Document:

exhibit10_2.htm

Exhibit 10.2

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES,  INC.

NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

2006 STOCK OPTION PLAN

THIS NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (the “Option” or the “Agreement”) is made on ____________________ (the “Effective Date”), by and between P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES,  INC.,  a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and __________________ (the “Optionholder”).

The Company, pursuant to the terms of the P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 2, 2006 (the “Plan”), hereby grants an option of ___________ shares of common stock of the Company (“Common Stock”) to the Optionholder at the price and in all respects subject to the terms, definitions and provisions of this Agreement.

1.      Option Price. The Option price for each share shall be the Market Price on _____________________, or ________ per share of the Common Stock as determined by the Company.

2.      Exercise and Option.  This Option shall be exercisable at any time and from time to time pursuant to the exercise schedule and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement as follows:

	
(a)           

	
Vesting Schedule. Shares of Common Stock shall vest and become exercisable in installments as indicated below:

	

Percentage of

shares vesting

	

Cumulative

percentage of shares vesting

	

Vesting Date

	  	  	  
	
[ ]%

	
[ ]%

	
1st anniversary of Effective Date

	
[ ]%

	
[ ]%

	
2nd anniversary of Effective Date

	
[ ]%

	
[ ]%

	
3rd anniversary of Effective Date

	
[ ]%

[ ]%

	
[ ]%

[ ]%

	
4th anniversary of Effective Date

5th anniversary of Effective Date

(b)           Method of Exercise.  This Option shall be exercisable by a written notice, which shall:

(i)           state the election to exercise the Option, the number of shares in respect of which it is being exercised, the person in whose name the stock certificate or certificates for such shares of Common Stock is to be registered, his or her address and Social Security Number (or if more than one, the names, addresses and Social Security Numbers of such persons);

(ii)           contain such representations and agreements as to the holder’s investment intent with respect to such shares of Common Stock as may be satisfactory to the Company’s counsel;

(iii)           be signed by the person or persons entitled to exercise the Option and, if the Option is being exercised by any person or persons other than the Optionholder, be accompanied by proof, satisfactory to the Company’s counsel, of the right of such person or persons to exercise the Option.

(iv)           be accompanied by payment to the Company of the full Option price for the shares with respect to which the Option is exercised.  The option price shall be paid in the following manner:

(A)           full payment in cash or equivalent;

(B)           full payment in shares of Common Stock, which shall have been held for more than six (6) months, having a fair market value on the exercise date equal to the option price; or

 

(C)           any combination of subclauses “(A)” and “(B)”, equal to the aggregate of the option price.

(c)           Securities Exemption.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificates for shares of Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of an option (i) prior to the completion of any registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal laws or rulings or regulations of any government regulatory body, which the Company shall determine to be necessary or advisable, or (ii) prior to receiving an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company that the sale or issuance of such shares is exempt from these registration or qualification requirements.

(d)           Restrictions on Exercise.  As a condition to the exercise of this Option, the Company may require the person exercising the Option to make any representation and warranty to the Company as may be required by any applicable law or regulation.

(e)           Termination, Death or Disability.

	
  

	
(i)

	
In the event the Continuous Service of the Optionholder shall be terminated by the Company without cause, the shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Option shall vest immediately and may be exercised at any time within ninety (90) days after such termination of Continuous Service.

	
  

	
(ii)

	
In the event the Continuous Service of the Optionholder shall be terminated by the Company for cause, the vested and unexercised portion and the unvested portion of this Option shall be forfeited immediately.

 

	
  

	
(iii) 

	
In the event the Continuous Service of the Optionholder shall be terminated by the Employee for any reason other than death or Disability, the unvested portion of the Option shall be forfeited immediately.  The vested and unexercised portion of the Option may be exercised on the ninetieth (90th) day after such termination of Continuous Service, if the Optionholder has not become employed by another company in the motor freight business in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, in which case all vested shares shall be forfeited.

          

	
  

	
(iv)

	
In the event the Continuous Service of the Optionholder shall be terminated due to Disability, the shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Option shall vest immediately and may be exercised at any time within twelve (12) months after such Disability, but in no case later than the date on which the Option would otherwise terminate.

	
  

	
(v)

	
If the Optionholder shall die while employed by the Company, the shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Option shall vest immediately and may be exercised by the Optionholder’s estate, by the person who acquires the right to exercise such Option upon his or her death by bequest or inheritance, or by the person designated by the Optionholder to exercise the Option upon the Optionholder’s death.  Such exercise may occur at any time within twelve (12) months after the date of the Optionholder’s death or such other period as the Committee may at any time provide, but in no case later than the date on which the Option would otherwise terminate.

	
  

	
(vi)

	
This Option shall terminate the day before the 10th anniversary of the Effective Date, unless otherwise noted.

3.      Non Transferability of Option. This Option may not be assigned or transferred other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by him or her.

4.      Stock Subject to the Option.  In addition to the restrictions set forth above, the Company and the Optionholder agree that the Common Stock of the Company acquired pursuant to this Agreement shall not be sold or transferred for 180 days after issuance and shall be subject to the other restrictions set forth in the Plan and subject to the restriction as set out in Paragraph 5 of this Agreement.

5.      Right of First Refusal.  The Optionholder shall not sell or transfer the Common Stock of the Company acquired pursuant to this Agreement without first providing to the Company a notice of intent to sell (the “Notice”) at least five (5) days prior to the intended sale date.  After the Notice, the Company shall have until the close of business on the fourth business day after the Notice to agree to purchase the shares intended for sale.  If the Company exercises its right to purchase the shares, the purchase shall be on the fifth day after the Notice and the purchase price shall be the fair market value of the Common Stock on that day.  If the Company does not exercise its right, then the Optionholder shall have ten (10) business days thereafter to sell the shares.

6.      Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization.  The number of shares of Common Stock subject to this Agreement shall be proportionately adjusted for any change in the stock structure of the Company because of share dividends, recapitalization, reorganizations, mergers or other restructuring.

7.      Notices.  Any notice necessary under this Agreement shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Secretary at the principal executive office of the Company and to the Optionholder at the address appearing in the personnel records of the Company for the Optionholder or to either part at such other address as either party hereto may hereafter designate in writing to the other.  Any such notice shall be deemed effective upon receipt thereof by the addressee.

8.      Sale or Merger.  The Option shall become immediately exercisable upon the sale or merger of the Company whereby the Company is not the surviving entity.  The Option shall be exercisable to the extent Optionholder was entitled to do so at the time of sale or merger.

9.      Benefits of Agreement.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and heirs of the respective parties.  All obligations imposed upon the Optionholder and all rights granted to the Company under this Agreement shall be binding upon Optionholder's heirs, legal representatives, and successors.  This Agreement shall be the sole and exclusive source of any and all rights which the Optionholder, his heirs, legal representatives or successors may have in respect to the Plan or any options or Common Stock granted or issued hereunder, whether to himself or to any other person.

10.      Plan Amendments. This Agreement shall be subject to the terms of the Plan as amended except that this Agreement may not in any way be restricted or limited by any Plan amendment or termination approved after the date of this Agreement without the Optionholder’s written consent.

11.      Terms. Any terms used in this Agreement that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.

12.   Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties and shall not be modified or amended except in writing and duly signed by the parties.  No waiver by either party of any default under this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of any later default.

[Signature page follows.]

  

  

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Optionholder have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

COMPANY

PAM TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

By: __________________________________

 Name:  __________________

 Title:  ___________________

OPTIONHOLDER

 

 

By:  __________________________________

                                                  [Name of Optionholder]tfoc8k12032010ex10-1.htm

Exhibit 10.1

Published CUSIP Number:  ________________

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of November 29, 2010

 

among

 

TANGER PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,

 

as the Borrower,

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender

and

L/C Issuer,

and

The Other Lenders Party Hereto

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

successor by merger to, Banc of America Securities LLC

and

WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,

as Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers,

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Syndication Agent

BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY

as Documentation Agent

US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as Documentation Agent

and

SUNTRUST BANK

as Documentation Agent

  

  

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

	
Section

	  	
Page

	
ARTICLE I.                      DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

	  	
1

	
1.01  Defined Terms

	  	
1

	
1.02  Other Interpretive Provisions

	  	
21

	
1.03  Accounting Terms

	  	
21

	
1.04  Rounding

	  	
22

	
1.05  Times of Day

	  	
22

	
1.06 Letters of Credit Amounts

	  	
22

 

	
ARTICLE II.                      THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

	  	
22

	
2.01  Committed Loans

	  	
22

	
2.02  Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans.

	  	
22

	
2.03  Intentionally Omitted.

	  	
24

	
2.04  Letters of Credit.

	  	
24

	
2.05  Swing Line Loans.

	  	
30

	
2.06  Prepayments.

	  	
32

	
2.07  Termination or Reduction of Commitments

	  	
33

	
2.08  Repayment of Loans.

	  	
33

	
2.09  Interest.

	  	
33

	
2.10  Fees

	  	
34

	
2.11  Computation of Interest and Fees

	  	
35

	
2.12  Evidence of Debt.

	  	
35

	
2.13  Payments Generally; Administrative Agent's Clawback.

	  	
35

	
2.14  Sharing of Payments by Lenders

	  	
36

	
2.15  Extension of Maturity Date.

	  	
37

	
2.16  Increase in Commitments.

	  	
38

	
2.17  Cash Collateral.

	  	
39

	
2.18  Defaulting Lenders.

	  	
39

 

	
ARTICLE III.                                TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

	  	
41

	
3.01  Taxes

	  	
41

	
3.02  Illegality

	  	
44

	
3.03  Inability to Determine Rates

	  	
44

	
3.04  Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans

	  	
45

	
3.05  Compensation for Losses

	  	
46

	
3.06  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

	  	
46

	
3.07  Survival

	  	
46

 

 

	
ARTICLE IV.                                CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

	  	
47

	
4.01  Conditions of Initial Credit Extension

	  	
47

	
4.02  Conditions to all Credit Extensions

	  	
48

 

 

	
ARTICLE V.                                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

	  	
49

	
5.01  Existence, Qualification and Power

	  	
49

	
5.02  Authorization; No Contravention

	  	
49

	
5.03  Governmental Authorization; Other Consents

	  	
49

	
5.04  Binding Effect

	  	
49

 

 

i

 

	
5.05  Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect

	  	
49

	
5.06  Litigation

	  	
50

	
5.07  No Default

	  	
50

	
5.08  Ownership of Property; Liens

	  	
50

	
5.09  Environmental Compliance

	  	
50

	
5.10  Insurance

	  	
51

	
5.11  Taxes

	  	
51

	
5.12  ERISA Compliance

	  	
51

	
5.13  Subsidiaries; Equity Interests

	  	
52

	
5.14  Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act

	  	
52

	
5.15  Disclosure

	  	
52

	
5.16  Compliance with Laws

	  	
52

	
5.17  Taxpayer Identification Number

	  	
52

	
5.18  Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc

	  	
52

 

 

	
ARTICLE VI.                                AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

	  	
52

	
6.01  Financial Statements

	  	
52

	
6.02  Certificates; Other Information

	  	
53

	
6.03  Notices

	  	
55

	
6.04  Payment of Obligations

	  	
55

	
6.05  Preservation of Existence, Etc

	  	
55

	
6.06  Maintenance of Properties

	  	
56

	
6.07  Maintenance of Insurance

	  	
56

	
6.08  Compliance with Laws

	  	
56

	
6.09  Books and Records

	  	
56

	
6.10  Inspection Rights

	  	
56

	
6.11  Use of Proceeds

	  	
56

	
6.12  Additional Guarantors

	  	
56

	
6.13  REIT Status

	  	
58

	
6.14  Environmental Matters

	  	
58

 

 

	
ARTICLE VII.                                NEGATIVE COVENANTS

	  	
59

	
7.01  Liens

	  	
59

	
7.02  Investments

	  	
59

	
7.03  Indebtedness

	  	
59

	
7.04  Fundamental Changes

	  	
60

	
7.05  Dispositions

	  	
60

	
7.06  Anti-Terrorism Laws; FCPA.

	  	
61

	
7.07  Change in Nature of Business

	  	
61

	
7.08  Transactions with Affiliates

	  	
61

	
7.09  Burdensome Agreements

	  	
61

	
7.10  Use of Proceeds

	  	
61

	
7.11  Financial Covenants

	  	
61

	
7.12  Organizational Documents; Ownership of Subsidiaries

	  	
62

	
7.13  Negative Pledges

	  	
62

	
7.14  Sale Leasebacks

	  	
62

	
7.15  Prepayments of Indebtedness

	  	
63

 

 

	
ARTICLE VIII.                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

	  	
63

	
8.01  Events of Default

	  	
63

	
8.02  Remedies Upon Event of Default

	  	
65

	
8.03  Application of Funds

	  	
65

 

 

 

ii

 

	
ARTICLE IX.                                ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

	  	
66

	
9.01  Appointment and Authority

	  	
66

	
9.02  Rights as a Lender

	  	
66

	
9.03  Exculpatory Provisions

	  	
66

	
9.04  Reliance by Administrative Agent

	  	
67

	
9.05  Delegation of Duties

	  	
67

	
9.06  Resignation of Administrative Agent

	  	
67

	
9.07  Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

	  	
68

	
9.08  No Other Duties, Etc

	  	
68

	
9.09  Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

	  	
68

	
9.10  Guaranty Matters

	  	
68

 

 

	
ARTICLE X.                                MISCELLANEOUS

	  	
69

	
10.01  Amendments, Etc

	  	
69

	
10.02  Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication.

	  	
10

	
10.03  No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement

	  	
71

	
10.04  Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

	  	
72

	
10.05  Payments Set Aside

	  	
73

	
10.06  Successors and Assigns.

	  	
73

	
10.07  Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality

	  	
77

	
10.08  Right of Setoff

	  	
77

	
10.09  Interest Rate Limitation

	  	
78

	
10.10  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

	  	
78

	
10.11  Survival of Representations and Warranties

	  	
78

	
10.12  Severability

	  	
78

	
10.13  Replacement of Lenders

	  	
78

	
10.14  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

	  	
79

	
10.15  Waiver of Jury Trial

	  	
80

	
10.16  No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility

	  	
80

	
10.17  Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents

	  	
80

	
10.18  USA PATRIOT Act

	  	
80

	
10.19  Time of the Essence

	  	
81

	
10.20  ENTIRE AGREEMENT

	  	
81

 

	
SIGNATURES

	  	
S-1

  

iii

  

SCHEDULES

 

	
  

	
2.01

	
Commitments and Applicable Percentages

	
  

	
5.05

	
Supplement to Interim Financial Statements

	
  

	
5.06

	
Litigation

	
  

	
5.09

	
Environmental Disclosure Items

	
  

	
5.10

	
Insurance

	 	
5.12(d)

	
Pension Plan Obligations

	
  

	
5.13

	
Subsidiaries; Other Equity Investments; Equity Interests in Borrower

	
  

	
5.18

	
Intellectual Property Matters

	
  

	
10.02

	
Administrative Agent's Office; Certain Addresses for Notices

 

EXHIBITS

 

Form of

 

	
  

	
A

	
Committed Loan Notice

	
  

	
B

	
Opinion Matters

	
  

	
C

	
Swing Line Loan Notice

	
  

	
D

	
Note

	
  

	
E

	
Compliance Certificate

	
  

	
F-1

	
Assignment and Assumption

	
  

	
F-2

	
Administrative Questionnaire

	
  

	
G

	
Guaranty

  

iv

  

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

This CREDIT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is entered into as of November 29, 2010 among TANGER PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a North Carolina limited partnership (the “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party hereto either as a result of such party’s execution of this Agreement as a “Lender” as of the date hereof or as a result of such party being made a “Lender” hereunder by virtue of an executed Assignment and Assumption (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.

 

The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a revolving credit facility, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I.

 

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

 

1.01 Defined Terms.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

 

“Adjusted Net Operating Income From Unencumbered Assets” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, for all income producing Unencumbered Assets, the Net Operating Income From Unencumbered Assets less (i) the Capital Expenditure Reserve for such Unencumbered Assets and (ii) the non-cash revenues that are included within Net Operating Income From Unencumbered Assets for such Unencumbered Assets (including, without limitation, revenues from the straight-lining of rents in accordance with GAAP).

 

“Adjusted Unencumbered Asset Value” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, the aggregate amount (without duplication) of the following, but only if and to the extent held by a Loan Party on and as of such Calculation Date:

 

(a)           the sum of:

 

(i)           unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents (excluding any tenant deposits); plus

 

(ii)           cost value of Projects Under Development which are included in Unencumbered Assets (provided however, that the amount included under this item (a)(ii) shall (A) not comprise more than fifteen percent (15%) of the total amount of Adjusted Unencumbered Asset Value and (B) include only costs incurred as of any Calculation Date); plus

 

(iii)           cost value of New Developments which are included in Unencumbered Assets (provided however, that the amount included under this item (a)(iii) shall include only costs incurred as of any Calculation Date); plus

 

(b)           an amount equal to:

 

(i)           (x) Unencumbered EBITDA for the most recently- ended Annual Period (as adjusted by the Borrower (1) to take into account the Unencumbered EBITDA of any dispositions during such Annual Period of Unencumbered Assets owned by the Borrower and (2) to deduct Unencumbered EBITDA for any Projects Under Development and New Developments which are included in Unencumbered Assets, each of which adjustments must be approved by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion), minus (y) the Capital Expenditure Reserve with respect to such assets (excluding Projects Under Development and New Developments which are included in Unencumbered Assets); divided by

 

(ii)           .0825

 

  

1

  

provided, however, that (I) not less than ninety percent (90%) of the sum of items (a)(ii), (a)(iii) and (b) must be derived from retail properties; provided, that if, and to the extent, the amount of the sum of said items (a)(ii), (a)(iii) and (b) derived from non-retail properties exceeds ten percent (10%) of Adjusted Unencumbered Asset Value, said excess shall not be included in Adjusted Unencumbered Asset Value, and (II) the Unencumbered Assets from which items (a)(iii) and (b) are derived must have an average occupancy rate of not less than eighty-five percent (85%), determined on a weighted average basis; provided, that if, and to the extent, such average occupancy rate is less than eighty-five percent (85%), amounts attributable to Unencumbered Assets contributing to items (a)(iii) and/or (b) must be removed from the calculation thereof to the extent necessary to cause such occupancy rate to equal or exceed eighty-five percent (85%).

 

"Administrative Agent" means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent, as and to the extent permitted hereunder.

 

"Administrative Agent's Office" means the Administrative Agent's address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address in the continental United States or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrower and the Lenders.

 

"Administrative Questionnaire" means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form of Exhibit F-2 or any other form reasonably approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

"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.

 

“Agents” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent and the Syndication Agent.

 

"Aggregate Commitments" means the Commitments of all the Lenders, as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  The Aggregate Commitments as of the Closing Date shall be $385,000,000.

 

"Agreement" means this Credit Agreement.

 

“Annual Period” shall mean the most recently-ended twelve (12) calendar month period for which the Borrower has provided financial information.

 

"Applicable Percentage" means with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Aggregate Commitments represented by such Lender's Commitment at such time, subject to adjustment as provided in this Agreement, including without limitation, in Section 2.18.  If the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02 or if the Aggregate Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments permitted hereunder.  The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

 

"Applicable Rate" means, from time to time, the following percentages per annum, based upon the Debt Rating as set forth below:

 

	
Pricing

Level

	
Borrower

Debt Rating

	
Eurodollar

Applicable Spread/ LC Fee %

	
Base Rate

Applicable Spread

	
Facility Fee

	  	  	  	  	  
	
1

	
A-/A3

	
1.750%

	
1.100%

	
0.300%

	
2

	
BBB+/Baa1

	
1.800%

	
1.300%

	
0.350%

	
3

	
BBB/Baa2

	
1.900%

	
1.500%

	
0.400%

	
4

	
BBB-/Baa3

	
2.100%

	
1.875%

	
0.450%

	
5

	
<BBB-/.Baa3

	
2.800%

	
2.250%

	
0.500%

 

  

2

  

"Debt Rating" means, as of any date of determination, the rating as determined by either S&P or Moody's (collectively, the "Debt Ratings") of the Borrower's non-credit-enhanced, senior unsecured long-term debt; provided that (a) if the respective Debt Ratings issued by the foregoing rating agencies differ by one level, then the Pricing Level for the higher of such Debt Ratings shall apply (with the Debt Rating for Pricing Level 1 being the highest and the Debt Rating for Pricing Level 5 being the lowest); (b) if there is a split in Debt Ratings of more than one level, then the Pricing Level that is one level lower than the Pricing Level of the higher Debt Rating shall apply; (c) if the Borrower has only one Debt Rating, the Pricing Level that is attributable to such Debt Rating shall apply; and (d) if the Borrower does not have any Debt Rating, Pricing Level 5 shall apply.

 

Initially, the Applicable Rate shall be determined based upon the Debt Rating specified in the certificate delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(vii).  Any change in the Borrower’s Credit Rating which would cause it to move to a different Level shall be effective as of the first day of the first calendar month immediately following receipt by the Administrative Agent of written notice delivered by the Borrower that the Borrower’s Credit Rating has changed; provided, however, if the Borrower has not delivered the notice required by such Section but the Administrative Agent becomes aware that the Borrower’s Credit Rating has changed, then the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, adjust the Level effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the date the Administrative Agent becomes aware that the Borrower’s Credit Rating has changed.

 

"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.

 

"Arranger" means a collective reference to MLPF&S and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, in their capacity as joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers.

 

"Assignee Group" means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor.

 

"Assignment and Assumption" means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit F-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

"Audited Financial Statements" means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto.

 

"Availability Period" means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to Section 2.07, and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and of the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to Section 8.02.

 

"Bank of America" means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.

 

“Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% (0.50%), (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its “prime rate”, and (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%.  The “prime rate” is a rate set by the Administrative Agent based upon various factors including the Administrative Agent’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate.  Any change in such prime rate announced by the Administrative Agent shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

 

  

3

  

"Base Rate Committed Loan" means a Committed Loan that is a Base Rate Loan.

 

"Base Rate Loan" means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate.

 

"Borrower" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.

 

"Borrower Materials" has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

 

"Borrowing" means a Committed Borrowing or a Swing Line Borrowing, as the context may require.

 

"Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent's Office is located and, if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day that is also a London Banking Day.

 

“Calculation Date” shall mean each of (a) the last day of each calendar quarter and (b) each other date on which any of the financial covenants of Borrower are calculated.

 

“Capital Expenditure Reserve” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, an amount equal to the product of (i) the gross leaseable area (in square feet) contained in each Unencumbered Asset measured as of the last day of each of the immediately preceding four (4) calendar quarters and averaged, multiplied by (ii) $0.15.  Capital Expenditure Reserve shall be calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP and shall include (without duplication) the Equity Percentage of Capital Expenditure Reserve for the Borrower’s Unconsolidated Affiliates.

 

"Cash Collateralize" means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender (as applicable) and the Lenders, as collateral for L/C Obligations, Obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans, or obligations of Lenders to fund participations in respect of either thereof (as the context may require), cash or deposit account balances or, if the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender benefitting from such collateral shall agree in its sole discretion, other credit support, in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to (a) the Administrative Agent and (b) the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line 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 (a) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more than twelve (12) months from the date of acquisition, (b) U.S. dollar denominated time deposits and certificates of deposit of (i) any Lender, (ii) any domestic commercial bank of recognized standing having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 or (iii) any bank whose short-term commercial paper rating from S&P is at least A-2 or the equivalent thereof or from Moody’s is at least P-2 or the equivalent thereof (any such bank being an “Approved Bank”), in each case with maturities of not more than two (2) years from the date of acquisition, (c) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes issued by any Approved Bank (or by the parent company thereof) or any variable rate notes issued by, or guaranteed by, any domestic corporation rated A-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or P-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s and maturing within one (1) year of the date of acquisition, (d) repurchase agreements with a bank or trust company (including any of the Lenders) or recognized securities dealer having capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 for direct obligations issued by or fully guaranteed by the United States of America in which any Loan Party shall have a perfected first priority security interest (subject to no other Liens) and having, on the date of purchase thereof, a fair market value of at least 100% of the amount of the repurchase obligations and (e) Investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets, in money market investment programs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which are administered by reputable financial institutions having capital of at least $50,000,000 and the portfolios of which invest principally in Investments of the character described in the foregoing subdivisions (a) through (d).

 

  

4

  

"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 (including the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub.L. 111-203, H.R. 4173) and any regulations enacted in connection therewith), (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority.

 

“Change of Control” shall mean a change resulting when (a) Borrower or Parent becomes aware (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) that any Person or Group (other than a Permitted Holder) shall at any time Beneficially Own more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of all classes of Voting Stock of Parent; provided, however, that the formation of a direct or indirect parent holding company to Parent shall not be a change of control if (i) Parent is a Subsidiary of such parent holding company, and (ii) no Person or Group (other than a Permitted Holder) shall at any time Beneficially Own more than 50% of the aggregate voting power of all classes of Voting Stock of such parent; (b) the first day that a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Parent are not Continuing Directors; or (c) Parent, or a wholly owned Subsidiary of Parent, shall cease to be the general partner of the Borrower or to own at least 51% of the outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower.  As used herein (1) “Beneficially Own” means “beneficially own” as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor provision thereto; provided, however, that, for purposes of this definition, a Person shall not be deemed to Beneficially Own securities tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by or on behalf of such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliate until such tendered securities are accepted for purchase or exchange; (2) “Group” means “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (3) “Voting Stock” of any Person shall mean capital stock of such Person which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person, either at all times or only so long as no senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of any contingency; (4) “Permitted Holder” shall mean any of:  (i) Steven Tanger, his spouse (or former spouse(s), as applicable), any of their descendants, siblings or family members or any of their spouses (or former spouses), or any of their estates (any such persons or estates in his clause (i), a "Tanger Member"), (ii) any trust primarily for the benefit of any Tanger Member or Tanger Members, (iii) any entity the majority of the owners of which are entities under clauses (i) through (ii); (5) "Continuing Director" shall mean, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of Parent who (i) is a member of the Board of Directors of Parent on the date of this Agreement, or (ii) was nominated for election or was elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of the Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election; and (6) in calculating any beneficial ownership or percentage ownership of Voting Stock units of the Parent held by any Permitted Holder that are exchangeable for Voting Stock shall be deemed to be outstanding Voting Stock of Parent as if such units had been exchanged for Voting Stock.

 

"Closing Date" means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 10.01.

 

"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

"Commitment" means, as to each Lender, its obligation to (a) make Committed Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01, (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations, and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

 

"Committed Borrowing" means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Committed Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.

 

  

5

  

"Committed Loan" has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.

 

"Committed Loan Notice" means a notice of (a) a Committed Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A.

 

"Compliance Certificate" means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E.

 

“Consolidated Parties” means a collective reference to the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries; and “Consolidated Party” means any one of them.

 

"Contractual Obligation" means, as to any Person, any material provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

 

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

 

"Credit Extension" means each of the following:  (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.

 

"Debt Rating" has the meaning specified in the definition of "Applicable Rate."

 

"Debtor Relief Laws" means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, 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 and affecting the rights of creditors generally.

 

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

 

"Default Rate" means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 4% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 4% per annum, and (b) when used with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Rate plus 4% per annum.

 

"Defaulting Lender" means, subject to Section 2.18(b), any Lender that, as determined by the Administrative Agent, (a) has failed to perform any of its funding obligations hereunder,  including in respect of its Loans or participations in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans, within three Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to its funding obligations hereunder or under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent, to confirm in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that it will comply with its funding obligations, 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, (ii) had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or a custodian appointed for it, or (iii) taken any action in furtherance of, or indicated its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment; 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.

 

"Disposition" or "Dispose" means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.

 

  

6

  

"Dollar" and "$" mean lawful money of the United States.

 

"Domestic Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States.

 

“EBITDA” shall mean, with respect to Borrower, as of any Calculation Date, (i) Borrower’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, all determined in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (excluding extraordinary or non-recurring gains or losses and excluding earnings attributable to Joint Ventures or Joint Venture Projects), plus (ii) Borrower’s Equity Percentage of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for Joint Ventures and Joint Venture Projects, all determined in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (excluding extraordinary gains or losses).  For purposes of this definition, nonrecurring items shall be deemed to include (w) gains and losses on sale of any Property or Project, (x) gains and losses on early extinguishment of Indebtedness, (y) non-cash severance and other non-cash restructuring charges and (z) transaction costs of acquisitions not permitted to be capitalized pursuant to GAAP.  EBITDA shall be adjusted to remove any impact from straight line rent leveling adjustments required under GAAP and amortization of intangibles pursuant to FASB ASC 141.

 

"Eligible Assignee" means any financial institution (a) organized under the laws (i) of the United States, or any State thereof, or the District of Columbia or (ii) of any other country (including the central bank of such country) which is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or a political subdivision of any such country, provided that such bank (or similar financial institution) is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States, (b) is qualified to do business and is doing business in the United States, (c) actively participates in syndicated facilities similar in scope and nature to the revolving credit facility evidenced by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and (d) which, as of the effective date of any applicable assignment pursuant to Section 10.06, maintains both (i) a long-term investment grade Debt Rating (i.e., BBB-/Baa3 or better ) by both S&P and Moody’s on the applicable assignee’s non-credit-enhanced senior unsecured long-term debt and (ii) a short-term investment grade Debt Rating from both S&P and Moody’s.

 

“Environmental Complaint” means any complaint, order, demand, citation or notice threatened or issued in writing to any Loan Party by any Person with regard to air emissions, water discharges, Releases, or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, noise emissions or any other environmental, health or safety matter affecting any Loan Party or any of their respective Properties.

 

"Environmental Laws" means any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the release of any materials into the environment, including those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to waste or public systems.

 

"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 Loan 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) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

"Equity Interests" means, 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.

 

  

7

  

“Equity Percentage” means the aggregate ownership percentage of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in each Unconsolidated Affiliate, which shall be calculated as follows:  (a) for calculation of Indebtedness or liabilities, Borrower’s nominal capital ownership interest in the Unconsolidated Affiliate as set forth in the Unconsolidated Affiliate’s organizational documents, or, if greater, the amount or percentage of such items allocated to Borrower, or for which Borrower is directly or indirectly responsible, pursuant to the terms of the applicable joint venture agreement (or similar governing agreement) or applicable law and (b) for all other purposes, the greater of (i) Borrower’s nominal capital ownership interest in the Unconsolidated Affiliate as set forth in the Unconsolidated Affiliate’s organizational documents, and (ii) Borrower’s economic ownership interest in the Unconsolidated Affiliate, reflecting Borrower’s share of income and expenses of the Unconsolidated Affiliate.

 

"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

 

"ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

 

"ERISA Event" means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a "substantial employer" as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment of a Pension Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA; (e) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan; (f) any event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (g) the determination that any Pension Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 and 432 of the Code or Sections 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA; or (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

“Eurodollar Base Rate” means:

 

(a)           for such Interest Period, the rate per annum equal to (i) the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as published by Reuters (or such other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period or, (ii) if such rate is not available at such time for any reason, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan being made, continued or converted and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by the Administrative Agent’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, and

 

(b)           for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to (i) BBA LIBOR, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time determined two London Banking Days prior to such date for Dollar deposits being delivered in the London interbank market for a term of one month commencing that day or (ii) if such published rate is not available at such time for any reason, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the date of determination in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Base Rate Loan being made or maintained and with a term equal to one month would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market at their request at the date and time of determination.

 

“Eurodollar Rate” means for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the following formula:

 

	
Eurodollar Rate =

	
Eurodollar Base Rate

	
1.00 — Eurodollar Reserve Percentage

 

  

8

  

“Eurodollar Rate Loan” means a loan that bears interest at a rate based on clause (a) of the definition of Eurodollar Base Rate.

 

“Eurodollar Reserve Percentage” means, for any day during any Interest Period, the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal, carried out to five decimal places) in effect on such day, whether or not applicable to any Lender, under regulations issued from time to time by the FRB for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) with respect to Eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities”).  The Eurodollar Rate for each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be adjusted automatically as of the effective date of any change in the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage.

 

"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 8.01.

 

"Excluded Taxes" means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder, (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the Laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, (c) any backup withholding tax that is required by the Code to be withheld from amounts payable to a Lender that has failed to comply with clause (A) of Section 3.01(e)(ii), (d) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 10.13), any United States withholding tax that (i) is required to be imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender pursuant to the Laws in force at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office) or (ii) is attributable to such Foreign Lender's failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with clause (B) of Section 3.01(e)(ii), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(ii) or (c) and (e) any taxes imposed by Sections 1471 through Section 1474 of the Code (including any official interpretations thereof, collectively “FATCA”) on any “withholdable payment” payable to such recipient as a result of the failure of such recipient to satisfy the applicable requirements as set forth in FATCA after December 31, 2012.

 

“Exempt Subsidiaries” means, as of any date of determination, a collective reference to:

 

(a)           each Subsidiary of any Loan Party that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

 

(b)           each non-Material Subsidiary of any Loan Party;

 

(c)           each Material Subsidiary of any Loan Party which is (or, promptly following its release as a Loan Party hereunder pursuant to the terms of Section 6.12(b) hereof, shall be) an obligor with respect to any material third party Indebtedness not otherwise prohibited pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and

 

(d)           each Material Subsidiary of any Loan Party, the direct or indirect equity interests or assets of which are (or, promptly following its release as a Loan Party hereunder pursuant to the terms of Section 6.12(b) hereof, shall be) Disposed of or otherwise sold, conveyed or transferred, and/or subject to a letter of intent, purchase agreement or other written agreement for the Disposal of, sale or other transfer of such equity interests or assets to a third party purchaser; and

 

“Exempt Subsidiary” means any one of such entities.

 

"Extended Maturity Date" means November 29, 2014.

 

  

9

  

“Fair Market Minimum Net Worth” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, Borrower’s Total Adjusted Asset Value less Total Liabilities.

 

"FASB ASC" means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

 

“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System 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 that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds 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 Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to the Administrative Agent on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Fixed Charges” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, an amount equal to (a) all principal and interest payments due on all obligations of the Borrower for the most recently-ended Annual Period, exclusive of balloon maturity payments, plus (b) Borrower’s Equity Percentage of the sum of all principal and interest payments due on all loan obligations of any Joint Venture or otherwise attributable to any Joint Venture Project for such Annual Period, exclusive of balloon maturity payments, plus (c) all Preferred Dividends, if any, payable with respect to such Annual Period, plus (d) a capital expenditure allowance of $0.15 times gross leaseable area of owned projects plus a capital expenditure allowance of $0.15 times gross leaseable area of Joint Venture Projects multiplied by the Borrower’s Equity Percentage of such Joint Venture Projects (excluding Projects Under Development and New Developments).

 

"Foreign Lender" means any Lender that is organized under the Laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes (including such a Lender when acting in the capacity of the L/C Issuer).  For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

 

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

 

"FRB" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.

 

"Fronting Exposure" means, at any time when there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the L/C Issuer, such Defaulting Lender's Applicable Percentage of the outstanding L/C Obligations other than L/C Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lender's participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) with respect to the Swing Line Lender, such Defaulting Lender's Applicable Percentage of Swing Line Loans other than Swing Line Loans as to which such Defaulting Lender's participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

“Fully Satisfied” means, with respect to the Obligations as of any date, that, as of such date, (a) all principal of and interest accrued to such date which constitute Obligations shall have been irrevocably paid in full in cash, and (b) all fees, expenses and other amounts then due and payable which constitute Obligations shall have been irrevocably paid in cash.

 

"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.

 

“Funds From Operations” shall be as defined by NAREIT as of the first day of a fiscal year.

 

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

 

  

10

  

"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).

 

"Guarantee" means, as to any Person, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or 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 or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation 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 other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation 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 or other obligation 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 Guarantee 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 Guarantee 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.  The term "Guarantee" as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

“Guarantors” means, collectively, as of any date of determination, the Parent and each other Person that has executed a counterpart of the Guaranty, in each case to the extent such Person has not been released from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to the terms of the Guaranty and this Agreement.

 

“Guaranty” means the Guaranty dated as of the date hereof made by the Parent and each Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower (except the Exempt Subsidiaries) in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, substantially in the form of Exhibit G, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, and as joined from time to time by such Persons that become, following the date hereof, a Guarantor.

 

"Hazardous Materials" means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

 

“Indebtedness” means all obligations, contingent and otherwise in respect of (a) all debt and similar monetary obligations, whether direct or indirect and whether evidenced by one or more notes, bonds, agreements or other evidences of indebtedness; (b) all liabilities secured by any mortgage, pledge, security interest, lien, charge, or other encumbrance existing on property owned or acquired subject thereto, whether or not the liability secured thereby shall have been assumed; (c) all liabilities under capitalized leases; and (d) all guarantees, endorsements and other contingent obligations whether direct or indirect in respect of indebtedness of others, including the obligations to reimburse the issuer in respect of any letters of credit.  With respect to Borrower, Indebtedness shall be calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, and including (without duplication) the Equity Percentage of Indebtedness for the Borrower’s Unconsolidated Affiliates.

 

"Indemnified Taxes" means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

 

"Indemnitees" has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b).

 

  

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"Information" has the meaning specified in Section 10.07.

 

"Initial Maturity Date" means November 29, 2013.

 

"Interest Payment Date" means, (a) as to any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan (including a Swing Line Loan), the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date.

 

“Interest Period” means, as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one (1), two (2), three (3), six (6), nine (9) or twelve (12) months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its loan notice (and subject to the terms set forth below); provided that:

 

(a)           any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;

 

(b)           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 the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period;

 

(c)           no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date; and

 

(d)           a period of twelve (12) months shall be deemed, as used in connection with the term “Interest Period”, to be equal to 364 days and any period in excess of six (6) months shall only be available to the Borrower to the extent available from and consented to by each Lender.

 

“Internal Control Event” means fraud that involves senior management of the Parent or the Borrower internal who have control over financial reporting, as described in the Securities Laws.

 

“Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of capital stock or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of debt of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person and any arrangement pursuant to which the investor Guarantees Indebtedness of such other Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute a business unit.

 

"IP Rights" has the meaning specified in Section 5.18.

 

"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).

 

"Issuer Documents" means with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Letter of Credit Application, and any other document, agreement and instrument entered into by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower (or any Subsidiary) or in favor of the L/C Issuer and relating to such Letter of Credit.

 

“Joint Venture” shall mean any Person in which the Borrower owns an Equity Interest, but that is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

  

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“Joint Venture Projects” shall mean all Projects with respect to which Borrower holds, directly or indirectly, an interest that is less than 100%.

 

"Laws" means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law.

 

"L/C Advance" means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender's funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

 

"L/C Borrowing" means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the date when made or refinanced as a Committed Borrowing.

 

"L/C Credit Extension" means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the increase of the amount thereof.

 

"L/C Issuer" means Bank of America in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.

 

"L/C Obligations" means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings.  For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06.  For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of 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.

 

"Lender" has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto and, as the context requires, includes the Swing Line Lender.

 

"Lending Office" means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender's Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices in the continental United States as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

"Letter of Credit" means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder.

 

"Letter of Credit Application" means an application and agreement for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit in the form from time to time in use by the L/C Issuer.

 

"Letter of Credit Fee" has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(h).

 

"Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date" means the Maturity Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).

 

"Letter of Credit Sublimit" means an amount up to the lesser of (a) $75,000,000.00 or (b) the Aggregate Commitments.  The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.

 

"Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

 

  

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"Loan" means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Committed Loan or a Swing Line Loan.

 

"Loan Documents" means this Agreement, each Note, each Issuer Document, any agreement, if any, creating or perfecting rights in Cash Collateral pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of this Agreement, the Guaranty and any other documents, instruments or agreements executed and delivered by the Borrower and/or any Guarantor related to the foregoing.

 

"Loan Parties" means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor.

 

"London Banking Day" means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.

 

“Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent), condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Consolidated Parties (including without limitation, the Borrower), taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its material obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.

 

"Material Subsidiary" means, as of any date of determination, any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of a Loan Party that hold assets contributing an amount equal to or greater than one quarter of one percent (0.25%) of the calculation of Total Adjusted Asset Value.

 

"Maturity Date" means the later of (a) the Initial Maturity Date and (b) if maturity is extended pursuant to Section 2.14, the Extended Maturity Date; provided, however, that, in each case, if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

 

"MLPF&S" means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated successor by merger to, Banc of America Securities LLC.

 

"Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

“Mortgage” shall mean (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt or similar security instrument (regardless of priority) made or to be made by any entity or person owning an interest in real estate granting a lien on such interest in real estate as security for the payment of Indebtedness and (b) any mezzanine indebtedness relating to such real estate interest and secured by the Equity Interests of the direct or indirect owner of such real estate interest or which is otherwise recourse to such owner.

 

"Multiemployer Plan" means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.

 

"Multiple Employer Plan" means a Plan which has two or more contributing sponsors (including the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate) at least two of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described in Section 4064 of ERISA.

 

“NAREIT” means the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts.

 

“Negative Pledge” shall mean with respect to a given asset, any provision of a document, instrument or agreement (other than any Loan Document) which prohibits or purports to prohibit the creation or assumption of any Lien on such asset as security for Indebtedness of the Person owning such asset or any other Person; provided, however, that an agreement that conditions a Person’s ability to encumber its assets upon the maintenance of one or more specified ratios that limit such Person’s ability to encumber its assets but that do not generally prohibit the encumbrance of its assets, or the encumbrance of specific assets, shall not constitute a Negative Pledge.

 

  

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“Net Operating Income From Unencumbered Assets” means, as of any Calculation Date, for any income producing operating Unencumbered Asset, the difference between (a) any rentals (other than those paid or payable other than in cash), proceeds and other income received from such property, including all pass-through reimbursables and percentage rent (but excluding security or other deposits, until applied, early lease termination payments that are in excess of one percent (1%) of the aggregate amounts under this subclause (a), or other penalties, or other income of a non-recurring nature) during the determination period, less (b) an amount equal to all costs and expenses (excluding interest expense, income taxes and any expenditures that are capitalized in accordance with GAAP) incurred as a result of, or in connection with, or properly allocated to, the operation or leasing of such property during the determination period; provided, however, that the amount for the expenses for the management of a property included in clause (b) above (1) shall be set at three percent (3%) of the amount provided in clause (a) above and (2) exclude any actual expenses for the management of a property that would otherwise be included in clause (b) above. Net Operating Income From Unencumbered Assets shall be calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, and include (without duplication) the Equity Percentage of Net Operating Income From Unencumbered Assets for the Borrower's Unconsolidated Affiliates.

 

“New Development” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, (a) any Project which was a Project Under Development during the most recently-ended Annual Period as to which conditions (a), (b) and (c) as provided for in the definition of Projects Under Development have been satisfied, and (b) any Project acquired during the most recently-ended Annual Period, such Project(s) being a New Development only for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months (or such shorter period as Borrower may elect).

 

"Note" means a promissory note made by the Borrower in favor of a Lender evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit D.

 

"Obligations" means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.

 

"Organization Documents" means, (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

 

"Other Taxes" means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, but shall not include any Excluded Taxes.

 

"Outstanding Amount" means (i) with respect to Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (ii) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the amount of such L/C Obligations on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes in the aggregate amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the Borrower of Unreimbursed Amounts.

 

“Parent” means Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, together with its successors and permitted assigns.

 

"Participant" has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d).

 

  

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"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

"Pension Act" means the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

 

"Pension Funding Rules" means the rules of the Code and ERISA regarding minimum required contributions (including any installment payment thereof) to Pension Plans and set forth in, with respect to plan years ending prior to the effective date of the Pension Act, Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, each as in effect prior to the Pension Act and, thereafter, Section 412, 430, 431, 432 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302, 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA.

 

"Pension Plan" means any employee pension benefit plan (including a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan) that is maintained or is contributed to by the Borrower and any ERISA Affiliate and is either covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code.

 

“Perpetual Preferred Equity” shall mean that certain class of preferred equity of the Parent existing on and as of the date of this Agreement, 7.5% Class C Cumulative Preferred Shares, carrying a $25.00 per share liquidation preference.  As of the date of this Agreement, 8,000,000 shares of such Perpetual Preferred Equity have been authorized and 3,000,000 shares have been issued and remain outstanding.

 

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

 

"Plan" means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (including a Pension Plan), maintained for employees of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or any such Plan to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is required to contribute on behalf of any of its employees.

 

"Platform" has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

 

“Preferred Dividends” shall mean, with respect to any Person, dividends or other distributions which are payable to holders of any Equity Interests in such Person which entitle the holders of such Equity Interests to be paid on a preferred basis prior to dividends or other distributions to the holders of other types of Equity Interests in such Person.

 

“Pro Forma Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of an officer of Borrower (or Parent) delivered to the Administrative Agent and containing reasonably detailed calculations, upon giving effect to the applicable transaction on a pro forma basis, of the financial covenants set forth in this Agreement.

 

“Projects” shall mean any and all parcels of real property owned by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower owns an interest (whether directly or indirectly) on which are located improvements with a gross leasable area in excess of 50,000 sq. ft. or with respect to which construction and development of such improvements are under development.

 

“Projects Under Development” means, as of any Calculation Date, any Project under development by the Borrower or any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower (a) classified as construction in progress on the Borrower’s quarterly financial statements; or (b) as to which a certificate of occupancy has not been issued; or (c) as to which a minimum of 70% of total gross leasable area has not been leased and occupied by paying tenants.

 

“Properties” means, as of any date of determination, all interests in real property (direct or indirect), together with all improvements thereon, owned by any Loan Party; and “Property” means any one of them.

 

"Public Lender" has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

 

"Register" has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(c).

 

  

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“Registered Public Accounting Firm” has the meaning specified in the Securities Laws and shall be independent of the Borrower as prescribed by the Securities Laws.

 

“REIT” means a Person qualifying for treatment as a “real estate investment trust” under the Code.

 

"Related Parties" means, with respect to any Person, such Person's Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees and advisors of such Person and of such Person's Affiliates.

 

“Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching, or migration of Hazardous Materials into the environment, or into or out of any Property, including the movement of any Hazardous Materials through or in the air, soil, surface water, groundwater, of any Property.

 

"Reportable Event" means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.

 

"Request for Credit Extension" means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, conversion or continuation of Committed Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b)  with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Application, and (c) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, a Swing Line Loan Notice.

 

"Required Lenders" means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having at in excess of 50.0% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02, Lenders holding in the aggregate in excess of 50.0% of the Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of each Lender's risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed "held" by such Lender for purposes of this definition); provided, however, that to the extent the Lenders are voting on any change, amendment, modification, supplement or waiver with respect to (i) the provisions of any of the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.11 hereof, (ii) the definition of the term "Change of Control" set forth in this Section 1.01 or (iii) Section 8.01(k) hereof, the term “Required Lenders” shall mean Lenders having at least sixty-six and two-thirds of one percent (66-2/3%) of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the commitment of each Lender to make Loans have been terminated pursuant to Section 8.02, Lenders holding in the aggregate at least sixty-six and two-thirds of one percent (66-2/3%) of the Total Outstandings; provided, further that, for any “Required Lender” determination, (a) the Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders and (b) at all times when two (2) or more Lenders, excluding Defaulting Lenders, are party to this Agreement, the term "Required Lenders" shall in no event mean less than two (2) Lenders

 

“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, general counsel, executive vice president, senior vice president, vice president, treasurer, secretary or assistant secretary of a Loan Party, or any other individual who may from time to time be authorized by the Board of Directors of the Borrower to serve as a “Responsible Officer” for the purposes hereof.  Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

 

“Restricted Payment” means (a) any dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of any shares of any class of the Equity Interests of any Consolidated Party, now or hereafter outstanding (including any payment of dividends by the Borrower necessary to retain its status as a REIT or to meet the distribution requirements of Section 857 of the Internal Revenue Code), (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 the Equity Interests of any Consolidated Party, now or hereafter outstanding, and (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 the Equity Interests of any Consolidated Party, now or hereafter outstanding.

 

“Sarbanes-Oxley” means the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  

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"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

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

 

“Secured Indebtedness” shall mean an amount, as of any Calculation Date, equal to (a) any Indebtedness of the Borrower secured by any encumbrance or by any security interest, lien, privilege, or charge (other than liens for real estate taxes that are not yet due and payable) on any real or personal property, plus (b) Borrower’s Equity Percentage of any Indebtedness of any Joint Venture Projects or any Joint Ventures secured by any encumbrance or by any security interest, lien, privilege, or charge (other than liens for real estate taxes that are not yet due and payable) on any real or personal property.

 

“Securities Holdings” shall mean common stock, preferred stock, other capital stock, beneficial interest in trust, membership interest in limited liability companies and other Equity Interests in entities (other than consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries) such that the aggregate basis of such interests is calculated on the basis of lower of cost or market value.

 

“Securities Laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sarbanes-Oxley and the applicable accounting and auditing principles, rules, standards and practices promulgated, approved or incorporated by the SEC or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, as each of the foregoing may be amended and in effect on any applicable date hereunder.

 

“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.  Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

 

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

 

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

 

"Swing Line Borrowing" means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.05.

 

  

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"Swing Line Lender" means Bank of America in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans, or any successor swing line lender hereunder.

 

"Swing Line Loan" has the meaning specified in Section 2.05(a).

 

"Swing Line Loan Notice" means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.05(b), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit C.

 

"Swing Line Sublimit" means an amount up to the lesser of (a) $25,000,000.00 or (b) the Aggregate Commitments.  The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Commitments.

 

“Syndication Agent” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as syndication agent, or any successor syndication agent.

 

"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.

 

"Threshold Amount" means (a) with respect to Indebtedness which is non-recourse to a Person (except for customary recourse “carve-outs”), such Indebtedness which is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $50,000,000 individually or when aggregated with all such Indebtedness and (b) with respect to any other Indebtedness of such Person, such Indebtedness which is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $25,000,000 individually or when aggregated with all such Indebtedness.  For clarification purposes, no Indebtedness and no Guarantee shall be attributed to any Person hereunder (for purposes of determination of the Threshold Amount of Indebtedness of a Person, including whether such Indebtedness is recourse or non-recourse to such Person) unless such Person is the borrower, guarantor or primary obligor thereof and, if a guarantor, such Indebtedness or Guarantee, as applicable, shall be deemed to be in the amount of such guaranty (and shall exclude any and all guaranties that are not in liquidated amounts).

 

“Total Adjusted Asset Value” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date:

 

(a)           the sum of:

 

(i)           unrestricted cash and Cash Equivalents held by the Borrower (excluding any tenant deposits); plus

 

(ii)           cost value of Projects Under Development (including only costs incurred as of any Calculation Date and not including the cost value of Projects Under Development which constitute Joint Venture Projects); plus

 

(iii)           cost value of New Developments (including only costs incurred as of any Calculation Date and not including the cost value of New Developments which constitute Joint Venture Projects); plus

 

(iv)           cost value of Borrower’s investment in Joint Venture Projects which comply with the definition of Projects Under Development and New Development (including only costs incurred as of any Calculation Date), plus

 

(b)           an amount equal to

 

(i)           (A) an amount equal to the EBITDA for the most recently-ended Annual Period (as adjusted by the Borrower (1) to take into account the EBITDA of any dispositions during such Annual Period of projects owned by the Borrower and (2) to deduct EBITDA derived from Projects Under Development or New Developments, each of which adjustments must be approved by Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion), minus (B) the sum of (1) a capital expenditure allowance of $0.15 times owned gross leaseable area of Project wholly owned by the Borrower or any wholly owned Subsidiary thereof, plus (2) a capital expenditure allowance of $0.15 times gross leasable area of Joint Venture Projects multiplied by the Borrower’s Equity Percentage of such Joint Venture Projects (excluding Projects Under Development and New Developments); divided by

 

  

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(ii)           .0825

 

provided, that for purposes of calculating Total Adjusted Asset Value, the total amount attributable to assets or EBITDA generated by or attributable to Joint Venture Projects and/or Joint Ventures shall be limited to twenty-five percent (25%) of Total Adjusted Asset Value and, to the extent the amount attributable to assets or EBITDA generated by Joint Venture Projects and/or Joint Ventures exceeds such threshold, such amount shall be reduced, in the overall calculation of Total Adjusted Asset Value, such that it equals twenty-five percent (25%) of the Total Adjusted Asset Value.

 

“Total Liabilities” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, the sum of (a) all liabilities of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries, as calculated in accordance with GAAP (including, in any case and without limitation, deferred taxes) less (i) intercompany items and (ii) liabilities attributable to Joint Venture Projects or Joint Ventures plus (b) Borrower’s Equity Percentage of Total Liabilities attributable to Joint Venture Projects or Joint Ventures.  Without duplication, Total Liabilities shall include all guarantees, endorsements and other contingent obligations whether direct or indirect in respect of indebtedness of others, including the obligations to reimburse the issuer in respect of any letters of credit.

 

"Total Outstandings" means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations.

 

“Total Unsecured Indebtedness” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, an amount equal to (a) all unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower, plus (b) without duplication Borrower’s Equity Percentage of any unsecured Indebtedness of any Joint Venture and/or Joint Venture Projects as of such Calculation Date, other than trade indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business; provided, that all Indebtedness which is secured by a pledge of equity interests only shall be deemed to be unsecured indebtedness.

 

"Type" means with respect to a Committed Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

 

“Unconsolidated Affiliate(s)” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”), at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would not be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with full consolidation method GAAP as of such date.

 

“Unencumbered Assets” shall mean real property that is wholly-owned by the Borrower or by a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not subject to a mortgage lien or to any agreement with any other lender that prohibits the creation of a Lien on that specific property.

 

“Unencumbered EBITDA” shall mean, as of any Calculation Date, EBITDA of the Borrower for the most recently-ended Annual Period that is directly attributable to Unencumbered Assets.

 

"United States" and "U.S." mean the United States of America.

 

"Unreimbursed Amount" has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(c)(i).

 

“Voting Stock” means, with respect to any Person, Equity Interests issued by such Person the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person, even though the right so to vote has been suspended by the happening of such a contingency.

 

“Wholly-Owned Subsidiary” of a Person means (i) any Subsidiary all of the outstanding voting securities of which shall at the time be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person, or by such Person and one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person, or (ii) any partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or similar business organization 100% of the ownership interests having ordinary voting power of which shall at the time be so owned or controlled.  Except as otherwise specifically noted, each reference to "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" contained herein shall be to Subsidiaries of the Borrower meeting the qualifications noted above.

 

  

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1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions.  With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

 

(a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  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 (including any Organization 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 Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and assigns, (iii) the words "hereto," "herein," "hereof" and "hereunder," and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and 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) 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."

 

(c) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

(d) All references herein to the "knowledge" of the Borrower or Loan Parties shall be deemed to mean the actual knowledge of the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer, secretary, assistant secretary, chief operating officer or general counsel of the Parent and/or Borrower.

 

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

 

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

 

  

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(b) Accounting for Sales of Real Estate.  For purposes of clarification and without limiting the foregoing general requirements of this Section 1.03 or otherwise set forth in this Agreement, all real estate transactions shall, for the duration of this Agreement, be accounted for using standard GAAP accounting (including application, as applicable, of the financing, profit sharing or other alternative accounting methods prescribed by paragraphs 25 to 29 of FASB ASC 66).

 

(c) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.  All references herein to consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or to the determination of any amount for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or any similar reference shall, in each case, be deemed to include each variable interest entity that the Borrower is required to consolidate pursuant to FASB ASC 810 as if such variable interest entity were a Subsidiary as defined herein.

 

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

 

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

 

1.06 Letter of Credit Amounts.  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 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.

 

ARTICLE II.

 

THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

2.01 Committed Loans.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a "Committed Loan") to the Borrower from time to time, on any Business Day during the Availability Period, in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lender's Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Committed Borrowing, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender's Commitment.  Within the limits of each Lender's Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01, prepay under Section 2.06, and reborrow under this Section 2.01.  Committed Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans, as further provided herein.

 

2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Committed Loans.

 

(a) Each Committed Borrowing, each conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans shall be made upon the Borrower's irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone.  Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans to Base Rate Committed Loans, and (ii) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Committed Loans.  Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof.  Except as provided in Sections 2.04(c) and 2.05(c), each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Committed Loans shall be in a 

 

 

  

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principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof.  Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Committed Borrowing, a conversion of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Committed Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Committed Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Committed Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto.  If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Committed Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Committed Loans shall be continued as the same Type of Committed Loan, each having the same Interest Period as the Committed Loans that are the subject of such continuation (e.g., a one-month Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan shall continue as a one-month Eurodollar Committed Loan).  Any such automatic conversion shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans.  If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.

 

(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Committed Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in the preceding subsection.  In the case of a Committed Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Committed Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent's Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice.  Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower; provided, however, that if, on the date the Committed Loan Notice with respect to such Borrowing is given by the Borrower, there are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing, first, shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and second, shall be made available to the Borrower as provided above.

 

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan.  During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders.

 

(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans upon determination of such interest rate.  At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America's prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.

 

(e) After giving effect to all Committed Borrowings, all conversions of Committed Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Committed Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten Interest Periods in effect with respect to Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans.

 

  

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2.03 Intentionally Omitted.

 

2.04 Letters of Credit.

 

(a) The Letter of Credit Commitment.

 

(i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the Lenders set forth in this Section 2.04, (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, and to amend or extend Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with subsection (b) below, and (2) to honor drawings under the Letters of Credit; and (B) the Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries and any drawings thereunder; provided that after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, (x) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, (y) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender's Commitment, and (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit.  Each request by the Borrower for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by the Borrower that the L/C Credit Extension so requested complies with the conditions set forth in the proviso to the preceding sentence.  Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower's ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.

 

(ii) The L/C Issuer shall not issue any Letter of Credit, if:

 

(A) subject to Section 2.04(b)(iii), the expiry date of the requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last extension, unless the Required Lenders have approved such expiry date; or

 

(B) the expiry date of the requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date, except to the extent Borrower has, as of such Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date, fully Cash Collateralized such Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 2.17(a) hereof.

 

(iii) The L/C Issuer shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:

 

(A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain the L/C Issuer from issuing the Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to the L/C Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over the L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or request that the L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which the L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date and which the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it;

 

(B) the issuance of the Letter of Credit would violate one or more written policies of the L/C Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally;

 

(C) except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, the Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $500,000;

 

  

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(D) the Letter of Credit is to be denominated in a currency other than Dollars;

 

(E) any Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless the L/C Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (in its sole discretion) with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the L/C Issuer's actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.18(a)(iv)) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other L/C Obligations as to which the L/C Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its sole discretion; or

 

(F) the Letter of Credit contains any provisions for automatic reinstatement of the stated amount after any drawing thereunder.

 

(iv) The L/C Issuer shall not amend any Letter of Credit if the L/C Issuer would not be permitted at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof.

 

(v) The L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) the L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to the Letter of Credit.

 

(vi) The L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and the L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and Issuer Documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term "Administrative Agent" as used in Article IX included the L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to the L/C Issuer.

 

(b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto-Extension Letters of Credit.

 

(i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least two Business Days (or such later date and time as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be.  In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer:  (A) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (B) the amount thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (G) the purpose and nature of the requested Letter of Credit; and (H) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require.  In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (A) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (B) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (C) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (D) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require.  Additionally, the Borrower shall furnish to the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent such other documents and information pertaining to such requested Letter of Credit issuance or amendment, including any Issuer Documents, as the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent may require.

 

(ii) Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, the L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof.  Unless the L/C Issuer has received written notice from any Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Loan Party, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of issuance or amendment of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or more applicable conditions contained in Article IV shall not then be satisfied (and specifying which 

 

  

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conditions are not then satisfied), then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower (or the applicable Subsidiary) or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be, in each case in accordance with the L/C Issuer's usual and customary business practices.  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 L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lender's Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit.

 

(iii) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an "Auto-Extension Letter of Credit"); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof and the Borrower not later than a day (the "Non-Extension Notice Date") in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued.  Unless otherwise directed by the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the L/C Issuer for any such extension.  Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date or, if such Letter of Credit has been fully Cash Collateralized in accordance with Section 2.17(a) hereof as of the Maturity Date, the date which is up to twelve (12) months following such Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date; provided, however, that the L/C Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (A) the L/C Issuer has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.04(a) or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, and in each such case directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such extension.

 

(iv) Promptly after its delivery of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit to an advising bank with respect thereto or to the beneficiary thereof, the L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.

 

(v) Promptly following any change in Letters of Credit outstanding, the L/C Issuer shall deliver to each Lender and the Borrower a notice describing the aggregate amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding at such time.  Upon the request of any Lender from time to time, the L/C Issuer shall deliver any other information reasonably requested by such Lender with respect to each Letter of Credit then outstanding.  Other than as set forth in this subsection, the L/C Issuer shall have no duty to notify the Lenders regarding the issuance or other matters regarding Letters of Credit issued hereunder.  The failure of the L/C Issuer to perform its requirements under this subsection shall not relieve any Lender from its obligations under this Section 2.04.

 

(c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations.

 

(i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof.  Not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit (each such date, an "Honor Date"), the Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing.  If the Borrower fails to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time (it being acknowledged that such failure shall not, on its own, form the basis for a Default or Event of Default hereunder), the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (the "Unreimbursed Amount"), and the amount of such Lender's Applicable 

 

  

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Percentage thereof.  In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice).  Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.04(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

 

(ii) Each Lender shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) make funds available (and the Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral provided for this purpose but only if (x) such Cash Collateral has been posted by a Defaulting Lender and/or (y) such Cash Collateral has been posted by the Borrower on or after the Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date or there is, for any reason, insufficient additional availability hereunder for the borrowing of Committed Loans to account for the Unreimbursed Amount) for the account of the L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent's Office in an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.04(c)(iii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Committed Loan to the Borrower in such amount.  The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C Issuer.

 

(iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate from and after the date that is five (5) days after the date of such demand.  In such event, each Lender's payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.04.

 

(iv) Until each Lender funds its Committed Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender's Applicable Percentage of such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer.

 

(v) Each Lender's obligation to make Committed Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.04(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Lender's obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice).  No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.

 

(vi) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(ii), then, without limiting the other provisions of this Agreement, the L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the L/C Issuer in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing.  If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender's Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or L/C Advance in respect of the relevant L/C Borrowing, as the case may be.  A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

  

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(d) Repayment of Participations.

 

(i) At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Lender such Lender's L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.04(c), if the Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.

 

(ii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect.  The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

(e) Obligations Absolute.  The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:

 

(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document;

 

(ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that the Borrower or any Subsidiary may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;

 

(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such 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; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;

 

(iv) any payment by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law; or

 

(v) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

The Borrower shall promptly examine a copy of each Letter of Credit and each amendment thereto that is delivered to it and, in the event of any claim of noncompliance with the Borrower's instructions or other irregularity, the Borrower will immediately notify the L/C Issuer.  The Borrower shall be conclusively deemed to have waived any such claim against the L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid.

 

  

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Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Lenders' respective obligations to reimburse the L/C Issuer for draws on Letters of Credit that have been fully Cash Collateralized (as reasonably determined by the L/C Issuer) and that remain outstanding following the Maturity Date shall terminate as of the Maturity Date, except to the extent the L/C Issuer is, for any reason, required by Law to return the applicable Cash Collateral to the Borrower or any other Loan Party.

 

(f) Role of L/C Issuer.  Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document.  None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document.  The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided, however, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrower's pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement.  None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (v) of Section 2.04(e); provided, however, that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against the L/C Issuer, and the L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by the L/C Issuer's willful misconduct or gross negligence or the L/C Issuer's willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a 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.

 

(g) Applicability of ISP and UCP.  Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued, the rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit.

 

(h) Letter of Credit Fees.  The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage a Letter of Credit fee (the "Letter of Credit Fee") for each Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit; provided, however, any Letter of Credit Fees otherwise payable for the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided Cash Collateral satisfactory to the L/C Issuer pursuant to this Section 2.04 shall be payable, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, to the other Lenders in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Applicable Percentages allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.18(a)(iv), with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to the L/C Issuer for its own account.  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 1.06.  Letter of Credit Fees shall be (i) due and payable on the first Business Day after the end 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 date on which such Letter of Credit expires or is drawn on in accordance with the terms hereof and thereafter on demand and (ii) computed on a quarterly basis in arrears.  If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate.

 

  

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(i) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuer.  The Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit equal to the greater of (A) $1,500 per Letter of Credit on the date of issuance of the applicable Letter of Credit and, if applicable, each renewal date for such Letter of Credit and (B) 0.125% per annum of the issued and undrawn amount of such Letter of Credit, 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 tenth Business Day after the end 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 the date on which such Letter of Credit expires in accordance with the terms hereof 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 1.06.  In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect.  Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.

 

(j) Conflict with Issuer Documents.  In the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Issuer Document, the terms hereof shall control.

 

(k) Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the L/C Issuer 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.

 

2.05 Swing Line Loans.

 

(a) The Swing Line.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swing Line Lender, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Lenders set forth in this Section 2.05, may in its sole discretion make loans (each such loan, a "Swing Line Loan") to the Borrower from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, notwithstanding the fact that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of Committed Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, may exceed the amount of such Lender's Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Total Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of any Lender, plus such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender's Commitment, and provided, further, that (A) the Borrower shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan and (B) Swing Line Loans may not be outstanding for more than ten (10) total days (in the aggregate) during any calendar month period.  Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.05, prepay under Section 2.06, and reborrow under this Section 2.05.  Each Swing Line Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan.  Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender's Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.

 

(b) Borrowing Procedures.  Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon the Borrower's irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone.  Each such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested borrowing date, and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum of $100,000, and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day.  Each such 

 

  

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telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any telephonic Swing Line Loan Notice, the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof.  Unless the Swing Line Lender has received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.05(a), or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Article IV is not then satisfied (and specifying which conditions are not then satisfied), then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Borrower.

 

(c) Refinancing of Swing Line Loans.

 

(i) The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole discretion may request, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes the Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Lender make a Base Rate Committed Loan in an amount equal to such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding.  Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02.  The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent.  Each Lender shall make an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds (and the Administrative Agent may apply Cash Collateral provided for this purpose but only if (x) such Cash Collateral has been posted by a Defaulting Lender and/or (y) such Cash Collateral has been posted by the Borrower on or after the Maturity Date or there is, for any reason, insufficient additional availability hereunder for the borrowing of Committed Loans to account for such amount) for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent's Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.05(c)(ii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Committed Loan to the Borrower in such amount.  The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.

 

(ii) If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Committed Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.05(c)(i), the request for Base Rate Committed Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Lender's payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.05(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.

 

(iii) If any Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.05(c) by the time specified in Section 2.05(c)(i), the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing.  If such Lender pays such amount (with interest and fees as aforesaid), the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender's Committed Loan included in the relevant Committed Borrowing or funded participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan, as the case may be.  A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

  

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(iv) Each Lender's obligation to make Committed Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Lender's obligation to make Committed Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02.  No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.

 

(d) Repayment of Participations.

 

(i) At any time after any Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, the Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof in the same funds as those received by the Swing Line Lender.

 

(ii) If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate.  The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender.  The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

(e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender.  The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans.  Until each Lender funds its Base Rate Committed Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.05 to refinance such Lender's Applicable Percentage of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Applicable Percentage shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.

 

(f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender.  The Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to the Swing Line Lender.

 

2.06 Prepayments.

 

(a) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Committed Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (A) two Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans and (B) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Committed Loans; (ii) any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof; and (iii) any prepayment of Base Rate Committed Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding.  Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Committed Loans to be prepaid and, if Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans.  The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender's Applicable Percentage of such prepayment.  If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.  Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05, if any.  Subject to Section 2.18, each such prepayment shall be applied to the Committed Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.

 

(b) The Borrower may, upon notice to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of the prepayment, and (ii) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $100,000.  Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment.  If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.

 

  

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(c) If for any reason the Total Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect, the Borrower shall immediately upon demand prepay Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that the Borrower shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) unless after the prepayment in full of the Committed Loans and Swing Line Loans the Total Outstandings exceed the Aggregate Commitments then in effect and provided further, however, that Borrower shall have the right to designate which Loans and/or other Obligations are to be repaid hereunder.

 

2.07 Termination or Reduction of Commitments.  The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitments; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. five Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $10,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Aggregate Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Commitments, and (iv) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Aggregate Commitments, such Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess.  The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any such notice of termination or reduction of the Aggregate Commitments.  Any reduction of the Aggregate Commitments shall be applied to the Commitment of each Lender according to its Applicable Percentage.  All fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.

 

2.08 Repayment of Loans.

 

(a) The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of Committed Loans outstanding on such date.

 

(b) The Borrower shall repay each Swing Line Loan on the earlier to occur of (i) the date five (5) Business Days after such Loan is made; (ii) the date, if any, in a given calendar month on which Swing Line Loans have been outstanding hereunder for ten (10) total days (in the aggregate) during such calendar month and (iii) the Maturity Date.

 

(c) The Borrower shall Fully Satisfy all other Obligations on or prior to the earlier of (i) the date on which payment of such Obligations are required to be paid pursuant to the terms hereof or of the other Loan Documents and (ii) the Maturity Date; provided, however, that L/C Obligations that have been fully Cash Collateralized as of the Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date in accordance with Section 2.17(a) hereof may remain outstanding for a period of up to twelve (12) months following the Maturity Date (subject to the earlier expiration of such L/C Obligations pursuant to the terms of the applicable Letter of Credit).

 

2.09 Interest.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; (ii) each Base Rate Committed Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

 

  

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(b) (i) If any amount of principal of any Loan is not paid within five (5) days after the date when due (other than on the Maturity Date, as to which such five (5) day period shall not apply, 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.

 

(ii) If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by the Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid within five (5) days after the date when due (other than on the Maturity Date, as to which such five (5) day period shall not apply, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), then upon the request of the Required Lenders, 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.

 

(iii) Upon the request of the Required Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, 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.

 

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

 

(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein.  Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.

 

2.10 Fees.  In addition to certain fees described in subsections (h) and (i) of Section 2.04:

 

(a) Facility Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, a facility fee equal to the applicable facility fee percentage identified in the definition of Applicable Rate times the actual daily amount of the Aggregate Commitments (or, if the Aggregate Commitments have terminated, on the Outstanding Amount of all Committed Loans, Swing Line Loans and L/C Obligations), regardless of usage, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.18.  The facility fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period (and thereafter so long as any Committed Loans, Swing Line Loans or L/C Obligations remain outstanding), including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV 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 Closing Date, and on the last day of the Availability Period (and, if applicable, thereafter on demand).  The facility fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.

 

(b) Other Fees.  The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, MLPF&S, Arranger and/or Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing (and approved by MLPF&S and Administrative Agent) 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.

 

  

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2.11 Computation of Interest and Fees.  All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans (including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate) shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed.  All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year).  Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.13(a), bear interest for one day.  Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.  For clarification, in no event shall interest on the same portion of the Committed Loans for the same day be included in more than one Interest Period.

 

2.12 Evidence of Debt.

 

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

 

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

 

2.13 Payments Generally; Administrative Agent's Clawback.

 

(a) General.  All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent's Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein.  The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender's Lending Office.  All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.  If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

 

(b) (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 Committed Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans (or, in the case of any Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Committed Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender's share of such Committed Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02) 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 Committed Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower 

 

  

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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 Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans.  If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period.  If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Committed Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender's Committed Loan included in such Committed 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 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 the L/C Issuer 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 the L/C Issuer, 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 the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, 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 Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

 

(c) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent.  If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.

 

(d) Obligations of Lenders Several.  The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Committed Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c) are several and not joint.  The failure of any Lender to make any Committed Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 10.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Committed Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 10.04(c).

 

(e) Funding Source.  Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.

 

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 the Committed Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations or in Swing Line Loans held by it resulting in such Lender's receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Committed Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon 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 Committed Loans and subparticipations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans 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 Committed Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:

  

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(i) if any such participations or subparticipations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations or subparticipations 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 (x) any payment made by or on behalf of 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), (y) the application of Cash Collateral provided for in Section 2.17, or (z) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Committed Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

 

Each Loan 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 Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the amount of such participation.

 

2.15 Extension of Maturity Date.

 

(a) Initial Maturity Date.   Subject to extension pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in clause (b) of this Section 2.15 and subject to the provisions of clause (c) of this Section 2.15, the Maturity Date shall be the Initial Maturity Date.

 

(b) Extended Maturity Date Option.   Not more than 120 days and not less than 60 days prior to the Initial Maturity Date, the Borrower may request in writing that the Lenders extend the term of this Agreement to the Extended Maturity Date.  Such extension option shall be subject to the satisfaction of the following requirements:

 

(i) at the Initial Maturity Date, there shall not exist any Event of Default by the Borrower or any other Loan Party;

 

(ii) the Borrower shall, on the Initial Maturity Date, deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Initial Maturity Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (A) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such extension and (B) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such extension, (1) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Existing Maturity Date, 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 2.15, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01, and (2) no Event of Default exists; and

 

(iii) the Borrower shall, at the Initial Maturity Date, deliver to the Administrative Agent (for the pro rata benefit of the Lenders based on their respective Commitments) an extension fee equal to thirty-five hundredths of one percent (0.35%) of the then-existing Aggregate Commitments (whether funded or unfunded).

 

(c) Satisfaction of Obligations Upon Acceleration.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, to the extent any of the Obligations are accelerated pursuant to the terms hereof (including, without limitation, Section 8.02 hereof), the Borrower shall, immediately upon the occurrence of such acceleration, cause such accelerated Obligations to be Fully Satisfied.

 

  

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(d) Conflicting Provisions.  This Section shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.14 or 10.01 to the contrary.

 

2.16 Increase in Commitments.

 

(a) Request for Increase.  Provided there exists no Default, upon notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders), the Borrower may from time to time request an increase in the Aggregate Commitments by an amount (for all such requests, in the aggregate) not exceeding $125,000,000; provided that (i) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $25,000,000, and (ii) the Borrower may make a maximum of three (3) such requests.  At the time of sending such notice, the Borrower (in consultation with the Administrative Agent) shall specify the time period within which each Lender is requested to respond (which shall in no event be less than ten Business Days from the date of delivery of such notice to the Lenders).

 

(b) Lender Elections to Increase.  Each Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent within such time period whether or not it agrees to increase its Commitment and, if so, whether by an amount equal to, greater than, or less than its Applicable Percentage of such requested increase.  Any Lender not responding within such time period shall be deemed to have declined to increase its Commitment.

 

(c) Notification by Administrative Agent; Additional Lenders.  The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and each Lender of the Lenders' responses to each request made hereunder.  To achieve the full amount of a requested increase and subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender (which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), the Borrower and/or MLPF&S may also invite additional Eligible Assignees to become Lenders pursuant to a joinder agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, Administrative Agent and their respective counsel.  Any increase of the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.16 shall be subject to the agreement of one or more Lenders or Eligible Assignees (who may or may not then be a Lender hereunder) to provide such increased Commitments pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

(d) Effective Date and Allocations.  If the Aggregate Commitments are increased in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall determine the effective date (the "Increase Effective Date") and the final allocation of such increase.  The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the final allocation of such increase and the Increase Effective Date.

 

(e) Conditions to Effectiveness of Increase.  As a condition precedent to such increase, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the Increase Effective Date (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (i) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (ii) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (A) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Increase Effective Date, 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 2.16, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01, and (B) no Default exists.  The Borrower shall prepay any Committed Loans outstanding on the Increase Effective Date (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05) to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Committed Loans ratable with any revised Applicable Percentages arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section.  The Applicable Percentages of the Lenders shall be recalculated concurrently with the effectiveness of any increase in the Aggregate Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.16.

 

(f) Conflicting Provisions.  This Section shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.14 or 10.01 to the contrary.

 

  

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2.17 Cash Collateral.

 

(a) Certain Credit Support Events.  Upon the request of the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer (i) if the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, or (ii) if, as of the Letter of Credit Issuance Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, the Borrower shall, in each case, immediately Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations.  At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, immediately upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.18(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

 

(b) Grant of Security Interest.  All Cash Collateral (other than credit support not constituting funds subject to deposit) shall be maintained in blocked, interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America.  The Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Lender, such Lender, hereby grants to (and subjects to the control of) the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders (including the Swing Line Lender), and agrees to maintain, a first priority security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein, and all other property so provided as collateral pursuant hereto, and in all proceeds of the foregoing, all as security for the obligations to which such Cash Collateral may be applied pursuant to Section 2.17(c).  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 as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the applicable Fronting Exposure and other obligations secured thereby, the Borrower or the relevant Defaulting Lender 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.

 

(c) Application. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under any of this Section 2.17 or Sections 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.18 or 8.02 in respect of Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans shall be held and applied to the satisfaction of the specific L/C Obligations, Swing Line Loans, obligations to fund participations therein (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) and other obligations for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may be provided for herein.

 

(d) Release.  Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce Fronting Exposure or other obligations shall be released promptly following (i) the elimination of the applicable Fronting Exposure or other obligations giving rise thereto (including by the termination of Defaulting Lender status of the applicable Lender (or, as appropriate, its assignee following compliance with Section 10.06(b)(vi))) or (ii) the Administrative Agent's good faith determination that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided, however, (x) that Cash Collateral furnished by or on behalf of a Loan Party shall not be released during the continuance of an Event of Default (and following application as provided in this Section 2.17 may, during the continuance of any Event of Default, be otherwise applied in accordance with Section 8.03), and (y) the Person providing Cash Collateral and the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as applicable, may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.

 

2.18 Defaulting Lenders.

 

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

 

(i) Waivers and Amendments.  That 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 10.01.

 

(ii) Reallocation of Payments.  Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise, and including any amounts made available to the Administrative Agent by that Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 10.08), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows:  first, to the payment 

 

  

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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 the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; third, if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by the L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, to be held as Cash Collateral for future funding obligations of that Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swing Line 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 L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or Swing Line 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 L/C Borrowings in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans or L/C Borrowings were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and L/C Borrowings owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or L/C 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 2.18(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

(iii) Certain Fees.  That Defaulting Lender (x) shall be entitled to receive any facility fee pursuant to Section 2.10(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to extent allocable to the sum of (1) the Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans funded by it and (2) its Applicable Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 2.04, Section 2.05, Section 2.17, or Section 2.18(a)(ii), as applicable (and the Borrower shall (A) be required to pay to each of the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender, as applicable, the amount of such fee allocable to its Fronting Exposure arising from that Defaulting Lender and (B) not be required to pay the remaining amount of such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender) and (y) shall be limited in its right to receive Letter of Credit Fees as provided in Section 2.04(h).

 

(iv) Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure.  During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, for purposes of computing the amount of the obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans pursuant to Sections 2.04 and 2.05, the "Applicable Percentage" of each non-Defaulting Lender shall be computed without giving effect to the Commitment of that Defaulting Lender; provided, that, (i) each such reallocation shall be given effect only if, at the date the applicable Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, no Default or Event of Default exists; and (ii) the aggregate obligation of each non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, of (1) the Commitment of that non-Defaulting Lender minus (2) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Committed Loans of that Lender.

 

(b) Defaulting Lender Cure.  If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuer agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be 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 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 Committed Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.18(a)(iv)), whereupon that 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.

 

  

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ARTICLE III.

 

TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

 

3.01 Taxes.

 

(a) Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes.  (i) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall to the extent permitted by applicable Laws be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Taxes.  If, however, applicable Laws require the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to withhold or deduct any Tax, such Tax shall be withheld or deducted in accordance with such Laws as determined by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, upon the basis of the information and documentation to be delivered pursuant to subsection (e) below.

 

(ii) If the Borrower or the Administrative Agent shall be required by the Code to withhold or deduct any Taxes, including both United States Federal backup withholding and withholding taxes, from any payment, then (A) the Administrative Agent shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by the Administrative Agent to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) the Administrative Agent shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with the Code, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, the sum payable by the Borrower shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding or the making of all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

 

(iii) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (i) and (ii) above, (x) Borrower shall not be required to increase any such amounts payable to Administrative Agent, any Lender or L/C Issuer, as the case may be, with respect to any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (1) that are attributable to such Person’s failure to comply with the requirements of this Agreement, including without limitation, Section 3.06 or (2) that are United States withholding taxes imposed on amounts payable to such Person that are Excluded Taxes; and (y) Borrower shall not be required to compensate Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to this Section for any additional sums payable under this Section, including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, notifies Borrower of the Change in Law or other event giving rise to such additional sums and of Administrative Agent’s, such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s intention to claim compensation therefor.

 

(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower.  Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Borrower shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws.

 

(c) Tax Indemnifications.  (i) Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) above, the Borrower shall, and does hereby, indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the L/C Issuer, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  The Borrower 

 

  

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shall also, and does hereby, indemnify the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for any amount which a Lender or the L/C Issuer for any reason fails to pay indefeasibly to the Administrative Agent as required by clause (ii) of this subsection.  A certificate as to the amount of any such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender or the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error; provided however that, upon payment by the Borrower, at the request of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the applicable Lender(s) and/or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, shall assign its right to any claim for a refund of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes that the Borrower believes were incorrectly or illegally imposed or asserted and shall cooperate with the making of any such refund claim, including signing appropriate forms and documents (in each case to the extent in form and substance reasonably acceptable to such Person), and shall pay to Borrower any amounts recovered from a Governmental Authority pursuant to such claims and received by the Administrative Agent, such Lender and/or L/C Issuer.

 

(ii) Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) above, each Lender and the L/C Issuer shall, and does hereby, indemnify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, against any and all Taxes and any and all related losses, claims, liabilities, penalties, interest and expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) incurred by or asserted against the Borrower or the Administrative Agent by any Governmental Authority as a result of the failure by such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to deliver, or as a result of the inaccuracy, inadequacy or deficiency of, any documentation required to be delivered by such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (e).  Each Lender and the L/C Issuer hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii).  The agreements in this clause (ii) shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.

 

(d) Evidence of Payments.  Upon request by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, after any payment of Taxes by the Borrower or by the Administrative Agent to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Administrative Agent shall deliver to the Borrower, as the case may be, the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by Laws to report such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.

 

(e) Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation.  (i) Each Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and to the Administrative Agent, at the time or times prescribed by applicable Laws or when reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable Laws or by the taxing authorities of any jurisdiction and such other reasonably requested information as will permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, to determine (A) whether or not payments made hereunder or under any other Loan Document are subject to Taxes, (B) if applicable, the required rate of withholding or deduction, and (C) such Lender's entitlement to any available exemption from, or reduction of, applicable Taxes in respect of all payments to be made to such Lender by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise to establish such Lender's status for withholding tax purposes in the applicable jurisdiction.

 

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States,

 

(A) any Lender that is a "United States person" within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent executed originals of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or such other documentation or information prescribed by applicable Laws or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements; and

 

  

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(B) each Foreign Lender that is entitled under the Code or any applicable treaty to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall 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 request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

(I) executed originals of properly completed and currently effective Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,

 

(II) executed originals of properly completed and currently effective Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI,

 

(III) executed originals of properly completed and currently effective Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY and all required supporting documentation,

 

(IV) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a "bank" within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a "10 percent shareholder" of the Borrower within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a "controlled foreign corporation" described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (y) executed originals of  Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or

 

(V) executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable Laws as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding tax together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable Laws and/or reasonably requested by Borrower or Administrative Agent to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

 

(iii) Each Lender shall promptly (A) notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction, and (B) take such steps as shall not be materially disadvantageous to it, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, and as may be reasonably necessary (including the re-designation of its Lending Office) to avoid any requirement of applicable Laws of any jurisdiction that the Borrower or the Administrative Agent make any withholding or deduction for taxes from amounts payable to such Lender.

 

(iv) The Borrower shall not be required to pay any amount pursuant to this Section 3.01 to any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of the United States of America or the Administrative Agent, if it is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of the United States of America, if such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection (e).  If any such Lender fails to deliver the above forms or other documentation to the extent required hereunder, then the Borrower may withhold from such payment to such Lender such amounts as are required by the Code.  If any Governmental Authority asserts that the Borrower did not properly withhold or backup withhold, as the case may be, any tax or other amount from payments made to or for the account of any Lender, such Lender shall indemnify the Borrower therefor, including all penalties and interest, any taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on the amounts payable by or to the Borrower under this Section, and costs and expenses (including all fees and disbursements of any law firm or other external counsel and the allocated cost of internal legal services and all disbursements of internal counsel) of the Borrower.

 

  

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(f) Treatment of Certain Refunds.  Unless required by applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, or have any obligation to pay to any Lender or the L/C Issuer, any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be.  If the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to the Borrower an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that the Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, agrees to repay the amount paid over to the Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer in the event the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.

 

3.02 Illegality.  If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Committed Loans to Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist.  Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component thereof until the Administrative is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate.  Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

 

3.03 Inability to Determine Rates.  If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Base Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (c) the Eurodollar Base Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender.  Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Eurodollar Rate component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Committed Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

 

  

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3.04 Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.

 

(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 Eurodollar Rate) or the L/C Issuer;

 

(ii) subject any Lender or the L/C Issuer to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit or any Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender or the L/C Issuer in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer); or

 

(iii) impose on any Lender or the L/C Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Rate Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the L/C Issuer 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 or the L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b) Capital Requirements.  If any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or the L/C Issuer or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's capital or on the capital of such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the L/C Issuer, to a level below that which such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's policies and the policies of such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c) Certificates for Reimbursement.  A certificate of a Lender or the L/C Issuer setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Borrower shall pay such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

(d) Delay in Requests.  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender's or the L/C Issuer's right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C 

 

  

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Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender's or the L/C Issuer'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 180 day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

3.05 Compensation for Losses.  Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:

 

(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);

 

(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower; or

 

(c) any assignment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 10.13;

 

including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained.  The Borrower shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.

 

For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan made by it at the Eurodollar Base Rate used in determining the Eurodollar Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the London interbank eurodollar market for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurodollar Rate Committed Loan was in fact so funded.

 

3.06 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

 

(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender, the L/C Issuer, or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02, then such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall, as applicable, 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 reasonable judgment of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04, as the case may be, in the future, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be.  The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender or the L/C Issuer in connection with any such designation or assignment to the extent such designation or assignment is applicable to it.

 

(b) Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if 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 3.01, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender hereunder, the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.13.

 

3.07 Survival.  All of the Borrower's, Administrative Agent’s, Lenders’ and L/C Issuer’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder, and resignation of the Administrative Agent.

 

  

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ARTICLE IV.

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

4.01 Conditions of Initial Credit Extension.  The obligation of the L/C Issuer and each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:

 

(i) fully executed counterparts of this Agreement and the Guaranty, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Borrower;

 

(ii) a Note executed by the Borrower in favor of each Lender requesting a Note;

 

(iii) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party;

 

(iv) such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each of the Loan Parties is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(v) a favorable opinion of counsel to the Borrower (on behalf of each of the Loan Parties), addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, as to the matters set forth in Exhibit B and such other matters concerning the Loan Parties and the Loan Documents as the Required Lenders may reasonably request;

 

(vi) a certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party either (A) attaching copies of all applicable consents, licenses and approvals required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by such Loan Party and the validity against such Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in full force and effect, or (B) stating that no such consents, licenses or approvals are so required;

 

(vii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Parent certifying (A) that each Consolidated Party is in compliance in all material respects with all existing contractual financial obligations, (B) all governmental, shareholder and third party consents and approvals necessary for the Loan Parties to enter into the Loan Documents and fully perform thereunder, if any, have been obtained, (C) immediately after giving effect to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents and all the transactions contemplated therein to occur on such date, (1) each of the Loan Parties is solvent, (2) no Default or Event of Default exists, (3) all representations and warranties contained herein and in the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects, and (4) the Loan Parties are in compliance with each of the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.11 (and including detailed calculations of each such financial covenant); (D) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied; (E) that, to such Responsible Officer's knowledge, there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and (F)  the current Debt Ratings;

 

  

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(viii) evidence that all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents has been obtained and is in effect; and

 

(ix) such other assurances, certificates, documents or consents as the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender or the Required Lenders reasonably may require.

 

(b) There shall not have occurred a material adverse change since December 31, 2009 in the business, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties taken as a whole, as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

(c) There shall not exist any action, suit, investigation, or proceeding pending or threatened, in any court or before any arbitrator or governmental authority that could have a Material Adverse Effect, as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

(d) Any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid.

 

(e) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall have paid all fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent).

 

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.03, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

4.02 Conditions to all Credit Extensions.  The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Committed Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent:

 

(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall, except to the extent waived in accordance with the terms hereof, be true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except (i) to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, (ii) that for purposes of this Section 4.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 and (iii) for purposes of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.13, to the extent of changes resulting from transactions and other events contemplated or not prohibited by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents and changes occurring in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business.

 

(b) No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.

 

(c) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof, together with a certificate of the chief financial officer (or other senior financial or accounting officer) of the Parent (i) demonstrating pro forma compliance with the financial covenants contained in Sections 7.11(b), (e) and (f) hereof by calculation thereof after giving effect to the making of the requested Loan (and the application of the proceeds thereof) and (ii) stating that, to such officer’s knowledge, no Default or Event of Default exists, or if any Default or Event of Default does exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof and what action the Loan Parties propose to take with respect thereto.

 

Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Committed Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Committed Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.

  

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ARTICLE V.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

The Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:

 

5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power.  Each Loan Party (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business (except, in the case of any Loan Party other than the Borrower, to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect) and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and (c) is, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, duly qualified and is licensed and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license.

 

5.02 Authorization; No Contravention.  The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person's Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law, except, in each case, to the extent that the same could not reasonably be expected to (y) result in such Loan Party's obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document to which it is a party to be deemed ineffective, voided or otherwise terminated or (z) have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents.  No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, to the extent that failure to obtain or file the same, as applicable, could not reasonably be expected to (a) result in any Loan Party's obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document to which it is a party to be deemed ineffective, voided or otherwise terminated or (b) have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.04 Binding Effect.  This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto.  This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and (b) the application of general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.

 

(a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries 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 Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.

 

  

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(b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries dated June 30, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition of the Parent and its Subsidiaries 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.  Schedule 5.05 sets forth all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Parent and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date not otherwise disclosed or referenced (or otherwise contemplated) in the Form 10-Q report of the Parent filed with the SEC for the most recent fiscal quarter ended prior to the Closing Date.

 

(c) Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, no Internal Control Event has occurred (other than as disclosed in reports of the Borrower filed prior to the date hereof with the SEC).

 

5.06 Litigation.  There are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened or contemplated in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any of the Credit Extensions contemplated hereby, or (b) except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.06, either individually or in the aggregate, if determined adversely, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and there has been no adverse change in the status, or financial effect on any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, of the matters described on Schedule 5.06.

 

5.07 No Default.  Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is in default under or with respect to any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

5.08 Ownership of Property; Liens.  Each of the Borrower and each Subsidiary has good record and marketable title in fee simple to, or valid leasehold interests in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, except for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  The property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is subject to no Liens, other than Liens not prohibited by Section 7.01.

 

5.09 Environmental Compliance.  Except as set forth on Schedule 5.09, no Loan Party (a) has received any notice or other communication or otherwise learned of any Environmental Liability which would individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect arising in connection with: (i) any non compliance with or violation of the requirements of any Environmental Law by any Loan Party, or any permit issued under any Environmental Law to any Loan Party; or (ii) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment; or (b) to its knowledge, has threatened or actual liability in connection with the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment which would individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, none of the Loan Parties has received any Environmental Complaint.

 

5.10 Insurance.  The properties of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of the Borrower, 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 Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary operates.  The present insurance coverage (as of the date of this Agreement) of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries is outlined as to carrier, policy number, expiration date, type and amount on Schedule 5.10.

 

  

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5.11 Taxes.  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have filed all Federal, state 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 properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP.  There is no proposed special tax assessment against the Borrower or any Subsidiary that would, if made, have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is party to any tax sharing agreement.

 

5.12 ERISA Compliance.

 

(a) Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state laws.  Each Pension Plan that is intended to be a qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the form of such Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and the trust related thereto has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) of the Code, or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the Internal Revenue Service.  To the best knowledge of the Borrower, nothing has occurred that would prevent or cause the loss of such tax-qualified status.

 

(b) There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  There has been no prohibited transaction or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules with respect to any Plan that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred, and neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate is aware of any fact, event or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to constitute or result in an ERISA Event with respect to any Pension Plan; (ii) the Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate has met all applicable requirements under the Pension Funding Rules in respect of each Pension Plan, and no waiver of the minimum funding standards under the Pension Funding Rules has been applied for or obtained; (iii) as of the most recent valuation date for any Pension Plan, the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in Section 430(d)(2) of the Code) is 60% or higher and neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate knows of any facts or circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause the funding target attainment percentage for any such plan to drop below 60% as of the most recent valuation date; (iv) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any liability to the PBGC other than for the payment of premiums, and there are no premium payments which have become due that are unpaid; (v) neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or Section 4212(c) of ERISA; and (vi) no Pension Plan has been terminated by the plan administrator thereof nor by the PBGC, and no event or circumstance has occurred or exists that could reasonably be expected to cause the PBGC to institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate any Pension Plan.

 

(d) Neither the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to, or has any unsatisfied obligation to contribute to, or liability under, any active or terminated Pension Plan other than (A) on the Closing Date, those listed on Schedule 5.12(d) hereto and (B) thereafter, Pension Plans not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement.

 

5.13 Subsidiaries; Equity Interests.  Set forth on Schedule 5.13 is a complete and accurate list of all Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures/Unconsolidated Affiliates of the Borrower as of the date of this Agreement and as updated in accordance with the terms of Section 6.02 hereof, including their respective business forms, jurisdictions of organization, respective equity owners and respective equity ownership interests, thereof.  The Equity Interests owned by Borrower in each Subsidiary and each Joint Venture/Unconsolidated Affiliate are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and are owned by Borrower free and clear of all Liens, except to the extent that the failure or non-compliance of the same would have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  

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5.14 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.

 

(a) The Borrower is not engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock.

 

(b) None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower, or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

5.15 Disclosure.  To Borrower’s knowledge, the Borrower has disclosed or made available to the Administrative Agent all material agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries are subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  To Borrower’s knowledge, no report, financial statement, certificate or other information furnished (whether in writing or orally) by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case, as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions that Borrower believed to be reasonable at the time.

 

5.16 Compliance with Laws.  Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.17 Taxpayer Identification Number.  The Borrower's true and correct U.S. taxpayer identification number is set forth on Schedule 10.02.

 

5.18 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries own, or possess the right to use, all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, franchises, licenses and other intellectual property rights (collectively, “IP Rights”) that are reasonably necessary for and material to the operation of their respective businesses, without conflict with the rights of any other Person, except for such conflicts that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  To the knowledge of the Borrower, no slogan or other advertising device, product, process, method, substance, part or other material now employed, or now contemplated to be employed, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any of them, and that is material to Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, infringes upon any rights held by any other Person, except for such conflicts that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.18, no claim or litigation regarding any of the foregoing is pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in writing, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

ARTICLE VI.

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall and shall cause (i) except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, and 6.03, each Loan Party and (ii) except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, and 6.03 and/or to the extent the failure to do so would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Subsidiary to:

 

  

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6.01 Financial Statements.  Deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders:

 

(a) as soon as available, but in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Parent, a consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, such consolidated statements to be audited and accompanied by (A) a report and opinion of a Registered Public Accounting Firm of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and applicable Securities Laws and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit, and such consolidating statements to be certified, to knowledge, by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, treasurer, controller or other senior financial or accounting executive of the Parent to the effect that such statements are fairly stated in all material respects when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, (B) a report of such Registered Public Accounting Firm as to the effectiveness of Borrower’s internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley; and (C) any other information included in the Parent’s or the Borrower’s Form 10-K for such fiscal year;

 

(b) as soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Parent, a consolidated balance sheet of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of the Parent’s fiscal year then ended, and any other information included in the Parent’s or the Borrower’s Form 10-Q for such fiscal quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, such consolidated statements to be certified, to knowledge, by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, treasurer, controller or other senior financial or accounting executive of the Parent as fairly presenting, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Parent and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes; and

 

(c) no later than December 15 of each year, pro forma projected financial statements for the Parent and its Subsidiaries made in good faith, including anticipated sources and uses of cash for the succeeding four (4) quarters, and no later than August 31 of each year preliminary pro forma projected sources and uses of cash for such parties made in good faith for the succeeding fiscal year.

 

As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(d), the Borrower shall not be separately required to furnish such information under clause (a) or (b) above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of the Borrower to furnish the information and materials described in clauses (a) and (b) above at the times specified therein, to the extent not so furnished.

 

6.02 Certificates; Other Information.  Deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders:

 

(a) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a), a projection of capital expenditures for the next fiscal year for each Property of the Loan Parties.

 

(b) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b):

 

(i) a Compliance Certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Parent substantially in the form of Exhibit E attached hereto, (A) demonstrating compliance, as of the end of each such fiscal period, with (1) the financial covenants contained in Section 7.11 and (2) the financial covenants contained in each of the indentures or other agreements relating to any publicly issued debt securities of any Consolidated Party, in each case by detailed calculation thereof (which calculation shall be in form reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and which shall include, among other things, an explanation of the methodology used in such calculation and a breakdown of the components of such calculation), (B) stating that, to such Responsible Officer’s knowledge, the Loan Parties were in compliance with each of the covenants set forth in Articles VI and VII of this Agreement at all times and in all material respects during such fiscal period; and (C) stating that, as of the end of each such fiscal period, no Default or Event of Default exists, or if any Default or Event of Default does exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof and what action the Loan Parties propose to take with respect thereto;

 

  

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(ii) a schedule of the Properties summarizing net operating income and occupancy rates as of the last day of the applicable quarter;

 

(iii) a summary of property purchases during the applicable quarter;

 

(iv) an update to Schedule 5.13 attached hereto (which such update shall, in each case, be deemed to replace, amend and restate such schedule);

 

(v) a listing of all Projects Under Development showing the total capital obligation of the Loan Parties with respect to each such Project Under Development and funds expended to date in connection with each such Project Under Development.

 

(c) promptly after any written request by the Administrative Agent, 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;

 

(d) promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders of the Borrower, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Borrower may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;

 

(e) promptly, and in any event within five (5) Business Days after receipt thereof by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each written notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof; and

 

(f) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial or corporate affairs of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably and customarily request.

 

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) or Section 6.02(d) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower's website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower's behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that:  (i) the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender upon its written request to the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents.  The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

  

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The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or MLPF&S will make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, "Borrower Materials") by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the "Platform") and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a "Public Lender") may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons' securities.  The Borrower hereby agrees that (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked "PUBLIC" which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word "PUBLIC" shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials "PUBLIC," the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, MLPF&S, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws (provided, however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 10.07); (y) all Borrower Materials marked "PUBLIC" are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated "Public Side Information;" and (z) the Administrative Agent and MLPF&S shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked "PUBLIC" as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated "Public Side Information."

 

6.03 Notices.  Promptly after it has knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender:

 

(a) of the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a material Contractual Obligation of the Borrower or any Subsidiary; (ii) any material dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws; that could, in any such event, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c) of the occurrence of any ERISA Event;

 

(d) of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(e) of the occurrence of any Internal Control Event; and

 

(f) of any announcement by Moody's or S&P of any change or possible change in a Debt Rating.

 

Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03 (other than Section 6.03(e)) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.  Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03(a) shall describe with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached.

 

6.04 Payment of Obligations.  Pay and discharge as the same shall become delinquent, all of its material obligations and liabilities, including (a) all tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrower or such Subsidiary; (b) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon its property; and (c) all Indebtedness, prior to the time at which the same shall become due and delinquent, but subject to any subordination provisions contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing such Indebtedness.

 

6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc.  (a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

  

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6.06 Maintenance of Properties.  (a) Maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted; (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) use the standard of care typical in the industry in the operation and maintenance of its facilities.

 

6.07 Maintenance of Insurance.  Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of any Borrower, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.

 

6.08 Compliance with Laws.  Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.09 Books and Records.  (a) Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries, in all material respects, in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be; and (b) maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.

 

6.10 Inspection Rights.  Permit representatives appointed by the Administrative Agent or Lenders (as coordinated by the Administrative Agent), including, without limitation, independent accountants, agents, attorneys, and appraisers 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 through the Administrative Agent) and in a manner that will not unreasonably interfere with such Person’s business operations; 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; provided, further, however that all such persons shall obtain and maintain all such information and materials in confidence, and otherwise subject to and in compliance with the terms of Section 10.07.

 

6.11 Use of Proceeds.  Use the proceeds of the Borrowings solely for the following purposes: (a) to finance the acquisition of real properties; (b) to finance the development of improvements to real properties; (c) to refinance and/or retire existing Indebtedness, and (d) for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

 

6.12 Additional Guarantors.

 

(a) If any Person (other than an Exempt Subsidiary) becomes a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of any Loan Party or if at any time any Person formerly qualifying as an Exempt Subsidiary as a result of clauses (b), (c) or (d) of the definition thereof ceases to meet the requirements for qualification as an Exempt Subsidiary, the Borrower shall (i) if such Person is a Domestic Subsidiary of a Loan Party, cause such Person to promptly (and in any event within fifteen (15) days from the date any such Person meets the requirements for becoming a Guarantor as set forth in this Section 6.12) become a Guarantor by executing and delivering to the Administrative Agent a counterpart of the Guaranty or such other documents or materials as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably deem appropriate for such purpose, (ii) provide the Administrative Agent with notice thereof, and (iii) cause such Person to deliver to the Administrative Agent documents of the types referred to in clauses (iii) and (iv) of Section 4.01(a), all in form, content and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; provided, that to the extent such Person holds (whether upon delivery of the items required above or at any time after the delivery of the items required above) assets with a fair market value in excess of $20,000,000, the Borrower shall (if requested by Administrative Agent) cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent 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 in this clause (a)).

 

  

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(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary (x) to the extent a Guarantor anticipates becoming or intends to become an Exempt Subsidiary and/or (y) the release of such Guarantor as a Guarantor hereunder would result in the cure of a Default and/or an Event of Default hereunder (and will not, of itself or on a pro forma basis with respect to the financial covenants contained herein give rise to one or more other Defaults and/or Events of Default), the Borrower may request (and, to the extent the conditions set forth below are met, obtain) a release of such Guarantor as a Guarantor hereunder in accordance with the following:

 

(i) the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, not less than ten (10) days and not more than forty-five (45) days prior to the anticipated or intended release of a Guarantor hereunder, a written request for release of the applicable Guarantor and a Pro Forma Compliance Certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (or Parent) in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (A) demonstrating that upon such release the Loan Parties will on a pro forma basis continue to comply with (1) the financial covenants contained in Section 7.11 and (2) the financial covenants contained in each of the indentures or other agreements relating to any publicly issued debt securities of Borrower and/or Parent, in each case by a reasonably detailed calculation thereof (which calculation shall be in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and which shall include, among other things, an explanation of the methodology used in such calculation and a breakdown of the components of such calculation), (B) stating that the Loan Parties will be in compliance with each of the covenants set forth in Articles VI and VII of the Agreement following such release, (C) stating that, to such Responsible Officer’s knowledge, following such release, no Default or Event of Default will exist under the Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or if any Default or Event of Default will exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof and what action the Loan Parties propose to take with respect thereto, and (D) if applicable, attaching, pursuant to Section 5.13 of the Agreement, an updated version of Schedule 5.13 to the Agreement; and

 

(ii) the Administrative Agent shall have reviewed and approved (in writing) the request for release and Pro Forma Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to subclause (i) above; provided, that the failure of the Administrative Agent to respond to such a request within ten (10) days of its receipt thereof shall constitute the Administrative Agent’s approval thereof; provided, further, that any approval of the Administrative Agent provided pursuant to this subclause (ii) shall lapse and be null and void sixty (60) days following the granting thereof if the applicable Guarantor has not, on or prior to the completion of such period, met the criteria for qualification as an Exempt Subsidiary.

 

Notwithstanding any language to the contrary above, so long as a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (or Parent) has certified in a compliance certificate (and the Administrative Agent has no evidence or information which brings into reasonable doubt the veracity of such certifications) that: (A) upon such release the Loan Parties (1) will on a pro forma basis continue to comply with the financial covenants contained in Section 7.11 hereof, and the financial covenants contained in each of the indentures or other agreements relating to any publicly issued debt securities of any Consolidated Party, and (2) will be in compliance with each of the covenants set forth in Articles VI and VII of the Agreement at all times following such release, (B) following such release, no Default or Event of Default will exist under the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or if any Default or Event of Default will exist, the nature and extent thereof and what action the Loan Parties propose to take with respect thereto will be specified, and (C) attached pursuant to Section 5.13 of the Agreement, is an updated version of Schedule 5.13 to the Agreement, the request for release shall be approved and issued by the Administrative Agent within the 10-day time period specified in subsection (b)(ii).

 

Upon satisfaction of each of the above-noted conditions, a Guarantor shall be deemed released from its obligations hereunder and under each of the Loan Documents.  Administrative Agent shall, upon written request therefore, provide a written confirmation of the release of the applicable Guarantor hereunder.

 

  

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(c)           For purposes of clarification, (i) the Borrower may, at any time, elect to cause an Exempt Subsidiary to become a Guarantor hereunder, and (ii) as provided in the definition of the term “Unencumbered Assets,” no assets owned or held directly by any Exempt Subsidiary shall be included in any calculation involving the value of or income from Unencumbered Assets unless such Exempt Subsidiary is a Loan Party as of the date of such calculation.

 

6.13 REIT Status.  Take all action necessary to maintain the Parent’s status as a REIT.

 

6.14 Environmental Matters.

 

(a) Reimburse the Administrative Agent and Lenders for and hereby hold the Administrative Agent and Lenders harmless from all fines or penalties made or levied against the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders by any Governmental Authority as a result of or in connection with (i) the use of Hazardous Materials at the Properties, (ii) the use of Hazardous Materials at the facilities thereon, or (iii) the use, generation, storage, transportation, discharge, release or handling of any Hazardous Materials at the Properties, or as a result of any release of any Hazardous Materials onto the ground or into the water or air from or upon the Properties at any time.  The Loan Parties also agree that they will reimburse the Administrative Agent and Lenders for and indemnify and hold the Administrative Agent and Lenders harmless from any and all costs, expenses (including reasonably attorneys' fees actually incurred) and for all civil claims, judgments or penalties incurred entered, assessed, or levied against the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders as a result of any of the Loan Parties’ use of Hazardous Materials at the Properties or as a result of any release of any Hazardous Materials on the ground or into the water or air by any of the Loan Parties from or upon the Properties.  Such reimbursement or indemnification shall include but not be limited to any and all judgments or penalties to recover the costs of cleanup of any such release by any of the Loan Parties from or upon the Properties and all reasonable expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders as a result of such a civil action, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees.  The Loan Parties’ obligations under this section shall survive the repayment of the Loans and be in supplement of any and all other reimbursement or indemnity obligations of the Borrower set forth herein.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 6.15(a), in no event shall the Borrower or any other Loan Party have any obligation to reimburse or otherwise indemnify the Administrative Agent and Lender prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default if and to the extent that any claims arise as the direct result of any action of the Administrative Agent and/or any of the Lenders (or any Person(s) claiming by, through or under any of them) at the Properties, or any of them.

 

(b) If the Administrative Agent requests in writing and if (i) the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary does not have environmental insurance with respect to any property owned, leased or operated by a Loan Party or (ii) the Administrative Agent has reason to believe that there exist Hazardous Materials in material violation of applicable Environmental Laws, on any property owned, leased or operated by a Loan Party, which Hazardous Materials materially and adversely affect the value of such property and with respect to which the Borrower has not furnished a report within the immediately previous twelve (12) month period, Borrower shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Administrative Agent, at the Borrower’s expense, a report of an environmental assessment of reasonable scope, form and depth by a consultant reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, including, where appropriate and if recommended by such consultant, invasive soil or groundwater sampling, as to the nature and extent of the presence of such Hazardous Materials on any such property and as to the compliance by the applicable Loan Party(ies) with Environmental Laws; provided that if there exists a continuing Default or Event of Default as of the date of the Administrative Agent’s written request for an environmental report pursuant to the terms hereof, the Borrower shall provide such report regardless of whether either of the conditions set forth in subsections (i) and (ii) above have been satisfied.  If the Borrower fails to deliver such an environmental report within seventy-five (75) days after receipt of such written request then the Administrative Agent may arrange for same, and the parties hereto hereby grant to the Administrative Agent and their representatives or shall attempt in good faith to cause the applicable Loan Party(ies) to so grant access to the Properties and a license of a scope reasonably necessary to undertake such an assessment, including, where appropriate, invasive soil or groundwater sampling; provided, however, that no such invasive soil or groundwater sampling shall be undertaken without Borrower’s prior written approval unless an Event of Default exists hereunder

 

  

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(c) Conduct and complete (or use good faith efforts to cause to be conducted and completed) all investigations, studies, sampling, and testing and all remedial, removal, and other actions necessary to address all Hazardous Materials on, from, or affecting any Property to the extent necessary to be in material compliance with all Environmental Laws and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules and policies and with the orders and directives of all Governmental Authorities exercising jurisdiction over such real property to the extent any failure could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(d) Provide upon such Person’s receipt thereof all insurance certificate(s) evidencing the environmental insurance held by any Person with respect to any of the Properties.

 

ARTICLE VII.

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding, the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:

 

7.01 Liens.  Contract, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien with respect to any of its property, assets or revenues or the property, assets or revenues of any other Person, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (or permit any other Subsidiary to do so), if the Indebtedness underlying such Lien would cause the Borrower to be in violation of any of the provisions of Section 7.11 hereof.

 

7.02 Investments.  Make any Investments, except:

 

(a) Projects Under Development, undeveloped land holdings, Joint Venture Projects and Joint Ventures, Securities Holdings and Mortgages to the extent such Investments are not prohibited under Sections 7.11(h) and (i);

 

(b) Investments held by the Borrower or any other Loan Party in the form of Cash Equivalents;

 

(c) advances to officers, directors and employees of the Borrower or any other Loan Party in an aggregate amount not to exceed $100,000 at any time outstanding, for travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes;

 

(d) Investments of the Borrower and/or the Parent, directly or indirectly, in any other Loan Party and/or in any Subsidiary (including without limitation, any Exempt Subsidiary);

 

(e) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss;

 

(f) payments relating to pre-development expenses, pursuit costs, property acquisition and diligence expenses and similar out-of-pocket costs and expenses regarding properties that are not yet owned by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary; and

 

(g) Investments existing on the date of this Agreement.

 

7.03 Indebtedness.  Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness (or permit any other Subsidiary to do so), except:

 

(a) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents; and

 

(b) any other Indebtedness (including, without limitation, Guarantees of the Borrower or any other Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder of the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to the extent such Indebtedness is not prohibited under Section 7.11; provided, that to the extent such Indebtedness is in the form of obligations under any Swap Contract (i) such obligations are (or were) entered into by such Person in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of directly mitigating risks associated with liabilities, commitments, investments, assets, or property held or reasonably anticipated by such Person, or changes in the value of securities issued by such Person, and not for purposes of speculation or taking a “market view;” and (ii) such Swap Contract does not contain any provision exonerating the non-defaulting party from its obligation to make payments on outstanding transactions to the defaulting party.

 

  

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7.04 Fundamental Changes.  Except as otherwise permitted under this Agreement, merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person (unless Borrower or such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary is the surviving entity), or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that, so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom:

 

(a) any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary may merge with (i) the Borrower, provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person, or (ii) any one or more other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, provided that when any Guarantor is merging with another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, the Guarantor shall be the continuing or surviving Person;

 

(b) any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Guarantor, then the transferee must either be the Borrower or a Guarantor; and

 

(c) all or substantially all of the assets or all of the Equity Interests of a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary may be Disposed of to the extent such Disposition is permitted pursuant to Section 7.05.

 

7.05 Dispositions.  Make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition, except:

 

(a) Dispositions of obsolete or worn out property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b) Dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c) Dispositions of equipment or real property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are reasonably promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;

 

(d) Dispositions of property by any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to the Borrower or to any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary thereof; provided that if the transferor of such property is a Guarantor, the transferee thereof must either be a Borrower or a Guarantor;

 

(e) Dispositions permitted by Section 7.04(a) – (b);

 

(f) Dispositions by the Borrower and its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of any property (whether in one transaction or in several related transactions), the aggregate fair market value of which is less than $25,000,000; provided, at the time of such Disposition, no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition; or

 

(g) Dispositions in which the fair market value of the assets subject to such Disposition exceeds $25,000,000, if and to the extent that (i) at the time of such Disposition, no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition, and (ii) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice of a proposed or pending Disposition, together with a Pro Forma Compliance Certificate demonstrating that, upon giving effect to such proposed or pending Disposition, on a pro forma basis, the Borrower shall be in compliance with all of the covenants contained in Section 7.11, and (iii) promptly (but no later than five (5) Business Days following the effective date of any such Disposition for which such notice and Pro Forma Compliance Certificate shall have previously been given), the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent written confirmation that the Disposition shall have occurred and that the calculations and other information set forth in such Pro Forma Compliance Certificate remain accurate, true and correct as of the effective date of such Disposition (or identifying any applicable differences, provided that the Borrower shall remain in compliance with the covenants contained in Section 7.11);

 

provided, however, that any Disposition pursuant to clauses (a) through (g) above (excluding clause (e)) shall be for fair market value, as reasonably determined by Borrower.

 

  

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7.06 Anti-Terrorism Laws; FCPA.

 

(a) Be 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.  Neither any Loan Party nor any or its Subsidiaries is in violation of (i) the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, (ii) 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 (iii) the Act (as defined in Section 10.17); or

 

(b) fail to be in compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78dd-1, et seq., and any foreign counterpart thereto.

 

7.07 Change in Nature of Business.  Engage in (or permit any other Subsidiary to engage in) any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof or any business substantially related or incidental thereto.

 

7.08 Transactions with Affiliates.  Except as otherwise contemplated or permitted pursuant to Section 7.04, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of the Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than on fair and reasonable terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm's length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate; provided, however, that this provision shall not be deemed to prohibit the issuance of preferred Equity Interests to any party.

 

7.09 Burdensome Agreements.  Enter into any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that (a) limits the ability (i) of any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any Guarantor or to otherwise transfer property to the Borrower or any Guarantor, (ii) of any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to Guarantee the Indebtedness of the Borrower or (iii) of the Borrower or any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person; provided, however, that this clause (iii) shall not prohibit any Negative Pledge incurred or provided in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted hereunder solely to the extent any such Negative Pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness; or (b) requires the grant of a Lien to secure an obligation of such Person if a Lien is granted to secure another obligation of such Person; provided, that this Section 7.09 shall not be deemed to restrict the ability of the Borrower or any Exempt Subsidiary from entering into Contractual Obligations of any type related to secured financing transactions.

 

7.10 Use of Proceeds.  Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose.

 

7.11 Financial Covenants.  Fail, at any applicable time of calculation, to comply with any of the following financial covenants for Borrower on a fully consolidated basis (provided, that for purposes of the following financial covenants and each of the components used in the calculation thereof and notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the financial information relating to the "Borrower" will be fully consolidated with that of the Parent, and provided further that such calculations, if not calculated as of the last day of a calendar quarter, shall be calculated as of the last day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, except that the calculation set forth in item (g) below shall be calculation as of the end of each fiscal year):

 

(a) Fair Market Minimum Net Worth.  Borrower shall maintain a Fair Market Minimum Net Worth equal to or in excess of $600,000,000.

 

  

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(b) Total Liabilities to Total Adjusted Asset Value.  Borrower shall not permit, as of any date of calculation, the ratio of Total Liabilities to Total Adjusted Asset Value to exceed sixty percent (60%).

 

(c) Secured Indebtedness to Total Adjusted Asset Value.  Borrower shall not permit, as of any date of calculation, the ratio of Secured Indebtedness to Total Adjusted Asset Value to exceed thirty-five percent (35%).

 

(d) EBITDA to Fixed Charges.  Borrower shall maintain the ratio of EBITDA for the twelve-month period ending as of the most-recent Calculation Date to Fixed Charges for such twelve-month period equal to or in excess of 1.50:1.0.

 

(e) Total Unsecured Indebtedness to Adjusted Unencumbered Asset Value.  Borrower shall not permit, as of any date of calculation, the ratio of Total Unsecured Indebtedness to Adjusted Unencumbered Asset Value to exceed sixty two and one-half percent (62.5%).

 

(f) Minimum Unencumbered Debt Yield.  Borrower shall not permit, as of any date of calculation, the ratio of Adjusted Net Operating Income From Unencumbered Assets for the twelve-month period ending as of the most-recent Calculation Date to Indebtedness as of such Calculation Date to be less than twelve percent (12.0%).

 

(g) Dividends and Distributions.  Borrower shall limit aggregate Restricted Payments, as measured at each fiscal year end, to an amount not to exceed Funds From Operations, plus any amounts paid in connection with the redemption, retirement, acquisition or other similar payment in respect of Perpetual Preferred Equity (to the extent such Perpetual Preferred Equity was issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement); provided, however that to the extent an Event of Default exists under Section 8.02(a) hereof, Borrower shall limit aggregate Restricted Payments to the minimum amount required to cause the Parent to maintain its REIT status and (ii) .

 

(h) Investments.  Borrower shall not permit (i) the total cost budget of Projects Under Development  to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of Total Adjusted Asset Value or (ii) the aggregate value of the following items to exceed thirty-five percent (35%) of Total Adjusted Asset Value: (A) the total cost budget of Projects Under Development; plus (B) the cost value of all undeveloped holdings (raw land or land which is not otherwise an operating property other than any properties determined to be Projects Under Development) determined in accordance with GAAP; plus (C) the value of all Joint Venture Projects of Borrower plus, without duplication, the cost-basis value of Borrower’s investment in Joint Ventures (in each case taking into account Borrower's Equity Percentage thereof); plus (D) the value of Borrower’s Securities Holdings; plus (E) the value of all Mortgages held by Borrower.

 

(i) Mortgages to Total Adjusted Asset Value.  Borrower shall not, at any time during the term hereof, permit the value of all Mortgages held by Borrower to exceed five percent (5%) of Total Adjusted Asset Value.

 

7.12 Organizational Documents; Ownership of Subsidiaries.  Permit any Loan Party to (a) amend, modify, waive or change its Organization Documents in a manner materially adverse to the Lenders, or (b) create, acquire or permit to exist or permit or cause any of their Subsidiaries to create, acquire or permit to exist, any Foreign Subsidiaries.

 

7.13 Negative Pledges.  Enter into, assume or become subject to any Negative Pledge or any other agreement prohibiting or otherwise restricting the creation or assumption of any Lien upon its properties or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or requiring the grant of any security for such obligation if security is given for some other obligation except pursuant to any document or instrument governing Indebtedness that does not result in any violation of the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 hereof and is not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement or any other Loan Document, provided that any such restriction contained therein relates only to the properties or assets constructed or acquired in connection with such Indebtedness.

 

7.14 Sale Leasebacks.  Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, directly or indirectly, become or remain liable as lessee or as guarantor or other surety with respect to any lease, whether an operating lease or a capital lease, of any property (whether real or personal or mixed), whether now owned or hereafter acquired, (a) which such Person has sold or transferred or is to sell or transfer to a Person which is not a Consolidated Party or (b) which such Person intends to use for substantially the same purpose as any other property which has been sold or is to be sold or transferred by such Person to another Person which is not a Consolidated Party in connection with such lease.

 

  

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7.15 Prepayments of Indebtedness. If any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be directly or indirectly caused as a result thereof, after the issuance thereof, amend or modify (or permit the amendment or modification of) any of the terms of any Indebtedness of such Person if such amendment or modification would add or change any terms in a manner that would have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

ARTICLE VIII.

 

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES 

 

8.01 Events of Default.  Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:

 

(a) Non-Payment.  The Borrower or any other Loan Party fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or any L/C Obligation, or (ii) within three (3) days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or on any L/C Obligation, or any fee due hereunder, or (iii) within five (5) Business Days after written notice from Administrative Agent that the same has become due and payable, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or

 

(b) Specific Covenants.  The Borrower fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.01, 6.02, 6.03 (other than 6.03(a)), 6.05, 6.07, 6.11 or 6.13 or Article VII (other than Section 7.09) or the Guaranty given by any Guarantor or any provision thereof shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than as a result of a release of the applicable Guarantor in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof), or any Guarantor or any Person acting by or on behalf of such Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm, in writing, such Guarantor’s obligations under such Guaranty; or

 

(c) Other Defaults.  Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in subsection (a) or (b) above) contained in herein or in any other Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and is not cured within any notice, grace and/or cure period provided for herein or in such Loan Document or, if no such notice, grace and/or cure period is provided for, such failure continues for thirty (30) days after the earlier of the date on which a Loan Party obtains knowledge thereof and the delivery of written notice thereof from Administrative Agent or fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement in any other Loan Document within the grace or cure period provided for therein (or, if no such grace or cure period is specified, within thirty (30) days after the earlier of the date on which a Loan Party obtains knowledge thereof and the delivery of written notice thereof from Administrative Agent), provided that in the case of any such default which is susceptible to cure but cannot be cured within thirty (30) days through the exercise of reasonable diligence, if such Loan Party commences such cure within the initial thirty (30) days period and thereafter diligently prosecutes same to completion, such period of thirty (30) days shall be extended for such additional period of time as may be reasonably necessary to cure same, but in no event shall such extended period exceed sixty (60) additional days; or

 

(d) Representations and Warranties.  Any representation or warranty made or explicitly deemed made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; and the adverse effect of the inaccuracy of such representation or warranty shall not have been cured within thirty (30) days after the date Administrative Agent notifies such Loan Party of such inaccuracy; or

 

(e) Cross-Default.  (i) The Borrower or any Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment prior to the delinquency thereof (whether as a result of scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate outstanding principal amount (including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount (determined as set forth in the definition of Threshold Amount), or (B) fails to observe or perform, beyond any applicable notice and cure periods, any other material agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or Guarantee (determined as set forth in the definition of Threshold Amount) or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, 

 

  

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securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; and/or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by the Borrower or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the Threshold Amount (determined as set forth in the definition of Threshold Amount); or

 

(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc.  Any Loan Party institutes or consents, in writing, to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents, in writing, to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or

 

(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment.  (i) Any Loan Party becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 30 days after its issue or levy; or

 

(h) Judgments.  There is entered against any Loan Party (i) a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or

 

(i) ERISA.  (i) An ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount, or (ii) the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or

 

(j) Invalidity of Loan Documents.  Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof, or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, is revoked, terminated, canceled or rescinded, without the prior written approval of Administrative Agent; or any Loan Party commences any legal proceeding at law or in equity to contest, or make unenforceable, cancel, revoke or rescind any of the Loan Documents, or any court or any other governmental or regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction shall make a determination that, or issue a judgment, order, decree or ruling to the effect that, any one or more of the Loan Documents is illegal, invalid or unenforceable as to any material terms thereof; or

 

(k) Change of Control.  There occurs any Change of Control without the consent of each of the Agents and the Required Lenders.

 

  

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8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default.  If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:

 

(a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;

 

(b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;

 

(c) require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and

 

(d) exercise on behalf of itself, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer all rights and remedies available to it, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under the Loan Documents;

 

provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.

 

8.03 Application of Funds.  After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall, subject to the provisions of Sections 2.17 and 2.18, 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 (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

 

Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders (including fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of any Lender) and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them 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, L/C Borrowings and other Obligations, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;

 

Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, ratably among the Lenders and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;

 

Fifth, to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer, to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit to the extent not otherwise Cash Collateralized by the Borrower pursuant to Sections 2.04 and 2.17; 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 Law.

 

Subject to Sections 2.04(c) and 2.17, amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as 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.

  

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ARTICLE IX.

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

9.01 Appointment and Authority.  Each of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

 

9.02 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, 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.

 

9.03 Exculpatory Provisions.  The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:

 

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

 

(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and

 

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

 

The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  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 by the Borrower, a Lender or the L/C Issuer.

 

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

 

  

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9.04 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 of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or the L/C Issuer unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or the L/C Issuer 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.

 

9.05 Delegation of Duties.  The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties.  The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.  No such delegation shall limit or affect Administrative Agent’s obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, this Article IX.

 

9.06 Resignation of Administrative Agent.  (a)                                                                           The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer 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 that satisfies the requirements of an Eligible Assignee.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents 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 the L/C Issuer 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 retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents first arising from and after the date of such termination (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 Administrative Agent's resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

(b)            Any resignation by Bank of America as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall also constitute its resignation as L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.  Upon the acceptance of a successor's appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, (b) the retiring L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender shall be discharged from all of their respective duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, and (c) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to the retiring L/C Issuer to effectively assume the obligations of the retiring L/C Issuer with respect to such Letters of Credit.

  

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9.07 Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders.  Each Lender and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender and the L/C Issuer also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

9.08 No Other Duties, Etc.  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Bookrunner(s), Arranger(s), Syndication Agent(s), Documentation Agent(s) or other titles as necessary listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder.

 

9.09 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.  In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, 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 and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04) 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 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 to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04.

 

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.

 

9.10 Guaranty Matters.  The Lenders irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to release any Guarantor from its obligations hereunder and under each of the other Loan Documents (a) to the extent such release is requested by such Guarantor and the Borrower in accordance the provisions set forth in Section 6.12(b) hereof and upon the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in such Section 6.12(b) (as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent) or (b) if such Guarantor ceases to be a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder.  Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent's authority to grant releases and terminations pursuant to this Section 9.10.  Further, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized by the Lenders, upon the request of any Guarantor released pursuant to Section 6.12(b) hereof, to execute and deliver to such Guarantor a document (in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent) evidencing such release.

 

  

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ARTICLE X.

MISCELLANEOUS

 

10.01 Amendments, Etc.  Except as provided in this Agreement and in the other Loan Documents (including with respect to matters requiring action of the Administrative Agent only), no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

 

(a) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01(a) without the written consent of each Lender;

 

(b) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02) without the written consent of such Lender;

 

(c) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment or mandatory prepayment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

(d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iv) of the second proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to amend the definition of "Default Rate" or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate;

 

(e) change either of Sections 2.14 or 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender;

 

(f) change any provision of this Section or the definition of "Required Lenders" or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender; or

 

(g) release all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of any Guarantor is permitted pursuant to Section 9.10 (in which case such release may be made by the Administrative Agent acting alone);

 

and, provided further, that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender under this Agreement; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (iv) unless a Lender shall give written notice to the Administrative Agent that it specifically objects to the recommendation or determination of the Administrative Agent (together with a reasonable written explanation of the reasons behind such objection) within ten (10) Business Days (or such lesser or greater period as may be specifically required under the express terms of the Loan Documents) of receipt of such communication, such Lender shall be deemed to have conclusively approved of or consented to such recommendation or determination; provided, however, that this provision shall not prevent Administrative Agent from requesting a response to any amendment, waiver or modification requests within a shorter time frame.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender more adversely than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.

 

  

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10.02 Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communication.

 

(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 or electronic mail as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:

 

(i) if to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02; and

 

(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire (including, as appropriate, notices delivered solely to the Person designated by a Lender on its Administrative Questionnaire then in effect for the delivery of notices that may contain material non-public information relating to the Borrower).

 

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 L/C Issuer hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures reasonably approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to Article II if such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication.  The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.

 

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender's receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the "return receipt requested" function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), 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) The Platform.  THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE."  THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS.  NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM.  In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the "Agent Parties") have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrower's or the Administrative Agent's transmission of Borrower Materials through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided, however, that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to the Borrower, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).

 

  

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(d) Change of Address, Etc.  Each of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender may change its address, telecopier, electronic mail or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.  Each other Lender may change its address, telecopier, electronic mail or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender.  In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, telecopier number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender.  Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the "Private Side Information" or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender's compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the "Public Side Information" portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.

 

(e) Reliance by Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Lenders.  The Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof.  The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the good faith reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower, provided, however, that the Borrower shall have no liability hereunder for such indemnified party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in connection therewith.  All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

 

10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement.  No failure by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.  The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan 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 8.02 for the benefit of all the Lenders and the L/C Issuer; 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 Loan Documents, (b) the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (c) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 10.08 (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 Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided, further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 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.

 

  

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10.04 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

 

(a) Costs and Expenses.  The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as separately agreed to in writing, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the L/C Issuer 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 the L/C Issuer (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), and shall pay all fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, 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; provided, however, in no event shall Borrower pay or reimburse Administrative Agent, Lenders and L/C Issuer for more than one counsel (in the aggregate) at any time prior to an Event of Default hereunder.

 

(b) Indemnification by the Borrower.  The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and the L/C Issuer, 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 reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), and shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from all reasonable 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 Loan Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including in respect of any matters addressed in Section 3.01), (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by the L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by 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 Loan 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 nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by the Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee's obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrower or such other Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction; and provided further that, Borrower shall not, in any event, pay or reimburse (or be obligated to pay or reimburse) Indemnitees for more than one counsel (in the aggregate) at any time prior to an Event of Default hereunder.

 

  

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(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 L/C Issuer 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 L/C Issuer or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender's Applicable Percentage (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 the L/C Issuer 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 L/C Issuer in connection with such capacity.  The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.13(d).

 

(d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.  No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(e) Payments.  All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than ten Business Days after demand therefor.

 

(f) Survival.  The agreements in this Section shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.

 

10.05 Payments Set Aside.  To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender and the L/C Issuer severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect.  The obligations of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

10.06 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 the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of 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, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

  

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(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 Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this subsection (b), participations in L/C Obligations and in Swing Line Loans) 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 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 Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if "Trade Date" is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single Eligible Assignee (or to an Eligible Assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met.

 

(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 Loans or the Commitment assigned, except that this clause (ii) shall not apply to rights in respect of the Swing Line Lender's rights and obligations in respect of Swing Line Loans;

 

(iii) Required Consents.  The following consents shall be required in connection with each and every assignment of all or any portion of a Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans):

 

(A) the consent of the Borrower shall be required in connection with any assignment hereunder; provided, however, that (i) where the assignee is an Eligible Assignee, such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed (unless upon the consummation of such assignment, such Eligible Assignee, together with its Affiliates, shall hold, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the Aggregate Commitments, in which event Borrower may grant or withhold such consent in its sole discretion); (ii) notwithstanding the foregoing, the consent of the Borrower to any assignment shall not be required in the event that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment; (iii) notwithstanding the foregoing, the consent of the Borrower to any assignment shall be not be required in the event that such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender (unless, in each case, the applicable Lender is a Defaulting Lender); and provided, further, that any consent of the Borrower required pursuant to this Section 10.06(b) shall be deemed to have been given if Borrower shall not object to such assignment by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received written notice of such proposed assignment;

 

  

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(B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender (unless, in each case, the applicable Lender is a Defaulting Lender);

 

(C) the consent of the L/C Issuer (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment that increases the obligation of the assignee to participate in exposure under one or more Letters of Credit (whether or not then outstanding); and

 

(D) the consent of the Swing Line Lender (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment.

 

(iv) Assignment and Assumption.  The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment.  The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.

 

(v) No Assignment to Certain Persons.  No such assignment shall be made (A) to the Borrower or any of the Borrower's Affiliates or Subsidiaries, or (B) to any Defaulting Lender or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Person who, upon becoming a Lender hereunder, would constitute any of the foregoing Persons described in this clause (B), or (C) to a natural person.

 

(vi) 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 or any 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 Swing Line Loans in accordance with its Applicable 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 and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, and 10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment.  Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender.  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 (and such agency being solely for tax purposes), shall maintain at the Administrative Agent's Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Loans and L/C 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.  In addition, the Administrative Agent shall maintain on the Register information regarding the designation, and revocation of designation, of any Lender as a Defaulting Lender.  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.

 

  

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(d) Participations.  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person, a Defaulting Lender or the Borrower or any of the Borrower's Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a "Participant") in all or a portion of such Lender's rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender's participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender's obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement.

 

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that affects such Participant.  Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section.  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.14 as though it were a Lender.

 

(e) Limitations upon Participant Rights.  A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 or 3.04 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrower's prior written consent.  A Participant that would be a Foreign Lender if it were a Lender shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 unless the Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Borrower, to comply with Section 3.01(e) as though it were a Lender.

 

(f) 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 (including under its Note, if any) 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.

 

(g) Intentionally Omitted.

 

(h) Resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender after Assignment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above and resigns as Administrative Agent hereunder pursuant to Section 9.06, Bank of America may, (i) upon 30 days' notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as L/C Issuer and/or (ii) upon 30 days' notice to the Borrower, resign as Swing Line Lender.  In the event of any such resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders who agree to accept such appointment a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided, however, that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Bank of America as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be.  If Bank of America resigns as L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Committed Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.04(c)).  If Bank of America resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Committed Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(c).  Upon the appointment of a successor L/C Issuer and/or Swing Line Lender, (a) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be, and (b) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to Bank of America to effectively assume the obligations of Bank of America with respect to such Letters of Credit.

 

  

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10.07 Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality.  Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer 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' respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, advisors and 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 Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or any Eligible Assignee invited to be a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16(c) 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 written 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, the L/C Issuer 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 Subsidiary relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrower or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential.  Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrower or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws.

 

10.08 Right of Setoff.  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and either (a) as a result thereof, the Obligations hereunder shall have been accelerated pursuant to Section 8.02(b) or (b) to the extent of any then-existing amounts due hereunder from any Loan Party to Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer, Swing Line Lender or any Lender (whether principal, interest, fees or other amounts) that are past due hereunder or under any other Loan Document), each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, after obtaining the written consent of the Administrative Agent, 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, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or the L/C Issuer different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided, that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.18 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff.  The rights of each Lender, the L/C Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have.  Each Lender and the L/C Issuer 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.

 

  

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10.09 Interest Rate Limitation.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the "Maximum Rate").  If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower.  In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (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.

 

10.10 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.  Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof 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 other electronic imaging means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

10.11 Survival of Representations and Warranties.  All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof.  Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.

 

10.12 Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions.  The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.  Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.12, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.

 

10.13 Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if 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 3.01, or if any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.06), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

 

(a) the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 10.06(b);

 

  

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(b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to 100% of the outstanding principal of its Loans and L/C Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05) 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);

 

(c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter;

 

(d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws; and

 

(e) if the replacement of a Lender is predicated upon a Lender's request for compensation under Section 3.04 or for payment under Section 3.01 hereof, Borrower shall have required the applicable Lender to make such assignment within sixty (60) days of the applicable request for compensation under Section 3.04 or for payment under Section 3.01.

 

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.

 

10.14 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

 

(a) GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

 

(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION.  THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA SITTING IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN 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 NORTH CAROLINA 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 LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER LOAN PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

(c) WAIVER OF VENUE.  THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION.  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.

 

  

79

  

(d) SERVICE OF PROCESS.  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02.  NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

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

 

10.16 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility.  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 Loan Document), the Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates' understanding, that:  (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent and the Arranger are arm's-length commercial transactions between the Borrower  and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Arranger, on the other hand, (B)  the Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) the Borrower is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Administrative Agent and the Arranger each 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 the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Arranger has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent nor the Arranger has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower or its Affiliates.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent and the Arranger with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

 

10.17 Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents.  The words "execution," "signed," "signature," and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption or in any amendment or other modification hereof (including waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

 

10.18 USA PATRIOT Act.  Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the "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 or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Act.  The Borrower shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable "know your customer" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act.

 

  

80

  

10.19 Time of the Essence.  Time is of the essence of the Loan Documents.

 

10.20 ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.

 

[remainder of page left intentionally blank – signature pages, exhibits and schedules to follow]

  

81

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

	
BORROWER:

 

	
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership,

   a North Carolina limited partnership

 

By:  Tanger GP Trust, its sole general partner

 

 

By:  /s/  Frank C. Marchisello, Jr.                                                                

Name:  Frank C. Marchisello Jr.

Title:  Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary

	  	  

 

(Signatures continued on next page)

 

  

  S-1

  

	
  

	
LENDERS/AGENT:          BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

                   individually in its capacity as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

                   By:  /s/  Susan Vercauteren

                    Name:  Susan Vercauteren

                    Title:    Senior Vice President

 

 

                                  [signature pages continue]

 

  

   S-2

  

 

                   BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

                 individually in its capacity as a Lender

 

 

                                By:  /s/  Susan Vercauteren

                   Name:    Susan Vercauteren

                   Title:      Senior Vice President

 

 

[signature pages continue]

 

  

   S-3

  

                   WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

                                individually in its capacity as a Lender

 

 

 

 

                    By:   /s/    Kerry Richards

                    Name:    Kerry Richards

                    Title:       Vice President

 

 

[signature pages continue]

 

 

  

   S-4

  

                      SUNTRUST BANK,

                     individually in its capacity as a Lender

         

 

 

 

                      By:  /s/  John M. Szeman

                      Name:     John M. Szeman

                      Title:       Vice President

 

 

  [signature pages continue]

 

  

   S-5

  

                         SCOTIABANC INC.,

                                     individually in its capacity as a Lender

 

 

 

 

                      By:   /s/  J.F. Todd

                      Name:      J.F. Todd

                      Title:        Managing Director

 

 

 [signature pages continue]

 

  

   S-6

  

                      US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

                      individually in its capacity as a Lender

 

 

 

 

                     By:  /s/  Joseph L. Hord                                                  

                                       Name:      Joseph L. Hord

                                       Title:        Vice President

 

 

 [signature pages continue]

 

S-7

  

  

  

                      BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY,

                      individually in its capacity as a Lender

 

 

 

 

                       By:  /s/  Jonathan Cox     

                        Name:     Jonathan Cox

              `       Title:       Vice President

 

 

 [signature pages continue]

 

 

   S-8

  

  

                      PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

                      individually in its capacity as a Lender

 

 

 

 

                      By:  /s/  Andrew T. White

                      Name:    Andrew T. White

                      Title:      Senior Vice President

 

 

 [signature pages continue]

 

 

  

 S-9

  

                      ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,

                      individually in its capacity as a Lender

   

 

 

 

                      By:  /s/  Dan LePage

                       Name:  Dan LePage

                       Title:  Authorized Signatory

 

 

 

[signature pages continue]

 

  

   S-10

  

                      REGIONS BANK,

                      individually in its capacity as a Lender

 

 

 

 

                       By:   /s/  Thomas K. Day

                      Name:     Thomas K. Day

                      Title:       Managing Director

 

 

 

 

  

   S-11

  

SCHEDULE 2.01

 

COMMITMENTS

 

AND APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES

 

	
Lender

	
Commitment

	
Applicable Percentage

	
Bank of America, N.A.

	
$65,000,000.00

	
16.883116831%

	
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

	
$65,000,000.00

	
16.883116831%

	
Branch Banking & Trust Company

	
$45,000,000.00

	
11.688311683%

	
SunTrust Bank

	
$45,000,000.00

	
11.688311683%

	
US Bank, National Association

	
$45,000,000.00

	
11.688311683%

	
PNC Bank, National Association

	
 $30,000,000.00

	
7.792207792%

	
Regions Bank

	
$30,000,000.00

	
7.792207792%

	
Royal Bank of Canada

	
$30,000,000.00

	
7.792207792%

	
Scotiabanc Inc.

	
$30,000,000.00

	
7.792207792%

	
Total

	
$385,000,000.00

	
100.000000000%

5610866v.1                                                                     

  

1

  

SCHEDULE 5.05

 

SUPPLEMENT TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

None

 

 

  

1  

  

SCHEDULE 5.06

 

LITIGATION

 

 

	
1.  

	
There are approximately seven (7) lawsuits filed in various jurisdictions which involve “slip and fall” type events alleged to have occurred at various shopping center locations.  These actions are being defended by the applicable insurance carrier, and the Borrower and the Guarantors have no reason to expect that any claim which might prevail would be in excess of the insurance coverage.

 

	
2.  

	
There are a limited number of other personal injury, wrongful death, property damage lawsuits filed in various jurisdictions alleged to have occurred a various shopping center locations.  These actions are being defended by the applicable insurance carrier, and the Borrower and the Guarantors have no reason to expect that any claim which might prevail would be in excess of the insurance coverage.

 

	
3.  

	
There are approximately three (3) road condemnation lawsuits pending.  The Borrower and the Guarantors are currently evaluating the impact of these proposed takings in order to commence an action to challenge the condemnation and otherwise enter into a negotiated settlement of these matters.

 

 

 

 

  

 1 

  

SCHEDULE 5.09

 

ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE ITEMS

 

None

.

  

1  

  

SCHEDULE 5.10

 

INSURANCE

 

On file with the Administrative Agent.

 

 

  

1  

  

SCHEDULE 5.12(d)

 

PENSION PLAN OBLIGATIONS

 

 

None.

  

1  

  

SCHEDULE 5.13

 

SUBSIDIARIES,

 

OTHER EQUITY INVESTMENTS

 

AND EQUITY INTERESTS IN THE BORROWER 

 

Part (a).                      Subsidiaries.

 

 

Part (b).                      Other Equity Investments.

 

 

Part (c).                      Owners of Equity Interests in the Borrower.

 

 

1

  

  

SCHEDULE 5.18

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS

 

 

None

.

  

  

  

SCHEDULE 10.02

 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT'S OFFICE;

CERTAIN ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES

 

[CONFIRM ALL ADDRESSES]

 

 

Tanger Properties Limited Partnership

3200 Northline Ave., Suite 360

Greensboro, NC 27408

Attn:  Steven Tanger

 

 

With copies to the following:

Frank C. Marchisello Jr.

Virginia R. Summerell

Telephone:  336-292-3010

Telecopier:  336-297-0931

 

Electronic Mail: tanger@tangeroutlet.com

 

With copies to the following:

fcmarchisello@tangeroutlet.com

vrsummerell@tangeroutlet.com

cmholt@tangeroutlet.com

 

Website Address:  tangeroutlet.com

 

 

Taxpayer ID No.:                                56-1822494

 

[Administrative Agent; L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender addresses on following page(s)]

 

  1

  

  

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:

 

 

Administrative Agent’s Office

(for payments and Requests for Borrowings):

Bank of America, N.A.

100 North Tryon St.

NC1-007-11-15

Charlotte, North Carolina  28255

Attention:  Kay Ostwalt

Telephone:  (704) 386 7296

Telecopier: (704) 386 6434

Electronic Mail:  Kay.p.ostwalt@bankofamerica.com

 

Bank of America

Commercial Real Estate Loan Admin. Services

Atlanta, GA  30808

Routing No.  026009593

Credit Real Estate Account No. 1366211723000

Ref:  Tanger Properties - 292733

 

Other Notices as Administrative Agent:

Bank of America, N.A.

Commercial Real Estate Banking

100 North Tryon St.

NC1-007-11-15

Charlotte, North Carolina  28255

Attention:  Kay Ostwalt

Telephone:  (704) 386 7296

Telecopier: (704) 386 6434

Electronic Mail:  Kay.p.ostwalt@bankofamerica.com

 

L/C ISSUER:

 

 

Bank of America, N.A.

Trade Operations

Street Address

Mail Code:

City, State ZIP Code

Attention:

Telephone:

Telecopier:

Electronic Mail:   _____________@bankofamerica.com

 

SWING LINE LENDER:

 

Bank of America, N.A.

Street Address

Mail Code:

City, State ZIP Code

Attention:

Telephone:

Telecopier:

Electronic Mail:  _____________@bankofamerica.com

Account No.:

Ref:           ________________

ABA# 026009593

 

  

  2

  

EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF COMMITTED LOAN NOTICE

 

Date:  _____________., _________

 

To:           Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2010 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the "Agreement;" the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Tanger Properties Limited Partnership (the "Borrower"), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.

 

The undersigned hereby requests (select one):

 

   [  ]  A Borrowing of Committed Loans                                                            [  ]  A conversion or continuation of Loans

 

1.           On ______________________________ (a Business Day).

 

2.           In the amount of $_______________.

 

3.           Comprised of _______________________________.

          [Type of Committed Loan requested]

 

4.           For Eurodollar Rate Loans:  with an Interest Period of __________ months.

 

The Committed Borrowing, if any, requested herein complies with the provisos to the first sentence of Section 2.01 of the Agreement.

 

	
BORROWER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

	
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership,

   a North Carolina limited partnership

 

By:  Tanger GP Trust, its sole general partner

 

 

By:  ________________________________

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A – Page 1

Form of Committed Loan Notice

  

  

  

EXHIBIT B

 

OPINION MATTERS

 

[REQUESTED FORM OF OUTSIDE COUNSEL OPINION]

 

____________ ___, 2010

 

TO THOSE ON THE ATTACHED DISTRIBUTION LIST

 

 

	
Re:  

	
Senior Credit Facility in an initial committed amount of $375,000,000  provided in favor of Tanger Properties Limited Partnership

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as special counsel to Tanger Properties Limited Partnership, a North Carolina limited partnership (the “Borrower”), Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, [ADD ANY ADDITIONAL GUARANTORS] (whether one or more, each a “Guarantor” and, collectively, the "Guarantors"; the Borrower and the Guarantors may be referred to herein each individually as a “Credit Party” or collectively as the “Credit Parties”) in connection with certain transactions contemplated by (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of __________, 2010 (as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among the Borrower, the lenders referenced therein (the “Lenders”), Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender and (b) the other Loan Documents (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  This opinion is delivered pursuant to Section 4.01(a) of the Credit Agreement.  All capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined herein, shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Credit Agreement.

 

In connection with the foregoing, we have examined originals, or copies certified to our satisfaction, of the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents, and such other corporate, partnership or limited liability company documents and records of the Credit Parties, certificates of public officials and representatives of the Credit Parties as to certain factual matters, and such other instruments and documents which we have deemed necessary or advisable to examine for the purpose of this opinion.  With respect to such examination, we have assumed (i) the statements of fact made in all such certificates, documents and instruments are true, accurate and complete; (ii) the due authorization, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents by the parties thereto other than the Credit Parties; (iii) the genuineness of all signatures (other than the signatures of persons signing on behalf of the Credit Parties), the authenticity and completeness of all documents, certificates, instruments, records and corporate records submitted to us as originals and the conformity to the original instruments of all documents submitted to us as copies, and the authenticity and completeness of the originals of such copies; (iv) that all parties other than the Credit Parties have all requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents; and (v) the enforceability of the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents against all parties thereto other than the Credit Parties.

 

Based on the foregoing, and having due regard for such legal considerations as we deem relevant, and subject to the limitations and assumptions set forth herein, including without limitation the matters set forth in the last two (2) paragraphs hereof, we are of the opinion that:

 

(a)           The Borrower is a limited partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of North Carolina and has the power and authority to conduct its business as presently conducted and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party.  The Borrower is duly qualified to do business in all jurisdictions in which its failure to so qualify would materially impair its ability to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party or its financial position or its business as now and now proposed to be conducted.

 

  

Exhibit B – Page 1

Opinion Matter

  

(b)           [Guarantor] is a [____________________] duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of [___________________] and has the power and authority to conduct its business as presently conducted and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party.  [Guarantor] is duly qualified to do business in all jurisdictions in which its failure to so qualify would materially impair its ability to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party or its financial position or its business as now and now proposed to be conducted. [FOR EACH GUARANTOR]

 

(c)           The execution, delivery and performance by each Credit Party of the Loan Documents to which each such Credit Party is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Credit Party and the Loan Documents to which such Credit Party is a party have been duly executed and delivered by such Credit Party.

 

(d)           The Loan Documents to which each Credit Party is a party constitute valid and binding obligations of each such Credit Party enforceable against such Credit Party in accordance with the terms thereof, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and general principles of equity (regardless of whether the application of such principles is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

 

(e)           The execution and delivery by the Borrower of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and compliance by the Borrower with all of the provisions thereof do not and will not (i) contravene the provisions of, or result in any breach of or constitute any default under, or result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of its property under, its certificate of limited partnership or its limited partnership agreement or any other similar document of formation, or any indenture, mortgage, chattel mortgage, deed of trust, lease, conditional sales contract, bank loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or any of its property may be bound or affected, or (ii) contravene any laws or any order of any Governmental Authority applicable to or binding on the Borrower.

 

(f)           The execution and delivery by [Guarantor] of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and compliance by [Guarantor] with all of the provisions thereof do not and will not (i) contravene the provisions of, or result in any breach of or constitute any default under, or result in the creation of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of its property under, its [articles of incorporation] or its [by-laws [as applicable for entity-type]] or any other similar document of formation, or any indenture, mortgage, chattel mortgage, deed of trust, lease, conditional sales contract, bank loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument to which [Guarantor] is a party or by which it or any of its property may be bound or affected, or (ii) contravene any laws or any order of any Governmental Authority applicable to or binding on [Guarantor]. [FOR EACH GUARANTOR]

 

(g)           No Governmental Action by, and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by any Credit Party of any of the Loan Documents to which it is a party or for the acquisition and ownership by such Credit Party of its properties, and the operation by such Credit Party of its business, except for those which have been obtained.

 

(h)           Except as set forth on Schedule 1 hereto, there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or to our knowledge, threatened against any Credit Party in any court or before any Governmental Authority, that question the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document to which any Credit Party is a party or the overall transaction described in the Loan Documents, or which, if adversely determined, would impair the right of any Credit Party to carry on its business substantially as now conducted or contemplated or would materially adversely affect the financial condition, business or operations of any Credit Party.

 

(i)           Neither the relationship between the Credit Parties and any other Person, nor any circumstance in connection with the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which any Credit Party is a party, is such as to require any approval of stockholders of, or approval or consent of any trustee or holders of indebtedness of, such Credit Party, except for such approvals and consents which have been duly obtained and are in full force and effect.

 

  

Exhibit B – Page 2

Opinion Matters

  

(j)           The offer, issuance, sale and delivery of the Notes under the circumstances contemplated by the Credit Agreement do not, under existing law, require registration of the Notes being issued on the date hereof under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(k)           The Borrower is not engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock.

 

(l)           None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower, or any Subsidiary of the Borrower (i) is a “holding company,” or a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company,” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or of a “subsidiary company” of a “holding company,” within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, or (ii) is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(m)           The provisions in the Loan Documents concerning interest, fees, prepayment premiums and other similar charges do not violate the usury laws or other similar laws regulating the use or forbearance of money of North Carolina or the laws of the United States of America.

 

This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters stated herein.  This opinion is based on and is limited to the laws of the State[s] of North Carolina, [identify other relevant states] and the federal laws of the United States of America.  Insofar as the foregoing opinion relates to matters of law other than the foregoing, no opinion is hereby given.

 

This opinion is for the sole benefit of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and their respective successors and assigns and may not be relied upon by any other person other than such parties and their respective successors and assigns without the express written consent of the undersigned.  The opinions expressed herein are as of the date hereof and we make no undertaking to amend or supplement such opinions if facts come to our attention or changes in the current law of the jurisdictions mentioned herein occur which could affect such opinions.

 

Very truly yours,

[OUTSIDE COUNSEL TO THE CREDIT PARTIES]

Exhibit B – Page 3

Opinion Matters

  

  

  

Distribution List

 

Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer, Swing Line Lender and a Lender

 

The various banks and other lending institutions which are parties to the Credit Agreement from time to time, as additional Lenders

 

Exhibit B – Page 4

Opinion Matters

  

  

  

Schedule 1

 

(Litigation)

 

Exhibit B – Page 5

Opinion Matters

  

  

  

EXHIBIT C

 

FORM OF SWING LINE LOAN NOTICE

 

Date:  ___________, _____

 

To:           Bank of America, N.A., as Swing Line Lender

Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2010 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the "Agreement;" the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Tanger Properties Limited Partnership (the "Borrower"), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.

 

The undersigned hereby requests a Swing Line Loan:

 

1.           On ______________________________ (a Business Day).

 

2.           In the amount of $_______________.

 

The Swing Line Borrowing requested herein complies with the requirements of the provisos to the first sentence of Section 2.05(a) of the Agreement.

 

	
BORROWER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

	
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership,

   a North Carolina limited partnership

 

By:  Tanger GP Trust, its sole general partner

 

 

By:  ________________________________

Name:

Title:

Exhibit C - Page 1

Form of Swing Line Loan Notice

  

  

  

EXHIBIT D

 

FORM OF NOTE

 

November 29, 2010

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the "Borrower"), hereby promises to pay to _____________________ or registered assigns (the "Lender"), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Loan from time to time made by the Lender to the Borrower under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2010 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the "Agreement;" the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.

 

The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement.  All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent's Office.  If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

 

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein.  This Note is also entitled to the benefits of the Guaranty.  Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement.  Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business.  The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

 

The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

 

Exhibit D – Page 1

Form of Note

  

  

  

THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.

 

	
BORROWER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

	
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership,

   a North Carolina limited partnership

 

By:  Tanger GP Trust, its sole general partner

 

 

By:  ________________________________

Name:  Frank C. Marchisello Jr.

Title:  Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary

Exhibit D – Page 2

Form of Note

  

  

  

LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO

 

	
Date

	
Type of Loan Made

	
Amount of Loan Made

	
End of Interest Period

	
Amount of Principal or Interest Paid This Date

	
Outstanding Principal Balance This Date

	
Notation Made By

	
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Exhibit D – Page 3

Form of Note

  

  

  

EXHIBIT E

 

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Financial Statement Date:  _______________, _____

 

To:           Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2010 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the "Agreement;" the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among Tanger Properties Limited Partnership (the "Borrower"), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.

 

The undersigned Responsible Officer hereby certifies as of the date hereof that he/she is the _______________________________________ of the Borrower, and that, as such, he/she is authorized to execute and deliver this Certificate to the Administrative Agent on the behalf of the Borrower, and that:

 

[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal year-end financial statements]

 

1. The Borrower has delivered the year-end audited financial statements required by Section 6.01(a) of the Agreement for the fiscal year of the Borrower ended as of the above date, together with the report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant required by such section.

 

[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal quarter-end financial statements]

 

1.           The Borrower has delivered the unaudited financial statements required by Section 6.01(b) of the Agreement for the fiscal quarter of the Borrower ended as of the above date.  To the knowledge of the undersigned, such financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP as at such date and for such period, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

 

2. The undersigned has reviewed and is familiar with the terms of the Agreement and has made, or has caused to be made under his/her supervision, a detailed review of the transactions and condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower during the accounting period covered by such financial statements.

 

3. A review of the activities of the Borrower during such fiscal period has been made under the supervision of the undersigned with a view to determining whether during such fiscal period the Borrower performed and observed, in all material respects, all its Obligations under the Loan Documents, and

 

[select one:]

 

[to the knowledge of the undersigned, during such fiscal period the Borrower performed and observed each covenant and condition of the Loan Documents applicable to it, and no Default has occurred and is continuing.]

 

--or--

 

[to the knowledge of the undersigned, during such fiscal period the following covenants or conditions have not been performed or observed and the following is a list of each such Default and its nature and status:]

 

Exhibit E - Page 1

Form of Compliance Certificate

  

4. To the knowledge of the undersigned, the representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in Article V of the Credit Agreement, and any representations and warranties of any Guarantor that are contained in the Guaranty are, except to the extent waived in accordance with the terms hereof, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, except (a) to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, (b) that the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 and (c) for purposes of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.13, to the extent of changes resulting from transactions and other events contemplated or not prohibited by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents and changes occurring in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business.

 

5. The financial covenant analyses and information set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto are, to the best knowledge of the undersigned, true and accurate on and as of the date of this Certificate.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate as of _______________, _____.

 

	
BORROWER:

 

 

 

 

 

 

	
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership,

   a North Carolina limited partnership

 

By:  Tanger GP Trust, its sole general partner

 

 

By:  ________________________________

Name:

Title:

Exhibit E – Page 2

Form of Compliance Certificate

  

  

  

For the Quarter/Year ended ___________________("Statement Date")

 

SCHEDULE 1

 

to the Compliance Certificate

 

 

[INSERT DETAILED FINANCIAL COVENANT CALCULATIONS]

 

Exhibit E – Page 3

Form of Compliance Certificate

  

  

  

EXHIBIT F

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (this "Assignment and Assumption") is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the] [each]1 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the] [each, an] "Assignor") and [the] [each] Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the] [each, an] "Assignee").  [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors] [the Assignees] hereunder are several and not joint.]2  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the "Credit Agreement"), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee.  The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, [the] [each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee] [the respective Assignees], and [the] [each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor] [the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor's] [the respective Assignors'] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender] [their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor] [the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including, without limitation, the Letters of Credit and the Swing Line Loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)] [the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the] [any] Assignor to [the] [any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the] [an] "Assigned Interest").  Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the] [any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the] [any] Assignor.

 

	
1.  

	
Assignor[s]:                   ______________________________

 

	
  

	
______________________________

 

	
2.  

	
Assignee[s]:                   ______________________________

 

	
  

	
______________________________

	
  

	
[for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate] [Approved Fund] of [identify Lender]]

 

	
3.  

	
Borrower(s):                      Tanger Properties Limited Partnership

 

	
4.  

	
Administrative Agent:  Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

 

1 For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language.  If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language.

  2 Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.

  

 

 

F-1 - 4

Form of Assignment and Assumption

  

	
5.  

	
Credit Agreement:  Credit Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2010, among Tanger Properties Limited Partnership, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer, and Swing Line Lender

 

	
6.  

	
Assigned Interest[s]:

 

	
Assignor[s]

	
Assignee[s]

	
Facility

Assigned

	
Aggregate

Amount of

Commitment

for all Lenders3

	
Amount of

Commitment

Assigned

	
Percentage

Assigned of

Commitment4

	
CUSIP

Number

	  	  	  	  	  	  	  
	  	  	
Revolving Credit Commitment (and related Swing Line Loan and Letter of Credit Commitments)

	
$________________

	
$_________

	
____________%

	  
	  	  	
____________

	
$________________

	
$_________

	
____________%

	  
	  	  	
____________

	
$________________

	
$_________

	
____________%

	  

	
7.  

	
[Trade Date:                                __________________]5

 

Effective Date:  __________________, 20__ [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.  

4 Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder.

5 To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

  

 

 

  

F-1 - 5

Form of Assignment and Assumption

  

	  	
ASSIGNOR:

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

 

 

By:                                                                 

Title:                                                         

	  	
ASSIGNEE:

 

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

 

 

By:                                                            

Title:                                                         

	
[Consented to and]6 Accepted:

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

By:                                                                

Title:                                                         

	  
	
[Consented to:]7

 

By:                                                                

Title:                                                         

	  

    

6 To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.  

7 To be added only if the consent of the Borrower and/or other parties (e.g. Swing Line Lender, L/C Issuer) is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

F-1 - 6

Form of Assignment and Assumption

  

  

  

ANNEX 1 TO ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

TANGER PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP – CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1. Representations and Warranties.

 

1.1 Assignor.  [The] [Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the] [[the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the] [such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2 Assignee.  [The] [Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii) and (v) of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the] [the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the] [such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the] [such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section __ thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the] [such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the] [such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the] [such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [the] [any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

2. Payments.  From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the] [each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the] [the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the] [the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

 

3. General Provisions.  This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption.  This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of North Carolina.

 

F-1 - 7

Form of Assignment and Assumption

  

  

  

EXHIBIT F-2

 

FORM OF ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE

 

 

Exhibit F-2 – Page 1

Form of Administrative Questionnaire

  

  

  

EXHIBIT G

 

FORM OF GUARANTY

 

CONTINUING GUARANTY

 

[Re: Tanger Properties Limited Partnership - 2010 Credit Agreement]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and in consideration of credit and/or financial accommodation heretofore or hereafter from time to time made or granted to TANGER PROPERTIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a North Carolina limited partnership (the “Borrower”) by BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as the Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement referenced herein (in such capacity and together with its successors and assigns as permitted under the Credit Agreement, the “Agent”) and the Lenders, as such term is defined in that certain Credit Agreement dated as of November 29, 2010 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”; capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement) among the Borrower, the Agent, such Lenders, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (successor by merger to, Banc of America Securities LLC) and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent, the undersigned Guarantor (whether one or more the “Guarantor”, and if more than one jointly and severally) hereby furnishes to the Agent, for the benefit of the Agent and Lenders, its guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations (as hereinafter defined) as follows:

 

1. Guaranty.  The Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, as a guaranty of payment and performance and not merely as a guaranty of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, upon acceleration, demand or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all existing and future indebtedness and liabilities of every kind, nature and character, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, voluntary or involuntary and whether for principal, interest, premiums, fees indemnities, damages, costs, expenses or otherwise, of the Borrower to the Agent and/or Lenders (collectively, the Agent and Lenders shall be referred to herein as the “Secured Parties”) arising under the Credit Agreement, the Loan Documents, Sections 2, 10 and 17 of this Guaranty, any other instruments, agreements or other documents of any kind or nature now or hereafter executed in connection with the Credit Agreement (including all renewals, extensions, amendments, refinancings and other modifications thereof and all costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Agent in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof) and whether recovery upon such indebtedness and liabilities may be or hereafter become unenforceable or shall be an allowed or disallowed claim under any proceeding or case commenced by or against the Guarantor or the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code), any successor statute or any 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 and affecting the rights of creditors generally (collectively, “Debtor Relief Laws”), and including interest that accrues after the commencement by or against the Borrower of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws (collectively, the “Guaranteed Obligations”).  The Agent’s and/or Lenders’ books and records showing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be admissible in evidence in any action or proceeding, and absent manifest error shall be binding upon the Guarantor and conclusive for the purpose of establishing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations.  This Guaranty shall not be affected by the regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Guaranteed Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, non-perfection or extent of any collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Guaranteed Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of the Guarantor under this Guaranty, and the Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now have or hereafter acquire in any way relating to any or all of the foregoing except the defense of payment.  Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder at any time shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its obligations hereunder subject to avoidance as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any comparable provisions of any similar federal or state law.

 

  

1

  

2. No Setoff or Deductions; Taxes; Payments.  The Guarantor represents and warrants that it is organized and resident in the United States of America.  The Guarantor shall make all payments hereunder without setoff or counterclaim and free and clear of and without deduction for any taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions, withholdings, compulsory loans, restrictions or conditions of any nature now or hereafter imposed or levied by any jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or taxing or other authority therein unless the Guarantor is compelled by law to make such deduction or withholding (and provided that nothing contained herein, including without limitation, the foregoing, shall limit or affect the Guarantor’s ability to bring any separate action or claim available to it at law or in equity).  If any such obligation (other than one arising with respect to taxes based on or measured by the income or profits of the respective Secured Parties) is imposed upon the Guarantor with respect to any amount payable by it hereunder, the Guarantor will pay to the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties), on the date on which such amount is due and payable hereunder, such additional amount in U.S. dollars as shall be necessary to enable the Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) to receive the same net amount which the Agent would have received on such due date had no such obligation been imposed upon the Guarantor.  The Guarantor will deliver promptly to the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) certificates or other valid vouchers for all taxes or other charges deducted from or paid with respect to payments made by the Guarantor hereunder.  The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.

 

3. Rights of Secured Parties.  The Guarantor consents and agrees that the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) and/or Secured Parties (as applicable) may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof:  (a) amend, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Guaranteed Obligations; (c) apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as the Secured Parties, in their sole discretion (and subject to the terms of the Loan Documents) may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Guaranteed Obligations.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of the Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of the Guarantor.

 

4. Certain Waivers.  The Guarantor waives (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of the Borrower or any other guarantor (other than full payment and performance), or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Secured Party) of the liability of the Borrower; (b) any defense based on any claim that the Guarantor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of the Borrower; (c) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the Guarantor’s liability hereunder; (d) any right to proceed against the Borrower, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Indebtedness, or pursue any other remedy in the Agent’s or any other Secured Party’s power whatsoever; (e) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by the Agent or any other Secured Party; and (f) to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties.  The Guarantor expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Guaranteed Obligations, including but not limited to the benefits of N.C. General Statutes §§ 26-7 through 26-9 inclusive, as amended, or any similar statute.

 

5. Obligations Independent.  The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against the Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty whether or not the Borrower or any other person or entity is joined as a party.

 

6. Subrogation.  The Guarantor shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this Guaranty until all of the Guaranteed Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full and any commitments of the Lenders or facilities provided by the Lenders with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations are terminated.  If any amounts are paid to the Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) to reduce the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.

 

  

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7. Termination; Reinstatement.  This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Guaranteed Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until all Guaranteed Obligations and any other amounts payable under this Guaranty are indefeasibly paid in full in cash and any commitments of the Lenders or facilities provided by the Lenders with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations are terminated.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or the Guarantor is made, or any Secured Party exercises its right of setoff, in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Secured Parties in their discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) is in possession of or has released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction.  The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall be revived and this Guaranty reinstated in the event that this Guaranty is terminated prior to the occurrence of the events giving rise to the Guarantor’s obligations under this paragraph and the obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, or anything to the contrary contained in this Guaranty, any Guarantor’s obligations hereunder may be terminated and released at any time, including without limitation, at any time prior to the indefeasible payment and performance of all Guaranteed Obligations, in accordance with the terms of Credit Agreement, including without limitation, Section 6.12 and Section 9.10 thereof.

 

8. Subordination.  The Guarantor hereby subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of the Borrower owing to the Guarantor, whether now existing or hereafter arising, including but not limited to any obligation of the Borrower to the Guarantor as subrogee of any Secured Party or resulting from the Guarantor’s performance under this Guaranty, to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations.  If the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) so requests, any such obligation or indebtedness of the Borrower to the Guarantor shall be enforced and performance received by the Guarantor as trustee for the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) and the proceeds thereof shall be paid over to the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) on account of the Guaranteed Obligations, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of the Guarantor under this Guaranty.

 

9. Stay of Acceleration.  In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed, in connection with any case commenced by or against the Guarantor or any Borrower under any Debtor Relief Laws, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by the Guarantor immediately upon demand by the Agent.

 

10. Expenses.  The Guarantor shall pay on demand all non-reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and the allocated cost and disbursements of internal legal counsel) in any way relating to the enforcement or protection of the Agent’s or the other Secured Parties’ rights under this Guaranty or in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, including any incurred during any “workout” or restructuring in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and any incurred in the preservation, protection or enforcement of any rights of the Agent or other Secured Parties in any proceeding any Debtor Relief Laws.  The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.

 

11. Miscellaneous.  No provision of this Guaranty may be waived, amended, supplemented or modified, except by a written instrument executed by the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) and the Guarantor.  No failure by the Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.  The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or in equity.  The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Guaranty shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein.  Unless otherwise agreed by the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) and the Guarantor in writing, this Guaranty is not intended to supersede or otherwise affect any other guaranty now or hereafter given by the Guarantor for the benefit of any Secured Party or any term or provision thereof.

  

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12. Condition of Borrower.  The Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from the Borrower and any other guarantor such information concerning the financial condition, business and operations of the Borrower and any such other guarantor as the Guarantor requires, and that the Secured Parties have no duty, and the Guarantor is not relying on any Secured Party to, at any time, disclose to the Guarantor any information relating to the business, operations or financial condition of the Borrower or any other guarantor (the guarantor waiving any duty on the part of any Secured Party to disclose such information and any defense relating to the failure to provide the same).

 

13. Setoff.  If and to the extent any payment is not made when due hereunder, but only if and in the event that the Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to Section 8.02(b) of the Credit Agreement following an Event of Default thereunder, then the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) may setoff and charge from time to time any amount so due against any or all of the Guarantor’s accounts or deposits with the Agent.

 

14. Representations and Warranties.  The Guarantor represents and warrants that (a) it is duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has full capacity and right to make and perform this Guaranty, and all necessary authority has been obtained; (b) this Guaranty constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and (ii) the application of general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law; (c) the making and performance of this Guaranty does not and will not violate the provisions of any applicable law, regulation or order, and does not and will not result in the breach of, or constitute a default or require any consent under, any material agreement, instrument, or document to which it is a party or by which it or any of its property may be bound or affected; except to the extent that any such violation, breach or default, or failure to obtain the same, as applicable, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (d) all consents, approvals, licenses and authorizations of, and filings and registrations with, any governmental authority required under applicable law and regulations for the making and performance of this Guaranty have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, except to the extent that failure to obtain or file the same, as applicable, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

15. Additional Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Guarantor.  Guarantor hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution hereof, Guarantor will be deemed to be a Loan Party under the Credit Agreement and a “Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement.  Guarantor further agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in herein and in the Credit Agreement applicable to a Guarantor.

 

16. New Guarantors.  Additional Persons (each such Person being referred to herein as a “New Guarantor”) may, from time to time, become parties hereto (and thereby become a “Guarantor”) pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 6.12 of the Credit Agreement through the execution of a counterpart signature page hereto.  Each such New Guarantor hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of such counterpart, the New Guarantor will be deemed to be a Loan Party under the Credit Agreement and a “Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder as if it had executed this Agreement as of the Closing Date.  Further, each such New Guarantor hereby ratifies, as of the date of its execution of a counterpart signature page hereto, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in herein and in the Credit Agreement applicable to a Guarantor.  The obligations of each such New Guarantor hereunder and under the Credit Agreement will be joint and several with each other Person qualifying as a Guarantor hereunder.

 

17. Indemnification and Survival.  Without limitation on any other obligations of the Guarantor or remedies of the Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) under this Guaranty, the Guarantor shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify, defend and save and hold harmless the Secured Parties from and against, and shall pay on demand, any and all reasonable damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and the allocated cost and disbursements of internal legal counsel) that may be suffered or incurred by the Secured Parties in connection with or as a result of any failure of any Guaranteed Obligations to be the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their terms.

 

  

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18. Governing Law; Assignment; Jurisdiction; Notices.  This Guaranty shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of North Carolina.  This Guaranty shall (a) bind the Guarantor and its successors and assigns, provided that the Guarantor may not assign its rights or obligations under this Guaranty without the prior written consent of the Agent (and any attempted assignment without such consent shall be void), and (b) inure to the benefit of the Secured Parties and their successors and assigns and the Lenders may, without notice to the Guarantor and without affecting the Guarantor’s obligations hereunder, assign, sell or grant participations in the Guaranteed Obligations and this Guaranty, in whole or in part, in accordance with the terms of Section 10.06 of the Credit Agreement.  The Guarantor hereby irrevocably (i) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any United States Federal or State court sitting in Charlotte, North Carolina in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Guaranty, and (ii) waives to the fullest extent permitted by law any defense asserting an inconvenient forum in connection therewith.  Service of process by the Agent in connection with such action or proceeding shall be binding on the Guarantor if sent to the Guarantor by registered or certified mail at its address specified below or such other address as from time to time notified by the Guarantor.  The Guarantor agrees that the Agent may disclose to any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee of or participant in, any of its rights or obligations of all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations any and all information in the Agent’s possession concerning the Guarantor, this Guaranty and any security for this Guaranty, provided, that the Agent shall require any such recipient to agree in writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information.  All notices and other communications to the Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service to the Guarantor at the address of the Borrower set forth in Schedule 10.02 to the Credit Agreement or at such other address in the United States as may be specified by the Guarantor in a written notice delivered to the Agent at the address of the Agent set forth in Schedule 10.02 to the Credit Agreement or at such other address in the United States as the Agent may designate for such purpose from time to time in a written notice to the Guarantor.

 

19. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; FINAL AGREEMENT.  TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE GUARANTOR AND THE AGENT EACH IRREVOCABLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION, CLAIM, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR THE GUARANTEED OBLIGATIONS.  THIS GUARANTY REPRESENTS THE FINAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

 

 

[remainder of page left intentionally blank – signature page(s) to follow]

 

  

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TANGER FACTORY OUTLET CENTERS, INC., a North Carolina corporation

By:                                                 

Name:                                                           

Title:                                               

[OTHER SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS]

6

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