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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): December 21, 2023

 

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   1-7677   73-1015226
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  (Commission
File Number)
  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

3503 NW 63rd Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma   73116
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (405) 235-4546

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common Stock, Par Value $.10   LXU   New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights   N/A   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

New Credit Agreement and New Revolving Credit Facility

On December 21, 2023, LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and each of the Company’s subsidiaries signatory thereto entered into a credit agreement (the “New Revolving Credit Agreement”) with the lenders identified on the signature pages thereof and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A, as administrative agent (the “New Revolving Agent”). The New Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a secured revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”) in an initial maximum principal amount of up to $75 million, with an option to increase the maximum principal amount by up to $25 million (which amount is uncommitted). Availability under the New Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base, as further set forth therein, and is subject to an availability block of $7.5 million (which can be removed by the Company in its sole discretion, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions) (the “Availability Block”). The New Revolving Credit Facility provides for a sub-facility for the issuances of letters of credit in an aggregate amount not to exceed to $10 million, with the outstanding amount of any such letters of credit reducing availability for borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility. As of the closing of the New Revolving Credit Facility, no amounts were drawn by the Borrowers thereunder.

In connection with the closing of the New Revolving Credit Facility, all outstanding amounts under the Company’s Existing Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below), were repaid in full and such facility and all commitments thereunder were terminated.

The New Revolving Credit Facility matures on December 21, 2028, subject springing maturity to the date that is 90 days prior to the stated maturity date of the Company’s existing 6.250% senior secured notes, which is currently October 15, 2028, (unless such senior secured notes have been repaid or redeemed in full prior thereto). Loans outstanding under the New Revolving Credit Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the option of the Company, either (a) term SOFR for a period of one (1) month (with a fallback to the prime rate if such rate is unavailable) (the “CBFR”), plus 0.10%, plus an applicable margin of 1.625% or (b) term SOFR for a period of one, three or six months (at the Company’s election), plus 0.10%, plus an applicable margin of 1.625%, in each case with a floor of 0.00%.

The Company and all of the Company’s subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) are co-borrowers under the New Revolving Credit Facility. The obligations of the Borrowers under the New Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Borrowers’ current assets, including accounts receivable and inventory, with exceptions set forth in the New Revolving Credit Agreement and related loan and security documents, including the Pledge and Security Agreement dated December 21, 2023, by and among the Company, each of the other Borrowers and the New Revolving Agent, as administrative agent for the secured parties with the Administrative Agent (the “Security Agreement”).

The New Revolving Credit Facility contains a financial covenant (the “Financial Covenant”), which requires that, solely if the Company elects to remove the Availability Block (subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions to such removal), then the Borrowers must maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00:1.00. The Financial Covenant, if triggered, is tested monthly.

The New Revolving Credit Facility includes other customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default. Upon the occurrence of events of default, the obligations under the New Revolving Credit Facility may be accelerated and the revolver commitments thereunder may be terminated.

The descriptions above are only a summary of the material provisions of the New Credit Agreement, the New Revolving Credit Facility and the Security Agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to a copy of the New Credit Agreement and the Security Agreement, copied of which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to this current report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

Joinder Agreement to the Intercreditor Agreement

In connection with the entry into the New Revolving Credit Agreement, the New Revolving Agent entered into a joinder agreement (the “Joinder Agreement”), dated as of December 21, 2023, to the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 7, 2013 (as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of April 25, 2018, the “Intercreditor Agreement”), by and between the Existing Revolving Agent under the Existing Revolving Credit Facility, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent under the Company’s existing senior secured notes, to, among other things, replace the Existing Revolving Agent with the New Revolving Agent as the “ABL Agent” thereunder and replace the Existing Revolving Credit Facility with the New Revolving Credit Facility as the “ABL Credit Agreement” referenced therein.

 


The foregoing description of the Joinder Agreement is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Joinder Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.02

Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

In connection with the closing of the New Revolving Credit Facility, effective as of December 21, 2022, the Company has satisfied and discharged all obligations under, and terminated all commitments under, the Company’s existing $65 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Existing Revolving Credit Facility”) pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2017 (as amended from time to time, the “Existing Revolving Credit Agreement”), by and between the Company, each of the Company’s subsidiaries signatory thereto, the lenders identified on the signature pages thereof and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as the administrative agent (the “Existing Revolving Agent”), except for obligations expressly contemplated to survive payment of the obligations thereunder (including certain existing letters of credit and bank product obligations, all of which were fully cash collateralized at the closing of the New Revolving Credit Facility using cash on hand of the Company). The Company and its subsidiaries incurred no termination penalties in connection with the early termination of the Existing Revolving Credit Facility.

The Existing ABL Facility provided for advances of up to $65 million loans, based on specific percentages of eligible accounts receivable and inventories and up to $10 million of letters of credit. As of December 21, 2023, after giving effect to the New Revolving Credit Facility, there were no outstanding amounts under the Existing ABL Facility and the Company and its subsidiaries incurred no termination penalties in connection with the early termination of the Existing ABL Facility.

 

Item 2.03

Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The information set forth under Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is hereby incorporated in this Item 2.03 by reference.

 


Item 9.01

Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

10.1    Credit Agreement, dated December 21, 2023, by and among LSB Industries, Inc., the other loan parties from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent.
10.2    Pledge and Security Agreement dated December 21, 2023, among LSB Industries, Inc., each of the other Guarantors and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the secured parties.
10.3    Joinder Agreement to Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2023, by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as New ABL Agent, and acknowledged by Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as Existing ABL Agent, Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Notes Agent, LSB Industries, Inc. and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the XBRL document)


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: December 26, 2023

 

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael J. Foster

Name:   Michael J. Foster
Title:   Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Exhibit 10.1

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

 

LOGO

CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

December 21, 2023

among

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.,

as Parent, a Borrower and the Borrower Representative,

The other Loan Parties that are signatories hereto,

as Borrowers and Guarantors, as applicable,

The Lenders Party from time to time hereto,

and

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

ASSET BASED LENDING


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1  

SECTION 1.01

  Defined Terms      1  

SECTION 1.02

  Classification of Loans and Borrowings      38  

SECTION 1.03

  Terms Generally      38  

SECTION 1.04

  Accounting Terms; GAAP      38  

SECTION 1.05

  Interest Rates; Benchmark Notifications      39  

SECTION 1.06

  Status of Obligations      40  

SECTION 1.07

  Letters of Credit      40  

SECTION 1.08

  Divisions      40  

ARTICLE II THE CREDITS

     40  

SECTION 2.01

  Commitments; Removal and Reinstatement of Availability Block      40  

SECTION 2.02

  Loans and Borrowings      41  

SECTION 2.03

  Requests for Revolving Borrowings      42  

SECTION 2.04

  Protective Advances      42  

SECTION 2.05

  Swingline Loans and Overadvances      43  

SECTION 2.06

  Letters of Credit      44  

SECTION 2.07

  Funding of Borrowings      49  

SECTION 2.08

  Interest Elections      50  

SECTION 2.09

  Termination and Reduction of Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments      51  

SECTION 2.10

  Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt      53  

SECTION 2.11

  Prepayment of Loans      53  

SECTION 2.12

  Fees      54  

SECTION 2.13

  Interest      55  

SECTION 2.14

  Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality      56  

SECTION 2.15

  Increased Costs      58  

SECTION 2.16

  Break Funding Payments      59  

SECTION 2.17

  Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up      59  

SECTION 2.18

  Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Setoffs      63  

SECTION 2.19

  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders      65  

SECTION 2.20

  Defaulting Lenders      66  

SECTION 2.21

  Returned Payments      68  

SECTION 2.22

  Banking Services and Swap Agreements      68  

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     69  

SECTION 3.01

  Due Organization and Qualifications; Subsidiaries      69  

SECTION 3.02

  Due Authorization; No Conflict      69  

SECTION 3.03

  Litigation      70  

SECTION 3.04

  Financial Statements      70  

SECTION 3.05

  Solvency      70  

SECTION 3.06

  Employee Benefits      70  

SECTION 3.07

  Environmental Condition      70  

SECTION 3.08

  Intellectual Property      71  

SECTION 3.09

  Complete Disclosure      71  

SECTION 3.10

  Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions      71  

SECTION 3.11

  Margin Stock      71  

 

-i-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS

     71  

SECTION 4.01

  Effective Date      71  

SECTION 4.02

  Each Credit Event      74  

ARTICLE V AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     74  

SECTION 5.01

  [Reserved]      74  

SECTION 5.02

  Collateral Reporting      75  

SECTION 5.03

  Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates      75  

SECTION 5.04

  [Reserved]      77  

SECTION 5.05

  [Reserved]      77  

SECTION 5.06

  Maintenance of Properties      77  

SECTION 5.07

  Taxes      77  

SECTION 5.08

  Insurance      77  

SECTION 5.09

  [Reserved]      78  

SECTION 5.10

  Compliance with Laws      78  

SECTION 5.11

  [Reserved]      78  

SECTION 5.12

  [Reserved]      78  

SECTION 5.13

  Existence      78  

SECTION 5.14

  Environmental      78  

SECTION 5.15

  [Reserved]      79  

SECTION 5.16

  [Reserved]      79  

SECTION 5.17

  Margin Stock      79  

SECTION 5.18

  Inspections and Field Exams; Appraisals      79  

SECTION 5.19

  Use of Proceeds      80  

SECTION 5.20

  Post-Closing Covenants      80  

SECTION 5.21

  Additional Collateral; Further Assurances      81  

ARTICLE VI NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     81  

SECTION 6.01

  Indebtedness      82  

SECTION 6.02

  Liens      83  

SECTION 6.03

  Restrictions on Fundamental Changes      83  

SECTION 6.04

  Disposal of Assets      84  

SECTION 6.05

  [Reserved]      85  

SECTION 6.06

  [Reserved]      85  

SECTION 6.07

  Nature of Business      85  

SECTION 6.08

  Payments of Indebtedness; Modifications of Subordinated Indebtedness      85  

SECTION 6.09

  [Reserved]      85  

SECTION 6.10

  [Reserved]      85  

SECTION 6.11

  Restricted Payments      86  

SECTION 6.12

  [Reserved]      86  

SECTION 6.13

  Investments      86  

SECTION 6.14

  Transactions With Affiliates      87  

SECTION 6.15

  Financial Covenant      87  

ARTICLE VII EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     87  

ARTICLE VIII THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     89  

SECTION 8.01

  Authorization and Action      89  

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

SECTION 8.02

  Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc.      91  

SECTION 8.03

  Posting of Communications      92  

SECTION 8.04

  The Administrative Agent Individually      94  

SECTION 8.05

  Successor Administrative Agent      94  

SECTION 8.06

  Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Bank      95  

SECTION 8.07

  Collateral Matters      97  

SECTION 8.08

  Credit Bidding      97  

SECTION 8.09

  Certain ERISA Matters      98  

SECTION 8.10

  Flood Laws      100  

ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS

     100  

SECTION 9.01

  Notices      100  

SECTION 9.02

  Waivers; Amendments      101  

SECTION 9.03

  Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc.      103  

SECTION 9.04

  Successors and Assigns      106  

SECTION 9.05

  Survival      110  

SECTION 9.06

  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution      110  

SECTION 9.07

  Severability      111  

SECTION 9.08

  Right of Setoff      111  

SECTION 9.09

  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process      112  

SECTION 9.10

  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL      113  

SECTION 9.11

  Headings      113  

SECTION 9.12

  Confidentiality      113  

SECTION 9.13

  Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law      114  

SECTION 9.14

  USA PATRIOT Act      114  

SECTION 9.15

  Disclosure      114  

SECTION 9.16

  Appointment for Perfection      114  

SECTION 9.17

  Interest Rate Limitation      115  

SECTION 9.18

  Marketing Consent      115  

SECTION 9.19

  Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions      115  

SECTION 9.20

  No Fiduciary Duty, Etc.      115  

SECTION 9.21

  Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs      116  

SECTION 9.22

  Joint and Several      117  

ARTICLE X LOAN GUARANTY

     118  

SECTION 10.01

  Guaranty      118  

SECTION 10.02

  Guaranty of Payment      118  

SECTION 10.03

  No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty      118  

SECTION 10.04

  Defenses Waived      119  

SECTION 10.05

  Rights of Subrogation      119  

SECTION 10.06

  Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration      119  

SECTION 10.07

  Information      119  

SECTION 10.08

  [Reserved]      120  

SECTION 10.09

  [Reserved]      120  

SECTION 10.10

  Maximum Liability      120  

SECTION 10.11

  Contribution.      120  

 

-iii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

         Page  

SECTION 10.12

  Liability Cumulative      120  

SECTION 10.13

  Keepwell      121  

ARTICLE XI THE BORROWER REPRESENTATIVE

     121  

SECTION 11.01

  Appointment; Nature of Relationship      121  

SECTION 11.02

  Powers      121  

SECTION 11.03

  Employment of Agents      121  

SECTION 11.04

  Notices      121  

SECTION 11.05

  Successor Borrower Representative      121  

SECTION 11.06

  Execution of Loan Documents; Borrowing Base Certificate      122  

SECTION 11.07

  Reporting      122  

SCHEDULES:

Commitment Schedule

 

Schedule 3.01(b)    –      Subsidiaries
Schedule 3.01(c)    –      Stock Rights
Schedule 3.03    –      Litigation
Schedule 3.07    –      Environmental Matters
Schedule 5.20    –      Post-Closing Matters
Schedule 6.01    –      Permitted Indebtedness
Schedule 6.02    –      Permitted Liens
Schedule 6.13    –      Permitted Investments
Schedule 6.14    –      Transactions with Affiliates

EXHIBITS:

 

Exhibit A    –      Form of Assignment and Assumption
Exhibit B    –      Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit C    –      Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit D    –      Joinder Agreement
Exhibit E-1    –      U.S. Tax Certificate (For Foreign Lenders that are not Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit E-2    –      U.S. Tax Certificate (For Foreign Participants that are not Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit E-3    –      U.S. Tax Certificate (For Foreign Participants that are Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Exhibit E-4    –      U.S. Tax Certificate (For Foreign Lenders that are Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

 

-iv-


CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of December 21, 2023 (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among LSB INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Parent”), the other Loan Parties party hereto, the Lenders party hereto from time to time, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

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:

ABL Priority Collateral” shall have the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Accounts” means all of Borrowers’ now owned or hereafter acquired right, title, and interest with respect to “accounts” (as that term is defined in the UCC), and any and all supporting obligations in respect thereof.

Account Debtor” has the meaning set forth in Article 9 of the UCC.

Acquisition” means the acquisition (whether by means of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) of all or a majority of the Stock of any Person or all or substantially all of the assets of (or any division or business line of) any Person.

Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR” means an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Daily Simple SOFR, plus (b) 0.10%; provided that if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.

Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate” (i) means an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the REVSOFR30 Rate plus (b) 0.10%; provided that (x) if the Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and (y) if the REVSOFR30 Rate shall not be available, then the Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate shall be equal to the CB Floating Rate (unless an alternate rate is established in accordance with Section 2.14); and (ii) when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate.

Adjusted Term SOFR Rate” means, for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Term SOFR Rate for such Interest Period, plus (b) 0.10%; provided that if the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.

Administrative Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (or any of its designated branch offices or affiliates), in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.


Affiliate” means, as applied to any Person, any other Person who, directly or indirectly, Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person.

Agent-Related Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(d).

Aggregate Revolving Commitment” means, at any time, the aggregate of the Revolving Commitments of all of the Lenders, as increased or reduced from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof. As of the Effective Date, the Aggregate Revolving Commitment is $75,000,000.

Aggregate Revolving Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all the Lenders at such time.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph hereof.

Allocable Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.11.

Ancillary Document” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.06(b).

Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to any Borrower, Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.

Applicable Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(c).

Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender, (a) with respect to Revolving Loans, LC Exposure, Protective Advances, Overadvances or Swingline Loans, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Revolving Commitment (provided that, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure at that time), and (b) with respect to Protective Advances or with respect to the Aggregate Revolving Exposure, a percentage based upon its share of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure and the unused Commitments; provided that, in accordance with Section 2.20, so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment shall be disregarded in the calculations under clauses (a) and (b) above.

Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(a).

Approved Fund” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04.

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.

Availability” means, (a) at any time other than an Availability Block Removal Period, an amount equal to (i) the lesser of (A) the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and (B) the Borrowing Base, minus (ii) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure (calculated, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, as if such Defaulting Lender had funded its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Borrowings), minus (iii) the Availability Block, minus (iv) Reserves, and (b) during an Availability Block Removal Period, the amount calculated pursuant to clause (a) of this definition but without subtracting the Availability Block pursuant to subclause (iii) thereof.

 

2


Availability Block” means an amount equal to $7,500,000.

Availability Block Reinstatement Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

Availability Block Removal Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

Availability Block Removal Period” means the period beginning on the date set forth in an Availability Block Removal Notice and ending on the date set forth in an Availability Block Reinstatement Notice, as such notices are delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to and in accordance with Section 2.01(b).

Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Commitments (and, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day).

Available Revolving Commitment” means, at any time, the Aggregate Revolving Commitment minus the Aggregate Revolving Exposure (calculated, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, as if such Defaulting Lender had funded its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Borrowings).

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof), as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period for any term rate or otherwise, for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to clause (e) of Section 2.14.

Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.

Bail-In Legislation” means (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation, rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).

Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries by JPMCB or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (b) stored value cards, (c) merchant processing services, (d) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, any direct debit scheme or arrangement, overdrafts, cash pooling services, and interstate depository network services), and (e) Lease Financing.

Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services; provided, however, Banking Services Obligations in respect of Lease Financing shall be limited to Lease Deficiency Obligations.

 

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Banking Services Reserves” means all Reserves which the Administrative Agent from time to time establishes in its Permitted Discretion for Banking Services then provided or outstanding.

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

Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, when such Person becomes the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business, appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof, provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the U.S. or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.

Benchmark” means, initially, with respect to any (i) RFR Loan, the Daily Simple SOFR, (ii) Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Loan, the REVSOFR30 Rate, or (iii) Term Benchmark Loan, the Term SOFR Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event and the related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the Daily Simple SOFR, REVSOFR30 Rate, or Term SOFR Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.14.

Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:

(1) the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR; or

(2) the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time in the United States and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1) or (2) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread

 

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adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and/or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time.

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement and/or any Term Benchmark Loan, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent decides, in consultation with the Borrower Representative, may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides, in consultation with the Borrower Representative, is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

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

(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or

(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be no longer representative; provided, that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (3) and even if any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date.

For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

Benchmark Transition Event” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:

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

 

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

(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer be, representative.

For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14.

Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership or control as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.

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

Benefit Plan” means a “defined benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) for which any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or ERISA Affiliate of any Loan Party has been an “employer” (as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA) within the past six years.

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

Board of Directors” means the board of directors (or comparable managers) of the Parent or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf thereof.

Board of Governors” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States (or any successor).

 

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Books” means all of each Loan Party’s now owned or hereafter acquired books and records (including all of its records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing its assets (including the Collateral) or liabilities, all of its records relating to its business operations or financial condition, and all of its goods or General Intangibles (as defined in the Security Agreement) related to such information).

Borrower” or “Borrowers” means, individually or collectively, Parent, Chemex I Corp., an Oklahoma corporation, Cherokee Nitrogen L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, EDC AG Products Company L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, El Dorado Ammonia L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, El Dorado Chemical Company, an Oklahoma corporation, El Dorado Nitrogen, L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, LSB Chemical L.L.C., an Oklahoma limited liability company, LSB Insurance LLC, an Oklahoma limited liability company, Pryor Chemical Company, an Oklahoma corporation, Trison Construction, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, and each other Person that becomes a Borrower hereunder at any time pursuant to the execution and delivery of a Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 5.21.

Borrower Representative” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01.

Borrowing” means a Revolving Borrowing, Swingline Loan, Protective Advance, or an Overadvance, as the context may require.

Borrowing Base” means, at any time, the sum of (a) 90% of the Borrowers’ Eligible Accounts at such time, plus (b) the lesser of (i) 75% of the Borrowers’ Eligible Inventory, at such time, valued at the lower of cost or market value, determined on a first-in-first-out basis and (ii) the product of 85% multiplied by the Net Orderly Liquidation Value percentage identified in the most recent Inventory appraisal ordered by the Administrative Agent multiplied by the Borrowers’ Eligible Inventory, valued at the lowest valuation thereof set forth in such Inventory appraisal.

Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate, signed and certified as accurate and complete by a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative, in substantially the form of Exhibit B or another form which is acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower Representative for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03.

Business Day” means any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in New York City; provided that, in addition to the foregoing, a Business Day shall be (a) in relation to RFR Loans and any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such RFR Loan, or any other dealings of such RFR Loan and (b) in relation to Loans referencing the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate and any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such Loans referencing the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate, or any other dealings of such Loans referencing the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate, any such day that is only a U.S. Government Securities Business Day.

Capital Expenditures” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period that are capital expenditures as determined in accordance with GAAP, to the extent such expenditures are paid in cash and not financed, but excluding, without duplication, (a) with respect to the purchase price of assets that are purchased substantially contemporaneously with the trade-in of existing assets during such period, the amount that the gross amount of such purchase price is reduced by the credit granted by the seller of such assets for the assets being traded in at such time, (b) any portion of the purchase price of any Acquisition (to the extent permitted hereunder) allocable to capital expenditures, and (c) expenditures that are accounted for as capital expenditures of such Person and that actually are paid for by a third party (excluding any Loan Party) and for which no Loan Party has provided or is required to provide or incur, directly or indirectly, any consideration or obligation to such third party or any other person (whether before, during or after such period).

 

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Capital Lease” means a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.

Capitalized Lease Obligation” means any Indebtedness represented by obligations under a Capital Lease, but in each case, (i) subject to Section 1.04(b) and (ii) excluding all Indebtedness under any operating lease that is entered into between any Loan Party and any of its Subsidiaries, as lessee, and any “related party” (as defined in paragraph 5 of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 13, “Accounting for leases (FAS13)”) or Affiliate of such lessee, as lessor, that is required to be treated as capital lease obligations under GAAP, pursuant to FAS 13, as amended from time to time.

Cash Equivalents” means (a) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within 2 years from the date of acquisition thereof, (b) marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within 2 years from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having the highest rating obtainable from either S&P or Moody’s, (c) commercial paper maturing no more than 2 years from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of A-1 or P-1, or better, from S&P or Moody’s, and (d) certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances maturing within 2 years from the date of acquisition thereof either (i) issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof which bank has a rating of A or A2, or better, from S&P or Moody’s, or (ii) certificates of deposit less than or equal to $250,000 in the aggregate issued by any other bank insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

CB Floating Rate” means the greater of the Prime Rate or 2.5%. Any change in the CB Floating Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate.

CBFR”, when used in reference to: (a) a rate of interest, refers to the Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate and (b) any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate.

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of any of the following: (a) the adoption of 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) compliance by any Lender or Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements 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, issued or implemented.

 

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Change of Control” means (a) with the exception of the Permitted Holders, any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of Parent’s Stock having the right to vote for the election of members of the Board of Directors, (b) a majority of the members of the Board of Directors do not constitute Continuing Directors, or (c) the Parent ceases to directly or indirectly own and control 100% of the outstanding voting Stock of each Loan Party (other than Parent), except, in the case of this subclause (c), as otherwise permitted by this Agreement.

Charges” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.17.

Class”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Swingline Loans, Protective Advances or Overadvances.

CME Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited as administrator of the forward-looking term SOFR (or a successor administrator).

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

Collateral” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

Collateral Access Agreement” means a landlord waiver, bailee letter, or acknowledgement agreement of any lessor, warehouseman, processor, consignee, or other Person in possession of, having a Lien upon, or having rights or interests in the Inventory, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement and any other agreements, instruments and documents executed or delivered in connection with this Agreement that are intended to create, perfect or evidence Liens to secure the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, financing statements, whether theretofore, now or hereafter executed by any Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent.

Collection Account” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, together with the commitment of such Lender to acquire participations in Protective Advances hereunder. The initial amount of each Lender’s Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the UCC) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C), pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable.

Commitment Schedule” means the Schedule attached hereto identified as such.

Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

Communications” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(c).

Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative in substantially the form of Exhibit C.

 

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

Consolidated Net Interest Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, gross interest expense of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period determined in conformity with GAAP (including, without limitation, interest expense paid to Affiliates of such Person other than a Subsidiary of Parent, less the sum of interest income and non-cash accretion expense and non-cash amortization of debt origination cost for such period, each determined on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP for such Person and its Subsidiaries.

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.

Continuing Directors” means (a) any member of the Board of Directors who was a director (or comparable manager) of Parent on the Effective Date, and (b) any individual who becomes a member of the Board of Directors after the Effective Date if such individual was appointed or nominated for election to the Board of Directors by a majority of the Board of Directors (at the time of such appointment or nomination).

Corresponding Tenor with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.

Covered Entity” means any of the following:

(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

Covered Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.21.

Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any other Lender.

Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day (a “SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to SOFR for the day (such day, a “SOFR Determination Date”) that is five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to (i) if such SOFR Rate Day is a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, such SOFR Rate Day or (ii) if such SOFR Rate Day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately preceding such SOFR Rate Day, in each case, as such SOFR is published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website. Any change in Daily Simple SOFR due to a change in SOFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in SOFR without notice to the Borrowers.

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.

 

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Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular Default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified any Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement, to the effect that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular Default, if any) to funding a Loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three Business Days after request by a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations as of the date of certification) to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, become the subject of (i) a Bankruptcy Event or (ii) a Bail-In Action.

“Dilution Factors” shall mean, without duplication, with respect to any period, and without duplication, the aggregate amount of all deductions, credit memos, returns, adjustments, allowances, bad debt write-offs and other non-cash credits which are recorded to reduce accounts receivable in a manner consistent with current and historical accounting practices of the Borrowers.

Dilution Ratio” shall mean, at any date, the amount (expressed as a percentage) equal to (a) (i) the aggregate amount of the applicable Dilution Factors for the twelve (12) most recently ended fiscal months divided by (ii) total gross sales for the twelve (12) most recently ended fiscal months, minus (b) 2.5%. In the event that the Dilution Ratio as calculated in accordance with this definition would be a negative number, the Dilution Ratio shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

Dilution Reserve” shall mean, at any date, the applicable Dilution Ratio multiplied by the Eligible Accounts.

Dividing Person” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Division.”

Division” means the division of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person (the “Dividing Person”) among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the Dividing Person and pursuant to which the Dividing Person may or may not survive.

Division Successor” means any Person that, upon the consummation of a Division of a Dividing Person, holds all or any portion of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations previously held by such Dividing Person immediately prior to the consummation of such Division. A Dividing Person which retains any of its assets, liabilities and/or obligations after a Division shall be deemed a Division Successor upon the occurrence of such Division.

Document” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

 

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Dollars”, “dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the U.S.

Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary organized under the laws of a jurisdiction located in the U.S.

EBITDA” means, with respect to any fiscal period, the result of (i) Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ consolidated net earnings (or loss), minus (ii) the aggregate amount of all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring gains of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such period, plus, without duplication, (iii) the aggregate amount of (a) all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring charges (excluding any restructuring charges), losses and expenses, interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such period, (b) restructuring charges in an amount not exceeding $5,000,000 in any fiscal year, (c) fees, costs and expenses incurred in such period in connection with (w) [reserved], (x) the issuance or redemption of any capital stock of the Parent, (y) any Permitted Disposition, Acquisition permitted hereunder or issuance of Stock permitted hereunder (whether or not consummated) and (z) the incurrence, amendment and administration of Permitted Indebtedness, including any amendment of this Agreement (whether or not consummated) or the issuance or redemption (but excluding the actual redemption amount) of any capital stock of the Parent, (d) non-operating charges and expenses, non-cash charges and expenses and non-recurring charges and expenses, all as determined in accordance with GAAP and (e) “run rate” operating expense reductions and costs savings and synergies (the “Pro Forma Cost Savings”) (net of actual amounts realized) that are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable (in the good faith determination of such Person) reasonably expected to be realized from actions that have been taken or with respect to which substantial steps have been taken, provided that such expected Pro Forma Cost Savings (x) are reasonably expected to be realized within twelve (12) months and (y) shall not exceed the greater of (1) $7,500,000 for such fiscal period and (2) ten percent (10%) of EBITDA for such fiscal period (calculated before giving effect to any such Pro Forma Cost Savings to be added back pursuant to this clause (e)) and (z) have been demonstrated in writing to the Administrative Agent in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.

EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

 

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Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.

Electronic System” means any electronic system, including e-mail, e-fax, web portal access for such Borrower and any other Internet or extranet-based site, whether such electronic system is owned, operated or hosted by the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank and any of its respective Related Parties or any other Person, providing for access to data protected by passcodes or other security system.

Eligible Accounts” means those Accounts created by one of Borrowers in the ordinary course of its business, that arise out of its sale of goods or rendition of services, that comply with each of the representations and warranties respecting Eligible Accounts made by Borrowers under the Loan Documents, and that are not excluded as ineligible by virtue of one or more of the criteria set forth below; provided, however, that such criteria may be fixed and revised from time to time by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion to address the results of any field exam or appraisal performed by the Administrative Agent from time to time after the Effective Date; provided, further, that (a) any changes in such criteria shall not be effective until the Administrative Agent has provided the Borrower Representative with at least three (3) Business Days’ prior written notice of such change in criteria, it being understood and agreed that the Borrowers may request an explanation of any such changes in criteria and the Administrative Agent agrees to provide a reasonable explanation (if so requested), but the imposition of such changes shall not be delayed, withheld, conditioned or contingent on the Administrative Agent providing any such explanation and (b) such criteria changes are not related to general collectability issues that are otherwise addressed by advance rates or Reserves. In determining the amount to be included, Eligible Accounts shall be calculated net of customer deposits and unapplied cash remitted to Borrowers. Eligible Accounts shall not include the following:

(a) Accounts that the Account Debtor has failed to pay within 120 days of original invoice date, Accounts which are more than 60 days past due or Accounts which have been written off the Books of the applicable Borrower or otherwise designated by such Borrower as uncollectible,

(b) Accounts owed by an Account Debtor (or its Affiliates) where 50% or more of all Accounts owed by that Account Debtor (or its Affiliates) are deemed ineligible under clause (a) above,

(c) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an employee or Affiliate of any Borrower,

(d) Accounts arising in a transaction wherein goods are placed on consignment or are sold pursuant to a guaranteed sale, a sale or return, a sale on approval, a bill and hold (except Accounts of the Borrowers having an aggregate invoice amount for all such Borrowers of (together with Accounts referred to in the parenthetical set forth in clause (n) below) up to $1,500,000 with respect to goods that are subject to a bill and hold agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), or any other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor may be conditional,

(e) Accounts that are not payable in Dollars,

(f) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor either (i) does not maintain its chief executive office in the United States or Canada, or (ii) is not organized under the laws of the United States or Canada or any state or province thereof, or (iii) is the government of any foreign country or sovereign state, or of any state, province, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof, or of any department, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality thereof, unless (y) the Account is supported by an irrevocable letter of credit satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, or (z) the Account is covered by credit insurance in form, substance, and amount, and by an insurer, satisfactory to the Administrative Agent,

 

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(g) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is either (i) the United States or any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States (exclusive, however, of Accounts with respect to which the applicable Borrower has complied, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, with the Assignment of Claims Act, 31 USC § 3727), or (ii) any state of the United States (exclusive, however, of (y) Accounts owed by any state that does not have a statutory counterpart to the Assignment of Claims Act or (z) Accounts owed by any state that does have a statutory counterpart to the Assignment of Claims Act as to which the applicable Borrower has complied to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction),

(h) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a creditor of any Borrower, has or has asserted a right of setoff, has disputed its liability, or has made any claim with respect to its obligation to pay the Account, to the extent of such claim, right of setoff, or dispute,

(i) Accounts with respect to any one Non-Investment Grade Account Debtor (or group of Non-Investment Grade Account Debtors who are Affiliates) whose total obligations owing to Borrowers exceed 25% of all Eligible Accounts, to the extent of the obligations owing by such Non-Investment Grade Account Debtor (or group of Non-Investment Grade Account Debtors who are Affiliates) in excess of such percentage,

(j) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is subject to an Insolvency Proceeding, is not Solvent, has gone out of business, or as to which a Borrower has received notice of an imminent Insolvency Proceeding or a material impairment of the financial condition of such Account Debtor,

(k) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is located in the states of New Jersey, Minnesota, or West Virginia (or any other state that requires a creditor to file a business activity report or similar document in order to bring suit or otherwise enforce its remedies against such Account Debtor in the courts or through any judicial process of such state), unless the applicable Borrower has qualified to do business in New Jersey, Minnesota, West Virginia, or such other states, or has filed a business activities report with the applicable division of taxation, the department of revenue, or with such other state offices, as appropriate, for the then-current year, or is exempt from such filing requirement,

(l) Accounts, the collection of which, the Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, believes to be doubtful by reason of the Account Debtor’s financial condition,

(m) Accounts that are not subject to a valid and perfected first priority Lien of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties,

(n) Accounts with respect to which (i) the goods giving rise to such Account have not been shipped and billed (except Accounts of the Borrowers having an aggregate invoice amount for all such Borrowers of (together with Accounts referred to in the parenthetical set forth in clause (d) above) up to $1,500,000 with respect to goods that are subject to a bill and hold letter in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) to the Account Debtor, or (ii) the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed and billed to the Account Debtor, or

(o) Accounts that represent the right to receive progress payments or other advance billings that are due prior to the completion of performance by the applicable Borrower of the subject contract for goods or services.

 

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Eligible Inventory” means Inventory of Borrowers consisting of first quality finished goods held for sale in the ordinary course of Borrowers’ business located at one of the business locations of Borrowers set forth on Schedule 7.2 to the Security Agreement (or in-transit between any such locations), that complies with each of the representations and warranties respecting Eligible Inventory made by Borrowers in the Loan Documents, and that is not excluded as ineligible by virtue of the one or more of the criteria set forth below; provided, however, that such criteria may be fixed and revised from time to time by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion to address the results of any audit or appraisal performed by the Administrative Agent from time to time after the Effective Date; provided, further, that (a) any changes in such criteria shall not be effective until the Administrative Agent has provided the Borrower Representative with at least three (3) Business Days’ prior written notice of such change in criteria, it being understood and agreed that the Borrowers may request an explanation of any such changes in criteria and the Administrative Agent agrees to provide a reasonable explanation (if so requested), but the imposition of such changes shall not be delayed, withheld, conditioned or contingent on the Administrative Agent providing any such explanation and (b) such criteria changes are not related to general collectability issues that are otherwise addressed by advance rates or Reserves. In determining the amount to be so included, Inventory shall be valued at the lower of cost or market on a basis consistent with Borrowers’ historical accounting practices. An item of Inventory shall not be included in Eligible Inventory if:

(a) a Borrower does not have good, valid, and marketable title thereto,

(b) it is not located at one of the locations in the United States set forth on Schedule 7.2 to the Security Agreement or in transit from one such location to another such location,

(c) is at a location where a lessor, consignor, warehouseman, bailee or other similar Person has rights with respect to such Inventory, unless such Inventory is (A) either (x) subject to a Collateral Access Agreement or (y) subject to a Reserve for rent (or for consignee’s, warehousemen’s, bailee’s or similar charges, as applicable) and (B) segregated or otherwise separately identifiable from goods of others, if any, stored on the premises; provided that no Inventory that would otherwise be Eligible Inventory but for the application of clause (A) of this paragraph (c) shall be excluded from Eligible Inventory by such clause (A) until the date that is sixty (60) days following the Effective Date,

(d) it is not subject to a valid and perfected first priority Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties,

(e) it consists of goods returned or rejected by a Borrower’s customers, or

(f) it consists of goods that are obsolete or slow moving, restrictive or custom items, work-in-process, raw materials or component parts, or goods that constitute spare parts, packaging and shipping materials, supplies used or consumed in a Borrower’s business, bill and hold goods, defective goods, “seconds,” or Inventory acquired on consignment.

Eligible Raw Inventory” means Inventory of Borrowers that would qualify as Eligible Inventory but for the fact that it consists of goods that are raw materials or component parts used or consumed in a Borrower’s business.

Environmental Actions” means any complaint, summons, citation, notice, directive, order, claim, litigation, investigation, judicial or administrative proceeding, judgment, letter, or other communication from any Governmental Authority, or any third party involving violations of Environmental Laws or releases of Hazardous Materials from (a) any assets, properties, or businesses of any Loan Party or any predecessor in interest, (b) from adjoining properties or businesses, or (c) from or onto any facilities which received Hazardous Materials generated by any Loan Party or any predecessor in interest.

 

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Environmental Law” means any applicable federal, state, provincial, foreign or local statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, binding and enforceable guideline, binding and enforceable written policy or rule of common law now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent decree or judgment, to the extent binding on Loan Parties, relating to the environment, employee health and safety, or Hazardous Materials, including CERCLA; RCRA; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 USC § 1251 et seq; the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 USC, § 2601 et seq; the Clean Air Act, 42 USC § 7401 et seq.; the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 USC. § 3803 et seq.; the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, 33 USC. § 2701 et seq.; the Emergency Planning and the Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 USC. § 11001 et seq.; the Hazardous Material Transportation Act, 49 USC § 1801 et seq.; and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 USC. §651 et seq. (to the extent it regulates occupational exposure to Hazardous Materials); any state and local or foreign counterparts or equivalents, in each case as amended from time to time.

Environmental Liabilities and Costs” means all liabilities, monetary obligations, Remedial Actions, losses, damages, punitive damages, consequential damages, treble damages, costs and expenses (including all reasonable fees, disbursements and expenses of counsel, experts, or consultants, and costs of investigation and feasibility studies), fines, penalties, sanctions, and interest incurred as a result of any claim or demand by any Governmental Authority or any third party, and which relate to any Environmental Action.

Environmental Lien” means any Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority for Environmental Liabilities and Costs.

Equipment” means all of Loan Parties’ now owned or hereafter acquired right, title, and interest with respect to equipment, machinery, machine tools, motors, furniture, furnishings, fixtures, vehicles (including motor vehicles), tools, parts, goods (other than consumer goods, farm products, or Inventory), wherever located, including all attachments, accessories, accessions, replacements, substitutions, additions, and improvements to any of the foregoing.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor statute thereto.

ERISA Affiliate” means (a) any Person whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of a Loan Party under IRC Section 414(b), (b) any trade or business whose employees are treated as employed by the same employer as the employees of a Loan Party under IRC Section 414(c), (c) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the IRC, any organization that is a member of an affiliated service group of which a Loan Party is a member under IRC Section 414(m), or (d) solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the IRC, any Person that is a party to an arrangement with a Loan Party and whose employees are aggregated with the employees of a Loan Party under IRC Section 414(o).

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.

Event of Default” has the meaning set forth in Article VII.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as in effect from time to time.

Excluded Accounts” has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.

 

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Excluded Subsidiary” means:

(1) any Foreign Subsidiary that is treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, and any Subsidiary of such Foreign Subsidiary;

(2) any Subsidiary of Parent; provided that (a) the total assets of all Subsidiaries that are Excluded Subsidiaries solely as a result of this clause (2), as reflected on their respective most recent balance sheets prepared in accordance with GAAP, do not in the aggregate at any time exceed $1.0 million and (b) the total revenues of all Subsidiaries that are Excluded Subsidiaries solely as a result of this clause (2) for the most recently ended Test Period, as reflected on such income statements, do not in the aggregate exceed $2.0 million; or

(3) any Subsidiary that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner for U.S. federal income tax purposes if substantially all of the direct or indirect assets of such Subsidiary are capital stock of one or more “controlled foreign corporations” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.

Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political 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, Letter of Credit or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrowers under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office; (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f); and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA

Extenuating Circumstance” means any period during which the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion (a) that due to unforeseen and/or nonrecurring circumstances, it is impractical and/or not feasible to submit or receive a Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request by email or fax or through Electronic System, and (b) to accept a Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request telephonically.

Fair Market Value” means, with respect to any asset or property of a Person, the price which could be negotiated in an arm’s length free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction, as determined by the Borrower Representative in good-faith.

 

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FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.

FCA” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.05.

Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions (as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate, provided that, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than 0%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0% for the purposes of this Agreement.

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

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

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, for any period, the ratio of (i) EBITDA for such period minus Capital Expenditures made (to the extent not already incurred in a prior period) or incurred during such period, to (ii) the sum of (A) all principal of Indebtedness of Parent and its Subsidiaries scheduled to be paid during such period (not including (w) the final scheduled payment of the Obligations at the Maturity Date, (x) the Secured Notes at the final maturity date applicable thereto, (y) [reserved], or (z) Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business not in excess of the amount of such premiums to the extent that such amounts are expensed and therefor reduce EBITDA), plus (B) Consolidated Net Interest Expense of Parent and its Subsidiaries for such period, plus (C) all amounts required to be paid by Parent and its Subsidiaries on Capitalized Lease Obligations having a scheduled due date during such period.

Flood Laws” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.10.

Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, the initial Floor for each of the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR shall be 0%.

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

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

Funding Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(h).

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the U.S, consistently applied.

 

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Governmental Authority” means the government of the U.S., 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.

Governing Documents” means, with respect to any Person, the certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws, or other organizational documents of such Person.

Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local, or other governmental or administrative body, instrumentality, department, or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute- resolving panel or body.

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.

Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.01.

Guarantor Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.11.

Guarantors” means all Loan Guarantors and all non-Loan Parties who have delivered an Obligation Guaranty, and the term “Guarantor” means each or any one of them individually.

Hazardous Materials” means (a) substances that are defined or listed in, or otherwise classified pursuant to, any applicable laws or regulations as “hazardous substances,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous wastes,” “toxic substances,” or any other formulation intended to define, list, or classify substances by reason of deleterious properties such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or “EP toxicity”, (b) oil, petroleum, or petroleum derived substances, natural gas, natural gas liquids, synthetic gas, drilling fluids, produced waters, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal resources, (c) any flammable substances or explosives or any radioactive materials, and (d) asbestos in any form or electrical equipment that contains any oil or dielectric fluid containing levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in excess of 50 parts per million.

IFRS” means the body of pronouncements issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), including International Financial Reporting Standards and interpretations approved by the IASB, International Accounting Standards and Standing Interpretations Committee interpretations approved by the predecessor International Accounting Standards Committee and adapted for use in the European Union.

 

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Indebtedness” means (a) all obligations of a Loan Party for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of a Loan Party evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments and all reimbursement or other obligations of a Loan Party in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, interest rate swaps, or other financial products, (c) all Capitalized Lease Obligations, (d) all obligations or liabilities of others secured by a Lien on any asset of a Loan Party, irrespective of whether such obligation or liability is assumed, (e) all obligations of a Loan Party for the deferred purchase price of assets (other than trade debt incurred in the ordinary course of a Loan Parties’ business and repayable in accordance with customary trade practices), and (f) any obligation of a Loan Party guaranteeing or intended to guarantee (whether directly or indirectly guaranteed, endorsed, co-made, discounted, or sold with recourse to a Loan Party) any obligation of the type described in clauses (a) through (e) above of any other Person.

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 the foregoing clause (a) hereof, Other Taxes.

Indemnitee” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(c).

Ineligible Institution” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(b).

Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.12.

Insolvency Proceeding” means any proceeding commenced by or against any Person under any provision of the Code or under any other state or federal bankruptcy or insolvency law, assignments for the benefit of creditors, formal or informal moratoria, compositions, extensions generally with creditors, or proceedings seeking reorganization, arrangement, or other similar relief.

Intercreditor Agreement” means the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of August 7, 2013 among the Loan Parties and certain of their Affiliates party thereto, the Administrative Agent, the Secured Notes Agent, and the other Persons party thereto, as in effect on the Effective Date after giving effect to the Intercreditor Joinder Agreement and as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Intercreditor Joinder Agreement” means the joinder agreement to the Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Effective Date executed and delivered by the Administrative Agent and acknowledged by Secured Notes Agent in connection with this Agreement.

Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower Representative to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08.

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any CBFR Loan, the first Business Day of each calendar month and the Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any RFR Loan, (1) each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month) and (2) the Maturity Date, and (c) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part (and, in the case of a Term Benchmark 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) and the Maturity Date.

Interest Period” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, three or six months thereafter (in each case, subject to the availability for the Benchmark applicable to the relevant Loan or Commitment), as the Borrower Representative may elect; provided, that (a) if any

 

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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 Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (b) 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, and (c) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 2.14(e) shall be available for specification in such Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

Inventory” means all Loan Parties’ now owned or hereafter acquired right, title, and interest with respect to inventory, including goods held for sale or lease or to be furnished under a contract of service, goods that are leased by a Loan Party as lessor, goods that are furnished by a Loan Party under a contract of service, and raw materials, work in process, or materials used or consumed in a Loan Parties’ business.

Investment” means, with respect to any Person, any investment by such Person in any other Person (including Affiliates) in the form of loans, guarantees, advances, or capital contributions (excluding (a) commission, travel, and similar advances to officers and employees of such Person made in the ordinary course of business, and (b) bona fide Accounts arising from the sale of goods or rendition of services in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness or Stock, and any other items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Investment Grade Account Debtor” means each Account Debtor set forth on the “Investment Grade Accounts” schedule to the most recently delivered Borrowing Base Certificate, so long as such Account Debtor maintains a corporate credit rating of BBB- or better by S&P or Baa3 or better by Moody’s.

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Issuing Bank” means, individually and collectively, each of JPMCB and any other Revolving Lender from time to time after the Effective Date designated by the Borrower Representative as an Issuing Bank (in each case, through itself or through one of its designated affiliates or branch offices), with the consent of such Revolving Lender and the Administrative Agent, each in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder and its respective successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). Any Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by its Affiliates, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate (it being agreed that such Issuing Bank shall, or shall cause such Affiliate to, comply with the requirements of Section 2.06 with respect to such Letters of Credit). At any time there is more than one Issuing Bank, all singular references to the Issuing Bank shall mean any Issuing Bank, either Issuing Bank, each Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank that has issued the applicable Letter of Credit, or both (or all) Issuing Banks, as the context may require.

Issuing Bank Sublimit” means (a) in the case of JPMCB as of the Effective Date, $10,000,000 and (b) such amount as shall be designated to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative in writing by an Issuing Bank other than JPMCB; provided that any Issuing Bank shall be permitted at any time to increase its Issuing Bank Sublimit upon providing five (5) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative.

Joinder Agreement” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit D.

 

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JPMCB” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

LC Collateral Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.06(j).

LC Disbursement” means any payment made by an Issuing Bank 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 plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements relating to Letters of Credit that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrowers. The LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate LC Exposure at such time.

Lease Deficiency Obligation” means after default, repossession and disposition of the Equipment which is the subject of or which secures a Lease Financing, the amount, if any, by which (a) any and all obligations of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries to a Lessor, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with a specific Lease Financing, exceeds (b) the Net Proceeds realized by the Lessor upon the disposition of the Equipment which is the subject of or which secures the specific Lease Financing.

Lease Financing” means (a) a lease of specific Equipment as defined in Article 2-A of the UCC, and (b) a secured financing transaction secured by specific Equipment, whether that transaction is called a lease or a loan, entered into by any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries with any Lender or any of its Affiliates (in this context, the “Lessor”).

Lender Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.

Lender-Related Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

Lenders” means the Persons listed on the Commitment Schedule and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 2.09 or an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise, other than any such Person that ceases to be a Lender hereunder pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Banks.

Letters of Credit” means the letters of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement, and the term “Letter of Credit” means any one of them or each of them singularly, as the context may require.

Letter of Credit Agreement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.06(b).

Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.

Lien” means any interest in an asset securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, any Person other than the owner of the asset, whether such interest shall be based on the common law, statute, or contract, whether such interest shall be recorded or perfected, and whether such interest shall be contingent upon the occurrence of some future event or events or the existence of some future circumstance or circumstances, including the lien or security interest arising from a mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt, or from a lease, consignment, or bailment for security purposes and also including reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases, and other title exceptions and encumbrances affecting real property.

 

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Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, any promissory notes issued pursuant to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit Agreement, the Collateral Documents, each Compliance Certificate, the Loan Guaranty, any Obligation Guaranty, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Intercreditor Joinder Agreement, and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lender and including all other pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, letter of credit agreements, letter of credit applications and any agreements between the Borrower Representative and an Issuing Bank regarding such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between the applicable Borrower and an Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance by such Issuing Bank of Letters of Credit, and all other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in this 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 this Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

Loan Guarantor” means each Loan Party.

Loan Guaranty” means Article X of this Agreement.

Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrowers, the Borrowers’ Domestic Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries) and any other Person who becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to a Joinder Agreement as a Borrower or Guarantor and their respective successors and assigns, and the term “Loan Party” shall mean any one of them or all of them individually, as the context may require.

Loans” means the loans and advances made by the Lenders pursuant to this Agreement, including Swingline Loans, Overadvances and Protective Advances.

Margin” means 1.625%

Margin Stock” has the meaning set forth in Regulation U of the Board of Governors as in effect from time to time.

Material Adverse Change” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, or financial condition of Loan Parties taken as a whole, (b) the ability of Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to perform their payment obligations under the Loan Documents, or (c) the rights and remedies available to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under the Loan Documents (other than due to the action or inaction of any such Person).

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 Parent and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $15,000,000. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Parent 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 Parent or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

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Maturity Date” means the earliest to occur of (i) the date that is ninety (90) days prior to the stated maturity date of the Secured Notes (which, as of the Effective Date, is October 15, 2028) (or, if the Secured Notes have been extended or refinanced, ninety (90) days prior to the stated maturity date of such extended or refinancing Indebtedness); provided that this clause (i) will not apply to the extent that, in either case, the Secured Notes have been repaid or redeemed in full prior to the applicable stated maturity date), (ii) December 21, 2028, and (iii) the date on which the Commitments are reduced to zero or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof; provided that, in each case, if such day is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the Business Day immediately succeeding such day.

Maximum Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.17.

Monthly Financial Reporting Period” means any period during which the following exist: (i) Revolving Loans are outstanding, (ii) LC Disbursements have been made and such LC Disbursements have not been reimbursed by the Borrowers in accordance with Section 2.06(e), or (ii) an Availability Block Removal Period exists.

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

Multiemployer Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.09(a).

Net Orderly Liquidation Value” means, with respect to an item of Eligible Inventory and Eligible Raw Inventory, as of any date of determination, the orderly liquidation value thereof as determined by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, which determination may be made by the Administrative Agent in reliance on periodic appraisals.

Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any event, (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment receivable or otherwise, but excluding any interest payments), but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds received in cash by a Loan Party, and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments received in cash by a Loan Party, minus (b) the sum of (i) all reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties (other than Affiliates) in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a disposition of an asset, the amount of all payments required to be made as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event and (iii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) and the amount of any reserves established to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Financial Officer).

Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02(d).

Non-Investment Grade Account Debtor” means each Account Debtor that is not an Investment Grade Account Debtor.

Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness: (a) as to which neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries (x) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (y) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise; and (b) as to which the lenders or investors of such Indebtedness will have no recourse to the Stock or the assets of the Parent or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Stock or assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary).

 

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Notes Priority Collateral” has the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.

NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day(or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that if none of such rates are published for any day that is a Business Day, the term “NYFRB Rate” means the rate for a federal funds transaction quoted at 11:00 a.m. on such day received by the Administrative Agent from a federal funds broker of recognized standing selected by it; provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined would be less than 0%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0% for purposes of this Agreement.

NYFRB’s Website” means the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.

Obligated Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.

Obligation Guaranty” means any Guarantee of all or any portion of the Secured Obligations executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, by a guarantor who is not a Loan Party.

Obligations” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all LC Exposure, all accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations and indebtedness (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any Insolvency Proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such Insolvency Proceeding), obligations and liabilities of any of the Loan Parties to any of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any indemnified party, individually or collectively, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, arising or incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans made or reimbursement or other obligations incurred or any of the Letters of Credit or other instruments at any time evidencing any thereof.

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 Taxes (other than a connection 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, Letter of Credit or any 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 2.19).

Overadvance” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b).

Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurodollar transactions denominated in Dollars by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions (as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time) and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate.

 

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Paid in Full” or “Payment in Full” means, (a) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all outstanding Loans and LC Disbursements, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (b) the termination, expiration, or cancellation and return of all outstanding Letters of Credit (or alternatively, with respect to each such Letter of Credit, the furnishing to the Administrative Agent of a cash deposit, or at the discretion of the Administrative Agent a backup standby letter of credit satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank, in an amount equal to 103% of the LC Exposure as of the date of such payment), (c) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the accrued and unpaid fees payable under the Loan Documents, (d) the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all reimbursable expenses and other Secured Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations for which no claim has been made and other obligations expressly stated to survive such payment and termination of this Agreement), together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (e) the termination of all Commitments, and (f) the termination of the Swap Agreement Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations or entering into other arrangements satisfactory to the Secured Parties counterparties thereto.

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

Participant” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(c).

Participant Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(c).

Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.06(d).

Payment Conditions” shall be deemed to be satisfied in connection with any Payment Condition Transaction if:

(a) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result immediately after giving effect to such Payment Condition Transaction;

(b) immediately after giving effect to, and at all times during the thirty (30) consecutive day period immediately preceding, the Payment Condition Transaction, the Borrowers shall have Specified Availability calculated on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Payment Condition Transaction of not less than the greater of (1) 20% of the Revolving Commitment and (2) $13,000,000; and

(c) the Borrower Representative shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent certifying as to the items described in (a) and (b) above and attaching calculations for item (b) (provided, that the Administrative Agent may waive the requirement to attach calculations under this sub-clause (ii) in its sole discretion).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to Payment Condition Transactions that are Restricted Payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of Section 6.11(c) and the proceeds of such Restricted Payments are used to repurchase, retire, or redeem the Parent’s Stock, the certificate described in clause (c) of this definition shall not be required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent; provided that (i) each certificate delivered pursuant to (x) Section 5.03(a)(ii) (to the extent a Monthly Financial Reporting Period exists) and (y) Section 5.03(b), and (ii) each Compliance Certificate (if delivered pursuant to Section 5.03(a) in lieu of the certificate described in subclause (x) of the immediately preceding clause (i)), shall contain (A) the certifications set forth in clause (c) of this definition with respect to, and (B) a certification of the aggregate amount of, all such Restricted Payments made during the period covered by the applicable financial statements.

 

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Payment Condition Transaction” means any transaction that is expressly conditioned on the satisfaction of the Payment Conditions pursuant to this Agreement.

Payment Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.06(d).

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

Permitted Discretion” means a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) business judgment.

Permitted Dispositions” means any conveyance, sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, or disposition or similar transaction that is permitted by Section 6.04.

Permitted Holders” means Eldridge Industries LLC, together with any funds, limited partnerships and investment vehicles controlled, managed or advised, directly or indirectly or by contract or otherwise, by, or under common control with, Eldridge Industries LLC (and including, for the avoidance of doubt, TLB-LSB, LLC and its Affiliates).

Permitted Indebtedness” means Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 6.01.

Permitted Investments” means Investments permitted pursuant to Section 6.13.

Permitted Liens” means (a) Liens held by the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, (b) Liens for unpaid taxes that either (i) are not yet delinquent, or (ii) do not constitute an Event of Default hereunder and are the subject of Permitted Protests, (c) Liens set forth on Schedule 6.02, (d) the interests of lessors under operating leases, (e) purchase money Liens or the interests of lessors under Capital Leases to the extent that such Liens or interests secure Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness and so long as such Lien attaches only to the asset purchased or acquired and the proceeds thereof, (f) Liens arising by operation of law in favor of warehousemen, landlords, carriers, mechanics, materialmen, laborers, or suppliers, incurred in the ordinary course of Loan Parties’ business and not in connection with the borrowing of money, and which Liens either (i) are for sums not yet delinquent, or (ii) are the subject of Permitted Protests, (g) Liens arising from deposits made in connection with obtaining worker’s compensation or other unemployment insurance, social security and other similar laws, (h) Liens or deposits to secure performance of bids, tenders, or leases incurred in the ordinary course of Loan Parties’ business and not in connection with the borrowing of money, (i) Liens granted as security for surety, payment, performance or appeal bonds in connection with obtaining such bonds in the ordinary course of Loan Parties’ business, (j) Liens resulting from any judgment or award that is not an Event of Default hereunder, (k) with respect to any real property, easements, exceptions, reservations, encroachments, restrictions, rights of way, zoning restrictions and other similar title policy exceptions or encumbrances that do not materially interfere with or impair the use or operation thereof by the Loan Parties; (l) [reserved]; (m) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(l); (n) [reserved]; (o) [reserved]; (p) Liens arising in connection with Third Party Swap Obligations; (q) Liens securing the Secured Notes so long as such Liens are subject to the Intercreditor Agreement or another intercreditor agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion; (r) purported Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (or any similar precautionary filings) relating solely to operating leases of personal property entered into in the ordinary course of business and (s) other Liens securing obligations or

 

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Indebtedness not in excess of greater of (x) $70,000,000 and (y) 5.5% of the total consolidated assets of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as reflected on their balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, in the aggregate at any one time outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary set forth herein, unless expressly agreed to by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties or unless required by applicable law, no Lien described in any of the foregoing clauses is permitted to be senior, prior in right or otherwise have a higher priority with respect to the Collateral than the Administrative Agent’s Lien upon the Collateral.

Permitted Protest” means the right of the applicable Loan Party to protest any Lien (other than any such Lien that secures the Obligations), taxes (other than payroll taxes or taxes that are the subject of a United States federal tax lien), or rental payment, provided that (a) a reserve with respect to such obligation is established on the Books in such amount as is required under GAAP, (b) any such protest is instituted promptly and prosecuted diligently by the applicable Loan Party in good faith, and (c) the Administrative Agent is satisfied in its Permitted Discretion that, while any such protest is pending, there will be no impairment of the enforceability, validity, or priority of the Administrative Agent’s Liens on any Collateral with an aggregate Fair Market Value in excess of $1,000,000.

Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, Purchase Money Indebtedness outstanding as of such date of determination not to exceed the greater of (x) $70,000,000 and (y) 5.5% of the total consolidated assets of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as reflected on their balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.

“Purchase Money Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Obligations, but including Capitalized Lease Obligations), incurred at the time of, or within 180 days after, the acquisition of any assets for the purpose of financing all or any part of the acquisition cost thereof.

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

Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA, as amended from time to time.

Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Federal Reserve Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.

Proceeding” means any claim, litigation, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or administrative, judicial or regulatory action or proceeding in any jurisdiction.

Protective Advance” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04.

PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

Public-Sider” means a Lender whose representatives may trade in securities of Parent or its Controlling Person or any of its Subsidiaries while in possession of the financial statements provided by the Loan Parties under the terms of this Agreement.

 

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QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

QFC Credit Support” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.21.

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

Recipient” means, as applicable, (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Bank, or any combination thereof (as the context requires).

Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (a) if such Benchmark is the Term SOFR Rate or REVSOFR30 Rate, 5:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on the day that is two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the date of such setting, (b) if such Benchmark is Daily Simple SOFR, then four (4) Business Days prior to such setting or (c) if such Benchmark is not the Term SOFR Rate or REVSOFR30 Rate or Daily Simple SOFR, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

Register” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.04(b)(iv).

Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.

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

Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board and/or the NYFRB or, in each case, any successor thereto.

Relevant Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, (ii) with respect to any Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Borrowing, the Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate, or (iii) with respect to any RFR Borrowing, the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, as applicable.

Remedial Action” means all actions taken to (a) clean up, remove, remediate, contain, treat, monitor, assess, evaluate, or in any way address Hazardous Materials in the indoor or outdoor environment, (b) prevent or minimize a release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials so they do not migrate or endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare or the indoor or outdoor environment, (c) perform any pre-remedial studies, investigations, or post-remedial operation and maintenance activities, or (d) conduct any other actions authorized by 42 USC § 9601.

Report” means reports prepared by the Administrative Agent or another Person showing the results of appraisals, field examinations or audits pertaining to the assets of the Loan Parties from information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrowers, after the Administrative Agent has exercised its rights of inspection pursuant to this Agreement, which Reports may be distributed to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent.

 

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Reporting Trigger Event” means that Specified Availability has fallen below the greater of (a) $11,250,000 and (b) 15% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment for a period of three (3) consecutive Business Days.

Reporting Trigger Period” means the period commencing on the date on which a Reporting Trigger Event occurs and ending on the date following the date on which Specified Availability is greater than the greater of (a) $11,250,000 and (b) 15% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment for at least thirty (30) consecutive days.

Required Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.20, (a) at any time prior to the earlier of the Loans becoming due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments terminating or expiring, Lenders having Revolving Exposures and Unfunded Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure and Unfunded Commitments at such time; provided that solely for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VII, the Unfunded Commitment of each Lender shall be disregarded, and (b) for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments expire or terminate, Lenders having Revolving Exposures representing more than 50% of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure at such time.

Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation, bylaws, or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person and (b) any statute, law (including common law), treaty, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, order, decree, writ, judgment, injunction or determination of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority (including Environmental Laws), in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

Reserves” means any and all reserves which the Administrative Agent deems necessary, in its Permitted Discretion, to maintain (including, without limitation and without duplication, reserves for accrued and unpaid interest on the Secured Obligations, Banking Services Reserves, the Dilution Reserve, volatility reserves, reserves for rent at locations leased by any Loan Party and for consignee’s, warehousemen’s, bailee’s and similar charges (provided that such reserves for rent and such other charges shall not be established (a) for any location for which a Collateral Access Agreement has been delivered and (b) prior to the date that is sixty (60) days following the Effective Date), reserves for Inventory shrinkage, reserves for customs charges and shipping charges related to any Inventory in transit, reserves for Swap Agreement Obligations, reserves for contingent liabilities of any Loan Party, reserves in respect of any casualty event or taking by any Governmental Authority, whether by eminent domain or condemnation, reserves for uninsured losses of any Loan Party, reserves in respect of Liens on the Collateral, reserves for uninsured, underinsured, un-indemnified or under-indemnified liabilities or potential liabilities with respect to any litigation and reserves for taxes, fees, assessments, and other governmental charges) with respect to the Collateral or any Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent may, in its Permitted Discretion, establish, increase or decrease Reserves, without duplication, against the Borrowing Base or the Aggregate Revolving Commitment. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary but subject to the following proviso, in no event shall any Reserve be established or increased unless the Administrative Agent shall have provided at least three (3) Business Days’ prior written notice thereof to the Borrower Representative (which notice will include a reasonably detailed description of the Reserve being established); provided that no prior written notice shall be required for the establishment of any Reserve if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.

 

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Responsible Officer” means the president, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Officer or other senior executive officer of a Borrower.

Reuters” means, as applicable, Thomson Reuters Corp, Refinitiv, or any successor thereto.

Revolving Borrowing” means Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect

Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the amount set forth on the Commitment Schedule opposite such Lender’s name, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(C), pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable, as such Revolving Commitment may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to (a) Section 2.09 and (b) assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04; provided, that at no time shall the Revolving Exposure of any Lender exceed its Revolving Commitment. The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitment is $75,000,000.

Revolving Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans, its LC Exposure and its Swingline Exposure at such time, plus (b) an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Protective Advances outstanding at such time, plus (c) an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Overadvances outstanding at such time.

Revolving Lender” means, as of any date of determination, a Lender with a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.

Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01(a).

REVSOFR30 Rate” means the Term SOFR Reference Rate for a one (1) month period, as such rate is published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Chicago time, two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the first (1st) Business Day of each month, adjusted monthly on the first (1st) Business Day of each month. Any change in the REVSOFR30 Rate shall be effective from and include the effective date of such change.

RFR Borrowing” means, as to any Borrowing, the RFR Loans comprising such Borrowing.

RFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business.

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, the Crimea Region of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), or (d) any Person otherwise the subject of any Sanctions.

 

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Sanctions” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the U.S.

Secured Notes” means the 6.250% Senior Secured Notes issued by the Parent under the Secured Notes Indenture.

Secured Notes Agent” means Wilmington Trust, National Association or any replacement agent or successor thereof appointed as the “Trustee” under the Secured Notes Indenture and the “Notes Agent” under the Intercreditor Agreement.

Secured Notes Documents” means the “Note Documents”, as defined in the Secured Notes Indenture.

Secured Notes Indenture” means the Indenture dated as of October 14, 2021 among the Parent, as issuer, the Affiliates of the Parent, as guarantors, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and notes collateral agent, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time subject to the Intercreditor Agreement.

Secured Obligations” means all Obligations, together with all (a) Banking Services Obligations and (b) Swap Agreement Obligations, in each case, owing to one or more Lenders or their respective Affiliates; provided, however, that the definition of “Secured Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Guarantor.

Secured Parties” means (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) the Lenders, (c) each Issuing Bank, (d) each provider of Banking Services, to the extent the Banking Services Obligations in respect thereof constitute Secured Obligations, (e) each counterparty to any Swap Agreement, to the extent the obligations thereunder constitute Secured Obligations, (f) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document, and (g) the successors and permitted assigns of each of the foregoing.

Security Agreement” means that certain Pledge and Security Agreement (including any and all supplements thereto), dated as of the date hereof, among the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and any other pledge or security agreement entered into after the date of this Agreement by any other Loan Party to secure the Secured Obligations (as required by this Agreement or any other Loan Document) for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, in each case, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

Settlement” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c).

Settlement Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(d).

 

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SOFR” means a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.

SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).

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

SOFR Determination Date” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Daily Simple SOFR”.

SOFR Rate Day” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “Daily Simple SOFR”.

Solvent” means, with respect to any Person on a particular date, (1) the fair value of the assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, exceeds their debts and liabilities; (2) such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (3) such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, 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 after the Effective Date; provided that the amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

Specified Availability” means, at any time, the amount of Availability as calculated pursuant to clause (a) of the definition thereof but without subtracting the Availability Block pursuant to subclause (iii) of clause (a) of the definition thereof.

Specified Benefit Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.09(a).

Specified Event of Default” means an Event of Default pursuant to paragraphs (a), (c) or (d) of Article VII.

Special Permitted Investment” means any and all of the following:

(a) marketable direct obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within two years from the date of acquisition thereof;

(b) marketable direct obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in each case maturing within two years from the date of acquisition thereof;

(c) repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, or obligations that have a term not to exceed thirty (30) days with respect to any security described in clause (a) or (b) above, and that are entered into with a depository institution or trust company (acting as a principal) rated in the highest available short-term rating category by each of at least two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (each an “NRSRO”) at the time of that investment;

(d) certificates of deposit maturing within two years from the date of acquisition thereof, and that are (i) issued by any bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof to the extent that those deposits are fully insured by the FDIC or (ii) secured by any security described in clause (a) or (b) above;

 

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(e) commercial paper maturing no more than two years from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of that acquisition, and having a short-term unsecured debt rating in the highest available rating category of at least two of NRSROs at the time of that investment;

(f) debt securities that bear interest or are sold at a discount, that are issued by any corporation incorporated under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, and that, at the time of that investment, are rated AA or higher (or the equivalent thereof) by at least two NRSROs;

(g) debt securities that bear interest or are sold at a discount, that are issued by any municipality existing under the laws of any state of the United States, and that, at the time of that investment, are rated AA or higher (or the equivalent thereof) by at least two NRSROs;

(h) floating-rate bonds that bear interest or are sold at a discount that, at the time of that investment, are (i) rated AA or higher (or the equivalent thereof) by at least two NRSROs or (ii) secured by an irrevocable, unconditional, standby letter of credit issued by a commercial bank that (x) is issued by a commercial bank that, at the time of issuance of the said letter of credit, has a long-term unsecured debt rating of AA or higher (or the equivalent thereof) from at least two NRSROs and (y) has a drawing amount at least equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the face values of the floating-rate bonds that it is securing; and

(i) money market funds having ratings in the highest available rating categories of at least two NRSROs at the time of that investment.

Stock” means all shares, options, warrants, interests, participations, or other equivalents (regardless of how designated) of or in a Person, whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, preferred stock, partnership interests, membership interests, beneficial ownership interests in a trust or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act).

Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.18(f).

Subordinated Indebtedness” of a Person means any Indebtedness of such Person, the payment of which is subordinated to payment of the Secured Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity in which that Person directly or indirectly owns or controls the shares of Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors (or appoint other comparable managers) of such corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity. All references to a “Subsidiary” or “Subsidiaries” in this Agreement (other than in this definition and the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary”) and the other Loan Documents shall exclude any Unrestricted Subsidiaries once such Subsidiary is properly designated as such and meets the requirements set forth in the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary”.

Supported QFC” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.21.

 

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Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, spot, future, credit default 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 Borrowers or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

Swap Agreement Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any and all Swap Agreements permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) any and all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

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

Swingline Commitment” means the commitment of the Swingline Lender to make Swingline Loan in accordance with Section 2.05.

Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time.

Swingline Lender” means JPMCB (or any of its designated branch offices or affiliates), in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder. Any consent required of the Administrative Agent or an Issuing Bank shall be deemed to be required of the Swingline Lender and any consent given by JPMCB in its capacity as Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank shall be deemed given by JPMCB in its capacity as Swingline Lender.

Swingline Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).

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

Term Benchmark” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate.

Term SOFR Determination Day” has the meaning assigned to it under the definition of Term SOFR Reference Rate.

Term SOFR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing and for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m., Chicago time, two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, as such rate is published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator.

 

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Term SOFR Reference Rate” means, for any day and time (such day, the “Term SOFR Determination Day”), and for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the rate per annum published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator and identified by the Administrative Agent as the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR. If by 5:00 pm (New York City time) on such Term SOFR Determination Day, the “Term SOFR Reference Rate” for the applicable tenor has not been published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Rate has not occurred, then, so long as such day is otherwise a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such Term SOFR Determination Day will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate as published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate was published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator, so long as such first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day is not more than five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such Term SOFR Determination Day.

Third Party Swap Agreement” means any and all transactions, agreements, or documents now existing or hereafter entered into between any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries and any Person that is not a Lender, which provide for an interest rate, credit, commodity or equity swap, cap, floor, collar, forward foreign exchange transaction, currency swap, cross currency rate swap, currency option, or any combination of, or option with respect to, these or similar transactions, for the purpose of hedging the Loan Parties’ or their respective Subsidiaries’ exposure to fluctuations in interest or exchange rates, loan, credit exchange, security or currency valuations or commodity prices, and not for speculative purposes.

Third Party Swap Obligations” means any and all obligations or liabilities, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, of each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries arising under, owing pursuant to, or existing in respect of Third Party Swap Agreements.

Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrowers of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder.

Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or the CBFR.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or in any other state the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.

UK Financial Institution” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.

UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.

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

Unfunded Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the Revolving Commitment of such Lender less its Revolving Exposure.

 

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United States” means the United States of America.

Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Secured Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Secured Obligation that is: (a) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (b) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (c) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Parent that (i) is acquired or formed after the Effective Date (except as set forth below), (ii) is designated in writing to the Administrative Agent as an Unrestricted Subsidiary and (iii) satisfies each of the following conditions:

(a) such Subsidiary is not a Loan Party,

(b) such Subsidiary has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt,

(c) such Subsidiary is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are in compliance with Section 6.14,

(d) neither the Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (x) to subscribe for additional Stock in such Subsidiary or (y) to maintain or preserve such Subsidiary’s financial condition or to cause such Subsidiary to achieve any specified levels of operating results,

(e) such Subsidiary has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support (including by granting Liens on its assets) for any Indebtedness of the Parent or any of its Subsidiaries,

(f) such Subsidiary does not and will not commingle its funds or assets with those of the Parent or its Subsidiaries, and

(g) any Investment made after the Effective Date by the Parent and its Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary complies with Section 6.13 of this Agreement.

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

U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities.

U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.21.

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(B)(3).

USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.

 

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Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.

SECTION 1.02 Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Loan”, an “RFR Loan” or “an Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Loan”, an “RFR Revolving Loan” or “an Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Borrowing”, an “RFR Borrowing” or “an Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing”, an “RFR Revolving Borrowing” or “an Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Revolving Borrowing”).

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 “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities. 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, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) 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, (e) 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, (f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition, and (g) 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 after the date hereof there occurs any change in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of any provision hereof and the Borrower Representative notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrowers request an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of such change in GAAP or in the application thereof (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the

 

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Borrower Representative that the Required Lenders request 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. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Parent or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 or 2015-03 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 1.04(a) or in the definition of “Capitalized Lease Obligations,” any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP resulting from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“FAS 842”), to the extent such adoption would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) as a capital lease where such lease (or similar arrangement) would not have been required to be so treated under GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2015, such lease shall not be considered a capital lease (including a Capital Lease), and all calculations and deliverables under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made or delivered, as applicable, in accordance therewith (it being agreed, for the avoidance of doubt, that the obligations under any lease (or similar arrangement) that would not have been required to be treated as a capital lease under GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2015 shall not constitute Capitalized Lease Obligations for any purposes under the Loan Documents).

SECTION 1.05 Interest Rates; Benchmark Notifications . The interest rate on a Loan denominated in dollars may be derived from an interest rate benchmark that may be discontinued or is, or may in the future become, the subject of regulatory reform. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, Section 2.14(b) provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission, performance or any other matter related to any interest rate used in this Agreement, or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof, including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the existing interest rate being replaced or have the same volume or liquidity as did any existing interest rate prior to its discontinuance or unavailability. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates and/or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of any interest rate used in this Agreement or any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) and/or any relevant adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Borrowers. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any interest rate used in this Agreement, any component thereof, or rates referenced in the definition thereof, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrowers, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (x) RFR Loans and RFR Borrowings shall only be available to the Borrowers as a fallback rate pursuant to, and as set forth in, Section 2.14.

 

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SECTION 1.06 Status of Obligations. In the event that any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall at any time issue or have outstanding any Subordinated Indebtedness, such Borrower shall take or cause such other Loan Party to take all such actions as shall be necessary to cause the Secured Obligations to constitute senior indebtedness (however denominated) in respect of such Subordinated Indebtedness and to enable the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness. Without limiting the foregoing, the Secured Obligations are hereby designated as “senior indebtedness” and as “designated senior indebtedness” and words of similar import under and in respect of any indenture or other agreement or instrument under which such Subordinated Indebtedness is outstanding and are further given all such other designations as shall be required under the terms of any such Subordinated Indebtedness in order that the Lenders may have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness.

SECTION 1.07 Letters of Credit. 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 available to be drawn at such time; provided that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms, provides for one or more automatic increases in the available amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum amount is available to be drawn at such time. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Article 29(a) of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or similar terms in the governing rules or law or of the Letter of Credit itself, or if compliant documents have been presented but not yet honored, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” and “undrawn” in the amount so remaining available to be paid, and the obligations of the Borrowers and each Lender shall remain in full force and effect until the Issuing Banks and the Lenders shall have no further obligations to make any payments or disbursements under any circumstances with respect to any Letter of Credit.

SECTION 1.08 Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any Division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Stock at such time.

ARTICLE II

THE CREDITS

SECTION 2.01 Commitments; Removal and Reinstatement of Availability Block. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to make Revolving Loans in dollars to the Borrowers from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in (1) such Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment or (2) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeding Availability, subject to the Administrative Agent’s authority, in its sole discretion, to make Protective Advances and Overadvances pursuant to the terms of Sections 2.04 and 2.05. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.

 

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(a) The Borrowers shall have the option to remove and reinstate the Availability Block from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.01(b)

(i) To remove the Availability Block, the Borrower Representative shall deliver written notice to the Administrative Agent (an “Availability Block Removal Notice”). Each Availability Block Removal Notice shall be signed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative and shall certify that (A) as of the date of the Availability Block Removal Notice, no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and (B) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Parent and its Subsidiaries as of the last day of the most recently ended prior month, calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis, was not less than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio level required pursuant to Section 6.15 hereof (as if the financial covenant set forth therein was then in effect). The Availability Block Removal Notice shall also attach a Compliance Certificate calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio pursuant to clause (B) of the immediately preceding sentence and shall be delivered with supporting monthly and quarterly financial information. The removal of the Availability Block shall be effective on the date that is five (5) Business Days following the date an Availability Block Removal Notice is delivered to the Administrative Agent.

(ii) To reinstate the Availability Block, the Borrower shall deliver written notice to the Administrative Agent (an “Availability Block Reinstatement Notice”), provided that no Availability Block Reinstatement Notice may be delivered prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days following the date of delivery of an Availability Block Removal Notice pursuant to Section 2.01(b)(i). Each Availability Block Reinstatement Notice shall be signed a Financial Officer of the Borrower Representative and shall certify that at all times during ninety (90) consecutive day period immediately prior to the date of such Availability Block Reinstatement Notice and as of the date of such Availability Block Reinstatement Notice, Availability (calculated pursuant to clause (b) of the definition thereof) was greater than 10% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment. The Availability Block shall be deemed to be reinstated immediately upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt of an Availability Block Reinstatement Notice.

SECTION 2.02 Loans and Borrowings. Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. Any Protective Advance, any Overadvance and any Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Sections 2.04 and 2.05.

(a) Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of CBFR Loans or, if requested by the Borrower Representative in accordance herewith, Term Benchmark Loans. Each Swingline Loan shall be a CBFR Loan. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(b) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000. CBFR Borrowings may be in any amount.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower Representative shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date.

SECTION 2.03 Requests for Revolving Borrowings. To request a Revolving Borrowing, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering a Borrowing Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative or through an Electronic System if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent (or if an Extenuating Circumstance shall exist, by telephone) not later than (a) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, 10:00 a.m., Chicago time, three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of a CBFR Borrowing, noon, Chicago time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of a CBFR Revolving Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 9:00 a.m., Chicago time, on the date of such proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and each such telephonic Borrowing Request, if permitted, shall be confirmed immediately upon the cessation of the Extenuating Circumstance by hand delivery, facsimile or a communication through Electronic System to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative. Each such written (or if permitted, telephonic) Borrowing Request shall specify the following information:

(i) the name of the applicable Borrower(s);

(ii) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing and a breakdown of the separate wires comprising such Borrowing;

(iii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(iv) whether such Borrowing is to be a CBFR Borrowing or a Term Benchmark Borrowing; and

(v) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period.”

If no election as to the Type of Revolving Borrowing is specified, then the requested Revolving Borrowing shall be a CBFR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, then the applicable Borrower(s) shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section 2.04, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

SECTION 2.04 Protective Advances. Subject to the limitations set forth below, the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrowers and the Lenders, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion (but shall have absolutely no obligation to), to make Loans to the Borrowers, on behalf of all Lenders, which the Administrative Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, deems necessary or desirable (i) to preserve or protect the Collateral, or any portion thereof, (ii) to enhance the

 

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likelihood of, or maximize the amount of, repayment of the Loans and other Obligations, or (iii) to pay any other amount chargeable to or required to be paid by the Borrowers pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including payments of reimbursable expenses (including costs, fees, and expenses as described in Section 9.03) and other sums payable under the Loan Documents (any of such Loans are herein referred to as “Protective Advances”); provided that, the aggregate amount of Protective Advances outstanding at any time shall not exceed $5,000,000; provided further that, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure after giving effect to the Protective Advances being made shall not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitment. Protective Advances may be made even if the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have not been satisfied. The Protective Advances shall be secured by the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent in and to the Collateral and shall constitute Obligations hereunder. All Protective Advances shall be CBFR Borrowings. The making of a Protective Advance on any one occasion shall not obligate the Administrative Agent to make any Protective Advance on any other occasion. The Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Protective Advances may be revoked at any time by the Required Lenders. Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof. At any time that there is sufficient Availability and the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have been satisfied, the Administrative Agent may request the Lenders to make a Revolving Loan to repay a Protective Advance. At any other time the Administrative Agent may require the Lenders to fund their risk participations described in Section 2.04(b).

(a) Upon the making of a Protective Advance by the Administrative Agent (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default), each Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from the Administrative Agent, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Protective Advance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage. From and after the date, if any, on which any Lender is required to fund its participation in any Protective Advance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Protective Advance.

SECTION 2.05 Swingline Loans and Overadvances.

(a) The Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Lenders agree that in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, promptly after the Borrower Representative requests a CBFR Borrowing, the Swingline Lender may elect to have the terms of this Section 2.05(a) apply to such Borrowing Request by advancing, on behalf of the Lenders and in the amount requested, same day funds to the Borrowers, on the date of the applicable Borrowing to the Funding Account (each such Loan made solely by the Swingline Lender pursuant to this Section 2.05(a) is referred to in this Agreement as a “Swingline Loan”), with settlement among them as to the Swingline Loans to take place on a periodic basis as set forth in Section 2.05(d). Each Swingline Loan shall be subject to all the terms and conditions applicable to other CBFR Loans funded by the Lenders, except that all payments thereon shall be payable to the Swingline Lender solely for its own account. The aggregate amount of Swingline Loans outstanding at any time shall not exceed $11,250,000. The Swingline Lender shall not make any Swingline Loan if the requested Swingline Loan exceeds Availability (before or after giving effect to such Swingline Loan). All Swingline Loans shall be CBFR Borrowings.

(b) Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, at the request of the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent may in its sole discretion (but with absolutely no obligation), on behalf of the Lenders, (x) make Revolving Loans to the Borrowers in amounts that exceed Availability (any such excess Revolving Loans are herein referred to collectively as “Overadvances”) or (y) deem the amount of Revolving Loans outstanding to the Borrowers that are in excess of Availability to be Overadvances; provided that, no Overadvance shall result in a Default due to Borrowers’ failure to comply with Section 2.01 for so long as such Overadvance remains outstanding in accordance with the

 

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terms of this paragraph, but solely with respect to the amount of such Overadvance. In addition, Overadvances may be made even if the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02(c) have not been satisfied. All Overadvances shall constitute CBFR Borrowings. The making of an Overadvance on any one occasion shall not obligate the Administrative Agent to make any Overadvance on any other occasion. The authority of the Administrative Agent to make Overadvances is limited to an aggregate amount not to exceed $7,500,000 at any time and no Overadvance shall cause any Lender’s Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment; provided that, the Required Lenders may at any time revoke the Administrative Agent’s authorization to make Overadvances. Any such revocation must be in writing and shall become effective prospectively upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt thereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 2.11), the Borrowers may prepay any Overadvance in whole or in part at any time and in any amount; provided that (i) no Overadvance may remain outstanding for more than thirty (30) days and (ii) each Overadvance shall be due and payable in full at the time set forth in Section 2.10.

(c) Upon the making of a Swingline Loan or an Overadvance (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default and regardless of whether a Settlement has been requested with respect to such Swingline Loan or Overadvance), each Lender shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from the Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Swingline Loan or Overadvance in proportion to its Applicable Percentage of the Revolving Commitment. The Swingline Lender or the Administrative Agent may, at any time, require the Lenders to fund their participations. From and after the date, if any, on which any Lender is required to fund its participation in any Swingline Loan or Overadvance purchased hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent in respect of such Swingline Loan or Overadvance.

(d) The Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Swingline Lender, shall request settlement (a “Settlement”) with the Lenders on at least a weekly basis or on any date that the Administrative Agent elects, by notifying the Lenders of such requested Settlement by facsimile, telephone, or e-mail no later than 12:00 noon Chicago time on the date of such requested Settlement (the “Settlement Date”). Each Lender (other than the Swingline Lender, in the case of the Swingline Loans) shall transfer the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding principal amount of the applicable Loan with respect to which Settlement is requested to the Administrative Agent, to such account of the Administrative Agent as the Administrative Agent may designate, not later than 2:00 pm, Chicago time, on such Settlement Date. Settlements may occur during the existence of a Default and whether or not the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02 have then been satisfied. Such amounts transferred to the Administrative Agent shall be applied against the amounts of the Swingline Lender’s Swingline Loans and, together with Swingline Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan, shall constitute Revolving Loans of such Lenders, respectively. If any such amount is not transferred to the Administrative Agent by any Lender on such Settlement Date, the Swingline Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender on demand such amount, together with interest thereon, as specified in Section 2.07.

SECTION 2.06 Letters of Credit. General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower Representative may request any Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit for its own account or for the account of another Borrower denominated in dollars as the applicant thereof for the support of its or its Subsidiaries’ obligations, in a form reasonably acceptable to such Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period.

 

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(a) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Extension, Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower Representative shall deliver by hand or facsimile (or transmit through an Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the respective Issuing Bank) to an Issuing Bank selected by it and to the Administrative Agent prior to 9:00 am, Chicago time, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance, amendment or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment 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 2.06(b)), 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 or extend such Letter of Credit. In addition, as a condition to any such Letter of Credit issuance, the applicable Borrower shall have entered into a continuing agreement (or other letter of credit agreement) for the issuance of letters of credit and/or shall submit a letter of credit application, in each case, as required by the respective Issuing Bank and using such Issuing Bank’s standard form (each, a “Letter of Credit Agreement”). In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any Letter of Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrowers shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (i) the aggregate LC Exposure shall not exceed $10,000,000, (ii) no Lender’s Revolving Exposure shall exceed its Revolving Commitment and (iii) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure shall not exceed Availability. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained herein, no Issuing Bank shall be obligated to issue or modify any Letter of Credit if, immediately after giving effect thereto, the outstanding LC Exposure in respect of all Letters of Credit issued by such Person and its Affiliates would exceed such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit. Without limiting the foregoing and without affecting the limitations contained herein, it is understood and agreed that the Borrower Representative may from time to time request that an Issuing Bank issue Letters of Credit in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit in effect at the time of such request, and each Issuing Bank agrees to consider any such request in good faith. Any Letter of Credit so issued by an Issuing Bank in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit then in effect shall nonetheless constitute a Letter of Credit for all purposes of this Agreement, and shall not affect the Issuing Bank Sublimit of any other Issuing Bank, subject to the limitations on the aggregate LC Exposure set forth in clause (i) above of this Section 2.06(b).

An Issuing Bank shall not be under any obligation to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit if:

(i) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Bank from issuing, amending or extending such Letter of Credit, or request that such Issuing Bank refrain from issuing, amending or extending such Letter of Credit, or any Requirement of Law relating to such Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Bank shall prohibit the issuance, amendment or extension of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular, or any such order, judgment or decree, or law shall impose upon such Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital or liquidity requirement (for which such Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which such Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it, or

(ii) the issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally.

 

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(b) Expiration Date. Unless otherwise consented to in writing by the applicable Issuing Bank, each Letter of Credit shall expire (or be subject to termination or non-renewal by notice from the applicable Issuing Bank to the beneficiary thereof) 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 extension of the expiration date thereof, including, without limitation, any automatic renewal provision, one year after such extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Maturity Date.

(c) Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount or extending the term thereof) and without any further action on the part of the applicable Issuing Bank or the Lenders, such Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Lender, and each Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrowers on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 2.06, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrowers for any reason, including after the Maturity Date. Each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments.

(d) Reimbursement. If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrowers shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 11:00 a.m., Chicago time, on (i) the Business Day that the Borrower Representative receives notice of such LC Disbursement, if such notice is received prior to 9:00 a.m., Chicago time, on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower Representative receives such notice, if such notice is received after 9:00 a.m. Chicago time, on the day of receipt; provided that the Borrowers may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or Section 2.05 that such payment be financed with a CBFR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrowers’ obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting CBFR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan, as applicable. If the Borrowers fail to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrowers in respect thereof and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrowers, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the respective Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrowers pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the respective Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank, as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse an Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of CBFR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

(e) Obligations Absolute. The Borrowers’ joint and several obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 2.06 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

 

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Credit, any Letter of Credit Agreement or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein or herein, (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) any payment by the respective Issuing Bank 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 2.06(f), constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrowers’ obligations hereunder. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, nor any Issuing Bank or any of their respective 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 of any draft, document, 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, any error in translation or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the respective Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse an Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrowers to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by any Borrower that are caused by such Issuing Bank’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 an Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), such Issuing Bank 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, an Issuing Bank 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. The Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall, within the time allowed by applicable law or the specific terms of the Letter of Credit following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under such Letter of Credit. Such Issuing Bank shall promptly after such examination notify the Administrative Agent and the applicable Borrower by telephone (confirmed by fax or through Electronic Systems) of such demand for payment if such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that such notice need not be given prior to payment by the Issuing Bank and any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrowers of their obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

(g) Interim Interest. If the Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrowers 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 the Borrowers reimburse such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to CBFR Revolving Loans and such interest shall be due and payable on the date when such reimbursement is payable; provided that, if the Borrowers fail to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 2.06, then Section 2.13(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of such Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 2.06 to reimburse such Issuing Bank for such LC Disbursement shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

 

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(h) Replacement and Resignation of an Issuing Bank.

(i) An Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of an Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrowers shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (A) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued by it thereafter and (B) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit then outstanding and issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or extend or otherwise amend any existing Letter of Credit.

(ii) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Issuing Bank, any Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank at any time upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower Representative and the Lenders, in which case, such resigning Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.06(i)(i) above.

(i) Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower Representative receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrowers shall deposit in an account or accounts with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders (the “LC Collateral Account”), an amount in cash equal to 103% of the amount of the LC Exposure as of such date plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to any Borrower described in clause (f) of Article VII. Such Borrower also shall deposit cash collateral in accordance with this paragraph as and to the extent required by Sections 2.10(b), 2.11(b) or 2.20. Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing or paragraph (c) of this Section 2.06, if any LC Exposure remains outstanding after the expiration date specified in said paragraph (c), the Borrowers shall immediately deposit in the LC Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 103% of such LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over the LC Collateral Account and the Borrowers hereby grant the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account and all money or other assets on deposit therein or credited thereto. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrowers’ risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in the LC Collateral Account. Moneys in the LC Collateral Account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse each Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed, together with related fees, costs, and customary processing charges, and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrowers for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers are required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrowers within three (3) Business Days after all such Events of Default have been cured or waived as confirmed in writing by the Administrative Agent.

 

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(j) Issuing Bank Reports to the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section 2.06(k), report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, including all issuances, extensions, and amendments, all expirations and cancelations and all disbursements and reimbursements, (ii) reasonably prior to the time that such Issuing Bank issues, amends or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment or extension, and the stated amount of the Letters of Credit issued, amended or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank makes any LC Disbursement, the date and amount of such LC Disbursement, (iv) on any Business Day on which any Borrower fails to reimburse an LC Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and the amount of such LC Disbursement, and (v) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.

(k) Letters of Credit Issued for Account of Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder supports any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, or states that a Subsidiary is the “account party,” “applicant,” “customer,” “instructing party,” or the like of or for such Letter of Credit, and without derogating from any rights of the Issuing Bank (whether arising by contract, at law, in equity or otherwise) against such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit, the Borrowers (i) shall reimburse, indemnify and compensate the Issuing Bank hereunder for such Letter of Credit (including to reimburse any and all drawings thereunder) as if such Letter of Credit had been issued solely for the account of a Borrower and (ii) irrevocably waives any and all defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a guarantor or surety of any or all of the obligations of such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit. Each Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of such Letters of Credit for its Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrowers, and that each Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.

SECTION 2.07 Funding of Borrowings. Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder on the proposed date thereof solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 2:00 pm, Chicago time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage; provided that Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower Representative by promptly crediting the funds so received in the aforesaid account of the Administrative Agent to the Funding Account; provided that CBFR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of (i) an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the applicable Issuing Bank and (ii) a Protective Advance or an Overadvance shall be retained by the Administrative Agent.

(a) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any 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 paragraph (a) of this Section 2.07 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable 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 Borrowers each severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent

 

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forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the applicable Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (ii) in the case of the Borrowers, the interest rate applicable to CBFR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing, provided, that any interest received from a Borrower by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning when Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 2.08 Interest Elections. Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower Representative may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section 2.08. The Borrower Representative may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Loans, Overadvances or Protective Advances, which may not be converted or continued.

(a) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering an Interest Election Request signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative or through an Electronic System if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent (or if an Extenuating Circumstance shall exist, by telephone) by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrowers were requesting a Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and each such telephonic Interest Election Request, if permitted, shall be confirmed immediately upon the cessation of the Extenuating Circumstance by hand delivery, an Electronic System or facsimile to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower Representative.

(b) Each written (or if permitted, telephonic) Interest Election Request (including requests submitted through an Electronic System) shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

(i) the name of the applicable Borrower and the Borrowing 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 Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

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

(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be a CBFR Borrowing or a Term Benchmark Borrowing; and

 

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(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Term Benchmark Borrowing, 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 Term Benchmark Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrowers shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

(c) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

(d) If the Borrower Representative fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to a CBFR Borrowing. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower Representative, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Term Benchmark Borrowing and each RFR Borrowing shall be converted to a CBFR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period or Interest Payment Date applicable thereto.

SECTION 2.09 Termination and Reduction of Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments.

(a) Unless previously terminated the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.

(b) The Borrowers may at any time terminate the Revolving Commitments upon Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.

(c) The Borrowers may from time to time reduce the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000 and (ii) the Borrowers shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, (A) any Lender’s Revolving Exposure would exceed such Lender’s Revolving Commitment or (B) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure would exceed Availability.

(d) The Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments under paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower Representative pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments delivered by the Borrower Representative may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower Representative (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitments.

 

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(e) The Borrowers shall have the right to increase the Revolving Commitments by obtaining additional Revolving Commitments, either from one or more of the Lenders or another lending institution; provided that (i) any such request for an increase shall be in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 and shall be in incremental amounts of $1,000,000, (ii) the Borrower Representative, on behalf of the Borrowers, may make a maximum of 5 such requests, (iii) after giving effect thereto, the sum of the total of the additional Commitments does not exceed $25,000,000, (iv) the Administrative Agent and each Issuing Bank have approved the identity of any such new Lender, such approvals not to be unreasonably withheld, (v) any such new Lender assumes all of the rights and obligations of a “Lender” hereunder, and (vi) the procedures described in Section 2.09(f) have been satisfied. Nothing contained in this Section 2.09 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase its Commitment hereunder at any time.

(f) Any amendment hereto for such an increase or addition shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and shall only require the written signatures of the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers and each Lender being added or increasing its Commitment, subject only to the approval of all Lenders if any such increase or addition would cause the Revolving Commitments to exceed $100,000,000. As a condition precedent to such an increase or addition, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent (i) a certificate of each Loan Party signed by an authorized officer of such Loan Party (A) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (B) in the case of the Borrowers, certifying that, immediately before and after giving effect to such increase or addition, (1) the representations and warranties contained in Article III and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality or Material Adverse Change qualifiers therein), except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality or Material Adverse Change qualifiers therein) as of such earlier date, and (2) no Default exists and (3) the Borrowers are in compliance (on a pro forma basis) with the covenant contained in Section 6.15 and (ii) legal opinions and documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.

(g) On the effective date of any such increase or addition, (i) any Lender increasing (or, in the case of any newly added Lender, extending) its Revolving Commitment shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase or addition and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding Revolving Loans of all the Lenders to equal its revised Applicable Percentage of such outstanding Revolving Loans, and the Administrative Agent shall make such other adjustments among the Lenders with respect to the Revolving Loans then outstanding and amounts of principal, interest, commitment fees and other amounts paid or payable with respect thereto as shall be necessary, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, in order to effect such reallocation and (ii) the Borrowers shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Revolving Loans as of the date of any increase (or addition) in the Revolving Commitments (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Revolving Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified in a notice delivered by the Borrower Representative, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.03). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Term Benchmark Loan, shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods. Within a reasonable time after the effective date of any increase or addition, the Administrative Agent shall, and is hereby authorized and directed to, revise the Commitment Schedule to reflect such increase or addition and shall distribute such revised Commitment Schedule to each of the Lenders and the Borrower Representative, whereupon such revised Commitment Schedule shall replace the old Commitment Schedule and become part of this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 2.10 Repayment and Amortization of Loans; Evidence of Debt. The Borrowers hereby unconditionally promise to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Maturity Date, (ii) to the Administrative Agent the then unpaid amount of each Protective Advance on the earlier of the Maturity Date and demand by the Administrative Agent, and (iii) to the Administrative Agent the then unpaid principal amount of each Overadvance on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the 30th day after such Overadvance is made.

(a) At all times that full cash dominion is in effect pursuant to Section 5.3 of the Security Agreement (but without any further written notice required to any Borrower), on each Business Day, the Administrative Agent shall apply all funds credited to the Collection Account on such Business Day or the immediately preceding Business Day (at the discretion of the Administrative Agent, whether or not immediately available), first to prepay any Protective Advances and Overadvances that may be outstanding, pro rata, and second to prepay the Revolving Loans (including Swingline Loans) and to cash collateralize outstanding LC Exposure.

(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the Indebtedness of the Borrowers to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

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

(e) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrowers shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) in a form approved by the Administrative Agent. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form.

SECTION 2.11 Prepayment of Loans. The Borrowers shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (d) of this Section and, if applicable, payment of any break funding expenses under Section 2.16.

(a) Except for Overadvances permitted under Section 2.05, in the event and on such occasion that the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeds Availability, the Borrowers shall prepay, on demand, the Revolving Loans, LC Exposure and/or Swingline Loans or cash collateralize the LC Exposure in an account with the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.06(j), as applicable, in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

(b) All prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.11(a) shall be applied as directed by the Borrowers.

 

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(i) All such amounts pursuant to Section 2.11(b) shall be applied, first to prepay any Protective Advances and Overadvances that may be outstanding, pro rata, and second to prepay the Revolving Loans (including Swingline Loans) without a corresponding reduction in the Revolving Commitments or the Swingline Commitment, as applicable, and to cash collateralize outstanding LC Exposure.

(c) The Borrower Representative shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender) by telephone (confirmed by fax) or through an Electronic System, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, of any prepayment hereunder not later than (i) 10:00 a.m., Chicago time, (A) in the case of prepayment of a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, three (3) Business Days before the date of prepayment, or (B) in the case of prepayment of a CBFR Revolving Borrowing, one (1) Business Day before the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing 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 Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Revolving Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Revolving Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Revolving Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by (x) accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13 and (y) break funding payments pursuant to Section 2.16.

SECTION 2.12 Fees. The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.25% per annum on the daily amount of the Available Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate. Commitment fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable in arrears on the next succeeding Business Day following such last day and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof; provided that any commitment fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. All commitment 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 and the last day of each period but excluding the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate).

(a) The Borrowers agree to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in each outstanding Letter of Credit, which shall accrue on the daily maximum stated amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit at the Margin, and (ii) to each Issuing Bank for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.125% per annum on the daily maximum stated amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit, during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, as well as such Issuing Bank’s standard fees and commissions with respect to the issuance, amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit and other processing fees and other standard costs and charges, of such Issuing Bank relating to Letters of Credit as from time to time in effect. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the next succeeding Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to an Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within ten (10) days after demand. All participation fees and fronting 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).

 

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(b) The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.

(c) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in dollars in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to an Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

SECTION 2.13 Interest. The Loans comprising CBFR Borrowings (including all Swingline Loans) shall bear interest at the CBFR plus the Margin.

(a) The Loans comprising each Term Benchmark Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Margin. Each RFR Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR plus the Margin.

(b) Each Protective Advance and each Overadvance shall bear interest at the CBFR plus the Margin plus 2%.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, during the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may, at their option, by notice to the Borrower Representative (which notice may be revoked at the option of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section 9.02 requiring the consent of “each Lender affected thereby” for reductions in interest rates), declare that (i) all Loans shall bear interest at 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount outstanding hereunder, such amount shall accrue at 2% plus the rate applicable to such fee or other obligation as provided hereunder.

(d) Accrued interest on each Loan (for CBFR Loans, accrued through the last day of the prior calendar month) shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of a CBFR Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), 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 Term Benchmark 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) Interest computed by reference to the Term SOFR Rate, REVSOFR30 Rate or Daily Simple SOFR shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days. Interest computed by reference to the CB Floating Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). In each case interest shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. A determination of the applicable CB Floating Rate, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, Daily Simple SOFR, Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate, REVSOFR30 Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or Term SOFR Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

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SECTION 2.14 Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality.

(a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) of this Section 2.14, if:

(i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate (including because the Term SOFR Reference Rate is not available or published on a current basis), for such Interest Period, or (B) at any time, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate (including because the Term SOFR Reference Rate is not available or published on a current basis); or

(ii) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period, or (B) at any time, the Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing;

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower Representative and the Lenders through Electronic System as provided in Section 9.01 as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower Representative and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrowers deliver a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, (1) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing and any Borrowing Request that requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing shall instead be deemed to be an Interest Election Request or a Borrowing Request, as applicable, for (x) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (y) a CBFR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above and (2) any Borrowing Request that requests an Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing shall instead be deemed to be a Borrowing Request, as applicable, for a CBFR Borrowing; provided that if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then all other Types of Borrowings shall be permitted. Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan, Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Loan or RFR Loan is outstanding on the date of the Borrower Representative’s receipt of the notice from the Administrative Agent referred to in this Section 2.14 with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Loan or RFR Loan, then until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower Representative and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrowers deliver a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan, be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above, on such day, or (y) a CBFR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above, on such day, and (2) any Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Loan or any RFR Loan shall on and from such day be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute a CBFR Loan.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document (and any Swap Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 2.14), if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes (in consultation with the Borrower Representative) from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

(d) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower Representative and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to clause (f) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 2.14, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.14.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including the Term SOFR Rate or REVSOFR30 Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

 

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(f) Upon the Borrower Representative’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrowers may revoke any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Borrowing or RFR Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term Benchmark Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrowers will be deemed to have converted (1) any such request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to (A) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (B) a CBFR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event and (2) any such request for an Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Borrowing or RFR Borrowing into a request for a CBFR Borrowing. Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan, Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Loan or RFR Loan is outstanding on the date of the Borrower Representative’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Loan or RFR Loan, then until such time as a Benchmark Replacement is implemented pursuant to this Section 2.14, (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan, be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Loan so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event, on such day or (y) a CBFR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event, on such day and (2) any Adjusted REVSOFR30 Rate Loan or RFR Loan shall on and from such day be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute a CBFR Loan.

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

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender or Issuing Bank;

(ii) impose on any Lender or Issuing Bank or the applicable offshore interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; or

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

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient of making, continuing, converting into or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, Issuing Bank or other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

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

 

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

(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower Representative of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’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. With respect to Loans that are not RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or an optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (iii) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Term Benchmark Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(d) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (iv) the assignment of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Sections 2.19 or 9.02(d), then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

(a) With respect to RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or an optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the failure to borrow or prepay any RFR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(d) and is revoked in accordance therewith) or (iii) the assignment of any RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrowers pursuant to Sections 2.19 or 9.02(d), then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower Representative and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) days after receipt thereof.

SECTION 2.17 Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up. Payments Free of Taxes. 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 law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a withholding agent, then the applicable withholding

 

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agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

(a) Payment of Other Taxes by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for, Other Taxes.

(b) Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.17, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(c) Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (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 2.17) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Loan Party by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting or expanding the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9.04(c) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any 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 hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to setoff and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to such Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph (e).

(e) Status of Lenders. 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 Representative and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative 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 Representative or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or

 

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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 2.17(f)(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.

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

(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent), an executed copy 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 Representative and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

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

(2) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8ECI;

(3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1 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 a 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) an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable; or

 

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

(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent), executed copies of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrowers 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 Representative and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower Representative or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

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

On or before the date the Administrative Agent becomes a party to this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall provide to the Borrower Representative two duly-signed, properly completed copies of an IRS Form W-9 or applicable successor form (together with any required attachments thereto). At any time thereafter, if the Administrative Agent determines that any documentation previously provided has expired or become obsolete or invalid, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower Representative of its inability to do so.

(f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such

 

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indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph (g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

(g) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document (including Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations).

(h) Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

SECTION 2.18 Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Setoffs. The Borrowers shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by them hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to 2:00 p.m., Chicago time, on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder, in immediately available funds, without setoff, recoupment or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, 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 the Administrative Agent at its offices at 10 South Dearborn Street, Floor L2, Chicago, Illinois, except payments to be made directly to an Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. Unless otherwise provided for herein, 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.

(a) All payments and any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrowers), (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11) or (C) amounts to be applied from the Collection Account when full cash dominion is in effect (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.10(b)) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, shall be applied ratably first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then due to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), second, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), third, to pay interest due in respect of the Overadvances and Protective Advances, fourth, to pay the principal of the Overadvances and Protective Advances, fifth, to pay interest then due and payable on the Loans (other than the Overadvances and Protective Advances) ratably, sixth, to prepay principal on the Loans (other than the Overadvances and

 

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Protective Advances) and unreimbursed LC Disbursements, to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to one hundred three percent (103%) of the aggregate undrawn face amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit and the aggregate amount of any unpaid LC Disbursements aggregate LC Exposure, to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, and to pay any amounts owing in respect of Swap Agreement Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.22, for which Reserves have been established, ratably, seventh, to payment of any amounts owing in respect of Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.22 and to the extent not paid pursuant to clause sixth above, and eighth, to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender by the Borrowers. Notwithstanding the foregoing amounts received from any Loan Party shall not be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrower Representative, or unless a Default is in existence, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Term Benchmark Loan of a Class, except (x) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable thereto or (y) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding CBFR Loans of the same Class and, in any such event, the Borrowers shall pay the break funding payment required in accordance with Section 2.16. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Secured Obligations.

(b) At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder whether made following a request by the Borrower Representative pursuant to Section 2.03 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent. The Borrowers hereby irrevocably authorize (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Loans (including Swingline Loans and Overadvances, but such a Borrowing may only constitute a Protective Advance if it is to reimburse costs, fees and expenses as described in Section 9.03) and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Section 2.03, 2.04 or 2.05, as applicable, and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of any Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.

(c) If, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other similarly situated Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by all such Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or

 

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Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrowers or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each Borrower 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 Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation.

(d) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received, prior to any date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks pursuant to the terms hereof or any other Loan Document (including any date that is fixed for prepayment by notice from the Borrower Representative to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.11(d), notice from the Borrower Representative that the Borrowers will not make such payment or prepayment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank 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 NYFRB Rate.

(e) The Administrative Agent may from time to time provide the Borrowers with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Secured Obligations (the “Statements”). The Administrative Agent is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrowers’ convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Secured Obligations. If the Borrowers pay the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, the Borrowers shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ right to receive payment in full at another time.

SECTION 2.19 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

(a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such 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 such 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 such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrowers hereby agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrowers may, at their 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 Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments

 

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pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrowers shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and in circumstances where its consent would be required under Section 9.04, the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and funded participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrowers to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (x) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (y) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

SECTION 2.20 Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender.

(a) fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a).

(b) 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 Section 2.18(b) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 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 any Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to cash collateralize the LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with this Section; fourth, as the Borrower Representative 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 Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (i) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (ii) cash collateralize future LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with this Section; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrowers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction

 

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obtained by any Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; 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 LC Disbursements 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 LC Disbursements owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or LC Disbursements owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Borrowers’ obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure and Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments without giving effect to clause (d) below. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto;

(c) such Defaulting Lender shall not have the right to vote on any issue on which voting is required (other than to the extent expressly provided in Section 9.02(b)) and the Commitment and Revolving Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 9.02) or under any other Loan Document; provided, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.02, this clause (c) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of such Lender or each Lender directly affected thereby;

(d) if any Swingline Exposure or LC Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:

(i) all or any part of the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent that such reallocation does not, as to any non-Defaulting Lender, cause such non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment;

(ii) if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrowers shall within one (1) Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize, for the benefit of the Issuing Banks, the Borrowers’ obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.06(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding;

(iii) if the Borrowers cash collateralize any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Borrowers shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is cash collateralized;

(iv) if the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to clause (i) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Sections 2.12(a) and 2.12(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages; and

(v) if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of any Issuing Bank or any other Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to the Issuing Banks until and to the extent that such LC Exposure is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and

 

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(e) so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding LC Exposure will be 100% covered by the Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Borrowers in accordance with Section 2.20(d), and Swingline Exposure related to any such newly made Swingline Loan or LC Exposure related to any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.20(d)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).

If (i) a Bankruptcy Event or a Bail-In Action with respect to a Lender Parent shall occur following the date hereof and for so long as such event shall continue or (ii) the Swingline Lender or any Issuing Bank has a good faith belief that any Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other agreements in which such Lender commits to extend credit, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless the Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, shall have entered into arrangements with the Borrowers or such Lender, satisfactory to the Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.

In the event that each of the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers, the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and on the date of such readjustment such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

SECTION 2.21 Returned Payments. If after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), the Administrative Agent or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion), then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 2.22 Banking Services and Swap Agreements. Each Lender or Affiliate thereof providing Banking Services (excluding Lease Financing) for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of a Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after entering into such Banking Services or Swap Agreements, written notice setting forth the aggregate amount of all Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof to such Lender or Affiliate (whether matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent). In addition, each such Lender or Affiliate thereof shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, following the end of each calendar month, a summary of the amounts due or to become due in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations. The most recent information

 

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provided to the Administrative Agent shall be used in determining the amounts to be applied in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and/or Swap Agreement Obligations pursuant to Section 2.18(b) and which tier of the waterfall, contained in Section 2.18(b), such Banking Services Obligations and/or Swap Agreement Obligations will be placed. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as JPMCB or its Affiliate is the Administrative Agent, neither JPMCB nor any of its Affiliates providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of a Loan Party shall be required to provide any notice described in this Section 2.22 in respect of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

Each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Lenders that:

SECTION 3.01 Due Organization and Qualifications; Subsidiaries.

(a) Each Loan Party is duly organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and qualified to do business in any state where the failure to be so qualified reasonably would be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

(b) Set forth on Schedule 3.01(b) is a complete and accurate list of each Loan Party’s direct and indirect Subsidiaries, as of the Effective Date, showing: (i) the jurisdiction of their organization; (ii) the number of shares of each class of common and preferred Stock authorized for each of such Subsidiaries; and (iii) the number and the percentage of the outstanding shares of each such class owned directly or indirectly by the applicable Loan Party. All of the outstanding capital Stock of each such Subsidiary has been validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests).

(c) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.01(c), as of the Effective Date, (i) there are no subscriptions, options, warrants, or calls relating to any shares of any Loan Party’s Subsidiaries’ capital Stock, including any right of conversion or exchange under any outstanding security or other instrument, and (ii) no Loan Party nor any of its respective Subsidiaries is subject to any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to repurchase or otherwise acquire or retire any shares of any Loan Party’s Subsidiaries’ capital Stock or any security convertible into or exchangeable for any such capital Stock.

SECTION 3.02 Due Authorization; No Conflict.

(a) As to each Loan Party, the execution, delivery, and performance by such Loan Party of this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of such Loan Party.

(b) As to each Loan Party, the execution, delivery, and performance by such Loan Party of this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which it is a party do not (i) (A) violate in any material respect any provision of federal, state, or local law or regulation applicable to any Loan Party, or any order, judgment, or decree of any court or other Governmental Authority binding on any Loan Party, or (B) violate the Governing Documents of any Loan Party, (ii) conflict with, result in a material breach of, or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a material default under any material contractual obligation of any Loan Party, (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien of any nature whatsoever upon any properties or assets of any Loan Party, other than Permitted Liens, or (iv) require any approval of the holders of Stock of any Loan Party, except for any such approvals that have been obtained.

 

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(c) Other than the filing of financing statements necessary to perfect the Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents, the execution, delivery, and performance by each Loan Party of this Agreement and the Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party do not require any registration with, consent, or approval of, or notice to, or other action with or by, any Governmental Authority.

(d) As to each Loan Party, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party, when executed and delivered by such Loan Party, constitute legally valid and binding obligations of such Loan Party, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with their respective terms, except as enforcement may be limited by equitable principles or by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally.

(e) The Administrative Agent’s Liens granted by the Loan Parties are validly created, perfected, and first priority Liens (subject only to (i) Permitted Liens, and (ii) the filing of financing statements and any other filings or actions necessary to perfect (or give priority to) the Liens created under the Loan Documents).

SECTION 3.03 Litigation. Other than those matters disclosed on Schedule 3.03, there are no actions, suits, or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Loan Parties, threatened in writing against the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries, as applicable, except for (a) matters that are fully covered by insurance (subject to customary deductibles), and (b) matters that, if decided adversely to the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries, as applicable, reasonably would not be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

SECTION 3.04 Financial Statements. All financial statements relating to the Loan Parties that have been delivered by the Loan Parties to the Administrative Agent (a) prior to the Effective Date, and (b) pursuant to Section 5.03(b) or (c) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of unaudited financial statements, for the lack of footnotes and being subject to year-end audit adjustments) and present fairly in all material respects, the financial condition of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and results of operations for the period then ended. Each Borrowing Base Certificate and all other information relating to Collateral delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.02 is true and correct in all material respects.

SECTION 3.05 Solvency. The Loan Parties, taken as a whole, are Solvent.

SECTION 3.06 Employee Benefits. None of the Loan Parties, any of their Subsidiaries, or any of their ERISA Affiliates maintains or contributes to any Benefit Plan.

SECTION 3.07 Environmental Condition. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.07 or as otherwise disclosed to the Administrative Agent in writing, (a) none of the Loan Parties’ properties or assets are being used by the Loan Parties in the disposal of, or to produce, store, handle, treat, release, or transport, any Hazardous Materials, where such production, storage, handling, treatment, release or transport is in violation, in any material respect, of applicable Environmental Law, (b) to the Loan Parties’ knowledge, none of the Loan Parties’ properties or assets has ever been (while owned or operated by the Loan Parties) designated or identified in any manner pursuant to any environmental protection statute as a Hazardous Materials disposal site, (c) none of the Loan Parties have received notice that a Lien arising under any Environmental Law has attached to any revenues or to any real property owned or operated by the Loan Parties, and (d) none of the Loan Parties have received a summons, citation, notice, or directive from the Environmental Protection Agency or any other federal or state governmental agency concerning any action or omission by any Loan Party resulting in the releasing or disposing of Hazardous Materials into the environment, in each case with respect to the clauses (a) through (d), except as would not reasonably be expected to results in a Material Adverse Change.

 

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SECTION 3.08 Intellectual Property. Each Loan Party owns, or holds licenses in, all trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, and licenses that are material and necessary to the conduct of its business as currently conducted.

SECTION 3.09 Complete Disclosure. All factual information (taken as a whole) furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Loan Parties in writing to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including all information contained in the Schedules hereto or in the other Loan Documents) for purposes of or in connection with this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any transaction contemplated herein or therein, as of the date as of which such information is dated or certified (and as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), does not contain any material misstatement of fact and omit to state any material fact necessary to make such information (taken as a whole) not misleading in any material respect at such time in light of the circumstances under which such information was provided.

SECTION 3.10 Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Each Loan Party has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects, and such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and directors and, to the knowledge of such Loan Party, its employees and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of any such Loan Party or Subsidiary, any agent of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds, Transaction or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

SECTION 3.11 Margin Stock. As of the Effective Date, neither any Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock. No part of the proceeds of the loans made to Borrowers will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock or for any purpose that violates the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors.

ARTICLE IV

CONDITIONS

SECTION 4.01 Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):

(a) Credit Agreement and Other Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party (which, subject to Section 9.06(b), may include any Electronic Signatures transmitted by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), (ii) either (A) a counterpart of each other Loan Document signed on behalf of each party thereto or (B) written evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include facsimile or other electronic transmission of a signed signature page thereof) that each such party has signed a counterpart of such Loan Document and (iii) a written opinion of each of Ropes & Gray LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, and McAfee & Taft, Oklahoma counsel to the Loan Parties, in each case addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

 

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(b) Financial Statements and Projections. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) audited consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, (ii) unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, and September 30, 2023, (iii) unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries for the month ended October 31, 2023, and (iv) projections of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, in quarterly format, for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Lenders; provided, that the Administrative Agent hereby acknowledges receipt of the financial statements and other information required by the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv).

(c) Closing Certificates; Certified Certificate of Incorporation; Good Standing Certificates. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a certificate of each Loan Party, dated the Effective Date and executed by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary, which shall (A) certify the attached resolutions of its Board of Directors or Managers, managers, members or other body authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (B) identify by name and title and bear the signatures of the officers of such Loan Party authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case of each Borrower, its Financial Officers, and (C) attach (1) correct and complete copies of its Governing Documents and (2) a good standing or equivalent certificate for such Loan Party from its jurisdiction of organization.

(d) No Default Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, signed by a Financial Officer of each Borrower and each other Loan Party, dated as of the Effective Date and certifying that (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) the representations and warranties contained in the Loan Documents are true and correct as of the Effective Date in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality or Material Adverse Change qualifiers therein), except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of any materiality or Material Adverse Change qualifiers therein) as of such earlier date.

(e) Fees. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent (and its counsel) shall have received all fees required to be paid hereunder on the Effective Date, and all expenses required to be reimbursed hereunder for which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses of legal counsel), not less than one (1) Business Day before the Effective Date.

(f) Lien Searches. The Administrative Agent shall have received the results of a recent lien search in each jurisdiction where the Loan Parties are organized and where the assets of the Loan Parties are located, and such search shall reveal no Liens on any of the assets of the Loan Parties except for Permitted Liens or Liens otherwise to be discharged on or prior to the Effective Date.

(g) Pay-Off Letter; Payoff. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a customary pay-off letter (the “Payoff Letter”), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it, with respect to that certain Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2017, by and among the Borrower Representative, as the parent, the other Loan Parties party thereto, as co-borrowers, the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as the administrative agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the Effective Date, the “Existing ABL Credit Agreement”), setting forth the amount of outstanding Indebtedness thereunder to be repaid in full as of the Effective Date (the “Payoff Amount”), and confirming that all Liens in respect of such Indebtedness upon any of the property of the Loan Parties constituting Collateral will be terminated concurrently with such repayment, and (ii) satisfactory evidence that the Payoff Amount has been received by Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC in accordance with the Payoff Letter (which evidence may be in the form of a federal reference number confirming such payment).

 

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(h) Funding Account. The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice setting forth the deposit account of the Borrowers (the “Funding Account”) to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrowers to transfer the proceeds of any Borrowings requested or authorized pursuant to this Agreement.

(i) Solvency. The Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate signed by a Financial Officer dated the Effective Date.

(j) Borrowing Base Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Base Certificate which calculates the Borrowing Base as of a date not more than thirty (30) days prior to the Effective Date.

(k) Closing Specified Availability. After giving effect to all Borrowings to be made on the Effective Date, the issuance of any Letters of Credit on the Effective Date and the payment of all fees and expenses due hereunder, Specified Availability shall not be less than $18,750,000.

(l) Filings, Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement) required by the Collateral Documents or under law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of itself, the Lenders and the other Secured Parties, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02), shall be in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.

(m) Insurance. The Administrative Agent shall have received customary evidence of insurance coverage in form, scope, and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(n) Tax Forms. The Administrative Agent shall have received a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-9 for each Loan Party.

(o) Field Examination. Subject to Section 5.20(d), the Administrative Agent or its designee shall have conducted a field examination of the Borrowers’ Accounts and related working capital matters and of the Borrowers’ related data processing and other systems, the results of which shall be satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

(p) Appraisal(s). Subject to Section 5.20(d), the Administrative Agent shall have received appraisals of the Borrowers’ Inventory from one or more firms satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which appraisals shall be satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

(q) USA PATRIOT Act, Etc. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) all documentation and other information regarding the Borrowers required under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, to the extent requested in writing by the Administrative Agent at least thirty (30) days prior to the Effective Date, and (ii) to the extent any Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification.

 

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(r) Intercreditor Joinder Agreement. Without limiting clause (a) of this Section 4.01, the Administrative Agent shall have received the Intercreditor Joinder Agreement, duly executed by the Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, the Secured Notes Agent, the Parent, and the Affiliates of Parent party to the Intercreditor Agreement.

SECTION 4.02 Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of each Issuing Bank to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

(a) The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though made on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects only as of such specified date, and that any representation or warranty which is subject to any materiality qualifier shall be required to be true and correct in all respects).

(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, (i) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (ii) no Protective Advance shall be outstanding.

(c) After giving effect to any Borrowing or the issuance, amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit, Availability shall not be less than zero; provided that for any Borrowing the proceeds of which are used to finance a Payment Conditions Transaction, immediately after such Payment Conditions Transaction, Availability shall be not less than the requirement set forth in the Payment Conditions.

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

Notwithstanding the failure to satisfy the conditions precedent set forth in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Section, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, continue to make Loans and an Issuing Bank may, but shall have no obligation to, issue, amend or extend, or cause to be issued, amended or extended, any Letter of Credit for the ratable account and risk of Lenders from time to time if the Administrative Agent believes that making such Loans or issuing, amending or extending, or causing the issuance, amendment or extension of, any such Letter of Credit is in the best interests of the Lenders.

ARTICLE V

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

Until all of the Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that it shall and shall cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to do all of the following:

SECTION 5.01 [Reserved].

 

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SECTION 5.02 Collateral Reporting. Provide the Administrative Agent (and if so requested by a Lender, with copies for such Lender) with the following documents at the following times in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

 

During the continuance of a Reporting Trigger Period, weekly, not later than the 3rd day of the next succeeding week; otherwise such documents are not required

 

  

(a)   a sales journal, collection journal, and credit register since the last such schedule, together with a Borrowing Base Certificate calculating the Borrowing Base with respect to Eligible Accounts only;

 

(b)   notice of all returns, disputes, or claims;

; provided that, in each case, such items shall be subject to normal month-end adjustments, as applicable.

 

Monthly, not later than the 20th day of the next succeeding month,   

(c)   Inventory reports specifying each Borrower’s cost and the wholesale market value of its Inventory, with additional detail showing additions to and deletions from the Inventory;

 

(d)   a completed and executed Borrowing Base Certificate;

 

(e)   a calculation of the Dilution Reserve for the prior month.

 

Monthly, not later than the 20th day of the next succeeding month provided, that, during the continuance of a Reporting Trigger Period, such certificates and reports shall be provided weekly, not later than the 3rd day of the next succeeding week,

 

  

(f)   a detailed aging, by total, of the Accounts, together with a reconciliation to the Borrowing Base Certificate previously provided to the Administrative Agent,

 

(g)   a summary aging, by vendor, of Borrowers’ accounts payable and any book overdraft, and

Promptly following reasonable request by the Administrative Agent

 

  

(h)   such other reports as to the Collateral, or the financial condition of Loan Parties as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request,

 

Within 3 Business Days of occurrence   

(i) written notice of any casualty or other damage to any material portion of the Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding.

SECTION 5.03 Financial Statements, Reports, Certificates. Deliver to the Administrative Agent, with copies to each Lender:

(a) During a Monthly Financial Reporting Period (beginning with the month immediately preceding the month in which such Monthly Financial Reporting Period commences), within 30 days after the end of each month,

 

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(i) a Parent prepared consolidated and, solely in the case of a month that is the end of one of the fiscal quarters of the Parent, consolidating balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flow covering Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ operations during such period,

(ii) subject to proviso at the end of this clause (ii) below, a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of Parent to the effect that:

(A) the financial statements delivered hereunder have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for the lack of footnotes and being subject to year-end audit adjustments) and fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of Parent and its Subsidiaries,

(B) there does not exist any condition or event that constitutes a Default or Event of Default (or, to the extent of any non-compliance, describing such non-compliance as to which he or she may have knowledge and what action Loan Parties have taken, are taking, or propose to take with respect thereto); and

(C) the requirements described in the last paragraph of the definition of Payment Conditions are satisfied.

provided, that, for any month in respect of which the financial covenant in Section 6.15 is required to be tested during any Availability Block Removal Period, the Loan Parties shall deliver a Compliance Certificate together with the monthly financial statements required by clause (i) of this Section 5.03(a) above (which Compliance Certificate shall be delivered in lieu of the certificate described in clauses (A), (B) and (C) immediately above).

(b) within 45 days (or, if such Person has filed a filing extension with the SEC, 50 days) after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Parent, a Parent prepared unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flow covering Parent’s and its Subsidiaries’ operations as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of such 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, together with a certificate signed by a chief financial officer or vice president/treasurer of Parent as to the matters set forth in clauses (ii)(A), (B) and (C) of paragraph (a) of this Section 5.03 with respect such quarterly financial statements,

(c) within 120 days after the end of each of Parent’s fiscal years, financial statements of Parent and its Subsidiaries for each such fiscal year, prepared on a consolidated basis, audited by independent certified public accountants reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and certified, without any qualifications (except to the extent arising solely from an upcoming maturity), by such accountants to have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (such audited financial statements to include a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flow and, if prepared, such accountants’ letter to management), together with a certificate signed by a chief financial officer or vice president/treasurer of Parent as to the matters set forth in clauses (ii)(A), (B) and (C) of paragraph (a) of this Section 5.03 with respect to such annual financial statements,

(d) no later than 30 days after the start of each of Parent’s fiscal years, the Loan Parties’ projections for the forthcoming year, month by month, certified by the chief financial officer or treasurer (or an officer with substantially equivalent duties) of Parent as being such officer’s good faith best estimate of the financial performance of Parent and its Subsidiaries during the period covered thereby, and in a form either (a) substantially similar in all material respects to the projections delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.01(b), or (b) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent,

 

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(e) if and when filed by any Loan Party,

(i) 10-Q quarterly reports, Form 10-K annual reports, and Form 8-K current reports,

(ii) any other filings made by any Loan Party with the SEC, and

(iii) any other information that is provided by Parent to its shareholders generally.

(f) promptly upon any Loan Party obtaining knowledge of any event or condition that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, notice thereof and a statement of the curative action that Loan Parties propose to take with respect thereto, and

(g) upon the request of the Administrative Agent, any other report reasonably requested relating to the financial condition of the Loan Parties.

The Loan Parties agree that no Loan Party, nor any Subsidiary of a Loan Party, will have a fiscal year different from that of Parent. None of the Loan Parties will be required to disclose any document, information or other matter pursuant to this Section 5.03 (i) that constitutes non-financial trade secrets, in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by law, or (ii) to the extent necessary to preserve attorney client privilege (to the extent such privilege is asserted).

SECTION 5.04 [Reserved].

SECTION 5.05 [Reserved].

SECTION 5.06 Maintenance of Properties. Maintain and preserve all of its properties which are necessary in the proper conduct to its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and comply at all times with the provisions of all leases to which it is a party as lessee, so as to prevent any loss or forfeiture thereof or thereunder.

SECTION 5.07 Taxes. Cause all assessments and material taxes, whether real, personal or otherwise, including FICA, FUTA, state disability or local, state or federal income taxes due or payable by or imposed, levied, or assessed against, the Loan Parties or any of their assets to be paid in full, before delinquency or before the expiration of any extension period, except to the extent that the validity of such assessment or tax shall be the subject of a Permitted Protest. The Loan Parties shall deliver satisfactory evidence of payment of applicable excise taxes in each jurisdiction in which any Loan Party is required to pay any such excise tax.

SECTION 5.08 Insurance.

 

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(a) At the Loan Parties’ expense, maintain insurance respecting its property and assets wherever located, covering loss or damage by fire, theft, explosion, and all other hazards and risks, in each case, as is customarily maintained by other Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses in the same or similar locations. The Loan Parties also shall maintain business interruption, public liability, and product liability insurance, as well as insurance against larceny, embezzlement, and criminal misappropriation. With respect any such policies covering any Collateral, all such policies of insurance shall be in such amounts and with such insurance companies as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion. The Loan Parties shall deliver copies of all such policies to the Administrative Agent with a satisfactory lender’s loss payable endorsement naming the Administrative Agent as loss payee or additional insured, as appropriate, including, without limitation, each of the policies covering any Collateral). Except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion, each such policy of insurance or endorsement shall contain a clause requiring the insurer to give not less than 30 days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent in the event of cancellation of the policy for any reason whatsoever.

(b) The Loan Parties shall not take out separate insurance concurrent in form or contributing in the event of loss with that required to be maintained under this Section 5.08, unless the Administrative Agent is included thereon as named insured with the loss payable to the Administrative Agent under a lender’s loss payable endorsement or its equivalent, to the extent applicable. Borrower Representative immediately shall notify the Administrative Agent whenever such separate insurance is taken out, specifying the insurer thereunder and full particulars as to the policies evidencing the same, and copies of such policies promptly shall be provided to the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 5.09 [Reserved].

SECTION 5.10 Compliance with Laws. Comply with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, Anti-Corruption Laws, and Sanctions other than laws, rules, regulations, and orders, in each case, the non-compliance with which, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in and reasonably would not be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Each Loan Party will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects.

SECTION 5.11 [Reserved].

SECTION 5.12 [Reserved].

SECTION 5.13 Existence. At all times preserve and keep in full force and effect each Loan Party’s (a) valid existence and (b) good standing and any rights and franchises material to the Loan Parties’ businesses, in each case, with respect to this clause (b), except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

SECTION 5.14 Environmental. Keep any property either owned or operated by any Loan Party free of any Environmental Liens or post bonds or other financial assurances sufficient to satisfy the obligations or liability evidenced by such Environmental Liens, (b) comply, in all material respects, with Environmental Laws and provide to the Administrative Agent documentation of such compliance which the Administrative Agent reasonably requests, (c) promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any release of a Hazardous Material of any reportable quantity from or onto property owned or operated by any Loan Party and take any Remedial Actions required to abate said release or otherwise to come into compliance with applicable Environmental Law, and (d) promptly provide the Administrative Agent with written notice within 30 days of the receipt of any of the following: (i) notice that an Environmental Lien has been filed against of the real or personal property of any Loan Party, (ii) commencement of any Environmental Action or written notice that an Environmental Action will be filed against any Loan Party, and (iii) notice of a violation, citation, or other administrative order which reasonably would be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

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SECTION 5.15 [Reserved].

SECTION 5.16 [Reserved].

SECTION 5.17 Margin Stock. If any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries intends or expects to acquire any Margin Stock, such Loan Party will, or will cause its Subsidiary to, deliver to the Administrative Agent (for further distribution to Lenders) a Form U-1 together with such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request to complete such Form U-1.

SECTION 5.18 Inspections and Field Exams; Appraisals. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to (i) keep proper Books in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities and (ii) permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any consultants, accountants, lawyers, agents and appraisers retained by the Administrative Agent), upon reasonable prior written notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to conduct at such Loan Party’s premises field examinations of such Loan Party’s assets, liabilities, Accounts and Books, including examining and making extracts from its Books, environmental assessment reports and Phase I or Phase II studies, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants (and hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to contact its independent accountants directly) and to provide contact information for each bank where each Loan Party has a depository and/or securities account and each such Loan Party hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent and each Lender to contact the bank(s) in order to request bank statements and/or balances, all at such reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested; provided that the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than one (1) time during any 12-month period, unless an Event of Default is occurring and continuing (subject to the last sentence of this Section 5.18(a)). The Administrative Agent and its respective representatives and independent contractors shall use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid interruption of the normal business operations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries. Each Loan Party acknowledges that the Administrative Agent, after exercising its rights of inspection, may prepare and distribute to the Lenders certain Reports pertaining to each Loan Party’s assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Loan Parties will be required to disclose any document, information or other matter pursuant to this Section 5.18 (A) to any competitor of any Loan Party, (B) that constitutes non-financial trade secrets, (C) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by law, (D) to the extent necessary to preserve attorney client privilege to the extent such privilege is asserted, or (E) relating to the performance of the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder or to the Borrower’s strategy regarding the Loans (including any potential refinancing thereof). The Loan Parties shall only be responsible for the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent from one (1) field examination during any 12-month period and one (1) additional field examination (for the total of two (2) such field examinations during any 12-month period) conducted at any time after Specified Availability falls below the greater of (i) $11,250,000 and (ii) 15 % of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment for a period of three (3) consecutive Business Days; provided, that the Loan Parties shall be responsible for such reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of all field examinations conducted while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

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(a) At any time that the Administrative Agent reasonably requests in writing, each Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, provide the Administrative Agent with appraisals or updates thereof of their Inventory from an appraiser selected and engaged by the Administrative Agent (and reasonably satisfactory to the Borrowers), and prepared on a basis reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, such appraisals and updates to include, without limitation, information required by any applicable Requirement of Law. The Loan Parties shall only be responsible for the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent from one (1) Inventory appraisal during any 12-month period and one (1) additional Inventory appraisal (for the total of two (2) such Inventory appraisals during any 12-month period) conducted at any time after Specified Availability falls below the greater of (i) $11,250,000 and (ii) 15% of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment for a period of three (3) consecutive Business Days. Additionally, there shall be no limitation on the number or frequency of Inventory appraisals if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and the Loan Parties shall be responsible for such reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of any such appraisals conducted while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

SECTION 5.19 Use of Proceeds. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries shall use the proceeds of the Borrowings (a) on the Effective Date, to pay transactional fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and to repay in full the aggregate outstanding Indebtedness under the Existing ABL Credit Agreement, and (b) thereafter, for any purpose not prohibited by this Agreement. No Borrower will request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and no Borrower shall use, and each Borrower shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, directly or knowingly indirectly, (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, except to the extent permitted for a Person required to comply with Sanctions, or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.

SECTION 5.20 Post-Closing Covenants. The Loan Parties shall cause the following to occur within the specified time period therefor, it being understood and agreed that such time periods may be extended by the Administrative Agent in writing (including via e-mail) in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent:

(a) on or prior to the date that is 30 days following the Effective Date, the Loan Parties shall have caused the Deposit Accounts (as defined in the Security Agreement) and Securities Accounts (as defined in the Security Agreement) set forth on Schedule 5.20 to either (i) be subject to Deposit Account Control Agreements (as defined in the Security Agreement) or Securities Account Control Agreements (as defined in the Security Agreement), as applicable, in favor of the Administrative Agent or (ii) to be closed (in which case the assets in such accounts shall have been transferred to Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts maintained with the Administrative Agent); provided that Securities Account No. 1BA22726 maintained by Parent with Wells Fargo Securities shall, to the extent such Securities Account holds U.S. Treasury bonds or other assets constituting Investment Property (as defined in the Security Agreement) and no other assets, shall not be required to be closed (and the U.S. Treasury bonds or other Investment Property therein transferred to a Securities Account maintained with the Administrative Agent) until the first anniversary of the Effective Date.

(b) on or prior to the date that is 60 days following the Effective Date, the Loan Parties shall have caused a Collateral Access Agreement to be delivered to the Administrative Agent with respect to any location where Eligible Inventory is located with respect to which a lessor, consignor warehouseman, bailee or other similar Person has rights with respect to such Eligible Inventory; provided that the failure to provide any Collateral Access Agreement for any required location pursuant this Section 5.20(b) shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default, but shall give Administrative Agent the right to implement Reserves in respect of rent (or for consignee’s, warehousemen’s, bailee’s or other similar charges, as applicable) for such location;

 

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(c) on or prior to the date that is 45 days following the Effective Date, the Loan Parties shall have delivered the endorsements and collateral assignments with respect to their insurance policies as required in accordance with Section 5.08; and

(d) the Loan Parties shall allow access and take all other commercially reasonable actions to enable the initial field exam and Inventory appraisal to be completed within 45 days following the Effective Date; provided that to the extent such field Exam and/or Inventory appraisal is not completed by such date for any reason other than as a result of any action or inaction of the Loan Parties that is inconsistent with this Section 5.20(d), the failure of such Field Exam and/or Inventory Appraisal to be completed by such date shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default.

SECTION 5.21 Additional Collateral; Further Assurances.

(a) Each Loan Party will cause each Domestic Subsidiary (other than any Excluded Subsidiary) formed or acquired after the Effective Date to become a Loan Party by executing and delivering (i) a Joinder Agreement, (ii) a joinder agreement to the Security Agreement in the form of Annex I thereto, and (iii) such other agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request (including, without limitation, a customary legal opinion), each in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent. In connection therewith, the Administrative Agent shall have received all documentation and other information regarding such newly formed or acquired Subsidiary as may be required to comply with the applicable “know your customer” rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act. Upon execution and delivery thereof, each such Person (i) shall automatically become a Loan Guarantor and, if specified in such Joinder Agreement, a Borrower hereunder, and thereupon shall have all of the rights, benefits, duties and obligations in such capacity under the Loan Documents and (ii) will grant Liens to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, in any property of such Loan Party which constitutes Collateral.

(b) Without limiting the foregoing and without limiting and in furtherance of the obligations of the Loan Parties pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Security Agreement, each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions, which may be required by applicable laws or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

(c) If any assets constituting Collateral are acquired by any Loan Party after the Effective Date (other than assets constituting Collateral under the Security Agreement that automatically become subject to the Lien under the Security Agreement upon acquisition thereof), the Borrower Representative will (i) notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereof and, if requested by the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, cause such assets to be subjected to a Lien securing the Secured Obligations and (ii) take such actions as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request pursuant to and in accordance with Section 8.2 of the Security Agreement.

ARTICLE VI

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

Until all of the Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that the Loan Parties will not and will not permit any of their respective Subsidiaries to do any of the following:

 

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SECTION 6.01 Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume, permit, guarantee, or otherwise become or remain, directly or indirectly, liable with respect to any Indebtedness; provided, that, the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall be entitled to incur Indebtedness if on the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, (i) after giving effect to the incurrence thereof, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Parent and its Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarter period is greater than 2.0 to 1.0 and (ii) the Payment Conditions are satisfied with respect to such incurrence. The foregoing limitation shall not apply to:

(a) Indebtedness evidenced by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

(b) Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 6.01;

(c) Permitted Purchase Money Indebtedness;

(d) refinancings, renewals, replacements or extensions of Indebtedness permitted under clauses (b) and (c) of this Section 6.01 (and continuance or renewal of any Permitted Liens associated therewith) so long as: (i) [reserved], (ii) such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not result in an increase in the principal amount of, or interest rate with respect to, the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended, except for increases in the principal amount of such Indebtedness not exceeding the principal amount of such Indebtedness outstanding on the Effective Date, (iii) such refinancings, renewals, or extensions do not result in a shortening of the average weighted maturity of the Indebtedness so refinanced, renewed, or extended, nor are they on terms or conditions, that, taken as a whole, are materially more burdensome or restrictive to the applicable Loan Party, and (iv) if the Indebtedness that is refinanced, renewed, or extended was subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, then the terms and conditions of the refinancing, renewal, or extension Indebtedness must be include subordination terms and conditions that are at least as favorable to the Lenders as those that were applicable to the refinanced, renewed, or extended Indebtedness;

(e) [reserved];

(f) Indebtedness owing by any Loan Party to any other Loan Party;

(g) Subordinated Indebtedness;

(h) [reserved];

(i) other Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the greater of $70,000,000 and 5.5% of the total consolidated assets of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as reflected on their balance sheet in accordance with GAAP;

(j) Indebtedness constituting Permitted Investments;

(k) [reserved];

(l) Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in the ordinary course of business, not in excess of the amount of such premiums;

(m) Indebtedness of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries under the Secured Notes and guarantees thereof;

(n) Indebtedness in respect of Third Party Swap Obligations;

(o) [reserved];

 

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(p) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business with respect to surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, completion guarantee and similar obligations and guarantees thereof;

(q) customary indemnification obligations to purchasers in connection with Permitted Dispositions and guarantees thereof; and

(r) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of credit cards, credit card processing services, debit cards, stored value cards, commercial cards (including so-called “purchase cards”, “procurement cards” or “p-cards”), or Banking Services in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed, with respect to any such Indebtedness owed to any Person that is not a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender, $2,000,000 at any one time outstanding;

(s) Guarantees in the form of endorsements of instruments or items of payment for deposit to the account of the Loan Parties or which are transmitted or turned over to the Administrative Agent; and

(t) Guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under Sections 6.01(a) through (n) above.

SECTION 6.02 Liens.

Create, incur, assume, or permit to exist, directly or indirectly, any Lien on or with respect to any of its assets, of any kind, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or any income or profits therefrom, except for Permitted Liens (including Liens that are replacements of Permitted Liens to the extent that the original Indebtedness is refinanced, renewed, replaced or extended under Section 6.01(d) and so long as the replacement Liens only encumber those assets that secured the refinanced, renewed, or extended Indebtedness).

SECTION 6.03 Restrictions on Fundamental Changes.

(a) Enter into any merger, consolidation, or reorganization, or, except for the Parent, reclassify its Stock;

(b) liquidate, wind up, or dissolve itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution); or

(c) convey, sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

provided, that the foregoing clauses (a), (b) and (c) shall not apply to (i) the merger or consolidation of a Loan Party or a Subsidiary of a Loan Party with and into another Loan Party (in each such case, so long as a Borrower (to the extent a Borrower is part of such transaction) is the surviving entity of any such merger), (ii) the sale, transfer, lease or other disposal of any assets of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries to any other Loan Party, (iii) Permitted Dispositions, (iv) Acquisitions and other Investments to the extent permitted hereunder, (v) conveyances, sales, leases, licenses, assignments, transfers or other dispositions permitted by Section 6.04, (vi) mergers, liquidations, sale of assets of a non-Loan Party Subsidiary into or to another non-Loan Party Subsidiary, and (vii) any liquidation or dissolution of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party if the Borrower Representative determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Parent and its Subsidiaries, is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders, and the assets owned or controlled by such liquidated or dissolved Subsidiary are transferred to a Loan Party.

 

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SECTION 6.04 Disposal of Assets. Other than transactions permitted under Section 6.03, convey, sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any of the assets of any Loan Party, except that:

(a) a Loan Party and any Subsidiary of a Loan Party may sell or otherwise dispose of any of its other assets, provided that (i) to the extent such disposition involves ABL Priority Collateral, the Borrowers shall have, concurrently with or prior to the occurrence of such disposition, delivered a new Borrowing Base Certificate (giving effect to such disposition and any repayment of the Obligations to be made in connection therewith) demonstrating compliance with Section 2.01(a) (and such Borrowing Base Certificate shall automatically be effective upon delivery until a new Borrowing Base Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 5.02 or as otherwise required by this Agreement), (ii) such assets are sold for Fair Market Value and (iii) the aggregate Fair Market Value of all such assets sold during any fiscal year of the Loan Parties pursuant to this Section 6.04(a) shall not exceed the greater of $10,000,000 and 1.0% of the total consolidated assets of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries as reflected on their balance sheet in accordance with GAAP;

(b) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Loan Party and any of its respective Subsidiaries may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Notes Priority Collateral owned by such Person so long as such disposition is permitted under the Secured Notes Documents or if the requisite holders of the Secured Notes otherwise consent to such sale or disposition, it being understood that upon such sale, the Administrative Agent’s security interest (if any) in such assets shall be automatically released, and it being further understood that proceeds from the sale or disposition of Notes Priority Collateral shall be applied by the Loan Parties in accordance with the terms of the Secured Notes Documents and the Secured Notes Indenture; and

(c) a Loan Party and any Subsidiary of a Loan Party may sell or otherwise dispose of its assets, provided that (i) 75% of the consideration received thereunder is paid in cash or Cash Equivalents, (ii) the sale price is at least Fair Market Value, (iii) to the extent such disposition involves ABL Priority Collateral, the Parent shall have, concurrently with or prior to the occurrence of such disposition, delivered a new Borrowing Base Certificate (giving effect to such disposition and any repayment of the Obligations to be made in connection therewith) demonstrating compliance with Section 2.01(a) (and such Borrowing Base Certificate shall automatically be effective upon delivery until a new Borrowing Base Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 5.02 or as otherwise required by this Agreement), and (iv) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom;

(d) the Parent may at any time issue or sell Stock of the Parent (subject to paragraph (n) of Article VII);

(e) any Loan Party and any of its respective Subsidiaries may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of Equipment that is substantially worn, damaged, or obsolete in the ordinary course of the applicable Loan Parties’ business;

any Loan Party and any of its respective Subsidiaries may sell Inventory to buyers in the ordinary course of business;

(f) any Loan Party and any of its respective Subsidiaries may use or transfer of money or Cash Equivalents in a manner that is not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents;

(g) any Loan Party and any of its respective Subsidiaries may license, on a non-exclusive basis, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of the applicable Loan Parties business;

 

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(h) any Loan Party and any of its respective Subsidiaries may consummate sales, transfers, leases or other dispositions of assets to any other Loan Party; provided that no Loan Party that is a Borrower may consummate any such disposition to any Loan Party that is not a Borrower; and

(i) any Loan Party and any of its respective Subsidiaries may sell or otherwise dispose of Accounts which are not Eligible Accounts.

SECTION 6.05 [Reserved].

SECTION 6.06 [Reserved].

SECTION 6.07 Nature of Business. Make any material change in the principal nature of the Loan Parties’ business, taken as a whole; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any Loan Party or Loan Parties from engaging in any substantially similar or ancillary, related and natural extensions of such business and dispositions that are otherwise permitted hereunder.

SECTION 6.08 Payments of Indebtedness; Modifications of Subordinated Indebtedness.

(a) Make any payment in respect of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness in respect of the Secured Notes), except the following payments of Indebtedness shall be permitted:

(i) payments in respect of the Secured Obligations;

(ii) scheduled payments of principal and interest, and payment of any other amount, in each case to the extent such payment is required pursuant to the terms of any Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01, other than Subordinated Indebtedness (which is covered by clause (iv) below);

(iii) payments of Indebtedness as a result of any refinancing of Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(d);

(iv) payments of Subordinated Indebtedness to the extent permitted in accordance with the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness or any agreement with respect thereto governing the subordination thereof;

(v) payments of Indebtedness to the extent the Payment Conditions are satisfied; and

(vi) payments of Indebtedness not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate in any fiscal year of the Loan Parties (it being understood and agreed that any payment of Indebtedness made pursuant this clause (vi) shall only be permitted if such payment would not, at the time thereof, be permitted (or be able to be made) under any other clause of this Section 6.08(a)).

(b) No Loan Party shall amend, modify, alter, or change any of the terms or conditions of any agreement, instrument, document, indenture, or other writing evidencing or concerning Subordinated Indebtedness if such amendment, modification, alteration or change would be materially adverse to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in any respect (as determined by the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion).

SECTION 6.09 [Reserved].

SECTION 6.10 [Reserved].

 

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SECTION 6.11 Restricted Payments. Make any distribution or declare or pay any dividends (in cash or other property, other than common Stock) on, or purchase, acquire, redeem, or retire any of any Loan Party’s Stock, of any class, whether now or hereafter outstanding (each, a “Restricted Payment”); provided, that the foregoing shall not prohibit any of the following:

(a) Restricted Payments by a Loan Party to another Loan Party;

(b) transactions permitted under Section 6.03;

(c) Restricted Payments so long as the Payment Conditions are satisfied with respect to each such Restricted Payment; and

(d) Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000 in any fiscal year of Parent (it being understood and agreed that any Restricted Payment made pursuant this clause (d) shall only be permitted if such Restricted Payment would not, at the time thereof, be permitted (or be able to be made) under any other clause of this Section 6.11).

SECTION 6.12 [Reserved].

SECTION 6.13 Investments. Directly or indirectly, make or acquire any Investment, or incur any liabilities (including contingent obligations) for or in connection with any Investment; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit any of the following:

(a) Investments set forth on Schedule 6.13;

(b) Investments in Cash Equivalents;

(c) Investments in negotiable instruments for collection;

(d) advances made in connection with purchases of goods or services in the ordinary course of business;

(e) Investments by any Loan Party in any other Loan Party (including Investments made by any Loan Party in the Parent);

(f) guarantees permitted under Section 6.01;

(g) Investments in any newly created Subsidiary by means of purchase or other acquisition of the Stock of such Subsidiary including by way of merger;

(h) Investments in joint ventures in an aggregate amount not exceeding $35,000,000;

(i) Investments in respect of Swap Obligations and Third Party Swap Obligations;

(j) Special Permitted Investments;

(k) Investments to the extent the Payment Conditions are satisfied; and

(l) Investments not to exceed $5,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any one time (it being understood and agreed that any Investment made pursuant this clause (l) shall only be permitted if such Investment would not, at the time made, be permitted (or be able to be made) under any other clause of this Section 6.13).

 

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SECTION 6.14 Transactions With Affiliates. Except for transactions (a) set forth on Schedule 6.14, (b) transactions not exceeding $5,000,000 in the aggregate at any time, and (c) transactions that are (i) in the ordinary course of the Loan Parties’ business, (ii) upon fair and reasonable terms and (iii) no less favorable to Loan Parties than would be obtained in an arm’s length transaction with a non-Affiliate, and (d) transactions that are otherwise permitted under this Agreement, directly or indirectly enter into or permit to exist any transaction with any Affiliate of any Loan Party.

SECTION 6.15 Financial Covenant. Solely during any Availability Block Removal Period, fail to maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.00:1.00, measured monthly as of the last day of each month on a trailing twelve-month basis (commencing with the month immediately following the month for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio was tested for purposes of delivering an Availability Block Removal Notice pursuant to Section 2.01(b)(i)).

ARTICLE VII

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

Any one or more of the following events shall constitute an event of default (each, an “Event of Default”) under this Agreement:

(a) if any Loan Party fails to pay when due and payable or when declared due and payable, (i) any principal amount in respect of the Obligations, or (ii) any other amounts in respect of the Obligations (whether interest (including any interest which, but for the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, would have accrued on such amounts), fees and charges due to the Secured Parties, reimbursement of expenses, or other amounts constituting Obligations) and, in the case of this clause (ii), such failure continues unremedied for a period of five (5) consecutive Business Days;

(b) (i) if any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any covenant, condition or other agreement contained in any of Section 5.02 or Section 5.03, and such failure continues for a period of five (5) Business Days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender), (ii) if any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any covenant, condition or other agreement contained in any of clause (a) of Section 5.13, Section 5.19, Section 5.3 of the Security Agreement or Article VI, or (iii) if any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any covenant, condition or other agreement contained in this Agreement, or in any of the other Loan Documents (other than those specified in clauses (i) or (ii) of this paragraph), and such failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender);

(c) if an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries;

(d) if an Insolvency Proceeding is commenced against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, and any of the following events occur: (a) the applicable Loan Party or the Subsidiary consents to the institution of the Insolvency Proceeding against it, (b) the petition commencing the Insolvency Proceeding is not timely controverted, (c) the petition commencing the Insolvency Proceeding is not dismissed within 60 calendar days of the date of the filing thereof; provided, however, that, during the pendency of such period, the Administrative Agent (including any successor agent) and each other Lender shall be relieved of their obligation to extend credit hereunder, (d) an interim trustee is appointed to take possession of all or any substantial portion of the properties or assets of, or to operate all or any substantial portion of the business of, any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or (e) an order for relief shall have been entered therein;

(e) [reserved];

 

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(f) [reserved];

(g) (i) if a final and non-appealable judgment for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $15,000,000 (to the extent not covered by independent third party insurance or indemnitee where the insurer or indemnitee has not declined or disputed coverage) shall be rendered against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary and the same shall remain undischarged or unvacated for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, satisfied, vacated, discharged or bonded pending appeal, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of any Loan Party or Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment; or (ii) any Loan Party or Subsidiary shall fail within sixty (60) days to discharge one or more non-monetary judgments or orders which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, which judgments or orders, in any such case, are not stayed on appeal or otherwise being appropriately contested in good faith by proper proceedings diligently pursued;

(h) (i) any Loan Party or 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 (after giving effect to any applicable grace period); or (ii) 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 to the extent such sale or transfer is permitted by Section 6.04;

(i) [reserved];

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

(k) if the obligation of any Guarantor under its Obligation Guaranty is limited or terminated by operation of law or by such Guarantor thereunder;

(l) if any Collateral Documents shall, for any reason not as a result of any act or omission of the Administrative Agent, fail or cease to create a valid and perfected and first priority Lien (subject, with respect to priority, to Permitted Liens) on or security interest in the Collateral covered hereby or thereby, except to the extent permitted by the terms hereof or thereof;

(m) any material provision of any Loan Document shall at any time for any reason be declared to be null and void, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested by any Loan Party in writing, or a proceeding shall be commenced by any Loan Party seeking to establish the invalidity or unenforceability thereof, or any Loan Party shall deny that any Loan Party has any liability or obligation purported to be created under any material provision of any Loan Document, in each case, except to the extent of any cessation in validity or enforceability that occurs in accordance with the terms of the applicable Loan Document; or

(n) a Change of Control shall occur.

 

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then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrowers described in clause (d) or (e) of this Article VII), 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 Representative, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments (including the Swingline Commitment), whereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, (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), whereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payments) and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall become due and payable immediately, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers, and (iii) require cash collateral for the LC Exposure in accordance with Section 2.06(j); and in the case of any event with respect to the Borrowers described in clause (d) or (e) of this Article VII, the Commitments (including the Swingline Commitment) shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding and the cash collateral for the LC Exposure, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any break funding payments) and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Documents, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, increase the rate of interest applicable to the Loans and other Obligations as set forth in Section 2.13 and exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or in equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC.

ARTICLE VIII

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

SECTION 8.01 Authorization and Action.

(a) Each Lender, on behalf of itself and any of its Affiliates that are Secured Parties and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender and each Issuing Bank authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than within the United States, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute and enforce any Collateral Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s behalf. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.

(b) As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender and each Issuing Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any

 

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action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders and the Issuing Banks with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Requirement of Law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Requirement of Law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Borrower, any other Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

(c) In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders, Secured Parties and the Issuing Banks (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

(i) the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the Administrative Agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, any Issuing Bank, or any other Secured Party or holder of any other obligation other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby;

(ii) nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account.

(d) The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article VIII 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 pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and non-appealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.

 

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(e) [Reserved.]

(f) In case of the pendency of any Insolvency Proceeding, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on any Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such Insolvency Proceeding or otherwise:

(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Disbursements and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

(ii) 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 Insolvency Proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each other Secured Party 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, the Issuing Banks or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section 9.03). 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 Issuing Bank any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or Issuing Bank or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or Issuing Bank in any such Insolvency Proceeding.

(g) The provisions of this Article VIII are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and, except solely to the extent of the Borrowers’ right to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article VIII, no Borrower nor any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the guarantees of the Secured Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article VIII.

SECTION 8.02 Administrative Agents Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc.

(a) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of 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 to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred

 

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to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

(b) The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (i) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.03(g) unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.03(g)” in respect of this Agreement is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower Representative, or (ii) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower Representative, a Lender or an Issuing Bank. Further, 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 any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, or (vi) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral.

(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b)(iv), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrowers), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or Issuing Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or Issuing Bank for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or Issuing Bank sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).

SECTION 8.03 Posting of Communications.

(a) The Borrowers agree that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks by posting the Communications on IntraLinks, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic system chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).

 

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(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders, each Issuing Bank and each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders, each Issuing Bank and each Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. 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 THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OF ITS RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.

Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.

(d) Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.

(e) Each of the Lenders, each Issuing Bank and each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.

 

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(f) Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

SECTION 8.04 The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitment, Loans (including Swingline Loans) and Letters of Credit, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be. The terms “Issuing Bank”, “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender, Issuing Bank or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent 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 banking, trust or other business with, any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks.

SECTION 8.05 Successor Administrative Agent.

(a) The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower Representative, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In either case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Borrower Representative (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Disqualified Lender may be appointed as Administrative Agent. Any successor Administrative Agent shall be a “U.S. Person” and a “financial institution” within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Sec. 1.1441-1.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrowers, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and continue to be entitled to the rights set forth in such Collateral Document

 

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and Loan Document, and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this Section (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender and Issuing Bank. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article VIII, Section 2.17(d) and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (a) above.

SECTION 8.06 Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Bank.

(a) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrowers and their Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

(b) Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date or the effective date of any such Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall have become a Lender hereunder.

 

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(c) Each Lender hereby agrees that (i) it has requested a copy of each Report prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent; (ii) the Administrative Agent (A) makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of any Report or any of the information contained therein or any inaccuracy or omission contained in or relating to a Report and (B) shall not be liable for any information contained in any Report; (iii) the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and that any Person performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Loan Parties and will rely significantly upon the Loan Parties’ Books, as well as on representations of the Loan Parties’ personnel and that the Administrative Agent undertakes no obligation to update, correct or supplement the Reports; (iv) it will keep all Reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, not share the Report with any Loan Party or any other Person except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement; and (v) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, (A) it will hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from any action the indemnifying Lender may take or conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw from any Report in connection with any extension of credit that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to a Borrower, or the indemnifying Lender’s participation in, or the indemnifying Lender’s purchase of, a Loan or Loans; and (B) it will pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent or any such other Person as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender.

(d) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.06(d) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

(i) Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment. Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.

 

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(ii) Each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by any Borrower or any other Loan Party.

(iii) Each party’s obligations under this Section 8.06(d) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.

SECTION 8.07 Collateral Matters.

(a) Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Secured Party’s right to file a proof of claim in an Insolvency Proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any guarantee of the Secured Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof. In its capacity, the Administrative Agent is a “representative” of the Secured Parties within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the UCC. In the event that any Collateral is hereafter pledged by any Person as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized, and hereby granted a power of attorney, to execute and deliver on behalf of the Secured Parties any Loan Documents necessary or appropriate to grant and perfect a Lien on such Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.

(b) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no arrangements in respect of Banking Services the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations and no Swap Agreement the obligations under which constitute Secured Obligations, will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Loan Party under any Loan Document. By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such arrangement in respect of Banking Services or Swap Agreement, as applicable, shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.

(c) The Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 6.02(b). The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

SECTION 8.08 Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either

 

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directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Loan Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the Stock or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or Stock thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Required Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as Stock in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Obligations and the Stock and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.

SECTION 8.09 Certain ERISA Matters.

(a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

 

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(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Specified Benefit Plans (as defined below) in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments,

(ii) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement,

(iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, or

(iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

For purposes of clause (i) of this Section 8.09(a), a “Specified Benefit 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 any 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. For purposes of the foregoing definition, “Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

(b) In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent and its respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent, or any of its respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the Collateral or the assets of such Lender (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related to hereto or thereto).

(c) The Administrative Agent hereby informs the Lenders that it is not undertaking to provide investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents, (ii) may recognize a

 

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gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.

SECTION 8.10 Flood Laws. JPMCB has adopted internal policies and procedures that address requirements placed on federally regulated lenders under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 and related legislation (the “Flood Laws”). JPMCB, as administrative agent or collateral agent on a syndicated facility, will post on the applicable electronic platform (or otherwise distribute to each Lender in the syndicate) documents that it receives in connection with the Flood Laws. However, JPMCB reminds each Lender and Participant in the facility that, pursuant to the Flood Laws, each federally regulated Lender (whether acting as a Lender or Participant in the facility) is responsible for assuring its own compliance with the flood insurance requirements.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 9.01 Notices. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone or Electronic Systems (and subject in each case 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 facsimile, as follows:

 

  (i)

if to any Loan Party, to the Borrower Representative at:

c/o LSB Industries, Inc.

3503 NW 63rd Street, Suite 500

Oklahoma City, OK 73316

Attention: Cheryl Maguire

                 Kristy Carver

                 Michael Foster

Emails: kcarver@lsbindustries.com

              notice@lsbindustries.com

 

  (ii)

if to the Administrative Agent, JPMCB in its capacity as an Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. at:

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

1900 N. Akard, 3rd Floor

Dallas, TX 75201

Attention: Portfolio Manager – LSB Industries

 

  (iii)

if to any other Lender or Issuing Bank, to it at its address or facsimile number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

All such notices and other communications (A) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received, (B) sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient, or (C) delivered through Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below shall be effective as provided in such paragraph.

 

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(a) Notices and other communications to any Borrower, any Loan Party, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, or pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.03 unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower Representative (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by Electronic Systems or Approved Electronic Platforms, as applicable, 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 proscribes, all such notices and other communications (i) sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if not given during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) 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) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient.

(b) Any party hereto may change its address, facsimile number or e-mail address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

SECTION 9.02 Waivers; Amendments. No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document 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 the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party 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 the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

(a) Except as provided in the first sentence of Section 2.09(f) with respect to any commitment increase) and subject to Section 2.14(c), (d) and (e) and Section 9.02(e) below, neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrowers and the Required Lenders or (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto, with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (A) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender), (B) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or

 

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LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (provided that any amendment or modification of the financial covenants in this Agreement (or any defined term used therein) shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest or fees for purposes of this clause (B)), (C) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Obligations payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby, (D) change Section 2.09(c) or Section 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the ratable reduction of Commitments or the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (E) increase the advance rates set forth in the definition of Borrowing Base or add new categories of eligible assets, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (F) change any of the provisions of this Section 9.02 or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby, (G) change Section 2.20 without the consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), (H) release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty or Obligation Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender), or except as provided in clause (c) of this Section 9.02 or in any Collateral Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender); provided, further, that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be (it being understood that any amendment to Section 2.20 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Swingline Lender); provided further that no such agreement shall amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.06 without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks. The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments entered into pursuant to Section 9.04.

(b) The Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its sole discretion, to release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon Payment in Full of all Secured Obligations, and the cash collateralization of all Unliquidated Obligations in a manner satisfactory to each affected Lender, (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if the Loan Party disposing of such property certifies to the Administrative Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), and to the extent that the property being sold or disposed of constitutes 100% of the Stock of a Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent is authorized to release any Loan Guaranty or Obligation Guaranty provided by such Subsidiary, (iii) constituting property leased to a Loan Party under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, or (iv) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent will not release any Liens on Collateral without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders; provided that, the Administrative Agent may in its discretion, release its Liens on Collateral valued in the aggregate not in excess of $1,000,000 during any calendar year without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders (it being agreed that the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on one or more certificates of the Borrowers as to the value of any Collateral to be so released, without further inquiry). Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. Any execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent of documents in connection with any such release shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

 

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(c) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrowers may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Borrowers shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrowers hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender. Each party hereto agrees that an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower Representative, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower Representative only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency.

SECTION 9.03 Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Etc. Expenses. The Loan Parties shall, jointly and severally, pay all (i) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates in the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents, the provision of the credit facilities provided for herein, and any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of one legal counsel to the Administrative Agent and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel to the Administrative Agent in each relevant material jurisdiction (which may include a single special counsel acting in multiple jurisdictions) material to the interests of the Administrative Agent, (ii) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel (but limited to (x) one primary counsel and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel in each relevant material jurisdiction (which may include a single special counsel acting in multiple jurisdictions) and (y) solely in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest among the Administrative Agent and any Lender, where the Person affected

 

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by such conflict informs the Borrower Representative of such conflict and thereafter retains its own counsel, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction for all affected Persons (taken as a whole)) for the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 9.03, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit. Expenses being reimbursed by the Loan Parties under this Section include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with:

(A) appraisals (subject to Section 5.18(b)) and insurance reviews;

(B) field examinations (subject to Section 5.18(a)) and the preparation of Reports based on the fees charged by a third party retained by the Administrative Agent or the internally allocated fees for each Person employed by the Administrative Agent with respect to each field examination; provided that the costs and expenses of the initial field examination performed by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent prior to the Effective Date shall not be required to be paid by the Loan Parties unless all Secured Obligations are Paid in Full on or prior to the first anniversary of the Effective Date;

(C) background checks regarding senior management, as deemed necessary or appropriate in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent;

(D) Taxes, fees filing financing statements and continuations, and other actions to perfect, protect, and continue the Administrative Agent’s Liens;

(E) sums paid or incurred to take any action required of any Loan Party under the Loan Documents that such Loan Party fails to pay or take; and

(F) forwarding loan proceeds, collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining the accounts and lock boxes, and costs and expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral.

All of the foregoing fees, costs and expenses may be charged to the Borrowers as Revolving Loans or to another deposit account, all as described in Section 2.18(c).

(b) Limitation of Liability. To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) neither any Borrower nor any Loan Party shall assert, and each Borrower and each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “Lender-Related Person”) for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), other than claims that are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of a Lender-Related Person and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(b) shall relieve any Borrower or any Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(c), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.

 

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(c) Indemnity. The Loan Parties shall, jointly and severally, indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender, 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 Liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of (x) one primary counsel to the Administrative Agent and Agent-Related Persons (taken as a whole) and, if necessary, one local counsel to the Administrative Agent and Agent-Related Persons (taken as a whole) in each relevant material jurisdiction that is material to the interests of the Administrative Agents and (y) one primary counsel to all other Indemnitees taken as a whole and, if necessary, one local counsel for all other Indemnitees taken as a whole in each relevant material jurisdiction that is material to the interests of the Lenders, and solely in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, where the Indemnitee affected by such conflict informs the Borrower Representative of such conflict and thereafter retains its own counsel, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction for all affected Indemnitees (taken as a whole)), incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, (ii) the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iv) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability or Cost related in any way to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, (v) the failure of a Loan Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence with respect to a payment made by a Loan Party for Taxes pursuant to Section 2.17, or (vi) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by any Loan Party or the holders of any Loan Party’s Stock, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and 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 Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted primarily from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee. This Section 9.03(c) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses or damages arising from any non-Tax claim. WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS THE INTENTION OF EACH BORROWER AND EACH BORROWER AGREES THAT THE FOREGOING INDEMNITIES SHALL APPLY TO EACH INDEMNITEE WITH RESPECT TO LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, LIABILITIES AND RELATED EXPENSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ALL EXPENSES OF LITIGATION OR PREPARATION THEREFOR), WHICH IN WHOLE OR IN PART ARE CAUSED BY OR ARISE OUT OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF SUCH (AND/OR ANY OTHER) INDEMNITEE.

(d) Lender Reimbursement. Each Lender severally agrees to pay any amount required to be paid by any Loan Party under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9.03 to the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each, an “Agent-Related Person”) (to the extent not reimbursed by a Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), ratably according to their respective Applicable Percentage in effect on the date on which such payment is sought under this Section (or, if such payment is sought after the date upon which the Commitments shall have terminated and the Loans shall have been paid in full, ratably in accordance with such Applicable Percentage immediately prior to such date), and agrees to indemnify and hold each Agent-Related Person harmless from and against any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before

 

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or after the payment of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in any way relating to or arising out of the Commitments, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by such Agent-Related Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that the unreimbursed expense or Liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in its capacity as such; provided, further, that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such Liabilities, costs, expenses or disbursements that are found by a final and non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from such Agent-Related Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.

(e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section 9.03 shall be payable promptly/ after written demand therefor.

SECTION 9.04 Successors and Assigns. 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 an Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) no Borrower may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by any Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. 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 an Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(a) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment, participations in Letters of Credit and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:

(A) the Borrower Representative, provided that the Borrower Representative shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment of all or a portion of the Revolving Loans and Commitments unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof, and provided further that no consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required for (i) an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if a Specified Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee;

(B) the Administrative Agent;

(C) each Issuing Bank; and

(D) the Swingline Lender.

 

  (ii)

Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

 

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(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or 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) shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Borrower Representative shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(B) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement;

(C) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and

(D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Loan Parties, the other Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws.

For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund”, “Disqualified Lender” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:

Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and 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.

Competitor” means (a) any Person principally engaged in the transportation, production, storage, processing or fertilizers and other petrochemical products and (b) any Person who is an Affiliate of a Competitor described in clause (a).

Disqualified Lender” means (a) certain banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders (or related funds of such institutional lenders) identified in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Parent prior to the Effective Date and (b) Competitors of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries that have been identified in writing to the Administrative Agent by the Parent prior to the Effective Date or no more than twice per year thereafter, which designations shall not apply retroactively to disqualify any persons that have previously acquired an assignment or participation interest in the Commitments and Loans hereunder, it being understood and agreed that the Administrative Agent may share such list with any Lender or prospective Lender hereunder.

 

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Ineligible Institution” means (a) a natural person, (b) a Defaulting Lender or its Lender Parent, (c) a company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof; provided that, with respect to this clause (c), such company, investment vehicle or trust shall not constitute an Ineligible Institution if it (x) has not been established for the primary purpose of acquiring any Loans or Commitments, (y) is managed by a professional advisor, who is not such natural person or a relative thereof, having significant experience in the business of making or purchasing commercial loans, and (z) has assets greater than $250,000,000 and a significant part of its activities consist of making or purchasing commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business, (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party, or (e) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, a Disqualified Lender.

(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section 9.04, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders 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 Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

(v) Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Sections 2.05, 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(d) or 9.03(d), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

 

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(vi) Any assignment by a Lender to a Disqualified Lender (other than during the continuance of an Event of Default) without Borrower Representative’s consent shall, at Borrower Representative’s option, be null and void. Upon the request of any Lender, the Administrative Agent shall make available to such Lender the list of Disqualified Lenders and such Lender may provide the list to any potential assignee for the purpose of verifying whether such Person is a Disqualified Lender. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not (x) be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any Lender or prospective Lender is a Disqualified Lender or (y) have any liability with respect to or arising out of disclosure of confidential information to any Disqualified Lender by any other Lender.

(b) Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) other than an Ineligible Institution in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations; and (iii) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and/or 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 Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. The Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Sections 2.17(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender and the information and documentation required under Section 2.17(g) will be delivered to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.18 and 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or 2.17, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.

Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrowers’ request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrowers to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(b) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, 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 this Agreement or any other Loan Document (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 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.

 

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(c) Any 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 9.05 Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any 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 Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof. Except for any provisions hereof which by their express terms or the terms of this Section 9.05 survive such termination, this Agreement will terminate upon Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.

SECTION 9.06 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution. 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, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to (i) fees payable to the Administrative Agent and (ii) increases or reductions of the Issuing Bank Sublimit of any Issuing Bank constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof 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.

(a) Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the

 

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Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of any Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic Signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby (A) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, Insolvency Proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrowers and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (B) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (C) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (D) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of any Borrower and/or any other Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.

SECTION 9.07 Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document 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 thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

SECTION 9.08 Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and 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 (but other than deposits in any Excluded Accounts), and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any and all of the Secured Obligations held by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates shall have made any demand under the Loan Documents and although such obligations may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender or such Issuing Bank 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 2.20 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 Issuing Banks, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the

 

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Secured Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The applicable Lender, the applicable Issuing Bank or such Affiliate shall notify the Borrower Representative and the Administrative Agent of such setoff or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such setoff or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have.

SECTION 9.09 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process. The Loan Documents (other than those containing a contrary express choice of law provision) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national banks.

(a) Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Secured Party relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Collateral or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

(b) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal or New York state court sitting in New York, New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to any Loan Documents, the transactions relating hereto or thereto, 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 (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such New York 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 or any other Loan Document shall (i) affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction, (ii) waive any statutory, regulatory, common law, or other rule, doctrine, legal restriction, provision or the like providing for the treatment of bank branches, bank agencies, or other bank offices as if they were separate juridical entities for certain purposes, including UCC Sections 4-106, 4-A-105(1)(b), and 5-116(b), UCP 600 Article 3 and ISP98 Rule 2.02, and URDG 758 Article 3(a), or (iii) affect which courts have or do not have personal jurisdiction over any Issuing Bank or beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any advising bank, nominated bank or assignee of proceeds thereunder or proper venue with respect to any litigation arising out of or relating to such Letter of Credit with, or affecting the rights of, any Person not a party to this Agreement, whether or not such Letter of Credit contains its own jurisdiction submission clause.

(c) Each Loan Party 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 or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (c) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent 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 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

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SECTION 9.10 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, 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 OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY 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 9.11 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 9.12 Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and its and their respective 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 Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by any Requirement of Law 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 under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Loan Parties and their obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower Representative, 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 the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower, or (i) on a confidential basis to (1) any rating agency in connection with rating any Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (2) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of identification numbers with respect to the credit facilities provided for herein.

For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrowers relating to the Borrowers or their business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrowers and other than information pertaining to this Agreement provided by financial institutions to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry; provided that, in the case of information received from the Borrowers 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.

 

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EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION (AS DEFINED IN THIS SECTION 9.12) FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PARENT, AND ITS AFFILIATES, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY THE BORROWERS OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARENT, THE LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE BORROWERS AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

SECTION 9.13 Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to Margin Stock for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither any Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrowers in violation of any Requirement of Law.

SECTION 9.14 USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act.

SECTION 9.15 Disclosure. Each Loan Party, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.

SECTION 9.16 Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession or control. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.

 

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SECTION 9.17 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 the Lender holding such Loan 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 such 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 NYFRB Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

SECTION 9.18 Marketing Consent. The Borrowers hereby authorize JPMCB and its affiliates (collectively, the “JPMCB Parties”), at their respective sole expense, with the prior consent of the Borrower Representative, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, to include any Borrower’s name and logo in advertising, marketing, tombstones, case studies and training materials, and to give such other publicity to this Agreement as the JPMCB Parties may from time to time determine in their sole discretion.

SECTION 9.19 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and

(b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.

SECTION 9.20 No Fiduciary Duty, Etc. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to each Borrower with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, any Borrower or any other person. Each Borrower agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Additionally, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising any Borrower as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. Each Borrower shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated herein or in the other Loan Documents, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to any Borrower with respect thereto.

 

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(a) Each Borrower further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its Affiliates, is a full-service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, Stock, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, any Borrower and other companies with which any Borrower may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.

(b) In addition, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which a Borrower may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from any Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with such Borrower in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. Each Borrower also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to any Borrower, confidential information obtained from other companies.

SECTION 9.21 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “QFC Credit Support” and each such QFC a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York Illinois and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):

In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

 

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SECTION 9.22 Joint and Several. Each Borrower hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees it is jointly and severally liable to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders for the Secured Obligations. In furtherance thereof, each Borrower agrees that wherever in this Agreement it is provided that a Borrower is liable for a payment, such obligation is the joint and several obligation of each Borrower. Each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that its joint and several liability under this Agreement and the Loan Documents is absolute and unconditional and shall not in any manner be affected or impaired by any acts or omissions whatsoever by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Person. Each Borrower’s liability for the Secured Obligations shall not in any manner be impaired or affected by who receives or uses the proceeds of the credit extended hereunder or for what purposes such proceeds are used, and each Borrower waives notice of borrowing requests issued by, and loans or other extensions of credit made to, other Borrowers. Each Borrower hereby agrees not to exercise or enforce any right of exoneration, contribution, reimbursement, recourse or subrogation available to such Borrower against any party liable for payment under this Agreement and the Loan Documents unless and until the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender have been paid in full and all of the Secured Obligations are satisfied and discharged following termination or expiration of all commitments of the Lenders to extend credit to the Borrowers. Each Borrower’s joint and several liability hereunder with respect to the Secured Obligations shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the unconditional liability of such Borrower irrespective of (i) the validity, enforceability, avoidance or subordination of any of the Secured Obligations or of any other document evidencing all or any part of the Secured Obligations, (ii) the absence of any attempt to collect any of the Secured Obligations from any other Loan Party or any Collateral or other security therefor, or the absence of any other action to enforce the same, (iii) the amendment, modification, waiver, consent, extension, forbearance or granting of any indulgence by the Administrative Agent or any Lender with respect to any provision of any instrument executed by any other Loan Party evidencing or securing the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, or any other agreement now or hereafter executed by any other Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent, (iv) the failure by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to take any steps to perfect or maintain the perfected status of its Lien upon, or to preserve its rights to, any of the Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations or the Administrative Agent’s release of any Collateral or of its Liens upon any Collateral, (v) the release or compromise, in whole or in part, of the liability of any other Loan Party for the payment of any of the Secured Obligations, (vi) any increase in the amount of the Secured Obligations beyond any limits imposed herein or in the amount of any interest, fees or other charges payable in connection therewith, in each case, if consented to by any other Borrower, or any decrease in the same, or (vii) any other circumstance that might constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of any Loan Party. After the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may proceed directly and at once, without notice to any Borrower, against any or all of the Loan Parties to collect and recover all or any part of the Secured Obligations, without first proceeding against any other Loan Party or against any Collateral or other security for the payment or performance of any of the Secured Obligations, and each Borrower waives any provision that might otherwise require the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under applicable law to pursue or exhaust remedies against any Collateral or other Loan Party before pursuing such Borrower or its property. Each Borrower consents and agrees that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Loan Party or against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations.

 

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ARTICLE X

LOAN GUARANTY

SECTION 10.01 Guaranty. Each Loan Guarantor hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Secured Parties, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Secured Obligations and all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, all court costs and attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees (including allocated costs of in-house counsel and paralegals) and expenses paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders in endeavoring to collect all or any part of the Secured Obligations from, or in prosecuting any action against, any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Secured Obligations (such costs and expenses, together with the Secured Obligations, collectively the “Guaranteed Obligations”; provided, however, that the definition of “Guaranteed Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Loan Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Guarantor). Each Loan Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed in whole or in part without notice to or further assent from it, and that it remains bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any such extension or renewal. All terms of this Loan Guaranty apply to and may be enforced by or on behalf of any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of any Lender that extended any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.

SECTION 10.02 Guaranty of Payment. This Loan Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Each Loan Guarantor waives any right to require the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to sue any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor, any other guarantor of, or any other Person obligated for, all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations (each, an “Obligated Party”), or otherwise to enforce its payment against any Collateral securing all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.

SECTION 10.03 No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty. Except as otherwise provided for herein, the obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations), including: (i) any claim of waiver, release, extension, renewal, settlement, surrender, alteration or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, by operation of law or otherwise; (ii) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of any Borrower or any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Obligated Party or their assets or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of any Obligated Party; or (iv) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which any Loan Guarantor may have at any time against any Obligated Party, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or in any unrelated transactions.

(a) The obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are not subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, or any provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit payment by any Obligated Party, of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof.

(b) Further, the obligations of any Loan Guarantor hereunder are not discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by: (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy with respect to all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any waiver or modification of or supplement to any provision of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any release, non-perfection or invalidity of any indirect or direct security for the obligations of any Borrower for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or any obligations of any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any action or failure to act by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender with respect to any Collateral securing any part

 

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of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other circumstance, act, omission or delay that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Loan Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations).

SECTION 10.04 Defenses Waived. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor hereby waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any Borrower or any Loan Guarantor or the unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other Obligated Party, other than Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Guarantor irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment, demand, protest and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any notice not provided for herein, as well as any requirement that at any time any action be taken by any Person against any Obligated Party or any other Person. Each Loan Guarantor confirms that it is not a surety under any state law and shall not raise any such law as a defense to its obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent may, at its election, foreclose on any Collateral held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such Collateral in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise act or fail to act with respect to any Collateral securing all or a part of the Guaranteed Obligations, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Obligated Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Obligated Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of such Loan Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been Paid in Full. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though that election may operate, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Loan Guarantor against any Obligated Party or any security.

SECTION 10.05 Rights of Subrogation. No Loan Guarantor will assert any right, claim or cause of action, including, without limitation, a claim of subrogation, contribution or indemnification, that it has against any Obligated Party or any Collateral, until the Loan Parties and the Loan Guarantors have fully performed all their obligations to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders.

SECTION 10.06 Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration. If at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff) is rescinded, or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Secured Party in its discretion), each Loan Guarantor’s obligations under this Loan Guaranty with respect to that payment shall be reinstated at such time as though the payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders are in possession of this Loan Guaranty. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations shall nonetheless be payable by the Loan Guarantors forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent.

SECTION 10.07 Information. Each Loan Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrowers’ financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Loan Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Loan Guaranty, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Loan Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.

 

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SECTION 10.08 [Reserved].

SECTION 10.09 [Reserved].

SECTION 10.10 Maximum Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty, the amount guaranteed by each Loan Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the extent, if any, required so that its obligations hereunder shall not be subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, Uniform Voidable Transactions Act or similar statute or common law. In determining the limitations, if any, on the amount of any Loan Guarantor’s obligations hereunder pursuant to the preceding sentence, it is the intention of the parties hereto that any rights of subrogation, indemnification or contribution which such Loan Guarantor may have under this Loan Guaranty, any other agreement or applicable law shall be taken into account.

SECTION 10.11 Contribution. (a) To the extent that any Loan Guarantor shall make a payment under this Loan Guaranty (a “Guarantor Payment”) which, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Loan Guarantor, exceeds the amount which otherwise would have been paid by or attributable to such Loan Guarantor if each Loan Guarantor had paid the aggregate Guaranteed Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion as such Loan Guarantor’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Loan Guarantors as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guarantor Payment and Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement, such Loan Guarantor shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Loan Guarantor for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.

(b) As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of any Loan Guarantor shall be equal to the excess of the fair saleable value of the property of such Loan Guarantor over the total liabilities of such Loan Guarantor (including the maximum amount reasonably expected to become due in respect of contingent liabilities, calculated, without duplication, assuming each other Loan Guarantor that is also liable for such contingent liability pays its ratable share thereof), giving effect to all payments made by other Loan Guarantors as of such date in a manner to maximize the amount of such contributions.

(c) This Section 10.11 is intended only to define the relative rights of the Loan Guarantors, and nothing set forth in this Section 10.11 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Loan Guarantors, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Loan Guaranty.

(d) The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Loan Guarantor or Loan Guarantors to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.

(e) The rights of the indemnifying Loan Guarantors against other Loan Guarantors under this Section 10.11 shall be exercisable upon Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 10.12 Liability Cumulative. The liability of each Loan Party as a Loan Guarantor under this Article X is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Loan Party to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or in respect of any obligations or liabilities of the other Loan Parties, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.

 

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SECTION 10.13 Keepwell. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this Guarantee in respect of a Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 10.13 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 10.13 or otherwise under this Loan Guaranty voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). Except as otherwise provided herein, the obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 10.13 shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of all Swap Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 10.13 constitute, and this Section 10.13 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

ARTICLE XI

THE BORROWER REPRESENTATIVE

SECTION 11.01 Appointment; Nature of Relationship. The Parent is hereby appointed by each of the Borrowers as its contractual representative (herein referred to as the “Borrower Representative”) hereunder and under each other Loan Document, and each of the Borrowers irrevocably authorizes the Borrower Representative to act as the contractual representative of such Borrower with the rights and duties expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. The Borrower Representative agrees to act as such contractual representative upon the express conditions contained in this Article XI. Additionally, the Borrowers hereby appoint the Borrower Representative as their agent to receive all of the proceeds of the Loans in the Funding Account, at which time the Borrower Representative shall promptly disburse such Loans to the appropriate Borrower(s), provided that, in the case of a Revolving Loan, such amount shall not exceed Availability. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and their respective officers, directors, agents or employees, shall not be liable to the Borrower Representative or any Borrower for any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Borrower Representative or the Borrowers pursuant to this Section 11.01.

SECTION 11.02 Powers. The Borrower Representative shall have and may exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are specifically delegated to the Borrower Representative by the terms of each thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Borrower Representative shall have no implied duties to the Borrowers, or any obligation to the Lenders to take any action thereunder except any action specifically provided by the Loan Documents to be taken by the Borrower Representative.

SECTION 11.03 Employment of Agents. The Borrower Representative may execute any of its duties as the Borrower Representative hereunder and under any other Loan Document by or through authorized officers.

SECTION 11.04 Notices. Each Borrower shall immediately notify the Borrower Representative of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder referring to this Agreement describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that the Borrower Representative receives such a notice, the Borrower Representative shall give prompt notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. Any notice provided to the Borrower Representative hereunder shall constitute notice to each Borrower on the date received by the Borrower Representative.

SECTION 11.05 Successor Borrower Representative. Upon the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower Representative may resign at any time, such resignation to be effective upon the appointment of a successor Borrower Representative. The Administrative Agent shall give prompt written notice of such resignation to the Lenders.

 

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SECTION 11.06 Execution of Loan Documents; Borrowing Base Certificate. The Borrowers hereby empower and authorize the Borrower Representative, on behalf of the Borrowers, to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders the Loan Documents and all related agreements, certificates, documents, or instruments as shall be necessary or appropriate to effect the purposes of the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, Borrowing Base Certificates and Compliance Certificates. Each Borrower agrees that any action taken by the Borrower Representative or the Borrowers in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and the exercise by the Borrower Representative of its powers set forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of the Borrowers.

SECTION 11.07 Reporting. Each Borrower hereby agrees that such Borrower shall furnish promptly after each fiscal month to the Borrower Representative a copy of its Borrowing Base Certificate and any other certificate or report required hereunder or requested by the Borrower Representative on which the Borrower Representative shall rely to prepare Borrowing Base Certificates and Compliance Certificates required pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.

(signature pages follow)

 

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

 

BORROWERS:
LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
CHEMEX I CORP.
CHEROKEE NITROGEN L.L.C.
EDC AG PRODUCTS COMPANY L.L.C.
EL DORADO AMMONIA L.L.C.
EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY
EL DORADO NITROGEN L.L.C.
LSB CHEMICAL L.L.C.
PRYOR CHEMICAL COMPANY
TRISON CONSTRUCTION, INC.
LSB INSURANCE LLC
By  

/s/ Kristy Carver

 

Name:  Kristy Carver

 

Title:   Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

 

[LSB Industries, Inc. -- Signature Page to Credit Agreement]


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and
Swingline Lender
By  

/s/ Ethan Turner

 

Name:  Ethan Turner

 

Title:   Authorized Officer

 

[LSB Industries, Inc. -- Signature Page to Credit Agreement]


COMMITMENT SCHEDULE

 

Lender

   Revolving
Commitment
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 75,000,000  
  

 

 

 

Total:

   $ 75,000,000  
  

 

 

 

 

Commitment Schedule

Exhibit 10.2

EXECUTION VERSION

SECURITY AGREEMENT

THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”) is entered into as of December 21, 2023 by and among LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Parent”), each of the Parent’s subsidiaries set forth on the signature pages hereto (the “Subsidiary Grantors”), and any additional entities which become parties to this Security Agreement by executing a Security Agreement Supplement hereto in substantially the form of Annex I hereto (such additional entities, together with Parent and the Subsidiary Grantors, each a “Grantor”, and collectively, the “Grantors”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMCB”), in its capacity as administrative agent for the lenders from time to time party to the Credit Agreement referred to below (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

Parent and the Subsidiary Grantors, as Loan Parties thereunder and, as applicable, as Borrowers thereunder, and JPMCB, as the Administrative Agent, the sole Lender and Issuing Bank as of the date hereof, and the Swingline Lender thereunder, are entering into a Credit Agreement of even date herewith (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). Each Grantor is entering into this Security Agreement in order to induce JPMCB and any other Lender that is from time to time a party to the Credit Agreement to extend credit to the Borrowers under the Credit Agreement and to secure the Secured Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Credit Agreement.

ACCORDINGLY, the Grantors and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

1.1. Terms Defined in Credit Agreement. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

1.2 Terms Defined in UCC. The following capitalized terms have the meanings set forth in Article 9 of the UCC: Account Debtor, Accounts, Chattel Paper, Deposit Account, Documents, Electronic Chattel Paper, Instruments, Inventory, Investment Property, Letter-of-credit rights, Payment Intangible, Promissory Note, Record, Securities Account, Supporting Obligation and Tangible Chattel Paper.

1.3. Definitions of Certain Terms Used Herein. As used in this Security Agreement, in addition to the terms defined in the first paragraph hereof and in the Preliminary Statement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Article” means a numbered article of this Security Agreement, unless another document or statute is specifically referenced.

Books” means all of each Loan Parties’ now owned or hereafter acquired books and Records (including all of its Records indicating, summarizing, or evidencing its assets (including the Collateral) or liabilities, all of its Records relating to its business operations or financial condition, and all of its goods or General Intangibles related to such information).

Cash Dominion Trigger Period” means the period (a) beginning on the date that an Event of Default occurs and continuing until the date on which such Event of Default is either cured by the Grantors or waived by the Administrative Agent, or (b) beginning on the date that Specified Availability has been less than the greater of (i) $11,250,000 and (ii) 15% of the Revolving Commitment for a period of three (3) consecutive Business Days and continuing until the date on which Specified Availability has been equal to or greater than (x) $11,250,000 and (y) 15% of the Revolving Commitment for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days.


Collateral” shall have the meaning set forth in Article II.

Collateral Deposit Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a).

Collection Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).

Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Article 8 of the UCC or, if applicable, in Section 9-104, 9-105, 9-106 or 9-107 of Article 9 of the UCC.

Deposit Account Control Agreement” means an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Grantor, among any Grantor, a banking institution holding such Grantor’s funds, and the Administrative Agent with respect to collection and control of all deposits and balances held in a deposit account maintained by such Grantor with such banking institution.

Excluded Accounts” means any deposit account and/or securities account (a) that are specifically and exclusively used for payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the benefit of any Loan Party’s salaried employees, (b) that are specifically and exclusively used for paying taxes (provided the amount on deposit in such accounts does not exceed the then current amount of such tax obligations or then current estimate of such tax obligations), (c) used for cash collateral with respect to items (2) and (3) set forth on Schedule 6.02 to the Credit Agreement on the Effective Date, (d) for which the aggregate balance in any such account (individually) does not exceed $250,000 at any time outstanding (provided, that the aggregate balance in all such accounts that are excluded pursuant to this clause (d) shall not exceed $1,000,000 at any time), and (e) that are zero balance accounts so that no funds are maintained in such accounts for more than one (1) Business Day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Collateral Deposit Account, the Collection Account, and any other deposit or securities account maintained with JPMCB (other than those described in clauses (a), (b) or (c) of this definition) shall not be an Excluded Account.

Effective Date” means the date of this Security Agreement.

Excluded Property” has the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Exhibit” refers to a specific exhibit to this Security Agreement, unless another document is specifically referenced.

General Intangibles” means all now owned or hereafter acquired right, title, and interest with respect to “General Intangibles” as that term is defined in Article 9 of the UCC (including Payment Intangibles, contract rights, rights to payment, proprietary rights, rights arising under common law, statutes, or regulations, choses or things in action, goodwill, patents, trade names, trademarks, servicemarks, copyrights, blueprints, drawings, purchase orders, customer lists, monies due or recoverable from pension funds, route lists, rights to payment and other rights under any royalty or licensing agreements, infringement claims, computer programs, information contained on computer disks or tapes, software, literature, reports, catalogs, money, Deposit Accounts, insurance premium rebates, tax refunds, and tax refund claims), and any and all Supporting Obligations in respect thereof.

Lock Boxes” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a).

Lock Box Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(a).

Negotiable Collateral” means all right, title, and interest with respect to letters of credit, Letter-of-credit rights, Instruments, Promissory Notes, drafts, Documents, and Chattel Paper (including Electronic Chattel Paper and Tangible Chattel Paper), and any and all Supporting Obligations in respect thereof.

 

2


Notes Priority Collateral” has the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.

Receivables” means the Accounts, Chattel Paper (including Electronic Chattel Paper and Tangible Chattel Paper), Documents, Investment Property, Instruments and any other rights or claims to receive money which are General Intangibles or which are otherwise included as Collateral, in each case to the extent the foregoing otherwise constitute or are required to constitute Collateral.

Securities Account Control Agreement” means an agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Grantor, among any Grantor, a financial institution, securities intermediary or other Person holding such Grantor’s securities or maintaining a Securities Account for such Grantor, and the Administrative Agent with respect to collection and control of all securities, balances and other assets held in a securities account maintained by such Grantor with such securities intermediary.

Security Agreement Supplement” shall mean any Security Agreement Supplement to this Security Agreement in substantially the form of Annex I hereto executed by an entity that becomes a Grantor under this Security Agreement after the date hereof.

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code, as in effect from time to time, of the State of New York or of any other state the laws of which are required as a result thereof to be applied in connection with the attachment, perfection or priority of, or remedies with respect to, Administrative Agent’s or any other Secured Party’s Lien on any Collateral.

The foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

ARTICLE II

GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST

Each Grantor hereby assigns and grants to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of and for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all of such Grantor’s now owned or hereafter acquired right, title and interest in, to and under, each of the following to secure the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Secured Obligations (collectively referred to as the “Collateral”):

 

  (i)

Accounts (including any and all Supporting Obligations in respect thereof),

 

  (ii)

Books,

 

  (iii)

General Intangibles (including any and all Supporting Obligations in respect thereof),

 

  (iv)

Inventory,

 

  (v)

Investment Property (including any and all Supporting Obligations in respect thereof),

 

  (vi)

Negotiable Collateral (including any and all Supporting Obligations in respect thereof),

 

  (vii)

money or other assets of each such Loan Party that arise from or relate to Accounts, Books, General Intangibles, Inventory, Investment Property, or Negotiable Collateral and that now or hereafter come into the possession, custody, or control of the Administrative Agent, and

 

3


  (viii)

the proceeds and products, whether tangible or intangible, of any of the foregoing, including proceeds of insurance covering any or all of the foregoing, and any and all Accounts, Books, General Intangibles, Inventory, Investment Property, Negotiable Collateral, money, Deposit Accounts, or other tangible or intangible property resulting from the sale, exchange, collection, or other disposition of any of the foregoing, or any portion thereof or interest therein, and the proceeds thereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in this Security Agreement or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, Collateral shall not include any (i) Excluded Property, (ii) the proceeds of the Secured Notes, (iii) equity shares, assets or any other interest in or to Unrestricted Subsidiaries and (iv) Notes Priority Collateral.

ARTICLE III

REMEDIES

3.1. Remedies.

(a) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may exercise any or all of the following rights and remedies:

(i) those rights and remedies provided in this Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement, or any other Loan Document; provided that, this Section 3.1(a) shall not be understood to limit any rights or remedies available to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties prior to an Event of Default;

(ii) those rights and remedies available to a secured party under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral) or under any other applicable law (including, without limitation, any law governing the exercise of a bank’s right of setoff or bankers’ lien) when a debtor is in default under a security agreement;

(iii) give notice of sole control or any other instruction under any Deposit Account Control Agreement, Securities Account Control Agreement or any other control agreement and take any action therein with respect to such Collateral; and

(iv) without notice, demand or advertisement of any kind to any Grantor or any other Person, enter the premises of any Grantor where any Collateral is located (through self-help and without judicial process) to collect, receive, assemble, process, appropriate, sell, lease, assign, grant an option or options to purchase or otherwise dispose of, deliver, or realize upon, the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales (which sales may be adjourned or continued from time to time with or without notice and may take place at any Grantor’s premises or elsewhere), for cash, on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk, and upon such other terms as the Administrative Agent may deem commercially reasonable.

(b) The Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, may comply with any applicable state or federal law requirements in connection with a disposition of the Collateral and compliance will not be considered to adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of the Collateral.

(c) The Administrative Agent shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right of equity redemption, which equity redemption each Grantor hereby expressly releases.

 

4


(d) Until the Administrative Agent is able to effect a sale, lease, or other disposition of Collateral, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to hold or use Collateral, or any part thereof, to the extent that it deems appropriate for the purpose of preserving Collateral or its value or for any other purpose deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may, if it so elects, seek the appointment of a receiver or keeper to take possession of Collateral and to enforce any of the Administrative Agent’s remedies (for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties), with respect to such appointment without prior notice or hearing as to such appointment.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall be required to (i) make any demand upon, or pursue or exhaust any of its rights or remedies against, any Grantor, any other obligor, guarantor, pledgor or any other Person with respect to the payment of the Secured Obligations or to pursue or exhaust any of its rights or remedies with respect to any Collateral therefor or any direct or indirect guarantee thereof, (ii) marshal the Collateral or any guarantee of the Secured Obligations or to resort to the Collateral or any such guarantee in any particular order, or (iii) effect a public sale of any Collateral.

3.2. Grantor’s Obligations Upon Default. Upon the request of the Administrative Agent after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor will:

(a) assemble and make available to the Administrative Agent the Collateral and all Books relating thereto at any place or places specified by the Administrative Agent, whether at such Grantor’s premises or elsewhere;

(b) permit the Administrative Agent, by the Administrative Agent’s representatives and agents, to enter, occupy and use any premises where all or any part of the Collateral, or the Books relating thereto, or both, are located, to take possession of all or any part of the Collateral or the Books relating thereto, or both, to remove all or any part of the Collateral or the Books relating thereto, or both, and to conduct sales of the Collateral, without any obligation to pay such Grantor for such use and occupancy; and

(c) at its own expense, cause the independent certified public accountants then engaged by such Grantor to prepare and deliver to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, at any time, and from time to time, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s reasonable request, the following reports with respect to such Grantor: (i) a reconciliation of all Accounts; (ii) an aging of all Accounts; (iii) trial balances; and (iv) a test verification of such Accounts.

ARTICLE IV

ACCOUNT VERIFICATION; ATTORNEY IN FACT; PROXY

4.1 Account Verification. The Administrative Agent may, at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, in the Administrative Agent’s own name, in the name of a nominee of the Administrative Agent, or in the name of any Grantor communicate (by mail, telephone, facsimile or otherwise) with the Account Debtors of any such Grantor, parties to contracts with any such Grantor and obligors in respect of Instruments of any such Grantor to verify with such Persons, to the Administrative Agent’s satisfaction, the existence, amount, terms of, and any other matter relating to, Accounts, Instruments, Chattel Paper, Payment Intangibles and/or other Receivables.

4.2 Authorization for Administrative Agent to Take Certain Action.

(a) Each Grantor irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and appoints the Administrative Agent as its attorney in fact (i) to execute on behalf of such Grantor as debtor and to file any financing statements necessary or desirable in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, (ii) to endorse and collect any cash proceeds of the Collateral, (iii) to file a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Security Agreement or any financing statement with respect to the Collateral as a financing statement

 

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and to file any other financing statement or amendment of a financing statement (which does not add new collateral or add a debtor) in such offices as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion deems necessary or desirable to perfect and to maintain the perfection and priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, (iv) to apply the proceeds of any Collateral received by the Administrative Agent to the Secured Obligations as provided in Section 5.3, (v) to discharge past due taxes, assessments, charges, fees or Liens on the Collateral (except for such Liens that are permitted under the Credit Agreement), (vi) to contact Account Debtors for any reason, (vii) to demand payment or enforce payment of the Receivables in the name of the Administrative Agent or such Grantor and to endorse any and all checks, drafts, and other Instruments for the payment of money relating to the Receivables, (viii) to sign such Grantor’s name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to the Receivables, drafts against any Account Debtor of such Grantor, assignments and verifications of Receivables, (ix) to exercise all of such Grantor’s rights and remedies with respect to the collection of the Receivables and any other Collateral, (x) to settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew the Receivables, (xi) to settle, adjust or compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect Receivables, (xii) to prepare, file and sign such Grantor’s name on a proof of claim in bankruptcy or similar document against any Account Debtor of such Grantor, (xiii) to prepare, file and sign such Grantor’s name on any notice of Lien, assignment or satisfaction of Lien or similar document in connection with the Receivables, (xiv) to change the address for delivery of mail addressed to such Grantor to such address as the Administrative Agent may designate and to receive, open and dispose of all mail addressed to such Grantor, and (xv) to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out this Security Agreement; and such Grantor agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent on demand for any payment made or any expense incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that, this authorization shall not relieve such Grantor of any of its obligations under this Security Agreement or under the Credit Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, the Administrative Agent agrees that, except for the powers granted in Section 4.2(a)(i), (iii), (iv) and (xv) above, it shall not exercise any power or authority granted to it unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

(b) All acts of said attorney or designee are hereby ratified and approved. The powers conferred on the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, under this Section 4.2 are solely to protect the Administrative Agent’s interests in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to exercise any such powers.

4.3 Nature of Appointment; Limitation of Duty. THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT IN THIS ARTICLE IV IS COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND SHALL BE IRREVOCABLE UNTIL THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT IS TERMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8.16. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING CONTAINED HEREIN, NONE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER, ANY OTHER SECURED PARTY, ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF THEIR OR THEIR AFFILIATES’ RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, ADVISORS, AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES SHALL HAVE ANY DUTY TO EXERCISE ANY RIGHT OR POWER GRANTED HEREUNDER OR OTHERWISE OR TO PRESERVE THE SAME AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY FAILURE TO DO SO OR FOR ANY DELAY IN DOING SO, EXCEPT IN RESPECT OF DAMAGES FOUND BY A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE PRIMARILY RESULTED FROM SUCH PARTY’S OWN GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT IN PERFORMING ITS ACTIVITIES OR FURNISHING ITS SERVICES UNDER THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT; PROVIDED THAT, IN NO EVENT SHALL THEY BE LIABLE FOR ANY PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

 

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ARTICLE V

COLLECTION AND APPLICATION OF COLLATERAL PROCEEDS; DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS

5.1 Collection of Receivables.

(a) On or before the time specified in Section 5.20 of the Credit Agreement, each Grantor shall (i) execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent Deposit Account Control Agreements for each Deposit Account (other than Excluded Accounts and, subject to Section 5.4 hereof, Specified Collection Accounts) maintained by such Grantor into which all cash, checks or other similar payments relating to or constituting payments made in respect of Receivables will be deposited (each, a “Collateral Deposit Account”), which Collateral Deposit Accounts are identified as such on Schedule 7.5, and (ii) establish lock box service (the “Lock Boxes”) with the bank(s) set forth on Schedule 7.5, which Lock Boxes shall be subject to irrevocable lockbox agreements in the form provided by or otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent and shall be accompanied by an acknowledgment by the bank where the Lock Box is located of the Lien of the Administrative Agent granted hereunder and of irrevocable instructions to wire all amounts collected therein to the Collection Account (each, a “Lock Box Agreement”). After the Effective Date, each Grantor will comply with the terms of Section 5.2.

(b) Each Grantor shall direct all of its Account Debtors to forward payments directly to Lock Boxes subject to Lock Box Agreements or to a Collateral Deposit Account. The Administrative Agent shall have sole access to the Lock Boxes at all times and each Grantor shall take all actions necessary to grant the Administrative Agent such sole access. At no time shall any Grantor remove any item from a Lock Box or a Collateral Deposit Account without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent. If any Grantor should refuse or neglect to notify any Account Debtor to forward payments directly to a Lock Box subject to a Lock Box Agreement or to a Collateral Deposit Account after notice from the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall, notwithstanding whether an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, be entitled to make such notification directly to such Account Debtor. If notwithstanding the foregoing instructions, any Grantor receives any proceeds of any Receivables, such Grantor shall receive such payments as the Administrative Agent’s trustee, and shall immediately deposit all cash, checks or other similar payments related to or constituting payments made in respect of Receivables received by it to a Collateral Deposit Account. All funds deposited into any Lock Box subject to a Lock Box Agreement or a Collateral Deposit Account will be swept on a daily basis into a collection account maintained by the Grantors with the Administrative Agent (the “Collection Account”). The Administrative Agent shall hold and release funds received into the Collection Account as provided by the terms of Section 5.3.

5.2 Covenant Regarding New Deposit Accounts; Lock Boxes. Before opening or replacing any Collateral Deposit Account, or establishing a new Lock Box, each Grantor shall (a) obtain the Administrative Agent’s consent in writing to the opening of such Collateral Deposit Account or establishing of such Lock Box, and (b) cause each bank or financial institution in which it seeks to open (i) a Collateral Deposit Account to enter into a Deposit Account Control Agreement with the Administrative Agent in order to give the Administrative Agent Control of such Collateral Deposit Account and provide for a daily sweep into the Collection Account, or (ii) a Lock Box, to enter into a Lock Box Agreement with the Administrative Agent in order to give the Administrative Agent Control of the Lock Box and provide for a daily sweep into the Collection Account. In the case of Collateral Deposit Accounts or Lock Boxes maintained with Lenders, the terms of such letter shall be subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement regarding setoffs.

5.3 Application of Proceeds; Deficiency. All amounts deposited in the Collection Account shall be deemed received by the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement and shall, after having been credited to the Collection Account, be applied (and allocated) by Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.10(b) of the Credit Agreement; provided that, so long as no Cash Dominion Trigger Period is occurring, collections which are received into the Collection Account shall be deposited into the Funding Account rather than being used to reduce amounts owing under the Credit Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall require all other cash proceeds of the Collateral to be deposited in a Collateral Deposit Account, Lock Box, or the Collection Account. Any such proceeds of the Collateral shall be applied in the order set forth in Section 2.18 of the Credit Agreement unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall otherwise direct. The balance, if any, after all Secured Obligations have been satisfied, shall be deposited by the Administrative Agent into an account

 

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specified by the Grantors. The Grantors shall remain liable, jointly and severally, for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to pay all Secured Obligations, including any attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred by Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to collect such deficiency. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative shall have the right (to be exercised in its sole and absolute discretion) to decline to exercise cash dominion under this Section 5.3 notwithstanding that a Cash Dominion Trigger Period is occurring; provided that any determination by the Administrative Agent to not exercise cash dominion shall not impair the rights of the Administrative Agent to exercise cash dominion in the future, whether during such Cash Dominion Trigger Period or any future Cash Dominion Trigger Period.

5.4. Specified Collections Accounts. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Grantors shall not be required to obtain or deliver any Deposit Account Control Agreements or Lock Box Agreements with respect to any of the Deposit Accounts set forth on Schedule 5.4 attached hereto (together, the “Specified Collections Accounts”); provided, that the aggregate balance in the Specified Collections Accounts does not exceed $50,000. The Grantors agree to wire all amounts collected in the Specified Collections Accounts to a Collateral Deposit Account, a Lock Box or the Collection Account from time to time after the Effective Date as and when practicable (as determined by the Grantors in good-faith).

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS

From the Effective Date and at all times thereafter until this Security Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 8.16, each Grantor agrees to comply with these covenants set forth in this Article VI.

6.1 Locations of Eligible Inventory. Each Grantor that is a Borrower agrees to keep all of such Grantor’s Inventory that is at any time Eligible Inventory only at the locations identified on Schedule 7.2 and between such locations to the extent in transit in the ordinary course of business; provided, however, that any Grantor may add new locations at which Eligible Inventory is kept so long as (a) the Borrower Representative delivers written notice to the Administrative Agent promptly (and in any event not more than 5 Business Days) after a Responsible Officer obtains actual knowledge that Eligible Inventory is moved to such new location, and (b) such new location is within the continental United States. To the extent any Eligible Inventory located at any such new location is subject to any rights of any lessor, consignor, warehouseman, bailee or other similar Person and a Collateral Access Agreement has not been entered into with respect to such new location, the Administrative Agent shall have the right to implement Reserves in respect of rent (or for consignee’s, warehousemen’s, bailee’s or other similar charges, as applicable) for such new location in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

6.2 Certain Changes with respect to Grantors. Each Grantor agrees that it shall not change any of the information with respect to such Grantor that is set forth on Schedule 7.3 (solely to the extent required to scheduled thereon pursuant to clauses (i), (v), (vi) or (vii) of Section 7.3 hereof) as of the Effective Date; provided, however, that such Grantor may make changes to such information so long as the Administrative Agent has received written notice thereof from the Borrower Representative not less than 10 Business Days (or such lesser amount of time as may be agreed to in writing by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion) prior to the date that such change is effective.

6.3 Securities Accounts. Subject to Section 5.20(a) of the Credit Agreement, before opening of any Securities Account (other than any Excluded Account) after the Effective Date, each Grantor shall (a) obtain the Administrative Agent’s consent in writing to the opening of such Securities Account, and (b) cause each financial institution in which it seeks to open a Securities Account to enter into a Securities Account Control Agreement with the Administrative Agent in order to give the Administrative Agent Control of such Securities Account.

6.4 Security Agreement Supplement. Each Domestic Subsidiary formed or acquired by such Grantor after the Effective Date (other than Excluded Subsidiaries) shall promptly execute and deliver a Security Agreement Supplement pursuant to and in accordance with Section 5.21(a) of the Credit Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE VII

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

7.1 Eligible Accounts. Each Grantor that is a Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent that (a) the Eligible Accounts of such Grantor are bona fide existing payment obligations of Account Debtors created by the sale and delivery of Inventory or the rendition of services to such Account Debtors in the ordinary course of such Grantor’s business, owed to such Grantor without defenses, disputes, offsets, counterclaims, or rights of return or cancellation, and (b) each Eligible Account of such Grantor is not:

(i) owed by an employee, Affiliate, or agent of a Borrower,

(ii) on account of a transaction wherein goods were placed on consignment or were sold pursuant to a guaranteed sale, a sale or return, a sale on approval, a bill and hold (except Accounts of the Borrowers having an aggregate invoice amount for all such Borrowers of (together with Accounts referred to in the parenthetical set forth in clause (vi) below) up to $1,500,000 with respect to goods that are subject to a bill and hold agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), or on any other terms by reason of which the payment by the Account Debtor may be conditional,

(iii) payable in a currency other than Dollars,

(iv) owed by an Account Debtor that has or has asserted a right of setoff, has disputed its liability, or has made any claim with respect to its obligation to pay the Account,

(v) owed by an Account Debtor that is subject to any Insolvency Proceeding or is not Solvent or as to which a such Grantor has received notice of an imminent Insolvency Proceeding or a material impairment of the financial condition of such Account Debtor,

(vi) on account of a transaction as to which the goods giving rise to such Account have not been shipped and billed (except Accounts of the Borrowers having an aggregate invoice amount for all such Borrowers of (together with Accounts referred to in the parenthetical set forth in clause (ii) above) up to $1,500,000 with respect to goods that are subject to a bill and hold agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) to the Account Debtor or the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed and accepted by the Account Debtor,

(vii) a right to receive progress payments or other advance billings that are due prior to the completion of performance by such Grantor of the subject contract for goods or services, and

(viii) an Account that has not been billed to the customer (except Accounts of the Borrowers having an aggregate invoice amount for all such Borrowers of up to $1,500,000 with respect to goods that are subject to a bill and hold letter in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).

7.2 Eligible Inventory and Eligible Raw Inventory. Each Grantor that is a Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent that (i) all Eligible Inventory owned by such Grantor is of good and merchantable quality and is free from defects, and (ii) each item of Eligible Inventory and Eligible Raw Inventory owned by such Grantor is:

(a) owned by such Grantor free and clear of all Liens other than Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties,

 

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(b) located at one of the locations set forth on Schedule 7.2 (which Schedule identifies the type of such location as either owned, leased, or a warehouse, or whether such the Eligible Inventory at such location is otherwise subject to the rights of a bailee or other similar Person); provided that any additional location at which Eligible Inventory is located, which location was established in accordance with Section 6.1, shall be deemed included on Schedule 7.2.

(c) is not at a location where a lessor, consignor, warehouseman, bailee or other similar Person has rights with respect to such Inventory, unless such Inventory is (A) either subject to (x) a Collateral Access Agreement, or (y) subject to a Reserve for rent (or for consignee’s, warehousemen’s, bailee’s or similar charges, as applicable) and (B) segregated or otherwise separately identifiable from goods of others, if any, stored on the premises (it being understood and agreed that the representation and warranty set forth in clause (A) of this Section 7.2(c) shall not be required to be made by such Grantor on and as of the Effective Date and in connection with any Borrowing or issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 4.02(a) of the Credit Agreement prior to the date that is sixty (60) days following the Effective Date, and thereafter such representation and warranty shall be made in connection with any Borrowing or issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 4.02(a) of the Credit Agreement or at any other time the representations and warranties set forth in this Security Agreement are expressly made by the Loan Parties pursuant to any Loan Document),

(d) not goods that have been returned or rejected by such Grantor’s customers, and

(e) not goods that are obsolete or slow moving, restrictive or custom items, work-in-process, or that constitute spare parts, packaging and shipping materials, supplies used or consumed in such Grantor’s business, bill and hold goods, defective goods, “seconds,” or Inventory acquired on consignment, except for Eligible Raw Inventory.

7.3 Grantor Information and Name. Each Grantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent that: (i) the location of its chief executive office, (ii) its principal place of business (if different than its chief executive office), (iii) each other place of business of such Grantor, (iv) its organizational identification number issued by the state in which it was organized and formed, (v) the type of entity of such Grantor, (vi) its state of organization and formation, and (vii) such Grantor’s name as it appears in such Grantor’s organizational documents, as amended, as filed with such Grantor’s jurisdiction of organization and formation, in each case, is as set forth on Schedule 7.3; provided that any changes to such information effected in accordance with Section 6.2 shall be deemed to be included on Schedule 7.3.

7.4 No Encumbrances. Each Grantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent that such Grantor has good and indefeasible title to its Collateral free and clear of Liens except for Permitted Liens.

7.5 Collateral Deposit Accounts, Lock Boxes and Securities Accounts. Each Grantor represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent that such Grantor has no Collateral Deposit Accounts, Lock Boxes, and Securities Accounts other than such Grantor’s Collateral Deposit Accounts, Lock Boxes and Securities Accounts that are set forth on Schedule 7.5; provided that (i) any Collateral Deposit Account or Lock Box established by such Grantor in accordance with Section 5.2, and (ii) any Securities Account established by such Grantor in accordance with Section 6.3, shall in each case be deemed to be included on Schedule 7.5.

ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

8.1 Disposition of Collateral; Liens. Anything contained in this Security Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding, except for Permitted Dispositions or as otherwise permitted in Sections 6.03 and 6.04 of the Credit Agreement, the Grantors have no authority, express or implied, to dispose of any item or portion of the Collateral. Each Grantor agrees that it will not create, incur, or suffer to exist any Lien on the Collateral owned by it except (i) the security interest created by this Security Agreement, and (ii) other Liens permitted under Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.

 

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8.2 Authorization to File Financing Statements; Further Assurances. Each Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file, and if requested will deliver to the Administrative Agent, all financing statements and security agreements, assignments, endorsements and all other documents, and take such other actions, as may from time to time be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to maintain a first perfected security interest in and, if applicable, Control of, the Collateral owned by such Grantor, including without limitation, the delivery of any physical Collateral into the possession of the Administrative Agent if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent for the purpose of satisfying any legal requirements for perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Liens on such Collateral. Any financing statement filed by the Administrative Agent may be filed in any filing office in any UCC jurisdiction and may (i) indicate such Grantor’s Collateral by any description which reasonably approximates the description contained in this Security Agreement, and (ii) contain any other information required by part 5 of Article 9 of the UCC for the sufficiency or filing office acceptance of any financing statement or amendment, including whether such Grantor is an organization, the type of organization and any organization identification number issued to such Grantor. Each Grantor also agrees to furnish any such information described in the foregoing sentence to the Administrative Agent promptly upon request. Each Grantor will, if so requested by the Administrative Agent, furnish to the Administrative Agent, as often as the Administrative Agent reasonably requests, information identifying and describing the Collateral owned by it and such other reports and information in connection with its Collateral as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, all in such detail as the Administrative Agent may reasonably specify. Such Grantor also agrees to take any and all actions necessary to defend title to the Collateral against all persons and to defend the security interest of the Administrative Agent in its Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not expressly permitted hereunder.

8.3 Intercreditor Agreement. The Grantors and Administrative Agent acknowledged and agree that the Liens on the Collateral created under this Security Agreement, and the exercise of remedies with respect to the Collateral as set forth in this Security Agreement or otherwise, are subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict of the express terms of this Security Agreement and the express terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall control, but shall not affect any other provisions of this Security Agreement.

8.4 Information Certificate. The Grantors hereby represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent, on and as of the Effective Date, that all information set forth in the Information Certificate dated as of the Effective Date and provided to the Administrative Agent in connection with this Security Agreement is true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Effective Date.

8.5 Waivers. Each Grantor hereby waives notice of the time and place of any public sale or the time after which any private sale or other disposition of all or any part of the Collateral may be made. To the extent such notice may not be waived under applicable law, any notice made shall be deemed reasonable if sent to the Grantors, addressed as set forth in Article IX, at least ten days prior to (a) the date of any such public sale or (b) the time after which any such private sale or other disposition may be made. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, each Grantor waives all claims, damages, and demands against the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party arising out of the repossession, retention or sale of the Collateral, except such as arise solely out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such other Secured Party as found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction. To the extent it may lawfully do so, each Grantor absolutely and irrevocably waives and relinquishes the benefit and advantage of, and covenants not to assert against the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party, any valuation, stay, appraisal, extension, moratorium, redemption or similar laws and any and all rights or defenses it may have as a surety now or hereafter existing which, but for this provision, might be applicable to the sale of any Collateral made under the judgment, order or decree of any court, or privately under the power of sale conferred by this Security Agreement, or otherwise. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, each Grantor hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or any notice (to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law) of any kind in connection with this Security Agreement or any Collateral.

 

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8.6 Limitation on Administrative Agent’s and Other Secured Parties’ Duty with Respect to the Collateral. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to clean-up or otherwise prepare the Collateral for sale. The Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party shall use reasonable care with respect to the Collateral in its possession or under its control. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall have any other duty as to any Collateral in its possession or control or in the possession or control of any agent or nominee of the Administrative Agent or such other Secured Party, or any income thereon or as to the preservation of rights against prior parties or any other rights pertaining thereto. To the extent that applicable law imposes duties on the Administrative Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it is commercially reasonable for the Administrative Agent to (a) fail to incur expenses deemed significant by the Administrative Agent to prepare Collateral for disposition or otherwise to transform raw material or work in process into finished goods or other finished products for disposition, (b) fail to obtain third party consents for access to Collateral to be disposed of, or to obtain or, if not required by other law, to fail to obtain governmental or third party consents for the collection or disposition of Collateral to be collected or disposed of, (c) fail to exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors or other Persons obligated on Collateral or to remove Liens on or any adverse claims against Collateral, (d) exercise collection remedies against Account Debtors and other Persons obligated on Collateral directly or through the use of collection agencies and other collection specialists, (e) advertise dispositions of Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (f) contact other Persons, whether or not in the same business as such Grantor, for expressions of interest in acquiring all or any portion of the Collateral, (g) hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of Collateral, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature, (h) dispose of Collateral by utilizing internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capacity of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets, (i) dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets, (j) disclaim disposition warranties, such as title, possession or quiet enjoyment, (k) purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure the Administrative Agent against risks of loss, collection or disposition of Collateral or to provide to the Administrative Agent a guaranteed return from the collection or disposition of Collateral, or (l) the extent deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent, to obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals to assist the Administrative Agent in the collection or disposition of any of the Collateral. Each Grantor acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 8.6 is to provide non-exhaustive indications of what actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent would be commercially reasonable in the Administrative Agent’s exercise of remedies against the Collateral and that other actions or omissions by the Administrative Agent shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not being indicated in this Section 8.6. Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 8.6 shall be construed to grant any rights to any Grantor or to impose any duties on the Administrative Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Security Agreement or by applicable law in the absence of this Section 8.6.

8.7 Compromises and Collection of Collateral. The Grantors and the Administrative Agent recognize that setoffs, counterclaims, defenses and other claims may be asserted by obligors with respect to certain of the Receivables, that certain of the Receivables may be or become uncollectible in whole or in part and that the expense and probability of success in litigating a disputed Receivable may exceed the amount that reasonably may be expected to be recovered with respect to a Receivable. In view of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Administrative Agent may at any time and from time to time, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, compromise with the obligor on any Receivable, accept in full payment of any Receivable such amount as the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion shall determine or abandon any Receivable, and any such action by the Administrative Agent shall be commercially reasonable so long as the Administrative Agent acts in good faith based on information known to it at the time it takes any such action.

8.8 Secured Party Performance of Debtor Obligations. Without having any obligation to do so, the Administrative Agent may perform or pay any obligation which any Grantor has agreed to perform or pay in this Security Agreement and the Grantors shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any amounts paid by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 8.8. The Grantors’ obligation to reimburse the Administrative Agent pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be a Secured Obligation payable on demand.

 

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8.9 Specific Performance. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that a material breach of the provisions of this Security Agreement may cause irreparable injury to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, that the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties may have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breaches and therefore agrees, without limiting the right of the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties to seek and obtain specific performance of other obligations of the Grantors contained in this Security Agreement, that the obligations of the Grantors under this Security Agreement shall be specifically enforceable against the Grantors.

8.10 No Waiver; Amendments; Cumulative Remedies. No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party in exercising any right or power under this Security Agreement 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 the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Security Agreement or consent to any departure by the Grantors therefrom shall in any event be effective unless in writing signed by the Administrative Agent with the concurrence or at the direction of the Lenders required under Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement and then only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth.

8.11 Limitation by Law; Severability of Provisions. All rights, remedies and powers provided in this Security Agreement may be exercised only to the extent that the exercise thereof does not violate any applicable provision of law, and all the provisions of this Security Agreement are intended to be subject to all applicable mandatory provisions of law that may be controlling and to be limited to the extent necessary so that they shall not render this Security Agreement invalid, unenforceable or not entitled to be recorded or registered, in whole or in part. Any provision in this Security 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 thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of this Security Agreement are declared to be severable.

8.12 Reinstatement. This Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against any Grantor for liquidation or reorganization, should any Grantor become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of any creditor or creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of any Grantor’s assets, and shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Secured Obligations, or any part thereof (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), is, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee of the Secured Obligations, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent conveyance,” or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Secured Party in its discretion), all as though such payment or performance had not been made. In the event that any payment, or any part thereof (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Secured Obligations shall be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

8.13 Benefit of Agreement. The terms and provisions of this Security Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns (including all persons who become bound as a debtor to this Security Agreement), except that no Grantor shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Security Agreement or any interest herein, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. No sales of participations, assignments, transfers, or other dispositions of any agreement governing the Secured Obligations or any portion thereof or interest therein shall in any manner impair the Lien granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, hereunder.

 

13


8.14 Taxes and Expenses. Any taxes (including income taxes) payable or ruled payable by Federal or State authority in respect of this Security Agreement shall be paid by the Grantors, together with interest and penalties, if any. The Grantors shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for any and all out-of-pocket expenses and internal charges (including reasonable attorneys’, auditors’ and accountants’ fees and reasonable time charges of attorneys, paralegals, auditors and accountants who may be employees of the Administrative Agent) paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, collection and enforcement of this Security Agreement and in the audit, analysis, administration, collection, preservation or sale of the Collateral (including the expenses and charges associated with any periodic or special audit of the Collateral). Any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Grantors in the performance of actions required pursuant to the terms hereof shall be borne solely by the Grantors.

8.15 Headings. The title of and section headings in this Security Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the interpretation of any of the terms and provisions of this Security Agreement.

8.16 Termination. This Security Agreement shall continue in effect (notwithstanding the fact that from time to time there may be no Secured Obligations outstanding) until (a) the Credit Agreement has terminated pursuant to its express terms and (b) all of the Secured Obligations have been Paid in Full.

8.17 Entire Agreement. This Security Agreement and the other Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding between the Grantors and the Administrative Agent relating to the Collateral and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the Grantors and the Administrative Agent relating to the Collateral.

8.18 CHOICE OF LAW. THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS.

8.19 CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY U.S. FEDERAL OR NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT AND EACH GRANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IT MAY LEGALLY AND EFFECTIVELY DO SO, ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. 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 HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY GRANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BY ANY GRANTOR AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY LENDER INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO OR CONNECTED WITH THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN NEW YORK, NEW YORK.

 

14


8.20 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 SECURITY AGREEMENT, 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 OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY 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 SECURITY AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

8.21 Indemnity. Each Grantor hereby agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and their respective successors, assigns, officers, directors, advisors, agents and employees, from and against any and all liabilities, losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages, penalties, suits, fees, costs, and expenses of any kind and nature (including, without limitation, all expenses of litigation or preparation therefor whether or not the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party is a party thereto) imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties, or their respective successors, assigns, officers, directors, advisors, agents and employees, in any way relating to or arising out of this Security Agreement, or the manufacture, purchase, acceptance, rejection, ownership, delivery, lease, possession, use, operation, condition, sale, return or other disposition of any Collateral (including, without limitation, latent and other defects, whether or not discoverable by the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties or any Grantor), in each case, in accordance with, and subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth in, Section 9.03(c) of the Credit Agreement.

8.22 Counterparts. This Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement, delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Security Agreement that is an Electronic Signature (as defined in the Credit Agreement) transmitted by facsimile, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of the actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Security Agreement.

ARTICLE IX

NOTICES

9.1. Sending Notices. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Security Agreement shall be sent in accordance with Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.

9.2. Change in Address for Notices. Each of the Grantors, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may change the address for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the other parties.

ARTICLE X

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. has been appointed Administrative Agent for the other Secured Parties hereunder pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties to this Security Agreement that any authority conferred upon the Administrative Agent hereunder is subject to the terms of the delegation of authority made by the Secured Parties to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement, and that the Administrative Agent has agreed to act (and any successor Administrative Agent shall act) as such hereunder only on the express conditions contained in such Article VIII. Any successor Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Article VIII of the Credit Agreement shall be entitled to all the rights, interests and benefits of the Administrative Agent hereunder.

[signature pages follow]

 

15


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantors and the Administrative Agent have executed this Security Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

GRANTORS:

LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

CHEMEX I CORP.,

an Oklahoma corporation

CHEROKEE NITROGEN L.L.C.,

an Oklahoma limited liability company

EDC AG PRODUCTS COMPANY L.L.C.,

an Oklahoma limited liability company

EL DORADO AMMONIA L.L.C.,

an Oklahoma limited liability company

EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY,

an Oklahoma corporation

EL DORADO NITROGEN L.L.C.,

an Oklahoma limited liability company

LSB CHEMICAL L.L.C.,

an Oklahoma limited liability company

PRYOR CHEMICAL COMPANY,

an Oklahoma corporation

TRISON CONSTRUCTION, INC.,

an Oklahoma corporation

LSB INSURANCE LLC,

an Oklahoma limited liability company

By  

/s/ Kristy Carver

  Name: Kristy Carver
  Title: Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

[LSB Industries, Inc. – Signature Page to Security Agreement]


ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

By:  

/s/ Ethan Turner

Name: Ethan Turner
Title: Authorized Officer

[LSB Industries, Inc. – Signature Page to Security Agreement]

Exhibit 10.3

Execution Version

JOINDER AGREEMENT dated as of December 21, 2023 (this “Joinder Agreement”) to that certain INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of August 7, 2013 (as amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 25, 2018 and supplemented by that certain Joinder Agreement dated as of October 14, 2021, the “Existing Intercreditor Agreement” and, as supplemented by this Joinder Agreement and as may be further amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Intercreditor Agreement”), by and among WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC, in its capacity as agent under the ABL Loan Documents (the “Existing ABL Agent”), and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, in its capacity as collateral agent under the Notes Documents (the “Notes Agent”). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Existing Intercreditor Agreement.

RECITALS

A. WHEREAS, LSB Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) entered into that certain Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2017 (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time prior to the date hereof, the “Existing ABL Credit Agreement”) among, inter alios, the Company and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as the Existing ABL Agent providing for a revolving credit facility in favor of the Company and certain of its Subsidiaries (the “Wells Revolver”).

B. WHEREAS, the Company intends to Refinance the Wells Revolver and enter into a new credit agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “New ABL Credit Agreement” and, together with the other Loan Documents (as defined therein), the “New ABL Loan Documents”), among, inter alios, the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent thereunder (in such capacity, the “New ABL Agent”) providing for a revolving credit facility in favor of the Company and certain of its Subsidiaries (the “JPM Revolver”).

C. WHEREAS, as a condition to the ability of the Company to Refinance and replace the Wells Revolver with the JPM Revolver pursuant to the New ABL Credit Agreement and to secure the Secured Obligations (as defined in the New ABL Credit Agreement) (collectively, the “New ABL Obligations”) with the Liens and security interests created by the applicable New ABL Loan Documents, and to have such New ABL Obligations guaranteed by the Grantors on a senior basis, in each case under and pursuant to the New ABL Loan Documents, the New ABL Agent is required to become an Agent under, and such New ABL Loan Obligations and the holders of Refinancing debt (together with the New ABL Agent, collectively, the “New ABL Claimholders”) in respect thereof are required to become subject to and bound by, the Existing Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Existing Intercreditor Agreement (including Section 5.3(a) thereof).

D. WHEREAS, the New ABL Agent is executing this Joinder Agreement in accordance with the requirements of the Existing Intercreditor Agreement (including Section 5.3(a) thereof) and the New ABL Loan Documents and, after giving effect hereto, the New ABL Agent will replace the Existing ABL Agent as the “ABL Agent” for all purposes of the Intercreditor Agreement.

Accordingly, the Existing ABL Agent, and the New ABL Agent agree as follows:

SECTION 1. (A) In accordance with Section 5.3(a) and Section 9.3 of the Existing Intercreditor Agreement, the New ABL Agent by its signature below hereby becomes the “ABL Agent” under and as defined in, and the related New ABL Obligations and New ABL Claimholders hereby become subject to and bound by, in each case, the Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect


as if the New ABL Agent had originally been named as the ABL Agent under the Existing Intercreditor Agreement, and the New ABL Agent, on behalf of itself and such New ABL Claimholders, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Existing Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as the ABL Agent and to the New ABL Claimholders that it represents as the ABL Claimholders, in each case thereunder. The Existing Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

(B) The incurrence of the New ABL Obligations referred to herein constitutes a Refinancing of, and the New ABL Obligations are intended to replace, the existing ABL Obligations and following such Refinancing and effective from and after the date hereof, (i) the Existing ABL Credit Agreement (x) shall no longer be secured, and is no longer required to be secured, by any of the Collateral, and (y) has been discharged, (ii) the Wells Revolver is no longer outstanding, (iii) all references to the “ABL Credit Agreement” in the Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to mean and refer to the New ABL Credit Agreement, (iv) all references to the “ABL Agent” in the Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to mean and refer to the New ABL Agent, (v) all references to the “ABL Claimholders” in the Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New ABL Claimholders, and (vi) the parties to the Intercreditor Agreement, including the New ABL Agent (in its capacity as the ABL Agent thereunder), will maintain their priority and relationships under, and will have the same rights and obligations as set forth in, the Existing Intercreditor Agreement.

SECTION 2. (A) The New ABL Agent represents and warrants to the other Claimholders that (i) it has full power and authority to enter into this Joinder Agreement, in its capacity as the New ABL Agent, (ii) this Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof (subject to the effect of (1) bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting generally the enforcement of creditors’ rights as such laws would apply in the event of any bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar event applicable to it and (2) to general equitable principles (whether enforceability of such principles is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity)), and (iii) the New ABL Loan Documents provide that, upon the New ABL Agent’s entry into this Joinder Agreement, the New ABL Claimholders will be subject to and bound by the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement as the ABL Claimholders thereunder.

(B) The Existing ABL Agent hereby confirms and agrees that, following the Refinancing referred to herein and effective from and after the date hereof, it is not a party to the Intercreditor Agreement and shall not have any rights, duties or benefits thereunder except those that, by their terms expressly survive (if any).

SECTION 3. This Joinder Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the each other Agent. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Joinder Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Joinder Agreement.

SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Existing Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


SECTION 6. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Joinder Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, no party hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

SECTION 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 9.7 of the Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New ABL Agent shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.

SECTION 8. The Company agrees to reimburse each Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Agents.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New ABL Agent has duly executed this Joinder Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as New ABL Agent,
By:  

/s/ Ethan Turner

Name:   Ethan Turner
Title:   Authorized Officer
  JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

1900 N. Akard, 3rd Floor

  Dallas, TX 75201
  Attention: Portfolio Manager – LSB Industries

[Signature Page to Joinder to Intercreditor Agreement]


Acknowledged and Agreed (solely for purposes of Section 2(B) of the Joinder Agreement):
WELLS FARGO CAPITAL FINANCE, LLC,
as Existing ABL Agent,
by  

/s/ Andrew Leblanc

Name: Andrew Leblanc
Title: Relationship Manager

[Signature Page to Joinder to Intercreditor Agreement]


Acknowledgement:
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Notes Agent,
by  

/s/ Arlene Thelwell

Name:   Arlene Thelwell
Title:   Vice President

[Signature Page to Joinder to Intercreditor Agreement]


Acknowledgement:
LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:  

/s/ Kristy Carver

Name:   Kristy Carver
Title:   Senior Vice President and Treasurer
CHEROKEE NITROGEN L.L.C.
LSB CHEMICAL L.L.C.
EL DORADO CHEMICAL COMPANY
CHEMEX I CORP.
TRISON CONSTRUCTION, INC.
PRYOR CHEMICAL COMPANY
EL DORADO NITROGEN L.L.C.
EL DORADO AMMONIA L.L.C.
EDC AG PRODUCTS COMPANY L.L.C.
LSB INSURANCE LLC
By:  

/s/ Kristy Carver

Name:   Kristy Carver
Title:   Senior Vice President and Treasurer

[Signature Page to Joinder to Intercreditor Agreement]

v3.23.4
Document and Entity Information
Dec. 21, 2023
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]  
Amendment Flag false
Entity Central Index Key 0000060714
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date Dec. 21, 2023
Entity Registrant Name LSB INDUSTRIES, INC.
Entity Incorporation State Country Code DE
Entity File Number 1-7677
Entity Tax Identification Number 73-1015226
Entity Address, Address Line One 3503 NW 63rd Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 500
Entity Address, City or Town Oklahoma City
Entity Address, State or Province OK
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 73116
City Area Code (405)
Local Phone Number 235-4546
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre Commencement Tender Offer false
Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Common Stock [Member]  
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]  
Security 12b Title Common Stock, Par Value $.10
Trading Symbol LXU
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Preferred Stock [Member]  
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]  
Security 12b Title Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Security Exchange Name NYSE

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