. on the applicable Credit Date by wire transfer of same day funds in Dollars, at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office.  Except as provided herein, upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent specified herein, the Administrative Agent shall make the proceeds of such Swingline Loans available to the Borrower on the applicable Credit Date by causing an amount of same day funds in Dollars equal to the proceeds of all such Swingline Loans received by the Administrative Agent from the Swingline Lender to be credited to the account of the Borrower at the Administrative Agent’s Principal Office, or to such other account as may be designated in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.  Immediately upon the making of a Swingline Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swingline Lender a risk participation in such Swingline Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage times the amount of such Swingline Loan.

 

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(iii)                               With respect to any Swingline Loans which have not been voluntarily prepaid by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.11, the Swingline Lender may at any time in its sole and absolute discretion, deliver to the Administrative Agent (with a copy to the Borrower), no later than 11:00 a.m. on the proposed Credit Date, a notice (which shall be deemed to be a Funding Notice given by the Borrower) requesting that each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment make Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans to the Borrower on such Credit Date in an amount equal to the amount of such Swingline Loans (the “Refunded Swingline Loans”) outstanding on the date such notice is given which the Swingline Lender requests Lenders to prepay.  Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, (1) the proceeds of such Revolving Loans made by the Lenders other than the Swingline Lender shall be immediately delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Swingline Lender (and not to the Borrower) and applied to repay a corresponding portion of the Refunded Swingline Loans and (2) on the day such Revolving Loans are made, the Swingline Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Refunded Swingline Loans shall be deemed to be paid with the proceeds of a Revolving Loan made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower, and such portion of the Swingline Loans deemed to be so paid shall no longer be outstanding as Swingline Loans and shall no longer be due under the Swingline Note of the Swingline Lender but shall instead constitute part of the Swingline Lender’s outstanding Revolving Loans to the Borrower and shall be due under the Revolving Loan Note issued by the Borrower to the Swingline Lender.  The Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender to charge the Borrower’s accounts with the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender (up to the amount available in each such account) in order to immediately pay the Swingline Lender the amount of the Refunded Swingline Loans to the extent of the proceeds of such Revolving Loans made by the Lenders, including the Revolving Loans deemed to be made by the Swingline Lender, are not sufficient to repay in full the Refunded Swingline Loans.  If any portion of any such amount paid (or deemed to be paid) to the Swingline Lender should be recovered by or on behalf of the Borrower from the Swingline Lender in bankruptcy, by assignment for the benefit of creditors or otherwise, the loss of the amount so recovered shall be ratably shared among all Lenders in the manner contemplated by Section 2.14.

 

(iv)                              If for any reason Revolving Loans are not made pursuant to Section 2.2(b)(iii) in an amount sufficient to repay any amounts owed to the Swingline Lender in respect of any outstanding Swingline Loans on or before the third Business Day after demand for payment thereof by the Swingline Lender, each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall be deemed to, and hereby agrees to, have purchased a participation in such outstanding Swingline Loans, and in an amount equal to its Revolving Commitment Percentage of the applicable unpaid amount together with accrued interest thereon.  Upon one (1) Business Day’s notice from the Swingline Lender, each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall deliver to the Swingline Lender an amount equal to its respective participation in the applicable unpaid amount in same day funds at the Principal Office of the Swingline Lender. In order to evidence such participation each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment agrees to enter into a participation agreement at the request of the Swingline Lender in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Swingline Lender.  In the event any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment fails to make available to the Swingline Lender the amount of such Lender’s participation as provided in this paragraph, the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon for three (3) Business Days at the rate customarily used by the Swingline Lender for the correction of errors among banks and thereafter at the Base Rate, as applicable.

 

(v)                                 Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, (1) each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans for the purpose of repaying any Refunded Swingline Loans pursuant to clause (iii) above and each Lender’s obligation to purchase a participation in any

 

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unpaid Swingline Loans pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swingline Lender, any Credit Party or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuation of a Default or Event of Default; (C) any adverse change in the business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of any Credit Party; (D) any breach of this Agreement or any other Credit Document by any party thereto; or (E) any other circumstance, happening or event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that such obligations of each Lender are subject to the condition that the Swingline Lender had not received prior notice from the Borrower or the Required Lenders that any of the conditions under Section 4.2 to the making of the applicable Refunded Swingline Loans or other unpaid Swingline Loans were not satisfied at the time such Refunded Swingline Loans or other unpaid Swingline Loans were made; and (2) the Swingline Lender shall not be obligated to make any Swingline Loans (A) if it has elected not to do so after the occurrence and during the continuation of a Default or Event of Default, (B) it does not in good faith believe that all conditions under Section 4.2 to the making of such Swingline Loan have been satisfied or waived by the Required Lenders or (C) at any time a Lender is a Defaulting Lender, whether on account of a failure to fund its obligations or otherwise, unless the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Swingline Lender, shall have received Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure of the Swingline Lender.

 

Section 2.3                                    Issuances of Letters of Credit and Purchase of Participations Therein.

 

(a)                                 Letters of Credit.  During the Revolving Commitment Period, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Issuing Bank agrees to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the aggregate amount up to but not exceeding the Letter of Credit Sublimit; provided, (i) each Letter of Credit shall be denominated in Dollars; (ii) the stated amount of each Letter of Credit shall not be less than $50,000 or such lesser amount as is acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank; (iii) after giving effect to such issuance, in no event shall (A) the Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments exceed the Revolving Commitments then in effect or (B) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Lender exceed such Lender’s Revolving Commitment; (iv) after giving effect to such issuance, in no event shall the Letter of Credit Usage exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit then in effect; and (v) in no event shall any standby Letter of Credit have an expiration date later than the earlier of (1) ten (10) days prior to the Revolving Commitment Termination Date, and (2) the date which is one (1) year from the date of issuance of such standby Letter of Credit.  Subject to the foregoing, any Issuing Bank may agree that a standby Letter of Credit will automatically be extended for one or more successive periods not to exceed one (1) year each, unless such Issuing Bank elects not to extend for any such additional period; provided, no Issuing Bank shall extend any such Letter of Credit if it has received written notice that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time such Issuing Bank must elect to allow such extension; provided, further, in the event that any Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender, unless the applicable Issuing Bank has entered into arrangements satisfactory to such Issuing Bank (in its sole discretion) with the Borrower or such Defaulting Lender to eliminate such Issuing Bank’s Fronting Risk with respect to such Lender (after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender), including by Cash Collateralizing such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Letter of Credit Usage in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Agents, such Issuing Bank shall not be obligated to issue or extend any Letter of Credit hereunder.  The applicable Issuing Bank may send a Letter of Credit or conduct any communication to or from the beneficiary via the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) message or overnight courier, or any other commercially reasonable means of communicating with a beneficiary.  All Existing Letters of Credit shall be deemed to have been issued pursuant hereto, and from and after the Effective Date shall be subject to and governed by the terms and conditions hereof.

 

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(b)                                 Notice of Issuance.  Whenever the Borrower desires the issuance of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Issuance Notice no later than 12:00 p.m. at least three (3) Business Days or such shorter period as may be agreed to by any Issuing Bank in any particular instance, in advance of the proposed date of issuance.  Upon satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Section 4.2, an Issuing Bank shall issue the requested Letter of Credit only in accordance such Issuing Bank’s standard operating procedures.  Upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit or amendment or modification to a Letter of Credit, the applicable Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender of such issuance, which notice shall be accompanied by a copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment or modification to a Letter of Credit and the amount of such Lender’s respective participation in such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.3(e).  Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the applicable Issuing Bank a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit.

 

(c)                                  Responsibility of Issuing Banks With Respect to Requests for Drawings and Payments.  In determining whether to honor any drawing under any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, the applicable Issuing Bank shall be responsible only to examine the documents delivered under such Letter of Credit with reasonable care so as to ascertain whether they appear on their face to be in accordance with the terms and conditions of such Letter of Credit.  As between the Borrower and any Issuing Bank, the Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, by the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, no Issuing Bank shall be responsible for: (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for and issuance of any such Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) failure of the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit to comply fully with any conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; or (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of such Issuing Bank, including any Governmental Acts; none of the above shall affect or impair, or prevent the vesting of, any Issuing Bank’s rights or powers hereunder.  Without limiting the foregoing and in furtherance thereof, any action taken or omitted by any Issuing Bank under or in connection with the Letters of Credit or any documents and certificates delivered thereunder, if taken or omitted in good faith, shall not give rise to any liability on the part of such Issuing Bank to any Credit Party.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.3(c), the Borrower shall retain any and all rights it may have against any Issuing Bank for any liability arising solely out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Issuing Bank, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order.

 

(d)                                 Reimbursement by the Borrower of Amounts Drawn or Paid Under Letters of Credit.  In the event an Issuing Bank has determined to honor a drawing under a Letter of Credit, it shall immediately notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and the Borrower shall reimburse such Issuing Bank on or before the Business Day immediately following the date on which such drawing is honored (the “Reimbursement Date”) in an amount in Dollars and in same day funds equal to the amount

 

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of such honored drawing; provided, anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) unless the Borrower shall have notified the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank prior to 10:00 a.m. on the date such drawing is honored that the Borrower intends to reimburse such Issuing Bank for the amount of such honored drawing with funds other than the proceeds of Revolving Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have given a timely Funding Notice to the Administrative Agent requesting the Lenders to make Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans on the Reimbursement Date in an amount in Dollars equal to the amount of such honored drawing, and (ii) subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions specified in Section 4.2, the Lenders shall, on the Reimbursement Date, make Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans in the amount of such honored drawing, the proceeds of which shall be applied directly by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank for the amount of such honored drawing; and provided further, if for any reason proceeds of Revolving Loans are not received by the applicable Issuing Bank on the Reimbursement Date in an amount equal to the amount of such honored drawing, the Borrower shall reimburse such Issuing Bank, on demand, in an amount in same day funds equal to the excess of the amount of such honored drawing over the aggregate amount of such Revolving Loans, if any, which are so received.  Nothing in this Section 2.3(d) shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to make Revolving Loans on the terms and conditions set forth herein, and the Borrower shall retain any and all rights it may have against any Lender resulting from the failure of such Lender to make such Revolving Loans under this Section 2.3(d).

 

(e)                                  Lenders’ Purchase of Participations in Letters of Credit.  Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender having a Revolving Commitment shall be deemed to have purchased, and hereby agrees to irrevocably purchase, from the applicable Issuing Bank a participation in such Letter of Credit and any drawings honored thereunder in an amount equal to such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage (with respect to the Revolving Commitments) of the maximum amount which is or at any time may become available to be drawn thereunder.  In the event that the Borrower shall fail for any reason to reimburse an Issuing Bank as provided in Section 2.3(d), the applicable Issuing Bank shall promptly notify each Lender of the unreimbursed amount of such honored drawing and of such Lender’s respective participation therein based on such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage.  Each Lender shall make available to the applicable Issuing Bank an amount equal to its respective participation, in Dollars and in same day funds, at the office of such Issuing Bank specified in such notice, not later than 12:00 p.m. on the first Business Day (under the laws of the jurisdiction in which such office of such Issuing Bank is located) after the date notified by such Issuing Bank.  In the event that any Lender fails to make available to the applicable Issuing Bank on such Business Day the amount of such Lender’s participation in such Letter of Credit as provided in this Section 2.3(e), such Issuing Bank shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon for three (3) Business Days at the rate customarily used by the applicable Issuing Bank for the correction of errors among banks and thereafter at the Base Rate.  Nothing in this Section 2.3(e) shall be deemed to prejudice the right of any Lender to recover from any Issuing Bank any amounts made available by such Lender to such Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section in the event that it is determined that the payment with respect to a Letter of Credit in respect of which payment was made by such Lender constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of such Issuing Bank, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order.  In the event an Issuing Bank shall have been reimbursed by other Lenders pursuant to this Section 2.3(e) for all or any portion of any drawing honored by such Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit, such Issuing Bank shall distribute to each Lender which has paid all amounts payable by it under this Section 2.3(e) with respect to such honored drawing such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of all payments subsequently received by such Issuing Bank from the Borrower in reimbursement of such honored drawing when such payments are received.  Any such distribution shall be made to a Lender at its primary address set forth below its name on Appendix B or at such other address as such Lender may request.

 

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(f)                                   Obligations Absolute.  The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank for drawings honored under the Letters of Credit issued by it and to repay any Revolving Loans made by the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.3(d) and the obligations of the Lenders under Section 2.3(e) shall be unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms hereof under all circumstances including any of the following circumstances: (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit; (ii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which the Borrower or any Lender may have at any time against a beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Persons for whom any such transferee may be acting), any Issuing Bank, a Lender or any other Person or, in the case of a Lender, against the Borrower, whether in connection herewith, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction (including any underlying transaction between the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and the beneficiary for which any Letter of Credit was procured); (iii) any draft or other document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; (iv) payment by any Issuing Bank under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document which does not substantially comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; (v) any adverse change in the business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; (vi) any breach hereof or any other Credit Document by any party thereto; (vii) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; or (viii) the fact that an Event of Default or a Default shall have occurred and be continuing; provided, in each case, that payment by the applicable Issuing Bank under the applicable Letter of Credit shall not have constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Issuing Bank under the circumstances in question, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order.

 

(g)                                  Indemnification.  Without duplication of any obligation of the Borrower under Section 3.2, 3.3 or 11.2, in addition to amounts payable as provided herein, the Borrower hereby agrees to protect, indemnify, pay and save harmless each Issuing Bank from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of counsel and allocated costs of internal counsel) which each Issuing Bank may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect, of (i) the issuance of any Letter of Credit by such Issuing Bank, other than as a result of (1) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Issuing Bank, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable order, or (2) the wrongful dishonor by such Issuing Bank of a proper demand for payment made under any Letter of Credit issued by it, or (ii) the failure of such Issuing Bank to honor a drawing under any such Letter of Credit as a result of any Governmental Act.

 

(h)                                 Applicability of ISP.  Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the applicable Issuing Bank and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued (including any such agreement applicable to an Existing Letter of Credit), the rules of the ISP shall apply to each Letter of Credit.

 

(i)                                     Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary of the Borrower, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the applicable Issuing Bank hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit.  The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.

 

Section 2.4                                    Pro Rata Shares; Availability of Funds.

 

(a)                                 Pro Rata Shares.  All Loans shall be made, and all participations purchased, by the Lenders simultaneously and proportionately to their respective pro rata shares of the Loans, it being

 

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understood that no Lender shall be responsible for any default by any other Lender in such other Lender’s obligation to make a Loan requested hereunder or purchase a participation required hereby nor shall any Revolving Commitment, or the portion of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Loans, of any Lender be increased or decreased as a result of a default by any other Lender in such other Lender’s obligation to make a Loan requested hereunder or purchase a participation required hereby.

 

(b)                                 Availability of Funds.

 

(i)                                     Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent.  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing (or, in the case of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.1(c) or, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.1(c) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.  In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans, plus, in either case, any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection therewith.  If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period.  If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.  Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

 

(ii)                                  Payments by the Borrower; Presumptions by Administrative Agent.  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or any Issuing Bank hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or each applicable Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due.  In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or each applicable Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

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Notices given by the Administrative Agent under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

Section 2.5                                    Evidence of Debt; Register; Lenders’ Books and Records; Notes.

 

(a)                                 Lenders’ Evidence of Debt.  Each Lender shall maintain on its internal records an account or accounts evidencing the Obligations of the Borrower and each other Credit Party to such Lender, including the amounts of the Loans made by it and each repayment and prepayment in respect thereof.  Any such recordation shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower, absent manifest error; provided, that the failure to make any such recordation, or any error in such recordation, shall not affect any Lender’s Revolving Commitment or the Borrower’s obligations in respect of any applicable Loans; and provided, further, in the event of any inconsistency between the Register and any Lender’s records, the recordations in the Register shall govern in the absence of demonstrable error therein.

 

(b)                                 Notes.  The Borrower shall execute and deliver to each (i) Lender on the Effective Date, (ii) Person who is a permitted assignee of such Lender pursuant to Section 11.5 and (iii) Person who becomes a Lender in accordance with Section 2.1(c), in each case to the extent requested by such Person, a Note or Notes to evidence such Person’s portion of the Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans, as applicable.

 

Section 2.6                                    Scheduled Principal Payments.

 

(a)                                 Revolving Loans.  The principal amount of Revolving Loans is due and payable in full on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

(b)                                 Swingline Loans.  The principal amount of the Swingline Loans is due and payable in full on the earlier to occur of (i) the date of demand by the Swingline Lender and (ii) the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

Section 2.7                                    Interest on Loans.

 

(a)                                 Except as otherwise set forth herein, each Loan shall bear interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof from the date made through repayment (whether by acceleration or otherwise) thereof as follows:

 

(i)                                     in the case of Revolving Loans:

 

(A)                               if a Base Rate Loan (including a Base Rate Loan referencing the LIBOR Index Rate), the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin; or

 

(B)                               if an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, the Adjusted LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin;

 

(ii)                                  in the case of Swingline Loans, at the Swingline Rate.

 

(b)                                 The basis for determining the rate of interest with respect to any Loan (except a Swingline Loan, which may only be made and maintained at the Swingline Rate (unless and until converted into a Revolving Loan pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof), and the Interest Period with respect to any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, shall be selected by the Borrower and notified to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice, as the case may be.  If on any day a Loan is outstanding with respect to

 

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which a Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice has not been delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms hereof specifying the applicable basis for determining the rate of interest, then for that day (i) if such Loan is an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, such Loan shall become a Base Rate Loan and (ii) if such Loan is a Base Rate Loan, such Loan shall remain a Base Rate Loan.

 

(c)                                  In connection with Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, there shall be no more than five (5) Interest Periods outstanding at any time.  In the event the Borrower fails to specify between a Base Rate Loan or an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan in the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice, such Loan (i) if outstanding as an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, will be automatically converted into a Base Rate Loan on the last day of the then-current Interest Period for such Loan, and (ii) if outstanding as a Base Rate Loan will remain as, or (if not then outstanding) will be made as, a Base Rate Loan.  In the event the Borrower fails to specify an Interest Period for any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan in the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice, the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one (1) month.  As soon as practicable after 10:00 a.m. on each Interest Rate Determination Date and each Index Rate Determination Date, the Administrative Agent shall determine (which determination shall, absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties) the interest rate that shall apply to each of the LIBOR Loans for which an interest rate is then being determined (and for the applicable Interest Period in the case of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans) and shall promptly give notice thereof (in writing or by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrower and each Lender.

 

(d)                                 All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to the LIBOR Index Rate) shall be made on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty-five (365) or three hundred sixty-six (366) days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed.  All other computations of fees and interest shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days for the actual number of days elapsed in the period during which it accrues.  In computing interest on any Loan, the date of the making of such Loan or the first day of an Interest Period applicable to such Loan or, with respect to a Base Rate Loan being converted from a LIBOR Loan, the date of conversion of such LIBOR Loan to such Base Rate Loan, as the case may be, shall be included, and the date of payment of such Loan or the expiration date of an Interest Period applicable to such Loan or, with respect to a Base Rate Loan being converted to a LIBOR Loan, the date of conversion of such Base Rate Loan to such LIBOR Loan, as the case may be, shall be excluded; provided, if a Loan is repaid on the same day on which it is made, one (1) day’s interest shall be paid on that Loan.

 

(e)                                  If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Borrower or for any other reason, the Borrower or the Lenders determine that (i) the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio as calculated by the Borrower as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrower shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code or other Debtor Relief Law, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent or any Lender), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period.  This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, as the case may be, under any other provision of this Agreement.  The Borrower’s obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Revolving Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations.

 

(f)                                   Except as otherwise set forth herein, interest on each Loan shall accrue on a daily basis and shall be payable in arrears on and to (i) each Interest Payment Date applicable to that Loan; (ii) upon any prepayment of that Loan (other than a voluntary prepayment of a Revolving Loan which interest shall

 

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be payable in accordance with clause (i) above), to the extent accrued on the amount being prepaid; and (iii) at maturity, including final maturity.

 

(g)                                  The Borrower agrees to pay to the applicable Issuing Bank, with respect to drawings honored under any Letter of Credit issued on its account or for the account of any of its Subsidiaries, interest on the amount paid by such Issuing Bank in respect of each such honored drawing from the date such drawing is honored to but excluding the date such amount is reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at a rate equal to (i) for the period from the date such drawing is honored to but excluding the applicable Reimbursement Date, the rate of interest otherwise payable hereunder with respect to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans, and (ii) thereafter, a rate which is the lesser of (y) two percent (2%) per annum in excess of the rate of interest otherwise payable hereunder with respect to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans, and (z) the Highest Lawful Rate.

 

(h)                                 Interest payable pursuant to Section 2.7(f) shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days, for the actual number of days elapsed in the period during which it accrues, and shall be payable on demand or, if no demand is made, on the date on which the related drawing under a Letter of Credit is reimbursed in full.  Promptly upon receipt by any Issuing Bank of any payment of interest pursuant to Section 2.7(f), the applicable Issuing Bank shall distribute to each Lender, out of the interest received by such Issuing Bank in respect of the period from the date such drawing is honored to but excluding the date on which such Issuing Bank is reimbursed for the amount of such drawing (including any such reimbursement out of the proceeds of any Revolving Loans), the amount that such Lender would have been entitled to receive in respect of the letter of credit fee that would have been payable in respect of such Letter of Credit for such period if no drawing had been honored under such Letter of Credit.  In the event an Issuing Bank shall have been reimbursed by the Lenders for all or any portion of such honored drawing, such Issuing Bank shall distribute to each Lender which has paid all amounts payable by it under Section 2.3(e) with respect to such honored drawing such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of any interest received by such Issuing Bank in respect of that portion of such honored drawing so reimbursed by the Lenders for the period from the date on which such Issuing Bank was so reimbursed by the Lenders to but excluding the date on which such portion of such honored drawing is reimbursed by the Borrower.

 

Section 2.8                                    Conversion/Continuation.

 

(a)                                 Subject to Section 3.1 and so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and then be continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower shall have the option:

 

(i)                                     to convert at any time all or any part of any Loan equal to $100,000 and integral multiples of $50,000 in excess of that amount from one Type of Loan to another Type of Loan; provided, an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan may only be converted on the expiration of the Interest Period applicable to such Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan unless the Borrower shall pay all amounts due under Section 2.15 in connection with any such conversion; or

 

(ii)                                  upon the expiration of any Interest Period applicable to any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, to continue all or any portion of such Loan as an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan.

 

(b)                                 The Borrower shall deliver a Conversion/Continuation Notice to the Administrative Agent no later than 10:00 a.m. at least three (3) Business Days in advance of the proposed conversion date (in the case of a conversion to a Base Rate Loan) and at least three (3) Business Days in advance of the proposed Conversion/Continuation Date (in the case of a conversion to, or a continuation of, an Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan).  Except as otherwise provided herein, a Conversion/Continuation Notice for conversion to, or continuation of, any LIBOR Loans (or telephonic notice in lieu thereof) shall be

 

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irrevocable on and after the related Interest Rate Determination Date, and the Borrower shall be bound to effect a conversion or continuation in accordance therewith.

 

Section 2.9                                    Default Rate of Interest.

 

(a)                                 If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, such amount shall thereafter bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

 

(b)                                 During the continuance of an Event of Default under Section 9.1(f) or Section 9.1(g), the Borrower shall pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

 

(c)                                  During the continuance of an Event of Default (other than for non-payment of principal of any Loan or an Event of Default under Section 9.1(f) or Section 9.1(g)), the Borrower shall, at the request of the Required Lenders, pay interest on the principal amount of all outstanding Obligations hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Laws.

 

(d)                                 Accrued and unpaid interest on past due amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.

 

(e)                                  In the case of any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan, upon the expiration of the Interest Period in effect at the time the Default Rate of interest is effective, each such Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loan shall thereupon become a Base Rate Loan and shall thereafter bear interest at the Default Rate then in effect for Base Rate Loans.  Payment or acceptance of the increased rates of interest provided for in this Section 2.9 is not a permitted alternative to timely payment and shall not constitute a waiver of any Event of Default or otherwise prejudice or limit any rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

 

Section 2.10                             Fees.

 

(a)                                 Commitment Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Revolving Commitment Percentage, a commitment fee (the “Commitment Fee”) equal to the Applicable Margin of the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Revolving Commitments exceeds the sum of (i) the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loans plus (ii) the Outstanding Amount of Letter of Credit Obligations, subject to adjustments as provided in Section 2.16.  The Commitment Fee shall accrue at all times during the Revolving Commitment Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Section 4 is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Effective Date, and on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date; provided that (1) no Commitment Fee shall accrue on any of the Revolving Commitment of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender and (2) any Commitment Fee accrued with respect to the Revolving Commitment of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender.  The Commitment Fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Margin during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Margin separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Margin was in effect.  For purposes hereof, Swingline Loans shall not be counted toward or be considered as usage of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.

 

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(b)                                 Letter of Credit Fees.

 

(i)                                     Letter of Credit Fees.  The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender, in accordance with its Revolving Commitment Percentage, a Letter of Credit fee for each Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Margin multiplied by the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (the “Letter of Credit Fees”).  For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.3(i).  The Letter of Credit Fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears, and shall be due and payable on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the expiration date thereof and thereafter on demand; provided that (1) no Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue in favor of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender and (2) any Letter of Credit Fees accrued in favor of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender.  If there is any change in the Revolving Commitment Percentage during any quarter, the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Margin separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Margin was in effect.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, during the continuance of an Event of Default under Sections 9.1(f) and (g), all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate, and during the continuance of an Event of Default other than an Event of Default under Sections 9.1(f) or (g), then upon the request of the Requisite Lenders, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate.

 

(ii)                                  Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to Issuing Banks.  The Borrower shall pay (or cause to be paid) directly to the each of the Issuing Banks, for its own account, a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, at the rate per annum agreed between such Issuing Bank and the Borrower, computed on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit on a quarterly basis in arrears.  Such fronting fee shall be due and payable on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December in respect of the most recently-ended quarterly period (or portion thereof, in the case of the first payment), commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on its expiration date and thereafter on demand.  For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.3(i).  In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to each of the Issuing Banks, for its own account, the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of such Issuing Bank relating to letters of credit issued by it as from time to time in effect.  Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.

 

(c)                                  Other Fees.

 

(i)                                     The Borrower shall pay to the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter.  Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.

 

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(ii)                                  The Borrower shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified.  Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.

 

Section 2.11                             Prepayments/Commitment Reductions.

 

(a)                                 Voluntary Prepayments.

 

(i)                                     Any time and from time to time, the Loans may be repaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty:

 

(A)                               with respect to Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans referencing the LIBOR Index Rate), the Borrower may prepay any such Loans on any Business Day in whole or in part, in an aggregate minimum amount of $500,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess of that amount;

 

(B)                               with respect to Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, the Borrower may prepay any such Loans on any Business Day in whole or in part (together with any amounts due pursuant to Section 3.1(c)) in an aggregate minimum amount of $500,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess of that amount; and

 

(C)                               with respect to Swingline Loans, the Borrower may prepay any such Loans on any Business Day in whole or in part in any amount;

 

(ii)                                  All such prepayments shall be made:

 

(A)                               upon written or telephonic notice on the date of prepayment in the case of Base Rate Loans or Swingline Loans; and

 

(B)                               upon not less than three (3) Business Days’ prior written or telephonic notice in the case of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans;

 

in each case given to the Administrative Agent, or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, by 11:00 a.m. on the date required and, if given by telephone, promptly confirmed in writing to the Administrative Agent (and the Administrative Agent will promptly transmit such telephonic or original notice for a Credit Extension by telefacsimile or telephone to each Lender).  Upon the giving of any such notice, the principal amount of the Loans specified in such notice shall become due and payable on the prepayment date specified therein.  Any such voluntary prepayment shall be applied as specified in Section 2.12(a).

 

(b)                                 Voluntary Commitment Reductions.

 

(i)                                     The Borrower may, from time to time upon not less than three (3) Business Days’ prior written or telephonic notice confirmed in writing to the Administrative Agent (which original written or telephonic notice the Administrative Agent will promptly transmit by telefacsimile or telephone to each applicable Lender), at any time and from time to time terminate in whole or permanently reduce in part the Revolving Commitments (ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentage thereof); provided, (A) any such partial reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount, (B) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Revolving Commitments if, after giving

 

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effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the aggregate Outstanding Amount exceeds the Aggregate Revolving Commitments and (C) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit and/or the Swingline Sublimit exceed the amount of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit and/or the Swingline Sublimit, as applicable, shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess.

 

(ii)                                  The Borrower’s notice to the Administrative Agent shall designate the date (which shall be a Business Day) of such termination or reduction and the amount of any partial reduction, and such termination or reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be effective on the date specified in the Borrower’s notice and shall reduce the Revolving Commitments of each Lender proportionately to its Revolving Commitment Percentage thereof.

 

(c)                                  Mandatory Prepayments.  If at any time (A) the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Obligations shall exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, (B) the Outstanding Amount of Letter of Credit Obligations shall exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit, or (C) the Outstanding Amount of Swingline Loans shall exceed the Swingline Sublimit, immediate prepayment will be made on or in respect of the Revolving Obligations in an amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that, except with respect to clause (B), Letter of Credit Obligations will not be Cash Collateralized hereunder until the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans have been paid in full.

 

(d)                                 Mandatory Commitment Reductions.  The Revolving Commitments of the Lenders shall automatically terminate on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

 

Section 2.12                             Application of Prepayments. Within each Loan, prepayments will be applied first to Base Rate Loans, then to Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans in direct order of Interest Period maturities.  In addition:

 

(a)                                 Mandatory Prepayments.  Mandatory prepayments in respect of the Revolving Commitments under Section 2.11(c) shall be applied to the respective Revolving Obligations.

 

(b)                                Prepayments Generally.  Prepayments on the Obligations will be paid by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective interests therein (except for Defaulting Lenders where their share will be applied as provided in Section 2.16(a)(ii) hereof).

 

Section 2.13                             General Provisions Regarding Payments.

 

(a)                                 All payments by the Borrower of principal, interest, fees and other Obligations hereunder or under any other Credit Document shall be made in Dollars in immediately available funds, without defense, recoupment, setoff or counterclaim, free of any restriction or condition.  The Administrative Agent shall, and the Borrower hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to, debit a deposit account of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries held with the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in order to cause timely payment to be made to the Administrative Agent of all principal, interest, fees and expenses due hereunder or under any other Credit Document (subject to sufficient funds being available in its accounts for that purpose).

 

(b)                                 In the event that the Administrative Agent is unable to debit a deposit account of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries held with the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in order to cause timely payment to be made to the Administrative Agent of all principal, interest, fees and expenses due hereunder or any other Credit Document (including because insufficient funds are available in its

 

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accounts for that purpose), payments hereunder and under any other Credit Document shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Lenders, not later than 12:00 (Noon) on the date due at the Principal Office of the Administrative Agent or via wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by the Administrative Agent (or at such other location as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time); for purposes of computing interest and fees, funds received by the Administrative Agent after that time on such due date shall be deemed to have been paid by the Borrower on the next Business Day.

 

(c)                                  All payments in respect of the principal amount of any Loan (other than voluntary repayments of Revolving Loans) shall be accompanied by payment of accrued interest on the principal amount being repaid or prepaid, and all such payments (and, in any event, any payments in respect of any Loan on a date when interest is due and payable with respect to such Loan) shall be applied to the payment of interest then due and payable before application to principal.

 

(d)                                 The Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to each Lender at such address as such Lender shall indicate in writing, such Lender’s applicable pro rata share of all payments and prepayments of principal and interest due to such Lender hereunder, together with all other amounts due with respect thereto, including all fees payable with respect thereto, to the extent received by the Administrative Agent.

 

(e)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions hereof, if any Conversion/ Continuation Notice is withdrawn as to any Affected Lender or if any Affected Lender makes Base Rate Loans in lieu of its pro rata share of any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans, the Administrative Agent shall give effect thereto in apportioning payments received thereafter.

 

(f)                                   Subject to the provisos set forth in the definition of “Interest Period,” whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and such extension of time shall be included in the computation of the payment of interest hereunder or of the Commitment Fee hereunder.

 

(g)                                  The Administrative Agent shall deem any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder that is not made in same day funds prior to 12:00 noon to be a non-conforming payment.  Any such payment shall not be deemed to have been received by the Administrative Agent until the later of (i) the time such funds become available funds, and (ii) the applicable next Business Day.  The Administrative Agent shall give prompt telephonic notice to the Borrower and each applicable Lender (confirmed in writing) if any payment is non-conforming.  Any non-conforming payment may constitute or become a Default or Event of Default in accordance with the terms of Section 9.1(a).  Interest shall continue to accrue on any principal as to which a non-conforming payment is made until such funds become available funds (but in no event less than the period from the date of such payment to the next succeeding applicable Business Day) at the Default Rate (unless otherwise provided by the Required Lenders) from the date such amount was due and payable until the date such amount is paid in full.

 

Section 2.14                            Sharing of Payments by Lenders.  If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or other obligations hereunder resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans and accrued interest thereon or other such obligations greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and such other obligations of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing

 

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them; provided that:

 

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

 

(ii)                                  the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender), (B) any amounts applied by the Swingline Lender to outstanding Swingline Loans, (C) any amounts applied to Letter of Credit Obligations by any Issuing Bank or Swingline Loans by the Swingline Lender, as appropriate, from Cash Collateral provided under Section 2.15 or Section 2.16, or (D) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in Letter of Credit Obligations, Swingline Loans or other obligations hereunder to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

 

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

 

Section 2.15                            Cash Collateral.  At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, within one (1) Business Day following the written request of the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize each applicable Issuing Banks’ Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

 

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

 

(b)                                 Application.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under this Section 2.15 or Section 2.16 in respect of Letters of Credit shall be applied to the satisfaction of the Defaulting Lender’s obligation to fund participations in respect of Letter of Credit Obligations (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.

 

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(c)                                 Termination of Requirement.  Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce any Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure shall no longer be required to be held as Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.15 following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender), or (ii) the determination by the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided, however, (x) that Cash Collateral furnished by or on behalf of a Credit Party shall not be released during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default (and following application as provided in this Section 2.15 may be otherwise applied in accordance with Section 9.3) and (y) the Person providing Cash Collateral and any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as applicable, may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.

 

Section 2.16                            Defaulting Lenders.

 

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

 

(i)                                     Waivers and Amendments.  Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 11.4.

 

(ii)                                   Defaulting Lender Waterfall. Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amount (other than fees which any Defaulting Lender is not entitled to receive pursuant to Section 2.16(a)(iii)) received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 9 or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 11.3), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, to be held as Cash Collateral for future funding obligations of that Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swingline Loan or Letter of Credit; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided, that, if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or Letter of Credit Borrowings in respect of which that Defaulting

 

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Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans or Letter of Credit Borrowings were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to the pay the Loans of, and Letter of Credit Borrowings owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or Letter of Credit Borrowings owed to, that Defaulting Lender.  Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.16(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to (and the underlying obligations satisfied to the extent of such payment) and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

(iii)                               Certain Fees. (A) Such Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any Commitment Fee, any fees with respect to Letters of Credit (except as provided in clause (b) below) or any other fees hereunder for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).

 

(B)                               Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive Letter of Credit Fees for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Revolving Commitment Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 2.15.

 

(C)                               With respect to any fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (A) or (B) above, the Borrower shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit Obligations or Swingline Loans that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (iv) below, (y) pay to each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender, as applicable, the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to such Issuing Bank’s or the Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.

 

(iv)                              Reallocation of Participations to Reduce Fronting Exposure.  All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letter of Credit Obligations and Swingline Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment) but only to the extent that (x) the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 are satisfied at the time of such reallocation (and, unless the Borrower shall have otherwise notified the Administrative Agent at such time, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such conditions are satisfied at such time), and (y) such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure of such Non-Defaulting Lender at such time to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment.  No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

 

(v)                                 Cash Collateral, Repayment of Swingline Loans.  If the reallocation

 

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described in clause (iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under law, (x) first, prepay Swingline Loans in an amount equal to the Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure and (y) second, Cash Collateralize each Issuing Banks’ Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.15.

 

(b)                                Defaulting Lender Cure.  If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans to be held pro rata by the Lenders in accordance with the Revolving Commitments (without giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

(c)                                 New Swingline Loans/Letters of Credit.  So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, (i) the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loans unless it is satisfied that the participations therein will be fully allocated among Non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with clause (a)(iv) above and the Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein and (ii) no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, extend, renew or increase any Letter of Credit unless it is satisfied that the participations in the Letter of Credit Obligations related to any existing Letters of Credit as well as the new, extended, renewed or increased Letter of Credit has been or will be fully allocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with clause (a)(iv) above and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein except to the extent such Defaulting Lender’s participation has been or will be fully Cash Collateralized in accordance with Section 2.15.

 

(d)                                Qualified Counterparties.  So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, such Lender shall not be a Hedge Bank with respect to any Hedge Agreement entered into while such Lender was a Defaulting Lender.

 

Section 2.17                             Removal or Replacement of Lenders.  If (a) any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.2, (b) the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.3, (c) any Lender gives notice of an inability to fund LIBOR Loans under Section 3.1(b), (d) any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, or (e) any Lender (a “Non-Consenting Lender”) does not consent (including by way of a failure to respond in writing to a proposed amendment, consent or waiver by the date and time specified by the Administrative Agent) to a proposed amendment, consent, change, waiver, discharge or termination hereunder or with respect to any Credit Document that has been approved by the Required Lenders, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 11.5, all of its interests, rights (other than its rights under Section 3.2, Section 3.3 and Section 11.2) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Credit Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

 

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(i)                                     the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 11.5(b)(iv);

 

(ii)                                  such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in Letter of Credit Borrowings, as applicable, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Credit Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.1(c)) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

 

(iii)                               in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.2 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.3, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;

 

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

 

(v)                                 in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Non-Consenting Lender’s failure to consent to a proposed amendment, consent, change, waiver, discharge or termination, the successor replacement Lender shall have consented to the proposed amendment, consent, change, waiver, discharge or termination.

 

Each Lender agrees that in the event it, or its interests in the Loans and obligations hereunder, shall become subject to the replacement and removal provisions of this Section, it will cooperate with the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to give effect to the provisions hereof, including execution and delivery of an Assignment Agreement in connection therewith, but the replacement and removal provisions of this Section shall be effective regardless of whether an Assignment Agreement shall have been given.

 

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

 

Section 3                                             YIELD PROTECTION

 

Section 3.1                                    Making or Maintaining LIBOR Loans.

 

(a)                                 Inability to Determine Applicable Interest Rate.  In the event that the Administrative Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto), on any Interest Rate Determination Date or any Index Rate Determination Date with respect to any LIBOR Loans, that by reason of circumstances affecting the London interbank market adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the interest rate applicable to such LIBOR Loans on the basis provided for in the definition of Adjusted LIBOR Rate or LIBOR Index Rate, as applicable, the Administrative Agent shall on such date give notice (by telefacsimile or by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrower and each Lender of such determination, whereupon (i) no Loans may be made as, or converted to, LIBOR Loans until such time as the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, and (ii) any Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice given by the Borrower with respect to the Loans in respect of which such determination was made shall be deemed to be rescinded by the Borrower and such Loans shall be automatically made or continued as, or converted to, as applicable, Base Rate Loans without reference to the LIBOR Index Rate component of the Base Rate.

 

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(b)                                 Illegality or Impracticability of LIBOR Loans.  In the event that on any date any Lender shall have determined (which determination shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto but shall be made only after consultation with the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) that the making, maintaining or continuation of its LIBOR Loans (i) has become unlawful as a result of compliance by such Lender in good faith with any law, treaty, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order (or would conflict with any such treaty, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order not having the force of law even though the failure to comply therewith would not be unlawful), or (ii) has become impracticable, as a result of contingencies occurring after the date hereof which materially and adversely affect the London interbank market or the position of such Lender in that market, then, and in any such event, such Lender shall be an “Affected Lender” and it shall on that day give notice (by telefacsimile or by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of such determination (which notice the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each other Lender).  Thereafter (1) the obligation of the Affected Lender to make Loans as, or to convert Loans to, LIBOR Loans shall be suspended until such notice shall be withdrawn by the Affected Lender, (2) to the extent such determination by the Affected Lender relates to a LIBOR Loan then being requested by the Borrower pursuant to a Funding Notice or a Conversion/Continuation Notice, the Affected Lender shall make such Loan as (or continue such Loan as or convert such Loan to, as the case may be) a Base Rate Loan without reference to the LIBOR Index Rate component of the Base Rate, (3) the Affected Lender’s obligation to maintain its outstanding LIBOR Loans (the “Affected Loans”) shall be terminated at the earlier to occur of the expiration of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the Affected Loans or when required by law, and (4) the Affected Loans shall automatically convert into Base Rate Loans without reference to the LIBOR Index Rate component of the Base Rate on the date of such termination.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent a determination by an Affected Lender as described above relates to a LIBOR Loan then being requested by the Borrower pursuant to a Funding Notice or a Conversion/Continuation Notice, the Borrower shall have the option, subject to the provisions of Section 3.1(a), to rescind such Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice as to all Lenders by giving notice (by telefacsimile or by telephone confirmed in writing) to the Administrative Agent of such rescission on the date on which the Affected Lender gives notice of its determination as described above (which notice of rescission the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each other Lender).  Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, nothing in this Section 3.1(b) shall affect the obligation of any Lender other than an Affected Lender to make or maintain Loans as, or to convert Loans to, LIBOR Loans in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(c)                                  Compensation for Breakage or Non-Commencement of Interest Periods.  The Borrower shall compensate each Lender, upon written request by such Lender (which request shall set forth the basis for requesting such amounts), for all reasonable losses, expenses and liabilities (including any interest paid or calculated to be due and payable by such Lender to lenders of funds borrowed by it to make or carry its Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans and any loss, expense or liability sustained by such Lender in connection with the liquidation or re-employment of such funds but excluding loss of anticipated profits) which such Lender may sustain:  (i) if for any reason (other than a default by such Lender) a borrowing of any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans does not occur on a date specified therefor in a Funding Notice or a telephonic request for borrowing, or a conversion to or continuation of any Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans does not occur on a date specified therefor in a Conversion/Continuation Notice or a telephonic request for conversion or continuation; (ii) if any prepayment or other principal payment of, or any conversion of, any of its Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans occurs on any day other than the last day of an Interest Period applicable to that Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise), including as a result of an assignment in connection with the replacement of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.17; or (iii) if any prepayment of any of its Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans is not made on any date specified in a notice of prepayment given by the Borrower.

 

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(d)                                 Booking of LIBOR Loans.  Any Lender may make, carry or transfer LIBOR Loans at, to, or for the account of any of its branch offices or the office of an Affiliate of such Lender.

 

(e)                                  Assumptions Concerning Funding of Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans.  Calculation of all amounts payable to a Lender under this Section 3.1 and under Section 3.2 shall be made as though such Lender had actually funded each of its relevant Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans through the purchase of a LIBOR deposit bearing interest at the rate obtained pursuant to clause (i) of the definition of Adjusted LIBOR Rate in an amount equal to the amount of such Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans and having a maturity comparable to the relevant Interest Period and through the transfer of such LIBOR deposit from an offshore office of such Lender to a domestic office of such Lender in the United States of America; provided, however, each Lender may fund each of its Adjusted LIBOR Rate Loans in any manner it sees fit and the foregoing assumptions shall be utilized only for the purposes of calculating amounts payable under this Section 3.1 and under Section 3.2.

 

(f)                                   Certificates for Reimbursement.  A certificate of a Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender, as specified in paragraph (c) of this Section and the circumstances giving rise thereto shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  In the absence of any such manifest error, the Borrower shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

(g)                                  Delay in Requests.  The Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any such amounts incurred more than six (6) months prior to the date that such Lender delivers to the Borrower the certificate referenced in Section 3.1(f).

 

Section 3.2                                    Increased Costs.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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compensate such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)                                 Capital Requirements.  If any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender (for purposes hereof, may be referred to collectively as “the Lenders” or a “Lender”) determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any lending office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or liquidity or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the commitments of such Lender hereunder or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c)                                  Certificates for Reimbursement.  A certificate of a Lender or an Issuing Bank setting forth in reasonable detail the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section and the circumstances giving rise thereto shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  In the absence of any such manifest error, the Borrower shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

(d)                                 Delay in Requests.  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than six (6) months prior to the date that such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, delivers to the Borrower the certificate referenced in Section 3.2(c) and notifies the Borrower of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the six-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

Section 3.3                                    Taxes.

 

(a)                                 Issuing Banks.  For purposes of this Section 3.3, the term “Lender” shall include any Issuing Bank.

 

(b)                                 Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes.  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Credit Party hereunder or under any other Credit Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by Applicable Law.  If any Applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Credit Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

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

 

(d)                                 Tax Indemnification.

 

(i)  Without duplication of additional amounts paid pursuant to Section 3.3(b) or Section 3.3(c), the Credit Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of any such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(ii)                                  Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Credit Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Credit Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 11.5(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Credit Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender  under any Credit Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender  from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii).

 

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

 

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

 

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sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in clauses (ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

(ii)                                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person,

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(3)                                 in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.3-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN; or

 

(4)                                 to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.3-2 or Exhibit 3.3-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign

 

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Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.3-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(g)                                  Treatment of Certain Refunds.  Unless required by Applicable Law, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender.  If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund (including any application of such refund amount to another amount payable to the refunding Governmental Authority) of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund).  Such indemnifying party, upon the request of the indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the

 

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indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid.  This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(h)                                 Survival.  Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.3 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Revolving Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Credit Document.

 

Section 3.4                                    Designation of a Different Lending Office.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.2, or requires the Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.3, then such Lender shall (at the request of the Borrower) use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.2 or Section 3.3, as the case may be, in the future, and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender.  The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

Section 4                                             CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

 

Section 4.1                                    Conditions Precedent to Initial Credit Extension.  The obligation of each Lender to make a Credit Extension on the Effective Date is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions on or before the Effective Date:

 

(a)                                 Executed Credit Documents.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of executed counterparts of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and duly executed by the appropriate parties thereto.

 

(b)                                 Organizational Documents.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of the following:

 

(i)                                     Charter Documents.  Copies of articles of incorporation, certificate of organization or formation, or other like document for each of the Credit Parties certified as of a recent date by the appropriate Governmental Authority.

 

(ii)                                  Organizational Documents Certificate.  (i) Copies of bylaws, operating agreement, partnership agreement or like document, (ii) copies of resolutions approving the transactions contemplated in connection with the financing and authorizing execution and delivery of the Credit Documents, and (iii) incumbency certificates, for each of the Credit Parties, in each case certified by an Authorized Officer in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(iii)                               Good Standing Certificate.  Copies of certificates of good standing, existence or the like of a recent date for each of the Credit Parties from the appropriate Governmental Authority of its jurisdiction of formation or organization.

 

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(iv)                              Closing Certificate.  A certificate from an Authorized Officer of the Borrower, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, confirming, among other things, (A) all consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations, or filings required to be made or obtained by the Borrower and the other Credit Parties, if any, in connection with this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein have been obtained and are in full force and effect, (B) no investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority regarding this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein is ongoing, (C) since the date of the most-recent annual audited financial statements for the Borrower, there has been no event or circumstance which would be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (D) the most-recent annual audited financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, except as noted therein, and fairly present the financial condition and results from operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and (E) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby and the incurrence of Indebtedness related thereto) are Solvent on a consolidated basis.

 

(c)                                  Opinions of Counsel.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of opinions of counsel for each of the Credit Parties, in scope, form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and including, among other things, due authorization, execution and delivery of the Credit Documents and the enforceability thereof.

 

(d)                                 Personal Property Collateral.  Receipt by the Collateral Agent of the following:

 

(i)                                     UCC Financing Statements.  Such UCC financing statements necessary or appropriate to perfect the security interests in the personal property collateral, as determined by the Collateral Agent.

 

(ii)                                  Intellectual Property Filings.  Such patent, trademark and copyright notices, filings and recordations necessary or appropriate to perfect the security interests in intellectual property and intellectual property rights, as determined by the Collateral Agent.

 

(iii)                               Pledged Equity Interests.  Original certificates evidencing any certificated Equity Interests pledged as Collateral, together with undated stock transfer powers executed in blank.

 

(iv)                              Evidence of Insurance.  Copies of insurance policies (including endorsements) or certificates of insurance for casualty, liability and any other insurance required by the Credit Documents, identifying the Collateral Agent as lenders loss payable or loss payee, as applicable, with respect to the casualty insurance, and additional insured with respect to the liability insurance, as appropriate.

 

(e)                                  Funding Notice; Funds Disbursement Instructions.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of (a) a duly executed Funding Notice with respect to the Credit Extension to occur on the Effective Date and (b) duly executed disbursement instructions (with wiring instructions and account information) for all disbursements to be made on the Effective Date.

 

(f)                                   Original Credit Agreement.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of evidence that all accrued and unpaid interest and fees due and owing under the Original Credit Agreement through the Effective Date have been paid or will be paid on the Effective Date.

 

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(g)                                  Senior Secured Notes.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of reasonably satisfactory evidence of the closing and funding of the Senior Secured Notes concurrently with the Effective Date pursuant to documentation satisfactory to the Lenders.

 

(h)                                 ITC^Deltacom Notes.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of reasonably satisfactory evidence of the discharge of the ITC^Deltacom Indenture.

 

(i)                                     Fees and Expenses.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of confirmation that all fees and expenses required to be paid on or before the Effective Date have been paid, including the fees and expenses of counsel (including any local counsel) for the Administrative Agent.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.1, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Effective Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

Section 4.2                                    Conditions to Each Credit Extension.  The obligation of each Lender to fund its Revolving Commitment Percentage of any Credit Extension on any Credit Date, including the Effective Date, is subject to the satisfaction, or waiver in accordance with Section 11.4, of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)                                 the Administrative Agent shall have received a fully executed and delivered Funding Notice, together with the documentation and certifications required therein with respect to each Credit Extension;

 

(b)                                 as of such Credit Date, the representations and warranties contained herein and in the other Credit Documents shall (i) with respect to representations and warranties that contain a materiality qualification, be true and correct (after giving effect to such materiality qualification set forth therein) and (ii) with respect to representations and warranties that do not contain a materiality qualification, be true and correct in all material respects, on and as of that Credit Date to the same extent as though made on and as of that date, except to the extent such representations and warranties specifically relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct on and as of such earlier date;

 

(c)                                  as of such Credit Date, no event shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from the consummation of the applicable Credit Extension that would constitute an Event of Default or a Default;

 

(d)                                 after making the Credit Extension requested on such Credit Date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Revolving Obligations shall not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitments then in effect.

 

Any Agent or the Required Lenders shall be entitled, but not obligated to, request and receive, prior to the making of any Credit Extension, additional information reasonably satisfactory to the requesting party confirming the satisfaction of any of the foregoing if, in the reasonable good faith judgment of such Agent or Requisite Lender, such request is warranted under the circumstances.

 

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Section 5                                             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

In order to induce Agents and Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make each Credit Extension to be made thereby, each Credit Party represents and warrants to each Agent and Lender, on the Effective Date and on each Credit Date, that the following statements are true and correct:

 

Section 5.1                                    Organization; Requisite Power and Authority; Qualification.  Each Credit Party (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization as identified in Schedule 5.1, (b) has all requisite power and authority to own and operate its properties, to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, to enter into the Credit Documents to which it is a party and to carry out the transactions contemplated thereby, and (c) is qualified to do business and in good standing in every jurisdiction where its assets are located and wherever necessary to carry out its business and operations, except in jurisdictions where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing has not had, and could not be reasonably expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.2                                    Equity Interests and Ownership.  The Equity Interests of each Credit Party and the Equity Interests of each Subsidiary that are required to be pledged as Collateral under the Credit Documents have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.2, as of the Effective Date, there is no existing option, warrant, call, right, commitment or other agreement to which any Subsidiary is a party requiring, and there is no membership interest or other Equity Interests of any Subsidiary outstanding which upon conversion or exchange would require, the issuance by any Subsidiary of any additional membership interests or other Equity Interests of any Subsidiary or other Securities convertible into, exchangeable for or evidencing the right to subscribe for or purchase, a membership interest or other Equity Interests of any Subsidiary.  Schedule 5.2 correctly sets forth the ownership interest of each Credit Party in its respective Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date.

 

Section 5.3                                    Due Authorization.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Credit Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each Credit Party that is a party thereto.

 

Section 5.4                                    No Conflict.  The execution, delivery and performance by Credit Parties of the Credit Documents to which they are parties and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Credit Documents do not and will not (a) violate any provision of any Applicable Laws relating to any Credit Party, any of the Organizational Documents of any Credit Party, or any order, judgment or decree of any court or other agency of government binding on any Credit Party; (b) except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any other Contractual Obligations of any Credit Party; (c) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of any Credit Party (other than any Liens created under any of the Credit Documents in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations) whether now owned or hereafter acquired; or (d) require any approval of stockholders, members or partners or any approval or consent of any Person under any Contractual Obligation of any Credit Party.

 

Section 5.5                                    Governmental Consents.  The execution, delivery and performance by Credit Parties of the Credit Documents to which they are parties and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Credit Documents do not and will not require, as a condition to the effectiveness thereof, any registration with, consent or approval of, or notice to, or other action to, with or by, any Governmental Authority except for filings and recordings with respect to the Collateral to be made, or otherwise delivered to the Collateral Agent for filing and/or recordation, as of the Effective Date.

 

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Section 5.6                                    Binding Obligation.  Each Credit Document has been duly executed and delivered by each Credit Party that is a party thereto and is the legally valid and binding obligation of such Credit Party, enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with its respective terms, except as may be limited by Debtor Relief Laws or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.

 

Section 5.7                                    Financial Statements.

 

(a)                                 The audited consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Group for the most recent Fiscal Year ended, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, including the notes thereto (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Consolidated Group as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Consolidated Group  as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.

 

(b)                                 The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Consolidated Group for the most recent Fiscal Quarter ended, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Quarter (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, (ii) fairly present the financial condition of the Consolidated Group as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments, and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Consolidated Group as of the date of such financial statements, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.

 

Section 5.8                                    No Material Adverse Effect.  Since December 31, 2012, no event, circumstance or change has occurred that has caused or evidences, either in any case or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.9                                    No Adverse Proceedings.  There are no Adverse Proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries is subject to or in default with respect to any final judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees, rules or regulations of any Governmental Authority that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.10                             Tax Matters.  Each Credit Party and its subsidiaries have filed all federal and state income and other material tax returns and reports required to be filed, and have paid all federal, state and other material taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges levied or imposed upon them or their respective properties, assets, income, businesses and franchises otherwise due and payable, except those being actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been provided  in accordance with GAAP.  There is no proposed tax assessment against any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries that would, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.11                             Properties.

 

(a)                                 Title.  Each Credit Party and its Subsidiaries has (i) good, sufficient and legal title to (in the case of fee interests in real property), (ii) valid leasehold interests in (in the case of leasehold interests in real or personal property), and (iii) good title to (in the case of all other personal property), all of their

 

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respective properties and assets reflected in their financial statements and other information referred to in Section 5.7 and in the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.1, in each case except for assets disposed of since the date of such financial statements as permitted under Section 7.10.  All such properties and assets are free and clear of Liens other than Permitted Liens.

 

(b)                                Real Estate.  As of the Effective Date, Schedule 5.11(b) contains a true, accurate and complete list of all Real Estate Assets that are owned in fee simple by a Credit Party.

 

(c)                                  Intellectual Property.  Each Credit Party owns or is validly licensed to use all Intellectual Property that is necessary for the present conduct of its business, free and clear of Liens (other than Permitted Liens), without conflict with the rights of any other Person unless the failure to own or benefit from such valid license could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the best knowledge of each Credit Party, no Credit Party is infringing, misappropriating, diluting, or otherwise violating the Intellectual Property rights of any other Person unless such infringement, misappropriation, dilution or violation could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.12                             Environmental Matters.  No Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any of their respective current Facilities (solely during and with respect to Person’s ownership thereof) or operations, and to their knowledge, no former Facilities (solely during and with respect to any Credit Party’s or its Subsidiary’s ownership thereof), are subject to any outstanding order, consent decree or settlement agreement with any Person relating to any Environmental Law, any Environmental Claim, or any Hazardous Materials Activity that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) no Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any letter or request for information under Section 104 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. § 9604) or any comparable state law that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (c) there are and, to the each Credit Party’s and its Subsidiaries’ knowledge, have been, no Hazardous Materials Activities which could reasonably be expected to form the basis of an Environmental Claim against such Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (d) no Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries has filed any notice under 40 C.F.R. Parts 260-270 or any equivalent state rule indicating past or present treatment of Hazardous Materials at any Facility (solely during and with respect to such Credit Party’s or its Subsidiary’s ownership thereof), and neither the Borrower’s nor any of its Subsidiaries’ operations involves the generation, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of hazardous waste, as defined under 40 C.F.R. Parts 260-270 or any equivalent state rule defining hazardous waste.  Compliance with all current requirements pursuant to or under Environmental Laws is not reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.13                             No Defaults.  No Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in any of its Contractual Obligations, and no condition exists which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, could constitute such a default, except in each case where the consequences, direct or indirect, of such default or defaults, if any, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.14                             Information Regarding Credit Parties; Tax Identification Numbers.

 

(a)                                 As of the Effective Date, set forth on Schedule 5.14, with respect to each Credit Party, is the jurisdiction of organization, classes of Equity Interests (including options, warrants, rights of subscription, conversion, exchangeability and other similar rights), and ownership and ownership

 

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percentages of each Subsidiary of such Credit Party.  The outstanding Equity Interests have been validly issued, are owned free of Liens, and with respect to any outstanding shares of Equity Interests of a corporation, such shares have been validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.  The outstanding shares of Equity Interests are not subject to any buy-sell, voting trust or other shareholder agreement except as identified on Schedule 5.14.  As of the Effective Date, the Credit Parties have no Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed on Schedule 5.14.

 

(b)                                The exact legal name (and any prior legal names used within the past five (5) years) and the true and correct U.S. taxpayer identification number of the Borrower and each Guarantor as of the Effective Date is set forth on Schedule 5.14.

 

Section 5.15                             Governmental Regulation.

 

(a)                                 No Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940.  No Credit Party and none of their respective Subsidiaries are an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by a “registered investment company” or a “principal underwriter” of a “registered investment company” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(b)                                 Neither any Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “enemy” or an “ally of the enemy” within the meaning of Section 2 of the Trading with the Enemy Act of the United States of America (50 U.S.C. App. §§ 1 et seq.), as amended.  To its knowledge, neither any Credit Party nor any or its Subsidiaries is in violation of (a) the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, (b) any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto or (c) the Patriot Act.  None of the Credit Parties (i) is a blocked person described in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (ii) to the best of its knowledge, engages in any dealings or transactions, or is otherwise associated, with any such blocked person.

 

(c)                                  None of the Credit Parties or their Subsidiaries or their respective Affiliates is in violation of and shall not violate any of the country or list based economic and trade sanctions administered and enforced by OFAC that are described or referenced at http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/ or as otherwise published from time to time.

 

(d)                                 None of the Credit Parties or their Subsidiaries or their respective Affiliates (i) is a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity, (ii) has a more than ten percent (10%) of its assets located in Sanctioned Entities, or (iii) derives more than ten percent (10%) of its operating income from investments in, or transactions with Sanctioned Persons or Sanctioned Entities.  The proceeds of any Loan will not be used and have not been used to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or a Sanctioned Entity.

 

(e)                                  Each of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries is in compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq., and any foreign counterpart thereto.  None of the Credit Parties or their Subsidiaries has made a payment, offering, or promise to pay, or authorized the payment of, money or anything of value (a) in order to assist in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any foreign official, foreign political party, party official or candidate for foreign political office, (b) to a foreign official, foreign political party or party official or any candidate for foreign political office, and (c) with the intent to induce the recipient to misuse his or her official position to direct business wrongfully to such Credit Party or its Subsidiary or to any other Person, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq.

 

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(f)                                   To the extent applicable, each Credit Party is in compliance, in all material respects, with Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot Act of 2001) (as amended from time to time, the “Patriot Act”).

 

(g)                                  No Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.  No part of the proceeds of the Loans made to such Credit Party will be used to purchase or carry any such Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such Margin Stock or for any purpose that violates, or is inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as in effect from time to time.

 

Section 5.16                             Employee Matters.  No Credit Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged in any unfair labor practice that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There is (a) no unfair labor practice complaint pending against any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the best knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened against any of them before the National Labor Relations Board and no grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or under any collective bargaining agreement that is so pending against any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or to the best knowledge of any Credit Party, threatened against any of them, (b) no strike or work stoppage in existence or threatened involving any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, and (c) to the best knowledge of any Credit Party, no union representation question existing with respect to the employees of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the best knowledge of any Credit Party, no union organization activity that is taking place, except (with respect to any matter specified in clause (a), (b) or (c) above, either individually or in the aggregate) such as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.17                             Pension Plans.  (a) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable provisions and requirements of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to its Pension Plan, and have performed all their obligations under each Pension Plan in all material respects, (b) each Pension Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code has received a favorable determination letter or is the subject of a favorable opinion letter from the Internal Revenue Service indicating that such Pension Plan is so qualified and, to the knowledge of the Credit Parties, nothing has occurred subsequent to the issuance of such determination letter which would cause such Pension Plan to lose its qualified status except where such event would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (c) except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, no liability to the PBGC (other than required premium payments), the Internal Revenue Service, any Pension Plan (other than for routine claims and required funding obligations in the ordinary course) or any trust established under Title IV of ERISA has been incurred by any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates, (d) no ERISA Event has occurred, (e) except to the extent required under Section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 601 et seq. of ERISA or similar state laws, no Pension Plan provides health or welfare benefits (through the purchase of insurance or otherwise) for any retired or former employee of any Credit Party, (f) the present value of the aggregate benefit liabilities under each Pension Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates (determined as of the end of the most recent plan year on the basis of the actuarial assumptions used for funding purposes in the most recent actuarial valuation for such Pension Plan), did not exceed the aggregate current value of the assets of such Pension Plan, (g) as of the most recent valuation date for each Multiemployer Plan for which the actuarial report is available, the potential liability of each Credit Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective ERISA Affiliates for a complete withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan (within the meaning of Section 4203 of ERISA), when aggregated with such potential liability for a complete withdrawal from all Multiemployer Plans, based on information

 

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available pursuant to Section 4221(e) of ERISA is zero, and (h)  each Credit Party, each of its Subsidiaries and each of their ERISA Affiliates have complied with the requirements of Section 515 of ERISA with respect to each Multiemployer Plan and are not in material “default” (as defined in Section 4219(c)(5) of ERISA) with respect to payments to a Multiemployer Plan.

 

Section 5.18                             Solvency.  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis are and, upon the incurrence of any Credit Extension on any date on which this representation and warranty is made, will be, Solvent.

 

Section 5.19                             Compliance with Laws.  Each Credit Party and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with (a) the Patriot Act and OFAC rules and regulations and (b) except such non-compliance with such other Applicable Laws that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, all other Applicable Laws.  Each Credit Party possesses all certificates, authorities or permits issued by appropriate Governmental Authorities necessary to conduct the business now operated by them and the failure of which to have could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and have not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authority or permit the failure of which to have or retain could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.20                             Security Interests.  On the Effective Date, each of the Collateral Documents creates, as security for the Obligations purported to be secured thereby, a valid and enforceable (and, to the extent perfection thereof can be accomplished pursuant to the filings or other actions required by the Collateral Documents and such filings or other actions are required to have been made or taken, perfected) security interest in and Lien on all of the Collateral subject thereto, superior to and prior to the rights of all third Persons and subject to no other Liens (except that the Collateral may be subject to Permitted Liens relating thereto), in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations.  No filings or recordings are required in order to perfect the security interests created under any Collateral Document that are required by the Collateral Documents to be perfected except for filings or recordings which shall have been made upon or prior to the execution and delivery thereof.

 

Section 5.21                             Disclosure.  The representations and warranties of the Credit Parties contained in any Credit Document and in any other documents, certificates or written statements furnished to the Lenders by or on behalf of any Credit Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries for use in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (other than projections and pro forma financial information contained in such materials), taken as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact (known to any Credit Party, in the case of any document not furnished by any of them) necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or therein not misleading in light of the circumstances in which the same were made.  Any projections and pro forma financial information contained in such materials are based upon good faith estimates and assumptions believed by the Credit Parties to be reasonable at the time made, it being recognized by the Lenders that such projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts and that actual results during the period or periods covered by any such projections may differ from the projected results.  There are no facts known (or which should upon the reasonable exercise of diligence be known) to any Credit Party (other than matters of a general economic nature) that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and that have not been disclosed herein or in such other documents, certificates and statements furnished to the Lenders for use in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 5.22                             Insurance.  The properties of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of such Persons, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where the applicable Credit Party or the

 

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applicable Subsidiary operates.  The insurance coverage of the Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries as in effect on the Effective Date is outlined as to carrier, policy number, expiration date, type, amount and deductibles on Schedule 5.22.

 

Section 5.23                             Pledge Agreement and Security Agreement.  The Pledge Agreement and the Security Agreement are effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral identified therein, except to the extent the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by equitable principles of law (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law) and the need to obtain governmental approval from Governmental Authorities prior to the foreclosure on the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary that is a regulated entity, and the Pledge Agreement and the Security Agreement shall create a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the obligors thereunder in such Collateral, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Lien (i) with respect to any such Collateral that is a “security” (as such term is defined in the UCC) and is evidenced by a certificate, when such Collateral is delivered to the Collateral Agent with duly executed stock powers with respect thereto, (ii) with respect to any such Collateral that is a “security” (as such term is defined in the UCC) but is not evidenced by a certificate, when UCC financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the appropriate filing offices in the jurisdiction of organization of the pledgor or when “control” (as such term is defined in the UCC) is established by the Collateral Agent over such interests in accordance with the provision of Section 8-106 of the UCC, or any successor provision, and (iii) with respect to any such Collateral that is not a “security” (as such term is defined in the UCC), when UCC financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the appropriate filing offices in the jurisdiction of organization of the pledgor (to the extent such security interest can be perfected by filing under the UCC).

 

Section 5.24                              Mortgages.  Each of the Mortgages is effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Real Estate Assets identified therein in conformity with Applicable Laws, except to the extent the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by equitable principles of law (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law) and, when the Mortgages and UCC financing statements in appropriate form are duly recorded at the locations identified in the Mortgages, and recording or similar taxes, if any, are paid, the Mortgages shall constitute a legal, valid and enforceable Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in such Real Estate Assets, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Lien (other than Permitted Liens).

 

Section 6                                             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

Each Credit Party covenants and agrees that until the Obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents shall have been paid in full or otherwise satisfied, and the Revolving Commitments hereunder shall have expired or been terminated, each Credit Party shall perform, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to perform, all covenants in this Section 6.

 

Section 6.1                                    Financial Statements and Other Reports.  The Borrower will deliver to the Administrative Agent:

 

(a)                                 Quarterly Financial Statements.  Upon the earlier of the date that is fifty (50) days after the end of each of the first three (3) Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower or the date such information is filed with the SEC, the consolidated balance sheets of the Consolidated Group as at the end of such Fiscal Quarter and the related consolidated

 

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statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Consolidated Group for such Fiscal Quarter and for the period from the beginning of the then current Fiscal Year to the end of such Fiscal Quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding periods of the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail and consistent in all material respects with the manner of presentation as of the Effective Date, together with a Financial Officer Certification with respect thereto;

 

(b)                                 Annual Financial Statements.  Upon the earlier of the date that is one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower or the date such information is filed with the SEC, (i) the consolidated balance sheets of the Consolidated Group as at the end of such Fiscal Year and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the corresponding figures for the previous Fiscal Year, in reasonable detail and consistent in all material respects with the manner of presentation as of the Effective Date, together with a Financial Officer Certification with respect thereto; and (ii) with respect to such consolidated financial statements a report thereon of Ernst & Young LLP or other independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Borrower, which report shall be unqualified as to going concern and scope of audit, and shall state that such consolidated financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Consolidated Group as at the dates indicated and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the periods indicated in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with prior years (except as otherwise disclosed in such financial statements), together with a certificate of its independent certified public accountants certifying such financial statements and stating that in making the examination necessary therefor no knowledge was obtained of any Default under the financial covenants set forth herein or, if any such Default shall exist, stating the nature and status of such event;

 

(c)                                  Compliance Certificate.  Together with each delivery of financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 6.1(a) and Section 6.1(b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate with a Financial Officer Certification (i) setting forth computations in reasonable detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent demonstrating compliance with the financial covenants contained herein, (ii) certifying that no Default or Event of Default exists as of the date thereof (or the nature and extent thereof and proposed actions with respect thereto) and (iii) including a summary of all material changes in GAAP and in the consistent application thereof, the effect on the financial covenants resulting therefrom, and a reconciliation between calculation of the financial covenants before and after giving effect to such changes.

 

(d)                                 Annual Budget.  As soon as available, but in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower, forecasts prepared by management of the Borrower, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, of consolidated balance sheets and statements of income or operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a quarterly basis for the first Fiscal Year and then on an annual basis for each Fiscal Year thereafter through the Revolving Commitment Termination Date;

 

(e)                                  Statements of Reconciliation after Change in Accounting Principles.  Promptly upon any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(f)                                   Notice of Default and Material Adverse Effect.  Promptly upon any Authorized Officer of any Credit Party obtaining knowledge (i) of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default or that notice has been given to any Credit Party with respect

 

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thereto; (ii) that any Person has given any notice to any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries or taken any other action with respect to any event or condition set forth in Section 9.1(b); or (iii) of the occurrence of any Material Adverse Effect, a certificate of its Authorized Officers specifying the nature and period of existence of such condition, event or change, or specifying the notice given and action taken by any such Person and the nature of such claimed Event of Default, Default, event or condition or change, and what action the Credit Parties have taken, are taking and propose to take with respect thereto;

 

(g)                                  Notice of Litigation.  Promptly upon any officer of any Credit Party obtaining knowledge of (i) the institution of, or non-frivolous threat of, any Adverse Proceeding not previously disclosed in writing by the Credit Parties to the Lenders, or (ii) any material development in any Adverse Proceeding that, in the case of either clause (i) or (ii) could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or seeks to enjoin or otherwise prevent the consummation of, or to recover any damages or obtain relief as a result of, the transactions contemplated hereby, written notice thereof together with such other information as may be reasonably available to the Credit Parties to enable the Lenders and their counsel to evaluate such matters;

 

(h)                                 ERISA.  (i) Promptly upon becoming aware of the occurrence of any ERISA Event, a written notice specifying the nature thereof, what action any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates has taken, is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and, when known, any action taken or threatened in writing by the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor or the PBGC with respect thereto; and (ii) with reasonable promptness, copies of (1) each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates with respect to each Pension Plan; (2) all notices received by any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor concerning an ERISA Event; and (3) copies of such other documents or governmental reports or filings relating to any Pension Plan as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request;

 

(i)                                     Information Submitted to Board of Directors.  Promptly after any request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of the Borrower by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any audit of any of them, provided that the Administrative Agent or any such Lender shall negotiate in good faith to enter into any non-reliance agreements reasonably requested by such independent accountants;

 

(j)                                    SEC Filings.  Promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Borrower, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements that the Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;

 

(k)                                 SEC Investigations.  Promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such

 

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agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Credit Party or any Subsidiary thereof; and

 

(l)                                     Other Information.  (i) Promptly upon their becoming available, copies of all financial statements, reports, notices and proxy statements sent or made available generally by the Borrower to its security holders acting in such capacity or by any Subsidiary of the Borrower to its security holders, if any, other than the Borrower or another Subsidiary of the Borrower, provided that no Credit Party shall be required to deliver to the Administrative Agent or any Lender the minutes of any meeting of its Board of Directors, and (ii) such other information and data with respect to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as from time to time may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders.

 

Each notice pursuant to clauses (e) through (k) of this Section 6.1 shall be accompanied by a statement of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.  Each notice pursuant to Section 6.1(f) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Credit Document that have been breached.

 

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(a) or (b) or Section 6.1(j) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Appendix B; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and, upon request, provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents.  Information required to be delivered pursuant to this Section may also be delivered by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld).

 

Section 6.2                                    Existence.  Except in connection with a transaction permitted under Section 7.9, each Credit Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, at all times preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and all rights and franchises, licenses and permits material to its business.

 

Section 6.3                                    Payment of Taxes and Claims.  Each Credit Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay (a) all federal Taxes and all other material Taxes imposed upon it or any of its properties or assets or in respect of any of its income, businesses or franchises before any penalty or fine accrues thereon, and (b) all claims (including claims for labor, services, materials and supplies) for sums that have become due and payable and that by law have or may become a Lien upon any of its properties or assets, prior to the time when any penalty or fine shall be incurred with respect thereto; provided, no such Tax or claim need be paid if it is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted, so long as (i) adequate reserve or other appropriate provision, as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor, and (ii) in the case of a Tax or claim which has or may become a Lien against any of the Collateral, such contest proceedings conclusively operate to stay the sale of any portion of the Collateral to satisfy such Tax or claim.

 

Section 6.4                                    Maintenance of Properties.  Except as otherwise permitted by Section 7.10, each Credit Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain or cause to be maintained in good repair, working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, all material properties used or

 

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necessary in the business of any Credit Party and its Subsidiaries and from time to time will make or cause to be made all appropriate repairs, renewals and replacements thereof.

 

Section 6.5                                      Insurance.  The Credit Parties will maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers, property insurance, such public liability insurance, third party property damage insurance with respect to liabilities, losses or damage in respect of the assets, properties and businesses of each Credit Party and its Subsidiaries as may customarily be carried or maintained under similar circumstances by Persons of established reputation engaged in similar businesses, in each case in such amounts, with such deductibles, covering such risks and otherwise on such terms and conditions as shall be customary for such Persons.

 

Section 6.6                                    Inspections.  Each Credit Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at the expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided, however, that when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice.  Administrative Agent and Lenders shall endeavor to coordinate all such visits and inspections in order to minimize interference with Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ business; provided, so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and is then continuing, there shall be no more than two such visits and inspections with respect to all Credit Parties in any Fiscal Year.

 

Section 6.7                                    Compliance with Laws.  Each Credit Party will comply, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, with the requirements of (a) the Patriot Act and OFAC rules and regulations, (b) all other Applicable Laws, noncompliance with which, with respect to clause (b), could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 6.8                                    Use of Proceeds.  The Credit Parties will use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions for (a) working capital, (b) Permitted Acquisitions, (c) capital expenditures, (d) the refinancing of Indebtedness under the ITC^Deltacom Notes on the Effective Date and (e) other general corporate purposes, in each case not in contravention of Applicable Laws or of any Credit Document.  No portion of the proceeds of any Credit Extension shall be used in any manner that causes such Credit Extension or the application of such proceeds to violate Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as in effect from time to time or any other regulation thereof or to violate the Exchange Act.

 

Section 6.9                                   Environmental.  Each Credit Party shall promptly take, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries promptly to take, any and all actions necessary to (i) cure any violation of applicable Environmental Laws by such Credit Party or its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) make an appropriate response to any Environmental Claim against such Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries and discharge any obligations it may have to any Person thereunder where failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 6.10                             Joinder of Guarantors.

 

(a)                                 With respect to each Regulated Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary, the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain (or cause to be obtained) all necessary regulatory approvals to allow such Domestic Subsidiary to become a Guarantor hereunder and shall then (i) promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after such Regulated Subsidiary receives all such necessary regulatory approvals (or such later date as the Administrative Agent shall approve), cause such Regulated Subsidiary to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent a Guarantor Joinder Agreement, and (ii) take all such actions and execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments, agreements, and certificates as requested by the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, including without limitation documents and other items similar to those described in Section 4.1(b), Section 4.1(c), and Section 4.1(d).

 

(b)                                 In the event that any Person becomes a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary, Immaterial Subsidiary or any Regulated Subsidiary, subject to the terms of Section 6.10(a)) of any Credit Party on or after the Effective Date, such Domestic Subsidiary shall (i) promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after such Person becomes a Domestic Subsidiary (or such later date as the Administrative Agent shall approve), execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent a Guarantor Joinder Agreement, and (ii) take all such actions and execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments, agreements, and certificates as requested by the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, including without limitation documents and other items similar to those described in Section 4.1(b), Section 4.1(c), and Section 4.1(d).

 

(c)                                  The Borrower and each Person required pursuant to subsection (a) or subsection (b) of this Section to become a Guarantor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all regulatory approvals required for such Person to become a Guarantor; provided, however, that such commercially reasonable efforts shall not require the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to make any payments in excess of normal fees and costs to or at the direction of Governmental Authorities, or to change the manner in which the Borrower and its Subsidiaries conduct business in any respect that the management of the Borrower reasonably determines in good faith to be materially adverse or materially burdensome.

 

(d)                                 If any Subsidiary (including any Immaterial Subsidiary or any Regulated Subsidiary) of any Credit Party that is not a Guarantor provides a guaranty in respect of the Senior Secured Notes, any Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.1(n) or any Permitted Senior Unsecured Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.1(m), the applicable Credit Party shall cause such Subsidiary to, concurrent with providing the guaranty in respect of the Senior Secured Notes, such Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness or such Permitted Senior Unsecured Indebtedness, (i) become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to a Guarantor Joinder Agreement or such other documents as the Administrative Agent shall deem reasonably appropriate for such purpose and (ii) take all such actions and execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments, agreements, and certificates as requested by the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, including without limitation documents and other items similar to those described in Section 4.1(b), Section 4.1(c), and Section 4.1(d).

 

Section 6.11                             Books and Records.  Each Credit Party will keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries shall be made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities to the extent necessary to prepare the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower in conformity with GAAP.

 

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Section 6.12                             Pledge of Personal Property Assets.

 

(a)                                 Equity Interests.  The Borrower and each other Credit Party shall cause (i) one hundred percent (100%) (or, if less, the full amount owned by such Person) of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each Domestic Subsidiary and (ii) sixty-six percent (66%) (or, if less, the full amount owned by such Person) of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)) and one hundred percent (100%) (or, if less, the full amount owned by such Person) of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests not entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)) of each First-Tier Foreign Subsidiary to be subject at all times to a perfected first priority security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents, together with opinions of counsel and any filings and deliveries or other items reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent necessary in connection therewith to perfect the security interests therein, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.12, none of the Credit Parties shall be required to pledge the Equity Interests of any of its Regulated Subsidiaries until all necessary regulatory approvals for such pledge of Equity Interests have been received, which such regulatory approvals the Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to diligently pursue (provided, however, that such commercially reasonable efforts shall not require the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to make any payments in excess of normal fees and costs to or at the direction of Governmental Authorities, or to change the manner in which the Borrower and its Subsidiaries conduct business in any respect that the management of the Borrower reasonably determines in good faith to be materially adverse or materially burdensome).

 

(b)                                 Other Personal Property.  The Borrower and each other Credit Party shall (i) cause all of its owned personal property other than Excluded Property to be subject at all times to a perfected first priority Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, to secure the Obligations pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents or, with respect to any such property acquired subsequent to the Effective Date, such other additional security documents as the Administrative Agent shall request, subject in any case to Permitted Liens and (ii) deliver such other documentation as the Administrative Agent may request in connection with the foregoing, including, without limitation, appropriate UCC-1 financing statements, certified resolutions and other organizational and authorizing documents of such Person, favorable opinions of counsel to such Person (which shall cover, among other things, the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability of the documentation referred to above and the perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Liens thereunder) and other items of the types required to be delivered pursuant to Section 4.1(d), all in form, content and scope satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

Section 6.13                             Real Estate Assets.

 

(a)                                   In the event that any Credit Party acquires a Real Estate Asset (other than any Real Estate Asset constituting Excluded Property) after the Effective Date, then such Credit Party, as soon as practicable, and in any event no later than sixty (60) days (or such later date as agreed by the Collateral Agent) after acquiring such Real Estate Asset, shall take all such actions and execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such Mortgages, documents, instruments, agreements, opinions and certificates similar to those described in clause (b) immediately below that the Collateral Agent shall reasonably request to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a valid and, subject to any filing and/or recording referred to herein, enforceable first priority security interest in such Real Estate Assets.  The Administrative Agent may, in its reasonable judgment, grant extensions of time for compliance or exceptions with the provisions of this Section 6.13 by any Credit Party.  In addition to the foregoing, the Borrower shall, at the request of the Required Lenders, deliver, from time to time, to the Administrative Agent such appraisals as are required by law or

 

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regulation of Real Estate Assets with respect to which the Collateral Agent has been granted a Lien.

 

(b)                                   In order to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a valid and, subject to any filing and/or recording referred to herein, enforceable first priority security interest in any Real Estate Assets of any Credit Party owned in fee simple that does not constitute Excluded Property, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall have received from the Credit Parties with respect to such Real Estate Asset:

 

(i)                                      fully executed and notarized Mortgages, in proper form for recording in all appropriate places in all applicable jurisdictions, encumbering such Real Estate Asset;

 

(ii)                                   an opinion of counsel (which counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent) in each state in which such Real Estate Asset is located with respect to the enforceability of the form(s) of Mortgages to be recorded in such state and such other matters as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent;

 

(iii)                                (a) ALTA mortgagee title insurance policies or unconditional commitments therefor issued by one or more title companies reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent (each, a “Title Policy”) with respect to such Real Estate Asset, in amounts not less than the fair market value of such Real Estate Asset, together with a title report issued by a title company with respect thereto and copies of all recorded documents listed as exceptions to title or otherwise referred to therein, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and (b) evidence satisfactory to the Collateral Agent that such Credit Party has paid to the title company or to the appropriate Governmental Authorities all expenses and premiums of the title company and all other sums required in connection with the issuance of each Title Policy and all recording and stamp taxes (including mortgage recording and intangible taxes) payable in connection with recording the Mortgage for such Real Estate Asset in the appropriate real estate records;

 

(iv)                               evidence of flood insurance with respect to each Flood Hazard Property that is located in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, in each case in compliance with any applicable regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent; and

 

(v)                                  if an exception to the Title Policy with respect to a Mortgage Property would arise without such ALTA surveys, ALTA surveys of such Real Estate Asset.

 

Section 6.14                                Further Assurances Regarding Certain Collateral.  Within sixty (60) days of the Effective Date (or such later date as agreed by the Collateral Agent), the Borrower and/or the applicable Credit Party shall take all such actions necessary to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, Mortgages with respect to the Real Estate Assets located at (a) 1530 DeltaCom Dr., Anniston, AL 36207, (b) 8830 US Hwy 231, Arab, AL 35016, (c) 12928 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70126 and (d) 101 Rains Ave., Nashville, TN 37203 together with all documents, instruments, agreements, opinions and certificates similar to those described in Section 6.13(b) that the Collateral Agent shall reasonably request to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a valid and, subject to any filing and/or recording referred to herein, enforceable first priority security interest in each Real Estate Asset.

 

Section 6.15                               Further Assurances.  At any time or from time to time upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, each Credit Party will, at its expense,

 

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promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver such further documents and do such other acts and things as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may reasonably request in order to effect fully the purposes of the Credit Documents, including without limitation providing the Lenders with any information reasonably requested pursuant to Section 11.19.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each Credit Party shall take such actions as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may reasonably request from time to time to ensure that the Obligations are guaranteed by the Guarantors and are secured by the assets of each Credit Party and its Subsidiaries that are required to be Collateral, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests of each Credit Party and its Subsidiaries (subject to limitations contained in the Credit Documents with respect to Foreign Subsidiaries).

 

Section 7                                             NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

Each Credit Party covenants and agrees that until the Obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents shall have been paid in full or otherwise satisfied, and the Revolving Commitments hereunder shall have expired or been terminated, each Credit Party shall perform, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to perform, all covenants in this Section 7.

 

Section 7.1                                    Indebtedness.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or guaranty, or otherwise become or remain directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness, except:

 

(a)                                 the Obligations;

 

(b)                                 Indebtedness (i) of any Credit Party owed to any other Credit Party, (ii) of any Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party owed to any other Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party, (iii) permitted under clause (i) or (ii) of Section 7.6(g) or (iv) incurred as part of the Borrower’s consolidated cash management operations in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c)                                  Support Obligations;

 

(d)                                 Indebtedness existing on the Effective Date and described in Schedule 7.1, together with any Permitted Refinancing thereof;

 

(e)                                  Indebtedness in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time $65,000,000 with respect to (x) Capital Leases and (y) purchase money Indebtedness; provided, in the case of clause (x), that any such Indebtedness shall be secured only by the asset subject to such Capital Lease, and, in the case of clause (y), that any such Indebtedness shall be secured only by the asset acquired in connection with the incurrence of such Indebtedness;

 

(f)                                   Indebtedness in respect of (i) performance, surety, bid, appeal or similar bonds, completion guarantees or similar instruments, including letters of credit and bankers acceptances to assure performance of obligations (and not incurred for the purpose or with the effect of borrowing money), in each case provided in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any Hedging Transaction that is entered into in the ordinary course of business to hedge or mitigate risks to which any Credit Party is exposed in the conduct of its business or the management of its liabilities;

 

(g)                                  Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries under the Senior Secured Notes;

 

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(h)                                 Indebtedness of any Person acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition (“Acquisition Indebtedness”) and assumed by the Borrower or such Subsidiary pursuant to such acquisition, together with any Permitted Refinancing thereof, provided that (i) such Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition, (ii) such Indebtedness (together with any Permitted Refinancing thereof) shall not be secured by any assets other than some or all of the assets securing the acquired Indebtedness prior to such acquisition, (iii) immediately after the assumption thereof and giving effect thereto on a Pro Forma Basis, (A) if the Acquisition Indebtedness is unsecured, the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 3.25:1.0, (B) if the Acquisition Indebtedness is secured, the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 2.5:1.0 and the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 3.25:1.0 and (D) no Default or Event of Default shall exist and (iv) if such acquired Person is incorporated, organized or existing in the United States, such acquired Person shall either be or become a Guarantor or be merged with or consolidated into a Guarantor substantially concurrently with the assumption of the Acquisition Indebtedness.

 

(i)                                     unsecured guaranties with respect to bonds issued to support workers’ compensation, unemployment or other insurance or self-insurance obligations, and similar obligations, in each case, incurred by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(j)                                    Indebtedness in the form of any earnout or other similar contingent payment obligation incurred in connection with a Permitted Acquisition;

 

(k)                                 Indebtedness arising in the ordinary course of business under letters of credit (excluding Letters of Credit hereunder) provided for the account of any member of the Consolidated Group in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time $25,000,000;

 

(l)                                     Indebtedness arising in the ordinary course of business in respect of netting services, overdraft protections, cash or treasury management services and otherwise in connection with deposit accounts;

 

(m)                             Permitted Senior Unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including unsecured Subordinated Debt), so long as prior to the incurrence thereof, the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of the Borrower signed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower certifying and demonstrating in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the incurrence of any such Permitted Senior Unsecured Indebtedness or Subordinated Debt, as applicable, (i) the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 3.25:1.0, and (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall exist;

 

(n)                                 Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, so long as prior to the incurrence thereof, the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of the Borrower signed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower certifying and demonstrating in detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the incurrence of any such Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness, (i) the Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 2.5:1.0, (ii) the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 3.25:1.0 and (iii) no Default or Event of Default shall exist;

 

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(o)                                 Indebtedness of all Foreign Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time $20,000,000; provided that such Indebtedness is non-recourse to the Borrower or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries except to the extent permitted in Section 7.6(m); and

 

(p)                                 Indebtedness of each Credit Party and its Subsidiaries not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time $20,000,000.

 

Section 7.2                                    Liens.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on or with respect to any property or asset of any kind (including any document or instrument in respect of goods or accounts receivable) of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, created or licensed or any income, profits or royalties therefrom, or file or permit the filing of, or permit to remain in effect, any financing statement or other similar notice of any Lien with respect to any such property, asset, income, profits or royalties under the UCC of any State or under any similar recording or notice statute or under any Applicable Laws related to intellectual property, except:

 

(a)                                 Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations granted pursuant to any Credit Document;

 

(b)                                 Liens for Taxes not yet due or for Taxes if obligations with respect to such Taxes are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted;

 

(c)                                  Liens of landlords, banks, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, repairmen, workmen and materialmen, and other Liens imposed by law (other than any such Lien imposed pursuant to Section 430(k) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 303(k) or 4068 of ERISA that would constitute an Event of Default under Section 9.1(j)), in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business (i) for amounts not yet overdue, or (ii) for amounts that are overdue and that (in the case of any such amounts overdue for a period in excess of thirty (30) days) are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, so long as such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made for any such contested amounts;

 

(d)                                 Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security, or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, trade contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations (exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money or other Indebtedness), so long as no foreclosure, sale or similar proceedings have been commenced with respect to any portion of the Collateral on account thereof;

 

(e)                                  easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, and other minor defects or irregularities in title, in each case which do not and will not interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(f)                                   any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor under any lease of real estate permitted hereunder;

 

(g)                                  Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;

 

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(h)                                 purported Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary UCC financing statements relating solely to operating leases of personal property entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(i)                                     Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities or brokers to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

 

(j)                                    any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any governmental office or agency to control or regulate the use of any real property;

 

(k)                                 licenses of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights granted by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of such Credit Party or such Subsidiary;

 

(l)                                     Liens existing as of the Effective Date and described in Schedule 7.2;

 

(m)                             Liens securing purchase money Indebtedness and Capital Leases to the extent permitted pursuant to Section 7.1(e); provided, any such Lien shall encumber only the asset acquired with the proceeds of such Indebtedness or the assets subject to such Capital Lease, respectively;

 

(n)                                 Liens in favor of any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender on cash collateral securing the obligations of a Defaulting Lender to fund risk participations hereunder;

 

(o)                                 Liens securing the obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries under the Senior Secured Notes; provided that such Liens are subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(p)                                 Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 9.1(h) or securing appeal or other surety bonds relating to such judgments;

 

(q)                                 Liens securing letters of credit or trade letters of credit to the extent that such letters of credit are permitted under Section 7.1(k); provided that no letter of credit or any related credit facility shall be secured by any assets of a Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries other than (i) the assets being acquired or shipped pursuant to such letter of credit or (ii) cash in an amount not in excess of the letters of credit secured thereby;

 

(r)                                    Liens securing Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.1(n);

 

(s)                                   Liens in favor of the trustee under any indenture (as provided for therein) on money or property held or collected by the trustee thereunder in its capacity as such in connection with the defeasance or discharge of Indebtedness thereunder, so long as the payment of such money or property to such trustee or administrative agent would be permitted by this Agreement;

 

(t)                                    Liens securing any obligations incurred in connection with Federal Stimulus Grant Funds used to finance the cost (including the cost of design, development, acquisition, construction, installation, improvement, transportation or integration and all transaction costs related to the foregoing) of the item of property or assets subject thereto and such Lien is created prior to, at the time of or within one hundred eighty (180) days after the latest of the acquisition,

 

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the completion of construction or the commencement of full operation of such property; provided, however, that any such Lien shall not extend to or cover any property or assets other than such property or assets included in the project financed with such Federal Stimulus Grant Funds, together with any replacements of or improvements on such item;

 

(u)                                 Liens securing obligations of Foreign Subsidiaries; provided that such Liens shall encumber only the property of Foreign Subsidiaries; and

 

(v)                                 Liens not otherwise permitted hereunder securing Indebtedness and other obligations not in excess of $20,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.

 

Section 7.3                                    No Further Negative Pledges.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any contractual obligation (other than this Agreement and the other Credit Documents) that limits the ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations; provided, however, that this Section 7.3 shall not prohibit (i) any negative pledge incurred or provided in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.1 solely to the extent any such negative pledge relates to the property financed by or subject to Permitted Liens securing such Indebtedness, (ii) any Permitted Lien or any document or instrument governing any Permitted Lien; provided that any such restriction contained therein relates only to the asset or assets subject to such Permitted Lien, (iii) customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the disposition of any property or assets permitted under Section 7.10 pending the consummation of such disposition, (iv) customary provisions restricting assignments, subletting or other transfers contained in leases, licenses, joint venture agreements and similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and (v) until such time as the Senior Secured Notes have been redeemed, repaid or otherwise satisfied in full, any limitation under the Senior Secured Notes Indenture.

 

Section 7.4                                    Restricted Payments.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates through any manner or means or through any other Person to, directly or indirectly, declare, order, pay, make or set apart, or agree to declare, order, pay, make or set apart, any sum for any Restricted Payment except as follows:

 

(a)                                 Subsidiaries of the Borrower may pay dividends and make distributions in respect of their Equity Interests;

 

(b)                                 the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition for value of Equity Interests of the Borrower (or of option warrants or other rights to acquire such Equity Interests) tendered by the holder thereof in payment of withholding or other taxes relating to the vesting, delivery, exercise, exchange or conversion of options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, warrants or other rights relating to, or representing rights to acquire, Equity Interests of the Borrower by executives and directors of the Borrower;

 

(c)                                  the Borrower may (i) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares of its Equity Interests or warrants or options to acquire any such shares with the proceeds received from the substantially concurrent issue of new shares of its Equity Interests and (ii) so long as no Default or Event of Default then exists or results therefrom, (A) pay a dividend of up to $0.05 per share per Fiscal Quarter with respect to the Borrower’s outstanding common stock; (B) make dividend payments (in addition to any dividend per share per Fiscal Quarter permitted under clause (A)) and share repurchases in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $30,000,000 per Fiscal Year (the “Annual Limit”) plus up to $20,000,0000 of any unused amount of the Annual Limit for Fiscal Years ended after the Effective Date, so long as the Borrower provides a certificate

 

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executed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower, in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, demonstrating on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to any such Restricted Payment, (x) the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 3.0:1.0 and (y) there shall be Liquidity of at least $10,000,000, and (C) dividend payments and share repurchases without limitation, so long as the Borrower provides a certificate executed by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower, in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, demonstrating on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to any such Restricted Payment, (x) the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 2.5:1.0 and (y) there shall be Liquidity of at least $10,000,000.  The certificate of an Authorized Officer required in connection with any Restricted Payment made pursuant to the foregoing clause (B) or (C) shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent (x) with respect to any Restricted Payment not in excess of $5,000,000, not later than two (2) Business Days after such Restricted Payment has been made and (y) with respect to any Restricted Payment in excess of $5,000,000, at least two (2) Business Days prior such Restricted Payment.

 

Section 7.5                                    Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions.  Except as provided herein, no Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability of any Subsidiary of the Borrower to (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on any of such Subsidiary’s Equity Interests owned by the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower, (b) repay or prepay any Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower, (c) make loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower, or (d) transfer, lease or license any of its property or assets to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the Borrower other than (i) restrictions in agreements evidencing purchase money Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.1(e) that impose restrictions on the property so acquired, (ii) restrictions under this Agreement and the Credit Documents, (iii) restrictions in customary non-assignment agreements contained in agreements with respect to the purchase or sale of services, goods and other property in the ordinary course of business, (iv) customary subordination of subrogation, contribution and similar claims contained in guaranties permitted hereunder, (v) restrictions in agreements in existence on the Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 7.5, (vi) restrictions on property or assets of a Person acquired by the Borrower in effect at the time such Person is acquired and not create in contemplation of such Acquisition, (vii) customary restrictions contained in agreements pertaining to the sale or other disposition of assets of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, (viii) customary restrictions contained in any Permitted Senior Unsecured Indebtedness or Permitted Senior Secured Indebtedness and (ix) until such time as the Senior Secured Notes have been redeemed, repaid or otherwise satisfied in full, restrictions on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries contained in the Senior Secured Notes.

 

Section 7.6                                    Investments.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make or own any Investment in any Person, including any joint venture and any Foreign Subsidiary, except:

 

(a)                                 Investments in cash and Cash Equivalents;

 

(b)                                 Investments owned as of the Effective Date in any Subsidiary and Investments made after the Effective Date in any other Credit Party;

 

(c)                                  intercompany loans to the extent permitted under Section 7.1(b) and Support Obligations to the extent permitted under Section 7.1(c);

 

(d)                                 Investments existing on the Effective Date and described on Schedule 7.6;

 

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(e)                                  Investments constituting Hedging Transactions permitted by Section 7.1(f);

 

(f)                                   Permitted Acquisitions;

 

(g)                                  Investments (i) by any Credit Party in any other Credit Party, (ii) by any Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party in the Borrower or any other Subsidiary and (iii) by any Credit Party in any Subsidiary that is not a Credit Party; provided that the aggregate amount of Investments under this clause (iii) (on a cost basis) outstanding at any time shall not exceed $20,000,000;

 

(h)                                 Investments consisting of non-cash consideration received in connection with an Asset Sale permitted hereunder;

 

(i)                                     Investments consisting of Equity Interests, securities or notes received in settlement of accounts receivable incurred in the ordinary course of business from a customer that the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower has reasonably determined is unable to make cash payments in accordance with the terms of such account receivable;

 

(j)                                    accounts receivable created or acquired, and deposits, prepayments and other credits to suppliers made, in the ordinary course of business;

 

(k)                                 prepaid expenses and lease, utility, workers’ compensation, performance and other similar deposits made in the ordinary course of business;

 

(l)                                     to the extent permitted under Applicable Laws, loans to officers, directors and employees in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

(m)                             guarantees by the Borrower of Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted by Section 7.1(o); and

 

(n)                                 other Investments not listed above and not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed $10,000,000 at any time.

 

Section 7.7                                    Use of Proceeds.  No Credit Party shall use the proceeds of any Credit Extension of the Loans except pursuant to Section 6.8.

 

Section 7.8                                    Financial Covenants.

 

(a)                                 Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio.  The Borrower shall not permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter to be less than 3.0 to 1.0; and

 

(b)                                 Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio.  The Borrower shall not permit the Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter to exceed 3.5 to 1.0.

 

Section 7.9                                    Fundamental Changes; Disposition of Assets; Acquisitions.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any Acquisition or transaction of merger or consolidation, or liquidate, wind-up or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution), or make any Asset Sale, or acquire by purchase or otherwise (other than purchases or other acquisitions of inventory and materials and the acquisition of equipment and capital expenditures in the ordinary course of business) the business, property or fixed assets of, or Equity Interests or other evidence of beneficial ownership of, any Person or any division or line of business or other business unit of any Person, except:

 

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(a)                                 any Subsidiary of the Borrower may be merged with or into the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, or be liquidated, wound up or dissolved, or all or any part of its business, property or assets may be conveyed, sold, leased, transferred or otherwise disposed of, in one transaction or a series of transactions, to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided, in the case of such a merger, the Borrower (if the Borrower is a party to such merger) shall be the continuing or surviving Person, or a Credit Party (if a Credit Party other than the Borrower is a party to such merger) shall be the continuing or surviving Person;

 

(b)                                 Asset Sales, the proceeds of which when aggregated with the proceeds of all other Asset Sales made within the same Fiscal Year, do not exceed $25,000,000; provided (1) the consideration received for such assets shall be in an amount at least equal to the fair market value thereof (determined in good faith by the board of directors of the applicable Credit Party (or similar governing body)), and (2) no less than eighty percent (80%) of such proceeds shall be paid in cash; and

 

(c)                                  Investments made in accordance with Section 7.6.

 

Section 7.10                             Disposal of Subsidiary Interests.  Except for any sale of all of its interests in the Equity Interests of any of its Subsidiaries in compliance with the provisions of Section 7.9 and except for Liens securing the Obligations, no Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (a) directly or indirectly sell, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of any Equity Interests of any of its Subsidiaries, except to qualify directors if required by Applicable Laws; or (b) permit any of its Subsidiaries directly or indirectly to sell, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of any Equity Interests of any of its Subsidiaries, except to another Credit Party (subject to the restrictions on such disposition otherwise imposed hereunder), or to qualify directors if required by Applicable Laws.

 

Section 7.11                             Transactions with Shareholders and Affiliates.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or permit to exist any transaction (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any holder of five percent (5%) or more of any class of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or with any Affiliate of the Borrower or of any such holder, on terms that are less favorable to the Borrower or that Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that might be obtained at the time from a Person who is not such a holder or Affiliate; provided, the foregoing restriction shall not apply to (a) any transaction between or among Credit Parties or between or among Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are not Credit Parties; (b) reasonable and customary fees paid to members of the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; (c) compensation arrangements for officers and other employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of business; and (d) transactions with any Person that is an Affiliate by reason of the ownership by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of Equity Interests of such Person.

 

Section 7.12                             Prepayment of Other Funded Debt.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

 

(a)                                 after the issuance thereof, amend or modify (or permit the amendment or modification of) the terms of any Funded Debt in a manner adverse to the interests of the Lenders (including specifically shortening any maturity or average life to maturity or requiring any payment sooner than previously scheduled or increasing the interest rate or fees applicable thereto); or

 

(b)                                 except in connection with (i) the repurchase or redemption of the ITC^Deltacom Notes, (ii) a refinancing or refunding permitted hereunder or (iii) any prepayment, redemption, defeasance or acquisition out of the proceeds of any equity offering of the Borrower, make any prepayment, redemption,

 

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defeasance or acquisition for value of (including by way of depositing money or securities with the trustee with respect thereto before due for the purpose of paying when due), or refund, refinance or exchange of, any Funded Debt (other than the Indebtedness under the Credit Documents and Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.1(b)) other than regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest on such Funded Debt.

 

Section 7.13                             Conduct of Business.  From and after the Effective Date, no Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than the business of telecommunications, IP infrastructure and managed services or internet services and businesses that are substantially similar, related or incidental thereto.

 

Section 7.14                             Fiscal Year.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to change its Fiscal Year-end from December 31.

 

Section 7.15                             Amendments to Organizational Agreements/Contractual Obligations.  No Credit Party shall amend or permit any amendments to any Credit Party’s Organizational Documents or Contractual Obligations if such amendment could reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the Lenders or any Agent.

 

Section 7.16                             Capital Expenditures.  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall not permit Consolidated Capital Expenditures to exceed, (a) for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2013, $175,000,000, (b) for the period of four (4) Fiscal Quarters ending March 31, 2014, $165,000,000, (c) for the period of four (4) Fiscal Quarters ending June 30, 2014, $160,000,000, (d) for the period of four (4) Fiscal Quarters ending September 30, 2014, $155,000,000, (e) for the period of four (4) Fiscal Quarters ending December 31, 2014, $150,000,000 and (f) for the period of twelve (12) consecutive months ending January 31, 2015 and for each period of twelve (12) consecutive months ending thereafter, $150,000,000.

 

Section 7.17                             Applicability of Negative Covenants.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the negative covenants in this Section 7 shall not apply to any Regulated Subsidiary that has not received all necessary regulatory approvals to become a Guarantor hereunder.

 

Section 8                                             GUARANTY

 

Section 8.1                                    The Guaranty.

 

(a)                                 Each of the Guarantors hereby jointly and severally guarantees to the Administrative Agent, each Hedge Bank, each Treasury Management Bank and each of the other holders of the Obligations, as hereinafter provided, as primary obligor and not as surety, the prompt payment of the Obligations (the “Guaranteed Obligations”) in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration, as a mandatory cash collateralization or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof.  The Guarantors hereby further agree that if any of the Guaranteed Obligations are not paid in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration, as a mandatory cash collateralization or otherwise), the Guarantors will, jointly and severally, promptly pay the same, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration, as a mandatory cash collateralization or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.

 

(b)                                 Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, in any other of the Credit Documents, Secured Hedge Agreements, Secured Treasury Management Agreements or other documents relating to the Obligations, (i) the obligations of each Guarantor under this Agreement and the other

 

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Credit Documents shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render such obligations subject to avoidance under the Debtor Relief Laws or any comparable provisions of any applicable state law and (ii) the Guaranteed Obligations of a Guarantor shall exclude any Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to such Guarantor.

 

Section 8.2                                    Obligations Unconditional.  The obligations of the Guarantors under Section 8.1 are joint and several, absolute and unconditional, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of any of the Credit Documents, Secured Hedge Agreements, Secured Treasury Management Agreements or other documents relating to the Obligations, or any substitution, compromise, release, impairment or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor, it being the intent of this Section 8.2 that the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.  Each Guarantor agrees that such Guarantor shall have no right of subrogation, indemnity, reimbursement or contribution against the Borrower or any other Guarantor for amounts paid under this Section 8 until such time as the Obligations have been irrevocably paid in full and the commitments relating thereto have expired or been terminated.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of any Guarantor hereunder, which shall remain absolute and unconditional as described above:

 

(a)                                 at any time or from time to time, without notice to any Guarantor, the time for any performance of or compliance with any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived;

 

(b)                                 any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of any of the Credit Documents, any Secured Hedge Agreement, any Secured Treasury Management Agreement or other documents relating to the Guaranteed Obligations or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein shall be done or omitted;

 

(c)                                  the maturity of any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Obligations shall be modified, supplemented or amended in any respect, or any right under any of the Credit Documents, any Secured Hedge Agreement, any Secured Treasury Management Agreement or other documents relating to the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein shall be waived or any other guarantee of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security therefor shall be released, impaired or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with;

 

(d)                                 any Lien granted to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any of the holders of the Guaranteed Obligations as security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall fail to attach or be perfected; or

 

(e)                                  any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be determined to be void or voidable (including, without limitation, for the benefit of any creditor of any Guarantor) or shall be subordinated to the claims of any Person (including, without limitation, any creditor of any Guarantor).

 

With respect to its obligations hereunder, each Guarantor hereby expressly waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest notice of acceptance of the guaranty given hereby and of extensions of credit that may constitute obligations guaranteed hereby, notices of amendments, waivers and supplements to the Credit Documents, any Secured Hedge Agreement, any Secured Treasury

 

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Management Agreement and other documents relating to the Guaranteed Obligations, or the compromise, release or exchange of collateral or security, and all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that the Administrative Agent or any holder of the Guaranteed Obligations exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against any Person under any of the Credit Documents or any other documents relating to the Guaranteed Obligations or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein, or against any other Person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Obligations.

 

Section 8.3                                    Reinstatement.  Neither the Guarantors’ obligations hereunder nor any remedy for the enforcement thereof shall be impaired, modified, changed or released in any manner whatsoever by an impairment, modification, change, release or limitation of the liability of the Borrower, by reason of the Borrower’s bankruptcy or insolvency or by reason of the invalidity or unenforceability of all or any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.  The obligations of the Guarantors under this Section 8 shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of any Person in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings pursuant to any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, and each Guarantor agrees that it will indemnify the Administrative Agent and each holder of Guaranteed Obligations on demand for all reasonable costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel) incurred by the Administrative Agent or such holder of Guaranteed Obligations in connection with such rescission or restoration, including any such costs and expenses incurred in defending against any claim alleging that such payment constituted a preference, fraudulent transfer or similar payment under any Debtor Relief Law.

 

Section 8.4                                    Certain Waivers.  Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that (a) the guaranty given hereby may be enforced without the necessity of resorting to or otherwise exhausting remedies in respect of any other security or collateral interests, and without the necessity at any time of having to take recourse against the Borrower hereunder or against any collateral securing the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, (b) it will not assert any right to require the action first be taken against the Borrower or any other Person (including any co-guarantor) or pursuit of any other remedy or enforcement any other right and (c) nothing contained herein shall prevent or limit action being taken against the Borrower hereunder, under the other Credit Documents or the other documents and agreements relating to the Guaranteed Obligations or from foreclosing on any security or collateral interests relating hereto or thereto, or from exercising any other rights or remedies available in respect thereof, if the Borrower and the Guarantors shall not timely perform their obligations, and the exercise of any such rights and completion of any such foreclosure proceedings shall not constitute a discharge of the Guarantors’ obligations hereunder unless as a result thereof, the Guaranteed Obligations shall have been paid in full and the commitments relating thereto shall have expired or been terminated, it being the purpose and intent that the Guarantors’ obligations hereunder be absolute, irrevocable, independent and unconditional under all circumstances.

 

Section 8.5                                    Remedies.  The Guarantors agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the holders of the Guaranteed Obligations, on the other hand, the Guaranteed Obligations may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Section 9.2 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in Section 9.2) for purposes of Section 8.1, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or preventing the Guaranteed Obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against any other Person and that, in the event of such declaration (or the Guaranteed Obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), the Guaranteed Obligations (whether or not due and payable by any other Person) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for purposes of Section 9.1.  The Guarantors acknowledge and agree that the Guaranteed Obligations are secured in accordance with the terms of the Collateral Documents and that the holders of the Guaranteed Obligations may exercise their remedies thereunder in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

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Section 8.6                                    Rights of Contribution.  The Guarantors hereby agree as among themselves that, in connection with payments made hereunder, each Guarantor shall have a right of contribution from each other Guarantor in accordance with Applicable Laws.  Such contribution rights shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the Guaranteed Obligations until such time as the Guaranteed Obligations have been irrevocably paid in full and the commitments relating thereto shall have expired or been terminated, and none of the Guarantors shall exercise any such contribution rights until the Guaranteed Obligations have been irrevocably paid in full and the commitments relating thereto shall have expired or been terminated.

 

Section 8.7                                    Guaranty of Payment; Continuing Guaranty.  The guarantee in this Section 8 is a guaranty of payment and not of collection, and is a continuing guarantee, and shall apply to all Guaranteed Obligations whenever arising.

 

Section 8.8                                    Keepwell.  Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each Specified Credit Party to honor all of such Specified Credit Party’s obligations under the Guaranty and the Collateral Documents in respect of Swap Obligations (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 8.8 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP Guarantor’s obligations and undertakings under this Section 8, voidable under applicable Debtor Relief Laws, and not for any greater amount).  The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 8.8 shall remain in full force and effect until the Swap Obligations have been paid in full and the commitments relating thereto have expired or terminated, or, with respect to any Guarantor, if earlier, such Guarantor is released from its Guaranteed Obligations in accordance with Section 10.10(a).  Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 8.8 constitute, and this Section 8.8 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each Specified Credit Party for all purposes of section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Section 9                                             EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES; APPLICATION OF FUNDS.

 

Section 9.1                                    Events of Default.  Any of the following shall constitute an “Event of Default”:

 

(a)                                 Failure to Make Payments When Due.  Failure by any Credit Party to pay (i) the principal of any Loan when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise; (ii) within one (1) Business Day of when due any amount payable to any Issuing Bank in reimbursement of any drawing under a Letter of Credit; or (iii) within three (3) Business Days of when due any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount due hereunder; or

 

(b)                                 Default in Other Agreements.  (i) Failure of any Credit Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries to pay when due any principal of or interest on or any other amount payable in respect of one or more items of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness referred to in Section 9.1(a)) in an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 or more, in each case beyond the grace or cure period, if any, provided therefor; or (ii) breach or default by any Credit Party with respect to any other term of (1) one or more items of Indebtedness in the aggregate principal amounts referred to in clause (i) above, or (2) any loan agreement, mortgage, indenture or other agreement relating to such item(s) of Indebtedness, in each case beyond the grace or cure period, if any, provided therefor, if the effect of such breach or default is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of that Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of such holder or holders), to cause, that Indebtedness to become or be declared due and payable (or subject to a compulsory repurchase or

 

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redeemable) prior to its stated maturity or the stated maturity of any underlying obligation, as the case may be; or

 

(c)                                  Breach of Certain Covenants.  Failure of any Credit Party to perform or comply with any term or condition contained in Section 6.1, Section 6.2 (with respect to any Credit Party only), Section 6.6, Section 6.8, Section 6.10, Section 6.11, Section 6.12, Section 6.13 or Section 7; or

 

(d)                                 Breach of Representations, etc.  Any representation, warranty, certification or other statement made or deemed made by any Credit Party in any Credit Document or in any statement or certificate at any time given by any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries in writing pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall be false in any material respect as of the date made or deemed made; or

 

(e)                                  Other Defaults Under Credit Documents.  Any Credit Party shall default in the performance of or compliance with any term contained herein or any of the other Credit Documents, other than any such term referred to in any other Section of this Section 9.1, and such default shall not have been remedied or waived within thirty (30) days after the earlier of (i) an Authorized Officer of such Credit Party becoming aware of such default, or (ii) receipt by the Borrower of notice from the Administrative Agent or any Lender of such default; or

 

(f)                                   Involuntary Bankruptcy; Appointment of Receiver, etc.  (i) A court of competent jurisdiction shall enter a decree or order for relief in respect of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries in an involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code or Debtor Relief Laws now or hereafter in effect, which decree or order is not stayed; or any other similar relief shall be granted under any applicable federal or state law; or (ii) an involuntary case shall be commenced against any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) under the Bankruptcy Code or other Debtor Relief Laws now or hereafter in effect; or a decree or order of a court having jurisdiction in the premises for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, sequestrator, trustee, custodian or other officer having similar powers over any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary), or over all or a substantial part of its property, shall have been entered; or there shall have occurred the involuntary appointment of an interim receiver, trustee or other custodian of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) for all or a substantial part of its property; or a warrant of attachment, execution or similar process shall have been issued against any substantial part of the property of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary), and any such event described in this clause (ii) shall continue for sixty (60) days without having been dismissed, bonded or discharged; or

 

(g)                                  Voluntary Bankruptcy; Appointment of Receiver, etc.  (i) Any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) shall have an order for relief entered with respect to it or shall commence a voluntary case under the Bankruptcy Code or other Debtor Relief Laws now or hereafter in effect, or shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case, or to the conversion of an involuntary case to a voluntary case, under any such law, or shall consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a receiver, trustee or other custodian for all or a substantial part of its property; or any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) shall make any assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (ii) any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) shall be unable, or shall fail generally, or shall admit in writing its inability, to pay its debts as such debts become due; or the board of directors (or similar governing body) of any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) or any committee

 

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thereof shall adopt any resolution or otherwise authorize any action to approve any of the actions referred to herein or in Section 9.1(f); or

 

(h)                                 Judgments and Attachments.  (i) Any one or more money judgments, writs or warrants of attachment or similar process involving an aggregate amount at any time in excess of $10,000,000 (to the extent not adequately covered by insurance as to which a solvent and unaffiliated insurance company has acknowledged coverage) shall be entered or filed against any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) or any of their respective assets and shall remain undischarged, unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or (ii) any non-monetary judgment or order shall be rendered against any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and shall remain undischarged, unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or

 

(i)                                     Dissolution.  Any order, judgment or decree shall be entered against any Credit Party decreeing the dissolution or split up of such Credit Party and such order shall remain undischarged or unstayed for a period in excess of thirty (30) days; or

 

(j)                                    Pension Plans.  There shall occur one or more ERISA Events which individually or in the aggregate results in liability of any Credit Party, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates in excess of $10,000,000 during the term hereof and which is not paid by the applicable due date; or

 

(k)                                 Change of Control.  A Change of Control shall occur; or

 

(l)                                     Guaranties, Credit Documents and Other Documents.  At any time after the execution and delivery thereof, (i) any Guaranty for any reason, other than the satisfaction in full of all Obligations, shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than as the result of the release of a Guarantor in a transaction permitted under this Agreement) or shall be declared to be null and void or any Guarantor shall repudiate its obligations thereunder, (ii) this Agreement or any Collateral Document ceases to be in full force and effect (other than by reason of a release of Collateral in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof or the satisfaction in full of the Obligations in accordance with the terms hereof) or shall be declared null and void, or the Collateral Agent shall not have or shall cease to have a valid and perfected Lien in any Collateral purported to be covered by the Collateral Documents with the priority required by the relevant Collateral Document, or (iii) any Credit Party shall contest the validity or enforceability of any Credit Document in writing or deny in writing that it has any further liability, including with respect to future advances by the Lenders, under any Credit Document to which it is a party.

 

Section 9.2                                    Remedies.  Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in Section 9.1(f) or Section 9.1(g), automatically, and (2) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any other Event of Default, at the request of (or with the consent of) the Required Lenders, upon notice to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent, (A) the Revolving Commitments, if any, of each Lender having such Revolving Commitments and the obligation of any Issuing Bank to issue any Letter of Credit shall immediately terminate; (B) each of the following shall immediately become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other requirements of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Credit Party: (I) the unpaid principal amount of and accrued interest on the Loans, (II) an amount equal to the maximum amount that may at any time be drawn under all Letters of Credit then outstanding (regardless of whether any beneficiary under any such Letter of Credit shall have presented, or shall be entitled at such time to present, the drafts or other documents or certificates required to draw under such Letters of Credit), and (III) all other Obligations; provided, the foregoing shall not affect in

 

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any way the obligations of the Lenders under Section 2.2(b)(iii) or Section 2.3(e); (C) the Administrative Agent may cause the Collateral Agent to enforce any and all Liens and security interests created pursuant to Collateral Documents and (D) the Administrative Agent shall direct the Borrower to pay (and the Borrower hereby agrees upon receipt of such notice, or upon the occurrence of any Event of Default specified in Section 9.1(f) and Section 9.1(g) to pay) to the Administrative Agent such additional amounts of cash, to be held as security for the Borrower’s reimbursement Obligations in respect of Letters of Credit then outstanding under arrangements acceptable to the Administrative Agent, equal to the Letter of Credit Usage at such time.  Notwithstanding anything herein or otherwise to the contrary, any Event of Default occurring hereunder shall continue to exist (and shall be deemed to be continuing) until such time as such Event of Default is waived in writing in accordance with the terms of Section 11.4 notwithstanding (i) any attempted cure or other action taken by the Borrower or any other Person subsequent to the occurrence of such Event of Default or (ii) any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender prior to or subsequent to the occurrence of such Event of Default (other than the granting of a waiver in writing in accordance with the terms of Section 11.4).

 

Section 9.3                                    Application of Funds.  After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 9.2 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

 

First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees but including without limitation all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel and amounts payable under Section 3.1, Section 3.2 and Section 3.3) payable to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, in each case in its capacity as such;

 

Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees but other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders including without limitation all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel and amounts payable under Section 3.1, Section 3.2 and Section 3.3), ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

 

Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees and interest on the Loans, Letter of Credit Borrowings and other Obligations ratably among such parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them; and

 

Fourth, to (a) payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and Letter of Credit Borrowings, (b) payment of breakage, termination or other amounts owing in respect of any Secured Hedge Agreement, to the extent such Hedge Agreement is permitted hereunder, (c) payments of amounts due under any Secured Treasury Management Agreement, and (d) the Administrative Agent for the account of the Issuing Banks, to Cash Collateralize that portion of the Letter of Credit Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit, ratably among such parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth payable to them; and

 

Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Applicable Laws.

 

Subject to Section 2.3, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fourth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as

 

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they occur.  If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above.  Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to any Guarantor shall not be paid with amounts received from such Guarantor or such Guarantor’s assets, but appropriate adjustments shall be made with respect to payments from other Credit Parties to preserve the allocation to Obligations otherwise set forth above in this Section.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligations arising under Secured Treasury Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements shall be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Treasury Management Bank or Hedge Bank.  Each Treasury Management Bank or Hedge Bank not a party to this Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Section 9 for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.

 

Section 10                                      AGENCY

 

Section 10.1                             Appointment and Authority.  (a)  Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints Regions Bank to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Credit Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The provisions of this Section are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and neither the Borrower nor any other Credit Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.  It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Credit Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any Applicable Law.  Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

 

(b)                                 Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints, designates and authorizes the Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each Collateral Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any Collateral Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any Collateral Document, the Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or therein, nor shall the Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any Collateral Document or otherwise exist against the Collateral Agent.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” herein and in the Collateral Documents with reference to the Collateral Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any Applicable Law.  Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.  The Collateral Agent shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Collateral and the Collateral Documents, and the Collateral Agent shall have all of the benefits and immunities (i) provided to the Administrative Agent under the Credit Documents with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the Collateral Agent in connection with any

 

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Collateral or the Collateral Documents as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in such Credit Documents included the Collateral Agent with respect to such acts or omissions, and (ii) as additionally provided herein or in the Collateral Documents with respect to the Collateral Agent.

 

(c)                                  Each Lender hereby consents to and approves the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1(c).  By execution hereof or any Assignment Agreement related hereto, the Lenders acknowledge the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and agree to be bound by the terms thereof and further advise and direct the Administrative Agent to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement on behalf of the Lenders.

 

Section 10.2                             Rights as a Lender.  The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity.  Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

Section 10.3                             Exculpatory Provisions.  (a) The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Credit Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

 

(i)                                     shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;

 

(ii)                                  shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Credit Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Credit Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Credit Document or Applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and

 

(iii)                               shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Credit Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

 

(b)                                 The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in

 

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good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 11.4 and 9.2) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment.  The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to the Administrative Agent in writing by the Borrower, a Lender or an Issuing Bank.

 

(c)                                  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Credit Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Section 4 or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

Section 10.4                             Reliance by Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person.  The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon.  In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance, extension, renewal or increase of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or such Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or such Issuing Bank prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit.  The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

Section 10.5                             Delegation of Duties.  The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Credit Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties.  The exculpatory provisions of this Section shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non-appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

 

Section 10.6                             Resignation of Administrative Agent.  (a) The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower.  Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring

 

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Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above.  Whether or not a successor has been appointed such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date (except in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders, the Swingline Lender, and each Issuing Bank under any of the Loan Documents, the resigning Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral until such time as a successor is appointed).

 

(b)                                 If the Person servicing as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as the Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Borrower, appoint a successor.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders (the “Removal Effective Date”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date (except in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders, the Swingline Lender, and each Issuing Bank under any of the Loan Documents, the removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral until such time as a successor is appointed).

 

(c)                                  With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (1) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Credit Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks under any of the Credit Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and each Issuing Bank directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section.  Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Credit Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section).  The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor.  After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Credit Documents, the provisions of this Section 9 and Section 10.2 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

Section 10.7                             Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders.  Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and

 

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based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Credit Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

Section 10.8                             No Other Duties, etc.  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Sole Book Manager and Joint Lead Arrangers listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or an Issuing Bank hereunder.

 

Section 10.9                             Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.  In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Credit Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or Letter of Credit Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(a)                                 to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, Letter of Credit Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent under Section 2.10 and Section 11.2) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(b)                                 to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and each Issuing Bank to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Section 2.10 and Section 11.2).

 

Section 10.10                      Collateral and Guaranty Matters.  (a) The Lenders (including each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender) irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, at its option and in its discretion,

 

(i)                                     to release any Lien on any property granted to or held under any Credit Document securing the Obligations (x) upon termination of the commitments under this Agreement and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each applicable Issuing Bank shall have been made), (y) that is sold or otherwise disposed of or to be sold or otherwise disposed of as part of or in connection with any sale or other disposition permitted under the Credit Documents, or (z) subject to Section 11.4,  if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders;

 

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(ii)                                  to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held under any Credit Document securing the Obligations to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 7.2(m); and

 

(iii)                               to release any Guarantor from its obligations under any guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted under the Credit Documents.

 

Upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section.

 

(b)                                 The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon, or any certificate prepared by any Credit Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

 

(c)                                    Anything contained in any of the Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, the Credit Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each holder of the Obligations hereby agree that (i) no holder of the Obligations shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce this Agreement, the Notes, the Guaranty or any other Credit Agreement, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies hereunder may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the holders of the Obligations in accordance with the terms hereof and all powers, rights and remedies under the Collateral Documents may be exercised solely by the Collateral Agent, and (ii) in the event of a foreclosure by the Collateral Agent on any of the Collateral pursuant to a public or private sale or other disposition, the Collateral Agent or any Lender may be the purchaser of any or all of such Collateral at any such sale or other disposition and the Collateral Agent, as agent for and representative of the holders of the Obligations (but not any Lender or Lenders in its or their respective individual capacities unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing) shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any collateral payable by the Collateral Agent at such sale or other disposition.

 

(d)                                   No Secured Hedge Agreement or Secured Treasury Management Agreement will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Hedge Bank or any Treasury Management Bank that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Guarantor under the Credit Documents except as expressly provided herein or in the other Credit Documents.  By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, such Hedge Bank or such Treasury Management Bank shall be deemed to have appointed the Collateral Agent as its agent and agreed to be bound by the Credit Documents as a holder of the Obligations, subject to the limitations set forth in this clause (d).

 

Section 11                                      MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 11.1                             Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications.

 

(a)                                 Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier as follows, and all notices and

 

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other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

 

(i)                                     if to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower or any Credit Party, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in Appendix B:

 

(ii)                                  if to any Lender, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number in its Administrative Questionnaire on file with the Administrative Agent.

 

Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient).  Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below, shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).

 

(b)                                 Electronic Communications.  Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or any Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2 if such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Section by electronic communication.  The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.

 

(c)                                  Change of Address, Etc.  Any party hereto may change its address or telecopier number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

(d)                                 Platform.

 

(i)                                     Each Credit Party agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the Communications (as defined below) available to the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders by posting the Communications on Debt Domain, Intralinks, Syndtrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “Platform”).

 

(ii)                                  The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available.”  The Agent Parties (as defined below) do not warrant the adequacy of the Platform and expressly disclaim liability for errors or omissions in the Communications.  No warranty of any kind, express, implied or

 

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statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by any Agent Party in connection with the Communications or the Platform.  In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to the Borrower or the other Credit Parties, any Lender or any other Person or entity for damages of any kind, including, without limitation, direct or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower’s, any other Credit Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of communications through the Platform.  “Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Credit Party pursuant to any Credit Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through the Platform.

 

Section 11.2                             Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

 

(a)                                 Costs and Expenses.  The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers and their Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent and the Joint Lead Arrangers), and shall pay all fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of the Administrative Agent or any Joint Lead Arranger, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank), and shall pay all fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

 

(b)                                 Indemnification by the Borrower.  The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), the Collateral Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Joint Lead Arranger, each Lender and each Issuing Bank, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), and shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from all fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of any Indemnitee, incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower or any other Credit Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Credit Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by any Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated

 

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by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any other Credit Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by the Borrower or any other Credit Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Credit Document, if the Borrower or such Credit Party has obtained a final and non-appealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.  This Section 11.2(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

(c)                                  Reimbursement by Lenders.  To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the Collateral Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), any Joint Lead Arranger, any Issuing Bank or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the Collateral Agent (or any such sub-agent), the applicable Joint Lead Arranger, the applicable Issuing Bank or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (in each case, determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Issuing Bank in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Issuing Bank in connection with such capacity.  The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of this Agreement that provide that their obligations are several in nature, and not joint and several.  Nothing in this subsection (c) shall limit or otherwise impair the Borrower’s obligations under Section 11.02(b).

 

(d)                                 Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.  To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, none of the Credit Parties shall assert, and each hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Credit Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.  No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Credit Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

(e)                                  Payments.  All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly, but in any event within ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor.

 

(f)                                   Survival.  The provisions of this Section shall survive resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, any Joint Lead Arranger, any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any Lender, termination of the commitments hereunder and repayment, satisfaction and discharge of the loans and obligations hereunder.

 

Section 11.3                             Set-Off.  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank, and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and

 

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from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Credit Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower or such Credit Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Credit Document to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or such Issuing Bank shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Credit Document and although such obligations of the Borrower or such Credit Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or such Issuing Bank different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness.  The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have.  Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

Section 11.4                             Amendments and Waivers.

 

(a)                                 Required Lenders’ Consent.  Subject to Section 11.4(b) and Section 11.4(c), no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of the Credit Documents, or consent to any departure by any Credit Party therefrom, shall in any event be effective without the written concurrence of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders; provided that (i) the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency, so long as such amendment, modification or supplement does not adversely affect the rights of any Lender or any Issuing Bank, (ii) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto, (iii) no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Revolving Commitments, Loans and/or Letter of Credit Obligations of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender, (iv) each Lender is entitled to vote as such Lender sees fit on any bankruptcy reorganization plan that affects the Loans, and each Lender acknowledges that the provisions of Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States supersedes the unanimous consent provisions set forth herein and (v) the Required Lenders shall determine whether or not to allow a Credit Party to use cash collateral in the context of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding and such determination shall be binding on all of the Lenders

 

(b)                                 Affected Lenders’ Consent.  Without the written consent of each Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender except as provided in clause (a)(iii) above) that would be affected thereby, no amendment, modification, termination, or consent shall be effective if the effect thereof would:

 

(i)                                     extend the Revolving Commitment Termination Date;

 

(ii)                                  waive, reduce or postpone any scheduled repayment (but not prepayment) or alter the required application of any prepayment pursuant to Section 2.12 or the application of funds pursuant to Section 9.3, as applicable;

 

(iii)                               extend the stated expiration date of any Letter of Credit, beyond the Revolving Commitment Termination Date;

 

(iv)                              reduce the principal of or the rate of interest on any Loan (other than any waiver of the imposition of the Default Rate pursuant to Section 2.9) or any fee or premium payable hereunder; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary

 

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(A) to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate or (B) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the rate of interest on any Loan or to reduce any fee payable hereunder;

 

(v)                                 extend the time for payment of any such interest or fees;

 

(vi)                              reduce the principal amount of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any Letter of Credit;

 

(vii)                           amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of this Section 11.4(b) or Section 11.4(c) or any other provision of this Agreement that expressly provides that the consent of all Lenders is required;

 

(viii)                        change the percentage of the outstanding principal amount of Loans that is required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder or amend the definition of “Required Lenders”;

 

(ix)                              release all or substantially all of the Collateral or all or substantially all of the Guarantors from the Guaranty, in each case, except as expressly provided in the Credit Documents; or

 

(x)                                 consent to the assignment or transfer by any Credit Party of any of its rights and obligations under any Credit Document.

 

(c)                                  Other Consents.  No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of the Credit Documents, or consent to any departure by any Credit Party therefrom, shall:

 

(i)                                     increase any Revolving Commitment of any Lender over the amount thereof then in effect without the consent of such Lender; provided, no amendment, modification or waiver of any condition precedent, covenant, Default or Event of Default shall constitute an increase in any Revolving Commitment of any Lender;

 

(ii)                                  amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision hereof relating to the Swingline Sublimit or the Swingline Loans with the consent of the Swingline Lender;

 

(iii)                               amend, modify, terminate or waive any obligation of Lenders relating to the purchase of participations in Letters of Credit as provided in Section 2.3(e) without the written consent of the Administrative Agent and of each Issuing Bank; or

 

(iv)                              amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of Section 10 as the same applies to any Agent, or any other provision hereof as the same applies to the rights or obligations of any Agent, in each case without the consent of such Agent.

 

(d)                                 Execution of Amendments, etc.  The Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, with the concurrence of any Lender, execute amendments, modifications, waivers or consents on behalf of such Lender.  Any waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it was given.  No notice to or demand on any Credit Party in any case shall entitle any Credit Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.  Any amendment, modification, termination, waiver or consent effected in accordance

 

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with this Section 11.4 shall be binding upon each Lender at the time outstanding, each future Lender and, if signed by a Credit Party, on such Credit Party.

 

(e)                                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the other Credit Parties (i) to add one or more additional credit facilities to this Agreement, to permit the extensions of credit from time to time outstanding hereunder and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof to share ratably in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents with the Revolving Loans and the accrued interest and fees in respect thereof and to include appropriately the Lenders holding such credit facilities in any determination of the Required Lenders and (ii) to change, modify or alter Section 2.14 or Section 9.3 or any other provision hereof relating to the pro rata sharing of payments among the Lenders to the extent necessary to effectuate any of the amendments (or amendments and restatements enumerated in clause (f) and/or clause (g) below).

 

(f)                                   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in order to implement any additional Revolving Commitments in accordance with Section 2.1(c), this Agreement may be amended for such purpose (but solely to the extent necessary to implement such additional Revolving Commitments in accordance with Section 2.1(c)) by the Borrower, the other Credit Parties, the Administrative Agent and the relevant Lenders providing such additional Revolving Commitments.

 

(g)                                  In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may, by written notice to the Administrative Agent from time to time, make one or more offers (each, a “Loan Modification Offer”) to all the Lenders to make one or more amendments or modifications to (i) allow the maturity and scheduled amortization of the Loans of the accepting Lenders to be extended and (ii) increase the Applicable Margin and/or fees payable with respect to the Loans and Revolving Commitments of the accepting Lenders (“Permitted Amendments”) pursuant to procedures reasonably specified by the Administrative Agent and reasonably acceptable to the Borrower.  Such notice shall set forth (A) the terms and conditions of the requested Permitted Amendment and (B) the date on which such Permitted Amendment is requested to become effective.  The Permitted Amendments shall not become effective unless consented to by the Borrower and those Accepting Lenders (as defined below), as applicable (the “Required Approval”).  If the Required Approval is received, (1) such Permitted Amendments shall become effective only with respect to the Loans and/or Revolving Commitments of the Lenders that accept the applicable Loan Modification Offer (such Lenders, the “Accepting Lenders”) and, in the case of any Accepting Lender, only with respect to such Lender’s Loans and/or Revolving Commitments as to which such Lender’s acceptance has been made and (2) the Borrower, each Credit Party and each Accepting Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a loan modification agreement (the “Loan Modification Agreement”) and such other documentation as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably specify to evidence the acceptance of the Permitted Amendments and the terms and conditions thereof.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Loan Modification Agreement.  Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, upon the effectiveness of any Loan Modification Agreement, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence and terms of the Permitted Amendment evidenced thereby and only with respect to the Loans and Revolving Commitments of the Accepting Lenders as to which such Lenders’ acceptance has been made.

 

Section 11.5                             Successors and Assigns.

 

(a)                                 Successors and Assigns Generally.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither the Borrower nor any other Credit Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and

 

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each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void).  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                 Assignments by Lenders.  Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its commitments, loans and obligations hereunder at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

(i)                                     Minimum Amounts.

 

(A)                               in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Revolving Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

 

(B)                               in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitment (which for this purpose includes loans and obligations in respect thereof outstanding thereunder) or, if the Revolving Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment Agreement with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment Agreement, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $5,000,000, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

 

(ii)                                  Proportionate Amounts.  Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Revolving Commitments and Loans assigned.

 

(iii)                               Required Consents.  No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:

 

(A)                               the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within seven (7) Business Days after having received notice thereof;

 

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(B)                               the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;

 

(C)                               the consent of each Issuing Bank (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment in respect of any Revolving Commitment; and

 

(D)                               the consent of the Swingline Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment in respect of any Revolving Commitment.

 

(iv)                              Assignment Agreement.  The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment Agreement, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500, unless waived, in whole or in part by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.  The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire and all documentation required under Section 3.3(f).

 

(v)                                 No Assignment to Borrower.  No such assignment shall be made to the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries.

 

(vi)                              No Assignment to Natural Persons.  No such assignment shall be made to a natural person.

 

(vii)                           No Assignment to Defaulting Lenders.  No such assignment may be made to a Defaulting Lender without the prior written consent of (A) the Borrower, (B) the Administrative Agent and (C) each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender, as appropriate, which consent may be given or withheld in their discretion.

 

(viii)                        Certain Additional Payments.  In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender and each other Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon), and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans in accordance with its Revolving Commitment Percentage.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under Applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.

 

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment Agreement, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such

 

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Assignment Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment Agreement, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment Agreement covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.16, 2.17 and 11.2 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment.  The Borrower will execute and deliver on request, at its own expense, a promissory note to the assignee evidencing the interests taken by way of assignment hereunder.  Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.

 

(c)                                  Register.  The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at its offices in the United States shown for purposes of notices in Section 11.1, a copy of each Assignment Agreement delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the commitments of, and principal amounts of the loans and obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(d)                                 Participations.  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than (i) a natural person, (ii) the Borrower or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries, or (iii) a Defaulting Lender) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Revolving Commitments and/or the Loans and other obligations owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Swingline Lender and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Credit Document.  For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 11.2(c) with respect to any payments made by such Lender to its Participant(s).

 

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in clauses (b) or (c)(i) of Section 11.4 that affects such Participant.  The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.2, 3.1 and 3.3 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 3.3(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 3.3(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.17 and 3.4 and  as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.2 or 3.3, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.  Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and

 

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expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.17 with respect to any Participant.  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 11.3 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.14 as though it were a Lender.  Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Credit Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Credit Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(e)                                  Certain Pledges.  Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement, or any promissory notes evidencing its interests hereunder, to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

Section 11.6                             Independence of Covenants.  All covenants hereunder shall be given independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted by any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception to, or would otherwise be within the limitations of, another covenant shall not avoid the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default if such action is taken or condition exists.

 

Section 11.7                             Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.  All representations, warranties and agreements made herein shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and the making of any Credit Extension.  Notwithstanding anything herein or implied by law to the contrary, the agreements of each Credit Party set forth in Section 3.1(c), Section 3.2, Section 3.3, Section 11.2, Section 11.3, and Section 11.10 and the agreements of the Lenders and the Agents set forth in Section 2.14, Section 10.3 and Section 11.2(c) shall survive the payment of the Loans, the cancellation, expiration or cash collateralization (in a manner satisfactory to Agents) in an amount equal to one hundred five percent (105%) of the undrawn amount of the Letters of Credit and the reimbursement of any amounts drawn thereunder, and the termination hereof.

 

Section 11.8                             No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative; Enforcement.  No failure or delay on the part of any Agent or any Lender in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document shall impair such power, right or privilege or be construed to be a waiver of any default or acquiescence therein, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right or privilege.  The rights, powers and remedies given to each Agent and each Lender hereby are cumulative and shall be in addition to and independent of all rights, powers and remedies existing by virtue of any statute or rule of law or in any of the other Credit Documents, any of the Secured Hedge Agreements or any of the Secured Treasury Management Agreements.  Any forbearance or failure to exercise, and any delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall not impair any such right, power or remedy or be construed to be a waiver thereof, nor shall it preclude the further exercise of any such right, power or remedy.

 

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Credit Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Credit Documents against the Credit Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 9.2 for the benefit of all the Lenders and the Issuing Banks; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Credit Documents, (b) any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender, as the case may be) hereunder and under the other Credit Documents, (c) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 11.3 (subject to the terms of Section 2.14), or (d) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Credit Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Credit Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.2 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.14, any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders.

 

Section 11.9                             Marshalling; Payments Set Aside.  Neither any Agent nor any Lender shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Credit Party or any other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Obligations.  To the extent that any Credit Party makes a payment or payments to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, the Swingline Lender or the Lenders (or to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders), or the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Lenders enforce any security interests or exercise their rights of setoff, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of such enforcement or setoff or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any Debtor Relief Law, any other state or federal law, common law or any equitable cause, then, to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied, and all Liens, rights and remedies therefor or related thereto, shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment or payments had not been made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.

 

Section 11.10                      Severability.  In case any provision in or obligation hereunder or any Note or other Credit Document shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 11.11                      Obligations Several; Independent Nature of Lenders’ Rights.  The obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and no Lender shall be responsible for the obligations or Revolving Commitment of any other Lender hereunder.  Nothing contained herein or in any other Credit Document, and no action taken by the Lenders pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Lenders as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity.  The amounts payable at any time hereunder to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt, and, subject to Section 10.10(d), each Lender shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights arising under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and it shall not be necessary for any other Lender to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.

 

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Section 11.12                      Headings.  Section headings herein are included herein for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

 

Section 11.13                      Applicable Laws.

 

(a)                                 Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

(b)                                 Submission to Jurisdiction.  Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan and of the United States District Court of the Southern District, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, in such Federal court.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement or in any other Credit Document shall affect any right that any party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document against any Credit Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(c)                                  Waiver of Venue.  Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document in any court referred to in subsection (b) of this Section.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(d)                                 Service of Process.  Each party hereto irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 11.1.  Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law.

 

Section 11.14                      WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

Section 11.15                      Confidentiality.  Each of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’

 

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respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and other representatives (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by Applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Credit Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower.

 

For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, unless, in the case of information received from the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as nonconfidential.  Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

Each of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders acknowledges that (i) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-pubic information and (iii) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with Applicable Law, including United States federal and state securities laws.

 

Section 11.16                      Usury Savings Clause.  Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the aggregate interest rate charged or agreed to be paid with respect to any of the Obligations, including all charges or fees in connection therewith deemed in the nature of interest under Applicable Laws shall not exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.  If the rate of interest (determined without regard to the preceding sentence) under this Agreement at any time exceeds the Highest Lawful Rate, the aggregate outstanding amount of the Loans made hereunder shall bear interest at the Highest Lawful Rate until the total amount of interest due hereunder equals the amount of interest which would have been due hereunder if the stated rates of interest set forth in this Agreement had at all times been in effect.  In addition, if when the Loans made hereunder are repaid in full the total interest due hereunder (taking into account the increase provided for above) is less than the total amount of interest which would have been due hereunder if the stated rates of interest set forth in this Agreement had at all times been in effect, then to the extent permitted by law, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to the difference between the amount of interest paid and the amount of interest which would have been paid if the Highest Lawful Rate had at all times been in effect.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the intention of the Lenders and the Borrower to conform strictly to any applicable usury laws.  Accordingly, if any Lender contracts for, charges, or receives any consideration which constitutes interest in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate, then any such excess shall be cancelled automatically and, if previously paid, shall at such Lender’s option be applied to the aggregate outstanding amount of the Loans made hereunder or be

 

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refunded to the Borrower.  In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Highest Lawful Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest, throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

 

Section 11.17                      Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent, constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.  Except as provided in Section 3, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or .pdf file shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

Section 11.18                      No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship.  In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Credit Document), each of the Credit Parties acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (a)(i) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Credit Parties, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Lenders, on the other hand, (ii) each of the Credit Parties has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (iii) each of the Credit Parties is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Credit Documents; (b)(i) each of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Lenders is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary, for any Credit Party or any of their Affiliates or any other Person and (ii) none of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Lenders has any obligation to any Credit Party or any of their Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Credit Documents; and (c) each of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers, the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Credit Parties and their Affiliates, and none of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Lenders has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to any Credit Party or its Affiliates.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, each of the Credit Parties hereby waives and releases, any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Joint Lead Arrangers and the Lenders with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

 

Section 11.19                      Electronic Execution of Assignments and Other Documents.  The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment Agreement or in any amendment, waiver, modification or consent relating hereto shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any Applicable Laws, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other

 

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similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

 

Section 11.20                      USA PATRIOT Act.  Each Lender subject to the Act hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act.

 

Section 11.21                      Designation as Senior Debt.  The parties hereto intend for this Agreement to be the “Senior Bank Credit Facility” (or any comparable term) under any Subordinated Debt.  If for any reason this Agreement is not deemed to be the “Senior Bank Credit Facility” (or any comparable term) under any Subordinated Debt, the Borrower hereby specifically designates the Obligations as “Designated Senior Debt” (or other comparable term) for purposes of such Subordinated Debt.

 

[Signatures on Following Page(s)]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

 

	
BORROWER:
    	
EARTHLINK, INC., a Delaware corporation,
    
	
 
    	
as a Borrower and a Guarantor
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Bradley A. Ferguson
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Bradley A. Ferguson
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
GUARANTORS:
    	
BTI   TELECOM CORP.
    
	
 
    	
BUSINESS   TELECOM OF VIRGINIA, INC.
    
	
 
    	
BUSINESS   TELECOM, INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS OF CONNECTICUT INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS OF MAINE INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW YORK INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS OF OHIO INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS OF RHODE ISLAND INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS OF VERMONT INC.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE COMMUNICATIONS RESALE L.L.C.
    
	
 
    	
CHOICE   ONE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE INC.
    
	
 
    	
CONNECTICUT   BROADBAND, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONNECTICUT   TELEPHONE & COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS LONG DISTANCE, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF CONNECTICUT, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF MAINE, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW JERSEY, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF NEW YORK, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF PENNSYLVANIA, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF RHODE ISLAND, LLC
    


 

EARTHLINK, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 











 

	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS OF VERMONT, LLC
    
	
 
    	
CONVERSENT   COMMUNICATIONS RESALE L.L.C.
    
	
 
    	
CTC   COMMUNICATIONS CORP.
    
	
 
    	
CTC   COMMUNICATIONS OF VIRGINIA, INC.
    
	
 
    	
DELTACOM,   LLC
    
	
 
    	
EARTHLINK   BUSINESS HOLDINGS, LLC
    
	
 
    	
EARTHLINK   BUSINESS, LLC
    
	
 
    	
EARTHLINK   CARRIER, LLC
    
	
 
    	
EARTHLINK   MANAGED SERVICES, LLC
    
	
 
    	
EARTHLINK   SHARED SERVICES, LLC
    
	
 
    	
ITC^DELTACOM, INC.
    
	
 
    	
LIGHTSHIP   TELECOM, LLC
    
	
 
    	
US   XCHANGE INC.
    
	
 
    	
US   XCHANGE OF ILLINOIS, L.L.C.
    
	
 
    	
US   XCHANGE OF INDIANA, L.L.C.
    
	
 
    	
US   XCHANGE OF MICHIGAN, L.L.C.
    
	
 
    	
US   XCHANGE OF WISCONSIN, L.L.C.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Bradley A. Ferguson
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Bradley A. Ferguson
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    


 

EARTHLINK, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 











 

	
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
    	
 
    
	
AND COLLATERAL AGENT:
    	
REGIONS BANK,
    
	
 
    	
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Stephen A. Brothers
    
	
 
    	
Name: Stephen A. Brothers
    
	
 
    	
Title: Senior Vice President
    


 

EARTHLINK, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 











 

	
LENDERS:
    	
REGIONS BANK,
    
	
 
    	
as a Lender
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Stephen A. Brothers
    
	
 
    	
Name: Stephen A. Brothers
    
	
 
    	
Title: Senior Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FIFTH THIRD BANK,
    
	
 
    	
as a Lender
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Jonathan D. Ginn
    
	
 
    	
Name: Jonathan D. Ginn
    
	
 
    	
Title: Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH,
    
	
 
    	
as a Lender
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Anca Trifan
    
	
 
    	
Name: Anca Trifan
    
	
 
    	
Title: Managing Director
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:   
    	
/s/   Erin Morrissey
    
	
 
    	
Name: Erin Morrissey
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
Title: Director
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
CREDIT SUISSE AG, CAYMAN ISLAND BRANCH,
    
	
 
    	
as a Lender
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Judith E. Smith
    
	
 
    	
Name: Judith E. Smith
    
	
 
    	
Title: Authorized Signatory
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   Tyler Smith
    
	
 
    	
Name: Tyler Smith
    
	
 
    	
Title: Authorized Signatory
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
JEFFERIES   FINANCE LLC.
    
	
 
    	
as a Lender
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/   E.J. Hess
    
	
 
    	
Name: E.J. Hess
    
	
 
    	
Title: Managing Director
    
				


 

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CREDIT AGREEMENT