Document:

Exhibit 10.1

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

February 29, 2012

 

Between

 

MESA LABORATORIES, INC.

as the Borrower

 

and

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as the Lender

 

 

1

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	
 
    	
Page
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
Article I Definitions
    	
1
    
	
SECTION 1.01. Defined   Terms
    	
1
    
	
SECTION 1.02. Classification   of Loans
    	
15
    
	
SECTION 1.03. Terms   Generally
    	
15
    
	
SECTION 1.04. Accounting   Terms; GAAP
    	
15
    
	
Article II The Credits
    	
15
    
	
SECTION 2.01. Revolving   Commitment
    	
15
    
	
SECTION 2.02. Revolving   Loans
    	
16
    
	
SECTION 2.03. Intentionally   Omitted
    	
16
    
	
SECTION 2.04. Requests   for Revolving Loans
    	
16
    
	
SECTION 2.05. Letters of   Credit
    	
16
    
	
SECTION 2.06. Funding of   Revolving Loans
    	
18
    
	
SECTION 2.07. Interest   Elections
    	
18
    
	
SECTION 2.08. Termination   of Revolving Commitment
    	
19
    
	
SECTION 2.09. Authorization   for Direct Payments
    	
19
    
	
SECTION 2.10. Repayment of   Loans; Evidence of Debt
    	
20
    
	
SECTION 2.11. Prepayment   of Loans
    	
20
    
	
SECTION 2.12. Fees
    	
20
    
	
SECTION 2.13. Interest
    	
21
    
	
SECTION 2.14. Alternate   Rate of Interest
    	
21
    
	
SECTION 2.15. Increased   Costs
    	
22
    
	
SECTION 2.16. Break   Funding Payments
    	
22
    
	
SECTION 2.17. Taxes
    	
23
    
	
SECTION 2.18. Payments   Generally
    	
24
    
	
SECTION 2.19. Mitigation   Obligations
    	
24
    
	
Article III Representations and Warranties
    	
24
    
	
SECTION 3.01. Organization;   Powers
    	
24
    
	
SECTION 3.02. Authorization;   Enforceability
    	
25
    
	
SECTION 3.03. Governmental   Approvals; No Conflicts
    	
25
    
	
SECTION 3.04. Financial   Condition; No Material Adverse Change
    	
25
    
	
SECTION 3.05. Properties
    	
25
    
	
SECTION 3.06. Litigation   and Environmental Matters
    	
26
    
	
SECTION 3.07. Compliance   with Laws and Agreements
    	
26
    
	
SECTION 3.08. Investment   Company Status
    	
26
    
	
SECTION 3.09. Taxes
    	
26
    
	
SECTION 3.10. ERISA
    	
26
    
	
SECTION 3.11. Disclosure
    	
27
    
	
SECTION 3.12. Solvency
    	
27
    
	
Article IV Conditions
    	
27
    
	
SECTION 4.01. Effective   Date
    	
27
    
	
SECTION 4.02. Each Credit   Event
    	
28
    
	
Article V Affirmative Covenants
    	
28
    
	
SECTION 5.01. Financial   Statements; Ratings Change and Other Information
    	
28
    
	
SECTION 5.02. Notices of   Material Events
    	
29
    
	
SECTION 5.03. Existence;   Conduct of Business
    	
30
    

 

i

 

	
SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations
    	
30
    
	
SECTION 5.05. Maintenance   of Properties; Insurance
    	
30
    
	
SECTION 5.06. Books and   Records; Inspection Rights
    	
30
    
	
SECTION 5.07. Compliance   with Laws
    	
30
    
	
SECTION 5.08. Environmental   Liabilities
    	
31
    
	
SECTION 5.09. Use of   Proceeds
    	
31
    
	
SECTION 5.10. Operating   Accounts
    	
31
    
	
SECTION 5.11. Financial   Covenants
    	
31
    
	
SECTION 5.12. Post-Closing   Covenants
    	
32
    
	
Article VI Negative Covenants
    	
32
    
	
SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness
    	
32
    
	
SECTION 6.02. Liens
    	
32
    
	
SECTION 6.03. Fundamental   Changes
    	
32
    
	
SECTION 6.04. Investments,   Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions
    	
33
    
	
SECTION 6.05. Swap   Agreements
    	
33
    
	
SECTION 6.06. Restricted   Payments
    	
33
    
	
SECTION 6.07. Transactions   with Affiliates
    	
33
    
	
SECTION 6.08. Restrictive   Agreements
    	
33
    
	
SECTION 6.09. Government   Regulation
    	
34
    
	
SECTION 6.10. Real Estate   Negative Pledge
    	
34
    
	
SECTION 6.11. No Assets   in Subsidiaries
    	
34
    
	
Article VII Events of   Default
    	
34
    
	
Article VIII Miscellaneous
    	
36
    
	
SECTION 8.01. Notices
    	
36
    
	
SECTION 8.02. Waivers;   Amendments
    	
36
    
	
SECTION 8.03. Expenses;   Indemnity; Damage Waiver
    	
37
    
	
SECTION 8.04. Successors   and Assigns
    	
38
    
	
SECTION 8.05. Survival
    	
38
    
	
SECTION 8.06. Counterparts;   Integration; Effectiveness
    	
39
    
	
SECTION 8.07. Severability
    	
39
    
	
SECTION 8.08. Right of   Setoff
    	
39
    
	
SECTION 8.09. Governing   Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process
    	
39
    
	
SECTION 8.10. WAIVER OF   JURY TRIAL
    	
40
    
	
SECTION 8.11. Headings
    	
40
    
	
SECTION 8.12. Confidentiality
    	
40
    
	
SECTION 8.13. Interest   Rate Limitation
    	
41
    
	
SECTION 8.14. Patriot Act
    	
41
    

 

SCHEDULES:

 

Schedule 3.05 — Real Estate

Schedule 3.06 — Disclosed Matters

Schedule 6.01 — Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.02 — Existing Liens

 

EXHIBITS:

 

Exhibits A — Form of Opinions of Borrower’s Counsel

Exhibit B — Compliance Certificate Form

 

ii

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of February 29, 2012 by and between MESA LABORATORIES, INC., a Colorado corporation (the “Borrower”) and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. (the “Lender”).

 

The parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I 
 DEFINITIONS

 

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

“Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.  Any change in the Adjusted LIBO Rate due to a change in the LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the LIBO Rate.

 

“Adjusted One Month LIBO Rate” means an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) 2.50% per annum plus (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one month Interest Period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Adjusted LIBO Rate for any day shall be based on the rate appearing on the Reuters Screen LIBOR01 Page (or on any successor or substitute page) at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day.

 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified 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.

 

“Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Revolving Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitment.

 

“Banking Services” includes any bank account, credit card, ACH, overdraft, cash management, or other banking services provided by Lender to Borrower.

 

“Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

 

“Borrower” means Mesa Laboratories, Inc., a Colorado corporation.

 

“Borrowing Request” means a request by Borrower for a Revolving Loan in accordance with Section 2.04.

 

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Denver are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

“Capital Expenditures” means, with respect to any Person, all expenditures (by the expenditure of cash or the incurrence of Indebtedness) by such Person during any measuring period for any fixed assets or improvements or for replacements, substitutions or additions thereto, that have a useful life of more than one year and that are required to be capitalized under GAAP, but specifically excluding

 

1

 

(i) Capital Lease Obligations and (ii) expenditures made from proceeds received upon the disposition of replaced assets or from insurance or condemnation proceeds received by such Person during any measuring period (to the extent such expenditures are permitted in this Agreement).

 

“Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

“CB Floating Rate” means the Prime Rate; provided that the CB Floating Rate shall, on any day, not be less than the Adjusted One Month LIBO Rate for a one month Interest Period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day).  Any change in the CB Floating Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Adjusted One Month LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate or the Adjusted One Month LIBO Rate, respectively.

 

“CB” when used in reference to any Loan or Loans, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Loan, is bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the CB Rate.

 

“CB Margin means, when the ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA (measured on a trailing four quarter basis) with respect to Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, is:

 

(a) less than 1.0 to 1.0, negative one and one-quarter percent (-1.25%);

(b) greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0, but less than 1.5 to 1.0, negative one percent (-1.0%);

(c) greater than or equal to 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0, negative three-quarters of one percent (-0.75%); and

(d) greater than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0, negative one-half of one percent (-0.5%)

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, through and including the last day of the first Fiscal Quarter following the Effective Date, the CB Margin will be negative one and one-quarter percent (-1.25%).

 

“CB Rate” means, with respect to a CB Loan, the sum of the CB Floating Rate plus the CB Margin.

 

“Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) of Equity Interests representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Borrower; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of Borrower by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of Borrower nor (ii) appointed by directors so nominated.

 

“Change in Law” means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by Lender (or, for purposes of Section 2.16(b), by any lending office of Lender or by Lender’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement.

 

2

 

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

 

“Collateral” means the property covered by the Security Agreement and the other Collateral Documents and any other property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, now existing or hereafter acquired, that may at any time be or become subject to a security interest or Lien in favor of Lender, to secure the Obligations.

 

“Collateral Documents” means the Security Agreement and all similar agreements entered into guaranteeing payment of, or granting a Lien upon property as security for payment of, the Obligations.

 

“Compliance Certificate” is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

 

“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.

 

“Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

“Denver” shall mean Denver, Colorado.

 

“Disclosed Matters” means the actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental matters disclosed in Schedule 3.06.

 

“Dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

 

“EBITDA” means, with respect to Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, for any fiscal period, without duplication, an amount equal to (a) consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP, plus, (b) to the extent deducted from (added to) Net Income: (i) non-cash charges for share based payments, plus (ii) income tax expense, plus (iii) Interest Expense, plus (iv) depreciation and amortization, plus (v) non-recurring, extraordinary loss and minus (vi) non-recurring, extraordinary gain, in each case, for such period.

 

“Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 8.02).

 

“Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources, the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or to health and safety matters.

 

“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of Borrower or any Subsidiary 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.

 

3

 

“Equipment” is all “equipment” as defined in the UCC with such additions to such term as may hereafter be made, and includes without limitation all machinery, fixtures, goods, vehicles (including motor vehicles and trailers), and any interest in any of the foregoing.

 

“Equity Interests “ means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such equity interest.

 

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

 

“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

“ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

 

“Eurodollar” when used in reference to any Loan, refers to whether such Loan is bearing interest at the Eurodollar Rate.

 

“Eurodollar Rate” means, with respect to a Eurodollar Loan, for the relevant Interest Period, the sum of the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus the LIBOR Margin.

 

“Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

 

“Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to Lender, or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder, (a) income or franchise taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located and (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which Borrower is located.

 

“Fair Labor Standards Act” means the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §201 et seq.

 

4

 

“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by Lender from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

 

“Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of Borrower.

 

“Fiscal Quarter” means any of the quarterly accounting periods of Borrower, ending on the last day of March, June, September and December of each year.

 

“Fiscal Year” means any of the annual accounting periods of Borrower ending on March 31 of each year.

 

“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, on any date of determination, with respect to Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the ratio of (a) EBITDA less cash Taxes paid for the four Fiscal Quarters ending on or immediately prior to such date to (b) the sum of (i) Interest Expense for such period, plus (ii) scheduled principal payments on all Indebtedness by Borrower or any Subsidiary for such period, plus (iii) Unfinanced Capital Expenditures for such period, plus (iv) actual stock redemption payments paid during such period, plus (v) dividends permitted to be paid for such period.

 

“Funded Debt” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, (i) all Indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, or upon which interest payments are customarily made, (iii) all purchase money Indebtedness (including for purposes hereof, indebtedness and obligations described in clauses (d) and (e) of the definition of “Indebtedness”) of such Person, including without limitation the principal portion of all Capital Lease Obligations, (iv) all Guarantees of such Person with respect to Funded Indebtedness of another Person, (v) the maximum available amount of all standby letters of credit or acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person, (vi) all Funded Debt of another Person secured by a Lien on any property of such Person, whether or not such Funded Indebtedness has been assumed, provided that for purposes hereof the amount of such Funded Debt shall be limited to the greater of (A) the amount of such Funded Debt as to which there is recourse to such Person and (B) the fair market value of the property which is subject to the Lien, (vii) the outstanding attributed principal amount under any Securitization Transaction, and (viii) the principal balance outstanding under any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing product to which such Person is a party, where such transaction is considered borrowed money indebtedness for tax purposes but is classified as an operating lease in accordance with GAAP.  The Funded Debt of any Person shall include the Funded Debt of any partnership or joint venture in which such Person is a general partner or joint venturer, but only to the extent to which there is recourse to such Person for the payment of such Funded Debt.

 

“Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

 

5

 

“Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided, that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

 

“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.

 

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

 

“Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

 

“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty and (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances.  The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor. For purposes hereof the Indebtedness of Borrower shall include all of the Obligations.

 

“Indemnified Taxes” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

 

“Insolvency Proceeding” is any proceeding by or against any Person under the United States Bankruptcy Code, or any other bankruptcy or insolvency law, including assignments for the benefit of creditors, compositions, extensions generally with its creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other relief.

 

6

 

“Interest Election Request” means a request by Borrower to (a) convert, continue, or make Interest Period elections for each Revolving Loan in accordance with Section 2.07(a) or (b) make Interest Period elections for each Term Loan in accordance with Section 2.07(b).

 

“Interest Expense” means for any fiscal period, as calculated on a consolidated basis for Borrower and its Subsidiaries, interest expense (whether cash or non-cash) determined in accordance with GAAP for the relevant period ending on such date, including, in any event, interest expense with respect to any Loan and other Indebtedness, including, without limitation or duplication, all commissions, discounts, or related amortization and other fees and charges with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing and the net costs associated with interest rate swap, cap, and similar arrangements, and the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation (including leases of all types).

 

“Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to CB Loans, the last day of each calendar month and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period.

 

“Interest Period” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the period commencing on the date of such Loan and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months thereafter, as Borrower may elect; provided, that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Date would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (ii) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. For purposes hereof, the date of a Loan initially shall be the date on which such Loan is made and, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Loan.

 

“LC Disbursement” means a payment made by Lender pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

 

“LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of Borrower at such time.

 

“Lender” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., together with its successors and assigns.

 

“Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement.

 

“Letter of Credit Fee” means, a fee, payable on the issue date of each Letter of Credit and on each anniversary date that such Letter of Credit is still outstanding, equal to the outstanding face amount of such Letter of Credit multiplied by, when the ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA (measured on a trailing four quarter basis) with respect to Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis is:

 

(a) less than 1.0 to 1.0, one and one-quarter percent (1.25%);

(b) greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0, but less than 1.5 to 1.0, one and one-half percent (1.5%);

(c) greater than or equal to 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0, one and three-quarters percent (1.75%); and

(d) greater than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0, two percent (2.0%).

 

7

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, through and including the last day of the first Fiscal Quarter following the Effective Date, the Letter of Credit Fee will be one and one-quarter percent (1.25%).

 

“LIBOR Margin” means, when the ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA (measured on a trailing four quarter basis) with respect to Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, is:

 

(a) less than 1.0 to 1.0, one and one-quarter percent (1.25%);

(b) greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0, but less than 1.5 to 1.0, one and one-half percent (1.5%);

(c) greater than or equal to 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0, one and three-quarters percent (1.75%); and

(d) greater than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0, two percent (2.0%).

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, through and including the last day of the first Fiscal Quarter following the Effective Date, the LIBOR Margin will be one and one-quarter percent (1.25%).

 

“LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Loan for any Interest Period, the interest rate determined by the Bank by reference to the Page to be the rate at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period.  In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “LIBO Rate” with respect to such Eurodollar Loan for such Interest Period shall be the rate at which dollar deposits in the approximate amount of principal outstanding on such date and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of Lender in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

 

“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

 

“Loan Documents” means the Agreement, the Collateral Documents, and all other agreements, notes instruments, documents and executed and delivered to, or in favor of, Lender and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, letter of credit agreements and all other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of Borrower, or any employee of Borrower, and delivered to Lender in connection with the Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby.  Any reference in the Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to the Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

 

“Loans” means the loans made by Lender to Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

 

“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the ability of Borrower to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement or any other

 

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Loan Document or (c) the rights of or benefits available to Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding Two Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($250,000.00).  For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

“Net Income” means, as calculated on a consolidated basis for Borrower and its Subsidiaries for any period as at any date of determination, the net profit (or loss) of Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period taken as a single accounting period.

 

“Obligations” means all loans, advances, debts, liabilities and obligations, for the performance of covenants, tasks or duties or for payment of monetary amounts (whether or not such performance is then required or contingent, or such amounts are liquidated or determinable) owing by Borrower to Lender and all covenants and duties regarding such amounts, of any kind or nature, present or future, whether or not evidenced by any note, agreement, letter of credit agreement or other instrument, arising under the Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents, or otherwise.  This term includes all principal, interest (including all interest that accrues after the commencement of any case or proceeding by or against Borrower in bankruptcy, whether or not allowed in such case or proceeding), amounts outstanding for Rate Management Transactions, Banking Services, cash management services, other bank products offered by Lender or its Affiliates to Borrower, fees, expenses, attorneys’ fees and any other sum chargeable to Borrower under the Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents, or otherwise.

 

“Other Taxes” means any and 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 from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement.

 

“Page” means Reuters Screen LIBOR01, formerly known as Page 3750 of the Moneyline Telerate Service (together with any successor or substitute, the “Service”) or any successor or substitute page of the Service providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of the Service, as determined by Lender from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

“Participant” is defined in Section 8.04(b).

 

“Patriot Act” means the USA Patriot Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C Section 5318, as amended.

 

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

 

“Permitted Acquisitions” include (i) acquisitions by Borrower or any Subsidiary of substantially all the stock or property of any person or (ii) acquisitions by Borrower or any Subsidiary

 

9

 

which result in substantially all of the stock or property of a Person being owned by Borrower or such Subsidiary following the closing of such transaction, in each case where:

 

(a)  The applicable Borrower has provided Lender with no less than thirty (30) days notice prior to the closing of such transaction, including without limitation, the name of the Person that Borrower or any Subsidiary, as the case may be, is acquiring, the total consideration for the transaction (broken out into line items for cash and other property), the form of the transaction (asset purchase, stock purchase or otherwise) and any other information reasonably requested by Lender;

 

(b)  Borrower has provided Lender with lien and judgment searches conducted by Borrower on the Person being acquired prior to the closing of the transaction (which shall include, without limitation, lien searches on any other names (prior names, d/b/a’s or otherwise) of such Person used within the past five (5) years;

 

(c) The cash portion of the purchase price for such transaction is no more than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00) (including any contingent obligations and earn-out payments);

 

(d)  The cash portion of the purchase price for all such transactions occurring in any consecutive twelve month period, with respect to Borrower and its Subsidiaries, is not more than Sixteen Million Dollars ($16,000,000.00) in the aggregate (including any contingent obligations and earn-out payments);

 

(e) An Event of Default has not occurred and is not continuing or could not reasonably be expected to result from such transaction;

 

(f) The assets of the target company in such acquisition are free and clear of all Liens that would not otherwise constitute Permitted Encumbrances hereunder at the time of the closing of such transaction;

 

(g)  If requested by Lender, the applicable Borrower delivers to Lender, within thirty (30) days of the closing of any such transaction, any documents required by Lender in order for Lender to obtain a first priority security interest in the assets acquired by Borrower (including, without limitation, assets owned by any U.S. Subsidiary with respect to which Borrower or any existing Subsidiary has acquired all or a portion of such entity’s stock); and

 

(h)  Borrower has provided to Lender at least 10 days prior to the closing of any such transaction, a certificate demonstrating that the ratio of pro-forma Funded Debt (reflecting the anticipated Funded Debt after the acquisition) to EBITDA, as calculated on a consolidated basis for Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a trailing four quarter basis (excluding EBITDA of the acquisition target for such periods), is not more than 2.0 to 1.0.

 

“Permitted Encumbrances” means:

 

(a) Liens imposed by law for taxes that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

 

(b) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04;

 

(c) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with

 

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workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

 

(d) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e)  purchase money Liens (i) on equipment acquired or held by Borrower or its Subsidiaries incurred for financing the acquisition of the equipment, or (ii) existing on equipment when acquired, if the Lien is confined to the property and improvements and the proceeds of the equipment;

 

(f)  judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (l) of Article VII; and

 

(g) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include (i) any Lien securing Indebtedness, unless otherwise permitted hereunder or (ii) Liens under subsections (a) through (g) above securing Indebtedness exceeding $500,000 in the aggregate for all such Liens.

 

“Permitted Investments” means:

 

(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;

 

(c) investments in certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

 

(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above;

 

(e) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000; and

 

(f)  Investments consisting of travel advances, employee relocation loans, loans to employees in connection with the exercise of stock incentives, and other employee or independent contractor loans and advances in the ordinary course of business, not exceeding $1,500,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding; and

 

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(g)  Permitted Acquisitions.

 

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

 

“Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

 

“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by Lender as its prime rate. Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective.  THE PRIME RATE IS A REFERENCE RATE AND MAY NOT BE LENDER’S LOWEST RATE.

 

“Rate Management Transaction” means (i) any transaction (including an agreement with respect thereto) now existing or hereafter entered into between Borrower and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and/or its Affiliates which is a rate swap, swap option, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap, floor, collar, currency swap, cross-currency rate swap, currency option, credit protection transaction, credit swap, credit default swap, credit default option, total return swap, credit spread, repurchase transaction, reverse repurchase transaction, buy/sell-back transaction, securities lending transaction, weather index transaction or forward purchase or sale of a security, commodity or other financial instrument or interest (including any option with respect to any of these transactions), or (ii) any type of transaction that is similar to any transaction referred to in clause (i) above that is currently, or in the future becomes, recurrently entered into in the financial markets and which is a forward, swap, future, option or other derivative on one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity securities or other equity instruments, debt securities or other debt instruments, economic indices or measures of economic risk or value, or other benchmarks against which payments or deliveries are to be made, or any combination of the foregoing transactions.

 

“Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Board as from time to time in effect and any successor thereto or other regulation or official interpretation of said Board relating to reserve requirements applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.

 

“Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

 

“Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests in Borrower or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in Borrower.

 

“Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.02.

 

“Revolving Commitment” means the commitment of Lender to make Revolving Loans, as such commitment may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by Lender

 

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pursuant to Section 8.04.  The initial amount of the Revolving Commitment is Twenty Million and No/100 Dollars ($20,000,000.00).

 

“Revolving Credit Exposure” means the sum of the outstanding principal amount of Lender’s Revolving Loans and its LC Exposure at such time.

 

“Revolving Maturity Date” means the date that is three years following the Effective Date.

 

“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s.

 

“Securitization Transaction” means any financing transaction or series of financing transactions that have been or may be entered into by Borrower or any Subsidiaries pursuant to which such Person may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (i) a Subsidiary or affiliate, or (ii) any other Person, or may grant a security interest in, any receivables or interests therein secured by merchandise or services financed thereby (whether such receivables are then existing or arising in the future) of such Person, and any assets related thereto, including without limitation, all security interests in merchandise or services financed thereby, the proceeds of such receivables, and other assets which are customarily sold or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with securitization transactions involving such assets.

 

“Security Agreement” means the Security Agreement entered into as of the Effective Date by Borrower in favor of Lender, as amended from time to time.

 

“Solvent” means, with respect to any Person on a particular date, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person; (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured; (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature; and (d) such Person is not engaged in a business or transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital.  The amount of contingent liabilities (such as litigation, guaranties and pension plan liabilities) at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at the time, represents the amount that can be reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

“Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which Lender is subject, with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board).  Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D.  Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation.  The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

 

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“subsidiary” 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 be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

 

“Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of Borrower.

 

“Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of Borrower or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

“Taxes” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority.

 

“Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this Agreement, the borrowing of Loans and the use of the proceeds thereof.

 

“Type”, when used in reference to any Loan, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate or the CB Rate.

 

“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may, from time to time, be enacted and in effect in the State of Colorado; provided, that to the extent that the UCC is used to define any term herein or in any Loan Document and such term is defined differently in different Articles or Divisions of the UCC, the definition of such term contained in Article or Division 9 shall govern; provided further, that in the event that, by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, the Administrative Agent’s or any Lender’s Lien on any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of Colorado, the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted and in effect in such other jurisdiction solely for purposes of the provisions thereof relating to such attachment, perfection, priority or remedies and for purposes of definitions related to such provisions.

 

“Unfinanced Capital Expenditures” means Capital Expenditures paid in cash (other than cash that constitutes proceeds of Indebtedness); however, to the extent that proceeds of any Revolving Loan or Letter of Credit are used to fund Capital Expenditures, such Capital Expenditures will be considered Unfinanced Capital Expenditures.

 

“Unused Line Fee” is a fee on the non-use of available funds in an amount equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the difference between (x) the Revolving Commitment and (y) the average of Lender’s daily closing Revolving Credit Exposure during the period for which such fee is due. The Unused Line Fee shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable on a quarterly basis based on the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last

 

14

 

day).  For purposes hereof, the Applicable Percentage means, when the ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA, as calculated on a consolidated basis for Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a trailing four quarter basis, is:

 

(a) less than 1.0 to 1.0, 0.15%;

(b) greater than or equal to 1.0 to 1.0, but less than 1.5 to 1.0, 0.20%;

(c) greater than or equal to 1.5 to 1.0, but less than 2.0 to 1.0, 0.25%; and

(d) greater than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0, 0.30%.

 

“Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

 

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans.  For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Loan”).

 

SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally.  The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.  The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”.  The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”.  Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (c) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if Borrower notifies Lender that Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if Lender notifies Borrower that Lender requests an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith.

 

ARTICLE II 
 THE CREDITS

 

SECTION 2.01. Revolving Commitment.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Lender agrees to make Revolving Loans to Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure exceeding the Revolving Commitment.  Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.

 

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SECTION 2.02. Revolving  Loans.  (a)  Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Loan shall be comprised entirely of CB Loans or Eurodollar Loans as Borrower may request in accordance herewith.  Lender, at its option, may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Revolving Loans of more than one Type may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of five (5) Eurodollar Loans outstanding.  Each Eurodollar Loan shall be for a minimum of $500,000, or such greater amount pursuant to the terms hereof, in increments of $100,000.

 

(b)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Borrower shall not be entitled to request any Revolving Loan if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

SECTION 2.03. Intentionally Omitted.

 

SECTION 2.04. Requests for Revolving Loans.  To request a Revolving Loan, Borrower shall notify Lender of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, not later than 12:00 p.m., Denver time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Revolving Loan or (b) in the case of a CB Loan, not later than 12:00 p.m., Denver time, on the Business Day of such proposed Loan; provided that any such notice of a CB Loan to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(e) may be given not later than 10:00 a.m., Denver time, on the date of the proposed Loan.  Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to Lender of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by Lender and signed by the applicable Borrower.  Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

 

(i)  the aggregate amount of the requested Revolving Loan;

 

(ii)  the date of such Revolving Loan, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iii)  whether such Revolving Loan is to be a CB Loan or a Eurodollar Loan;

 

(iv)  in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and

 

(v)  the location and number of Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06.

 

If no election as to the Type of Revolving Loan is specified, then any requested Revolving Loan shall be a CB Loan.  If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Loan, then Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

SECTION 2.05. Letters of Credit.  (a) General.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Borrower may request the issuance of Letters of Credit for its own account, in a form reasonably acceptable to Lender, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period.  In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by Borrower to, or entered into by Borrower with, Lender relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) the LC Exposure

 

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shall not exceed $1,000,000 and (ii) the total Revolving Credit Exposures shall not exceed the total Revolving Commitment.

 

(b)  Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions.  To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), Borrower shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by Lender) to Lender (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit.  If requested by Lender, Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on Lender’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit.  A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure shall not exceed the Revolving Commitment.

 

(c)  Expiration Date.  Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the last day of the Availability Period.

 

(d)  Reimbursement.  If Lender shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to Lender an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 10:00 a.m., Denver time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if Borrower shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 10:00 a.m., Denver time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by Borrower prior to such time on such date, then not later than 12:00 p.m., Denver time, on (i) the Business Day that Borrower receive such notice, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m., Denver time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that Borrower receive such notice, if such notice is not received prior to such time on the day of receipt; provided that Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 that such payment be financed with a CB Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting CB Loan.

 

(e)  Obligations Absolute.  Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (d) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by Lender under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, Borrower’s obligations hereunder.  Neither Lender, nor any of its Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery

 

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of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of Lender; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse Lender from liability to Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by Borrower that are caused by Lender’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.  The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of Lender (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), Lender shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination.  In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, Lender may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

 

(f)  Disbursement Procedures.  Lender shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit.  Lender shall promptly notify Borrower by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of such demand for payment and whether Lender has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve Borrower of its obligation to reimburse Lender with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

 

(g)  Interim Interest.  If Lender shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to Overnight Revolving Loans; provided that, if Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section, then Section 2.12(d) shall apply.  Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of Lender.

 

SECTION 2.06. Funding of Revolving Loans.  Lender will make Revolving Loans and available to Borrower by crediting the amount of such Revolving Loan to an account of Borrower maintained with Lender in Denver and designated by Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request.

 

SECTION 2.07. Interest Elections.  (a) Borrower may elect to convert each Loan to a different Type or to continue each Loan, and, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, may elect Interest Periods therefore, all as provided in this paragraph.  Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Loan.

 

(b)  To make an election pursuant to this Section, Borrower shall notify Lender of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.04 if Borrower were requesting a Revolving Loan of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election.  Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy to Lender of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by Lender and signed by Borrower.

 

(c)  Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.04:

 

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(i)  the Loan to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Loan (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (C) and (D) below shall be specified for each resulting Loan);

 

(ii)  the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iii)  whether the resulting Loan is to be a CB Loan or a Eurodollar Loan; and

 

(iv)  if the resulting Loan is a Eurodollar Loan, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period.”

 

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Loan but does not specify an Interest Period, then Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

(d)  If Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Loan is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Loan shall be converted to a CB Loan.

 

Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and Lender so notifies Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (A) no outstanding Revolving Loan may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Loan and (B) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Loan shall be converted to a CB Loan at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

 

SECTION 2.08. Termination of Revolving Commitment.  (a)  Unless previously terminated, the Revolving Commitment shall terminate on the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

(b)  Borrower may at any time terminate the Revolving Commitment;  provided that  Borrower shall not terminate the Revolving Commitment if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure would exceed the Revolving Commitment.

 

(c)  Borrower shall notify Lender of any election to terminate the Revolving Commitment under paragraph (b) of this Section at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination, specifying such election and the effective date thereof.  Each notice delivered by Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Revolving Commitment delivered by Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by Borrower (by notice to Lender on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied.  Any termination of the Revolving Commitment shall be permanent.

 

SECTION 2.09. Authorization for Direct Payments.  To effectuate any payments due under the Loan Documents, Borrower hereby authorizes Lender to initiate deposit entries to Borrower’s primary operating account with Lender, and to debit the same to such account.  This authorization to initiate debit entries shall remain in full force and effect until Lender has received written notification from the applicable Borrower of its termination in such time and in such manner to afford Lender a reasonable opportunity to act on it.  Borrower represents that Borrower is and will be the owner of all funds in such

 

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account. Borrower acknowledges: (1) that such debit entries may cause an overdraft of such account which may result in Lender’s refusal to honor items drawn on such account until adequate deposits are made to such account; (2) that Lender is under no duty or obligation to initiate any debit entry for any purpose; and (3) that if a debit is not made because the above-referenced account does not have a sufficient available balance, or otherwise, the payment may be late or past due.

 

SECTION 2.10. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.  (a) Borrower hereby unconditionally promise to pay to Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

(b)           Lender shall maintain an account in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Revolving Loan and Type thereof and (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from Borrower to Lender for all Loans hereunder .

 

(c)  The entries made in the account maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section shall be prima  facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of Lender to maintain such account or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(d)  Lender may require that any Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note.  In such event, Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to Lender a promissory note payable to the order of Lender (or, if requested by Lender, to Lender and its respective registered assigns) and in a form approved by Lender.  Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 8.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the order of the payee named therein (or, if such promissory note is a registered note, to such payee and its registered assigns).

 

SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans.  (a) Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Revolving Loan in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section 2.11.

 

(b)  Borrower shall notify Lender by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Loan, not later than 12:00 p.m., Denver time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, or (ii) in the case of prepayment of a CB Loan, not later than 12:00 p.m., Denver time, on the Business Day of such prepayment.  Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Loan or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Revolving Commitment as contemplated by Section 2.08, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.08.  Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13.

 

SECTION 2.12. Fees.  (a) Borrower agree to pay to Lender, in addition to all other amounts payable hereunder, any fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between Borrower and Lender, in writing.

 

(b)  Borrower agrees to pay to Lender, an Unused Line Fee during the period from and including the Effective Date and ending on the date on which the Revolving Commitment terminates.  The Unused Line Fee shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter of each year and on the and on the date on which the Revolving Commitment terminates, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof.

 

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(c)  Borrower agrees to pay to Lender, the Letter of Credit Fee, as and when due and payable, as well as Lender’s standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder.  Any fees payable to Lender pursuant to this paragraph (other than the Letter of Credit Fee) shall be payable within 10 days after demand.  All participation fees and letter of credit fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

(d)  Any principal or interest which is not paid within 10 days after its due date (whether as stated, by acceleration or otherwise) shall be subject to a late payment charge of five percent (5.0%) of the total payment due, in addition to the payment of interest, up to the maximum amount of One Thousand Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($1,500.00) per late charge. Borrower agrees to pay and stipulates that five percent (5.0%) of the total payment due is a reasonable amount for a late payment charge.  Borrower shall pay the late payment charge upon demand by Lender or, if billed, within the time specified.

 

(e)  All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to Lender for distribution, in the case of facility fees and participation fees, to Lenders.  Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

 

SECTION 2.13. Interest.  (a)  Each CB Loan shall bear interest at the CB Rate.

 

(b)  Each Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest at the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Loan.

 

(c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, three percent (3.0%) plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, three percent (3.0%) plus the rate applicable to CB Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.

 

(d)  Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

 

(e)  All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days.  The applicable CB Rate or Eurodollar Rate shall be determined by Lender, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest.  If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Loan:

 

(a) Lender determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period; or

 

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(b) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to Lender of making or maintaining its Loans (or its Loan) for such Interest Period;

 

then Lender shall give notice thereof to Borrower by telephone or telecopy as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until Lender notifies Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Loan, or continuation of any Loan, as a Eurodollar Loan shall be ineffective, and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Loan, such Loan shall be made as a CB Loan.

 

SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs.  (a)  If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i)  impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate); or

 

(ii) impose on Lender or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to Lender of issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then Borrower will pay to Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)  If Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on Lender’s capital or on the capital of Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by Lender to a level below that which Lender or Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration Lender’s policies and the policies of Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time Borrower will pay to Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Lender or Lender’s for any such reduction suffered.

 

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

 

(d)  Failure or delay on the part of Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that Borrower shall not be required to compensate Lender pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that Lender notifies Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided  further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments.  In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Eurodollar

 

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Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.07(a)(ii), (b)(ii) or (c)(ii) and is revoked in accordance therewith), then, in any such event, Borrower shall compensate Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event.  In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of the Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market.  A certificate of Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Borrower shall pay Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

SECTION 2.17. Taxes.  (a)  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of Borrower hereunder shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if Borrower shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

(b)  In addition, Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

(c)  Borrower shall indemnify Lender, within 10 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by Lender 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.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Borrower by Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(d)  As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by Borrower to a Governmental Authority, Borrower shall deliver to Lender the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to Lender.

 

(e) If Lender 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 Borrower or with respect to which Borrower have paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17, it shall pay over such refund to Borrower (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by Borrower under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided, that Borrower, upon the request of Lender, agree to repay the amount paid over to Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to Lender in the event Lender is required to repay such refund to such

 

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Governmental Authority. This Section shall not be construed to require Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes which it deems confidential) to Borrower or any other Person.

 

SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally.  (a) Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to 10:00 am, Denver time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim.  Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of Lender, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon.  All such payments shall be made to Lender at its offices at 1125 17th Street, 3rd Floor, Denver, Colorado 80202, except that payments pursuant to Section 8.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto.  Lender shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof.  If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension.  All payments hereunder shall be made in dollars.  To effectuate any payment due under the Loan Documents, Borrower hereby authorizes Lender to initiate debit entries to any deposit account of Borrower maintained with Lender and to debit the same to such account. This authorization to initiate debit entries shall remain in full force and effect until Lender has received notification of its termination in such time and in such matter as to afford Lender a reasonable opportunity to act on it. Borrower acknowledge (1) that such debit entries may cause an overdraft of any such account which may result in Lender’s refusal to honor items drawn on any such account until adequate deposits are made to such account, (2) that Lender is not under any duty or obligation to initiate any debit entry for any purpose, and (3) that if a debit is not made because any such account does not have a sufficient available balance, or otherwise, the payment may be late or past due.

 

(b)  If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to Lender to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder.

 

SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations.  If Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if Borrower are required to pay any additional amount to Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 then Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to Lender.  Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

ARTICLE III 
 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

Borrower represents and warrant, jointly and severally to Lender that:

 

SECTION 3.01. Organization; Powers.  Each of Borrower and each of its respective Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a

 

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Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

 

SECTION 3.02. Authorization; Enforceability.  The Transactions are within Borrower’s corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and, if required, stockholder action.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Borrower and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

SECTION 3.03. Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts.  The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (b) will not violate any applicable law or regulation or the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of Borrower or any of its respective Subsidiaries or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by Borrower or any of its respective Subsidiaries, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of Borrower or any of its respective Subsidiaries.

 

SECTION 3.04. Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.  (a) Borrower has heretofore furnished to Lender, Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows as of and for the Fiscal Years ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, reported on by an independent public accounting firm.  Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP.

 

(b)  Since March 31, 2011, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, operations, prospects or condition, financial or otherwise, of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

SECTION 3.05. Properties.  (a)  As of the Effective Date, the real estate (“Real  Estate”) listed on Schedule 3.05 hereto constitutes all of the real property owned, leased, subleased, or used by Borrower.  Borrower will own, as of the Effective Date, good and marketable fee simple title to all of its owned Real Estate, and valid and marketable leasehold interests in all of its leased Real Estate, all as described on Schedule 3.05, and copies of all such leases or a summary of terms thereof reasonably satisfactory to Lender have been delivered to Lender.  Schedule 3.05 further describes any Real Estate with respect to which Borrower is a lessor, sublessor or assignor as of the Effective Date.  Borrower and each of its respective Subsidiaries also has good and marketable title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of its personal property and assets.  As of the Effective Date, none of the properties and assets of Borrower or any of its respective Subsidiaries are subject to any Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances, and there are no facts, circumstances or conditions known to Borrower or any of its respective Subsidiaries that may result in any Liens (including Liens arising under Environmental Laws) other than Permitted Encumbrances.  Borrower and each of its respective Subsidiaries has received all deeds, assignments, waivers, consents, nondisturbance and attornment or similar agreements, bills of sale and other documents, and has duly effected all recordings, filings and other actions necessary to establish, protect and perfect Borrower’s and its Subsidaries’ respective right, title and interest in and to all such Real Estate and other properties and assets.  Schedule 3.05 also describes any purchase options, rights of first refusal or other similar contractual rights pertaining to any Real Estate.  As of the Effective Date, no portion of Borrower’s Real Estate has suffered any material damage by fire or other casualty loss that has

 

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not heretofore been repaired and restored in all material respects to its original condition or otherwise remedied.  As of the Effective Date, all material permits required to have been issued or appropriate to enable the Real Estate to be lawfully occupied and used for all of the purposes for which it is currently occupied and used have been lawfully issued and are in full force and effect.

 

(b)  Borrower and each of its respective Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business, and the use thereof by Borrower and such Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person, except for any such infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect..

 

SECTION 3.06. Litigation and Environmental Matters.  (a) There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of Borrower, threatened against or affecting Borrower or any of its respective Subsidiaries (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect (other than the Disclosed Matters) or (ii) that involve this Agreement or the Transactions.

 

(b)  Except for the Disclosed Matters and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

 

(c)  Since the date of this Agreement, there has been no change in the status of the Disclosed Matters that, individually or in the aggregate, has resulted in, or materially increased the likelihood of, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.07. Compliance with Laws and Agreements.  Borrower and each of its respective Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.08. Investment Company Status.  Neither Borrower nor any of its respective Subsidiaries is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

SECTION 3.09. Taxes.  Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.10. ERISA.  No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements

 

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reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $50,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $50,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Plans.

 

SECTION 3.11. Disclosure.  Borrower has disclosed to Lender all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  No reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time.

 

SECTION 3.12. Solvency.  Both before and after giving effect to (a) the Loans and other Obligations to be made or incurred on the Effective Date or such other date as Loans and other Obligations requested hereunder are made or incurred, (b) the disbursement of the proceeds of such Loans pursuant to the instructions of Borrower and (c) the payment and accrual of all transaction costs in connection with the foregoing, Borrower is and will be Solvent.

 

ARTICLE IV 
 CONDITIONS

 

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date.  The obligations of Lender to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 8.02):

 

(a)  Lender (or its counsel) shall have received from Borrower, duly executed original signatures to the Loan Documents to which it is a party.

 

(b)  Lender shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to Lender and dated the Effective Date) of outside counsel for Borrower, substantially in the forms of Exhibit A, and covering such other matters relating to Borrower, the Loan Documents, or the Transactions as Lender shall reasonably request.

 

(b)  Lender shall have received such documents and certificates as Lender or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of Borrower, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to Borrower, the Loan Documents, or the Transactions, all in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and its counsel.

 

(d)  Lender shall have received evidence satisfactory to Lender that Lender has a valid and perfected first priority security interest in the Collateral, including (i) such documents duly executed by Borrower (including financing statements under the UCC and other applicable documents under the laws of any jurisdiction with respect to the perfection of Liens) as Lender may request in order to perfect its security interests in the Collateral and (ii) copies of UCC search reports listing all effective financing statements that name Borrower as debtor, together with copies of such financing statements, none of which shall cover the Collateral and Permitted Encumbrances.

 

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(e)  Lender shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02.

 

(f)  Lender shall have received certificates, dated the Effective Date and signed by the President, a Vice President or a Financial Officer of Borrower containing such other statements with respect to the solvency of Borrower and matters related thereto as Lender shall request.

 

(g)  Lender shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by Borrower hereunder.

 

Lender shall notify Borrower of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of Lender to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 8.02) at or prior to 1:00 p.m., Denver time, on February 29, 2012 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Revolving Commitment shall terminate at such time).

 

SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event.  The obligation of Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Loan, including without limitation, the obligation of Lender to make the Term Loan on the Funding Date, and to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(a)  The representations and warranties of Borrower set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Loan or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable.

 

(b)  At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Loan or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

Each Loan and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.

 

ARTICLE V 
 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

Until the Revolving Commitment has expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been indefeasibly paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that:

 

SECTION 5.01. Financial Statements; Ratings Change and Other Information.  Borrower will furnish to Lender:

 

(a) within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, the audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for Borrower, as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national

 

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standing, which shall include, without limitation, Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman PC (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

 

(b) within 45 days after the end of each of its first, second and third Fiscal Quarter and within 90 days after the end of its fourth Fiscal Quarter, Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such quarter and the then elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (b) above, a completed Compliance Certificate executed by a Financial Officer of Borrower;

 

(d) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, (i) a certificate of the accounting firm that reported on such financial statements stating whether they obtained knowledge during the course of their examination of such financial statements of any Default (which certificate may be limited to the extent required by accounting rules or guidelines) and (ii) the management letter from such accountants delivered to Borrower in connection with their annual audit;

 

(e)  contemporaneously with the distribution thereof to Borrower’s stockholders or partners or the filing thereof with the SEC, as the case may be, copies of all statements, reports, notices and filings distributed by Borrower to its stockholders or filed with the SEC (including reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K) or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC or with any national securities exchange;

 

(f)  no event later than ninety (90) days following fiscal year end, provide Lender with an annual operating budget for the next fiscal year, which shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement presented in monthly or quarterly formats. In addition, Borrower shall provide Lender any material revisions to such operating budget within a reasonable time following the date such revisions are made.

 

(g)  promptly after Borrower or any Subsidiary becomes aware of the commencement thereof, notice of any investigation, action, suit or proceeding before any Governmental Authority involving the condemnation or taking under the power of eminent domain of any material portion of its property or the revocation or suspension of any material permit, license, certificate of need or other governmental requirement applicable to any of its properties or assets;

 

(h)  promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, as Lender may reasonably request.

 

SECTION 5.02. Notices of Material Events.  Borrower will furnish to Lender prompt written notice of the following:

 

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(a) the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting Borrower or any Affiliate thereof that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c) the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $250,000; and

 

(d) any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 5.03. Existence; Conduct of Business.  Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges and franchises material to the conduct of its business; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 6.03.

 

SECTION 5.04. Payment of Obligations.  Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay its obligations, including Tax liabilities, that, if not paid, could result in a Material Adverse Effect before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, has set aside on their books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance.  Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (a) keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and (b) maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance in such amounts and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.

 

SECTION 5.06. Books and Records; Inspection Rights.  Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities.  Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested.

 

SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws.  Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 5.08. Environmental Liabilities.  Borrower shall and shall cause each Person within their control to: (i) conduct its operations and keep and maintain its real property in compliance with all Environmental Laws other than noncompliance that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) implement any and all investigation, remediation, removal and response actions that are appropriate or necessary to maintain the value and marketability of its real property or to otherwise comply with Environmental Laws pertaining to the presence, generation, treatment, storage, use, disposal, transportation or release of any Hazardous Material on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its real property in all material respects; (iii) notify Lender promptly after Borrower becomes aware of any violation of Environmental Laws or any release of Hazardous Materials on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its real property that is reasonably likely to result in Environmental Liabilities in excess of $250,000; and (iv) promptly forward to Lender a copy of any order, notice, request for information or any communication or report received by Borrower in connection with any such violation or release of Hazardous Materials or any other matter relating to any Environmental Laws that could reasonably be expected to result in Environmental Liabilities in excess of $250,000 in each case whether or not any Governmental Authority has taken or threatened any action in connection with any such violation, release of Hazardous Materials or other matter.  If Lender at any time has a reasonable basis to believe that there may be a violation of any Environmental Laws by Borrower or any Environmental Liability arising thereunder, or a release of Hazardous Materials on, at, in, under, above, to, from or about any of its real property, that, in each case, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, then Borrower shall, upon Lender’s written request (A) cause the performance of such environmental audits including subsurface sampling of soil and groundwater, and preparation of such environmental reports, at Borrower’s expense, as Lender may from time to time reasonably request, which shall be conducted by reputable environmental consulting firms reasonably acceptable to Lender and shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Lender, and (B) permit Lender or its representatives to have access to all of its real property for the purpose of conducting such environmental audits and testing as Lender deems appropriate, including subsurface sampling of soil and groundwater.  Borrower shall reimburse Lender for the costs of such audits and tests and the same will constitute a part of the Obligations.

 

SECTION 5.09. Use of Proceeds.  The proceeds of the Revolving Loans will be used solely for working capital and general corporate purposes, including the refinance of all senior bank debt and certain other debt, and to support acquisition financing and capital expenditures. No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X.

 

SECTION 5.10. Operating Accounts.  Borrower shall maintain, beginning no later than March 31, 2012, its primary and its Subsidiaries’ primary banking depository and disbursement relationship with Lender.

 

SECTION 5.11. Financial Covenants.  Borrower shall not breach or fail to comply with any of the following financial covenants, each of which shall be calculated in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied:

 

(a)  Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  Borrower will maintain, as of the last day of each Fiscal Quarter, calculated on a trailing four quarter basis as of the month then-ending, a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.5 to 1.0.

 

(b) Funded Debt to EBITDA Ratio.   Borrower will maintain, as of the last day of each Fiscal Quarter, calculated on a trailing four quarter basis as of the Fiscal Quarter then-ending, a ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA, of not more than 2.5 to 1.0.

 

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SECTION 5.12. Post-Closing Covenants.  Borrower shall, no later than 60 days following the Effective Date, cause UCC Financing Statement #20112009949, listing the Internal Revenue Service as “secured party” and filed with the Colorado Secretary of State, to be terminated.

 

ARTICLE VI 
 NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

Until the Revolving Commitment has expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been indefeasibly paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, unless Borrower has obtained the prior written consent of Lender:

 

SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness.  Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(a) Indebtedness created hereunder;

 

(b) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof;

 

(c)  Contingent obligations or earn-out payments that are included in the amounts set forth in subsections (c) and (d) of the definition of “Permitted Acquisitions”; and

 

(d) Indebtedness secured by Permitted Encumbrances.

 

SECTION 6.02. Liens.  Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, including, without limitation, its Real Estate, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

 

(a) Permitted Encumbrances; and

 

(b) any Lien on any property or asset of Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of Borrower or such Subsidiary and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof.

 

SECTION 6.03. Fundamental Changes.  (a) Borrower will not, nor will permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or any substantial part of its assets, or all or substantially all of the stock of any of its Subsidiaries (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) any Subsidiary may merge into Borrower in a transaction in which Borrower is the surviving corporation, (ii) any Person may merge into any Subsidiary in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary, (iii) any Subsidiary may sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of its assets to Borrower or to another Subsidiary and (iv) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if the applicable Borrower

 

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determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to Lender; provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04.

 

(b)  Borrower will not, nor will permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto.

 

SECTION 6.04. Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions.  Borrower will not, nor will permit any of its Subsidiaries to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a wholly owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any capital stock, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit, except:

 

(a) Permitted Investments; and

 

(b) investments by Borrower existing on the date hereof in the capital stock of its Subsidiaries.

 

SECTION 6.05. Swap Agreements.  Borrower will not, nor will permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Interests of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries), and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 6.06. Restricted Payments.  Borrower will not, nor will permit any of its Subsidiaries to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except (a) Borrower may declare and pay dividends with respect to its Equity Interests payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, (b) Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests, and (c) so long as no Event of Default has occurred or is continuing and Borrower can demonstrate pro-forma compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 5.11, (i) repurchases by Borrower of its Equity Interests; provided however, that cash paid by Borrower in connection with such repurchases may not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate in any consecutive twelve month period and (ii) Borrower may declare and pay cash dividends with respect to its Equity Interests.

 

SECTION 6.07. Transactions with Affiliates.  Borrower will not, nor will permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to Borrower or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties and (b)  any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.06.

 

SECTION 6.08. Restrictive Agreements.  Borrower will not, nor will permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of Borrower or any

 

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Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets other than Permitted Encumbrances, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its capital stock or to make or repay loans or advances to Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (iii) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (iv) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

 

SECTION 6.09. Government  Regulation.  Borrower will not (1) be or become subject at any time to any law, regulation, or list of any government agency (including, without limitation, the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control list) that prohibits or limits Lender from making any advance or extension of credit to Borrower or from otherwise conducting business with Borrower, or (2) fail to provide documentary and other evidence of Borrower’s identity as may be requested by Lender at any time to enable Lender to verify Borrower’s identity or to comply with any applicable law or regulation, including, without limitation, Section 326 of the Patriot Act.

 

SECTION 6.10. Real Estate Negative Pledge.  Borrower will not enter into any agreement, document, instrument or other arrangement (except with or in favor of Lender) with any Person which directly or indirectly prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting Borrower or any Subsidiary from assigning, mortgaging, pledging, granting a security interest in or upon, or encumbering any of Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s Real Estate.

 

SECTION 6.11. No Assets in Subsidiaries.   Borrower will ensure that neither SGM Biotech, Inc. and Raven Biological Laboratories, Inc. own any assets which, in the aggregate, have a fair market value in excess of $50,000 at any one time.

 

ARTICLE VII 
 EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:

 

(a) Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

 

(b) Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days;

 

(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of Borrower or any Subsidiary in or in connection with this Agreement or any amendment or modification hereof or waiver hereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any amendment or modification hereof or waiver hereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect when made or deemed made;

 

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(d) Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02, 5.03 (with respect to Borrower’s existence), 5.08 or 5.09 or in Article VI;

 

(e) Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from Lender to Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of Lender);

 

(f) Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable;

 

(g) any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (h) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of Borrower, any Subsidiary, or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Borrower, any Subsidiary, or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

(i) Borrower or any Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for Borrower or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(j) Borrower or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

(k) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $250,000 shall be rendered against Borrower, any Subsidiary, or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of Borrower or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;

 

(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of Lender, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(m) the occurrence or existence of any default, event of default or other similar condition or event (however described) with respect to any other Loan Document or any other written agreement between Borrower and, or for the benefit of, Lender; or

 

(n) a Change in Control shall occur;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, Lender may, by notice to Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times:  (i) terminate the Revolving Commitment, and thereupon the Revolving Commitment shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Borrower; and in case of any event with respect to Borrower described in clause (i) or (j) of this Article, the Revolving Commitment shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by Borrower.

 

ARTICLE VIII 
 MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 8.01. Notices.  (a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:

 

(i) if to Borrower, 12100 West Sixth Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80228, Attention of Mr. Steven Peterson, Chief Financial Officer (Telecopy No. 303-987-8989); and

 

(ii) if to Lender, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 1125 17th Street, 3rd Floor, Denver, Colorado 80202, Attention of Steve Driscoll, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking (Telecopy No. 303-244-3351).

 

(b)  Lender or Borrower may, in their 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.

 

(c)  Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.  All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.

 

SECTION 8.02. Waivers; Amendments.  (a)  No failure or delay by Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.  The rights and remedies of Lender hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have.  No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by

 

36

 

Borrower therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

 

(b)  Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by Borrower and Lender.

 

SECTION 8.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.  (a)  Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Lender and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for Lender, in connection with the preparation and administration of this Agreement or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated); (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Lender 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 Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for Lender, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans.

 

(b)  Borrower shall indemnify Lender and each Related Party of Lender (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by Lender 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 Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to Borrower or any Subsidiary, 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 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 resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee.

 

(c)  To the extent permitted by applicable law, 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 or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.

 

(d)  All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than three days after written demand therefor.

 

37

 

SECTION 8.04. Successors and Assigns.

 

(a)  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of Lender that issues any Letter of Credit), except that Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by Borrower without such consent 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 (including any Affiliate of Lender that issues any Letter of Credit) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of Lender) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)  (i) Lender may, without the consent of Borrower, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Revolving Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) Borrower 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, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to 8.02(b) that affects such Participant.  Subject to paragraph (b)(ii) of this Section, Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of 2.15, 2.16, and 2.17 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section.  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of 8.08 as though it were a Lender.

 

(ii)  A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under 2.15 or 2.17 than 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 Borrower’s prior written consent.

 

(c)   Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

SECTION 8.05. Survival.  All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by Borrower herein and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Revolving Commitment has not expired or terminated.  The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 8.03 shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the

 

38

 

Loans, the expiration or termination of the Revolving Commitment or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

SECTION 8.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to Lender 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 Lender and when Lender shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 8.07. Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 8.08. Right of Setoff.  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by Lender or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of Borrower against any of and all the obligations of Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement held by Lender, irrespective of whether or not Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured.  The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which Lender may have.

 

SECTION 8.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.  (a)  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of Colorado.

 

(b)  Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the State and Federal courts in Denver County, Colorado, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such Colorado State or, to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against Borrower or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(c)  Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent

 

39

 

permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(d)  Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 8.01.  Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

(e)  BORROWER WAIVES, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT BORROWER MAY HAVE TO CLAIM OR RECOVER FROM LENDER IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

 

SECTION 8.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

SECTION 8.11. Headings.  Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

SECTION 8.12. Confidentiality.  Lender agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the enforcement of rights hereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of, or any prospective assignee of, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii)  any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to Lender on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than Borrower.  For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from Borrower relating to Borrower or its respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to Lender on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by Borrower; provided that, in the case of information received from Borrower 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.

 

40

 

SECTION 8.13. Interest Rate Limitation.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by Lender in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by Lender.

 

SECTION 8.14. Patriot Act.  Lender hereby notifies Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of Section 326 of the Patriot Act:

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT.  To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or entity that opens an account, including any deposit account, treasury management account, loan, other extension of credit, or other financial services product. What this means for Borrower: When Borrower opens an account, Lender will ask for Borrower’s name, taxpayer identification number, business address, and other information that will allow Lender to identify Borrower. Lender may also ask Borrower to see Borrower’s legal organizational documents or other identifying documents.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

41

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

	
 
    	
BORROWER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
MESA   LABORATORIES, INC., a Colorado corporation
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
LENDER:
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
JPMORGAN   CHASE BANK, N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Name:
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
Title:Exhibit 10.1

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED SENIOR SECURED

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of February 29, 2012

among

 

MAC-GRAY CORPORATION,

as the Borrower,

 

THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO,

 

and

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent,

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Syndication Agent

 

RBS CITIZENS, N.A.

and

TD BANK, NA,

as Co- Documentation Agents

 

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,

as

Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

	
Article and Section
    	
 
    	
Page
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   I  DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
    	
 
    	
1
    
	
1.01
    	
Defined Terms
    	
 
    	
1
    
	
1.02
    	
Interpretive Provisions
    	
 
    	
24
    
	
1.03
    	
Accounting Terms and Provisions
    	
 
    	
25
    
	
1.04
    	
Rounding
    	
 
    	
25
    
	
1.05
    	
Times of Day
    	
 
    	
26
    
	
1.06
    	
Letter of Credit Amounts
    	
 
    	
26
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   II  COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
    	
 
    	
26
    
	
2.01
    	
Commitments
    	
 
    	
26
    
	
2.02
    	
Borrowings, Conversions and   Continuations
    	
 
    	
28
    
	
2.03
    	
Additional Provisions with   respect to Letters of Credit
    	
 
    	
29
    
	
2.04
    	
Additional Provisions with   respect to Swingline Loans
    	
 
    	
36
    
	
2.05
    	
Repayment of Loans
    	
 
    	
39
    
	
2.06
    	
Prepayments
    	
 
    	
39
    
	
2.07
    	
Termination or Reduction of   Commitments
    	
 
    	
40
    
	
2.08
    	
Interest
    	
 
    	
40
    
	
2.09
    	
Fees
    	
 
    	
41
    
	
2.10
    	
Computation of Interest and Fees;   Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate
    	
 
    	
42
    
	
2.11
    	
Payments Generally; Administrative   Agent’s Clawback
    	
 
    	
43
    
	
2.12
    	
Sharing of Payments By Lenders
    	
 
    	
44
    
	
2.13
    	
Evidence of Debt
    	
 
    	
45
    
	
2.14
    	
[Intentionally Omitted]
    	
 
    	
45
    
	
2.15
    	
Cash Collateral
    	
 
    	
46
    
	
2.16
    	
Defaulting Lenders
    	
 
    	
47
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   III  TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND   ILLEGALITY
    	
 
    	
49
    
	
3.01
    	
Taxes
    	
 
    	
49
    
	
3.02
    	
Illegality
    	
 
    	
54
    
	
3.03
    	
Inability to Determine Rates
    	
 
    	
54
    
	
3.04
    	
Increased Costs; Reserves on   Eurodollar Rate Loans
    	
 
    	
55
    
	
3.05
    	
Compensation for Losses
    	
 
    	
56
    
	
3.06
    	
Mitigation Obligations;   Replacement of Lenders
    	
 
    	
56
    
	
3.07
    	
Survival
    	
 
    	
57
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   IV  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT   EXTENSIONS
    	
 
    	
57
    
	
4.01
    	
Conditions to Initial Credit   Extensions
    	
 
    	
57
    
	
4.02
    	
Conditions to all Credit   Extensions
    	
 
    	
60
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   V  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
    	
 
    	
60
    
	
5.01
    	
Organization; Powers
    	
 
    	
60
    
	
5.02
    	
Authorization; Enforceability
    	
 
    	
60
    
	
5.03
    	
Governmental Approvals; No   Conflicts
    	
 
    	
61
    
	
5.04
    	
Financial Condition; No Material   Adverse Effect
    	
 
    	
61
    
	
5.05
    	
Properties
    	
 
    	
61
    
	
5.06
    	
Litigation and Environmental   Matters
    	
 
    	
61
    
	
5.07
    	
Compliance with Laws and   Agreements
    	
 
    	
62
    

 

 

	
5.08
    	
Use of Proceeds
    	
 
    	
62
    
	
5.09
    	
Taxes
    	
 
    	
62
    
	
5.10
    	
ERISA
    	
 
    	
62
    
	
5.11
    	
Disclosure
    	
 
    	
62
    
	
5.12
    	
Subsidiaries
    	
 
    	
63
    
	
5.13
    	
Insurance
    	
 
    	
63
    
	
5.14
    	
Labor Matters
    	
 
    	
63
    
	
5.15
    	
Solvency
    	
 
    	
63
    
	
5.16
    	
Margin Regulations; Investment   Company Act
    	
 
    	
63
    
	
5.17
    	
Taxpayer Identification Number;   Other Identifying Information
    	
 
    	
63
    
	
5.18
    	
Personal Property Collateral
    	
 
    	
64
    
	
5.19
    	
Pledged Collateral
    	
 
    	
64
    
	
5.20
    	
Mortgages
    	
 
    	
64
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   VI  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
    	
 
    	
64
    
	
6.01
    	
Financial Statements and Other   Information
    	
 
    	
65
    
	
6.02
    	
Notices of Material Events
    	
 
    	
66
    
	
6.03
    	
Information Regarding Collateral
    	
 
    	
66
    
	
6.04
    	
Existence; Conduct of Business
    	
 
    	
67
    
	
6.05
    	
Payment of Obligations
    	
 
    	
67
    
	
6.06
    	
Maintenance of Properties
    	
 
    	
67
    
	
6.07
    	
Insurance
    	
 
    	
67
    
	
6.08
    	
Casualty and Condemnation
    	
 
    	
67
    
	
6.09
    	
Books and Records; Inspection and   Audit Rights
    	
 
    	
67
    
	
6.10
    	
Compliance with Laws
    	
 
    	
68
    
	
6.11
    	
Use of Proceeds and Letters of   Credit
    	
 
    	
68
    
	
6.12
    	
Collateral and Guarantee   Requirement
    	
 
    	
68
    
	
6.13
    	
Interest Rate Protection
    	
 
    	
69
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   VII  NEGATIVE COVENANTS
    	
 
    	
69
    
	
7.01
    	
Indebtedness; Certain Equity   Securities
    	
 
    	
69
    
	
7.02
    	
Liens
    	
 
    	
71
    
	
7.03
    	
Fundamental Changes
    	
 
    	
72
    
	
7.04
    	
Investments, Loans, Advances,   Guarantees and Acquisitions
    	
 
    	
72
    
	
7.05
    	
Asset Sales
    	
 
    	
74
    
	
7.06
    	
Sale and Leaseback Transactions
    	
 
    	
75
    
	
7.07
    	
Swap Agreements
    	
 
    	
75
    
	
7.08
    	
Restricted Payments; Certain   Payments of Indebtedness
    	
 
    	
75
    
	
7.09
    	
Transactions with Affiliates
    	
 
    	
76
    
	
7.10
    	
Restrictive Agreements
    	
 
    	
76
    
	
7.11
    	
Amendment of Material Documents
    	
 
    	
77
    
	
7.12
    	
Financial Covenants
    	
 
    	
77
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   VIII  EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
    	
 
    	
77
    
	
8.01
    	
Events of Default
    	
 
    	
77
    
	
8.02
    	
Application of Funds
    	
 
    	
79
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   IX  ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND COLLATERAL   AGENT
    	
 
    	
80
    
	
9.01
    	
Appointment and Authorization of   Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent
    	
 
    	
80
    
	
9.02
    	
Rights as a Lender
    	
 
    	
81
    
	
9.03
    	
Exculpatory Provisions
    	
 
    	
81
    

 

 

	
9.04
    	
Reliance by Administrative Agent
    	
 
    	
82
    
	
9.05
    	
Delegation of Duties
    	
 
    	
82
    
	
9.06
    	
Resignation of the Administrative   Agent
    	
 
    	
83
    
	
9.07
    	
Non-Reliance on Administrative   Agent and Other Lenders
    	
 
    	
84
    
	
9.08
    	
No Other Duties
    	
 
    	
84
    
	
9.09
    	
Administrative Agent May File   Proofs of Claim
    	
 
    	
84
    
	
9.10
    	
Collateral and Guaranty Matters
    	
 
    	
85
    
	
9.11
    	
Swap Contracts and Treasury   Management Agreements
    	
 
    	
86
    
	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    
	
ARTICLE   X  MISCELLANEOUS
    	
 
    	
86
    
	
10.01
    	
Amendments, Etc.
    	
 
    	
86
    
	
10.02
    	
Notices; Effectiveness;   Electronic Communication
    	
 
    	
88
    
	
10.03
    	
No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies;   Enforcement
    	
 
    	
90
    
	
10.04
    	
Expenses; Indemnity; Damage   Waiver
    	
 
    	
90
    
	
10.05
    	
Payments Set Aside
    	
 
    	
93
    
	
10.06
    	
Successors and Assigns
    	
 
    	
93
    
	
10.07
    	
Treatment of Certain Information;   Confidentiality
    	
 
    	
97
    
	
10.08
    	
Right of Setoff
    	
 
    	
98
    
	
10.09
    	
Interest Rate Limitation
    	
 
    	
98
    
	
10.10
    	
Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness
    	
 
    	
99
    
	
10.11
    	
Survival of Representations and   Warranties
    	
 
    	
99
    
	
10.12
    	
Severability
    	
 
    	
99
    
	
10.13
    	
Replacement of Lenders
    	
 
    	
99
    
	
10.14
    	
Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.
    	
 
    	
100
    
	
10.15
    	
Waiver of Jury Trial
    	
 
    	
101
    
	
10.16
    	
No Advisory or Fiduciary   Responsibility
    	
 
    	
101
    
	
10.17
    	
Electronic Execution of   Assignments and Certain Other Documents
    	
 
    	
102
    
	
10.18
    	
USA PATRIOT Act
    	
 
    	
102
    

 

 

SCHEDULES

 

	
Schedule 2.01
    	
 
    	
Commitments and Applicable Percentages
    
	
Schedule 2.03
    	
 
    	
Existing Letters of Credit
    
	
Schedule 5.05
    	
 
    	
Real Property Locations
    
	
Schedule 5.12
    	
 
    	
Subsidiaries
    
	
Schedule 5.13
    	
 
    	
Insurance
    
	
Schedule 5.17
    	
 
    	
Taxpayer Identification Numbers
    
	
Schedule 7.01
    	
 
    	
Existing Indebtedness
    
	
Schedule 7.02
    	
 
    	
Existing Liens
    
	
Schedule 7.04
    	
 
    	
Existing Investments
    
	
Schedule 7.10
    	
 
    	
Restrictive Agreements
    
	
Schedule 10.02
    	
 
    	
Administrative Agent’s Office; Certain Addresses   for Notices
    

 

EXHIBITS

 

	
Exhibit 2.01
    	
 
    	
Form of Lender Joinder Agreement
    
	
Exhibit 2.02
    	
 
    	
Form of Loan Notice
    
	
Exhibit 2.13-1
    	
 
    	
Form of Revolving Note
    
	
Exhibit 2.13-2
    	
 
    	
Form of Swingline Note
    
	
Exhibit 2.13-3
    	
 
    	
Form of Term Loan Note
    
	
Exhibit 3.01(e)
    	
 
    	
Forms of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates
    
	
Exhibit 6.01(c)
    	
 
    	
Form of Compliance Certificate
    
	
Exhibit 6.03
    	
 
    	
Form of Collateral Questionnaire
    
	
Exhibit 10.06
    	
 
    	
Form of Assignment and Assumption
    

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED SENIOR SECURED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED SENIOR SECURED CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Credit Agreement”) is entered into as of February 29, 2012, among MAC-GRAY CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders party hereto, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.

 

W  I  T  N  E  S  S  E  T  H

 

WHEREAS, revolving credit and term loan facilities were established pursuant to the terms of that credit agreement dated as of April 1, 2008 (as amended and modified, the “Existing Credit Agreement”) among the Borrower, and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, as borrowers, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders;

 

WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested certain modifications to the Existing Credit Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Lenders have agreed to the requested modifications on the terms and conditions provided herein; and

 

WHEREAS, this Credit Agreement amends, restates and substitutes the Existing Credit Agreement;

 

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

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

 

1.01        Defined Terms.  As used in this Credit Agreement, the following terms have the meanings provided below:

 

“Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

“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 or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.

 

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

 

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

 

“Agent Parties” has the meaning specified in Section 10.02(c).

 

 

“Aggregate Commitments” means the Aggregate Revolving Commitments and the Term Loan Commitments.

 

“Aggregate Revolving Commitments” means the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Commitments of all the Lenders.

 

“Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(a).

 

“Applicable Percentage” means the following percentages per annum, based on the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.01(c):

 

	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
 
    	
Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit
    	
 
    
	
Pricing
   Level
    	
 
    	
Consolidated Total
   Leverage Ratio
    	
 
    	
Eurodollar
   Rate Loans 
    	
 
    	
Base   Rate
   Loans
    	
 
    	
Commitment
   Fee
    	
 
    	
Letter   of
   Credit Fee
    	
 
    
	
1
    	
 
    	
>3.25:1.0
    	
 
    	
2.75
    	
%
    	
1.75
    	
%
    	
0.500
    	
%
    	
2.75
    	
%
    
	
2
    	
 
    	
>2.75:1.0 but <3.25:1.0
    	
 
    	
2.50
    	
%
    	
1.50
    	
%
    	
0.350
    	
%
    	
2.50
    	
%
    
	
3
    	
 
    	
>2.00:1.0 but <2.75:1.0
    	
 
    	
2.25
    	
%
    	
1.25
    	
%
    	
0.300
    	
%
    	
2.25
    	
%
    
	
4
    	
 
    	
>1.50:1.0 but <2.00:1.0
    	
 
    	
2.00
    	
%
    	
1.00
    	
%
    	
0.250
    	
%
    	
2.00
    	
%
    
	
5
    	
 
    	
<1.50:1.0
    	
 
    	
1.75
    	
%
    	
0.75
    	
%
    	
0.250
    	
%
    	
1.75
    	
%
    

 

Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Percentage resulting from a change in the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio shall become effective not later than the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(c); provided, however, that if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered when due in accordance therewith, then, upon the request of the Required Lenders, Pricing Level 1 shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and shall remain in effect until the date on which such Compliance Certificate is delivered.  The Applicable Percentage in effect from the Closing Date through the date for delivery of the Compliance Certificate for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012 shall be determined based upon Pricing Level 1.  Determinations by the Administrative Agent of the appropriate Pricing Level shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

For any Incremental Credit Facilities established after the Closing Date, the “Applicable Percentage” shall mean the percentages specified in the applicable joinder agreement or other loan documentation whereby the Incremental Credit Facilities are established.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, the determination of the Applicable Percentage for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b).

 

“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 MLPF&S, in its capacity as sole lead arranger and sole book manager.

 

“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible 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 10.06 or any other form (including electronic documentation generated by MarkitClear or other electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

2

 

“Attributed Principal Amount” means (a) in the case of capital leases, the amount of Capital Lease Obligations determined in accordance with GAAP, (b) in the case of Synthetic Leases, an amount determined by capitalization of the remaining lease payments thereunder as if it were a capital lease determined in accordance with GAAP and (c) in the case of Securitization Transactions, the outstanding principal amount of such financing, after taking into account appropriate reserve amounts.

 

“Auto Borrow Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(f).

 

“Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A., together with its successors.

 

“Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate” (sometimes, the “Prime Rate”) and (c) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%. The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’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 the prime rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.

 

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

 

“Borrower” has the meaning specified in the recitals hereto, together with its successors and permitted assigns.

 

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

 

“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.

 

“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period for the Consolidated Group, without duplication, (a) the additions to property, plant and equipment and other capital expenditures that are (or would be) set forth in a consolidated statement of cash flows for such period prepared in accordance with GAAP (other than the portion of inventory reclassified as fixed assets in any particular period) and (b) Capital Lease Obligations incurred by the Consolidated Group during such period; provided that for purposes hereof, Capital Expenditures shall not include expenditures to the extent they are (i) financed with the proceeds of any sale, transfer or other disposition (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction) or any casualty or other insured damage to or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset or (ii) expenditures or investments that constitute Permitted Acquisitions.  Except as otherwise expressly provided, the applicable period shall be the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending as of the date of determination.

 

“Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

3

 

“Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of one or more of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, as appropriate, as collateral for the L/C Obligations or obligations of the Lenders to fund participations in respect of L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances or, if the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer shall agree in their sole discretion, other credit support in each case pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer.  “Cash Collateral” shall have a meaning correlative to the foregoing and shall include the proceeds of such cash collateral and other credit support.

 

“Change in Control” means (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) other than Stewart G. MacDonald, Jr., Sandra MacDonald, Daniel MacDonald or Evelyn MacDonald or any of their respective spouses, immediate family members or lineal descendants, or trusts, limited liability companies or family limited partnerships for the benefit of any such individuals, of Equity Interests representing more than 25% of either the aggregate ordinary voting power or the aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower, or (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of the Borrower (or any committee thereof) nor (ii) appointed by directors the majority of whom were so nominated.

 

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

 

“Closing Date” means the date hereof.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

“Collateral” means the “Collateral” as such term is defined in the Collateral Agreement.

 

“Collateral Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as collateral agent for the Lenders under any of the Security Documents, or any successor collateral agent pursuant to the terms thereof.

 

“Collateral Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of the Closing Date among the Borrower, the Subsidiaries identified therein and Bank of America, as collateral agent, as may be amended, modified, extended, supplemented and replaced from time to time.

 

“Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” means the requirement that:

 

                (a)           the Collateral Agent shall have received from the Borrower and each of its Domestic Subsidiaries either (i) a duly executed and delivered counterpart of the Collateral Agreement, or (ii) in the case of any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the Closing Date, a 

 

4

 

duly executed and delivered supplement to the Collateral Agreement, in the form specified therein (or otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent in their reasonable discretion);

 

                (b)           all outstanding Equity Interests of each Domestic Subsidiary, and 65% of the outstanding Equity Interests of each First Tier Foreign Subsidiary, of the Borrower shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement, and the Collateral Agent shall have received certificates or other instruments representing all such Equity Interests, together with undated stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

 

                (c)           all Indebtedness of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries that is owing to any Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note and shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement and the Collateral Agent shall have received all such promissory notes, together with undated instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

 

                (d)           all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and notice filings with the United States Copyright Office and United States Patent and Trademark Office in respect of intellectual property, required by law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to be filed, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Collateral Agreement and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Collateral Agreement, shall have been filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the Collateral Agent for filing, registration or recording;

 

                (e)           the Collateral Agent shall have received (i) duly executed and delivered counterparts of Mortgages for all real property owned by the Loan Parties located in the United States by the record owner thereof; provided, however, such Mortgages shall not be required for real property with an aggregate fair market value of up to $1,000,000, (ii) a policy or policies of title insurance issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of such Mortgage as a valid first Lien on the Mortgaged Property described therein, free of any other Liens except as expressly permitted by Section 7.02, together with such endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance as the Collateral Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, and (iii) such surveys, abstracts, appraisals, legal opinions and other documents as the Collateral Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request with respect to any such Mortgage or Mortgaged Property;

 

                (f)            [Intentionally Omitted]; and

 

                (g)           each Loan Party shall have obtained all consents and approvals required to be obtained by it in connection with the execution and delivery of all Security Documents to which it is a party, the performance of its obligations thereunder and the granting by it of the Liens thereunder.

 

“Collateral Questionnaire” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 6.03.

 

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

 

“Commitments” means the Revolving Commitment and the Term Loan Commitments.

 

5

 

“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 6.01(c).

 

“Consolidated Cash Flow” means, for any period for the Consolidated Group, the difference of (a) Consolidated EBITDA minus (b) the sum of (i) all Capital Expenditures (except those Capital Expenditures financed with equipment, term loan or capital lease financing with a tenor of three years or greater), (ii) Prepaid Commission Expenses, (iii) consolidated cash income taxes paid (net of cash refunds received), and (iv) Restricted Payments paid in cash by the Borrower, in each case on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.  Except as otherwise expressly provided, the applicable period shall be the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending as of the date of determination.

 

“Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio” means, for any period for the Consolidated Group, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Cash Flow to (b) the sum of (i) the aggregate amount of regularly scheduled principal payments made on or in respect of Long-Term Indebtedness (other than (A) payments on intercompany indebtedness made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Borrower or a Subsidiary, (B) regularly scheduled payments of principal on and redemption of the Senior Notes and (C) regularly scheduled payments on and repayment of the Term Loan A under the Existing Credit Agreement) and (ii) Consolidated Cash Interest Expense.  Except as otherwise expressly provided, the applicable period shall be the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending as of the date of determination.

 

“Consolidated Cash Interest Expense” means, for any period the Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, excluding any amount not payable in cash.

 

“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period for the Consolidated Group, the sum of (a) Consolidated Net Income plus (b) to the extent deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, without duplication, the sum of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) consolidated income tax expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) any extraordinary non-cash charges reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, (v) non-cash impairment charges for discontinued or divested operations or goodwill impairment charges, (vi) non-cash compensation expenses (but including in any subsequent period, for purposes hereof, cash payments made in respect thereof in any subsequent period), (vii) non-cash expenses resulting from the grant of stock options or other equity-related compensation to any director, officer, consultant or employee, (viii) charges relating to the Transactions, including charges relating to the payment of the make-whole premium on the Senior Notes, the write-off of capitalized costs and expenses relating to the Senior Notes and the facilities provided under the Existing Credit Agreement and any other financings being terminated or replaced and fees and expenses relating to the Transactions, (ix) legal fees and expenses associated with the Wash Multifamily Laundry Systems, LLC litigation of up to $5,000,000, (x) non-cash expenses (and excluding non-cash income) in connection with any Swap Agreement for which the applicable member of the Consolidated Group does not receive hedge accounting treatment, and (xi) transaction fees and expenses associated with Permitted Acquisitions and dispositions permitted hereunder, in each case on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that for acquisitions made after the Closing Date adjustments may be made to Consolidated EBITDA for expected cost-savings, synergies and one-time costs and expenses relating to the acquisitions (including employee retention expenses and severance expenses) reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders.  Except as otherwise expressly provided, the applicable period shall be the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending as of the date of determination.

 

“Consolidated Group” means the Borrower and the Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period for the Consolidated Group, all interest expense on a consolidated basis determined in accordance with GAAP, but including, in any event, the

 

6

 

interest component under capital leases and the implied interest component under Synthetic Leases and Securitization Transactions.

 

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

 

“Consolidated Total Funded Debt” means, as of any date, all Funded Debt of the Borrower and its subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio” means, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Funded Debt as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a fiscal quarter, ended on the last day of the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to such date for which financial statements and related officer’s certificates shall have been delivered as required by the terms of this Credit Agreement).

 

“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 Agreement” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto, as the same may be amended and modified from time to time.

 

“Credit Extension” means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing, (b) the conversion or continuation of a Borrowing, and (c) an L/C Credit Extension.

 

“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.

 

“Default” means any event, act or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with notice, the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

“Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (a) with respect to Obligations other than (i) Eurodollar Rate Loans and (ii) Letter of Credit Fees, the Base Rate plus the Applicable Percentage, if any, applicable to such Loans plus 2% per annum; (b) with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable Percentage, if any, applicable to such Loans plus 2% per annum; and (c) with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Percentage plus 2% per annum.

 

“Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.16(b), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder, unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans) within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swingline

 

7

 

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

 

“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, but excluding, for purposes hereof, (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; and (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.

 

“Dollar” or “$” means the lawful currency of the United States.

 

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

 

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

 

“Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii) and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii)).

 

“Environmental Laws” means any and all federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises,

 

8

 

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 or 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 shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person.

 

“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) a withdrawal by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it 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 Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition that would reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (f) 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 any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, 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 Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; and

 

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(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 (a) for any Interest Period with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, a rate per annum equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Eurodollar Base Rate for such Eurodollar Rate Loan for such Interest Period by (ii) one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage for such Eurodollar Rate Loan for such Interest Period and (b) for any day with respect to any Base Rate Loan bearing interest at a rate based on the Eurodollar Rate, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the Eurodollar Base Rate for such Base Rate Loan for such day by (ii) one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage for such Base Rate Loan for such day.

 

“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 outstanding Eurodollar Rate Loan and for each outstanding Base Rate Loan bearing interest at a rate based on the Eurodollar Rate 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, any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to any Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its Lending Office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a Law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 10.13)  or (ii) such Lender changes its Lending Office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(ii) or (c), amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its Lending Office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.01(e) and (d) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed pursuant to FATCA.

 

“Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in the recitals hereto.

 

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“Existing Letters of Credit” means the standby letters of credit outstanding on the Closing Date identified on Schedule 2.03.

 

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

 

“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 immediately 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 the multiple of 1/100th of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Fee Letter” means the letter agreement, dated as of January 25, 2012, among the Borrower, Bank of America, and the Arranger.

 

“Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower.

 

“First Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means any Foreign Subsidiary that is owned directly by a Domestic Loan Party.

 

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

 

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

 

“Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the L/C Issuer, such Defaulting Lender’s pro rata share 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 any Swingline Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s pro rata share of Swingline Loans other than Swingline 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.

 

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

 

“Funded Debt” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person upon

 

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which interest charges are customarily paid, (d) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (f) all Indebtedness of the type described in clauses  (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i) and (j) of this definition of others secured by (or for which the holder of such obligations has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on the property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assured, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of obligations of others, (h) the Attributed Principal Amount of all Capital Lease Obligations, Synthetic Leases and Securitization Transactions of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty and (j) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances.  The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with any Permitted Acquisition, the term “Indebtedness” shall not include post-closing purchase price adjustments or earn-outs to which the seller may become entitled.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States applied on a consistent basis, subject to the provisions of Section 1.03.

 

“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” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance of supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds of the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided, that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

 

“Guarantors” means, collectively, each Person that provides a Guarantee of the Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Collateral Agreement or other agreement reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in each case together with their successors and permitted assigns.

 

“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.

 

“Honor Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i).

 

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“Incremental Credit Facilities” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(e).

 

“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all Funded Debt of such Person, and (b) all obligations of such Person under Swap Agreements, or obligations of others under Swap Agreements that are Guaranteed by such Person or secured by (or for which the holder of such obligations has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on the property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assured.

 

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

 

“Indemnitee” has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b).

 

“Information” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07.

 

“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Base Rate Loan (including Swingline Loans), the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, the Revolving Termination Date and the date of the final principal amortization payment on any Term Loan and, in the case of any Swingline Loan, any other dates as may be mutually agreed upon by the Borrower and the Swingline Lender, and (b) as to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each Interest Period for such Loan, the date of repayment of principal of such Loan, the Revolving Termination Date and the date of the final principal amortization payment on any Term Loan, and in addition, where the applicable Interest Period exceeds three months, the date every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period.  If an Interest Payment Date falls on a date that is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date shall be deemed to be the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

“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, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Loan Notice; provided that:

 

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

 

(b)           any Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar Rate Loan 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 with respect to any Revolving Loan shall extend beyond the Revolving Termination Date; and

 

(d)           no Interest Period with respect to any Term Loan shall extend beyond any principal amortization payment date, except to the extent that the portion of such Loan comprised of Eurodollar Rate Loans that is expiring prior to the applicable principal amortization payment date plus the portion comprised of Base Rate Loans equals or exceeds the principal amortization payment then due.

 

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“IP Rights” has the meaning specified in Section 5.05(b).

 

“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

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

 

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

 

“Laundry Facility Agreements” means agreements and other documents pursuant to which any Loan Party installs, operates and maintains certain pay per use laundry equipment or rents such equipment to an owner, manager or any other Person affiliated with the premises at which such equipment is located.

 

“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, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.

 

“L/C Advance” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing.

 

“L/C 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.

 

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

 

“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 Expiration Date” means the day that is seven days prior to the Revolving Termination Date then in effect (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day).

 

“L/C Issuer” means as to Letters of Credit issued hereunder, Bank of America in its capacity as issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, in each case together with its successors in such capacity.

 

“L/C Obligations” means, 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 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 Credit 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.

 

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“L/C Sublimit” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(b).  The L/C Sublimit on the Closing Date is Seven Million Dollars ($7,000,000).  The L/C Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.

 

“Lender” means each of the Persons identified as a “Lender” on the signature pages hereto (and, as appropriate, includes the Swingline Lender) and each Person who joins as a Lender pursuant to the terms hereof, together with their respective successors and assigns and, unless the context requires otherwise, includes the Swingline Lender.

 

“Lender Joinder Agreement” means a joinder agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.01, executed and delivered in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.01(f)(iv).

 

“Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender set forth in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

“Letter of Credit” means (i) each Existing Letter of Credit, and (ii) each standby  letter of credit issued hereunder providing for the payment of cash upon the honoring of a presentation thereunder.

 

“Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.09(b)(i).

 

“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

 

“Loan” means any Revolving Loan, Swingline Loan and/or Term Loan, if any, and the Base Rate Loans and Eurodollar Rate Loans comprising such Loans.

 

“Loan Documents” means this Credit Agreement, the Notes, the Collateral Questionnaire, the Security Documents, the Fee Letter, the Issuer Documents and the Lender Joinder Agreements, if any.

 

“Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing of Loans (including Swingline Loans), (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.02.

 

“Loan Obligations” means the Revolving Loan Obligations and the Term Loans, if any.

 

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

 

“Loan Party Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

 

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

 

“Long-Term Indebtedness” means any indebtedness that, in accordance with GAAP, constitutes (or, when incurred, constituted) a long-term liability.

 

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“Material Acquisition” means (a) any acquisition by the Borrower or a wholly-owned Subsidiary that is a Loan Party of all the outstanding Equity Interest in, all or substantially all the assets of, or all or substantially all the assets constituting a division or line of business of, a Person if (i) the total consideration for such acquisition is at least $10,000,000 or (ii) the acquired business contributes, together with all other Permitted Acquisitions that have occurred since the beginning of the immediately preceding four consecutive fiscal quarter period for which financial statements are available, in the aggregate at least $3,000,000 to Consolidated EBITDA for such period (giving pro forma effect to all such acquisitions as if they had occurred on the first day of such four consecutive fiscal quarter period) and (b) the other preceding Permitted Acquisitions described in clause (a)(ii) above.

 

“Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, assets, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Consolidated Group taken as a whole; or (b) a material impairment of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party.

 

“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Consolidated Group in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $3,000,000.  For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

“Maximum Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 10.09.

 

“MLPF&S” means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, together with its successors.

 

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

“Mortgaged Property” means all real property owned by the Loan Parties located in the United States by the record owner thereof that shall be the subject of a Mortgage pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, including (a) each real property set forth on Schedule 5.05 that is identified as a Mortgaged Property thereon and is the subject of a Mortgage and (b) each other real property that is, or pursuant to the terms hereof, becomes, the subject of a Mortgage; provided, however that such Mortgages shall not be required for real property with an aggregate fair market value of up to $1,000,000.

 

“Mortgages” means those mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds or like instruments given by the Loan Parties, as grantors, to the Collateral Agent to secure the Obligations, and any other such instruments that may be given by any Person pursuant to the terms hereof, as such instruments may be amended and modified from time to time.

 

“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.

 

“Non-Consenting Lender” means any Lender that does not approve any consent, waiver or amendment that has been approved by the Required Lenders.

 

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

 

“Notes” means the Revolving Notes and the Swingline Note.

 

“Obligations” means, without duplication, (a) 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, (b) all obligations under any Swap Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender to the extent permitted hereunder and (c) all obligations under any Treasury Management Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender.

 

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

 

“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 3.06).

 

“Outstanding Amount” means (a) with respect to Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount thereof after giving effect to any Borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (b) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the aggregate outstanding 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 amount of the L/C Obligations as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements by the Borrower of Unreimbursed Amounts.

 

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

 

“Participant Register” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d).

 

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“Patriot Act” has the meaning specified in Section 10.18.

 

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

 

“Pension Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding five plan years.

 

“Permitted Acquisition” means any acquisition by the Borrower or a wholly-owned Subsidiary that is a Loan Party of all the outstanding Equity Interests in, all or substantially all the assets of, or all or substantially all the assets constituting a division or line of business of, a Person if (a) such acquisition was not preceded by, or consummated pursuant to, a hostile offer (including a proxy contest), (b) such Person is organized under the laws of, and substantially all its assets are located in, the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, (c) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, (d) all transactions related thereto are consummated in accordance with the applicable Laws, (e) all actions required to be taken with respect to such acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or assets under Section 6.12 shall have been taken, (f) the Consolidated Group is in compliance, on a Pro Forma Basis (including, without duplication, giving pro forma effect to such acquisition and all other acquisitions that have occurred since the beginning of the immediately preceding four consecutive fiscal quarter period for which financial statements are available), with the covenants contained in Section 7.12 recomputed as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower for which financial statements are available, (g) after giving effect to such acquisition, there shall be no less than $10,000,000 of aggregate unused and available Revolving Commitments, (h) the business of such Person or such assets, as the case may be, constitute a business permitted by Section 7.03(b), and (i) for any acquisition that is a Material Acquisition, the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent an officers’ certificate to the effect set forth in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) above, together with all relevant financial information for the Person or assets to be acquired.

 

“Permitted Encumbrances” means:

 

(a)           Liens imposed by law for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges that are not yet due or are being contested in compliance with Section 6.05;

 

(b)           carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 6.05;

 

(c)           pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations;

 

(d)           deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in ease case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e)           liens arising by operation of law to secure landlords or lessors under leases made in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 6.05;

 

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(f)            judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (i) of Section 8.01 and pledges or cash deposits made in lieu of, or to secure the performance of, judgment or appeal bonds in respect of such judgments and proceedings;

 

(g)           easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(h)           (i) licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases granted by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to other Persons not materially interfering with the conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and (ii) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor or licensor under any lease or license agreement not prohibited by this Credit Agreement to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party;

 

(i)            Liens arising from precautionary UCC financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(j)            non-consensual statutory Liens and rights of setoff of financial institutions over deposit accounts held at such financial institutions to the extent such Liens or rights of setoff secure or allow setoff against amounts owing for fees and expenses relating to the applicable deposit account;

 

(k)           non-exclusive licenses of Intellectual Property granted by any Group Member in the ordinary course of business and not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of business of the Group Members, taken as a whole;

 

(l)            possessory Liens in favor of brokers and dealers arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition of Investments; provided that such Liens (i) attach only to such Investments and (ii) secure only obligations incurred in the ordinary course and arising in connection with the acquisition or disposition of such Investments and not any obligation in connection with margin financing or otherwise; and

 

(m)          Liens existing as of the Closing Date set forth on Schedule 7.02.

 

“Permitted Investments” means:

 

(a)           direct obligations of or obligations, the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(b)           investments in commercial paper maturing within 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, as of such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;

 

(c)           investments in certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances and time deposits maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof that has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000; and

 

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(d)           fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above.

 

“Permitted Liens” means any Liens in respect of property of any Loan Party permitted to exist pursuant to the terms of Section 7.02.

 

“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” (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) established by the Borrower or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.

 

“Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

 

“Prepaid Commission Expenses” means the amount of any one-time up-front payment required to be paid by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the landlord or lessor under any Laundry Facility Agreement upon the commencement of such Laundry Facility Agreement (but without duplication for any amount included as a Capital Expenditure).

 

“Prime Rate” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Base Rate”.

 

“Pro Forma Basis” means, with respect to any transaction, for purposes of determining the applicable pricing level under the definition of “Applicable Percentage” and determining compliance with the financial covenants hereunder, that such transaction shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which annual or quarterly financial statements shall have been delivered in accordance with the provisions hereof.  Further, for purposes of making calculations on a “Pro Forma Basis” hereunder, (a) in the case of any Disposition, (i) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the entities or business units that are the subject of such Disposition shall be excluded to the extent relating to any period prior to the date thereof and (ii) Indebtedness paid or retired in connection with such Disposition shall be deemed to have been paid and retired as of the first day of the applicable period; and (b) in the case of any acquisition, merger or consolidation, (i) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the entities or business units that are the subject thereof shall be included to the extent relating to any period prior to the date thereof (including (A) cost savings to the extent such cost savings would be permitted to be reflected in pro forma financial information complying with the requirements of GAAP and Article XI of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the Staff of the SEC, and as certified by a Financial Officer or (B) other cost savings to the extent such cost savings would be acceptable to the Administrative Agent (in its discretion), and (ii) Indebtedness incurred in connection with such acquisition, merger or consolidation,  shall be deemed to have been incurred as of the first day of the applicable period (and interest expense shall be imputed for the applicable period assuming prevailing interest rates hereunder).

 

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

 

“Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.

 

“Recipient” means the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable.

 

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

 

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

 

“Removal Effective Date” has the meaning specified in Section 9.06(b).

 

“Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the thirty days’ notice period has been waived.

 

“Request for Credit Extension” means (a) with respect to a Borrowing of Loans (including Swingline Loans) or the conversion or continuation of Loans, a Loan Notice and (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a L/C Application.

 

“Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitments or, if the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated, Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Loan Obligations (including, in each case, the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans); provided that the commitments of, and the portion of the Loan Obligations held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Lenders at any time, and provided, further that the amount of any participation in any Swingline Loan and Unreimbursed Amounts that such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund that have not been reallocated to and funded by another Lender shall be deemed to be held by a Lender that is the L/C Issuer or Swingline Lender, as the case may be, in making any such determination.

 

“Required Revolving Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments or, if the Revolving Commitments shall have expired or been terminated, Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of the Revolving Obligations (including, in each case, the aggregate amount of each Lender’s risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans); provided that the commitments of, and the portion of the Revolving Obligations held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be disregarded in determining Required Revolving Lenders at any time, and provided, further that the amount of any participation in any Swingline Loan and Unreimbursed Amounts that such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund that have not been reallocated to and funded by another Lender shall be deemed to be held by a Lender that is the L/C Issuer or Swingline Lender, as the case may be, in making any such determination.

 

“Resignation Effective Date” has the meaning specified in Section 9.06(a).

 

“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, vice president, treasurer or assistant treasurer of a Loan Party.  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 Payments” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Equity Interests in

 

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the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

“Revolving Commitment” means the commitment of each Lender to make Revolving Loans (and to share in Revolving Loan Obligations) hereunder.

 

“Revolving Commitment Percentage” means, for each Lender, a fraction (expressed as a percentage carried to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Committed Amount and the denominator of which is Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount.  The Revolving Commitment Percentages as of the Closing Date are set forth on Schedule 2.01.

 

“Revolving Committed Amount” means, for each Lender, the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment.  The Revolving Committed Amounts as of the Closing Date are set out in Schedule 2.01.

 

“Revolving Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(a).

 

“Revolving Loan Obligations” means the Revolving Loans, the L/C Obligations and the Swingline Loans.

 

“Revolving Notes” means the promissory notes, if any, given to evidence the Revolving Loans, as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or replaced.  A form of Revolving Note is attached as Exhibit 2.13-1.

 

“Revolving Termination Date” means February 28, 2017; provided, however, that if such date is not a Business Day, the Revolving Termination Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Security Documents” means the Collateral Agreement, any Mortgages and each other security agreement or other instrument or document executed and delivered pursuant to Section 6.12 to secure any of the Obligations.

 

“Senior Notes” means the 7.625% senior notes due 2015 issued by the Borrower on August 16, 2005.

 

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“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 provided, “Subsidiary” shall refer to a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

“Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.  All Swap Agreements, if any, between the Borrower and one or more Lenders (or Affiliates thereof) are independent agreements governed by the written provisions of such Swap Agreements, which will remain in full force and effect, unaffected by any repayment, prepayment, acceleration, reduction, increase or change in the terms of the Loans or other Obligations.

 

“Swingline Borrowing” means a borrowing of a Swingline Loan pursuant to Section 2.01(c).

 

“Swingline Lender” means Bank of America in its capacity as such, together with any successor in such capacity.

 

“Swingline Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(c).

 

“Swingline Note” means the promissory note given to evidence the Swingline Loans, as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or replaced.  A form of Swingline Note is attached as Exhibit 2.13-2.

 

“Swingline Sublimit” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(c).

 

“Synthetic Lease” means any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing arrangement that is considered borrowed money indebtedness for tax purposes but is classified as an operating lease under GAAP.

 

“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.

 

“Term Loans” means, collectively or individually, as context requires, any term loan established under an Incremental Credit Facility.

 

“Term Loan Commitments” means the aggregate principal amount of any term loan commitments established under the Incremental Credit Facilities, if any, provided that in any such case, at any time after funding of the respective term loan, determinations of “Required Lenders” and required lenders for the particular tranche of term loan thereby established shall be based on the Outstanding Amount of such term loans.

 

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“Term Loan Note” means the promissory note or notes, if any, given to evidence any Term Loan of such Lender, as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or replaced.  A form of Term Loan Note is attached as Exhibit 2.13-3.

 

“Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is to be a party, the borrowing of Loans, the use of proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder.

 

“Treasury Management Agreement” means any agreement governing the provision of treasury or cash management services, including deposit accounts, funds transfer, automated clearinghouse, zero balance accounts, returned check concentration, controlled disbursement, lockbox, account reconciliation and reporting and trade finance services.

 

“Type” means, with respect to any Revolving Loan or loans comprising any Term Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

 

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

 

“UCP” means the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time of issuance shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.

 

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

 

“Unreimbursed Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(c)(i).

 

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

 

“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(B)(III).

 

“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means, with respect to any direct or indirect Subsidiary of any Person, that 100% of the Equity Interests with ordinary voting power issued by such Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares and investments by foreign nationals mandated by applicable Law) is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.

 

1.02        Interpretive Provisions.  With reference to this Credit 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

 

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“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 Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

1.03        Accounting Terms and Provisions.

 

(a)           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 Credit Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the audited financial statements referenced in Section 4.01(d), 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, (i) with respect to the accounting for leases as either operating leases or capital leases and the impact of such accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 840 or otherwise on the definitions and covenants herein, GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date shall be applied and (ii) 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 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.

 

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

 

(c)           The Borrower will provide a written summary of material changes in GAAP or in the consistent application thereof with each annual and quarterly Compliance Certificate delivered in accordance with Section 6.01(c).  If at any time any change in GAAP or in the consistent application thereof would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall object in writing to determining compliance based on such change, then such computations shall continue to be made on a basis consistent with the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) as to which no such objection has been made.

 

1.04        Rounding.  Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Credit Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component,

 

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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 provided, 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

 

COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

2.01        Commitments.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein:

 

(a)           Revolving Loans.  During the Commitment Period, each Lender severally agrees to make revolving credit loans (the “Revolving Loans”) to the Borrower on any Business Day; provided that after giving effect to any such Revolving Loan, (i) with regard to the Lenders collectively, the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loan Obligations shall not exceed TWO HUNDRED FIFTY  MILLION DOLLARS ($250,000,000) (as such amount may be increased or decreased in accordance with the provisions hereof, the “Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount”) and (ii) with regard to each Lender individually, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of Revolving Loan Obligations shall not exceed its respective Revolving Committed Amount.  Revolving Loans will be made in Dollars and may consist of Base Rate Loans, Eurodollar Rate Loans or a combination thereof, as the Borrower may request, and may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

(b)           Letters of Credit.  During the Commitment Period, (i) the L/C Issuer, in reliance upon the commitments of the Lenders set forth herein, agrees (A) to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower or any member of the Consolidated Group on any Business Day, (B) to amend or extend Letters of Credit previously issued hereunder, and (C) to honor drawings under Letters of Credit; and (ii) the Lenders severally agree to purchase from the L/C Issuer a participation interest in the Letters of Credit issued hereunder in an amount equal to such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage thereof; provided that (A) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations shall not exceed SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS ($7,000,000) (as such amount may be decreased in accordance with the provisions hereof, the “L/C Sublimit”), (B) with regard to the Lenders collectively, the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loan Obligations shall not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount, and (C) with regard to each Lender individually, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of Revolving Loan Obligations shall not exceed its respective Revolving Committed Amount.  Letters of Credit will be denominated in Dollars.  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 obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.

 

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(c)           Swingline Loans.  During the Commitment Period, the Swingline Lender agrees, in reliance upon the commitments of the other Lenders set forth herein, to make revolving credit loans (the “Swingline Loans”) to the Borrower on any Business Day; provided that (i) the Outstanding Amount of Swingline Loans shall not exceed TEN MILLION DOLLARS ($10,000,000) (as such amount may be decreased in accordance with the provisions hereof, the “Swingline Sublimit”) and (ii) with respect to the Lenders collectively, the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loan Obligations shall not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount; and provided, further, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Swingline Lender shall not be under any obligation to make any Swingline Loan if it shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that it has, or by such Credit Extension may have, Fronting Exposure.  Swingline Loans will be made in Dollars and shall be comprised solely of Base Rate Loans, and may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof.  Immediately upon the making of a Swingline Loan, each Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swingline Lender a participation interest in such Swingline Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage thereof.

 

(d)           [Intentionally Omitted].

 

(e)           Incremental Credit Facilities.  At any time on or after the Closing Date, the Borrower may, on written notice to the Administrative Agent, establish additional credit facilities (collectively, the “Incremental Credit Facilities”) by increasing, at their election, the Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount as provided in Section 2.01(f), or establishing one or more new term loans, or some combination thereof; provided that:

 

(i)            no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall result after giving effect to the Incremental Credit Facility;

 

(ii)           the conditions to all Credit Extensions in Section 4.02 shall have been satisfied;

 

(iii)          the Borrower will provide (A) a compliance certificate from a Financial Officer confirming that no Default shall exist immediately before or immediately after giving effect to the establishment of the Incremental Credit Facility and demonstrating compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.12 after giving effect on a pro forma basis to the Incremental Credit Facility (assuming, for purposes hereof, that the Incremental Credit Facility is fully drawn and funded) as of the most recently ended fiscal quarter, and (b) supporting resolutions, legal opinions, promissory notes and other items as may be reasonably required by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders providing the commitments for the Incremental Credit Facility;

 

(iv)          upfront and/or arrangement fees, if any, in respect of the new commitments so established, shall be paid; and

 

(v)           to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, amendments to each of the Security Documents, if any, and related documents or agreements shall have been made, in each case in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

In connection with establishment of any Incremental Credit Facility, (A) none of the Lenders or their affiliates shall have any obligation to provide commitments or loans for any Incremental Credit Facility without their prior written approval, (B) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Arranger shall have any responsibility for arranging any such additional commitments without their prior written consent and subject to such conditions, including fee arrangements, as they may provide in connection therewith

 

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and (C) Schedule 2.01 will be deemed to be revised to reflect the Lenders, Loans, Commitments and pro rata shares after giving effect to the establishment of any Incremental Credit Facility.

 

(f)            Additional Conditions for Incremental Credit Facilities. Subject to Section 2.01(e), the Borrower may establish Incremental Credit Facilities; provided that:

 

(i)            the sum of the Aggregate Revolving Committed Amounts plus the aggregate principal amount of any other Incremental Credit Facility will not exceed THREE HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS ($350,000,000);

 

(ii)           such increase shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, in the case of Revolving Commitments;

 

(iii)          any new lender providing additional commitments pursuant to this subsection must be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and, in the case of an increase in the Revolving Commitments, also to the L/C Issuers and the Swingline Lender, as appropriate;

 

(iv)          lenders providing additional commitments pursuant to this subsection will provide a Lender Joinder Agreement and such other agreements reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; and

 

(v)           if any Revolving Loans or Term Loans, as appropriate, are outstanding at the time of any such increase, the Borrower will make such payments and adjustments on the subject Loans (including payment of any break-funding amounts owing under Section 3.05) as may be necessary to give effect to the revised commitment amounts and percentages.

 

2.02        Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations.

 

(a)           Each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate 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) with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of, or (ii) with respect to Base Rate Loans, on the requested date of, any Borrowing, conversion or continuation.  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 Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Except as provided in Sections 2.03(c) and 2.04(a), each Borrowing, conversion or continuation shall be in a principal amount of (i) with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof or (ii) with respect to Base Rate Loans, $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof.  Each Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether such request is for a Borrowing, conversion, or continuation, (ii) the requested date of such Borrowing, conversion or continuation (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto.  If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Loan Notice or if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans.  Any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar Rate Loans.  If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans

 

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in any Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, the Interest Period will be deemed to be one month.

 

(b)           Following receipt of a Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its pro rata share of the applicable 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 Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its 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 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 of such Borrowing there are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing shall be applied, first, to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings, and second, to the Borrower(s) as provided above.

 

(c)           Except as otherwise provided herein, without the consent of the Required Lenders, (i) a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Loan and (ii) any conversion into, or continuation as, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be made only if the conditions to Credit Extensions in Section 4.02 have been satisfied.  During the existence of a Default or Event of Default, (i) no Loan may be requested as, converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and (ii) at the request of the Required Lenders, any outstanding Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be converted to a Base Rate Loan on the last day of the Interest Period with respect thereto.

 

(d)           The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate.  The determination of the Eurodollar Rate by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.  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 Borrowings, conversions and continuations of Revolving Loans, there shall not be more than eight Interest Periods in effect with respect to Revolving Loans.

 

2.03        Additional Provisions with respect to Letters of Credit.

 

(a)           Obligation to Issue or Amend.

 

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

 

(A)          the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance, unless the Required Revolving Lenders have approved such expiry date; or

 

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(B)          the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after the L/C Expiration Date, unless all the Lenders with Revolving Commitments (other than Defaulting Lenders) have approved such expiry date.

 

(ii)           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 such 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 such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the L/C Issuer with respect to such 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 in each case the L/C Issuer in good faith deems material to it;

 

(B)          the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more 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, such Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $50,000;

 

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

 

(E)           a default of any Lender’s obligations to fund under Section 2.03(c) exists or any Lender is at such time a Defaulting Lender hereunder, unless the L/C Issuer has entered into satisfactory arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate the L/C Issuer’s risk with respect to such Lender.

 

(iii)          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 such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof.

 

(iv)          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 such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit.

 

(v)           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

 

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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.

 

(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 L/C Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Such Letter of Credit Application may be sent by facsimile, by United States mail, by overnight courier, by electronic transmission using the system provided by the L/C Issuer, by personal delivery or by any other means acceptable to the L/C Issuer.  Such L/C Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least two (2) 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 L/C Application shall specify in form and detail reasonably 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; and (G) the purpose and nature of the requested Letter of Credit; and (H) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may reasonably require.  In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such L/C 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 reasonably 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 reasonably require.

 

(ii)           Promptly after receipt of any L/C 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 L/C 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 (1) 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, 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 Revolving Commitment Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit.

 

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(iii)          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.

 

(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, 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 pro rata share thereof.  In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a 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 Revolving Committed Amount and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Loan Notice).  Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(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 2.03(c)(i) make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer at the Administrative Agent’s Office in an amount equal to its pro rata share 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 2.03(c)(iii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Revolving Loan that is a Base Rate 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 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.  In such event, each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(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 2.03.

 

(iv)          Until each Lender funds its Revolving Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lender’s pro rata share of such amount shall be solely for the account of the L/C Issuer.

 

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(v)           Each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(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 Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a 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 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), 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 Loan included in the relevant 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.

 

(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 2.03(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 pro rata share thereof (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s L/C Advance was outstanding) 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 2.03(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 pro rata share 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

 

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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 Credit 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 Credit Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:

 

(i)            any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Credit 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 Credit 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)          waiver by the L/C Issuer of any requirement that exists for the L/C Issuer’s protection and not the protection of the Borrower or any waiver by the L/C Issuer which does not in fact materially prejudice the Borrower;

 

(v)           honor of a demand for payment presented electronically even if such Letter of Credit requires that demand be in the form of a draft;

 

(vi)          any payment made by the L/C Issuer in respect of an otherwise complying item presented after the date specified as the expiration date of, or the date by which documents must be received under such Letter of Credit if presentation after such date is authorized by the UCC, the ISP or the UCP, as applicable;

 

(vii)         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

 

(viii)        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

 

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deemed to have waived any such claim against the L/C Issuer and its correspondents unless such notice is given as aforesaid.

 

(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 2.03(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 prove 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.  The L/C Issuer may send a Letter of Credit or conduct any communication to or from the beneficiary via the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (“SWIFT”) message or overnight courier, or any other commercially reasonable means of communicating with a beneficiary.

 

(g)           Cash Collateral.  Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, (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 L/C Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, the Borrower shall, in each case, immediately Cash Collateralize then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations.  Sections 2.06 and Section 8.01 set forth certain additional requirements to deliver Cash Collateral hereunder.  For purposes of this Section 2.03, Section 2.06  and Section 8.01, “Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Lenders).  Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings.  The Borrower hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Lenders, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all

 

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balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing.  Cash Collateral shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts at Bank of America.

 

(h)           Applicability of ISP and UCP; Limitation of Liability.  Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the L/C Issuer and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued (including any such agreement applicable to an Existing Letter of Credit), (i) the rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of the UCP shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit, if applicable hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible to the Borrower for, and the L/C Issuer’s rights and remedies against the Borrower shall not be impaired by, any action or inaction of the L/C Issuer required or permitted under any law, order, or practice that is required or permitted to be applied to any Letter of Credit or this Credit Agreement, including the Law or any order of a jurisdiction where the L/C Issuer or the beneficiary is located, the practice stated in the ISP or UCP, as applicable, or in the decisions, opinions, practice statements, or official commentary of the ICC Banking Commission, the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade - International Financial Services Association (BAFT-IFSA), or the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, whether or not any Letter of Credit chooses such law or practice.

 

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 Letter of Credit.

 

(i)            Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries.  Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, any Subsidiary of the Borrower, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the L/C Issuer 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 the Borrower’s Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrower’s businesses derive substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.

 

(j)            Letter of Credit Fees.  The Borrower shall pay Letter of Credit fees as set forth in Section 2.09.

 

(k)           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.

 

2.04        Additional Provisions with respect to Swingline Loans.

 

(a)           Borrowing Procedures.  Each Swingline Borrowing shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Swingline Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Swingline 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 telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Swingline Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Promptly after receipt by the Swingline Lender of any telephonic Loan Notice, the Swingline Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Loan Notice and, if not, the Swingline Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof.  Unless the Swingline 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 Swingline Borrowing

 

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(A) directing the Swingline Lender not to make such Swingline Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in this Article II, or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swingline Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swingline Loan available to the Borrower.

 

(b)           Refinancing.

 

(i)            The Swingline Lender at any time in its sole and absolute discretion may request, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes the Swingline Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Lender make a Revolving Loan that is a Base Rate Loan in an amount equal to such Lender’s pro rata share of Swingline Loans then outstanding.  Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a 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, the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Commitments or the conditions set forth in Section 4.02.  The Swingline Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a copy of the applicable Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent.  Each Lender shall make an amount equal to its pro rata share of the amount specified in such Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds for the account of the Swingline Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii), each Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Revolving Loan that is a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount.  The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swingline Lender.

 

(ii)           If for any reason any Swingline Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Borrowing of Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.04(b)(i), the request for Revolving Loans submitted by the Swingline Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swingline Lender that each of the Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swingline Loan and each Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(b)(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 Swingline Lender any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(b) by the time specified in Section 2.04(b)(i), the Swingline 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 Swingline Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swingline Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.  A certificate of the Swingline 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.

 

(iv)          Each Lender’s obligation to make Revolving Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(b) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender may have

 

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against the Swingline Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default or Event of Default, (C) non-compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 4.02, or (D) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that Swingline Lender has complied with the provisions of Section 2.04(a).  No such purchase or funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay Swingline Loans, together with interest as provided herein.

 

(c)           Repayment of Participations.

 

(i)            At any time after any Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swingline Loan, if the Swingline Lender receives any payment on account of such Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender will distribute to such Lender its pro rata share of such payment (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lender’s risk participation was funded) in the same funds as those received by the Swingline Lender.

 

(ii)           If any payment received by the Swingline Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swingline Loan is required to be returned by the Swingline Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swingline Lender in its discretion), each Lender shall pay to the Swingline Lender its pro rata share 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 Swingline Lender.  The obligations of the Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Credit Agreement.

 

(d)           Interest for Account of Swingline Lender.  The Swingline Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swingline Loans.  Until each Lender funds its Revolving Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Lender’s pro rata share of any Swingline Loan, interest in respect thereof shall be solely for the account of the Swingline Lender.

 

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

 

(f)            Auto Borrow Arrangement.  In order to facilitate the borrowing of Swingline Loans, the Borrower and the Swingline Lender may mutually agree to, and are hereby authorized to, enter into an auto borrow agreement(s) in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Swingline Lender, with notice to the Administrative Agent (as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed or replaced, collectively, the “Auto Borrow Agreement”) providing for the automatic advance by the Swingline Lender of Swingline Loans under the conditions set forth in the Auto Borrow Agreement, subject to the conditions set forth herein.  At any time an Auto Borrow Agreement is in effect, Borrowings of Swingline Loans under the Auto Borrow Agreement shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Auto Borrow Agreement.  Unless otherwise provided in the Auto Borrow Agreement, the commitments under the Swingline Sublimit will be “blocked” and otherwise unavailable to the Borrower hereunder.

 

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2.05        Repayment of Loans.

 

(a)           Revolving Loans.  The Borrower shall repay to the Lenders the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loans on the Revolving Termination Date.

 

(b)           Swingline Loans.  The Borrower shall repay to the Swingline Lender the Outstanding Amount of the Swingline Loans on the earlier to occur of (i) the date ten (10) Business Days after such Loan is made and (ii) the Revolving Termination Date.

 

2.06        Prepayments.

 

(a)           Voluntary Prepayments.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Loans may be repaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty (except, in the case of Loans other than Base Rate Loans, amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.05); provided that:

 

(i)            in the case of Loans other than Swingline Loans, (A) notice thereof must be received by 11:00 a.m. by the Administrative Agent at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date of prepayment, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, and one (1) Business Day prior to the date of prepayment, in the case of Base Rate Loans, (B) any such prepayment shall be a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans and $500,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof, in the case of Base Rate Loans, or, in each case, the entire remaining principal amount thereof, if less;

 

(ii)           in the case of Swingline Loans, (A) notice thereof must be received by the Swingline Lender by 1:00 p.m. on the date of prepayment (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), and (B) any such prepayment shall be in the same minimum principal amounts as for advances thereof (or any lesser amount that may be acceptable to the Swingline Lender).

 

Each such notice of voluntary prepayment hereunder shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date and amount of prepayment and the Loans and Types of Loans that are being prepaid.  The Administrative Agent will give prompt notice to the applicable Lenders of any prepayment on the Loans and the Lender’s interest therein.  Prepayments of Eurodollar Rate Loans hereunder shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount prepaid and breakage or other amounts due, if any, under Section 3.05.

 

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

 

(c)           Application.  Within each Loan, prepayments will be applied first to Base Rate Loans, then to Eurodollar Rate Loans in direct order of Interest Period maturities.  Additionally, such prepayments shall be applied as specified by the Borrower.

 

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2.07        Termination or Reduction of Commitments.

 

(a)           Voluntary Reductions.  The Commitments hereunder may be permanently reduced in whole or in part by notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent; provided that (i) any such notice thereof must be received by 1:00 p.m. at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date of reduction or termination and any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (ii) the Commitments may not be reduced to an amount less than the Loan Obligations then outstanding thereunder; provided, however, that such notice may provide that it is conditioned upon the consummation of other financing, in which case such notice may be revoked or extended by the Borrower if any such condition is not satisfied prior to the date of termination of this Credit Agreement in such notice.  The Administrative Agent will give prompt notice to the Lenders of any such reduction in Commitments.  Any reduction of Commitments shall be applied ratably to the commitment of each Lender according to its commitment percentage thereof.  All commitment or other fees accrued with respect thereto through the Closing Date of any termination of Commitments shall be paid on the Closing Date of such termination.

 

(b)           [Intentionally Omitted].

 

2.08        Interest.

 

(a)           Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Eurodollar Rate 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 Percentage; (ii) each Loan that is a Base Rate 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 Percentage; and (iii) each Swingline 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 Percentage.

 

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

 

(ii)           If any amount (other than principal of any Loan) payable by the Borrower under any Loan Document is not paid when due (without regard to any applicable grace periods), 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 Law.

 

(iii)          During the continuance of an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h) or (i), 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)          During the continuance of an Event of Default other than an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h) or (i) (and other than as provided in above), then upon the written request of the Required Lenders, 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.

 

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(v)           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 with respect to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law.

 

2.09        Fees.

 

(a)           Commitment Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender with Revolving Commitments (other than a Defaulting Lender) in accordance with its pro rata share, a commitment fee equal to the Applicable Percentage of the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount exceeds the sum of (i) the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loans plus (ii) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 2.16.  The commitment fee shall accrue at all times during the Commitment Period, 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 Revolving Termination Date.  The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Percentage during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Percentage separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Percentage was in effect.  For purposes hereof, Swingline Loans shall not be counted toward or be considered as usage of the Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount.

 

(b)           Letter of Credit Fees.

 

(i)            Letter of Credit Fees.  Subject to Section 2.16, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender with Revolving Commitments (other than a Defaulting Lender) in accordance with its pro rata share of a Letter of Credit fee for each Letter of Credit equal to the Applicable Percentage multiplied by the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (the “Letter of Credit Fees”).  For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06.  The Letter of Credit Fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears, and shall be due and payable on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur following the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the L/C Expiration Date and thereafter on demand.  If there is any change in the Applicable Percentage during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Percentage separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Percentage was in effect.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, upon the request of the Required Revolving Lenders, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate.

 

(ii)           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, at the rate per annum specified in the Fee Letter, computed on the daily amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit on a

 

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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 following the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the L/C Expiration Date and thereafter on demand.  For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06.  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.

 

(c)           Other Fees.

 

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

 

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

 

2.10        Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate.

 

(a)           All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by Bank of America’s prime 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 three hundred sixty (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 three hundred sixty-five (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 2.11(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.

 

(b)           If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Borrower or for any other reason, the Borrower or the Lenders determine that (i) the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio as calculated by the Borrower as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrower shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders and/or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period.  This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under

 

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Section 2.03(c)(iii), 2.03(j), 2.08(b), 2.09 or under Section 8.01.  The Borrower’s obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.

 

2.11        Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback.

 

(a)           General.  All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made free and clear of and 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 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 pro rata share 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 immediately succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.  Subject to the definition of “Interest Period”, 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 Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans (or, in the case of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02) 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 Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds 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 Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.  Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

 

(ii)           Payments by 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

 

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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)           Obligation of the Lenders Several.  The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c) are several and not joint.  The failure of any Lender to make any 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 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.

 

(f)            Allocation of Funds.  If at any time insufficient funds are received by or are available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, L/C Borrowings, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, toward costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel, to the extent payable pursuant to Section 10.04, and amounts payable under Article III) incurred by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, (ii) second, toward repayment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (iii) third, toward repayment of principal and L/C Borrowings then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and L/C Borrowings then due to such parties.

 

2.12        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 Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations or in Swingline Loans held by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans or participations and

 

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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 Loans and subparticipations in L/C Obligations and Swingline 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 Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:

 

(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 the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Credit Agreement or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (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.

 

2.13        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 the Administrative Agent a Note for such Lender, 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 Swingline 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.

 

2.14        [Intentionally Omitted].

 

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2.15        Cash Collateral.

 

(a)           Certain Credit Support Events.  If (i) 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, (ii) as of the L/C Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, (iii) the Borrower shall be required to provide Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 8.01, or (iv) there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower shall immediately (in the case of clause (iii) above) or within one Business Day (in all other cases) following any request by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, provide Cash Collateral in an amount not less than the applicable Fronting Exposure (determined in the case of Cash Collateral provided pursuant to clause (iv) above, after giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender).

 

(b)           Grant of Security Interest.  The Borrower, and to the extent provided by any Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting 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, 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 2.15(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 or the L/C Issuer as herein provided, or that the total amount of such Cash Collateral is less than the applicable Fronting Exposure, 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.  All Cash Collateral (other than credit support not constituting funds subject to deposit) shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts with the Administrative Agent. The Borrower shall pay on demand therefor from time to time all reasonable and documented account opening, activity and other administrative fees and charges in connection with the maintenance and disbursement of Cash Collateral.

 

(c)           Application.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Credit Agreement, Cash Collateral provided under any of this Section 2.15 or Sections 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.17 or 8.01 in respect of Letters of Credit shall be held and applied to the satisfaction of the specific L/C Obligations and obligations to fund participations therein (including, as to Cash Collateral provided by a Defaulting Lender, any interest accrued on such obligation) for which the Cash Collateral was so provided, prior to any other application of such property as may otherwise be provided for herein.

 

(d)           Release.  Cash Collateral (or the appropriate portion thereof) provided to reduce Fronting Exposure or to secure 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 good faith determination by the Administrative Agent that there exists excess Cash Collateral; provided, however, the Person providing Cash Collateral and the L/C Issuer may agree that Cash Collateral shall not be released but instead held to support future anticipated Fronting Exposure or other obligations.

 

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2.16        Defaulting Lenders.

 

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

 

(i)            Waivers and Amendments.  Such Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to vote or participate in amendments, waivers or consents hereunder or in respect of the other Loan Documents, except as expressly provided in the definition of “Required Lenders” and Section 10.01;

 

(ii)           Defaulting Lender Waterfall.  Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article IX or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a 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 of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the L/C Issuer or Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuer’s Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with Section 2.16; 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 such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Credit Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Credit Agreement and (y) Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuer’s future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Credit Agreement, in accordance with Section 2.16; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer or Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Credit 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 such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Credit Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or L/C Borrowings in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and L/C Obligations 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 Obligations owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments hereunder without giving effect to Section 2.16(a)(iv). 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

 

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Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.16(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

(iii)          Certain Fees.

 

(A)          No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any fee payable under Section 2.09(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).

 

(B)          Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive Letter of Credit Fees for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Applicable Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided Cash Collateral pursuant to Section 2.16.

 

(C)          With respect to any fee payable under Section 2.09(a) or any Letter of Credit Fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (A) or (B) above, the Borrower shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations or Swingline Loans that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (iv) below, (y) pay to the L/C Issuer and Swingline Lender, as applicable, the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender to the extent allocable to such L/C Issuer’s or Swingline Lender’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.

 

(iv)          Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure.  All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective pro rata share (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment) but only to the extent that (x) the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 are satisfied at the time of such reallocation (and, unless the Borrower shall have otherwise notified the Administrative Agent at such time, the Borrower shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such conditions are satisfied at such time), and (y) such reallocation does not cause any Non-Defaulting Lender’s share of the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Obligations to exceed its Revolving Commitment.  No reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

 

(v)           Cash Collateral, Repayment of Swingline Loans.  If the reallocation described in clause (a)(iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under applicable Law, (x) first, prepay Swingline Loans in an amount equal to the Swingline Lenders’ Fronting Exposure and (y) second, Cash Collateralize the L/C Issuers’ Fronting Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.15.

 

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(vi)          Replacement.  The Defaulting Lender may be replaced and its interests assigned as provided in Section 10.13;

 

(vii)         Termination of Commitments.  So long as no Event of Default shall exist immediately before or immediately after giving effect thereto, the Borrower may, with the consent of the Administrative Agent, in its discretion, elect to terminate the commitments of the Defaulting Lender, and repay its share of outstanding Loan Obligations (and reallocate its participation interests in L/C Obligations and Swingline Loans), on a non-pro rata basis.

 

(b)           Defaulting Lender Cure.  If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent (or the Required Lenders, as appropriate), Swingline Lender and the L/C Issuer agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Revolving Commitment Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided; further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

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 any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Laws.  If any applicable Laws (as determined in the good faith discretion of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be) require the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by the Administrative Agent or a Loan Party, then the Administrative Agent or such Loan Party shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding, upon the basis of the information and documentation to be delivered pursuant to subsection (e) below.

 

(ii)           If any Loan Party 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

 

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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, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party 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 3.01) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

 

(iii)          If any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent shall be required by any applicable Laws other than the Code to withhold or  deduct any Taxes from any payment, then (A) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, as required by such Laws, shall withhold or make such deductions as are determined by it to be required based upon the information and documentation it has received pursuant to subsection (e) below, (B) such Loan Party or the Administrative Agent, to the extent required by such Laws, shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with such Laws, and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party 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 3.01) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.

 

(b)           Payment of Other Taxes by the Borrower.  Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the Borrower shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

 

(c)           Tax Indemnification.

 

(i)            The Borrower shall, and does hereby, indemnify each Recipient, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of 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.  The Borrower shall, 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 pursuant to Section 3.01(c)(ii) below.

 

(ii)           Each Lender and the L/C Issuer shall, and does hereby, severally indemnify, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor, (x) the Administrative Agent against any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender or the L/C Issuer (but only to the extent that the Borrower has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so), (y) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower,

 

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as applicable, against any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 10.06(d) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, as applicable, against any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender 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 Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this clause (ii).

 

(d)           Evidence of Payments.  Upon request by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party or by the Administrative Agent to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01, the Borrower shall deliver (or cause the applicable Loan Party to 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 Law 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)            Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 3.01(e)(ii)(A), (ii)(B) and (ii)(D) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

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

 

(A)          any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Credit Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent),

 

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executed originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(III)        in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.01(e) to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN; or

 

(IV)         to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.01(e), IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 3.01(e) on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

 

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

 

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documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

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

 

(iii)          Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 3.01 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall promptly update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(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 any Recipient determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which a Loan Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.01, 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 a Loan Party under this Section 3.01 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by such Recipient, 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 Recipient, 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 Recipient in the event the Recipient is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection, in no event will the applicable Recipient be required to pay any amount to the Borrower pursuant to this subsection the payment of which would place the Recipient in a less favorable net after-Tax position than such Recipient would have been in if the indemnification payments or additional amounts giving rise to such refund had never been paid.  This subsection shall not be construed to require any Recipient 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.

 

(g)           Survival.  Each party’s obligations under this Section 3.01 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the

 

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replacement of, a Lender or the L/C Issuer, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations.

 

3.02        Illegality.  If any Change in Law makes it unlawful, or any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its 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, (a) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans  shall be suspended and (b) 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 of such Lender’s Eurodollar Rate Loans 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 in accordance herewith but 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 in accordance herewith but without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent 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 Loan, or (c) the Eurodollar Base Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly 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 Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a 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 Base Rate) or the L/C Issuer;

 

(ii)           subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, and (B) Excluded Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

 

(iii)          impose on any Lender or the L/C Issuer or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Credit 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, converting to, continuing 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 reasonably 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 or liquidity 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 Credit Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the 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 in reasonable detail the calculation of 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 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s right to demand such compensation,

 

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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 three months prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C 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 three-month 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 Eurodollar 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 Eurodollar 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.

 

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 Loan made by it at 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 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 requires the Borrower to pay any Indemnified Taxes or other additional amounts 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, as applicable, shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, 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 and documented costs and expenses incurred by any Lender or the L/C Issuer in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

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(b)           Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or other additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01 and, in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different Lending Office in accordance with Section 3.06(a), the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.13.

 

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

 

ARTICLE IV

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

4.01        Conditions to Initial Credit Extensions.

 

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

 

(a)           Executed Loan Documents.  The Administrative Agent’s receipt of counterparts of this Credit Agreement, the Notes requested by the Lenders, the Collateral Questionnaire, Collateral Agreement and any Mortgages, in each case, dated as of the Closing Date, duly executed by a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party party thereto and by each Lender party thereto, and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

 

(b)           Organization Documents, Etc.  The Administrative Agent’s receipt of a duly executed certificate of a Responsible Officer of each Loan Party, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, attaching each of the following documents and certifying that each is true, correct and complete and in full force and effect as of the Closing Date:

 

(i)            Charter Documents.  Copies of its articles or certificate of organization or formation, certified to be true, correct and complete as of a recent date by the appropriate Governmental Authority of the jurisdiction of its organization or formation;

 

(ii)           Bylaws.  Copies of its bylaws, operating agreement or partnership agreement;

 

(iii)          Resolutions.  Copies of its resolutions approving and adopting the Loan Documents to which it is party, the transactions contemplated therein, and authorizing the execution and delivery thereof;

 

(iv)          Incumbency.  Incumbency certificates identifying the Responsible Officers of such Loan Party that are authorized to execute Loan Documents and to act on such Loan Party’s behalf in connection with the Loan Documents; and

 

(v)           Good Standing Certificates.  Certificates of good standing or the equivalent from its jurisdiction of organization or formation and from each other jurisdiction where failure to be in good standing would reasonably be expected to have a

 

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Material Adverse Effect, in each case certified as of a recent date (and in any event within 30 days prior to the Closing Date) by the appropriate Governmental Authority.

 

(c)           Opinions of Counsel.  The Administrative Agent’s receipt of duly executed opinions of counsel to the Loan Parties, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders.

 

(d)           Financial Statements.  The Administrative Agent’s receipt of each of the following:

 

(i)            The audited consolidated balance sheets of the Consolidated Group for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal years (including the notes thereto), prepared in accordance with GAAP; and

 

(ii)           The audited consolidated financial statements of the Consolidated Group for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal quarters, prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

(e)           Officer Certificates.  The Administrative Agent’s receipt of a certificate or certificates of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, certifying each of the following:

 

(i)            Consents.  No material consents, material licenses or material approvals are required in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by any Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, other than as are in full force and effect and, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, are attached thereto;

 

(ii)           Material Adverse Effect.  There has been no event or circumstance since the date of the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010 that has had or would reasonably be expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(iii)          Financial Statements.  The annual and quarterly financial statements of the Consolidated Group delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.01(d) hereof (A) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, (B) fairly present the financial condition of the Consolidated Group as of the date thereof and the 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 with respect to such quarterly statements, subject to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments) and (C) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Consolidated Group as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness;

 

(iv)          [Intentionally Omitted]; and

 

(v)           Margin Regulations.  The Loan Parties are not engaged, principally or as one of their important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying “margin stock”

 

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or securities (within the meaning of Regulation T or U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or securities.

 

(f)            Personal Property Collateral.  The Collateral Agent’s receipt of the following, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent:

 

(i)            Lien Priority.  Evidence that (A) the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, holds a perfected, first priority Lien on all Collateral and (B) none of the Collateral is subject to any Liens (other than Permitted Liens);

 

(ii)           UCC Financing Statements.  Such UCC financing statements as are necessary or appropriate, in the Collateral Agent’s discretion, to perfect the security interests in the Collateral;

 

(iii)          Intellectual Property.  Such patent, trademark and copyright notices and recordations as are necessary or appropriate, in the Collateral Agent’s discretion, to perfect the security interests in the Loan Parties’ IP Rights;

 

(iv)          Equity Interests.  Original certificates evidencing the Equity Interests pledged pursuant to the Security Documents (to the extent any such Equity Interests are certificated), together with undated stock transfer powers executed in blank; and

 

(v)           Promissory Notes.  Original promissory notes evidencing intercompany loans or advances owing to any Loan Party by any Subsidiary of the Borrower, together with undated allonges executed in blank.

 

(g)           [Intentionally Omitted].

 

(h)           Evidence of Insurance.  The Collateral Agent’s receipt of copies of insurance certificates with respect to all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Loan Documents identifying the Collateral Agent as Lender’s loss payee, with respect to flood hazard and casualty insurance, and as additional insured, with respect to liability insurance.

 

(i)            [Intentionally Omitted].

 

(j)            [Intentionally Omitted].

 

(k)           Fees and Expenses.  All fees and expenses (including, unless waived by the Administrative Agent, all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel to the extent payable pursuant to the Loan Documents) required to be paid pursuant to the Fee Letter and this Credit Agreement on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid.

 

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.04, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Credit 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.

 

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4.02        Conditions to all Credit Extensions.

 

The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension is subject to the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)           The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article VI, any other Loan Document or any Loan Notice furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct (i) to the extent such representation or warranty is modified or qualified based on the terms “materially” or “material” or by reference to the term “Material Adverse Effect”, in any respect and (ii) to the extent such representation or warranty is not so modified or qualified, in any material respect on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct (A) to the extent such representation or warranty is modified or qualified based on the terms “materially” or “material” or by reference to the term “Material Adverse Effect”, in any respect and (B) to the extent such representation or warranty is not so modified or qualified, in any material respect as of such earlier date.

 

(b)           No Default or Event of 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 Swingline Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.

 

Each Request for Credit Extension submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Borrower 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.

 

ARTICLE V

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that:

 

5.01        Organization; Powers.  The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries are duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, have all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under each Loan Document to which it is a party and, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and are in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required for the conduct of its business.

 

5.02        Authorization; Enforceability.  The Transactions to be entered into by each Loan Party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action and, if required, stockholder action.  This Credit Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes, and each other Loan Document to which any Loan Party is to be a party, when executed and delivered by such Loan Party, will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower or such Loan Party (as the case may be), enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

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5.03        Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts.  The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect and except filings necessary to perfect Liens created under the Loan Documents, (b) will not violate any requirement of Law applicable to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any material indenture, material agreement or other material instrument binding upon the Borrower or any Subsidiary or their assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or give rise to a right of, or result in, termination, cancellation or acceleration of any obligation thereunder, (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, except Liens created under the Loan Documents and (e) do not contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents.

 

5.04        Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Effect.  (a)  The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, reported on by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants.  Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Consolidated Group as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP consistently applied.

 

(b)           Except as disclosed in the financial statements referred to above or the notes thereto, none of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has, as of the Closing Date, any material direct or contingent liabilities, unusual long-term commitments or unrealized losses.

 

(c)           No Material Adverse Effect has occurred since December 31, 2010.

 

5.05        Properties.  (a)  The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business (including the Mortgaged Properties), except for (i) minor defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or as proposed to be conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes and (ii) leaseholds subject to all superior title matters and all matters which encumber the landlord’s or ground lessor’s interest.

 

(b)           Except to the extent it would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each member of the Consolidated Group owns, or possesses 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 the operation of their respective businesses, without conflict with the rights of any other Person.

 

(c)           Schedule 5.05 sets forth the address of each real property that is owned or leased by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than addresses of the locations to which the Laundry Facility Agreements relate) and identifying each Mortgaged Property as of the Closing Date.

 

5.06        Litigation and Environmental Matters.  (a)  There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that involve any of the Loan Documents or the Transactions.

 

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(b)           Except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

 

5.07        Compliance with Laws and Agreements.

 

(a)           The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries is in compliance with all requirements of Law applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           [Intentionally Omitted].

 

5.08        Use of Proceeds.  The proceeds of the Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans will be used only (i) to repay existing Indebtedness, including the Senior Notes (including prepayment of fees and expenses in connection therewith), and (ii) for working capital and lawful corporate purposes (including Permitted Acquisitions and capital expenditures).  No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the FRB, including Regulations T, U and X.  Letters of Credit will be used only for lawful corporate purposes.

 

5.09        Taxes.  The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) any Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.10        ERISA.  No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  The present value of all accumulated benefit obligations under each Pension Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $250,000 the fair market value of the assets of such Plan, and the present value of all accumulated benefit obligations of all underfunded Plans (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts, exceed by more than $250,000 the fair market value of the assets of all such underfunded Pension Plans.

 

5.11        Disclosure.  The Borrower has disclosed to the Administrative Agent all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is subject, and all other matters known to any of them, that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  No reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party by its agents to the Administrative Agent in connection with the negotiation of this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or delivered hereunder or thereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains, when taken as a whole, any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the

 

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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 believed to be reasonable at the time delivered and, if such projected financial information was delivered prior to the Closing Date, as of the Closing Date.

 

5.12        Subsidiaries.  Schedule 5.12 sets forth the name of, and the ownership interest of the Borrower in, each Subsidiary of the Borrower and identifies each Subsidiary that is a Loan Party, in each case as of the Closing Date.

 

5.13        Insurance.  Schedule 5.13 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date.  As of the Closing Date, all premiums in respect of such insurance have been paid.  The Borrower believes that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries is adequate.

 

5.14        Labor Matters.  As of the Closing Date, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against the Borrower or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened.  The hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters.  All payments of a material amount due from the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or for which any reasonably foreseeable claim may be made against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits (other than routine claims for benefits), have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Borrower or such Subsidiary.  The consummation of the Transactions will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is bound.

 

5.15        Solvency.  Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Closing Date, (a) the fair value of the assets of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, at a fair valuation, will exceed their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) the Loan Parties will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured and (d) the Loan Parties will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which they are engaged as such business is now conducted and is proposed to be conducted following the Closing Date.

 

5.16        Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.

 

(a)           The Loan Parties are not engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of their important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying “margin stock” or securities (within the meaning of Regulation T or U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or securities.

 

(b)           None of the Loan Parties, any Person “controlling” (as such term is defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940) a Loan Party, or any Subsidiary is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

5.17        Taxpayer Identification Number; Other Identifying Information.  The true and correct U.S. taxpayer identification number, if any, of the Borrower is set forth on Schedule 5.17.

 

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5.18        Personal Property Collateral.  The Collateral Agreement is effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral identified therein, except to the extent the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by equitable principles of law (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law) and, when UCC financing statements (or other appropriate notices) in appropriate form are duly filed at the locations identified in the Collateral Agreement or to the Collateral Agent in writing, the Collateral Agreement shall create a fully perfected first priority Lien (subject only to Permitted Liens) on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in such Collateral, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Lien (other than Permitted Liens).

 

5.19        Pledged Collateral.  The Collateral Agreement is effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Pledged Collateral as defined and identified therein, except to the extent the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by equitable principles of law (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law), and the Collateral Agreement shall create a fully perfected first priority Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the pledgors thereunder in such collateral, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Lien (a) with respect to any such collateral that is a “security” (as such term is defined in the UCC) and is evidenced by a certificate, when such collateral is delivered to the Collateral Agent with duly executed stock powers with respect thereto, (b) with respect to any such collateral that is a “security” (as such term is defined in the UCC) but is not evidenced by a certificate, when UCC financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the appropriate filing offices in the jurisdiction of organization of the pledgor or when “control” (as such term is defined in the UCC) is established by the Collateral Agent over such interests in accordance with the provision of Section 8-106 of the UCC, or any successor provision, and (c) with respect to any such collateral that is not a “security” (as such term is defined in the UCC), when UCC financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the appropriate filing offices in the jurisdiction of organization of the pledgor.

 

5.20        Mortgages.  Each of the Mortgages, if any, is effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Mortgaged Properties identified therein in conformity with applicable Law, except to the extent the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable Debtor Relief Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by equitable principles of law (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law) and, when the Mortgages and UCC financing statements in appropriate form are duly recorded at the locations identified in the Mortgages, and recording or similar taxes, if any, are paid, the Mortgages shall constitute a fully perfected first priority Lien (subject only to Permitted Liens) on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in such Mortgaged Properties, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Lien (other than Permitted Liens).

 

ARTICLE VI

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts payable under any Loan Document shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or been terminated and all L/C Borrowings shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

 

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6.01        Financial Statements and Other Information.  The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent on behalf of each Lender:

 

(a)           within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Consolidated Group on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

 

(b)           within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by a Financial Officer as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Consolidated Group on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

 

(c)           concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a Compliance Certificate of a Financial Officer (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and, if a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 7.12 and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the Borrower’s audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

 

(d)           concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, a certificate of the accounting firm that reported on such financial statements stating whether they obtained knowledge during the course of their examination of such financial statements of any Default under Section 7.12 and, if such knowledge has been obtained, describing such Default (which certificate may be limited to the extent required by accounting rules or guidelines);

 

(e)           within 45 days after the commencement of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a detailed consolidated budget for such fiscal year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet and related statements of projected operations and cash flow as of the end of and for such fiscal year and setting forth the assumptions used for purposes of preparing such budget) and, promptly when available, any significant revisions of such budget;

 

(f)            promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the SEC or with any national securities exchange, as the case may be; and

 

(g)           promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or

 

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compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.

 

6.02        Notices of Material Events.  The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prompt written notice of the following:

 

(a)           the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b)           the filing or commencement of, or material adverse change in, any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or, to the knowledge of an executive officer or the Borrower or any Subsidiary or a Financial Officer, affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c)           the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding $300,000; and

 

(d)           any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Financial Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

The Loan Parties hereby acknowledge that the Administrative Agent will make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Loan Parties hereunder (collectively, the “Loan Party Materials”) by posting the Loan Party Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and that certain of the Lenders (each, a “Public Lender”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to any of the Loan Parties or their respective 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 Loan Parties hereby agree that (1) all Loan Party 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); (2) by marking the Loan Party Materials “PUBLIC,” the Loan Parties shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to treat such Loan Party Materials as either publicly available information or not material information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Loan Parties or their securities for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws; (3) all Loan Party Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated as “Public Side Information”; and (4) the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to treat any Loan Party Materials that are not designated “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform that is not marked as “Public Side Information”.

 

6.03        Information Regarding Collateral.  (a)  The Borrower will furnish to the Collateral Agent prompt written notice of any change (i) in any Loan Party’s corporate name, (ii) in the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of any Loan Party or (iii) in any Loan Party’s organizational identification number.  The Borrower agrees not to effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless all filings have been made under the UCC or otherwise that are required in order for the Collateral Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest

 

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in all the Collateral.  The Borrower also agrees promptly to notify the Collateral Agent if any substantial portion of the Collateral is damaged or destroyed.

 

(b)           Each year, at the time of delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 6.01 and otherwise upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver to the Collateral Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer or chief legal officer of the Borrower setting forth the information required pursuant to the Collateral Questionnaire or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the date of the Collateral Questionnaire delivered on the Closing Date or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section.

 

6.04        Existence; Conduct of Business.  Except to the extent it would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution permitted under Section 7.03 or any sale, transfer, lease or other disposition permitted under Section 7.05.

 

6.05        Payment of Obligations.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, pay its Material Indebtedness and other material obligations, including tax liabilities, before the same shall become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) the Borrower or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP, (c) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and the enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation and (d) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.06        Maintenance of Properties.  Except to the extent it would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, keep and maintain all property in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

 

6.07        Insurance.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies (a) insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (b) all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to the Security Documents.  The Borrower will furnish to the Lenders, upon request of the Administrative Agent, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.

 

6.08        Casualty and Condemnation.  The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of or any material interest in the Collateral under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding.

 

6.09        Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice and during normal business hours, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested; provided, however, that unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the

 

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Borrower shall not be responsible for the cost of more than one such visit by the Administrative Agent per calendar year.

 

6.10        Compliance with Laws.  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all requirements of Law (including Environmental Law) applicable to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.11        Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit.  The proceeds of the Loans may be used only (i) to repay existing Indebtedness, including the Senior Notes (including prepayment of fees and expenses in connection therewith) and (ii) for working capital and lawful corporate purposes (including Permitted Acquisitions and capital expenditures).  No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, whether directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X.  Letters of Credit will be used only for lawful corporate purposes.

 

6.12        Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.

 

(a)           Additional Domestic Subsidiaries.  The Borrower will give prompt notice to the Administrative Agent of the formation or acquisition of any Subsidiary after the Closing Date, and cause each Domestic Subsidiary to become a Guarantor hereunder, and otherwise meet the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement hereunder, by execution and delivery of a supplement or joinder agreement to the Collateral Agreement within thirty days of formation or acquisition, together with certified copies of resolutions, organizational documents, incumbency and officer’s certificates and legal opinions, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in each case within thirty days of formation or acquisition (or such longer period agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion).

 

(b)           Foreign Subsidiaries.  The Borrower will not form or acquire Foreign Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

(c)           Further Assurances (General).  The Borrower will, and will cause each Loan Party to, execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, mortgages, deeds of trust and other documents), that may be required under any applicable law, or that the Collateral Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, to cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be and remain satisfied, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.  The Borrower also agrees to provide the Collateral Agent, from time to time upon request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.

 

(d)           Further Assurances (Specific).  If any material assets (including any real property or improvements thereto or any interest therein) are acquired by any Loan Party after the Closing Date (other than assets constituting Collateral under the Collateral Agreement that become subject to the Lien of the Collateral Agreement upon acquisition thereof), the Borrower will notify the Collateral Agent and the Lenders thereof, and, if requested by the Collateral Agent or the Required Lenders, the Borrower will cause the Loan Parties to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraph (c) of this Section above, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

 

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6.13        Interest Rate Protection.  Maintain Swap Agreements in effect on the Closing Date relating to the Loans hereunder for a period of three years from the Closing Date or through the term thereof if less than three years.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts payable under any Loan Document have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired or been terminated and all L/C Borrowings shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

 

7.01        Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities.  (a)  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(i)            Indebtedness created or existing under this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

 

(ii)           [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(iii)          Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 7.01 and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness; provided that such extending, renewal or replacement Indebtedness (A) shall not be Indebtedness of an obligor that was not an obligor with respect to the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or replaced, (B) shall not be in a principal amount that exceeds the principal amount of Indebtedness being extended, renewed or replaced (plus accrued interest and premium thereon and fees and expenses related to such extensions, renewals and replacements thereof), (C) shall not have an earlier maturity date or decreased weighted average life than the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or replaced and (D) shall be subordinated to the Obligations on substantially the same terms as the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or replaced;

 

(iv)          intercompany Indebtedness between and among members of the Consolidated Group to the extent permitted by Section 7.04; provided that Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary (other than another Borrower) and Indebtedness of any Loan Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(v)           Guarantees by members of the Consolidated Group in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder; provided that (A) Guarantees by the Borrower or any Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to Section 7.04, and (B) Guarantees permitted under this clause (v) shall be subordinated to the Obligations of the applicable Subsidiary on the same terms as the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations;

 

(vi)          Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, repair, construction or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations, synthetic leases, purchase money Indebtedness and any Indebtedness assumed in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by

 

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a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (plus accrued interest and premium thereon); provided that (A) such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (B) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (vi) shall not exceed $12,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

(vii)         (A) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof; provided that (1) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary and (2) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (vii) shall not exceed $6,000,000 at any time outstanding (excluding Capital Lease Obligations under leases for vehicles) and (B) any refinancings, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness pursuant to the preceding clause (A) that do not increase the outstanding principal amount (plus accrued interest and premium and fees and expenses related to such refinancings, renewals and replacements thereof) thereof;

 

(viii)        other unsecured Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $5,000,000 at any time outstanding; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties permitted by this clause (viii) shall not exceed $500,000 at any time outstanding;

 

(ix)          Indebtedness owed to any Person (including obligations in respect of letters of credit for the benefit of such Person) providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(x)           Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds, performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xi)          Indebtedness in respect of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 7.07;

 

(xii)         the Senior Notes, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $100,000,000, until June 30, 2012;

 

(xiii)        endorsement of items for deposit or collection of commercial paper received in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xiv)        [Intentionally Omitted]; and

 

(xv)         Indebtedness incurred in respect of credit cards, credit card processing services, debit cards, stored value cards, purchase cards (including so-called “procurement cards” or “P-cards”) or other similar cash management services, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business.

 

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(b)           The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, issue preferred Equity Interests, except for (i) any preferred Equity Interest issued pursuant to the Shareholders Rights Plan and (ii) any preferred Equity Interest, the proceeds of which are used to prepay any amounts outstanding under this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

7.02        Liens.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

 

(a)           Liens created or existing under the Loan Documents;

 

(b)           Permitted Encumbrances;

 

(c)           any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 7.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations that it secures on the date hereof and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (plus accrued interest and premium thereon and fees and expenses related to such extension, renewal or replacement thereof);

 

(d)           any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations that it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary, as the case may be, and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (plus accrued interest and premium thereon and fees and expenses related to such extension, renewal or replacement thereof);

 

(e)           Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that (i) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (vi) or (vii) of Section 7.01(a), (ii) such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 90 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the lesser of the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital asset or its fair market value at the time such security interest attaches, and in any event, such Indebtedness does not exceed the amount of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.01(a)(vi) or (vii), and (iv) such security interests shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(f)            Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-208 of the UCC in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon; and

 

(g)           Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of the Borrower or another Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary.

 

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7.03        Fundamental Changes.

 

(a)           The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) any Subsidiary may merge into the Borrower in a transaction in which the Borrower is the surviving corporation, (ii) any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) may merge into any Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary and (if any party to such merger is a Loan Party) is a Loan Party and (iii) any Subsidiary (other than a Loan Party) may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 7.04.

 

(b)           The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on the Closing Date and businesses reasonably related thereto.

 

7.04        Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any Equity Interests in or evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit, except:

 

(a)           Permitted Investments;

 

(b)           Permitted Acquisitions; provided that the aggregate cash consideration for such Permitted Acquisitions, which shall be deemed to include (i) any amounts actually paid pursuant to any post-closing payment adjustments, earn-outs or non-compete payments and (ii) the principal amount of Indebtedness that is assumed pursuant to Section 7.01(a)(vi) or otherwise incurred in connection with such Permitted Acquisition, shall not exceed $75,000,000 for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters and $150,000,000 in the aggregate since the Closing Date plus, in each case (without duplication) an amount equal to any returns of capital or sale proceeds actually received in cash in respect of any such Permitted Acquisition (which amount shall not exceed the purchase price paid (including the principal amount of Indebtedness assumed pursuant to Section 7.01(a)(vi) in connection therewith) in respect of such Permitted Acquisition);

 

(c)           investments existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 7.04;

 

(d)           investments by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in Equity Interests in their respective Subsidiaries; provided that (i) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party shall be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement (subject to the limitations applicable to common stock of a Foreign Subsidiary referred to in the definition of “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”) and (ii) the aggregate amount of investments by Loan Parties in Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (together with outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (ii) to the proviso to 

 

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subsection (e) hereof and outstanding Guarantees permitted under the proviso to subsection (g) hereof) shall not exceed $500,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-down or write-offs);

 

(e)           loans or advances made by the Borrower to any Subsidiary and made by any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) any such loans and advances made by a Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement and (ii) the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (together with investments permitted under clause (ii) of subsection (d) hereof and outstanding Guarantees permitted under the proviso to subsection (g) hereof shall not exceed $500,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-down or write-offs);

 

(f)            loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or a Subsidiary not exceeding $250,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any time; provided that no such advances to any single employee shall exceed $100,000 in the aggregate outstanding (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of such loans or advances);

 

(g)           Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.01; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party (together with investments permitted under clause (ii) of Section 7.04(d) and outstanding intercompany loans permitted under clause (ii) to the proviso to Section 7.04(e)) shall not exceed $500,000 at any time outstanding (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(h)           investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(i)            investments in the form of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 7.07;

 

(j)            investments of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or consolidates or merges with the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries (including in connection with a Permitted Acquisition) so long as such investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary or of such consolidation or merger;

 

(k)           investments received in connection with the dispositions of assets permitted by Section 7.05;

 

(l)            [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(m)          investments made to the extent permitted by Section 7.03;

 

(n)           investments in negotiable instruments deposited or to be deposited for collection in the ordinary course of business;

 

(o)           advances made in connection with purchases of goods or services in the ordinary course of business;

 

(p)           extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(q)           to the extent constituting investments, deposits of cash made in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of operating leases;

 

(r)            [Intentionally Omitted]; and

 

(s)            other investments, loans and advances by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in an aggregate amount, as valued at cost at the time each such investment is made and including all related commitments for future advances, not exceeding $1,000,000 in the aggregate for all such investments made from and after the Closing Date plus an amount equal to any returns of capital actually received in cash in respect of any such investments (which amount shall not exceed the amount of such investment valued at cost at the time such investment was made).

 

7.05        Asset Sales.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it, nor will the Borrower permit any Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary, except:

 

(a)           sales, transfers and other dispositions of (i) inventory, (ii) used or surplus equipment and (iii) Permitted Investments in the ordinary course of business or that, in the reasonable business judgment of the Borrower or the Subsidiary, has become obsolete or worn out, or is no longer useful in the business;

 

(b)           sales, transfers and other dispositions to the Borrower or a Subsidiary; provided that any such sales, transfers or dispositions involving a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Sections 7.04 and 7.09;

 

(c)           sales, transfers and other dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof consistent with past practice;

 

(d)           sales, transfers and other dispositions of property to the extent such property constitutes an investment permitted by clauses (a), (h), (i) and (k) of Section 7.04;

 

(e)           sale and leaseback transactions permitted by Section 7.06;

 

(f)            dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(g)           sales, transfers and other dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Subsidiary unless all Equity Interests in such Subsidiary (other than the Borrower) are sold) that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section; provided that the aggregate fair market value of all assets sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of in reliance upon this clause (g) shall not exceed $5,000,000;

 

(h)           each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may grant licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases to other Persons to the extent such grant does not materially interfere with the conduct of business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

(i)            the sale of delinquent notes or accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business for purposes of collection only (and not for the purpose of any bulk sale or securitization transaction);

 

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(j)            the sale, transfer, lease or other disposition (including a disposition as part of a sale and leaseback) of any real property (and facilities located thereon) acquired in a Permitted Acquisition (or otherwise with the consent of the Required Lenders) within 180 days of the acquisition of such real property for fair market value;

 

(k)           dispose of any of its or their property in connection with (1) any involuntary loss, damage or destruction of property and (2) any involuntary condemnation, seizure or taking, by exercise of the power of eminent domain or otherwise, or confiscation or requisition of use of property; and

 

(l)            to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code, any exchange of like property or property serving a substantially similar purpose for use in a permitted business between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and another Person; provided that the aggregate fair market value of all assets exchanged or otherwise disposed of in reliance upon this clause (l) shall not exceed $5,000,000;

 

provided that all sales, transfers, leases and other dispositions permitted hereby (other than those permitted by clause (b), (c), (f) and (k) above) shall be made for fair value and (other than those permitted by clause (b), (k) and (l)) for at least 75% cash consideration.

 

7.06        Sale and Leaseback Transactions.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereinafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred, except for any such sale of any fixed or capital assets that is made for cash consideration in an amount not less than the fair value of such fixed or capital asset and is consummated within 90 days after the Borrower or such Subsidiary acquires or completes the construction of such fixed or capital asset.

 

7.07        Swap Agreements.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Subsidiaries to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of shares of capital stock or other equity ownership interests of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from floating to fixed rate, from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

7.08        Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness.

 

(a)           The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, except (i) the Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests, (ii) the Borrower may declare and pay dividends with respect to its common stock payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, and (iii) the Borrower may make other Restricted Payments so long as no Default or Event of Default shall exist immediately before or immediately after giving effect thereto on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

(b)           The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, make or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) of or in respect of principal of or interest on any Indebtedness, or any payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or

 

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similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Indebtedness, except:

 

(i)            payment of Indebtedness created this Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents;

 

(ii)           scheduled payments of principal or interest with respect to Indebtedness to the extent permitted by Section 7.01;

 

(iii)          payment of secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness;

 

(iv)          prepayments in respect of Capital Lease Obligations in the ordinary course of business; and

 

(v)           the voluntary repurchase or redemption of the Senior Notes (together with accrued interest, fees, premiums and expenses incurred in connection therewith).

 

7.09        Transactions with Affiliates.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) transactions in the ordinary course of business and at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among the Borrower and the Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate, (c) any investment permitted by Section 7.04(d) and (e), (d) any Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.01(a)(iv), (e) loans or advances to employees permitted under Section 7.04, (f) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of the Borrower or any Subsidiary who are not employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, and compensation and employee benefit arrangements paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, directors, officers or employees of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (g) any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Borrower’s Board of Directors, (h) employment and severance arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business and approved by the Borrower’s Board of Directors between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any employee thereof and (i) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 7.08.

 

7.10        Restrictive Agreements.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its capital stock or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by any Loan Document, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the Closing Date identified on Schedule 7.10 (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment or modification expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition), (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (iv) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Credit Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets

 

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securing such Indebtedness and (v) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.

 

7.11        Amendment of Material Documents.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, amend, modify or waive any of its rights under its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other organizational documents to the extent adverse to the Lenders in any material respect.

 

7.12        Financial Covenants.

 

(a)           Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio.  As of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio will be not greater than:

 

	
Period
    	
 
    	
Maximum Consolidated
    Total Leverage Ratio
    
	
Closing Date through September 30, 2013
    	
 
    	
3.75:1.0
    
	
December 31, 2013 and thereafter
    	
 
    	
3.50:1.0
    

 

(b)           [Intentionally Omitted].

 

(c)           Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio.  As of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower, the Consolidated Cash Flow Coverage Ratio will be not less than 1.2:1.0.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

8.01        Events of Default.  If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:

 

(a)           the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

 

(b)           the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days;

 

(c)           any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document or any amendment or modification thereof or waiver thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect (i) to the extent such representation or warranty is modified or qualified based on the terms “materially” or “material” or by reference to the term “Material Adverse Effect”, in any respect and (ii) to the extent such representation or warranty is not so modified or qualified, in any material respect, in each case when made or deemed made;

 

(d)           the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 6.02, 6.03 or 6.04 (with respect to the existence of the Borrower) or 6.11 or in Article VII;

 

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(e)           any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);

 

(f)            the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount, but in any case after any applicable grace period) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable;

 

(g)           any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to (i) secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and (ii) any voluntary repurchases or redemptions of Senior Notes to the extent permitted by Section 7.08(b)(v);

 

(h)           an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

(i)            the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(j)            the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

(k)           one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $3,000,000 shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;

 

(l)            an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be

 

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expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount exceeding (i) $750,000 in any year or (ii) $1,500,000 for all periods;

 

(m)          any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any Collateral, having a value in excess of $750,000, with the priority required by the applicable Security Document, except (i) as a result of the sale or other disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents or (ii) as a result of the Administrative Agent’s failure to maintain possession of any stock certificates, promissory notes and failure to file continuation statements or other instruments delivered to it under the Collateral Agreement;

 

(n)           any Loan Document shall for any reason be asserted by any Loan Party not to be a legal, valid and binding obligation of any party thereto;

 

(o)           the Guarantees of the Obligations by Borrower and the Loan Parties pursuant to the Collateral Agreement shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents) or shall be asserted by Borrower or any Loan Party not to be in effect or not to be legal, valid and binding obligations; or

 

(p)           a Change in Control shall occur.

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable) and require Cash Collateral to be provided in an amount equal to the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations, and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable and Cash Collateral for the L/C Obligations shall be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower; and in case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

 

8.02        Application of Funds.  After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.01 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

 

First, pro rata to the payment of that portion of the Obligations hereunder constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel to the extent payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Collateral Agent in its capacity as such, including all amounts incurred in the execution of its duties as collateral agent and the exercise of rights and remedies in respect of the collateral to the extent payable under the Loan Documents;

 

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Second, pro rata to payment of that portion of the Obligations hereunder constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel to the extent payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III hereof) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such to the extent payable under the Loan Documents;

 

Third, pro rata to payment of that portion of the Obligations hereunder constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the lenders (including all reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other counsel to the extent payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause payable to them to the extent payable under the Loan Documents;

 

Fourth, pro rata to payment of that portion of the Obligations hereunder constituting accrued and unpaid interest on loans and L/C Borrowings and fees, premiums and scheduled periodic payments, and any interest accrued thereon, due under any Swap Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, to the extent such Swap Agreement is permitted by Section 7.07, ratably among the Lenders (and, in the case of such Swap Agreements, Affiliates of Lenders) in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;

 

Fifth, pro rata to payment of that portion of the Obligations hereunder constituting unpaid principal of loans and L/C Borrowings and breakage, termination or other payments, and any interest accrued thereon, due under any Swap Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, to the extent such Swap Agreement is permitted by Section 7.07, and to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit, ratably among the Lenders (and, in the case of such Swap Agreements, Affiliates of Lenders) in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fifth held by them; and

 

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

 

Subject to Section 2.03(c), amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fourth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as 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.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND COLLATERAL AGENT

 

9.01        Appointment and Authorization of Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.

 

(a)           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.  The provisions of this

 

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Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.  It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” herein or in any other Loan Documents (or any other similar term) with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law.  Instead such term is used as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

 

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

 

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, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

 

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

 

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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, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law; and

 

(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 as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment.  The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given in writing to the Administrative Agent by a Loan Party, 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 Credit 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 Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or the creation, perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created by the Security Documents, (v) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral, or (vi) 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.

 

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, extension, renewal or increase 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 Loan Parties), 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

 

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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.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

 

9.06        Resignation of the 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.  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 (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Borrower and the Required Lenders) (the “Resignation Effective Date”), then the retiring Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above.  Whether or not a successor has been appointed such resignation shall become effective in accordance with such notice on the Resignation Effective Date.

 

(b)           If the Person serving as Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (d) of the definition thereof, the Required Lenders may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, by notice in writing to the Borrower and such Person remove such Person as Administrative Agent and, in consultation with the Borrower, appoint a successor. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders) (the “Removal Effective Date”), then such removal shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice on the Removal Effective Date.

 

(c)           With effect from the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date (as applicable) (1) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders or the L/C Issuer under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (2) except for any indemnity payments or other amounts then owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent, 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, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above.  Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or removed) Administrative Agent (other than as provided in Section 3.01(g) and other than any rights to indemnity payments or other amounts owed to the retiring or removed Administrative Agent as of the Resignation Effective Date or the Removal Effective Date, as applicable) and the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan

 

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Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section).  The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor.  After the retiring or removed Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal 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 or removed Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

(d)           Any resignation by Bank of America as Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section shall also constitute its resignation as L/C Issuer and Swingline Lender.  If Bank of America resigns as an L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights and 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 Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant Section 2.03(c).  If Bank of America resigns as Swingline Lender, it shall retain shall retain all the rights of the Swingline Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swingline 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 Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swingline Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c).  Upon the appointment by the Borrower of a successor L/C Issuer or Swingline Lender hereunder (which successor shall in all cases be a Lender other than a Defaulting 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 Swingline Lender, as applicable, (b) the retiring L/C Issuer and Swingline 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 Bank of America to effectively assume the obligations of Bank of America  with respect to such Letters of Credit.

 

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 Credit 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 Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

9.08        No Other Duties.  Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the bookrunners, arrangers, syndication agents, documentation agents or co-agents shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in their capacities, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, the Collateral 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 proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the

 

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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, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations arising under the Loan Documents that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(i) and (j), 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 and the L/C Issuer to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, 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 or the L/C Issuer any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or the L/C Issuer or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or the L/C Issuer in any such proceeding.

 

9.10                        Collateral and Guaranty Matters.  Without limiting the provisions of Section 9.09, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, at its option and in its discretion:

 

(a)                                 to release any Lien on any property granted to or held under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer shall have been made), (ii) that is sold or otherwise disposed of or to be sold or otherwise disposed of as part of or in connection with any sale or other disposition permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders;

 

(b)                                 to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 7.02; and

 

(c)                                  to release any Guarantor from its guaranty obligations under the Collateral Agreement provided hereunder if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents or otherwise would not be required hereunder to join as a Guarantor.

 

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Upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent  at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the authority of the Collateral Agent to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, and of  the Administrative Agent to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.10.

 

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

 

9.11                        Swap Contracts and Treasury Management Agreements.  No Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender that is party to any Swap Contract or any Treasury Management Agreement permitted hereunder that obtains the benefits of Section 7.02 or any Collateral by virtue of the provisions hereof or of any Collateral Document shall have any right to notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise in respect of the Collateral (including the release or impairment of any Collateral) other than in its capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IX to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, Obligations arising under Swap Contracts and Treasury Management Agreements unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice of such Obligations, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that is party to such Swap Contract or such Treasury Management Agreement, as the case may be.

 

ARTICLE X

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

10.01                 Amendments, Etc.  No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Credit 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 (or by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Required Lenders upon receipt of a consent and direction letter to do so by the applicable 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:

 

(a)                                 unless also consented to in writing by each Lender directly affected thereby, no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

 

(i)                                     extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.01), it being understood that the amendment or waiver of an Event of Default or a mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction in Commitments shall not be considered an increase in Commitments;

 

(ii)                                  waive non-payment or postpone any date fixed by this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to any Lender hereunder or under any other Loan Document (it being understood that an amendment or waiver of a mandatory reduction or mandatory prepayment provision shall not be considered a non-payment or postponement of a payment);

 

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(iii)                               reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (A) 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 or (B) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the rate of interest on any Loan or L/C Borrowing or to reduce any fee payable hereunder;

 

(iv)                              change any provision of this Credit Agreement regarding pro rata sharing or pro rata funding with respect to (A) the making of advances (including participations), (B) the manner of application of payments or prepayments of principal, interest, or fees, (C) the manner of application of reimbursement obligations from drawings under Letters of Credit, or (D) the manner of reduction of commitments and committed amounts (except for technical amendments with respect to additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement which afford the protections to such additional extensions of credit of the type provided to the Revolving Loans and/or any Term Loan), and provided that the foregoing shall not in any way limit any “amend-and-extend” transaction that extends the Revolving Termination Date for some but not all Lenders (and which extensions may include increased pricing and fees to the extending lenders and shall not require consent of the Required Lenders);

 

(v)                                 change any provision of this Section 10.01(a) 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 (other than as expressly provided in subsection (b) below);

 

(vi)                              release all or substantially all of the Collateral (other than as provided herein or as appropriate in connection with transactions permitted hereunder); or

 

(vii)                           release all or substantially all of the value of the guarantee provided by the Loan Parties pursuant to the Collateral Agreement;

 

(b)                                 Additional Commitments or Tranches.  For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding provisions to the contrary in this Section 10.01, this Credit Agreement may be amended (or amended and restated) with the written consent of the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent (and not the Required Lenders) for the purpose of including one or more Incremental Credit Facilities contemplated in subsections (e) and (f) of Section 2.01, by (i) increasing the aggregate amount of commitments under any of the respective facilities and (ii) adding one or more additional borrowing tranches hereunder and to provide for the ratable sharing of the benefits of this Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the other commitments and Obligations contemplated herein and therein;

 

(c)                                  unless also consented to in writing by the L/C Issuer, no such amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Credit Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it;

 

(d)                                 unless also consented to in writing by the Swingline Lender, no such amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Swingline Lender under this Credit Agreement;

 

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(e)                                  unless also consented to in writing by the Administrative Agent, no such amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document; and

 

(f)                                   unless also consented to in writing by the Collateral Agent, no such amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Collateral Agent under this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document;

 

provided  however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (i) no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that (x) the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Defaulting Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms affects any Defaulting Lender disproportionately adversely relative to other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender, (ii) each Lender is entitled to vote as such Lender sees fit on any bankruptcy or insolvency reorganization plan that affects the Loans, (iii) each Lender acknowledged that the provisions of Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code supersedes the unanimous consent provisions set forth herein, (iv) the Required Lenders may consent to allow a Loan Party to use cash collateral in the context of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding; and (v) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto.

 

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 facsimile 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 or any other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swingline Lender, to the address, facsimile 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, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

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 facsimile 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 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

 

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Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication.  The Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender, the L/C Issuer or the Borrower may each, 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), 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; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii), if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice, email or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.

 

(c)                                  THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.”  THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE LOAN PARTY 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 LOAN PARTY 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 any Loan Party, 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 any Loan Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Loan Party 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 any Agent Party; provided, however, that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to any Loan Party, 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).

 

(d)                                 Change of Address, Etc.  The Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swingline Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.  Each other Lender may change its address, facsimile or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swingline 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, facsimile 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 Loan Party Materials that

 

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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 or electronic Loan Notices, Letter of Credit Applications and Swingline 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 reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower.  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, Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder, or under any other Loan Document, 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, and provided under each other Loan Document, 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 Swingline Lender from exercising the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as L/C Issuer or Swingline 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 2.13), 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 Article VIII and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.13, 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.

 

10.04                 Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

 

(a)                                 Costs and Expenses.  The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of one outside counsel (in addition to any reasonably necessary special counsel and up to one local counsel in each

 

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applicable jurisdiction) for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Credit 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 and documented 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 reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer (including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of any one outside counsel (in addition to any reasonably necessary special counsel and up to one local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction) for the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (unless, in the reasonable opinion of such outside counsel, the representation of all such parties by one outside counsel would be inappropriate due to the existence of an actual or potential conflict of interest) (A) in connection with this Credit 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.

 

(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 and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for any Indemnitee, subject to the last sentence of this clause (b)), 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 Credit 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 or 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 Credit 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 judgment to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct or material breach of the Loan Documents by such Indemnitee (or its Related Parties) 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 such 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.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, with respect to

 

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any individual claim (or series of related claims), in no event shall the Loan Parties be required to reimburse the legal fees and expenses of more than one outside counsel (in addition to any reasonably necessary special counsel and up to one local counsel in each applicable jurisdiction, but excluding any inhouse counsel) for all Indemnitees collectively unless, in the reasonable opinion of such outside counsel, the representation of all such Persons by one outside counsel would be inappropriate due to the existence of an actual or potential conflict of interest.  Without limiting the provisions of Section 3.01(c), this Section 10.04(b) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages, etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

(c)                                  Reimbursement by Lenders.  To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the L/C Issuer, the Swingline Lender 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, the Swingline Lender or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in each case as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount (including any such amount in respect of a claim asserted by such Lender), such payment to be made severally among them based on their respective pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense of indemnity payment is sought), 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), the L/C Issuer or the Swingline Lender 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), L/C Issuer or the Swingline Lender in connection with such capacity.  The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.11(d).

 

(d)                                 Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, for itself and its Subsidiaries, 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 Credit 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 Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct or material breach of the Loan Documents by such Indemnitee or its Related Parties as determined by a final and nonappeable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(e)                                  Payments.  All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than ten (10) Business Days after demand therefor.

 

(f)                                   Survival.  The agreements in this Section 10.04 and the indemnity provisions of Section 10.02(e) shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Swingline Lender, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.

 

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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 on 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 Credit Agreement.

 

10.06                 Successors and Assigns.

 

(a)                                 Successors and Assigns Generally.  The provisions of this Credit Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party may 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 Credit 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 Credit Agreement.

 

(b)                                 Assignments by Lenders.  Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Credit 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 Swingline 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/or the Loans at the time owing to it or contemporaneous assignments to related Approved Funds that equal at least the amount specified in paragraph (b)(i)(B) of this Section in the aggregate 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

 

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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  with respect to any Revolving Commitment (and the related Revolving Loans and obligations thereunder) and $1,000,000 with respect to any Term Loan 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).

 

(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 Credit Agreement with respect to the Revolving Loans and any Term Loans, and the commitments relating thereto, being assigned,  and shall be pro rata with respect to such loans and commitments; provided that, that this clause (ii) shall not apply to rights and obligations in respect of Swingline Loans;

 

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

 

(A)                               the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within 10 Business Days after having received written notice thereof;

 

(B)                               the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments in respect of (i) any Revolving Commitments (and Loan Obligations thereunder) and unfunded term loan commitments if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender in respect thereof, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender or (ii) any term loan to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;

 

(C)                               the consent of the L/C Issuer (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment in respect of a Revolving Commitment; and

 

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

 

(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.

 

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(v)           No Assignment to Certain Persons.  No such assignment shall be made to (A) the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries, (B) 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) 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, the L/C Issuer 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 Swingline Loans in accordance with its pro rata share of the Revolving Commitments relating thereto.  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 Credit 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 Credit Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Credit 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 Credit Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Credit 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; provided, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no assignment by a Defaulting Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.  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 Credit Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Credit Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.

 

(c)           Register.  The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it (or the equivalent thereof in electronic form) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) 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, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders

 

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shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Credit Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(d)           Participations.  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or the Borrower or its Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Credit Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swingline Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Credit 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 Credit Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, each Lender shall be responsible for the indemnity under Section 11.04(c) without regard to the existence of any participation.

 

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 the Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the Loan Documents; 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 that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13  as though it were a Lender.  Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Credit Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(e)           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 shall not be entitled to the benefits of Section 3.01 unless Borrower is notified of the participation sold to such Participant and such Participant agrees, for the benefit of the Loan Parties, to comply with Section 3.01(e) as though it were a Lender

 

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(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 Credit Agreement (including under its Note(s), 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)           Resignation as L/C Issuer or Swingline Lender after Assignment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America assigns all of its Revolving Commitments (and related Revolving Loans and obligations thereunder) pursuant to subsection (b) above, Bank of America may, (i) upon thirty days’ notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as L/C Issuer and/or (ii) upon thirty days’ notice to the Borrower, resign as Swingline Lender.  In the event of any such resignation as L/C Issuer or Swingline Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor L/C Issuer or Swingline 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 Swingline 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 Closing 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 Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)).  If Bank of America resigns as Swingline Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swingline Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swingline Loans made by it and outstanding as of the Closing Date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swingline Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(b).  Upon the appointment of a successor L/C Issuer and/or Swingline 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 Swingline 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.

 

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 Related Parties (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 required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (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 Credit 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 and obligations under this Credit Agreement or any Eligible Assignee invited to be a Lender as provided herein or (ii) any actual or prospective party (or its Related Parties) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, this Credit Agreement or payments hereunder, (g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided hereunder or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers or other market identifiers with respect to the credit facilities provided

 

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hereunder, (h) with the consent of the Borrower or (j) 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 its 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.  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, each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, the L/C Issuer or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of such Loan Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch, office or Affiliate of such Lender or the L/C Issuer different from the branch, office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.15 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer 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.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 10.08, if at any time any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates maintains one or more deposit accounts for the Borrower or any other Loan Party into which Medicare and/or Medicaid receivables are deposited, such Person shall waive the right of setoff set forth herein.

 

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,

 

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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 Credit 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 Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, 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 5.01, this Credit 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 Credit Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging means (e.g. “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Credit 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 Credit 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 Credit 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.

 

10.13       Replacement of Lenders.  If (i) the Borrower is entitled to replace a Lender pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.06, (ii) any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04 or (iii) any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting 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; provided that the consent of the Administrative Agent shall not be unreasonably withheld), all of its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 3.01 and 3.04) and obligations under this Credit Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

 

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(i)            the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee, if any, specified in Section 10.06(b), unless waived by the Administrative Agent in its discretion;

 

(ii)           such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to 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);

 

(iii)          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;

 

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

 

(v)           in the case of an assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent; provided that the failure by such Non-Consenting Lender to execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption shall not impair the validity of the removal of such Non-Consenting Lender and the mandatory assignment of such Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitments and outstanding Loans and, with respect to the Revolving Lenders, participations in L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 10.13 shall nevertheless be effective without the execution by such Non-Consenting Lender of an Assignment and Assumption.

 

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 CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ANY CLAIMS, CONTROVERSY, DISPUTE OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE) BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT (EXCEPT, AS TO ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH THEREIN) AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.

 

(b)           SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION.  THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE ANY ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING OF ANY KIND OR DESCRIPTION, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR IN TORT OR OTHERWISE, AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER, THE L/C ISSUER, OR ANY RELATED PARTY OF THE FOREGOING IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATING HERETO OR THERETO, IN ANY FORUM OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, AND EACH OF THE

 

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PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION, LITIGATION 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 CREDIT AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR THE L/C ISSUER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS CREDIT 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 CREDIT 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.

 

(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 CREDIT 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 CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER 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 CREDIT 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 and each other Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its controlled Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Credit Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower, each other

 

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Loan Party and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Arranger and the Lenders, on the other hand, (B) each of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) the Borrower and each other Loan Party 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, the Arranger and each Lender 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, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither the Administrative Agent, the Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective 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 the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower, the other Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent, the Arranger, any other Lead Arranger nor any Lender has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Affiliates.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, each of the Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent, the Arranger or any Lender 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 “execute,” “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, the electronic matching of assignment terms and contract formations on electronic platforms approved by the Administrative Agent 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 PATRIOT 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 “Patriot Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify such 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.

 

10.19       Existing Credit Agreement Superseded.  This Credit Agreement shall supersede the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety, except as provided in this Section 10.19. On the Closing Date, (i) the rights and obligations of the parties under each of the Existing Credit Agreement and the “Notes” defined therein shall be subsumed within and be governed by this Credit Agreement and the Notes; provided  however, that for purposes of this clause (i) any of the “Obligations” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement with respect to the Revolving Loans shall, for purposes of this Credit Agreement, be Obligations hereunder, and (ii) the Obligations incurred under the Existing Credit Agreement shall, to the extent outstanding on the Closing Date, continue

 

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outstanding under this Credit Agreement and shall not be deemed to be paid, released, discharged or otherwise satisfied by the execution of this Credit Agreement, and this Credit Agreement shall not constitute a refinancing, substitution or novation of such Obligations or any of the other rights, duties and obligations of the parties hereunder.  The Lenders’ interests in such Obligations, and participations in such Letters of Credit, shall be reallocated on the Closing Date in accordance with each Lender’s applicable Revolving Commitment Percentages.

 

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

 

	
BORROWER:
    	
MAC-GRAY   CORPORATION,
    
	
 
    	
a Delaware corporation
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Michael J. Shea
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Michael J. Shea
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer   and Treasurer
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
ADMINISTRATIVE   AGENT:
    	
BANK   OF AMERICA, N.A.,
    
	
 
    	
as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Charlene Wright-Jones
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Charlene Wright-Jones
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
LENDERS:
    	
BANK   OF AMERICA, N.A.,
    
	
 
    	
as L/C Issuer, Swingline Lender and as a Lender
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Christopher S. Allen
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Christopher S. Allen
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Senior Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BANK   OF THE WEST
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Charles Jou
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Charles Jou
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
BROWN   BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ J. Edward Hall
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
J. Edward Hall
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Managing Director
    

 

 

	
 
    	
EASTERN   BANK
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Robert J. Moodie
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Robert J. Moodie
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Senior Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
FIFTH   THIRD BANK
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Valerie Schanzer
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Valerie Schanzer
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
RBS   CITIZENS, N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Boris Nusinov
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Boris Nusinov
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
SALEM   FIVE CENTS SAVINGS BANK
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Joseph V. Leary
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Joseph V. Leary
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Senior Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
SOVEREIGN   BANK, N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Penny Garver
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Penny Garver
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Senior Vice President
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
TD   BANK, NA
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Alan Garson
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Alan Garson
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Senior Vice President
    

 

 

	
 
    	
WELLS   FARGO BANK N.A.
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
 
    
	
 
    	
By:
    	
/s/ Gary A. Pirri
    
	
 
    	
Name:
    	
Gary A. Pitti
    
	
 
    	
Title:
    	
Senior Vice President

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00200-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00200-of-00352.parquet"}]]