Attached files

file filename
10-Q - 10-Q - KNOLL INCa10-13054_110q.htm
EX-31.1 - EX-31.1 - KNOLL INCa10-13054_1ex31d1.htm
EX-31.2 - EX-31.2 - KNOLL INCa10-13054_1ex31d2.htm
EX-32.2 - EX-32.2 - KNOLL INCa10-13054_1ex32d2.htm
EX-32.1 - EX-32.1 - KNOLL INCa10-13054_1ex32d1.htm

Exhibit 10.1

 

[Published CUSIP Number:                                 ]

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of June 29, 2007

 

among

 

KNOLL, INC.,

as the Borrower,

 

THE DOMESTIC SUBSIDIARIES OF THE BORROWER,

as the Guarantors,

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer,

 

and

 

THE OTHER LENDERS PARTY HERETO

 

BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC,

as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager

 

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Syndication Agent

 

and

 

CITIZENS BANK,

as Documentation Agent

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

 

1.01

Defined Terms

1

1.02

Other Interpretive Provisions

26

1.03

Accounting Terms

27

1.04

Rounding

27

1.05

Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents

27

1.06

Times of Day

28

1.07

Letter of Credit Amounts

28

ARTICLE II

THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

28

2.01

Loans

28

2.02

Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans

31

2.03

Letters of Credit

32

2.04

Swing Line Loans

40

2.05

Prepayments

43

2.06

Termination or Reduction of Aggregate Revolving Commitments

44

2.07

Repayment of Loans

45

2.08

Interest

45

2.09

Fees

46

2.10

Computation of Interest and Fees; Retroactive Adjustments of Applicable Rate

46

2.11

Evidence of Debt

47

2.12

Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback

47

2.13

Sharing of Payments by Lenders

49

ARTICLE III

TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

50

3.01

Taxes

50

3.02

Illegality

52

3.03

Inability to Determine Rates

52

3.04

Increased Costs

52

3.05

Compensation for Losses

54

3.06

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

54

3.07

Survival

55

ARTICLE IV

GUARANTY

55

4.01

The Guaranty

55

4.02

Obligations Unconditional

55

4.03

Reinstatement

56

4.04

Certain Additional Waivers

56

4.05

Remedies

57

4.06

Rights of Contribution

57

4.07

Guarantee of Payment; Continuing Guarantee

57

ARTICLE V

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

57

5.01

Conditions of Initial Credit Extension

57

5.02

Conditions to all Credit Extensions

60

ARTICLE VI

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

61

6.01

Organization; Power

61

 

i



 

6.02

Authorization

61

6.03

Enforceability

62

6.04

Governmental Approvals

62

6.05

Financial Statements

62

6.06

No Material Adverse Change

63

6.07

Title to Properties; Possession Under Leases

63

6.08

Subsidiaries

64

6.09

Litigation; Compliance with Laws

65

6.10

Agreements

65

6.11

Federal Reserve Regulations

65

6.12

Investment Company Act

65

6.13

Use of Proceeds

65

6.14

Tax Returns

66

6.15

No Material Misstatements

66

6.16

Employee Benefit Plans

66

6.17

Environmental Matters

66

6.18

Insurance

67

6.19

Collateral Documents

67

6.20

Location of Real Property and Leased Premises

67

6.21

Labor Matters

68

6.22

Solvency

68

6.23

Certain Treasury Regulation Matters

68

6.24

Foreign Assets Control Regulations, Etc.

68

ARTICLE VII

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

69

7.01

Existence; Business and Properties

69

7.02

Insurance

69

7.03

Taxes

71

7.04

Financial Statements, Reports, Etc.

71

7.05

Litigation and Other Notices

73

7.06

Information Regarding Collateral

74

7.07

Maintaining Records; Access to Property and Inspections

74

7.08

Use of Proceeds

74

7.09

Further Assurances

75

7.10

Certain Treasury Regulation Matters

76

7.11

Environmental Laws

76

7.12

Post-Closing Obligations

77

ARTICLE VIII

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

77

8.01

Indebtedness

77

8.02

Liens

79

8.03

Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

81

8.04

Investments, Loans and Advances

81

8.05

Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions

82

8.06

Restricted Payments; Restrictive Agreements

83

8.07

Transactions with Affiliates

84

8.08

Business of Borrower and Subsidiaries

84

8.09

Amendments of Subordinated Indebtedness

84

 

ii



 

8.10

Capital Expenditures

84

8.11

Financial Covenants

85

8.12

Fiscal Year

85

ARTICLE IX

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

85

9.01

Events of Default

85

9.02

Application of Funds

88

ARTICLE X

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

89

10.01

Appointment and Authority

89

10.02

Rights as a Lender

89

10.03

Exculpatory Provisions

89

10.04

Reliance by Administrative Agent

90

10.05

Delegation of Duties

90

10.06

Resignation of Administrative Agent

91

10.07

Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders

91

10.08

No Other Duties; Etc.

92

10.09

Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim

92

10.10

Collateral and Guaranty Matters

92

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

93

11.01

Amendments, Etc.

93

11.02

Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies

95

11.03

No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies

97

11.04

Expenses; Indemnity; and Damage Waiver

97

11.05

Payments Set Aside

98

11.06

Successors and Assigns

99

11.07

Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality

102

11.08

Set-off

103

11.09

Interest Rate Limitation

103

11.10

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

104

11.11

Survival of Representations and Warranties

104

11.12

Severability

104

11.13

Replacement of Lenders

104

11.14

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

105

11.15

Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury

106

11.16

USA PATRIOT Act Notice

106

11.18

Parallel Debt

107

 

iii



 

SCHEDULES

 

 

 

 

 

1.01(a)

Mandatory Cost Formulae

 

1.01(b)

Existing Letters of Credit

 

2.01

Commitments and Applicable Percentages

 

6.01

Good Standing of Certain Foreign Subsidiaries

 

6.02

Authorizations

 

6.04

Governmental Approvals

 

6.05(a)

Material Liabilities Not Reflected in Balance Sheet

 

6.07

Intellectual Property Rights

 

6.08

Subsidiaries

 

6.17

Environmental Reports

 

6.18

Insurance

 

6.19(a)

Filing Offices

 

6.19(c)

Mortgage Filing Offices

 

6.20(a)

Owned Property

 

6.20(b)

Leased Property

 

8.01

Existing Indebtedness

 

8.02

Existing Liens

 

8.04

Existing Investments

 

11.02

Certain Addresses for Notices

 

 

 

 

EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

2.02

Form of Loan Notice

 

2.04

Form of Swing Line Loan Notice

 

2.11(a)(i)

Form of Domestic Revolving Note

 

2.11(a)(ii)

Form of Euro Revolving Note

 

2.11(a)(iii)

Form of Swing Line Note

 

7.04

Form of Compliance Certificate

 

7.09

Form of Joinder Agreement

 

11.06

Form of Assignment and Assumption

 

 

iv



 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

This CREDIT AGREEMENT is entered into as of June 29, 2007 among KNOLL, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Guarantors (defined herein), the Lenders (defined herein) and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.

 

The Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide $500,000,000 in credit facilities for the purposes set forth herein, and the Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

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

 

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

 

1.01         Defined Terms.

 

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

 

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

 

Acquired CapEx Amount” has the meaning specified in Section 8.10(a).

 

Acquired Entity” has the meaning specified in Section 8.04(h).

 

Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.

 

Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 11.02 or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrower and the Lenders.

 

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

 

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

 

Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(a).

 

Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(b).

 



 

Aggregate Revolving Commitments” means the Domestic Revolving Commitments and the Euro Revolving Commitments of all the Lenders.

 

Agreement” means this Credit Agreement.

 

Alternative Currency” means Euro.

 

Alternative Currency Equivalent” means, at any time, with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the equivalent amount thereof in the Alternative Currency as determined by the Administrative Agent or the applicable Issuer, as the case may be, at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (determined in respect of the most recent Revaluation Date) for the purchase of the Alternative Currency with Dollars.

 

Alternative Currency Reserve” means, at any time, the Dollar amount equal to 2.5% of the Total Revolving Outstandings denominated in the Alternative Currency at such time.

 

Applicable Percentage” means with respect to (a) any Domestic Lender at any time, the percentage of the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments represented by such Domestic Lender’s Domestic Revolving Commitment at such time and (b) any Euro Lender at any time, the percentage of the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments represented by such Euro Lender’s Euro Revolving Commitment; provided that if the commitment of each Lender to make Revolving Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions have been terminated pursuant to Section 9.02 or if the Aggregate Revolving Commitments have expired, then the Applicable Percentage of each Lender shall be determined based on the Applicable Percentage of such Lender most recently in effect, giving effect to any subsequent assignments.  The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.

 

Applicable Rate” means with respect to Revolving Loans, Swing Line Loans, Letters of Credit and the Commitment Fee, the following percentages per annum, based upon the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 7.04(c):

 

Pricing Tier

 

Consolidated
Leverage Ratio

 

Commitment
Fee

 

Letter of Credit
Fee

 

Eurocurrency
Loans

 

Base Rate
Loans

 

1

 

< 1.50 to 1.0

 

0.125

%

0.75

%

0.75

%

0.00

%

2

 

> 1.50 to 1.0

but < 2.00  to 1.0

 

0.150

%

0.875

%

0.875

%

0.00

%

3

 

> 2.00 to 1.0

but < 2.50  to 1.0

 

0.200

%

1.00

%

1.00

%

0.00

%

4

 

> 2.50 to 1.0

but < 3.00  to 1.0

 

0.250

%

1.25

%

1.25

%

0.25

%

5

 

> 3.00 to 1.0

 

0.300

%

1.50

%

1.50

%

0.50

%

 

Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.04(c); provided, however, that if a Compliance Certificate is not delivered when due in accordance with such Section, then Pricing Tier 5 shall apply as of the first Business Day after the date on which such Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered and shall continue to apply until the first Business Day immediately following the

 

2



 

date a Compliance Certificate is delivered in accordance with Section 7.04(c), whereupon the Applicable Rate shall be adjusted based upon the calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio contained in such Compliance Certificate.  The Applicable Rate in effect from the Closing Date through the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.04(b) for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2007 shall be determined based upon Pricing Tier 3.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, the determination of the Applicable Rate for any period shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(b).

 

Applicable Time” means, with respect to any borrowings and payments in the Alternative Currency, the local time in the place of settlement for the Alternative Currency as may be determined by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to be necessary for timely settlement on the relevant date in accordance with normal banking procedures in the place of payment.

 

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

 

Asset Sale” means the sale, transfer or other disposition (by way of merger, casualty, condemnation or otherwise but excluding investments permitted by Section 8.04) by the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries to any Person other than the Borrower or any Guarantor of (a) any Equity Interests of any of the Subsidiaries (other than directors’ qualifying shares or the sale by any person of Equity Interests of such person) or (b) any other assets of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries (other than (i) inventory, damaged, obsolete or worn out assets, scrap and Permitted Investments, in each case disposed of in the ordinary course of business, (ii) dispositions between or among the Borrower and Domestic Subsidiaries, (iii) dispositions between or among Foreign Subsidiaries; and (iv) dispositions of assets from any Loan Party to any Foreign Subsidiary if the disposition is treated as an investment in the Foreign Subsidiary and such investment is permitted by Section 8.04).

 

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

 

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 11.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit 11.06 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto, audited by independent public accountants of recognized national standing and prepared in conformity with GAAP.

 

Availability Period” means the period from and including the Closing Date to the earliest of (a) the Maturity Date, (b) the date of termination of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 2.06, and (c) the date of termination of the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and the obligation of the L/C Issuer to make L/C Credit Extensions pursuant to Section 9.02.

 

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

 

BAS” means Banc of America Securities LLC, in its capacity as sole lead arranger and book manager.

 

3



 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 7.04.

 

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

 

Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office with respect to Obligations denominated in Dollars is located and;

 

(a) if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Dollars, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in Dollars in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or any other dealings in Dollars to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means any such day on which dealings in deposits in Dollars are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market; and

 

(b)           if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in Euro, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in Euro in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or any other dealings in Euro to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means a TARGET Day.

 

Businesses” means, at any time, a collective reference to the businesses operated by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at such time.

 

Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, (a) the additions to property, plant and equipment and other capital expenditures of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries that are (or should be) set forth in a consolidated statement of cash flows of the Borrower for such period prepared in accordance with GAAP and (b) Capital Lease Obligations or Synthetic Lease Obligations incurred by the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries during such period, but excluding in each case (i) any such expenditure made to restore, replace or rebuild property to the condition of such property immediately prior to any damage, loss, destruction or condemnation of such property, to the extent such expenditure is made with insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or damage recovery proceeds relating to any such damage, loss, destruction or condemnation, (ii) any such expenditure made as the purchase price of any Permitted Acquisition, (iii) capital expenditures relating to the construction or acquisition of any property that has been transferred to a person (other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary) pursuant to a sale-leaseback transaction permitted under Section 8.03, (iv) interest capitalized during such period, (v) the purchase price of equipment that is purchased during such period to the extent the consideration therefor consists of any combination of (x) used or surplus equipment traded in at the time of such purchase and (y) the

 

4



 

proceeds of a concurrent sale of used or surplus equipment, in each case, in the ordinary course of business, (vi) the purchase price of equipment that is purchased substantially contemporaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment to the extent that the gross amount of the such price is reduced by the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the equipment being traded at such time, (vii) any capital expenditures made with proceeds received from an Asset Sale, or (viii) expenditures that constitute Permitted Acquisitions.

 

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

 

Cash Collateralize” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(g).

 

Cash Management Obligations” means obligations owed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender in respect of any Treasury Management Agreement.

 

Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority.

 

Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a)           any “person” or “group” (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the SEC thereunder as in effect on the date hereof) becomes, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of Equity Interests in the Borrower representing more than 40% or more of the Equity Interests of the Borrower entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower on a fully-diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such person or group has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right);

 

(b)           at any time, occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by persons who were neither nominated by the board of directors of the Borrower nor appointed by directors so nominated; or

 

(c)           the occurrence of any change in control or similar event (however denominated) with respect to the Borrower under and as defined in any indenture or agreement in respect of Material Indebtedness to which the Borrower or a Subsidiary is a party.

 

Closing Date” means the date hereof.

 

Collateral” means a collective reference to all real and personal property with respect to which Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, are purported to be granted pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Collateral Documents.

 

Collateral Documents” means a collective reference to the Security Agreement, the Mortgages and other security documents as may be executed and delivered by the Loan Parties pursuant to the terms of Section 7.09.

 

5



 

Commitment” means, as to each Lender, the Domestic Revolving Commitment and the Euro Revolving Commitment of such Lender.

 

Compliance Certificate” has the meaning specified in Section 7.04(c) and shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.04.

 

Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, (ii) all amounts for taxes based on income, profits or capital and commercial activity payments to taxing authorities (or in each case similar taxes or payments), including, without limitation, income tax expense of consolidated Foreign Subsidiaries and foreign withholding tax expense for such period, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization for such period, (iv) any non-recurring fees, cash charges and other cash expenses made or incurred in connection with the Transactions that are paid or otherwise accounted for within 180 days of the consummation of the Transactions, (v) any extraordinary losses, (vi) (A) facilities relocation or closing costs, (B) non-recurring restructuring costs and (C) integration costs and fees, including cash severance costs, in connection with Permitted Acquisitions, in each case incurred during such period and payable in cash, in an aggregate amount under this clause (vi) not to exceed $10,000,000, (vii) amortization and impairment charges resulting from purchase accounting adjustments (including inventory step-up adjustments recognized in costs of sales and write-offs of in-process research and development costs), (viii) any non-cash compensation charges and deferred compensation charges, including arising from stock options, taken during such period, (ix) any other non-cash charges (other than the write-down of current assets), impairments and expenses for such period (including amortization of loan acquisition costs and unrealized gains and losses on Swap Contracts and gains and losses on foreign exchange (including in respect of intercompany notes)) and (x) fees, cash charges and other cash expenses made or incurred in connection with equity or debt financings and amendments and waivers thereto, minus (b) without duplication (i) all cash payments made during such period on account of non-cash charges added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clauses (a)(viii) or (ix) above in such period or in a previous period and (ii) to the extent included in determining such Consolidated Net Income, any extraordinary gains and all non-cash items of income (other than normal accruals in the ordinary course of business) for such period, all determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

 

Confidential Information Memorandum” means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated June 29, 2007 relating to the Borrower and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended for which the Borrower has delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 7.04(a) or (b) to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended for which the Borrower has delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 7.04(a) or (b).

 

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the sum of (a) the interest expense (including imputed interest expense in respect of Capital Lease Obligations and Synthetic Lease Obligations), net of cash interest income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, plus (b) any interest accrued during such period in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is required to be capitalized rather than included in consolidated interest expense for such period in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of the foregoing, interest expense shall be determined (a) by excluding non-cash interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount and (b) after giving effect to any net

 

6



 

payments made or received by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect to interest rate Swap Contracts.

 

Consolidated Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) the total Indebtedness on a consolidated basis as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended for which the Borrower has delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 7.04(a) or (b).

 

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income or loss of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (excluding extraordinary gains and losses) for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided, that there shall be excluded (a) the income of any Subsidiary to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by the Subsidiary of that income is not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to such Subsidiary, (b) the income or loss of any person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the date that such person’s assets are acquired by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (c) the income of any person in which any other person (other than the Borrower or a wholly owned Subsidiary or any director holding qualifying shares in accordance with applicable law) has a joint interest, except to the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid to the Borrower or a wholly owned Subsidiary by such person during such period, (d) any gains or losses attributable to sales of assets out of the ordinary course of business in excess of $2,500,000 and (e) gains and losses, realized or unrealized, relating to fluctuations in currency values.  Notwithstanding anything set forth in clause (a) above to the contrary, a Foreign Subsidiary may agree to restrict its ability to declare dividends or similar distributions without excluding the net income of such Foreign Subsidiary from Consolidated Net Income so long as (a) the agreement that restricts such ability relates to Indebtedness of such Foreign Subsidiary described in Section 8.01(i), (b) the proceeds thereof are used, directly or indirectly through intercompany transfers, to prepay the Loans and (c) the net income of such Foreign Subsidiary, together with the net income of each other Foreign Subsidiary subject to a similar restriction, does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Income.

 

Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) the total Indebtedness (net of unrestricted cash of the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries in excess of $15,000,000) on a consolidated basis as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the four fiscal quarters most recently ended for which the Borrower has delivered financial statements pursuant to Section 7.04(a) or (b).

 

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

 

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

 

Copyrights has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

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

 

Cure Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article IX.

 

7



 

Cure Right” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article IX.

 

De Minimis Holders” means, with respect to any wholly owned Subsidiary, holders of directors’ qualifying shares and other de minimis ownership interests required to be owned under foreign law by local residents.

 

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

 

Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both (as provided in Section 9.01), would be an Event of Default.

 

Default Rate” means (a) when used with respect to Obligations other than Letter of Credit Fees, an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate and any Mandatory Cost) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws and (b) when used with respect to Letter of Credit Fees, a rate equal to the Applicable Rate plus 2% per annum.

 

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any portion of the Loans, participations in L/C Obligations or participations in Swing Line Loans required to be funded by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within one Business Day of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute, or (c) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

 

Disqualified Preferred Stock” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Indebtedness.”

 

Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.

 

Dollar Equivalent” means, at any time, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, such amount, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in the Alternative Currency, the equivalent amount thereof in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (determined in respect of the most recent Revaluation Date) for the purchase of Dollars with the Alternative Currency.

 

Domestic Lenders” means those Lenders with Domestic Revolving Commitments, together with their successors and permitted assigns.  The initial Domestic Lenders are identified on the signature pages hereto and are set out in Schedule 2.01.

 

Domestic Revolving Commitment” means, as to each Domestic Lender, its obligation to (a) make Domestic Revolving Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01, (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Domestic Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party

 

8



 

hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

 

Domestic Revolving Loan” has the meaning provided in Section 2.01(a).

 

Domestic Revolving Note” has the meaning specified in Section 2.11(a)(i).

 

Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.  If a Foreign Subsidiary becomes a Guarantor and complies with the provisions of Section 7.09 as to collateral, the Borrower may elect by written notice to the Administrative Agent to treat such Subsidiary as a Domestic Subsidiary for purposes of the Loan Documents; provided, that the Administrative Agent concludes, in its reasonable discretion, that the Lenders would have substantially the same rights against such Subsidiary pursuant to the Collateral Documents under the law of the relevant foreign jurisdiction as the Lenders would have if such Subsidiary were organized in the United States of America.

 

Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 11.06(b)(iv) and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 11.06(b)(ii)).

 

EMU Legislation” means the legislative measures of the European Council for the introduction of, changeover to or operation of a single or unified European currency.

 

 “Environmental Laws” means all applicable Federal, state, provincial, local and foreign laws (including common law), treaties, regulations, rules, ordinances, codes, decrees, judgments, directives having the force of law and orders (including consent orders), in each case, relating to protection of the environment or natural resources.

 

Environmental Liability” means all liabilities, obligations, damages, losses, claims, actions, suits, judgments, orders, fines, penalties, fees, expenses and costs (including administrative oversight costs, natural resource damages and remediation costs), arising out of or relating to (a) compliance or non-compliance with any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed, or for which an indemnity is granted by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Environmental Permits” means any and all permits, licenses, approvals, registrations, notifications, exemptions and any other authorization pursuant to any Environmental Law.

 

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

 

9



 

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

 

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

 

ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived); (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan or the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to the intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the adoption of any amendment to a Plan that would require the provision of security pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 307 of ERISA; (g) the receipt by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA; (h) the occurrence of a “prohibited transaction” with respect to which the Borrower, any of the Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate is a “disqualified person” (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code) or with respect to which the Borrower or any such Subsidiary or ERISA Affiliate could otherwise be liable; or (i) any other event or condition with respect to a Plan or Multiemployer Plan that could result in liability of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

 

Euro” and “EUR” mean the lawful currency of the Participating Member States introduced in accordance with the EMU Legislation.

 

Euro Lenders” means those Lenders with Euro Revolving Commitments, together with their successors and permitted assigns.  The initial Euro Lenders are identified on the signature pages hereto and are set out in Schedule 2.01.

 

Euro Revolving Commitment” means, as to each Euro Lender, its obligation to (a) make Euro Revolving Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01, in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Domestic Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.

 

Euro Revolving Loan” has the meaning provided in Section 2.01(b).

 

Euro Revolving Note” has the meaning specified in Section 2.11(a)(ii).

 

Eurocurrency Base Rate” means, for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as published by Reuters (or other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time,

 

10



 

two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period.  If such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “Eurocurrency Base Rate” for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurocurrency Rate Loan being made, continued or converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurocurrency market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

 

Eurocurrency Rate” means, for any Interest Period with respect to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the Eurocurrency Base Rate for such Eurocurrency Rate Loan for such Interest Period by (b) one minus the Eurocurrency Reserve Percentage for such Eurocurrency Rate Loan for such Interest Period.

 

Eurocurrency Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurocurrency Rate.  Eurocurrency Rate Loans may be denominated in Dollars or in the Alternative Currency.  All Loans denominated in the Alternative Currency must be Eurocurrency Rate Loans.

 

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

 

Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 9.01.

 

Excluded Property” with respect to any Loan Party, including any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the Closing Date as contemplated by Section 7.09, (a) any owned real or personal property which is located outside of the United States, (b) all leased real property, (c) any personal property (including, without limitation, motor vehicles) in respect of which perfection of a Lien is not either (i) governed by the Uniform Commercial Code or (ii) effected by appropriate evidence of the Lien being filed in either the United States Copyright Office or the United States Patent and Trademark Office, (d) the Equity Interests of any direct Foreign Subsidiary of a Loan Party to the extent not pledged as of the Closing Date or not required to be pledged to secure the Obligations pursuant to Section 7.09, (e) any property which, subject to the terms of Section 7.09(b), is subject to a Lien of the type described in Section 8.02(a), Section 8.02(c) or 8.02(s) (but only to the extent and for so long as the grant of a security interest in such property would violate the documentation governing such Lien), (f) all Equity Interests in Spinneybeck Ireland, an Irish corporation, (g) assets sold to a Person that is not a Loan Party to the extent such sale is permitted hereunder, (h) assets owned by a Guarantor after the release of the guarantee pursuant to Section 10.10, (i) licenses, contracts and agreements which contain a valid and enforceable prohibition on the creation of a security interest therein so long as such prohibition remains in effect and is valid notwithstanding anti-assignment override provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, and (j) any other asset, if any, as to which the Administrative Agent has determined in its reasonable discretion that the cost of obtaining a security interest in such asset (including mortgage, stamp, intangibles or other tax) are excessive in relation to the benefit of the Lenders of the security afforded thereby.

 

Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder,

 

11



 

(a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu of net income taxes), by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable Lending Office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located and (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 11.13), any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with Section 3.01(e), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a).

 

Executive Order” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.24.

 

Existing Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement dated as of October 3, 2005 among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto, UBS Securities LLC, as syndication agent, Bank of America, as administrative agent, UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as an issuing bank, UBS Securites LLC and BAS, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and CitiBank, F.S.B., Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company and Harris N.A., as co-documentation agents, as amended or modified from time to time.

 

Existing Letters of Credit” means the letters of credit described by date of issuance, letter of credit number, undrawn amount, name of beneficiary and date of expiry on Schedule 1.01(b).

 

Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.

 

Fee Letter” means the letter agreement, dated May 24, 2007 among the Borrower, Bank of America and BAS.

 

Fees” means the Commitment Fees, the Letter of Credit Fees and any other fees payable by a Loan Party pursuant to a fee agreement entered into with the Administrative Agent or any other Lender.

 

Financial Performance Covenant” has the meaning specified in Section 9.01.

 

First Tier Foreign Subsidiary” means each Foreign Subsidiary that is owned directly by any Loan Party.

 

Foreign Assets Control Regulations” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.24.

 

Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes.  For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

 

12



 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, consistently applied and as in effect from time to time.

 

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

 

GSA Transaction” means the transactions and legal arrangements included in (a) the Purchase and Assignment Agreement dated as of November 7, 1997 by and between General Electric Capital Corporation (d/b/a Potomac Federal) and the Borrower, as modified, supplemented and amended from time to time (with the reasonable consent of the Administrative Agent if such modification, supplement or amendment (i) changes the nature or character of the arrangement or (ii) contains any material increase in the burden of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries under the arrangement), and (b) any other agreement between the Borrower or its Subsidiaries and other parties approved by the Administrative Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld) providing comparable arrangements with the United States government.

 

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

 

13



 

Guarantors” means each Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower identified as a “Guarantor” on the signature pages hereto and each other Person that joins as a Guarantor pursuant to Section 7.09, together with their successors and permitted assigns.

 

Guaranty” means the Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article IV.

 

Hazardous Materials” means (a) any petroleum products or byproducts and all other hydrocarbons, coal ash, radon gas, asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, mold, radioactive materials, chlorofluorocarbons and all other ozone-depleting substances and (b) any chemical, material, substance or waste of any kind that is prohibited or regulated as hazardous by or pursuant to, or that could give rise to liability under, any Environmental Law.

 

Honor Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c).

 

Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.01(c).

 

Indebtedness” of any person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property or assets purchased by such person, (d) all obligations of such person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade accounts payable and accrued obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business), (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such person, whether or not the obligations secured thereby have been assumed (it being understood that, unless such person shall have assumed such obligations, the amount of such Indebtedness shall be the lesser of (x) the fair market value of the property securing such Indebtedness and (y) the stated principal amount of such Indebtedness), (f) all Guarantees by such person of Indebtedness of others, (g) all Capital Lease Obligations and Synthetic Lease Obligations of such person, (h) all outstanding reimbursement obligations of such person as an account party in respect of letters of credit, (i) all obligations of such person in respect of bankers’ acceptances, (j) all obligations of such person under or in respect of Swap Contracts and (k) the liquidation value of all redeemable preferred Equity Interests of such person, to the extent mandatorily redeemable in cash (other than as a result of a change of control if the documentation regarding such preferred Equity Interests provides for no payment unless, prior to any such payment, all Loans and other Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents are paid in full in cash or the Lenders consent to such payment) on or prior to the Maturity Date (“Disqualified Preferred Stock”). For purposes of determining the amount of Indebtedness of any person under clause (j) of the preceding sentence, the amount of the obligations of such person in respect of any Swap Contract at any time shall be zero prior to the time any counterparty to such Swap Contract shall be entitled to terminate such Swap Contract and, thereafter, shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that such person would be required to pay if such Swap Contract were terminated at such time.  The Indebtedness of any person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership in which such person is a general partner only to the extent such person is liable therefor by contract, as a matter of law or otherwise, and shall not include any Indebtedness of such partnership that is expressly non-recourse to such person.  For clarification purposes, the liability of the Borrower or any Guarantor to make any periodic payments to licensors in consideration for the license of Patents and technical information under license agreements and any amount payable in respect of a settlement of disputes with respect to such payments thereunder, shall not constitute Indebtedness.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, (i) the term “Indebtedness” shall not be deemed to include (a) any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of the applicable person, (b) any deferred

 

14



 

compensation arrangements, (c) any non compete or consulting obligations incurred in connection with Permitted Acquisitions, (d) “teaming agreements” pursuant to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary agrees with another supplier of services to provide services (including the sale of inventory) to a third person and pursuant to such agreement shall be responsible to the third person for the performance of the obligations of such other supplier, (e) warranty claims, (f) product guarantees, guarantees (including performance guarantees or bonds) by a person of obligations not constituting Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (g) obligations under joint development agreements pursuant to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary agrees to develop a product and (ii) the amount of Indebtedness for which recourse is limited either to a specified amount or to an identified asset of such person shall be deemed to be equal to such specified amount or the fair market value of such identified asset, as the case may be, and (h) obligations under any GSA Transaction.

 

Indemnified Taxes” means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

 

Indemnitees” has the meaning specified in Section 11.04(b).

 

Information” has the meaning specified in Section 11.07.

 

Intellectual Property” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.07(d).

 

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

 

Interest Period” means, as to each Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Loan Notice, or nine or twelve months thereafter, as requested by the Borrower and consented to by all of the Lenders; provided that:

 

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

 

(ii)           any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period;

 

(iii)          no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.

 

Interim Financial Statements” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.01(c)(ii).

 

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

 

Involuntary Disposition” means any loss of, damage to or destruction of, or any condemnation or other taking for public use of, any property of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

15



 

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

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

 

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

 

Joinder Agreement” means a joinder agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.09 executed and delivered by a Domestic Subsidiary in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.09.

 

Knoll Europe” means Knoll Europe B.V., a Netherlands company.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

L/C Obligations” means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings.  For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.07.  For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.

 

Lenders” means each of the Persons identified as a “Lender” on the signature pages hereto and their successors and assigns and, as the context requires, includes the Swing Line Lender.

 

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

 

16



 

Letter of Credit” means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder by the L/C Issuer and shall include the Existing Letters of Credit.

 

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

 

Letter of Credit Expiration Date” means the date which is thirty days prior to the Maturity Date (or, if such date is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day) unless prior to such time the Borrower provided Cash Collateral to the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to 105% of the face amount of all Letters of Credit expiring after the thirtieth day prior to the Maturity Date, in which case the expiry date of such Letters of Credit shall be no later than the first anniversary of the Maturity Date.

 

Letter of Credit Fee” has the meaning specified in Section 2.03(i).

 

Letter of Credit Sublimit” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Aggregate Revolving Commitments and (b) $50,000,000.  The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.

 

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

 

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

 

Loan Documents” means this Agreement, each Note, each Issuer Document, each Joinder Agreement, the Collateral Documents and the Fee Letter.

 

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

 

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

 

Mandatory Cost” means, with respect to any period, the percentage rate per annum determined in accordance with Schedule 1.01(a).

 

Margin Stock” has the meaning assigned to such term in Regulation U.

 

Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on, the business, operations, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (b) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against the Borrower or any other Loan Party under any Loan Document to which it is or will be a party.

 

17



 

Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit) of any one or more of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $20,000,000.

 

Material Subsidiary” means, at any time, any Subsidiary which at such time shall be a “significant subsidiary” of the Borrower within the meaning of Regulation S-X of the SEC as in effect on the date hereof; provided, that the Borrower agrees that the Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries shall at all times have assets during the term of this Agreement constituting at least 90% of the Borrower’s consolidated total assets; provided, further, that each Subsidiary which owns any Intellectual Property (other than Intellectual Property with an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,500,000) shall be deemed to be a Material Subsidiary hereunder.

 

Maturity Date” means June 29, 2013.

 

Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings” means FIVE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($500,000,000).

 

Maximum Rate” has the meaning specified in Section 11.09.

 

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

 

Mortgaged Property” means any real property that is owned or leased by a Loan Party and is subject to a Mortgage.

 

Mortgages” means the mortgages, deeds of trust or deeds to secure debt that purport to grant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a security interest in the fee interest and/or leasehold interests of any Loan Party in real property (other than Excluded Property).

 

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

 

Note” or “Notes” means the Domestic Revolving Notes, the Euro Revolving Notes and/or the Swing Line Note, individually or collectively, as appropriate.

 

Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding. The foregoing shall also include, unless the parties thereto agree otherwise, (a) all obligations under any Swap Contract between any Loan Party and any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender that is permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 8.01(d) and (b) all obligations under any Treasury Management Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender.

 

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

 

18



 

connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.

 

Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

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

 

Overnight Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the greater of (i) the Federal Funds Rate and (ii) an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, or the Swing Line Lender, as the case may be, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in the Alternative Currency, the rate of interest per annum at which overnight deposits in the Alternative Currency, in an amount approximately equal to the amount with respect to which such rate is being determined, would be offered for such day by a branch or Affiliate of Bank of America in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency to major banks in such interbank market.

 

Participant” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(d).

 

Participating Member State” means each state so described in any EMU Legislation.

 

Patents has the meaning assigned to such term in Security Agreement.

 

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to an defined in ERISA or any successor thereto.

 

Permitted Acquisition” has the meaning specified in Section 8.04(h).

 

Pennsylvania Property” means that certain real property owned by the Borrower and located in the Borough of East Greenville, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

 

Permitted Cure Securities” has the meaning specified in Article IX.

 

Permitted Investments” means:

 

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

 

19


 


 

(b)           investments in commercial paper maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, one of the two highest credit ratings obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of investments;

 

(c)           investments in certificates of deposit, Eurocurrency deposits, overnight bank deposits or banker’s acceptances, demand deposits and time deposits maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, the Administrative Agent or any domestic office of any Lender or any other commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof that has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000 or issued by or offered by a bank organized under the laws of any foreign country recognized by the United States the long-term debt of which is rated at least “A” or the equivalent by S&P or “A” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s having at the date of acquisition thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than $500,000,000 or the foreign currency equivalent thereof;

 

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

 

(e)           investments in marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof  maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, one of the two highest credit ratings obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;

 

(f)            investments in “money market funds” within the meaning of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, substantially all of whose assets are invested in investments of the type described in clauses (a) through (e) above;

 

(g)           other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments of a type analogous to the foregoing; and

 

(h)           solely with respect to any Foreign Subsidiary, non-Dollar denominated (i) certificates of deposit of, bankers acceptances of, or time deposits with, any commercial bank which is organized and existing under the laws of the country in which such Foreign Subsidiary maintains its chief executive office and principal place of business provided such country is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and whose short-term commercial paper rating from S&P is at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof or from Moody’s is at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof (any such bank being an “Approved Foreign Bank”) and maturing within twelve (12) months of the date of acquisition and (ii) equivalents of demand deposit accounts which are maintained with an Approved Foreign Bank.

 

Permitted Liens” means, at any time, Liens in respect of property of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries permitted to exist at such time pursuant to the terms of Section 8.02.

 

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

 

20



 

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 Internal Revenue Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the 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.

 

Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 7.04.

 

Pro Forma Basis” means, for purposes of calculating the Financial Performance Covenants (including for purposes of determining the Applicable Rate), that any Disposition, Involuntary Disposition, Acquisition or Restricted Payment shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the most recent four fiscal quarter period preceding the date of such transaction for which the Borrower was required to deliver financial statements pursuant to Section 7.04(a) or (b).  In connection with the foregoing, (a) with respect to any Disposition or Involuntary Disposition, income statement and cash flow statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property disposed of shall be excluded to the extent relating to any period occurring prior to the date of such transaction and (b) with respect to any Acquisition, income statement items attributable to the Person or property acquired shall be included to the extent relating to any period applicable in such calculations to the extent (A) such items are not otherwise included in such income statement items for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP or in accordance with any defined terms set forth in Section 1.01 and (B) such items are supported by financial statements or other information reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including the Person or property acquired) in connection with such transaction (A) shall be deemed to have been incurred as of the first day of the applicable period and (B) if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination.  In connection with any Permitted Acquisition, the Borrower shall be permitted to assume cost savings certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and expected to be achieved within a twelve-month period following the closing of such Permitted Acquisition if the consolidated balance sheet of such acquired person and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the end of the fiscal period preceding the acquisition of such person and the related consolidated statements of income and stockholders’ equity and of cash flows for the period in respect of which Consolidated EBITDA is to be calculated (x) have been previously provided to the Administrative Agent and (y) either (1) have been reported on without a qualification arising out of the scope of the audit by independent certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing or (2) have been found acceptable by the Administrative Agent.  For purposes of determining compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 8.11 (and the computations made for purposes of determining the Applicable Rate), all calculations shall be made on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to the Transactions, (subject, in the case of the Transactions, to the limitations contained in clause (a)(iv) of the definition of Consolidated EBITDA).

 

Pro Forma Compliance means, at any date of determination, that the Borrower shall be in pro forma compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 8.11 as of the date of such determination or the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter-end, as the case may be (computed on the basis of (a) balance sheet amounts as of such date and (b) income statement amounts for the most recently completed period of four consecutive fiscal quarters for which financial statements shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and calculated on a Pro Forma Basis in respect of the event giving rise to such determination).

 

Pro Forma Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower containing reasonably detailed calculations of the Financial Performance Covenants as of the most recent fiscal quarter end for which the Borrower was required to deliver financial statements pursuant to Section 7.04(a) or (b) after giving effect to the applicable transaction on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

21



 

Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 7.04.

 

Register” has the meaning specified in Section 11.06(c).

 

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

 

Release means any release, spill, emission, leaking, dumping, injection, pouring, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into or through the environment or within, under, from or upon any building, structure, facility or fixture.

 

Release of Collateral Event” means any time that (a) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (b) the Borrower simultaneously maintains the Requisite Ratings.

 

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

 

Required Domestic Lenders” means, at any time, Domestic Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of (a) the unfunded Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments and the outstanding Domestic Revolving Loans, L/C Obligations and participations therein or (b) if the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments have been terminated, the outstanding Domestic Revolving Loans, L/C Obligations and participations therein.  The unfunded Domestic Revolving Commitments of, and the outstanding Domestic Revolving Loans held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Domestic Lenders.

 

Required Euro Lenders” means, at any time, Euro Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of (a) the unfunded Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments and the outstanding Euro Revolving Loans or (b) if the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments have been terminated, the outstanding Euro Revolving Loans.  The unfunded Euro Revolving Commitments of, and the outstanding Euro Revolving Loans held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Euro Lenders.

 

Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders holding in the aggregate more than 50% of (a) the unfunded Commitments and the outstanding Loans, L/C Obligations and participations therein or (b) if the Commitments have been terminated, the outstanding Loans, L/C Obligations and participations therein.  The unfunded Commitments of, and the outstanding Loans held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.

 

Requisite Ratings” means (a) a corporate rating on the Borrower’s senior unsecured (non-credit enhanced) debt of at least BBB- from S&P or an equivalent rating from S&P in the event S&P changes its rating system and (b) a corporate family rating on the Borrower senior unsecured (non-credit enhanced) debt of at least Baa3 from Moody’s or an equivalent rating from Moody’s in the event Moody’s changes its rating system.

 

Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president or chief financial officer of a Loan Party or the Manager, Credit and Collections, of the Borrower.  Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.

 

22



 

Restricted Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, the payment, prepayment, repurchase or defeasance of which is restricted under Section 8.09(b).

 

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

 

Revaluation Date” means (a) with respect to any Loan, each of the following:  (i) each date of a Borrowing of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in the Alternative Currency, (ii) each date of a continuation of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in the Alternative Currency pursuant to Section 2.02, and (iii) such additional dates as the Administrative Agent shall determine or the Required Lenders shall require; and (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit, each of the following:  (i) each date of issuance of a Letter of Credit denominated in the Alternative Currency, (ii) each date of an amendment of any such Letter of Credit having the effect of increasing the amount thereof (solely with respect to the increased amount), (iii) each date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit denominated in the Alternative Currency, and (v) such additional dates as the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer shall determine.

 

Revolving Commitment” means the Domestic Revolving Commitments and/or the Euro Revolving Commitments, as appropriate.

 

Revolving Loan” means the Domestic Revolving Loan and/or the Euro Revolving Loan, as appropriate.

 

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

 

Same Day Funds” means (a) with respect to disbursements and payments in Dollars, immediately available funds, and (b) with respect to disbursements and payments in the Alternative Currency, same day or other funds as may be determined by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, to be customary in the place of disbursement or payment for the settlement of international banking transactions in the Alternative Currency.

 

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

 

Security Agreement” means the pledge and security agreement dated as of the Closing Date executed in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Obligations, by each of the Loan Parties, as amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

Spot Rate” for a currency means the rate determined by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, to be the rate quoted by the Person acting in such capacity as the spot rate for the purchase by such Person of such currency with another currency through its principal foreign exchange trading office at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the date two Business Days prior to the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made; provided that the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer may

 

23



 

obtain such spot rate from another financial institution designated by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer if the Person acting in such capacity does not have as of the date of determination a spot buying rate for any such currency; and provided further that the L/C Issuer may use such spot rate quoted on the date as of which the foreign exchange computation is made in the case of any Letter of Credit denominated in the Alternative Currency.

 

Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of Voting Stock is at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.  Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower.

 

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

 

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

 

Swing Line Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.04(a).

 

Swing Line Loan Notice” means a notice of a Borrowing of Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(b), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.04.

 

Swing Line Note” has the meaning specified in Section 2.11(a)(iii).

 

Swing Line Sublimit” means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $10,000,000 and (b) the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.  The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Aggregate Revolving Commitments.

 

Synthetic Lease” means, as to any Person, any lease (including leases that may be terminated by the lessee at any time) of any property (whether real, personal or mixed) (a) that is accounted for as an operating lease under GAAP and (b) in respect of which the lessee retains or obtains ownership of the property so leased for U.S. federal income tax purposes, other than any such lease under which such person is the lessor.

 

Synthetic Lease Obligations” means, as to any Person, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any Synthetic Lease which are attributable to principal and, without duplication, (b) the amount of any purchase price payment under any Synthetic Lease assuming the lessee exercises the option to purchase the leased property at the end of the lease term.

 

24



 

Synthetic Purchase Agreement means any swap, derivative or other agreement or combination of agreements pursuant to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is or may become obligated to make (a) any payment in connection with a purchase by any third party from a person other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Equity Interest or Restricted Indebtedness of the Borrower or a Subsidiary or (b) any payment (other than on account of a permitted purchase by it of any Equity Interest or Restricted Indebtedness) the amount of which is determined by reference to the price or value at any time of any Equity Interest or Restricted Indebtedness of the Borrower or a Subsidiary; provided, that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only to current or former directors, officers or employees of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries (or to their heirs or estates) shall be deemed to be a Synthetic Purchase Agreement.

 

TARGET Day” means any day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) payment system (or, if such payment system ceases to be operative, such other payment system (if any) determined by the Administrative Agent to be a suitable replacement) is open for the settlement of payments in Euro.

 

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

 

Threshold Amount” means $20,000,000.

 

Total Domestic Revolving Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Domestic Revolving Loans, all Swing Line Loans and all L/C Obligations.

 

Total Euro Revolving Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Euro Revolving Loans.

 

Total Revolving Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Domestic Revolving Loans, all Euro Revolving Loans, all Swing Line Loans and all L/C Obligations.

 

Trademarks has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.

 

Trading With the Enemy Act” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.24.

 

Transactions means, collectively, (a) the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of the Loan Documents to which they are a party and, in the case of the Borrower, the making of the initial Borrowings hereunder, (b) the repayment of all amounts outstanding or due under, and the termination of, the Existing Credit Agreement and (c) the payment of related fees and expenses.

 

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

 

Type” means, with respect to any Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurocurrency Rate Loan.

 

United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.

 

25



 

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

 

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

 

wholly owned Subsidiary of any person shall mean a subsidiary of such person of which securities (except for directors’ qualifying shares and other de minimis ownership interests required to be owned under foreign law by local residents) or other ownership interests representing 100% of the Equity Interests are, at the time any determination is being made, owned, controlled or held by such person or one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such person or by such person and one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such person.

 

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

 

1.02         Other Interpretive Provisions.

 

With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:

 

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

 

(b)           In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including.”

 

26



 

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

 

1.03         Accounting Terms.

 

(a)           Generally.  Except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein, all accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements; provided, however, that calculations of Synthetic Lease Obligations shall be made by the Borrower in accordance with accepted financial practice and consistent with the terms of such Synthetic Lease Obligations and in the event any accounting term is not defined by GAAP, it shall have the definition mutually agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

(c)           Calculations.  Notwithstanding the above, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that all calculations of the Financial Perfomance Covenants (including for purposes of determining the Applicable Rate) shall be made on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

1.04         Rounding.

 

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

 

1.05         Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents.

 

(a)           The Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, as applicable, shall determine the Spot Rates as of each Revaluation Date to be used for calculating Dollar Equivalent amounts of Credit Extensions and Outstanding Amounts denominated the Alternative Currency.  Such Spot Rates shall become effective as of such Revaluation Date and shall be the Spot Rates employed in converting any amounts between the applicable currencies until the next Revaluation Date to occur.  Except for purposes of financial statements delivered by Loan Parties hereunder or calculating financial covenants hereunder or except as otherwise provided herein, the applicable amount of any currency (other than Dollars) for purposes of the Loan Documents shall be such Dollar Equivalent amount as so determined by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, as applicable.  The maximum amount of Indebtedness, investments and other threshold amounts that the Borrower and the Subsidiaries may incur under Article VIII shall not be deemed to be exceeded, with respect to any outstanding Indebtedness, investments and

 

27



 

other threshold amounts solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies.  When calculating capacity for the incurrence of additional Indebtedness, investments and other threshold amounts by the Borrower and any Subsidiary, the exchange rate of currencies shall be measured as of the date of such calculation.

 

(b)           Wherever in this Agreement in connection with a Borrowing, conversion, continuation or prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit, an amount, such as a required minimum or multiple amount, is expressed in Dollars, but such Borrowing, Eurocurrency Rate Loan or Letter of Credit is denominated in the Alternative Currency, such amount shall be the Alternative Currency Equivalent of such Dollar amount (rounded to the nearest unit of such Alternative Currency, with 0.5 of a unit being rounded upward), as determined by the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be.

 

1.06         Times of Day.

 

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

 

1.07         Letter of Credit Amounts.

 

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

 

ARTICLE II

 

THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

2.01         Loans.

 

(a)           Domestic Revolving Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Domestic Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “Domestic Revolving Loan”) to the Borrower in Dollars from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Domestic Lender’s Domestic Revolving Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Borrowing of Domestic Revolving Loans, (i) the Total Domestic Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed FIVE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($500,000,000) (such aggregate amount, as it may be increased or decreased as provided herein, the “Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments”), (ii) the Total Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings and (iii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Domestic Revolving Loans of any Domestic Lender, plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Domestic Lender’s Domestic Revolving Commitment; provided further that the availability of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments at any time for the making of Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit shall be reduced by the amount of the Alternative Currency Reserve.  Within the limits of each Domestic Lender’s Domestic Revolving Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01(a), prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.01(a).  Domestic Revolving Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate

 

28



 

Loans, or a combination thereof, as further provided herein; provided, however, all Borrowings made on the Closing Date shall be made as Base Rate Loans.

 

(b)           Euro Revolving Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Euro Lender severally agrees to make loans (each such loan, a “Euro Revolving Loan”) to the Borrower in the Alternative Currency from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Euro Lender’s Euro Revolving Commitment; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Borrowing of Euro Revolving Loans, (i) the Total Euro Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed ONE HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS ($150,000,000) (such aggregate amount, as it may be increased or decreased as provided herein, the “Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments”), (ii) the Total Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings and (iii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Euro Revolving Loans of any Euro Lender shall not exceed such Euro Lender’s Euro Revolving Commitment; provided further that the availability of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments at any time for the making of Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit shall be reduced by the amount of the Alternative Currency Reserve.  Within the limits of each Euro Lender’s Euro Revolving Commitment, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01(b), prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.01(b).  Euro Revolving Loans may be Eurocurrency Rate Loans as further provided herein.

 

(c)           Increase in Aggregate Commitments.  The Borrower may, at any time and from time to time, upon prior written notice by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent increase the Aggregate Commitments (but not the Letter of Credit Sublimit) by a maximum aggregate amount of up to TWO HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($200,000,000) with (i) additional Domestic Revolving Commitments from any existing Domestic Lender with a Domestic Revolving Commitment or new Domestic Revolving Commitments from any other Person selected by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer or (ii) a term loan (the “Incremental Term Loan”) from any existing Lender or from any other Person selected by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent as follows:

 

(i)            Increase in Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments.  The Borrower may, at any time, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, increase the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments; provided that:

 

(A)          any such increase shall be in a minimum principal amount of $10,000,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof;

 

(B)           no Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing at the time of any such increase;

 

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

 

(D)          (1) any new Lender shall join this Agreement by executing such joinder documents required by the Administrative Agent and/or (2) any existing Lender electing to increase its Domestic Revolving Commitment shall have executed a commitment agreement satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and

 

(E)           as a condition precedent to such increase, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the date of such

 

29


 


 

increase (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (1) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (2) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (x) the representations and warranties contained in Article VI and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such increase, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.01(c)(i), the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 6.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 7.04, and (y) no Default or Event of Default exists.

 

(ii)           Institution of Incremental Term Loan.  The Borrower may, at any time, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, institute the Incremental Term Loan; provided that:

 

(A)          any such institution of the Incremental Term Loan shall be in a minimum principal amount of $10,000,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof;

 

(B)           no Default or Event of Default shall exist and be continuing at the time of any such institution of the Incremental Term Loan;

 

(C)           no existing Lender shall be under any obligation to provide a commitment under the Incremental Term Loan and any such decision whether to provide a commitment under the Incremental Term Loan shall be in such Lender’s sole and absolute discretion;

 

(D)          (1) any new Lender shall join this Agreement by executing such joinder documents required by the Administrative Agent and/or (2) any existing Lender electing to provide a commitment under the Incremental Term Loan shall have executed a commitment agreement satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(E)           as a condition precedent to such increase, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of each Loan Party dated as of the date of such increase (in sufficient copies for each Lender) signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (1) certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase, and (2) in the case of the Borrower, certifying that, before and after giving effect to such increase, (x) the representations and warranties contained in Article VI and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date of such increase, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.01(c)(i), the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 6.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 7.04, and (y) no Default or Event of Default exists; and

 

(F)           as a condition precedent to such institution of the Incremental Term Loan, an amendment to this Agreement as may be necessary to incorporate specific

 

30



 

provisions applicable to the Incremental Term Loan herein must be approved by the Required Lenders, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

 

The Borrower shall prepay any Loans owing by it and outstanding on the date of any such increase in the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments or any such institution of the Incremental Term Loan (and pay any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05) to the extent necessary to keep the outstanding Loans ratable with any revised Commitments arising from any nonratable increase in the Commitments under this Section.

 

2.02         Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans.

 

(a)           (i)            Domestic Revolving Loans.  With respect to Domestic Revolving Loans, each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone.  Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (A) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of, Eurocurrency Rate Loans or of any conversion of Eurocurrency Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans and (B) on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans.

 

(ii)           Euro Revolving Loans.  With respect to Euro Revolving Loans, each Borrowing and each continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone.  Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. four Business Days  prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of Eurocurrency rate Loans denominated in the Alternative Currency.

 

(b)           Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02 must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $2,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.  Except as provided in Sections 2.03(c) and 2.04(c), each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof.  Each Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower’s request is with respect to Domestic Revolving Loans or Euro Revolving Loans, (ii) whether the Borrower is requesting a Borrowing, a conversion of Domestic Revolving Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, (iii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iv) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (v) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Loans are to be converted, (vi) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto and (vii) the currency of the Loans to be borrowed.  If the Borrower fails to specify a currency in a Loan Notice requesting a Borrowing, then the Loans so requested shall be made in Dollars.  If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Loan Notice or if the Borrower fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Domestic Revolving Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans; provided, however, that in the case of a failure to timely request a continuation of Loans denominated in the Alternative Currency, such Loans shall be continued as Eurocurrency Rate Loans in their original currency with an Interest Period of one month.  Any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans.  If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans in any such Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.  No Loan may be converted into or continued as a Loan denominated in a different currency, but instead must be prepaid in the original currency of such Loan and reborrowed in the other currency.

 

31



 

(c)           Following receipt of a Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount (and currency) of its Applicable Percentage of the applicable Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans or a continuation of Loans denominated in the Alternative Currency, in each case, as described in the preceding subsection.  In the case of a Borrowing, each Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office for the applicable currency not later than 1:00 p.m., in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, and not later than the Applicable Time specified by the Administrative Agent in the case of any Loan in the Alternative Currency, in each case on the Business Day specified in the applicable Loan Notice.  Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 5.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Credit Extension, Section 5.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower; provided, however, that if, on the date of a Borrowing of Domestic Revolving Loans, there are L/C Borrowings outstanding, then the proceeds of such Borrowing, first, shall be applied to the payment in full of any such L/C Borrowings and second, shall be made available to the Borrower as provided above.

 

(d)           Except as otherwise provided herein, (i) a Eurocurrency Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of the Interest Period for such Eurocurrency Rate Loan and (ii) without the consent of the Required Lenders, (A) no Domestic Revolving Loan may be requested as, converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan and (B) no Euro Revolving Loan may be continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan with an Interest Period greater than one month.  During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Eurocurrency Rate Loans (whether in Dollars or the Alternative Currency) without the consent of the Required Lenders, and the Required Lenders may demand that any or all of the then outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in the Alternative Currency be prepaid, or redenominated into Dollars in the amount of the Dollar Equivalent thereof, on the last day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto.

 

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

 

(f)            After giving effect to all Borrowings, all conversions of Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than 10 Interest Periods in effect with respect to all Loans.

 

2.03         Letters of Credit.

 

(a)           The Letter of Credit Commitment.

 

(i)            Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) the L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the Domestic Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, to issue Letters of Credit in Dollars or in the Alternative Currency for the account of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and to amend or extend Letters of Credit

 

32



 

previously issued by it, in accordance with subsection (b) below, and (2) to honor drawings under the Letters of Credit; and (B) the Domestic Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries and any drawings thereunder; provided that after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, (x) the Total Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings, (y) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Domestic Revolving Loans of any Domestic Lender, plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Domestic Lender’s Domestic Revolving Commitment and (z) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations shall not exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit.  Each request by the Borrower for the issuance or amendment of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be a representation by the Borrower that the L/C Credit Extension so requested complies with the conditions set forth in the proviso to the preceding sentence.  Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower’s ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.  Furthermore, each Domestic Lender acknowledges and confirms that it has a participation interest in the liability of the L/C Issuer under the Existing Letters of Credit in a percentage equal to its Applicable Percentage of the Domestic Revolving Loans.  The Borrower’s reimbursement obligations in respect of the Existing Letters of Credit, and each Domestic Lender’s obligations in connection therewith, shall be governed by the terms of this Agreement.

 

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

 

(A)          subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii), the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last extension, unless the Required Domestic Lenders have approved such expiry date; or

 

(B)           the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless all the Domestic Lenders have approved such expiry date.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

33



 

(C)           except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer, such Letter of Credit is in an initial stated amount less than $100,000;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(i)            Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Application, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Such Letter of Credit Application must be received by the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. at least five (5) Business Days (or such later date and time as the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in their sole discretion) prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be.  In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer: (A) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (B) the amount and currency thereof; (C) the expiry date thereof; (D) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (E) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (F) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (G) the purpose and nature of the requested Letter of Credit; and (H) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require.  In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Application shall specify in form and detail satisfactory to the L/C Issuer (A) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (B) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (C) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (D) such other matters as the L/C Issuer may require.  Additionally, the Borrower shall furnish to the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent such other documents and information pertaining to such requested Letter of Credit issuance or amendment, including any Issuer Documents, as the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent may require.

 

34



 

(ii)           Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Application from the Borrower and, if not, the L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof.  Unless the L/C Issuer has received written notice from any Domestic Lender, the Administrative Agent or any Loan Party, at least one Business Day prior to the requested date of issuance or amendment of the applicable Letter of Credit, that one or more applicable conditions contained in Article V shall not be satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be, in each case in accordance with the L/C Issuer’s usual and customary business practices.  Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Domestic Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Letter of Credit.

 

(iii)          If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Application, the L/C Issuer may, in its sole and absolute discretion, agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an “Auto-Extension Letter of Credit”); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve-month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a day (the “Non-Extension Notice Date”) in each such twelve-month period to be agreed upon at the time such Letter of Credit is issued.  Unless otherwise directed by the L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the L/C Issuer for any such extension.  Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the Domestic Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided, however, that the L/C Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (A) the L/C Issuer has determined that it would not be permitted, or would have no obligation, at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its revised form (as extended) under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of clause (ii) or (iii) of Section 2.03(a) or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is seven Business Days before the Non-Extension Notice Date (1) from the Administrative Agent that the Required Domestic Lenders have elected not to permit such extension or (2) from the Administrative Agent, any Domestic Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 5.02 is not then satisfied, and in each case directing the L/C Issuer not to permit such extension.

 

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

 

(c)           Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations.

 

(i)            Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of drawing under such Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof.  In the case of a Letter of Credit denominated in the Alternative Currency, the Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer in the Alternative Currency, unless (A) the L/C Issuer (at its option) shall have specified in such notice that it will require reimbursement in

 

35



 

Dollars, or (B) in the absence of any such requirement for reimbursement in Dollars, the Borrower shall have notified the L/C Issuer promptly following receipt of the notice of drawing that the Borrower will reimburse the L/C Issuer in Dollars.  In the case of any such reimbursement in Dollars of a drawing under a Letter of Credit denominated in the Alternative Currency, the L/C Issuer shall notify the Borrower of the Dollar Equivalent of the amount of the drawing promptly following the determination thereof.  Not later than 11:00 a.m. on the date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit to be reimbursed in Dollars, or the Applicable Time on the date of any payment by the L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit to be reimbursed in the Alternative Currency (each such date, an “Honor Date”), the Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing and in the applicable currency.  If the Borrower fails to so reimburse the L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Domestic Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (expressed in Dollars or in the amount of the Dollar Equivalent thereof in the case of a Letter of Credit denominated in the Alternative Currency) (the “Unreimbursed Amount”), and the amount of such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof.  In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 5.02 (other than the delivery of a Loan Notice).  Any notice given by the L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

 

(ii)           Each Domestic Lender shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer, in Dollars, at the  Administrative Agent’s Office for Dollar-denominated payments in an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Domestic Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount.  The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the L/C Issuer in Dollars.

 

(iii)          With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans because the conditions set forth in Section 5.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the Default Rate.  In such event, each Domestic Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Domestic Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03.

 

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

 

(v)           Each Domestic Lender’s obligation to make Domestic Revolving Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse the L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as

 

36



 

contemplated by this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Domestic Lender may have against the L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever; (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Domestic Lender’s obligation to make Domestic Revolving Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 5.02 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Loan Notice).  No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by the L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.

 

(vi)          If any Domestic Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Domestic Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), the L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Domestic Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect.  A certificate of the L/C Issuer submitted to any Domestic Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(d)           Repayment of Participations.

 

(i)            At any time after the L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Domestic Lender such Domestic Lender’s L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c), if the Administrative Agent receives for the account of the L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Domestic Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Domestic Lender’s L/C Advance was outstanding) in Dollars and in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.

 

(ii)           If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 11.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Domestic Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the L/C Issuer its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Domestic Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Overnight Rate from time to time in effect.  The obligations of the Domestic Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

37



 

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

 

(iii)          any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;

 

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

 

(v)           any adverse change in the relevant exchange rates or in the availability of the Alternative Currency to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or in the relevant currency markets generally; or

 

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

 

provided, that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the L/C Issuer from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by the applicable LC Issuer’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.

 

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

 

(f)            Role of L/C Issuer.  Each Domestic Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by such Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document.  None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Domestic Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Domestic Lenders or the Required Domestic Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document.  The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any

 

38



 

beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided, however, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrower’s pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement.  None of the L/C Issuer, the Administrative Agent, any of their respective Related Parties nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of the L/C Issuer shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (v) of Section 2.03(e); provided, however, that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against the L/C Issuer, and the L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by the L/C Issuer’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or the L/C Issuer’s willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit unless the L/C Issuer is prevented or prohibited from so paying as a result of any order or directive of any court or other Governmental Authority.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and the L/C Issuer shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.

 

(g)           Cash Collateral.  (i) Upon the request of the Administrative Agent, (i) if the L/C Issuer has honored any full or partial drawing request under any Letter of Credit and such drawing has resulted in an L/C Borrowing, or (ii) if, as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any L/C Obligation for any reason remains outstanding, the Borrower shall, in each case, immediately Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations.

 

(ii)           In addition, if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower at any time that the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations at such time exceeds 105% of the Letter of Credit Sublimit then in effect, then, within two Business Days after receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an amount equal to the amount by which the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations exceeds the Letter of Credit Sublimit.

 

(iii)          Sections 2.05 and 9.02 set forth certain additional requirements to deliver Cash Collateral hereunder.  For purposes of this Section 2.03, Section 2.05 and Section 9.02, “Cash Collateralize” means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Domestic Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances pursuant to documentation in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Domestic Lenders).  Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings.  The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuer and the Domestic Lenders, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing.  Cash Collateral shall be maintained in blocked, non-interest bearing deposit accounts with the Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

(i)            Letter of Credit Fees.  The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent a Letter of Credit fee (the “Letter of Credit Fee”) in Dollars for the account of each Domestic Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage for each Letter of Credit denominated in Dollars equal to the Applicable Rate times the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit.  For purposes of

 

39



 

computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.07.  Letter of Credit Fees shall be (i) computed on a quarterly basis in arrears and (ii) due and payable on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand.  If there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the daily amount available to be drawn under each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, while any Event of Default exists, all Letter of Credit Fees shall accrue at the Default Rate.

 

(j)            Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuer. The Borrower shall pay a fronting fee directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account with respect to each Letter of Credit, at the rate per annum specified in the Fee Letter, computed on the actual daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit) and on a quarterly basis in arrears.  Such fronting fee shall be due and payable on the tenth Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December in respect of the most recently-ended quarterly period (or portion thereof, in the case of the first payment), commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand.  For purposes of computing the daily amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.06.  In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to the L/C Issuer for its own account the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of the L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect.  Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable on demand and are nonrefundable.

 

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

 

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

 

2.04         Swing Line Loans.

 

(a)           Swing Line Facility.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swing Line Lender agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Domestic Lenders set forth in this Section 2.04, to make loans (each such loan, a “Swing Line Loan”) to the Borrower in Dollars from time to time on any Business Day during the Availability Period in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit; provided, however, that after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Total Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Domestic Revolving Loans of any Domestic Lender, plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Domestic Lender’s Domestic Revolving Commitment, and provided, further, that (i) the Borrower shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan and (ii) the availability of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments at any time for the making of Loans and the issuance of Letters of Credit shall be reduced by the amount of

 

40



 

the Alternative Currency Reserve.  Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.04, prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.04.  Each Swing Line Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan.  Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Domestic Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.

 

(b)           Borrowing Procedures.  Each Borrowing of Swing Line Loans shall be made upon the Borrower’s irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone.  Each such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the requested borrowing date, and shall specify (i) the amount to be borrowed, which shall be a minimum principal amount of $250,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in excess thereof, and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day.  Each such telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.  Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any telephonic Swing Line Loan Notice, the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof.  Unless the Swing Line Lender has received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Domestic Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. on the date of the proposed Borrowing of Swing Line Loans (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a), or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Article V is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Borrower.

 

(c)           Refinancing of Swing Line Loans.

 

(i)            The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole and absolute discretion may request, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably requests and authorizes the Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Domestic Lender make a Base Rate Loan in an amount equal to such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding.  Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the conditions set forth in Section 5.02 (other than the delivery of a Loan Notice) and provided that, after giving effect to such Borrowing, the Total Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings.  The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a copy of the applicable Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent.  Each Domestic Lender shall make an amount equal to its Applicable Percentage of the amount specified in such Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day specified in such Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii), each Domestic Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount.  The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.

 

41


 


 

(ii)           If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Borrowing of Domestic Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i), the request for Base Rate Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Domestic Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Domestic Lender’s payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.

 

(iii)          If any Domestic Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by such Domestic Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(i), the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Domestic Lender (acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Swing Line Lender in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.  A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Domestic Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(iv)          Each Domestic Lender’s obligation to make Domestic Revolving Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Domestic Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided, however, that each Domestic Lender’s obligation to make Domestic Revolving Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 5.02.  No such purchase or funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.

 

(d)           Repayment of Participations.

 

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

 

(ii)           If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 11.05 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Domestic Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Applicable Percentage thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate.  The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender.  The obligations of the Domestic Lenders under this clause shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.

 

42



 

(e)           Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender.  The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans.  Until each Domestic Lender funds its Domestic Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Applicable Percentage shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.

 

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

 

2.05         Prepayments.

 

(a)           Voluntary Prepayments.

 

(i)            Revolving Loans.  Subject to the last sentence of this Section 2.05(a)(i), the Borrower may, upon notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Revolving Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (A) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (1) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars, (2) four Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in the Alternative Currency and (3) on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (B) any such prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding); and (C) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding).  Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid and whether the Loans to be prepaid are the Revolving Loans.  The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such prepayment.  If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.  Any prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05.  Each such prepayment shall be applied to the Loans of the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages.

 

(ii)           Swing Line Loans.  The Borrower may, upon notice to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (i) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. on the date of the prepayment, and (ii) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof (or, if less, the entire principal thereof then outstanding).  Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment.  If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.

 

(b)           Mandatory Prepayments of Loans.

 

(i)            (A)  Domestic Revolving Commitments.  If for any reason (1) the Total Revolving Outstandings at any time exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings or (2) the Total Domestic Revolving Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Domestic

 

43



 

Revolving Commitments then in effect,  the Borrower shall immediately prepay the Domestic Revolving Loans and/or the Swing Line Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided, however, that the Borrower shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.05(b) unless after the prepayment in full of the Domestic Revolving Loans and the Swing Line Loans, the Total Domestic Revolving Outstandings exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings.  All amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(i)(A) shall be applied to Domestic Revolving Loans and Swing Line Loans and (after all Domestic Revolving Loans and Swing Line Loans have been repaid) to Cash Collateralize L/C Obligations.

 

(B)           Euro Revolving Commitments.  If for any reason (1) the Total Revolving Outstandings at any time exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings or (2) the Total Euro Revolving Outstandings at any time exceed the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments then in effect,  the Borrower shall immediately prepay the Euro Revolving Loans in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.  All amounts required to be paid pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(i)(B) shall be applied to Euro Revolving Loans.

 

(ii)           If the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower at any time that the Outstanding Amount of all Loans denominated in Alternative Currencies at such time exceeds an amount equal to 105% of the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments then in effect, then, within two Business Days after receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall prepay Loans in an aggregate amount sufficient to reduce such Outstanding Amount as of such date of payment to an amount not to exceed 100% of the Euro Revolving Commitments then in effect.

 

2.06         Termination or Reduction of Aggregate Revolving Commitments.

 

(a)           Optional Reductions.  The Borrower may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments and/or the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments, or from time to time permanently reduce the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments and/or the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments to an amount not less than the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loans, Swing Loans and L/C Obligations; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 noon five (5) Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of $2,000,000 or any whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce (A) the Aggregate Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Revolving Outstandings plus the Alternative Currency Reserve would exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings, (B) the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Domestic Revolving Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments, (C) the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Total Euro Revolving Outstandings would exceed the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments, (D) the Letter of Credit Sublimit if, after giving effect thereto, the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations not fully Cash Collateralized hereunder would exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit, or (E) the Swing Line Sublimit if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent prepayments hereunder, the Outstanding Amount of Swing Line Loans would exceed the Swing Line Sublimit and (iv) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings, such Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess.

 

(b)           Notice.  The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Lenders of any termination or reduction of the Letter of Credit Sublimit, Swing Line Sublimit or the Aggregate Revolving

 

44



 

Commitments under this Section 2.06.  Upon any reduction of (i) the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments, the Domestic Revolving Commitment of each Domestic Lender shall be reduced by such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such reduction amount and (ii) the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments, the Euro Revolving Commitment of each Euro Lender shall be reduced by such Euro Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such reduction amount.  All fees in respect of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.

 

 

2.07         Repayment of Loans.

 

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

 

(b)           Euro Revolving Loans.  The Borrower shall repay to the Euro Lenders on the Maturity Date the aggregate principal amount of all Euro Revolving Loans outstanding on such date.

 

(c)           Swing Line Loans.  The Borrower shall repay each Swing Line Loan on the earlier to occur of (i) the date within one (1) Business Day of demand therefor by the Swing Line Lender and (ii) the Maturity Date.

 

2.08         Interest.

 

(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) below, (i) each Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurocurrency Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate plus (in the case of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan of any Lender which is lent from a Lending Office in the United Kingdom or a Participating Member State) the Mandatory Cost; (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate; and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

45



 

2.09         Fees.

 

In addition to certain fees described in subsections (i) and (j) of Section 2.03:

 

(a)           Commitment Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, a commitment fee in Dollars (i) for the account of each Domestic Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, at a rate per annum equal to the product of (A) the Applicable Rate times (B) the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments exceed the sum of (1) the Outstanding Amount of Domestic Revolving Loans and (2) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations and (ii) the account of each Euro Lender in accordance with its Applicable Percentage, at a rate per annum equal to the product of (A) the Applicable Rate times (B) the actual daily amount by which the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments exceed the Outstanding Amount of Euro Revolving Loans. The commitment fee shall accrue at all times during the Availability Period, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article V is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the Closing Date, and on the Maturity Date. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.  For purposes of clarification, Swing Line Loans shall not be considered outstanding for purposes of determining the unused portion of the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments.

 

(b)           Fee Letter.  The Borrower shall pay to BAS and the Administrative Agent for their own respective accounts fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter.  Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall be non-refundable for any reason whatsoever.

 

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

 

(a)           All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by Bank of America’s “prime rate” shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed.  All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year).  Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one day.  Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

 

(b)           If, as a result of any restatement of or other adjustment to the financial statements of the Borrower or for any other reason, the Borrower or the Lenders determine that (i) the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as calculated by the Borrower as of any applicable date was inaccurate and (ii) a proper calculation of the Consolidated Leverage Ratio would have resulted in higher pricing for such period, the Borrower shall immediately and retroactively be obligated to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the applicable Lenders, promptly on demand by the Administrative Agent (or, after the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, automatically and without further action by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer), an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period.  This paragraph shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, under Section 2.03(c)(iii), 2.03(i) or 2.08(b) or under Article IX.  The

 

46



 

Borrower’s obligations under this paragraph shall survive the termination of the Commitments of all of the Lenders and the repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.

 

2.11         Evidence of Debt.

 

(a)           The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business.  The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon.  Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations.  In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.  Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a promissory note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records.  Each such promissory note shall (i) in the case of Domestic Revolving Loans, be in the form of Exhibit 2.11(a)(i) (a “Domestic Revolving Note”), (ii)  in the case of Euro Revolving Loans, be in the form of Exhibit 2.11(a)(ii) (a “Euro Revolving Note”) and  (ii) in the case of Swing Line Loans, be in the form of Exhibit 2.11(a)(iii) (a “Swing Line Note”).  Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

 

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

 

2.12         Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback.

 

(a)           General.  All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except with respect to principal of and interest on Loans denominated in Dollars, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Domestic Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in Same Day Funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder with respect to principal and interest on Loans denominated in the Alternative Currency shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Euro Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agent’s Office in the Alternative Currency and in Same Day Funds not later than the Applicable Time specified by the Administrative Agent on the dates specified herein.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent may require that any payments due under this Agreement be made in the United States.  If, for any reason, the Borrower is prohibited by any Law from making any required payment hereunder in the Alternative Currency, the Borrower shall make such payment in Dollars in the Dollar Equivalent of the Alternative Currency payment amount.  The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office.  All payments received by the Administrative Agent (i) after 2:00 p.m., in the case of payments in Dollars, or (ii) after the Applicable Time specified by the Administrative Agent in the case of payments in the

 

47



 

Alternative Currency, shall in each case be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.  If any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case may be.

 

(b)          (i)  Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent.  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing of Eurocurrency Rate Loans (or, in the case of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.  In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the Overnight Rate and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans.  If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period.  If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.  Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

48



 

(d)           Obligations of Lenders Several.  The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 11.04(c) are several and not joint.  The failure of any Lender to make any Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 11.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 11.04(c).

 

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

 

2.13         Sharing of Payments by Lenders.

 

If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of the Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations or in Swing Line Loans held by it resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of such Loans or participations and accrued interest thereon greater than its pro rata share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and subparticipations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans of the other Lenders, if such Lender is a Domestic Lender, or make such other adjustments among the group of Domestic Lenders or Euro Lenders, as applicable, or as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Domestic Lenders or Euro Lenders, as applicable, ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and other amounts owing them, provided that:

 

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

 

(ii)           the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or subparticipations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

 

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

 

49



 

ARTICLE III

 

TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

 

3.01         Taxes.

 

(a)           Payments Free of Taxes.  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of the Loan Parties hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without reduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, provided that if any Loan Party shall be required by applicable law to deduct any Indemnified Taxes (including any Other Taxes) from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) such Loan Party shall make such deductions and (iii) such Loan Party shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 

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

 

(c)           Indemnification by the Loan Parties.  The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the L/C Issuer, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender or the L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the L/C Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(d)           Evidence of Payments.  As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority, the Borrower 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.

 

(e)           Status of Lenders.  Any Foreign Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes, or any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.

 

50



 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States, any Foreign Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

(i)            duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,

 

(ii)           duly completed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI,

 

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

 

(iv)          any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States Federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.

 

(f)            Each Lender, (i) that is a “U.S. Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code and (ii) whose name does not include “Incorporated,” “Inc.,” “Corporation,” “Corp.,” “P.C.,” “insurance company” or “assurance company” shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) duly completed and executed copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.  Such forms shall be delivered by such Lender on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement.  In addition, each such Lender shall deliver such forms a reasonable period of time before any form previously delivered by such Lender becomes invalid or obsolete.

 

(g)           Treatment of Certain Refunds.  If the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Loan Party or with respect to which any Loan Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to such Loan Party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Loan Party under this Section with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund), provided that each Loan Party, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Loan Party (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer in the event the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the L/C Issuer is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the L/C Issuer to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other Person.

 

51


 


 

3.02         Illegality.

 

If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Eurocurrency Rate Loans (whether denominated in Dollars or the Alternative Currency), or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars or the Alternative Currency in the applicable interbank market, then, in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the affected currency or currencies or, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans in Dollars, to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable and such Loans are denominated in Dollars, convert all such Eurocurrency Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans.  Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

 

3.03         Inability to Determine Rates.

 

If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurocurrency Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) deposits (whether in Dollars or the Alternative Currency) are not being offered to banks in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, (b)  adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurocurrency Base Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan (whether denominated in Dollars or the Alternative Currency), or (c) the Eurocurrency Base Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender.  Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the affected currency or currencies shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the affected currency or currencies or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.

 

3.04         Increased Costs.

 

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

 

(i)            impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except (A) any reserve requirement reflected in the Eurocurrency Rate and (B) the requirements of the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority or the European Central Bank reflected in the Mandatory Cost, other than as set forth below) or the L/C Issuer;

 

(ii)           subject any Lender or the L/C Issuer to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit or any

 

52



 

Eurocurrency Rate Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender or the L/C Issuer in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer);

 

(iii)          result in the failure of the Mandatory Cost, as calculated hereunder, to represent the cost to any Lender of complying with the requirements of the Bank of England and/or the Financial Services Authority or the European Central Bank in relation to its making, funding or maintaining Eurocurrency Rate Loans; or

 

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

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurocurrency Rate Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan), or to increase the cost to such Lender or the L/C Issuer of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or the L/C Issuer, the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

 

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

 

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

 

(d)           Delay in Requests.  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the L/C Issuer to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the L/C Issuer pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender or the L/C Issuer, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or the L/C Issuer’s intention to claim

 

53



 

compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

 

3.05         Compensation for Losses.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c)           any failure by the Borrower to make payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereon) denominated in the Alternative Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency; or

 

(d)           any assignment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 11.13;

 

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

 

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

 

3.06         Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

 

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

 

54



 

(b)           Replacement of Lenders.  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, the Borrower may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 11.13.

 

3.07         Survival.

 

All of the Borrower’s obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

GUARANTY

 

4.01         The Guaranty.

 

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

 

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein or in any other of the Loan Documents, Swap Contracts or Treasury Management Agreements, the obligations of each Guarantor under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render such obligations subject to avoidance under the Debtor Relief Laws or any comparable provisions of any applicable state law.

 

4.02         Obligations Unconditional.

 

The obligations of the Guarantors under Section 4.01 are joint and several, absolute and unconditional, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents, Swap Contracts or Treasury Management Agreements, or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein, or any substitution, release, impairment or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Obligations, and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor, it being the intent of this Section 4.02 that the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances.  Each Guarantor agrees that such Guarantor shall have no right of subrogation, indemnity, reimbursement or contribution against the Borrower or any other Guarantor for amounts paid under this Article IV until such time as the Obligations have been paid in full and the Commitments have expired or terminated.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of any Guarantor hereunder, which shall remain absolute and unconditional as described above:

 

55



 

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

 

(b)           any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of any of the Loan Documents, any Swap Contract or Treasury Management Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, or any other agreement or instrument referred to in the Loan Documents, such Swap Contracts or such Treasury Management Agreements shall be done or omitted;

 

(c)           the maturity of any of the Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Obligations shall be modified, supplemented or amended in any respect, or any right under any of the Loan Documents, any Swap Contract or Treasury Management Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, or any other agreement or instrument referred to in the Loan Documents, such Swap Contracts or such Treasury Management Agreements shall be waived or any other guarantee of any of the Obligations or any security therefor shall be released, impaired or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with;

 

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

 

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

 

With respect to its obligations hereunder, each Guarantor hereby expressly waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that the Administrative Agent or any Lender exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against any Person under any of the Loan Documents, any Swap Contract or any Treasury Management Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, or any other agreement or instrument referred to in the Loan Documents, such Swap Contracts or such Treasury Management Agreements, or against any other Person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Obligations.

 

4.03         Reinstatement.

 

The obligations of the Guarantors under this Article IV shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of any Person in respect of the Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in bankruptcy or reorganization or otherwise, and each Guarantor agrees that it will indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender on demand for all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, the fees, charges and disbursements of counsel) incurred by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in connection with such rescission or restoration, including any such costs and expenses incurred in defending against any claim alleging that such payment constituted a preference, fraudulent transfer or similar payment under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law.

 

4.04         Certain Additional Waivers.

 

Each Guarantor agrees that such Guarantor shall have no right of recourse to security for the Obligations, except through the exercise of rights of subrogation pursuant to Section 4.02 and through the exercise of rights of contribution pursuant to Section 4.06.

 

56



 

4.05         Remedies.

 

The Guarantors agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, on the other hand, the Obligations may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Section 9.01 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in said Section 9.02) for purposes of Section 4.01 notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or preventing the Obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against any other Person and that, in the event of such declaration (or the Obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), the Obligations (whether or not due and payable by any other Person) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for purposes of Section 4.01.  The Guarantors acknowledge and agree that their obligations hereunder are secured in accordance with the terms of the Collateral Documents and that the Lenders may exercise their remedies thereunder in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

4.06         Rights of Contribution.

 

The Guarantors agree among themselves that, in connection with payments made hereunder, each Guarantor shall have contribution rights against the other Guarantors as permitted under applicable law.  Such contribution rights shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment to the obligations of such Guarantors under the Loan Documents and no Guarantor shall exercise such rights of contribution until all Obligations have been paid in full and the Commitments have terminated.

 

4.07         Guarantee of Payment; Continuing Guarantee.

 

The guarantee in this Article IV is a guaranty of payment and not of collection, is a continuing guarantee, and shall apply to all Obligations whenever arising.

 

ARTICLE V

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS

 

5.01         Conditions of Initial Credit Extension.

 

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

 

(a)           Loan Documents.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of executed counterparts of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party and, in the case of this Agreement, by each Lender.

 

(b)           Opinions of Counsel. Receipt by the Administrative Agent of favorable opinions of legal counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, dated as of the Closing Date, and in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(c)           Financial Statements.  The Administrative Agent shall have received:

 

(i)            the Audited Financial Statements; and

 

(ii)           unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007, including balance sheets and

 

57



 

statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows (the “Interim Financial Statements”).

 

(d)           No Material Adverse Change.  There shall not have occurred since December 31, 2006, a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect on, the operations, business, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

 

(e)           Litigation.  There shall not exist any action, suit, investigation or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in any court or before an arbitrator or Governmental Authority that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f)            Organization Documents, Resolutions, Etc.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of the following, each of which shall be originals or facsimiles (followed promptly by originals), in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its legal counsel:

 

(i)            copies of the Organization Documents of each Loan Party certified to be true and complete as of a recent date by the appropriate Governmental Authority of the state or other jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, where applicable, and certified by a secretary or assistant secretary of such Loan Party to be true and correct as of the Closing Date;

 

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

 

(iii)          such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and is validly existing, in good standing and qualified to engage in business in its state of organization or formation.

 

(g)           Perfection and Priority of Liens.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of the following:

 

(i)            searches of Uniform Commercial Code filings in the jurisdiction of formation of each Loan Party or where a filing would need to be made in order to perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, copies of the financing statements on file in such jurisdictions and evidence that no Liens exist other than Permitted Liens;

 

(ii)           UCC financing statements for each appropriate jurisdiction as is necessary, in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, to perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral;

 

(iii)          all certificates evidencing any certificated Equity Interests pledged to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement, together with duly executed in blank and undated stock powers attached thereto;

 

58



 

(iv)          searches of ownership of, and Liens on, intellectual property of each Loan Party in the appropriate governmental offices; and

 

(v)           duly executed notices of grant of security interest in the form required by the Security Agreement as are necessary, in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, to perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the intellectual property of the Loan Parties.

 

(vi)          fully executed and notarized Mortgages encumbering the fee interest of any Loan Party in each of the real properties designated as a Mortgaged Property on Schedule 6.20(a);

 

(vii)         maps or plats of an as-built survey of the sites of the Mortgaged Properties (other than the Pennsylvania Property) certified to the Administrative Agent and the title insurance company issuing the policies referred to in Section 5.01(g)(ix) in a manner reasonably satisfactory to each of the Administrative Agent and such title insurance company, dated a date reasonably satisfactory to each of the Administrative Agent and such title insurance company by an independent professional licensed land surveyor, which maps or plats and the surveys on which they are based shall be sufficient to delete any standard printed survey exception contained in the applicable title policy and be made in accordance with the Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for Land Title Surveys jointly established and adopted by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors in 2005 with items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7a, 7b1, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 13, 16, 17 and 18 from Table A thereof completed (it being understood that delivery of the as-built survey delivered in connection with the Existing Credit Agreement, together with the title company’s omission of the standard printed survey exception from the Administrative Agent’s title insurance policy with respect to the Mortgaged Property for which such survey applies, shall satisfy the requirements of this subclause (viii);

 

(viii)        ALTA mortgagee title insurance policies issued by a title insurance company reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent with respect to each Mortgaged Property, assuring the Administrative Agent that each of the Mortgages creates a valid and enforceable first priority mortgage lien on the applicable Mortgaged Property, free and clear of all defects and encumbrances except Permitted Liens, which title insurance policies shall otherwise be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and shall include such endorsements as are reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent; and

 

(ix)           evidence as to (A) whether any Mortgaged Property is in an area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having special flood or mud slide hazards (a “Flood Hazard Property”) and (B) if any Mortgaged Property is a Flood Hazard Property, (1) whether the community in which such Mortgaged Property is located is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, (2) the applicable Loan Party’s written acknowledgment of receipt of written notification from the Administrative Agent (a) as to the fact that such Mortgaged Property is a Flood Hazard Property and (b) as to whether the community in which each such Flood Hazard Property is located is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program and (3) copies of insurance policies or certificates of insurance of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries evidencing flood insurance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and naming the Administrative Agent as sole loss payee on behalf of the Lenders.

 

59



 

(h)           Evidence of Insurance.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of copies of insurance policies or certificates of insurance of the Loan Parties evidencing liability and casualty insurance meeting the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, naming the Administrative Agent as additional insured (in the case of liability insurance) or loss payee (in the case of hazard insurance) on behalf of the Lenders.

 

(i)            Closing Certificate.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that (i) the conditions specified in Sections 5.01(d) and (e) and Sections 5.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied and (ii) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (after giving effect to the Transactions) are Solvent on a consolidated basis.

 

(j)            Termination of Existing Credit Agreement.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent of evidence that the Existing Credit Agreement concurrently with the Closing Date is being paid in full and terminated and all Liens securing obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement concurrently with the Closing Date are being released.

 

(k)           Fees.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of any fees required to be paid on or before the Closing Date.

 

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

 

(m)          Other.  Receipt by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of such other documents, instruments, agreements and information as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, including, but not limited to, information regarding litigation, tax, accounting, labor, insurance, pension liabilities (actual or contingent), real estate leases, material contracts, debt agreements, property ownership, environmental matters, contingent liabilities and management of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; such information may include, if requested by the Administrative Agent, asset appraisal reports and written audits of accounts receivable, inventory, payables, controls and systems.

 

Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 11.04, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 5.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.

 

5.02         Conditions to all Credit Extensions.

 

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

 

(a)           The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each other Loan Party contained in Article VI or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document

 

60



 

furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 5.02, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 6.05 shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 7.04.

 

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

 

(c)           The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the L/C Issuer and/or the Swing Line Lender shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.

 

(d)           In the case of a Credit Extension to be denominated in the Alternative Currency, there shall not have occurred any change in national or international financial, political or economic conditions or currency exchange rates or exchange controls which in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, the Required Euro Lenders (in the case of any Loans to be denominated in the Alternative Currency) or the L/C Issuer (in the case of any Letter of Credit to be denominated in the Alternative Currency) would make it impracticable for such Credit Extension to be denominated in the Alternative Currency.

 

Each Request for Credit Extension submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 5.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

The Loan Parties represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and each of the Lenders that:

 

6.01         Organization; Power.

 

The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except, solely with respect to certain Foreign Subsidiaries, as set forth on Schedule 6.01, (b) has all requisite power and authority to own its property and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, (c) is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except where the failure so to qualify could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (d) has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under each of the Loan Documents and each other agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby to which it is or will be a party and, in the case of the Borrower, to borrow hereunder.

 

6.02         Authorization.

 

The Transactions (a) have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate and, if required, stockholder action and (b) will not (i) violate (A) any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation, or of the certificate or articles of incorporation or other constitutive documents or by-laws of the Borrower or any

 

61



 

Subsidiary, (B) any order of any Governmental Authority or (C) any provision of any indenture, material agreement or other material instrument to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is a party or by which any of them or any of their property is or may be bound, (ii) except as set forth on Schedule 6.02, be in conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute (alone or with notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, or give rise to any right to accelerate or to require the prepayment, repurchase or redemption of any obligation under any such indenture, material agreement or other material instrument or (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon or with respect to any property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than any Lien created hereunder or under the Collateral Documents).

 

6.03         Enforceability.

 

This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes, and each other Loan Document when executed and delivered by each Loan Party party thereto will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms.

 

6.04         Governmental Approvals.

 

Except as set forth on Schedule 6.04, no action, consent or approval of, registration or filing with or any other action by any Governmental Authority is or will be required in connection with the Transactions, except for (a) the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, (b) the recordation of any Mortgages, (c) such as have been made or obtained and are in full force and effect or which are not material to the consummation of the Transactions and (d) those approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations or other actions, notices or filings, the failure of which to obtain or make could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.05         Financial Statements.

 

(a)           The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders (i) the consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, audited by and accompanied by the unqualified opinion of Ernst & Young LLP, independent public accountants and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2007.  Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods.  Except as set forth on Schedule 6.05(a), such balance sheets and the notes thereto disclose all material liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates thereof.  Such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis, except that the unaudited financial statements are subject to normal year-end adjustments and do not contain notes thereto.

 

(b)           The Borrower has heretofore delivered to the Lenders the unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries, as well as pro forma levels of Consolidated EBITDA, for the Borrower’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and as of and for the three months ending March 31, 2007, prepared giving effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on such date.  Such pro forma financial statements have been prepared in good faith by the Borrower, based on the assumptions used to

 

62



 

prepare the pro forma financial information contained in the Confidential Information Memorandum (which assumptions are believed by the Borrower on the date hereof to be reasonable), are based on the best information available to the Borrower as of the date of delivery thereof, accurately reflect, in all material respects, all adjustments required to be made to give effect to the Transactions and present fairly, in all material respects, on a pro forma basis the estimated consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such date and for such periods, assuming that the Transactions had actually occurred at such date or at the beginning of such period, as the case may be.  The forecasts of financial performance of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries heretofore furnished to the Lenders have been prepared in good faith by the Borrower and based on assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable (it being understood that such forecasts as to future events are not to be reviewed as facts and that actual results may differ materially from such forecasts).

 

6.06         No Material Adverse Change.

 

No event, change or condition has occurred that has had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, liabilities, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since December 31, 2006.

 

6.07         Title to Properties; Possession Under Leases.

 

(a)           The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its material properties and material assets, except for minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business or to utilize such assets for their intended purposes and Liens permitted by Section 8.02 and except where the failure to have such title could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.  All such material properties and assets are free and clear of Liens, other than Liens expressly permitted by Section 8.02.

 

(b)           The use by the Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries of such Collateral and all such rights with respect to the foregoing do not infringe on the rights of any Person other than such infringement which could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  No claim has been made and remains outstanding that the Borrower’s or any Subsidiaries’ use of any Collateral does or may violate the rights of any third party that could, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

63


 


 

(c)           The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries has complied with all material obligations due and payable or required to be performed under all material leases to which it is a party and all such material leases are in full force and effect.  The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession under all such leases, except where the failure to so enjoy could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(d)           The Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all Patents, patent applications, Trademarks, trade names, servicemarks, Copyrights, technology, trade secrets, proprietary information, domain names, know-how and processes necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted (the “Intellectual Property”), except for those the failure to own or license which, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  No claim has been asserted in writing and is pending by any person challenging or questioning the use of any such Intellectual Property or the validity or effectiveness of any such Intellectual Property, nor does the Borrower or any Subsidiary know of any valid basis for any such claim, which claim is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.  The use of such Intellectual Property by the Borrower and each Subsidiary does not infringe the rights of any person, except for such claims and infringements that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(e)           Except pursuant to licenses and other user agreements entered into by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, on and as of the date hereof (i) the Borrower and each Subsidiary owns and possesses the right to use, and has done nothing to authorize or enable any other person to use, any of its Copyrights, Patents or Trademarks and (ii) all Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents, service marks, trade names, patent rights, franchises, licenses and other intellectual property rights either registered or pending registration with the United States Copyright Office or the United States Patent and Trademark Office and owned by each Loan Party as of the Closing Date are set forth on Schedule 6.07 hereto and are valid and in full force and effect, in each case, except for any failure which could not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f)            To the Borrower’s and each Subsidiary’s knowledge, on and as of the date hereof, (i) there is no violation by others of any right of the Borrower or such Subsidiary with respect to any of its Copyrights, Patents or Trademarks, respectively, pledged by it under the name of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) the Borrower or such Subsidiary is not infringing upon any Copyright, Patent or Trademark of any other person other than, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), such violation or infringement that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) no proceedings have been instituted or are pending against the Borrower or such Subsidiary or threatened, and no claim against such the Borrower or such Subsidiary has been received by the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, alleging any such violation, except any violations which could not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.08         Subsidiaries.

 

Schedule 6.08 sets forth as of the Closing Date a list of (a) all Subsidiaries and the percentage ownership interest of the Borrower and any Subsidiary therein, (b) the exact legal name and jurisdiction of organization or formation, as applicable, of each Loan Party, (c) the chief executive office of each Loan Party and (d) the federal taxpayer identification number and organizational identification number of each Loan Party.  The shares of Equity Interests so indicated on Schedule 6.08 are owned by the Borrower, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all Liens (other than Liens created under the Collateral Documents).

 

64



 

6.09         Litigation; Compliance with Laws.

 

(a)           There are not any actions, suits or proceedings at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority now pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any business, property or rights of any such person (i) that involve any Loan Document or the Transactions or (ii) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           None of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries or any of their respective material properties or material assets is in violation of, nor will the continued operation of their material properties and material assets as currently conducted violate, any law, rule or regulation (including any zoning, building, Environmental Law, ordinance, code or approval or any building permits), or is in default with respect to any judgment, writ, injunction, decree or order of any Governmental Authority, where such violation or default could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.10         Agreements.

 

(a)           None of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement or instrument or subject to any corporate restriction that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)           None of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries is in default in any manner under any provision of any indenture or other agreement or instrument evidencing Indebtedness, or any other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets are or may be bound, where such default could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.11         Federal Reserve Regulations.

 

(a)           None of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of buying or carrying Margin Stock.

 

(b)           No part of the proceeds of any Loan or any Letter of Credit will be used, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, for any purpose that entails a violation of, or that is inconsistent with, the provisions of the Regulations of the FRB, including Regulation T, U or X.

 

6.12         Investment Company Act.

 

None of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

6.13         Use of Proceeds.

 

The Borrower will use the proceeds of the Loans and will request the issuance of Letters of Credit only for the purposes specified in Section 7.08.

 

65



 

6.14         Tax Returns.

 

Each of the Borrower and each of the Subsidiaries has filed or caused to be filed all Federal and all material state, local and foreign tax returns or materials required to have been filed by it and has paid or caused to be paid all material taxes due and payable by it and all assessments received by it, except taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves and except for taxes the nonpayment of which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.15         No Material Misstatements.

 

None of (a) the Confidential Information Memorandum or (b) any other information, report, financial statement, exhibit or schedule furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the negotiation of any Loan Document or included therein or delivered pursuant thereto contained, which, in the case of clauses (a) and (b), when taken as a whole and together with the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, contains or will contain any material misstatement of fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were, are or will be made, not misleading; provided, that to the extent any such information, report, financial statement, exhibit or schedule was based upon or constitutes a forecast or projection, the Borrower represents only that it acted in good faith and utilized reasonable assumptions and due care in the preparation of such information, report, financial statement, exhibit or schedule and it is understood that actual results may differ from forecasts and projections.

 

6.16         Employee Benefit Plans.

 

With respect to any Plan, each of the Borrower and each of its ERISA Affiliates is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder.  No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has (a) failed to comply with any requirement of applicable law relating to any employee pension benefit plan primarily for the benefit of employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary residing outside the United States that is not subject to ERISA or the Internal  Revenue Code or (b) incurred any other liability with respect to such plan (other than liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business) , except for any such noncompliance or incurrence which could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.17         Environmental Matters.

 

Except as set forth in environmental reports provided to the Administrative Agent and identified on Schedule 6.17 or with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, none of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any Environmental Permit, (ii) has become subject to any pending or to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

 

66



 

6.18         Insurance.

 

Schedule 6.18 sets forth a true, complete and correct description, including the carriers, policy numbers, expiration dates, types, amounts and deductibles, of all insurance maintained by the Borrower or by the Borrower for its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof.  As of each such date, such insurance is in full force and effect and all premiums have been duly paid if due.  The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have insurance in such amounts and covering such risks and liabilities as are, when considered in its entirety, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower prudent in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

 

6.19         Collateral Documents.

 

(a)           The Security Agreement, upon execution and delivery thereof by the parties thereto, will create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) and the proceeds thereof and (i) when the Pledged Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) is delivered to the Administrative Agent, the Security Agreement shall constitute a fully perfected first priority Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Pledged Collateral, in each case prior and superior in right to any other person, and (ii) when financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 6.19(a), the Lien created under the Collateral Documents will constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in all such Collateral as to which a security interest may be perfected by such a filing (other than Intellectual Property, as defined in the Security Agreement), in each case prior and superior in right to any other person, other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 8.02.

 

(b)           Upon the recordation of the notices of grant of security interest in the form required by the Security Agreement with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, together with the financing statements in appropriate form filed in the offices specified on Schedule 6.19(a), the Security Agreement shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the Intellectual Property (as defined in the Security Agreement) in which a security interest may be perfected by filing in the United States and its territories and possessions, in each case prior and superior in right to any other person (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to perfect a Lien on registered Trademarks, trademark applications, Patents, patent applications and Copyrights acquired by the Loan Parties after the date hereof).

 

(c)           The Mortgages are effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Obligations, a legal, valid and enforceable Lien on all of the Loan Parties’ right, title and interest in and to the Mortgaged Property thereunder and the proceeds thereof, and when the Mortgages are recorded in the offices specified on Schedule 6.19(c), the Mortgages shall constitute a fully perfected Lien on, and security interest in, all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in such Mortgaged Property and the proceeds thereof, in each case prior and superior in right to any other person, other than with respect to the rights of persons pursuant to Liens expressly permitted by Section 8.02.

 

6.20         Location of Real Property and Leased Premises.

 

Schedule 6.20(a) lists completely and correctly as of the Closing Date all domestic real property owned by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and the addresses thereof.  The Borrower and the

 

67



 

Subsidiaries, as the case may be, as of the Closing Date, own in fee all the real property set forth on Schedule 6.20(a)Schedule 6.20(b) lists completely and correctly as of the Closing Date all material domestic real property leased by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and the addresses thereof.  The Borrower and the Subsidiaries, as the case may be, as of the Closing Date, have valid leasehold interests in all the real property set forth on Schedule 6.20(b).

 

6.21         Labor Matters.

 

As of the date hereof, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against the Borrower or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened.  The consummation of the Transactions will not give rise to any right of termination or right of renegotiation on the part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is bound.  Except to the extent any of the following, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (a) the hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries have not been in violation in any material respect of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters and (b) all payments due from the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits, have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Borrower or such Subsidiary.

 

6.22         Solvency.

 

Immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Closing Date and immediately following the making of each Loan and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of each Loan, (a) the fair value of the assets of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, at a fair valuation, will exceed their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of the Loan Parties taken as a whole will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; (c) the Loan Parties taken as a whole will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (d) the Loan Parties 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 following the Closing Date.

 

6.23         Certain Treasury Regulation Matters.

 

The Borrower does not intend to treat the Loans and related transactions as being a “reportable” transaction (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.6011-4).  The Borrower acknowledges that the Administrative Agent and one or more of the Lenders may treat its Loans as part of a transaction that is subject to Treasury Regulation Section 301.6112-1 to the extent that the Borrower’s application of the proceeds of the Loans requires the same and the Administrative Agent and such Lender or Lenders, as applicable, may, in connection therewith, maintain such lists and other records as they may determine is required by such Treasury Regulation.

 

6.24         Foreign Assets Control Regulations, Etc..

 

None of the requesting or borrowing of the Loans, the requesting or issuance, extension or renewal of any Letters of Credit or the use of the proceeds of any thereof will violate the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. Sec 1 et seq., as amended) (the “Trading With the Enemy Act”) or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) (the “Foreign Assets Control Regulations”) or any enabling legislation or executive order

 

68



 

relating thereto (which for the avoidance of doubt shall include, but shall not be limited to (a) Executive Order 13224 of September 21, 2001 Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism (66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (2001)) (the “Executive Order”) and (b) the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-56)).  To the knowledge of the Borrower, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) is a “blocked person” as described in the Executive Order, the Trading With the Enemy Act or the Foreign Assets Control Regulations or (b) engages transactions with any such “blocked person” blocked by such order, law or regulation.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

 

The Loan Parties covenant and agree with each Lender that so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect and until the Commitments have been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan, all Fees and all other expenses or amounts payable under any Loan Document shall have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have been canceled or have expired and all amounts drawn thereunder have been reimbursed in full, unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, the Loan Parties will, and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to:

 

7.01         Existence; Business and Properties.

 

(a)           Do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, except as otherwise expressly permitted under Section 8.05.

 

(b)           Do or cause to be done all things necessary to obtain, preserve, renew, extend and keep in full force and effect all rights, licenses, permits, franchises, authorizations, Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks and trade names used in or relating to the conduct of its business, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; maintain and operate such business in substantially the manner in which it is presently conducted and operated, including any reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof; comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and decrees and orders of any Governmental Authority, whether now in effect or hereafter enacted, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and at all times maintain and preserve all property material to the conduct of such business and keep such property in good repair, working order and condition and from time to time make, or cause to be made, all needful and proper repairs, renewals, additions, improvements and replacements thereto necessary in order that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly conducted at all times, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

7.02         Insurance.

 

(a)           Keep its insurable properties adequately insured at all times by financially sound and reputable insurers; maintain such other insurance, to such extent and against such risks, including fire and other risks insured against by extended coverage, as is customary with companies in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, including public liability insurance against claims for personal injury or death or property damage occurring upon, in, about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or controlled by it; and maintain such other insurance as may be required by law.

 

69



 

(b)           Cause all such policies covering any Collateral to be endorsed or otherwise amended to include a customary lender’s loss payable endorsement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, which endorsement shall provide that, from and after the Closing Date, if the insurance carrier shall have received written notice from the Administrative Agent of the occurrence of an Event of Default, the insurance carrier shall pay all proceeds otherwise payable to the Borrower or the Loan Parties under such policies directly to the Administrative Agent; cause all such policies to provide that neither the Borrower, the Administrative Agent nor any other party shall be a coinsurer thereunder and to contain a “Replacement Cost Endorsement”, without any deduction for depreciation, and such other provisions as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require from time to time to protect their interests; deliver insurance certificates evidencing all such policies to the Administrative Agent; upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, deliver original or certified copies of all such policies to the Administrative Agent upon its request; cause each such policy to provide that it shall not be canceled, modified or not renewed (i) by reason of nonpayment of premium upon not less than 10 days’ prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Administrative Agent (giving the Administrative Agent the right to cure defaults in the payment of premiums) or (ii) for any other reason upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice thereof by the insurer to the Administrative Agent, deliver to the Administrative Agent, prior to the cancellation, modification or nonrenewal of any such policy of insurance, evidence of a renewal or replacement policy (or other evidence of renewal of a policy previously delivered to the Administrative Agent) together with evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent of payment of the premium therefor.

 

(c)           If at any time the area in which any of the Premises (as defined in the Mortgages) are located is designated (i) a “flood hazard area” in any Flood Insurance Rate Map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency), obtain flood insurance in an amount not less than $5,000,000, on a per occurrence basis, for the Premises located in a “flood hazard area” and that is otherwise, if applicable, the minimum coverage necessary to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program as set forth in the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, as it may be amended from time to time, or (ii) a “Zone 1” area, obtain earthquake insurance in such total amount as is prudent in the good faith judgment of the Borrower for Premises located in a “Zone 1” area.

 

(d)           With respect to any Mortgaged Property, carry and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance including a “broad form” commercial general liability endorsement and coverage on an occurrence basis against claims made for personal injury (including bodily injury, death and property damage) and umbrella liability insurance against any and all claims, in no event for a combined single limit of less than $15,000,000, naming the Administrative Agent as an additional insured, on forms satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(e)           Notify the Administrative Agent immediately whenever any separate insurance concurrent in form or contributing in the event of loss with that required to be maintained under this Section 7.02 is taken out by the Borrower; and promptly deliver to the Administrative Agent a duplicate original copy of such policy or policies.

 

(f)            In the event there occurs any loss, damage to or destruction of any tangible property or assets of any Loan Party or any part thereof, in excess of $2,000,000, cause such Loan Party to promptly give written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent generally describing the nature and extent of such loss, damage or destruction.  Subsequent to any loss, damage to or destruction of the tangible property or assets of any Loan Party or any part thereof, Borrower shall, or shall cause such other Loan Party to,

 

70



 

whether or not the insurance proceeds, if any, received on account of such damage or destruction shall be sufficient for that purpose, at such Loan Party’s cost and expense, promptly repair or replace such property or assets so lost, damaged or destroyed or purchase other productive assets used or useful in the business of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that such Loan Party need not repair or replace such property or assets so lost, damaged or destroyed to the extent the failure to make such repair or replacement is not necessary in the good faith judgment of the Borrower for the proper conduct of the business of such Loan Party in the ordinary course.

 

(g)           Authorize the Administrative Agent, as the attorney-in-fact of each of the Loan Parties and for the benefit of the Lenders, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, without the consent of the applicable Loan Party, (i) to adjust and compromise proceeds payable under such insurance policies, (ii) to collect, receive and give receipts for such insurance proceeds in the name of such Loan Party, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and (iii) to endorse such Loan Party’s name upon any instrument in payment thereof

 

(h)           In the event a Loan Party shall receive any insurance proceeds as a result of any loss, damage or destruction, or condemnation proceeds, in each case in a net amount in excess of $2,000,000, the Borrower shall, or shall cause such other Loan Party to, promptly pay over such proceeds to the Administrative Agent as cash collateral for the Obligations.  The Administrative Agent agrees to release such proceeds to such Loan Party for replacement or restoration of the portion of the property or assets of such Loan Party lost, damaged or destroyed or condemned for the purchase of other assets used or useful in the business of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries if (A) within one year (or if binding contracts for the repair, replacement or purchase have been entered into within such period, within the term of such contracts) from the date of such loss, damage, destruction or condemnation, the Administrative Agent has received written application for such release from such Loan Party together with evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that the Borrower will use such proceeds to purchase productive assets used or useful in the business of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries and (B) on the date of such release no Default or Event of Default exists.  All insurance and condemnation proceeds received by a Loan Party shall be subject to the security interest of the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.

 

7.03         Taxes.

 

Pay all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or in respect of its property, before the same shall become delinquent or in default; provided, however, that such payment and discharge shall not be required with respect to any such tax, assessment, charge or levy so long as (a) the validity or amount thereof shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and the Borrower shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and such contest operates to suspend collection of the contested obligation, tax, assessment or charge and enforcement of a Lien and, in the case of a Mortgaged Property, there is no risk of forfeiture of such property or (b) the nonpayment thereof could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

7.04         Financial Statements, Reports, Etc.

 

In the case of the Borrower, furnish to the Administrative Agent (either physically or through electronic delivery reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), which shall furnish to each Lender:

 

(a)               within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows showing the financial condition of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal year and the results of its

 

71



 

operations and the operations of such Subsidiaries during such year, together with comparative figures for the immediately preceding fiscal year, all audited by Ernst & Young LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing and accompanied by an opinion of such accountants (which shall not be qualified in any material respect) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

 

(b)              within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, its consolidated balance sheet and related statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows showing the financial condition of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal quarter and the results of its operations and the operations of such Subsidiaries during such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, and comparative figures for the same periods in the immediately preceding fiscal year, all certified by one of its Responsible Officers as fairly presenting the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments;

 

(c)               concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under paragraph (a) or (b) above, a certificate of the accounting firm (in the case of paragraph (a)) or Responsible Officer (in the case of paragraph (b)) opining on or certifying such statements (which certificate, when furnished by an accounting firm, may be limited to accounting matters and disclaim responsibility for legal interpretations and which may be provided by a Responsible Officer if accounting firms generally are not providing such certificates) (a “Compliance Certificate”) (i) certifying that no Event of Default or Default has occurred or, if such an Event of Default or Default has occurred, specifying the nature and extent thereof and any corrective action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto and (ii) setting forth computations in reasonable detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent showing the Consolidated Leverage Ratio and demonstrating compliance with the covenants contained in Sections 8.06, 8.10, 8.11 and 8.12 and, in the case of a certificate delivered with the financial statements required by paragraph (a) above, certifying that there has been no change in the business activities, assets or liabilities of the Borrower, or if there has been any such change, describing such change in reasonable detail and certifying that the Borrower is in compliance with Section 8.08;

 

(d)              within 45 days after the commencement of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a detailed consolidated budget for such fiscal year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet and related statements of projected operations and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal year);

 

(e)               promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the SEC, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of the SEC, or with any national securities exchange, or distributed to its shareholders, as the case may be;

 

(f)               promptly after the receipt thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, a copy of any “management letter” received by any such person from its certified public accountants and the management’s response thereto; and

 

(g)              promptly, from time to time, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request.

 

72


 


 

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 7.04 (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 11.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or any Lender that requests the Borrower to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents.  Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the Compliance Certificates required by Section 7.04(c) to the Administrative Agent.  Except for such Compliance Certificates, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery or to maintain copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrower with any such request for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or BAS will make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, the “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a  “Public Lender”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Person’s securities.  The Borrower hereby agrees that (w) all Borrower Materials that are to be made available to Public Lenders shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, BAS and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws (provided, however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 11.07); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated as “Public Investor;” and (z) the Administrative Agent and BAS shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not marked as “Public Investor.”

 

7.05                           Litigation and Other Notices.

 

Furnish to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and each Lender prompt (and, in any event, within 3 Business Days) written notice of the following:

 

(a)                                  any Event of Default or Default, specifying the nature and extent thereof and the corrective action (if any) taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto;

 

(b)                                 the filing or commencement of, or any threat or notice of intention of any person to file or commence, any action, suit or proceeding, whether at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental

 

73



 

Authority, against the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(c)                                  the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates in an aggregate amount exceeding $2,500,000 or result in a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

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

 

7.06                           Information Regarding Collateral.

 

(a)                                  Furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any change in (i) any Loan Party’s legal name, (ii) the jurisdiction of organization or formation of any Loan Party, (iii) any Loan Party’s identity or corporate structure or (iv) any Loan Party’s federal taxpayer identification number.  The Borrower agrees not to effect or permit any change referred to in the preceding sentence unless all filings have been made under the Uniform Commercial Code or otherwise that are required in order for the Administrative Agent to continue at all times following such change to have a valid, legal and perfected security interest in all the Collateral.

 

(b)                                 In the case of the Borrower, each year, at the time of delivery of the annual financial statements with respect to the preceding fiscal year pursuant to Section 7.04(a), deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer setting forth the information set forth in Section 7.06(a) or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the Closing Date or the date of the most recent certificate delivered pursuant to this Section 7.06.

 

7.07                           Maintaining Records; Access to Property and Inspections.

 

Keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP and all requirements of Law are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities.  Each Loan Party will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to visit and inspect the financial records and the properties of the Borrower or any Subsidiary at reasonable times and as often as reasonably requested and to make extracts from and copies of such financial records, and permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to discuss the affairs, finances and condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the officers thereof and independent accountants therefor.  Except following the occurrence and during the continuance of any Default, the Borrower shall be entitled to have a representative present at all such discussions and to obtain a copy of all written requests for information relating to any Loan Party made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender to any third party.  Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower, at the request of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, the Borrower will hold a meeting (at a mutually agreeable location and time or, at the option of the Administrative Agent, by conference call) with all lenders who choose to attend such meeting at which meeting shall be reviewed the financial results of the previous fiscal year and the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the current fiscal year of the Borrower.

 

7.08                           Use of Proceeds.

 

Use the proceeds of the Credit Extensions (a) to refinance certain existing Indebtedness, (b) for permitted share repurchases and Permitted Acquisitions and (c) for working capital, capital expenditures

 

74



 

and other lawful corporate purposes, provided that in no event shall the proceeds of the Credit Extensions be used in contravention of any Law or of any Loan Document.

 

7.09                           Further Assurances.

 

(a)                                  Execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all further action (including (i) filing or recording, as applicable, Uniform Commercial Code and other financing statements and Mortgages and (ii) if all or substantially all of the Equity Interests of the Borrower are held or acquired by a holding company whose sole or primary purpose is holding such Equity Interests, causing such holding company to guarantee the Obligations, to pledge its Equity Interests in the Borrower pursuant to the Security Agreement and to become subject to the representations, warranties, covenants and other agreements of the Loan Parties hereunder, mutatis mutandis) that may be required under applicable law, or that the Required Lenders or the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, in order to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and in order to grant, preserve, protect and perfect the validity and first priority (subject to Liens permitted under Section 8.02) of the security interests created or intended to be created by the Collateral Documents.  Unless a Release of Collateral Event has occurred and is continuing and the Borrower has exercised its rights under Section 10.10, the Borrower will cause any subsequently acquired or organized Domestic Subsidiary to become a Loan Party by executing a Joinder Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing sentence, despite the occurrence and continuance of a Release of Collateral Event, the Borrower will cause (v) the Equity Interests of any subsequently acquired or organized Domestic Subsidiary, (w) 65% (or such greater percentage that, due to a change in an applicable Law after the date hereof, could not reasonably be expected to cause the undistributed earnings of such First Tier Foreign Subsidiary as determined for United States federal income tax purposes to be treated as a deemed dividend to such First Tier Foreign Subsidiary’s United States parent and 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests not entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)) in each First Tier Foreign Subsidiary and (y) if the Equity Interests of the Borrower are held or acquired by any holding company whose sole or primary purpose is holding such Equity Interests, the Equity Interests of the Borrower, in each case, to be pledged to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement.  In addition, subject to the last sentence of this Section 7.09(a), from time to time, the Borrower will, at its cost and expense, promptly secure the Obligations by pledging or creating, or causing to be pledged or created, perfected security interests with respect to such of its assets and properties as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders shall designate (it being understood that it is the intent of the parties that the Obligations shall be secured by substantially all the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries including real and other properties acquired subsequent to the Closing Date (but excluding owned real property with a value of less than $1,000,000, all leasehold real property (including, without limitation, the leased manufacturing facility located in Muskegon, Michigan), and other Excluded Property)).  Such security interests and Liens will be created under the Collateral Documents and other security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust and other instruments and documents in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and the Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Lenders all such instruments and documents (including legal opinions, title insurance policies and lien searches) as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request to evidence compliance with this Section 7.09.  The Borrower agrees to provide such evidence as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the perfection and priority status of each such security interest and Lien.  In furtherance of the foregoing, the Borrower will give prompt notice to the Administrative Agent of the acquisition by it or any of the Domestic Subsidiaries of any real property (or any interest in real property) having a value in excess of $1,000,000.  The actions required under this Section 7.09 shall be taken within 60 days (or such later time as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent) after the event giving rise to the requirement to take such action.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) the Administrative Agent in its discretion may determine not to take a security interest in those assets as to which the Administrative Agent shall determine, in its reasonable discretion, that the

 

75



 

cost of obtaining such Lien (including any mortgage, stamp, intangibles or other tax) are excessive in relation to the benefit to the Lenders of the security afforded thereby and (y) Liens required to be granted pursuant to this Section 7.09 shall be subject to exceptions and limitations consistent with those set forth in the Security Documents as in effect on the Closing Date (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction) and no action need be taken to perfect any security interest in vehicles or any deposit account or securities account (each as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code) other than the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code; and

 

(b)                                 Should the Borrower fail to maintain the Requisite Ratings, within thirty (30) days of notice thereof from either the Required Lenders or the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall cause the security interests in all real and personal property of the Loan Parties to be re-granted in accordance with the requirements and conditions of Section 7.09(a) (it being understood and agreed that such re-granted security interests will have a lien priority at least equal to the lien priority existing as of the time of the Release of Collateral Event).

 

7.10                           Certain Treasury Regulation Matters.

 

In the event the Borrower determines to take any action inconsistent with its intention as set forth in the first sentence of Section 6.23, it will promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof.

 

7.11                           Environmental Laws.

 

Except, in each case, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect:

 

(a)                                  Comply in all material respects with, and use reasonable efforts to ensure compliance in all material respects by all contractors, tenants and subtenants, if any, with, all applicable Environmental Laws, and obtain and comply in all material respects with and maintain, and use reasonable efforts to ensure that all contractors, tenants and subtenants obtain and comply in all material respects with and maintain, any and all Environmental Permits required of them by any applicable Environmental Laws.  For purposes of this Section 7.11(a), noncompliance with the foregoing shall be deemed not to constitute a breach of this covenant, provided, that upon learning of any actual or suspected noncompliance, Borrower shall promptly undertake reasonable efforts to achieve compliance.

 

(b)                                 Conduct and complete in all material respects all investigations, studies, sampling and testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required to be undertaken by any Group Member under Environmental Laws and promptly comply with all orders and directives applicable to any Group Member of all Governmental Authorities regarding Environmental Laws; provided, however, that this covenant shall be deemed not violated if the relevant Group Member promptly challenges in good faith any such order or directive in a manner consistent with all applicable Environmental Laws and other requirements of Law and pursues such challenge or challenges diligently.

 

(c)                                  Generate, use, treat, store, release, dispose of, and otherwise manage Hazardous Materials in a manner that would not reasonably be expected to result in a material Environmental Liability to any Group Member or to materially affect any real property owned or leased by any of them; and take reasonable efforts to prevent any other person from generating, using, treating, storing, releasing, disposing of, or otherwise managing Hazardous Materials in a manner that could reasonably be expected to result in a material Environmental Liability to, or materially affect any real property owned or operated by, any Group Member.  For purposes of this Section 7.11(c), noncompliance with the foregoing shall be deemed not to constitute a breach of this covenant, provided, that, upon learning of any actual or

 

76



 

suspected noncompliance, the Borrower shall promptly undertake reasonable efforts to remove such Hazardous Materials, if required by applicable Environmental Law, or otherwise remediate them, if required by applicable Environmental Law, in a manner consistent with applicable Environmental Law.

 

(d)                                 If required by applicable law, promptly take all commercially reasonable actions necessary to address any material Environmental Liability.

 

(e)                                  Deliver written notice to the Administrative Agent as soon as practicable following receipt of all environmental audits, investigations, analyses and reports of any kind or character, and all written communications, with respect to any Environmental Liability that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and, upon the request of the Administrative Agent, promptly deliver copies to the Administrative Agent of such environmental audits, investigations, analyses, reports and written communications.

 

7.12                           Post-Closing Obligations.

 

(a)                                  Deliver the as-built survey of the site of the Pennsylvania Property within 30 days of the Closing Date, together with the title company’s issuance of an endorsement omitting the survey exception to the Administrative Agent’s title insurance policy with respect to the Pennsylvania Property; and

 

(b)                                 deliver or cause to be delivered within 60 days of the Closing Date (or such later date as determined by the Administrative Agent), (i) the certificates representing the pledged Equity Interests of Knoll Europe, and (ii) in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (A) such additional security documents as may be necessary, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, to cause the applicable Equity Interests (as provided in Section 7.09) of Knoll Europe to be subject to first priority, perfected Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent under applicable Law, and (B) such other documentation as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the Administrative Agent’s Lien on the Equity Interests of Knoll Europe, including without limitation a favorable opinion of counsel.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

NEGATIVE COVENANTS

 

The Loan Parties covenant and agree with each Lender that, so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect and until the Commitments have been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan, all Fees and all other expenses or amounts payable under any Loan Document have been paid in full and all Letters of Credit have been cancelled or have expired and all amounts drawn thereunder have been reimbursed in full, unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, the Loan Parties will not, nor will they cause or permit any of the Subsidiaries to:

 

8.01                           Indebtedness.

 

Incur, create, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(a)                                  Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and set forth in Schedule 8.01, including in the case of lines of credit the maximum amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred thereunder;

 

(b)                                 Indebtedness created hereunder and under the other Loan Documents;

 

77



 

(c)                                  Indebtedness under completion guarantees, appeal bonds, performance or surety bonds or with respect to workers’ compensation claims, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(d)                                 Indebtedness under or in respect of Swap Contracts that are not speculative in nature;

 

(e)                                  Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, so long as such Indebtedness is extinguished within three Business Days of the incurrence thereof;

 

(f)                                    Cash Management Obligations and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts;

 

(g)                                 Indebtedness consisting of (i) the financing of insurance premiums or (ii) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h)                                 Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any Subsidiary constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation letters of credit in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims; provided, that (i) upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence and (ii) such letters of credit are not provided to secure the repayment of other Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

 

(i)                                     with respect to the Borrower or any Subsidiary, (A) purchase money Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) and Synthetic Lease Obligations, (B) indebtedness incurred in connection with a Permitted Acquisition, (C) Loans obtained through an increase in the Commitments under Section 2.01(c) and (D) other newly issued Indebtedness, provided that (y) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this Section 8.01(i) shall not exceed $250,000,000 at any time outstanding and (z) with respect to any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this Section 8.01(i) in excess of $30,000,000 the maturity date of such Indebtedness is on (solely with respect to such Indebtedness incurred in accordance with Section 2.01(f)) or after the Maturity Date;

 

(j)                                     unsecured subordinated Indebtedness (which may be guaranteed by any Loan Party on a subordinated basis); provided, that (i) after giving effect to the incurrence of any such Indebtedness on a Pro Forma Basis, the Borrower is in Pro Forma Compliance, (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, (iii) such Indebtedness matures after the six-month anniversary of the Maturity Date and (iv) is subordinated to the Obligations on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in form and substance;

 

(k)                                  other unsecured Indebtedness not contemplated in the foregoing clauses of this Section; provided that (i) after giving effect to the incurrence of any such Indebtedness on a Pro Forma Basis, the Borrower is in Pro Forma Compliance and (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom; and

 

(l)                                     Indebtedness incurred to extend, renew or refinance any Indebtedness described in Section 8.0.1(a), (i) or (j) (“Refinancing Indebtedness”); provided, that (i) such Refinancing Indebtedness is in an aggregate principal amount not greater than the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced, plus the amount of any interest, premiums or penalties required to

 

78



 

be paid thereon plus fees and expenses associated therewith, (ii) such Refinancing Indebtedness has a later or equal final maturity and a longer or equal weighted average life to maturity than the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced, (iii) if the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced is subordinated to the Obligations, the Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated to the Obligations on terms no less favorable to the Lenders than the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced, (iv) only the obligors in respect of the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced may become obligated with respect to such Refinancing Indebtedness, (v) the security interest(s) granted in connection with such Refinancing Indebtedness, if any, shall not cover more collateral, in any material respect, than the security interest(s), if any, granted in connection with the Indebtedness being refinanced and (vi) the non-economic covenants, events of default, remedies and other provisions of the Refinancing Indebtedness, when taken as a whole, shall be materially no less favorable to the Lenders than those contained in the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced.

 

8.02                           Liens.

 

Create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or assets (including Equity Interests or other securities of any person, including any Subsidiary) now owned or hereafter acquired by it or on any income or revenues or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

 

(a)                                  Liens on property or assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date and set forth in Schedule 8.02; provided, that such Liens shall secure only those obligations which they secure on the Closing Date and any extensions, renewals and replacements thereof permitted hereunder;

 

(b)                                 any Lien created under the Loan Documents;

 

(c)                                  any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including without limitation Liens securing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 8.01(i)(B)); provided, that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, (ii) such Lien does not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (iii) such Lien does not materially interfere with the use, occupancy and operation of any Mortgaged Property;

 

(d)                                 Liens for taxes not yet due or which are being contested in compliance with Section 7.03;

 

(e)                                  carriers’, landlords’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not due and payable or which are being contested in compliance with Section 7.03 or for which appropriate reserves have been established;

 

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

 

(g)                                 deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for Indebtedness), leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h)                                 zoning restrictions, easements, rights-of-way, restrictions on use of real property and other similar encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business which, in the aggregate, do not

 

79



 

materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto or interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as currently operated;

 

(i)                                     Liens arising out of judgments or awards in respect of which the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries shall in good faith be prosecuting an appeal or proceedings for review in respect of which there shall be secured a subsisting stay of execution pending such appeal or proceedings; provided, that the aggregate amount of all such judgments or awards (and any cash and the fair market value of any property subject to such Liens) does not exceed $20,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

(j)                                     licenses, leases or subleases granted by the Borrower or any Subsidiary to third persons in the ordinary course of business not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(k)                                  Liens in favor of customs or revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

 

(l)                                     any interest of a lessor under Liens arising from precautionary UCC financing statement filings regarding operating leases entered into by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(m)                               Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(n)                                 Liens that are contractual or statutory setoff rights arising in the ordinary course of business with financial institutions, relating to pooled deposit accounts or sweep accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business or relating to purchase orders or other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(o)                                 Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted under this Agreement;

 

(p)                                 all Liens set forth in the survey and title policies delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(g);

 

(q)                                 any interest or title of a licensor, lessor or sublessor under any license or lease agreement pursuant to which rights are granted to the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

 

(r)                                    Liens deemed to exist in connection with investments in repurchase agreements permitted under this Agreement;

 

(s)                                  Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 8.01(i)(A); provided that such Liens encumber only the property acquired in connection with such Indebtedness;

 

(t)                                    Liens on assets of Foreign Subsidiaries securing Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred under Section 8.01(i); and

 

(u)                                 Liens on any assets which are the subject of any GSA Transaction.

 

80



 

8.03                           Sale and Lease-Back Transactions.

 

Enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any person whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property which it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property being sold or transferred unless (a) the sale of such property is permitted by Section 8.05 and (b) any Capital Lease Obligations, Synthetic Lease Obligations or Liens arising in connection therewith are permitted by Sections 8.01 and 8.02, as applicable.

 

8.04                           Investments, Loans and Advances.

 

Purchase, hold or acquire any Equity Interests, evidences of indebtedness or other securities of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other person, except:

 

(a)                                  Permitted Investments;

 

(b)                                 investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, customers and suppliers, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c)                                  the Borrower and the Subsidiaries may make loans and advances in the ordinary course of business to their respective employees so long as the aggregate principal amount thereof at any time outstanding (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of such loans and advances) shall not exceed $3,000,000 at any time and advances in the ordinary course of business of payroll payments to employees and for entertainment and travel expenses of employees;

 

(d)                                 the Borrower may enter into Swap Contracts in the ordinary course of business that are not speculative in nature;

 

(e)                                  the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may (i) acquire and hold receivables owing to it, if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms (including the dating of receivables) of the Borrower or such Subsidiary and (ii) make loans to customers, dealers and suppliers in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;

 

(f)                                    the Borrower may acquire and hold obligations of one or more officers or other employees of the Borrower or its subsidiaries in connection with such officers’ or employees’ acquisition of Equity Interests of the Borrower;

 

(g)                                 purchases of inventory, raw materials and related assets in the ordinary course of business;

 

(h)                                 in addition to investments, loans and advances permitted by paragraphs (a) through (g) above, additional investments, loans and advances by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (including investments, loans and advances similar or dissimilar in nature to those permitted by paragraphs (a) through (g) above); provided that (i) after giving effect to any such investment, loan or advance on a Pro Forma Basis, the Borrower is in Pro Forma Compliance, (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom and (iii) if such investment involves an acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of a Person or line of business of such Person, or no less than 100%

 

81



 

of the Equity Interests (except for directors’ qualifying shares) of a person (referred to herein as the “Acquired Entity”), (A) the board of directors (or other comparable governing body) of the Acquired Entity shall have duly approved such acquisition and (B) the property acquired in such acquisition is used or useful in the same or a related line of business as the Borrower and its Subsidiaries were engaged in as of the Closing Date (or any reasonable extensions or expansions thereof) (any acquisition of an Acquired Entity meeting all the criteria of this Section 8.04(h) being referred to herein as a “Permitted Acquisition”); and

 

(i)                                     Investments (including investments by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in the Equity Interests of the Subsidiaries) existing as of the Closing Date and set forth in Schedule 8.04.

 

8.05                           Mergers, Consolidations, Sales of Assets and Acquisitions.

 

(a)                                  Merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of the assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) of the Borrower or less than all the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) all or any substantial part of the assets of any other person, except that (i) the Borrower and any Subsidiary may purchase and sell inventory, materials and equipment in the ordinary course of business and may license intellectual property in the ordinary course of business, (ii) the Borrower and any Subsidiary may sell obsolete, damaged or worn-out inventory and equipment in the ordinary course of business and (iii) if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default or Default shall have occurred and be continuing (u) any Subsidiary may change its form of organization in compliance with Section 7.06(a), if applicable, (v) any Person may make investments and advances permitted by Section 8.04, (w) any wholly owned Subsidiary may merge into the Borrower in a transaction in which the Borrower is the surviving corporation, (x) any wholly owned Subsidiary may merge into or consolidate with any other wholly owned Subsidiary in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a wholly owned Subsidiary and no person other than the Borrower, a wholly owned Subsidiary or the De Minimis Holders receives any consideration (provided, that if any party to any such transaction is a Loan Party, the surviving entity of such transaction shall be a Loan Party), (y) the Borrower and any Subsidiary may make Permitted Acquisitions and (z) any Subsidiary of the Borrower may merge with another person in a transaction constituting an Asset Sale permitted hereunder.

 

(b)                                 Engage in any Asset Sale otherwise permitted under paragraph (a) above unless (i) such Asset Sale is for consideration at least 75% of which is cash (other than in the case of a like-kind exchange or trade-in of one asset for another asset used or useful in the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) and (ii) such consideration is at least equal to the book value of the assets being sold, transferred, leased or disposed of and the fair market value of all assets sold, transferred, leased or disposed of pursuant to this paragraph (b) shall not exceed 7.5% of the total book value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, determined as of the date of the most recent internally available balance sheet.  Upon a sale of assets or the sale of Equity Interests of a Subsidiary of a Loan Party permitted by this Section 8.05, the Administrative Agent shall deliver to the Borrower, upon the Borrower’s request and at the Borrower’s expense, such documentation as is reasonably necessary to evidence the release of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in such assets or Equity Interests, including, without limitation, amendments or terminations of UCC financing statements, the return of stock certificates and the release of a Guarantor (as applicable) from its obligations under the Loan Documents.

 

82



 

8.06                           Restricted Payments; Restrictive Agreements.

 

(a)                                  Declare or make, or agree to declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment (including pursuant to any Synthetic Purchase Agreement), or incur any obligation (contingent (unless the contingency is the repayment of the Obligations or receipt of consent from the requisite lenders under this Agreement) or otherwise) to do so; provided, however, that:

 

(i)                                     any direct or indirect wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower and any Foreign Subsidiary may declare and pay dividends or make other distributions ratably to its equity holders;

 

(ii)                                  so long as no Event of Default or Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower may repurchase Equity Interests of the Borrower owned by past or present officers, directors or employees of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries or make payments to employees of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries upon termination of employment of such employees (including as a result of retirement or severance) in connection with the exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights or similar equity incentives or equity based incentives pursuant to management incentive plans or in connection with the death or disability of such employees in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 in any fiscal year (it being agreed that any amount not utilized in any fiscal year may be carried forward and utilized in the immediately following fiscal year and that any amount spent in any fiscal year shall be deemed to utilize any such carried forward amount first);

 

(iii)                               the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to fund amounts payable to any participant in any Plan of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries upon the termination of the employment of such participant in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 in any fiscal year of the Borrower;

 

(iv)                              in addition to the Restricted Payments in clauses (i)-(iii) above, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make additional Restricted Payments (including Restricted Payments similar or dissimilar to those in clauses (i) through (iii) above); provided, that (A) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom and (B) after giving effect to any such Restricted Payment on a Pro Forma Basis, the Borrower is in Pro Forma Compliance; and

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the failure to comply with any Financial Performance Covenant is cured through the exercise of the Cure Right set forth in Article IX, Sections 8.06(a)(iii) and (iv) above shall only be available to the Loan Parties if (x) the Required Lenders consent to the relevant Restricted Payment pursuant to Section 8.06(a)(iii) and (iv) or (y) the Borrower is in compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants as of the end of any two consecutive fiscal quarters following the fiscal quarter in which the Borrower exercised its Cure Right.

 

(b)                                 Enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (i) the ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets to secure the Obligations or (ii) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any of its Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided, that (A) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by any Loan Document, (B) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of stock or assets of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided, such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (C) clause (i) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or

 

83



 

conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness and subject to the obligations of the Borrower under Section 7.09(b) hereof, (D) clause (i) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof and (E) clause (i) and (ii) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed (1) under Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries incurred under Section 8.01 or (2) under contracts with customers entered into the ordinary course of business that contain restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth.

 

8.07                           Transactions with Affiliates.

 

Except for transactions by or among Loan Parties or by or among Foreign Subsidiaries, sell or transfer any property or assets to, or purchase or acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except that (a) the Borrower or any Subsidiary may engage in any of the foregoing transactions at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Borrower or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) Restricted Payments may be effected to the extent provided in Section 8.06, (c) reasonable fees and compensation may be paid to, and indemnities may be provided on behalf of, officers, directors and employees of, and consultants to, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, as determined by the board of directors or equivalent governing body or appropriate officers of the Borrower in good faith, (d) securities may be issued and other payments, awards or grants (in cash, equity securities or otherwise) may be made pursuant to, or with respect to the funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Borrower in good faith, (e) the Loan Parties may perform their respective obligations under the terms of any registration rights agreement, (f) loans, investments and advances may be made to the extent permitted by Sections 8.01 and 8.04, and (g) transfers of property or assets from Loan Parties to Foreign Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business not otherwise prohibited under this Agreement.

 

8.08                           Business of Borrower and Subsidiaries.

 

Engage at any time in any business or business activity other than the business currently conducted by them and business activities that constitute a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof reasonably incidental thereto.

 

8.09                           Amendments of Subordinated Indebtedness.

 

Permit any supplement, modification or amendment of any subordinated Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that would cause such Indebtedness to not be in compliance with the subordination provisions of Section 8.01(j) or that is reasonably likely to adversely affect the ability of the Borrower to repay the Obligations when due without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.

 

8.10                           Capital Expenditures.

 

(a)                                  Permit the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in any fiscal year of the Borrower to exceed the sum of (i) the amount set forth below for such fiscal year as the “Capital Expenditure Base Amount” for such year, and (ii) the Acquired CapEx Amount:

 

84


 


 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

Capital Expenditure Base Amount

 

December 31, 2007

 

$

30,000,000

 

December 31, 2008 and each fiscal year ending thereafter

 

$

40,000,000

 

 

For purposes of this Section 8.10, the Acquired CapEx Amount”, with respect to any Acquired Entity, shall equal the product of (x) the aggregate amount of Capital Expenditures made by the Acquired Entity in the two fiscal years prior to the date of the Permitted Acquisition and (y) 0.50.

 

(b)                                 The amount of permitted Capital Expenditures set forth in paragraph (a) above (as adjusted in accordance with the terms thereof) in respect of any fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2007, shall be increased (but not decreased) by the amount of unused permitted Capital Expenditures for the two immediately preceding fiscal years; provided, that Capital Expenditures made pursuant to this Section during any fiscal year shall be deemed made, first, in respect of amounts carried over from the fiscal year two years prior thereto pursuant to the preceding sentence, second, in respect of amounts carried over from the fiscal year immediately prior thereto pursuant to the preceding sentence and, third, in respect of amounts permitted for such fiscal year as provided above.

 

8.11                           Financial Covenants.

 

(a)                                  Permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter of the Borrower to be less than 3.0 to 1.0.

 

(b)                                 Permit the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter of the Borrower to be greater than 4.0 to 1.0.

 

8.12                           Fiscal Year.

 

Change its fiscal year-end to a date other than December 31.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

 

9.01                           Events of Default.

 

In case of the happening of any of the following events (“Events of Default”):

 

(a)                                  any representation or warranty made or deemed made in or in connection with any Loan Document or the borrowings or issuances of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any representation, warranty, statement or information contained in any report, certificate, financial statement or other instrument furnished in connection with or pursuant to any Loan Document, shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect when so made, deemed made or furnished;

 

(b)                                 default shall be made in the payment of any principal of any Loan or the reimbursement with respect to any L/C Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or by acceleration thereof or otherwise;

 

(c)                                  default shall be made in the payment of any interest on any Loan or L/C Disbursement or of any Fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in (b) above) due under any Loan

 

85



 

Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days;

 

(d)                                 default shall be made in the due observance or performance by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 7.01(a), 7.05(a), 7.08 or in Article VIII;

 

(e)                                  default shall be made in the due observance or performance by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in (b), (c) or (d) above) and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent or any Lender to the Borrower;

 

(f)                                    (i) the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall fail to pay any principal or interest due in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable, or (ii) any other 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 (ii) 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;

 

(g)                                 an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking (i) relief in respect of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary, or of a substantial part of the property or assets of the Borrower or a Material Subsidiary, under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property or assets of the Borrower or a Material Subsidiary or (iii) the winding-up or liquidation of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary; and such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

(h)                                 the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any other Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or the filing of any petition described in (g) above, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property or assets of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (vi) become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due or (vii) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(i)                                     one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $20,000,000 (net of amounts covered by independent third party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and does not deny coverage and of amounts covered by an indemnity from a person that, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent, is creditworthy) from a party shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Material Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain unsatisfied and undischarged for a period of 30 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to

 

86



 

levy upon assets or properties of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment; an ERISA Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in liability of the Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates in an aggregate amount exceeding $20,000,000;

 

(j)                                     any Guarantee for any reason shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with its terms), or any Guarantor shall deny in writing that it has any further liability hereunder (other than as a result of the discharge of such Guarantor in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents);

 

(k)                                  any security interest in any material item of Collateral purported to be created by any Collateral Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by the Borrower or any other Loan Party not to be, a valid, perfected, first priority (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or such Security Document) security interest in the securities, assets or properties covered thereby, except to the extent that any such loss of perfection or priority results from the failure of the Administrative Agent to maintain possession of certificates representing securities pledged under the Security Agreement and except to the extent that such loss is covered by a lender’s title insurance policy and the related insurer shall not have denied or disclaimed in writing that such loss is covered by such title insurance policy; or there shall have occurred a Change in Control;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in paragraph (g) or (h)(i)-(v) above), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times:  (i) terminate forthwith the Commitments and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be forthwith due and payable in whole or in part, whereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued Fees and all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall become forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding; and in any event with respect to the Borrower described in paragraph (g) or (h)(i)-(v) above, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued Fees and all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other Loan Document, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Article IX, in the event that the Borrower would otherwise fail to comply with the requirements of Section 8.11(a) or (b) (each a “Financial Performance Covenant”) at the end of any fiscal quarter, at any time within ten days after the date on which a Compliance Certificate must be delivered for the end of such fiscal quarter or fiscal year, as applicable, the Borrower shall have the right, exercisable at any time during the term of this Agreement (provided that such right may not be exercised with respect to more than two fiscal quarters during any consecutive four fiscal quarter period), to issue Permitted Cure Securities (as defined below) for cash or otherwise receive cash contributions to the capital of the Borrower (in any case, not in excess of $25,000,000 in the aggregate in any consecutive four fiscal quarter period), and to contribute any such cash to the capital of Borrower (the “Cure Right”), and upon the receipt by the Borrower of such cash (the “Cure Amount”) pursuant to the exercise by the Borrower of such Cure Right, such Financial Performance Covenant shall be recalculated giving effect to the following pro forma adjustments:

 

87



 

(i)                                     Consolidated EBITDA shall be increased solely for the purpose of measuring the Financial Performance Covenants and not for any other purpose under this Agreement, by an amount equal to the Cure Amount; and

 

(ii)                                  if, after giving effect to the foregoing recalculations, the Borrower shall then be in compliance with the requirements of all Financial Performance Covenants, the Borrower shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of the Financial Performance Covenants as of the relevant date of determination with the same effect as though there had been no failure to comply therewith at such date, and the applicable breach or default of any such Financial Performance Covenant that would have otherwise occurred on such date but for the application of the foregoing recalculations shall be deemed not to have occurred.

 

As used in this Article IX, the term “Permitted Cure Securities” shall mean an equity security of the Borrower having no mandatory redemption, repurchase, repayment or similar requirements prior to the six-month anniversary of the Maturity Date and upon which all dividends or distributions, at the election of the Borrower, may be payable in additional shares of such equity security.

 

9.02                           Application of Funds.

 

After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 9.01 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in Section 2.03(g)), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:

 

First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;

 

Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal, interest and Letter of Credit Fees) payable to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders and the L/C Issuer and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;

 

Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit Fees and interest on the Loans and L/C Borrowings and fees, premiums and scheduled periodic payments, and any interest accrued thereon, due under any Swap Contract between any Loan Party and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, to the extent such Swap Contract is permitted by Section 8.03(d), ratably among the Lenders (and, in the case of such Swap Contracts, Affiliates of Lenders) and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third held by them;

 

Fourth, to (a) payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings, (b) payment of breakage, termination or other payments, and any interest accrued thereon, due under any Swap Contract between any Loan Party and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender, to the extent such Swap Contract is permitted by Section 8.03(d), (c) payments of amounts due under any Treasury Management Agreement between any Loan Party and any Lender, or any Affiliate of a Lender and (d) Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit, ratably among the

 

88



 

Lenders (and, in the case of such Swap Contracts, Affiliates of Lenders) and the L/C Issuer in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; and

 

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

 

Subject to Section 2.03(c), amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fourth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur.  If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above.

 

ARTICLE X

 

ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

 

10.01                     Appointment and Authority.

 

Each of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

 

10.02                     Rights as a Lender.

 

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

 

10.03                     Exculpatory Provisions.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

89



 

Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and

 

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

 

The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 11.01 and 9.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or the L/C Issuer.

 

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

 

10.04                     Reliance by Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

10.05                     Delegation of Duties.

 

The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties.  The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the

 

90



 

Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

 

10.06                     Resignation of Administrative Agent.

 

The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Borrower.  Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrower, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States.  If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on behalf of the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (1) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (2) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender and the L/C Issuer directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section.  Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section).  The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor.  After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 11.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.

 

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

 

10.07                     Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders.

 

Each Lender and the L/C Issuer acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender and the L/C Issuer also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to

 

91



 

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.

 

10.08                     No Other Duties; Etc.

 

Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the bookrunners, arrangers, syndication agents, documentation agents or co-agents shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent, a Lender or the L/C Issuer hereunder.

 

10.09                     Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.

 

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(a)                                  to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations (other than obligations under Swap Contracts or Treasury Management Agreements to which the Administrative Agent is not a party) that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(i) and (j), 2.09 and 11.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

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

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender and the L/C Issuer to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 11.04.

 

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

 

10.10                     Collateral and Guaranty Matters.

 

The Lenders and the L/C Issuer irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion,

 

92



 

(a)                                  to release any Lien on any Collateral granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Revolving Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than (A) contingent indemnification obligations and (B) other than with respect to amounts currently due thereunder, Cash Management Obligations and obligations under or in respect of Swap Contracts) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit, (ii) that is transferred or to be transferred as part of or in connection with any Asset Sale permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any Involuntary Disposition, or (iii) as approved in accordance with Section 11.01;

 

(b)                                 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 8.02(c);

 

(c)                                  to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder; and

 

(d)                                 upon the occurrence of a Release of Collateral Event, to release all Collateral other than Collateral consisting of Equity Interests of the Borrower (if applicable) and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that if such Release of Collateral Event ceases to be continuing and in effect at any time, the Required Lenders or the Administrative Agent may require first priority security interests on the same categories of Collateral that was previously released, such security interests to be created and perfected within 30 days of notice from the Required Lenders or the Administrative Agent to the Borrower.

 

Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, pursuant to this Section 10.10.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

11.01                     Amendments, Etc.

 

No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrower or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, further, that

 

(a)                                  no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:

 

(i)                                     extend or increase the Commitment of a Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 9.01) without the written consent of such Lender whose Commitment is being extended or increased (it being understood and agreed that a waiver of any condition precedent set forth in Section 5.02 or of any Default or a mandatory reduction in Commitments is not considered an extension or increase in Commitments of any Lender);

 

93



 

(ii)                                  postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for any payment of principal (excluding mandatory prepayments), interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) or any scheduled or mandatory reduction of the Commitments hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender entitled to receive such payment or whose Commitments are to be reduced;

 

(iii)                               reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (i) of the final proviso to this Section 11.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender entitled to receive such payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate;

 

(iv)                              change Section 2.13 or Section 9.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

(v)                                 amend Section 1.05 or the definition of “Alternative Currency” without the written consent of each Lender;

 

(vi)                              change any provision of this Section 11.01(a) or the definition of “Required Lenders” without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

(vii)                           except in connection with an Asset Sale permitted under Section 8.05, release all or substantially all of the Collateral without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby or as provided in Section 10.10; or

 

(viii)                        release the Borrower or, except in connection with a merger or consolidation permitted under Section 8.05 or an Asset Sale permitted under Section 8.05, all or substantially all of the Guarantors without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby, except to the extent the release of any Guarantor is permitted pursuant to Section 10.10 (in which case such release may be made by the Administrative Agent acting alone).

 

(b)                                 unless also signed by the L/C Issuer, no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Issuer Document relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it;

 

(c)                                  unless also signed by the Swing Line Lender, no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Swing Line Lender under this Agreement;

 

(d)                                 unless also signed by the Administrative Agent, no amendment, waiver or consent shall affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

 

(e)                                  unless also signed by the Required Domestic Lenders, no amendment, waiver or consent shall (i) amend or waive any mandatory prepayment on Domestic Revolving Loans under Section 2.05(b)(i) or the manner of application thereof to the Domestic Revolving Loans or (ii) amend the definition of “Required Lenders”; and

 

94


 


 

(f)                                    unless also signed by the Required Euro Lenders, no amendment, waiver or consent shall (i) amend or waive any mandatory prepayment on Euro Revolving Loans under Section 2.05(b)(ii) or the manner of application thereof to the Euro Revolving Loans or (ii) amend the definition of “Required Lenders”;

 

provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) the Fee Letter may be amended, or rights or privileges thereunder waived, in a writing executed only by the parties thereto, (ii) no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder, except that the Commitment of such Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender, (iii) each Lender is entitled to vote as such Lender sees fit on any bankruptcy reorganization plan that affects the Loans, and each Lender acknowledges that the provisions of Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code of the United States supersedes the unanimous consent provisions set forth herein and (iv) the Required Lenders shall determine whether or not to allow a Loan Party to use cash collateral in the context of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding and such determination shall be binding on all of the Lenders.

 

11.02                     Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies.

 

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

 

(i)                                     if to the Borrower or any other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 11.02; and

 

(ii)                                  if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

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

 

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

 

95



 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(e)                                  Reliance by Administrative Agent, L/C Issuer and Lenders.  The Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Loan Notices and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of any Loan Party even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the

 

96



 

recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof.  The Loan Parties shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of a Loan Party.  All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.

 

11.03                     No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.

 

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

 

11.04                     Expenses; Indemnity; and Damage Waiver.

 

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

 

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

 

97



 

or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the comparative, contributory or sole negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by the Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrower or such Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

(c)                                  Reimbursement by Lenders.  To the extent that the Loan Parties for any reason fail to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by them to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), the L/C Issuer or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), the L/C Issuer or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or the L/C Issuer in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or L/C Issuer in connection with such capacity.  The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.12(d).

 

(d)                                 Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Loan Party shall assert, and each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.  No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

 

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

 

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

 

11.05                     Payments Set Aside.

 

To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of any Loan Party is made to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any

 

98



 

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

 

11.06                     Successors and Assigns.

 

(a)                                  Successors and Assigns Generally.  The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and thereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this Section, (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of this Section or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of subsection (f) of this Section (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void).  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)                                 Assignments by Lenders.  Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this subsection (b), participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans) at the time owing to it), and shall be pro rata with respect to its Domestic Revolving Commitment and Euro Revolving Commitment; provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

(i)                                     Minimum Amounts.

 

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

 

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

 

99



 

delayed); provided, however, that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single assignee (or to an assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met;

 

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

 

(A)                              the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (1) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (2) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;

 

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

 

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

 

(D)                               the consent of the Swing Line Lender (such consent not to unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for any assignment in respect of the Revolving Commitment if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05 and 11.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment.  Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee

 

100



 

Lender.  Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section.

 

(c)                                  Register.  The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Loans and L/C Obligations owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(d)                                 Participations.  Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lender’s participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the other Lenders and the L/C Issuer shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.  Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in clauses (i) through (vii) of the Section 11.01(a) that affects such Participant.  Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section.  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 11.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender.

 

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

 

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

 

(g)                                 Electronic Execution of Assignments.  The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures

 

101



 

or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act

 

(h)                                 Resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender after Assignment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time Bank of America assigns all of its Commitment and Loans pursuant to subsection (b) above, Bank of America may, (i) upon thirty days’ notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as L/C Issuer and/or (ii) upon thirty days’ notice to the Borrower, resign as Swing Line Lender.  In the event of any such resignation as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided, however, that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of Bank of America as L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be.  If Bank of America resigns as L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)).  If Bank of America resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c).  Upon the appointment of a successor L/C Issuer and/or Swing Line Lender, (1) such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as the case may be and (2) the successor L/C Issuer shall issue letters of credit in substitution for the Letters of Credit, if any, outstanding at the time of such succession or make other arrangements satisfactory to Bank of America to effectively assume the obligations of Bank of America with respect to such Letters of Credit.

 

11.07                     Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality.

 

Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors and representatives and to any direct or indirect contractual counterparty (or such contractual counterparty’s professional advisor) under any Swap Contract relating to Loans outstanding under this Agreement (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to a Loan Party and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrower or (h) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower.

 

102



 

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

 

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

 

11.08                     Set-off.

 

If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, the L/C Issuer and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, after obtaining the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, the L/C Issuer or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or the L/C Issuer, irrespective of whether or not such Lender or the L/C Issuer shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrower or such Loan Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender or the L/C Issuer different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness.  The rights of each Lender, the L/C Issuer and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, the L/C Issuer or their respective Affiliates may have.  Each Lender and the L/C Issuer agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.

 

11.09                     Interest Rate Limitation.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”).  If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower.  In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.

 

103



 

11.10                     Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.

 

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.  Except as provided in Section 5.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

11.11                     Survival of Representations and Warranties.

 

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

 

11.12                     Severability.

 

If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions.  The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

11.13                     Replacement of Lenders.

 

If (i) any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, (ii) the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or (iii) a Lender (a “Non-Consenting Lender”) does not consent to a proposed change, waiver, discharge or termination with respect to any Loan Document that has been approved by the Required Lenders, the Required Domestic Lenders or the Required Euro Lenders, as appropriate, as provided in Section 11.01 but requires unanimous consent of all Lenders or all Lenders directly affected thereby (as applicable) and, or (iv) any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 11.06), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

 

(a)                                  the Borrower shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 11.06(b);

 

104


 


 

(b)                                 such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and, with respect to Domestic Lenders, L/C Advances, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.05) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

 

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

 

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

 

(e)                                  in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Non-Consenting Lender’s failure to consent to a proposed change, waiver, discharge or termination with respect to any Loan Document, the applicable replacement bank, financial institution or Fund consents to the proposed change, waiver, discharge or termination; provided that the failure by such Non-Consenting Lender to execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption shall not impair the validity of the removal of such Non-Consenting Lender and the mandatory assignment of such Non-Consenting Lender’s Commitments and outstanding Loans and, with respect to the Domestic Lenders, participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 11.13 shall nevertheless be effective without the execution by such Non-Consenting Lender of an Assignment and Assumption.

 

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

 

11.14                     Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.

 

(a)                                  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 AND SECTION 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK) WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD REQUIRE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

 

(b)                                 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION.  THE BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER

 

105



 

PROVIDED BY LAW.  NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL AFFECT ANY RIGHT THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY LENDER OR THE L/C ISSUER MAY OTHERWISE HAVE TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AGAINST THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER LOAN PARTY OR ITS PROPERTIES IN THE COURTS OF ANY JURISDICTION.

 

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

 

(d)                                 SERVICE OF PROCESS.  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 11.02.  NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

11.15                     Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury.

 

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

 

11.16                     USA PATRIOT Act Notice.

 

Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Act.

 

11.17                     No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship.

 

In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document, the Borrower

 

106



 

acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (a)(i) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent and BAS, are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and BAS, on the other hand, (ii) the Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (iii) the Borrower is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (b)(i) the Administrative Agent and BAS each is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Borrower or any of Affiliates or any other Person and (ii) neither the Administrative Agent nor BAS has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (c) the Administrative Agent and BAS and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent nor BAS has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower or its Affiliates.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby waives and releases, any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent or BAS with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

 

11.18                     Parallel Debt.

 

(a)                                  Each Lender, the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuer (collectively, for purposes of this Section 11.18 only, the “Finance Parties”) hereby agree that:

 

(i)                                     the total amount due and payable as Parallel Debt (as created and defined in the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below) under Clause 2 of the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below) shall be decreased to the extent that any amount is irreversibly (onaantastbaar) paid to and received by the Finance Parties or any of them to reduce the total amount due and payable in respect of the Principal Obligations (as this term is defined in the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below)), as if such amount were received by the Administrative Agent in payment of the Parallel Debt (as created and defined in the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below); and

 

(ii)                                  the total amount due and payable in respect of the Principal Obligations (as this term is defined in the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below)) shall be decreased to the extent that any amount is irreversibly (onaantastbaar) paid to and received by the Administrative Agent in payment of the Parallel Debt (as created and defined in the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below), as if such amount were received by the Finance Parties or any of them in payment of the corresponding Principal Obligations (as this term is defined in the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below)). The Administrative Agent undertakes to give effect to the preceding sentence by application of any amount so received in payment of the Parallel Debt (as created and defined in the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents, as if such amount were received in payment of the corresponding Principal Obligations (as this term is defined in the Share Pledge Agreement (as defined in Section 11.18(d) below)).

 

(b)                                 This Section 11.18 and any dispute, controversy, proceedings or claim of whatever nature arising out of or in any way relating thereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Netherlands.

 

107



 

(c)                                  Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that all disputes arising out of this Section 11.18 shall be submitted in first instance to the competent court at Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall limit the Administrative Agent’s right to bring proceedings against Knoll Overseas, Inc. in any other court or competent jurisdiction.

 

(d)                                 For the purposes of this Section 11.18 only, the term “Share Pledge Agreement” shall mean the notarial deed of pledge of shares entered into by no later than the date provided in Section 7.12(b) between Knoll Overseas, Inc as the pledgor, Bank of America as the pledgee, and Knoll Europe as the company.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

 

108



 

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

 

BORROWER:

KNOLL, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Barry L. McCabe

 

Name:

Barry L. McCabe

 

Title:

Senior Vice President & CFO

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUARANTORS:

SPINNEYBECK ENTERPRISES, INC.,

 

a New York corporation

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Barry L. McCabe

 

Name:

Barry L. McCabe

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL OVERSEAS, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Barry L. McCabe

 

Name:

Barry L. McCabe

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

ADMINISTRATIVE

 

AGENT:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

 

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Charlene Wright-Jones

 

Name:

Charlene Wright-Jones

 

Title:

Assistant Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

LENDERS:

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

 

as a Domestic Lender, Euro Lender, Swing Line Lender and L/C

 

Issuer

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Charles R. Dickerson

 

Name:

Charles R. Dickerson

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

CITIZENS BANK,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Devon Starsk

 

Name:

Devon Starsk

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Susan A. Waters

 

Name:

Susan A. Waters

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

FIFTH THIRD BANK,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/   Christopher C. Motley

 

Name:

Christopher C. Motley

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 


 


 

 

TD BANKNORTH, N.A.,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Charles A. Walker

 

Name:

Charles A. Walker

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

CITIBANK, N.A.,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/   Charles J. Margiotti III

 

Name:

Charles J. Margiotti III

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Christopher Freeman

 

Name:

Christopher Freeman

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Brian S. Allen

 

Name:

Brian S. Allen

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Brian J. Sohocki

 

Name:

Brian J. Sohocki

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD.,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/  James Fayeh

 

Name:

James Fayeh

 

Title:

Deputy General Manager

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

NATIONAL CITY BANK,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Eleanor Orlando

 

Name:

Eleanor Orlando

 

Title:

Corporate Banking Officer

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

SOVEREIGN BANK,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Alfred J. Doody

 

Name:

Alfred J. Doody

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Roger McDougal

 

Name:

Roger McDougal

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as a Domestic Lender and a Euro Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Meredith Jermann

 

Name:

Meredith Jermann

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 


 


 

 

BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK, NEW YORK BRANCH,

 

as a Domestic Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Georgina Fiordalisi, CFA

 

Name:

Georgina Fiordalisi, CFA

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Annette Schmidt

 

Name:

Annette Schmidt

 

Title:

First Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

FIRST COMMONWEALTH BANK,

 

as a Domestic Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Stephen J. Orban

 

Name:

Stephen J. Orban

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

PEOPLE’S UNITED BANK,

 

as a Domestic Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ George F Paik

 

Name:

George F Paik

 

Title:

Vice President

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

UNITED OVERSEAS BANK LIMITED,

 

NEW YORK AGENCY,

 

as a Domestic Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ George Lim

 

Name:

George Lim

 

Title:

SVP & GM

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Mario Sheng

 

Name:

Mario Sheng

 

Title:

AVP

 

KNOLL, INC.

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 



 

 

WEBSTER BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

as a Domestic Lender

 

 

 

By:

/s/ John Gilsenan

 

Name:

John Gilsenan

 

Title:

Vice President

 


 


 

Schedule 1.01(a)

 

Mandatory Cost Formulae

 

MANDATORY COST FORMULAE

 

1.                                       The Mandatory Cost (to the extent applicable) is an addition to the interest rate to compensate Lenders for the cost of compliance with:

 

(a)                                  the requirements of the Bank of England and/or the Financial Services Authority (or, in either case, any other authority which replaces all or any of its functions); or

 

(b)                                 the requirements of the European Central Bank.

 

2.                                       On the first day of each Interest Period (or as soon as possible thereafter) the Administrative Agent shall calculate, as a percentage rate, a rate (the “Additional Cost Rate”) for each Lender, in accordance with the paragraphs set out below.  The Mandatory Cost will be calculated by the Administrative Agent as a weighted average of the Lenders’ Additional Cost Rates (weighted in proportion to the percentage participation of each Lender in the relevant Loan) and will be expressed as a percentage rate per annum.  The Administrative Agent will, at the request of the Borrower or any Lender, deliver to the Borrower or such Lender as the case may be, a statement setting forth the calculation of any Mandatory Cost.

 

3.                                       The Additional Cost Rate for any Lender lending from a Lending Office in a Participating Member State will be the percentage notified by that Lender to the Administrative Agent.  This percentage will be certified by such Lender in its notice to the Administrative Agent to be its reasonable determination of the cost (expressed as a percentage of such Lender’s participation in all Loans made from such Lending Office) of complying with the minimum reserve requirements of the European Central Bank in respect of Loans made from that Lending Office.

 

4.                                       The Additional Cost Rate for any Lender lending from a Lending Office in the United Kingdom will be calculated by the Administrative Agent as follows:

 

(a)                                  in relation to any Loan in Sterling:

 

  AB+C(B-D)+E x 0.01

 

 

per cent per annum

  100 - (A+C)

 

 

(b)                                 in relation to any Loan in any currency other than Sterling:

 

E x 0.01

 

 

per cent per annum

300

 

 

Where:

 



 

“A”                          is the percentage of Eligible Liabilities (assuming these to be in excess of any stated minimum) which that Lender is from time to time required to maintain as an interest free cash ratio deposit with the Bank of England to comply with cash ratio requirements.

 

“B”                            is the percentage rate of interest (excluding the Applicable Rate, the Mandatory Cost and any interest charged on overdue amounts pursuant to the first sentence of Section 2.08(b) and, in the case of interest (other than on overdue amounts) charged at the Default Rate, without counting any increase in interest rate effected by the charging of the Default Rate) payable for the relevant Interest Period of such Loan.

 

“C”                            is the percentage (if any) of Eligible Liabilities which that Lender is required from time to time to maintain as interest bearing Special Deposits with the Bank of England.

 

“D”                           is the percentage rate per annum payable by the Bank of England to the Administrative Agent on interest bearing Special Deposits.

 

“E”                             is designed to compensate Lenders for amounts payable under the Fees Rules and is calculated by the Administrative Agent as being the average of the most recent rates of charge supplied by the Lenders to the Administrative Agent pursuant to paragraph 7 below and expressed in pounds per £1,000,000.

 

5.                                       For the purposes of this Schedule:

 

(a)                                  Eligible Liabilities” and “Special Deposits” have the meanings given to them from time to time under or pursuant to the Bank of England Act 1998 or (as may be appropriate) by the Bank of England;

 

(b)                                 Fees Rules” means the rules on periodic fees contained in the FSA Supervision Manual or such other law or regulation as may be in force from time to time in respect of the payment of fees for the acceptance of deposits;

 

(c)                                  Fee Tariffs” means the fee tariffs specified in the Fees Rules under the activity group A.1 Deposit acceptors (ignoring any minimum fee or zero rated fee required pursuant to the Fees Rules but taking into account any applicable discount rate); and

 

(d)                                 Tariff Base” has the meaning given to it in, and will be calculated in accordance with, the Fees Rules.

 

6.                                       In application of the above formulae, A, B, C and D will be included in the formulae as percentages (i.e. 5% will be included in the formula as 5 and not as 0.05).  A negative result obtained by subtracting D from B shall be taken as zero.  The resulting figures shall be rounded to four decimal places.

 

7.                                       If requested by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, each Lender with a Lending Office in the United Kingdom or a Participating Member State shall, as soon as practicable after publication by the Financial Services Authority, supply to the Administrative Agent and the

 



 

Borrower, the rate of charge payable by such Lender to the Financial Services Authority pursuant to the Fees Rules in respect of the relevant financial year of the Financial Services Authority (calculated for this purpose by such Lender as being the average of the Fee Tariffs applicable to such Lender for that financial year) and expressed in pounds per £1,000,000 of the Tariff Base of such Lender.

 

8.                                       Each Lender shall supply any information required by the Administrative Agent for the purpose of calculating its Additional Cost Rate.  In particular, but without limitation, each Lender shall supply the following information in writing on or prior to the date on which it becomes a Lender:

 

(a)                                  the jurisdiction of the Lending Office out of which it is making available its participation in the relevant Loan; and

 

(b)                                 any other information that the Administrative Agent may reasonably require for such purpose.

 

Each Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any change to the information provided by it pursuant to this paragraph.

 

9.                                       The percentages of each Lender for the purpose of A and C above and the rates of charge of each Lender for the purpose of E above shall be determined by the Administrative Agent based upon the information supplied to it pursuant to paragraphs 7 and 8 above and on the assumption that, unless a Lender notifies the Administrative Agent to the contrary, each Lender’s obligations in relation to cash ratio deposits and Special Deposits are the same as those of a typical bank from its jurisdiction of incorporation with a Lending Office in the same jurisdiction as its Lending Office.

 

10.                                 The Administrative Agent shall have no liability to any Person if such determination results in an Additional Cost Rate which over- or under-compensates any Lender and shall be entitled to assume that the information provided by any Lender pursuant to paragraphs 3, 7 and 8 above is true and correct in all respects.

 

11.                                 The Administrative Agent shall distribute the additional amounts received as a result of the Mandatory Cost to the Lenders on the basis of the Additional Cost Rate for each Lender based on the information provided by each Lender pursuant to paragraphs 3, 7 and 8 above.

 

12.                                 Any determination by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Schedule in relation to a formula, the Mandatory Cost, an Additional Cost Rate or any amount payable to a Lender shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on all parties hereto.

 

13.                                 The Administrative Agent may from time to time, after consultation with the Borrower and the Lenders, determine and notify to all parties any amendments which are required to be made to this Schedule in order to comply with any change in law, regulation or any requirements from time to time imposed by the Bank of England, the Financial Services Authority or the European Central Bank (or, in any case, any other authority which replaces all or any of its functions) and any such determination shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on all parties hereto.

 



 

Schedule 1.01(b)

 

Existing Letters of Credit

 

Letter of
Credit No.

 

Issuer

 

Outstanding
Amount

 

Date of Issuance

 

Expiration Date

 

Beneficiary

68017454

 

Bank of America

 

$

3,350,000

 

February 27, 2007

 

February 28, 2008

 

The Travelers Indemnity Company

68014407

 

Bank of America

 

$

187,348.45

 

August 21, 2006

 

August 31, 2007

 

Bank of New York

 



 

Schedule 2.01

 

Commitments and Applicable Percentages

 

Lender

 

Domestic
Revolving
Commitment

 

Applicable
Percentage

 

Euro Revolving
Commitment

 

Applicable
Percentage

 

Bank of America, N.A.

 

$

55,000,000.00

 

11.000000000

%

$

20,000,000.00

 

13.333333333

%

Citizens Bank

 

$

50,000,000.00

 

10.000000000

%

$

18,500,000.00

 

12.333333333

%

HSBC Bank USA, National Association

 

$

50,000,000.00

 

10.000000000

%

$

18,500,000.00

 

12.333333333

%

Fifth Third Bank

 

$

35,000,000.00

 

7.000000000

%

$

12,750,000.00

 

8.500000000

%

TD Banknorth, N.A.

 

$

35,000,000.00

 

7.000000000

%

$

12,750,000.00

 

8.500000000

%

Citibank, N.A.

 

$

25,000,000.00

 

5.000000000

%

$

10,000,000.00

 

6.666666667

%

Union Bank of California, N.A.

 

$

25,000,000.00

 

5.000000000

%

$

10,000,000.00

 

6.666666667

%

The Bank of Nova Scotia

 

$

20,000,000.00

 

4.000000000

%

$

7,500,000.00

 

5.000000000

%

Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company

 

$

20,000,000.00

 

4.000000000

%

$

7,500,000.00

 

5.000000000

%

Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.

 

$

20,000,000.00

 

4.000000000

%

$

7,500,000.00

 

5.000000000

%

National City Bank

 

$

20,000,000.00

 

4.000000000

%

$

7,500,000.00

 

5.000000000

%

Sovereign Bank

 

$

20,000,000.00

 

4.000000000

%

$

7,500,000.00

 

5.000000000

%

The Northern Trust Company

 

$

15,000,000.00

 

3.000000000

%

$

5,000,000.00

 

3.333333333

%

PNC Bank, National Association

 

$

15,000,000.00

 

3.000000000

%

$

5,000,000.00

 

3.333333333

%

Bayerische Landesbank, New York Branch

 

$

25,000,000.00

 

5.000000000

%

$

0.00

 

0.000000000

%

First Commonwealth Bank

 

$

20,000,000.00

 

4.000000000

%

$

0.00

 

0.000000000

%

People’s United Bank

 

$

20,000,000.00

 

4.000000000

%

$

0.00

 

0.000000000

%

United Overseas Bank Limited, New York Agency

 

$

20,000,000.00

 

4.000000000

%

$

0.00

 

0.000000000

%

Webster Bank, National Association

 

$

10,000,000.00

 

2.000000000

%

$

0.00

 

0.000000000

%

TOTAL

 

$

500,000,000.00

 

100.000000000

%

$

150,000,000.00

 

100.000000000

%

 



 

Schedule 6.01

 

Good Standing of Certain Foreign Subsidiaries

 

Foreign Subsidiaries may from time to time fail to be in good standing but not with any consequence that is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

 



 

Schedule 6.02

 

Authorizations

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 6.04

 

Governmental Approvals

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 6.05(a)

 

Material Liabilities Not Reflected in Balance Sheet

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 6.07

 

Intellectual Property Rights

 

U.S. COPYRIGHTS OWNED BY BORROWER

 

Registered Copyrights

 

Title

 

Registration
No.

 

Registration
Date

JAHNE BARNES DESING LABYRINTH

 

VAu421664

 

5/8/98

PEANO JHANE BARNES DESIGN

 

VAu421663

 

5/8/98

JAHNE BARNES DESIGN WALKWAY

 

VAu421662

 

5/8/98

JHANE BARNES DESIGN HILBERT

 

VAu421661

 

5/8/98

 

Pending Copyright Applications for Registration

 

None.

 

1


 


 

PATENTS OWNED BY BORROWER

 

Issued U.S. Patents

 

Patent owned by the Borrower - Description

 

Patent No.

 

Issue Date

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D535830

 

1/30/07

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D535112

 

1/16/07

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE BASE

 

D528829

 

9/26/06

 

 

 

 

 

DESK LAMP

 

D522161

 

5/30/06

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D520769

 

5/16/06

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE BASE

 

D515851

 

2/28/06

 

 

 

 

 

CART

 

D510168

 

9/27/05

 

 

 

 

 

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FOR A CHAIR

 

6824218

 

11/30/04

 

 

 

 

 

ERGONOMIC UTILITY CHART

 

6767019

 

7/27/04

 

 

 

 

 

CART

 

D493019

 

7/13/04

 

 

 

 

 

CABLE CONTROL WITH OVERLAOD PROTECTION DEVICE

 

6742843

 

6/1/04

 

 

 

 

 

KEYBOARD SUPPORT WITH RETRACTABLE AUXILIARY SUPPORT PLATFORMS

 

6682038

 

1/27/04

 

 

 

 

 

MODULAR BI-FOLD DOOR

 

6681532

 

1/27/04

 

 

 

 

 

WORKSURFACE

 

D479417

 

9/9/03

 

 

 

 

 

HINGED FOR AN OVER-HEAD STORAGE COMPARTMENT HAVING NON-CENTERED PIVOTING MOTION

 

6574835

 

6/10/03

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D475544

 

6/10/03

 

 

 

 

 

MODULAR STORAGE CABINET

 

6550880

 

4/22/03

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D471024

 

3/4/03

 

 

 

 

 

METHOD OF MAKING A METAL DRAWER HEAD

 

6516507

 

2/11/03

 

 

 

 

 

WORKSTATION

 

D459109

 

6/25/02

 



 

Patent owned by the Borrower - Description

 

Patent No.

 

Issue Date

 

 

 

 

 

WORKSTATION PANEL

 

D458041

 

6/4/02

 

 

 

 

 

OVERHEAD STROAGE UNIT

 

6394564

 

5/28/02

 

 

 

 

 

ADJUSTABLE ARMREST ASSEMBLY WITH SINGLE ADJUSTMENT LEVER

 

6394553

 

5/28/02

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE OF FURNITURE INCLUDING A LEG HAVING WIRE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES

 

6389988

 

5/21/02

 

 

 

 

 

STACKABLE PANEL SYSTEM FOR MODULAR OFFICE FURNITURE

 

6389773

 

5/21/02

 

 

 

 

 

STORAGE CABINET

 

D456178

 

4/30/02

 

 

 

 

 

STORAGE CABINET

 

D456174

 

4/30/02

 

 

 

 

 

STORAGE CABINET

 

D456172

 

4/30/02

 

 

 

 

 

HYBRID OFFICE PANEL CONSTRUCTION FOR A MODULAR OFFICE FURNITURE SYSTEM

 

6367213

 

4/9/02

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D444638

 

7/20/01

 

 

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL POWER AND COMMUNICATION OUTLET BOX

 

D443592

 

6/12/01

 

 

 

 

 

HYBRID OFFICE PANEL CONSTRUCTION FOR A MODULAR OFFICE FURNITURE SYSTEM

 

6167664

 

1/2/01

 

 

 

 

 

LOUNGE CHAIR

 

D434233

 

11/28/01

 

 

 

 

 

LOUNGE CHAIR

 

D430973

 

9/19/00

 

 

 

 

 

INDEPENDENTLY ADJUSTABLE MOUSE PAD

 

6086034

 

7/11/00

 

 

 

 

 

MULTI-ADJUSTABLE ARMREST ASSEMBLY

 

6076892

 

6/20/00

 

 

 

 

 

MULTI-ADJUSTABLE ARMREST ASSEMBLY

 

6053578

 

4/25/00

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D423241

 

4/25/00

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D422424

 

4/11/00

 

 

 

 

 

OFFSET SUPPORT LEG FOR AN ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT DESK

 

6029587

 

2/29/00

 

 

 

 

 

HYBRID OFFICE PANEL CONSTRUCTION FOR A MODULAR

 

6021613

 

2/8/00

 



 

Patent owned by the Borrower - Description

 

Patent No.

 

Issue Date

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D415634

 

10/26/99

 

 

 

 

 

SELF-BRAKING HEIGH ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM

 

5941182

 

8/24/99

 

 

 

 

 

PANEL FRAME ASSEMBLY

 

5921040

 

7/13/99

 

 

 

 

 

LAY-IN WIREWAYS FOR A SPACE DIVIDER SYSTEM

 

5918433

 

7/6/99

 

 

 

 

 

STORAGE CABINET

 

D410351

 

6/1/99

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE SYSTEM COMPRISING LINABLE DESK AND STORAGE UNITS

 

5906420

 

5/25/99

 

 

 

 

 

HARDWIRING RACE FOR OFFICE PARTITIONS

 

5901512

 

5/11/99

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D408646

 

4/27/99

 

 

 

 

 

TELESCOPING LEVELER

 

5881979

 

3/16/99

 

 

 

 

 

COFFEE TABLE

 

D406480

 

3/9/99

 

 

 

 

 

CHAISE LOUNGE

 

D406473

 

3/9/99

 

 

 

 

 

STOOL

 

D406470

 

3/9/99

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D406198

 

3/2/99

 

 

 

 

 

TRIM PIECE FOR AN OFFICE FURNITURE SYSTEM

 

D405544

 

2/9/99

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR ARM REST AND SUPPORT

 

D398174

 

9/15/98

 

 

 

 

 

ADJUSTMET LUMBAR SUPPORT

 

5791733

 

8/11/98

 

 

 

 

 

FURNITURE PULL

 

D396793

 

8/11/98

 

 

 

 

 

CORNICE

 

D393319

 

4/7/98

 

 

 

 

 

INDEPENDENTLY ADJUSTABLE MOUSE PAD AND KEYBOARD SUPPPORT APPARATUS

 

5730408

 

3/24/98

 

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE OF FURNITURE INCLUDING A LEG HAVING WIRE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES

 

5715761

 

2/10/98

 

 

 

 

 

LAY-IN WIREWAYS FOR A SPACE DIVIDER SYSTEM

 

5685113

 

11/11/97

 



 

Patent owned by the Borrower - Description

 

Patent No.

 

Issue Date

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR SEAT TILT ADJUSTMENT AND LOCKING MECHANISM

 

5683139

 

11/4/97

 

 

 

 

 

LOCKING UNIVERSAL SUPPORT ARM

 

5683064

 

11/4/97

 

 

 

 

 

VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE TABLE

 

5598789

 

2/4/97

 

 

 

 

 

CALIPER CONTROL FOR UNIVERSAL SUPPORT ARM

 

5584596

 

12/17/96

 

 

 

 

 

LOCKING UNIVERSAL SUPPORT ARM

 

5564667

 

10/15/96

 

 

 

 

 

LUMBAR SUPPORT CUSHION FOR CHAIRS

 

5551752

 

9/3/96

 

 

 

 

 

COMPOSITE FOAM CHAIR CUSHION AND METHOD

 

5499413

 

3/19/96

 

 

 

 

 

FOOTREST

 

D367369

 

2/27/96

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D367192

 

2/20/96

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR CUSHION AND UPHOLSTERY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

 

5489145

 

2/6/96

 

 

 

 

 

MOUSEPAD

 

D366654

 

1/30/96

 

 

 

 

 

WRISTREST

 

D366653

 

1/30/96

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR BACK SUPPORT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM

 

5476306

 

12/19/95

 

 

 

 

 

LUMBAR SUPPORT CUSHION

 

D364065

 

11/14/95

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR SEAT TILTE ADJUSTMENT AND LOCKING MECHANISM

 

5464274

 

11/7/95

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D363823

 

11/7/95

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D362983

 

10/10/95

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR BASE ASSEMBLY

 

5454536

 

10/3/95

 

 

 

 

 

VDT CORNER UNIT ADAPTER

 

D362772

 

10/3/95

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D361458

 

8/22/95

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D361457

 

8/22/95

 

 

 

 

 

HANDLE

 

D361255

 

8/15/95

 



 

Patent owned by the Borrower - Description

 

Patent No.

 

Issue Date

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D361230

 

8/15/95

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D361229

 

8/15/95

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D360549

 

7/25/95

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D360548

 

7/25/95

 

 

 

 

 

LOUNGE SEATING

 

D360311

 

7/18/95

 

 

 

 

 

LOUNGE SEATING

 

D360310

 

7/18/95

 

 

 

 

 

TILT CONTROL MECHANISM FOR CHAIRS

 

5417474

 

5/23/95

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR SHELL

 

D358514

 

5/23/95

 

 

 

 

 

SINGLE PIECE CHAIR SHELL

 

5411316

 

5/2/95

 

 

 

 

 

OVERHEAD CABINET WITH ROTATING DOOR

 

5409308

 

4/25/95

 

 

 

 

 

MOBILE CADDY

 

D357781

 

4/25/95

 

 

 

 

 

PENCIL TRAY

 

D356338

 

3/14/95

 

 

 

 

 

TORQUE CONTROL MECHAISM FOR CHAIRS

 

5388889

 

2/14/94

 

 

 

 

 

SEAT

 

D355090

 

2/7/95

 

 

 

 

 

PAD FOR A CHAIR ARMREST

 

D355089

 

2/7/95

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D355080

 

2/7/95

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D354631

 

1/24/95

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D353269

 

12/13/94

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR CONTROL

 

5370445

 

12/6/94

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D352407

 

11/15/94

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D352181

 

11/8/94

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D351510

 

10/18/94

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D351069

 

10/4/94

 

 

 

 

 

METHOD FOR FINISHING WOOD SLATTED ARTICLES OF

 

5338570

 

8/16/94

 



 

Patent owned by the Borrower - Description

 

Patent No.

 

Issue Date

 

 

 

 

 

FURNITURE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SELF BALANCED TABLE LAMP

 

D348529

 

7/5/94

 

 

 

 

 

SEAT CUSHION

 

D346924

 

5/17/94

 

 

 

 

 

COFFEE TABLE

 

D346293

 

4/26/94

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR FASTENING DEVICE

 

5297851

 

3/29/94

 

 

 

 

 

OTTOMAN

 

D344856

 

3/8/94

 

 

 

 

 

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT TABLE

 

5289782

 

3/1/94

 

 

 

 

 

CREDENZA

 

D344199

 

2/15/94

 

 

 

 

 

DINING CHAIR

 

D344191

 

2/15/94

 

 

 

 

 

FURNITURE COMPRISING LAMINATED SLATS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SUCH FURNITURE

 

5284380

 

2/8/94

 

 

 

 

 

DESK

 

D343308

 

1/18/94

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE LEG

 

D342403

 

12/21/93

 

 

 

 

 

ADJUSTABLE ARM FOR A CHAIR

 

5265938

 

11/30/93

 

 

 

 

 

CAFÉ CHAIR

 

D341265

 

11/16/93

 

 

 

 

 

DIAMOND CHAIR

 

D341264

 

11/16/93

 

 

 

 

 

CLUB CHAIR

 

D341263

 

11/16/93

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D341260

 

11/16/93

 

 

 

 

 

COMBINED CREDENZA AND HUTCH

 

D341042

 

11/9/93

 

 

 

 

 

METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING AN OFFICE SPACE DIVIDING PANEL

 

5258083

 

11/2/93

 

 

 

 

 

STORAGE CABINET

 

D339934

 

10/5/93

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D339927

 

10/5/93

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D339926

 

10/5/93

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D339924

 

10/5/93

 



 

Patent owned by the Borrower - Description

 

Patent No.

 

Issue Date

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D339488

 

9/21/93

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D339487

 

9/21/93

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D339486

 

9/21/93

 

 

 

 

 

DESK

 

D339481

 

9/21/93

 

 

 

 

 

MARKERBOARD

 

D339379

 

9/14/93

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D339244

 

9/14/93

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE

 

D338789

 

8/31/93

 

 

 

 

 

CAFÉ TABLE

 

D338579

 

8/24/93

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

D337447

 

7/20/93

 

 

 

 

 

FURNITURE STANCHIONS WITH UNITARY POWER ROUTING SYSTEM

 

5226705

 

7/13/93

 

 

 

 

 

CEILING INFEED MODULE

 

5195286

 

3/23/93

 

 

 

 

 

OVERHEAD CABINET WITH ROTATING DOOR

 

5172969

 

12/22/92

 

 

 

 

 

ELECTRIFIED SPACE DIVIDING PANEL

 

5164544

 

11/17/92

 

 

 

 

 

FURNITURE STANCHIONS WITH UNITARY POWER ROUTING SYSTEM

 

5160188

 

11/3/92

 

 

 

 

 

FRAME BASED OFFICE SPACE DIVIDING SYSTEM

 

5155955

 

10/20/92

 

 

 

 

 

FURNITURE COMPRISING LAMINATE SLATS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH FURNITURE

 

5154486

 

10/13/92

 

 

 

 

 

PROJECTILE RESISTING SPACE DIVIDING SYSTEM

 

5142997

 

9/1/92

 

 

 

 

 

FILE HOLDERS AND BRIEFCASE THEREFOR

 

5088801

 

2/18/92

 

 

 

 

 

PANEL FOR AN OFFICE SPACE DIVIDING SYSTEM

 

5088250

 

2/18/92

 

 

 

 

 

SPACE DIVIDING PARTITION SYSTEM HAVING AN ELECTRICAL RACEWAY

 

5065556

 

11/19/91

 

 

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL OR COMMUNICATIONS MONUMENT FOR MOUNTING ALONG AN EDGE OF A WORK SURFACE

 

5057039

 

10/15/91

 

 

 

 

 

WIRE MANAGEMENT CLIP

 

5040752

 

8/20/91

 



 

Patent owned by the Borrower - Description

 

Patent No.

 

Issue Date

 

 

 

 

 

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FOR CHAIR BACK

 

5037158

 

8/6/91

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR TILT AND CHAIR HEIGHT CONTROL APPARATUS

 

5029940

 

7/9/91

 

 

 

 

 

SPACE DIVIDER SYSTEM

 

5024030

 

6/18/91

 

 

 

 

 

ADJUSTABLE PEDESTAL FOR TABLES AND THE LIKE

 

5020752

 

6/4/91

 

 

 

 

 

ADJUSTABLE FOOT REST FOR A CHAIR

 

5011227

 

4/30/91

 

 

 

 

 

POSITION ADJUSTMENT LEG FOR PARTITION PANEL ASSEMBLY

 

5005325

 

4/9/91

 

 

 

 

 

OPEN OFFICE SYSTEM PARTITION PANEL ASSEMBLY

 

5003740

 

4/2/91

 

 

 

 

 

OPEN OFFICE SYSTEM PARTITION PANEL ASSEMBLY

 

4996811

 

3/5/91

 

 

 

 

 

OPEN OFFICE SYSTEM PARTITION PANEL ASSEMBLY

 

4993205

 

2/19/91

 

 

 

 

 

SPACE-DIVIDING WALL PANEL

 

4949518

 

8/21/90

 

 

 

 

 

SLIDE PLATE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM

 

4938441

 

7/3/90

 

 

 

 

 

STORAGE CABINET

 

D337455

 

7/20/03

 

 

 

 

 

METHOD FOR MAKING A PANEL WITH CUTOUTS FORMED THEREIN

 

5263252

 

11/23/93

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE SPACE DIVIDING ARRANGEMENT

 

4874027

 

10/17/89

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE SPACE DIVIDING SYSTEM

 

4870908

 

10/03/89

 

Published Patents of Borrower

 

Description

 

Publication No.

 

Filing Date

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE CHAIR

 

20060006715

 

07/08/05

 

 

 

 

 

MECHANICAL ARM WITH SPRING ASSIST

 

20040164213

 

02/20/2004

 

 

 

 

 

CHAIR

 

29/288,241

 

06/05/07

 



 

TRADEMARK/TRADE NAMES OWNED BY BORROWER

 

U.S. Trademark Registrations

 

Registered Marks Knoll, Inc.

 

Mark — Knoll, Inc.

 

Registration No.

 

Registration Date

 

 

 

 

 

AUTOSTRADA

 

3021487

 

11/29/05

 

 

 

 

 

Design Only

 

2894980

 

10/19/04

 

 

 

 

 

Design Only

 

2894979

 

10/19/04

 

 

 

 

 

Design Only

 

2894978

 

10/19/04

 

 

 

 

 

Design Only

 

2893025

 

10/12/04

 

 

 

 

 

Design Only

 

2894977

 

10/19/04

 

 

 

 

 

KREFELD

 

2949295

 

5/10/05

 

 

 

 

 

JOE

 

2957768

 

5/31/05

 

 

 

 

 

CECILIA

 

2960132

 

6/7/05

 

 

 

 

 

DIVINA

 

2807283

 

1/20/04

 

 

 

 

 

A3

 

2744625

 

7/29/03

 

 

 

 

 

VISOR

 

2660606

 

12/10/02

 

 

 

 

 

GIGI

 

2647032

 

11/5/02

 

 

 

 

 

UPSTART

 

2537287

 

2/5/02

 

 

 

 

 

RPM

 

2483718

 

8/28/01

 

 

 

 

 

PAPERCLIP

 

2415886

 

12/26/00

 

 

 

 

 

FOG

 

2394237

 

10/10/00

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENTS

 

2237475

 

4/6/99

 

 

 

 

 

REFF

 

2352223

 

5/23/00

 

 

 

 

 

DIVIDENDS

 

2272597

 

8/24/99

 



 

Mark — Knoll, Inc.

 

Registration No.

 

Registration Date

 

 

 

 

 

DISCUS

 

2124373

 

12/23/97

 

 

 

 

 

JR

 

2064087

 

5/20/97

 

 

 

 

 

BACKPACK

 

2111132

 

11/4/97

 

 

 

 

 

COUNTERFORCE

 

2019756

 

11/26/96

 

 

 

 

 

GOOD DESIGN IS GOOD BUSINESS

 

1978933

 

6/4/96

 

 

 

 

 

SALSA

 

1996058

 

8/20/96

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL EXTRA

 

1923595

 

10/3/95

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL EXTRA

 

1886080

 

3/28/95

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL EXTRA

 

1889928

 

4/18/95

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL EXTRA

 

1925118

 

10/10/95

 

 

 

 

 

PROPELLER

 

2065353

 

5/27/97

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL

 

1897530

 

6/6/95

 

 

 

 

 

SAGUARO CACTUS

 

1931985

 

10/31/95

 

 

 

 

 

TOOTHPICK CACTUS

 

1931984

 

10/31/95

 

 

 

 

 

PARACHUTE

 

1905003

 

7/11/95

 

 

 

 

 

SURF

 

1931967

 

10/31/95

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL STUDIO

 

1821382

 

2/15/94

 

 

 

 

 

MAGNUSSON UPTOWN

 

1893630

 

5/9/95

 

 

 

 

 

MAGNUSSON MIDTOWN

 

1887928

 

4/4/95

 

 

 

 

 

MAGNUSSON DOWNTOWN

 

1893629

 

5/9/95

 

 

 

 

 

LITTLE DIPPER

 

1926360

 

10/10/95

 

 

 

 

 

BIG DIPPER

 

1926359

 

10/10/95

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY

 

1763700

 

4/6/93

 

 

 

 

 

CALIBRE

 

1737652

 

12/1/92

 

 

 

 

 

ORCHESTRA

 

1773588

 

5/25/93

 



 

Mark — Knoll, Inc.

 

Registration No.

 

Registration Date

 

 

 

 

 

BULLDOG

 

1655890

 

9/3/91

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL

 

1449734

 

7/28/87

 

 

 

 

 

VOLANTE

 

1414255

 

10/21/86

 

 

 

 

 

DUO-SYNCRO

 

842430

 

1/16/68

 

 

 

 

 

BARCELONA

 

772313

 

6/30/64

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL INTERNATIONAL

 

557893

 

4/22/52

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL

 

557891

 

4/22/52

 

 

 

 

 

KNOLL EXTRA

 

1930829

 

10/31/95

 

Pending Applications

 

Mark

 

Application No.

 

Filing Date

 

 

 

 

 

WATERMARK

 

78856613

 

4/7/06

 

 

 

 

 

K.

 

78856607

 

4/7/06

 

 

 

 

 

LIFE

 

76404036

 

5/7/02

 

Registered Marks Spinneybeck Enterprises, Inc.

 

Mark – Spinneybeck Enterprises, Inc.

 

Registration No.

 

Registration Date

 

 

 

 

 

LEATHERWEAVE

 

1436944

 

4/14/87

 

 

 

 

 

SABRINA

 

1404945

 

8/12/86

 

 

 

 

 

SPINNEYBECK

 

1446426

 

7/7/87

 



 

Schedule 6.08

 

Subsidiaries

 

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE BORROWER

 

JURISDICTION OF
INCORPORATION

 

OWNERSHIP
INTEREST

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll North America Corp.

 

Ontario, Canada

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Spinneybeck Enterprises, Inc.

 

New York

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Spinneybeck, LTD.

 

Ontario, Canada

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Spinneybeck Enterprises, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Spinneybeck Ireland

 

Ireland

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Spinneybeck Enterprises, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll Overseas, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll Europe B.V.

 

Netherlands

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll Overseas, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll Italy, Ltd.

 

England & Wales

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll Europe B.V.

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll International S.p.A

 

Italy

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll Europe B.V.

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll International, Ltd.

 

England & Wales

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll Europe B.V.

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll International S.A.

 

France

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll Europe B.V.

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll International Deutschland GmBH

 

Germany

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll Europe B.V.

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll International Belgium S.A.

 

Belgium

 

Wholly owned subsidiary of Knoll Europe B.V.

 

Loan Parties

 

NAME

 

JURISDICTION OF
INCORPORATION

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE

 

ID NUMBERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

1235 Water Street, East Greenville, PA 18041

 

Tax ID # 13-3873847
Org ID #2571976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spinneybeck Enterprises, Inc.

 

New York

 

425 CrossPoint Parkway, Suite 100, Getzville, NY 14068

 

Tax ID #16-1159029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knoll Overseas, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

1235 Water Street, East Greenville, PA 18041

 

Tax ID # 25-1648603
Org ID #0445727

 



 

Schedule 6.17

 

Environmental Reports

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 6.18

 

Insurance

 

Coverage

 

Policy #

 

Policy Term

 

Insurer

 

Deductibles/Limits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Liability

 

rated based on estimated $766mm Sales

 

TC2J-GLSA-487K0398- 04-TIL-07

(U.S.)

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

Travelers Property & Casualty Co. of America

 

$100,000 deductible each occ.

$1,000,000 each occ. $10,000,000 gen. aggregate $2,000,000 prod./co.op. agg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian General Liability

 

TC2-SCPP-23I D7411-07

(Canada)

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co.

 

Same as above

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business Automobile

 

TJ-CAP-487K0386-TIL-

07 (U.S.) 8 vehicles

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

Travelers Property & Casualty Co. of America

 

$1,000,000 CSL (Bodily Injury/Property Damage)

$1,000,000 UM/UIM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canadian Auto

 

T-CAC-234D1054-07

05 (Canada) – No owned vehicle

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Co.

 

$1,000,000 CSL (Bodily Injury/Property Damage)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workers Compensation

(All States Except AZ, WI, OR & MA)

 

TC2N-UB-751G950-6-07

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

Travelers Property & Casualty Co. of America

 

$250,000 deducible each occ.

Coverage A: Statutory Benefits

 

Coverage B: Employers Liability

$1,000,000 bodily injury by accident – each accident

$1,000,000 bodily injury by disease – each employee

$1,000,000 bodily injury by disease – policy limit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workers Compensation

(AZ, OR, WI, MA)

 

TRJ-UB-751G951-8-07

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

Travelers Property & Casualty Co. of America

 

$250,000 deducible each occ.

Coverage A: Statutory Benefits

 

Coverage B: Employers Liability

$1,000,000 bodily injury by accident – each accident

$1,000,000 bodily injury by disease – each employee

$1,000,000 bodily injury by disease – policy limit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Umbrella Liability

($25 Million)

 

QK06400661

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

St Paul Fire & Marine

 

$10,000 self-insured retention

$25,000,000 each occurrence

 



 

Coverage

 

Policy #

 

Policy Term

 

Insurer

 

Deductibles/Limits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$25,000,000 general aggregate

$25,000,000 products/completed operations aggregate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1st Layer Excess Liability

($25 Million xs scheduled underlying policies)

 

9363-03-54

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

Federal Insurance Company

(Chubb)

 

$25,000,000 each occurrence

$25,000,000 general aggregate

$25,000,000 products/completed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Layer Excess Liability

($50 Million xs scheduled underlying policies)

 

SHX 00089038178

 

4/l/07 to 4/1/08

 

American Insurance Co. (Fireman’s Fund)

 

$50,000,000 each occurrence

$50,000,000 general aggregate

$50,000,000 products/completed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Director’s & Officer’s Liability

 

EC09000149

 

12/14/06 to 12/14/07

 

St. Paul

 

Deductible varies between $0 and $500,000

$10,000,000 each wrongful act/agg. Incl. Defense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess Director’s & Officer’s Liability

 

3032224

 

12/14/06 to 12/14/07

 

Darwin

 

$5,000,000 xs $10,000,000 Aggregate Incl. defense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess Director’s & Officer’s Liability

 

DOC9685075-00

 

12/14/06 to 12/14/07

 

Zurich

 

$5,000,000 xs $15,000,000 Aggregate Incl. defense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess Director’s & Officer’s Liability

 

ELU095568-06

 

12/14/06 to 12/14/07

 

XL

 

$5,000,000 xs $20,000,000 Aggregate Incl. defense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crime

 

6804-3241

 

12/14/06 to 12/14/07

 

Federal Insurance Company (Chubb)

 

$1,000,000 deductible per occurrence

$10,000,000

(Employee Dishonesty)

$10,000,000

(Forgery or Alteration)

$10,000,000

(Theft, Disappearance and Destruction)

$10,000.000

(Funds Transfer Fraud/Computer Theft)

$10,000,000

(Money Order and Counterfeit Fraud)

$10,000,000

(Employee Dishonesty Against Client)

Included ERISA Bond

 



 

Coverage

 

Policy #

 

Policy Term

 

Insurer

 

Deductibles/Limits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$1,000,000

(Credit Cards)

$250,000

(Investigative Expenses)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiduciary Liability

 

6804-3241

 

12/14/06 to 12/14/07

 

Federal Insurance Company (Chubb)

 

$50,000 deductible per loss

$10,000,000 Aggregate

$100,000 Voluntary Compliance Sublimit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Accident Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion

 

6802-4651

 

12/14/06 to 12/14/07

 

Federal Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

$5,000,000 K&R/Extortion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property Worldwide Program (local Euro policy issued in Italy and Billed in Italy) (Difference & Conditions / Difference in Limits - outside of Italy)

 

 

PPR-5919363

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

Zurich American Insurance Co.

 

$400,000,000 Loss Limit subject to Location Limits

All Real and Personal Property, including Boiler and Machinery, BI. Extra Expense, etc.

$100,000,000 Machinery Breakdown

$25,000,000 Extra Expense

$10,000,000 Contingent Business Interruption

$10,000,000/120 days newly acquired property

$2,500,000 Misc. Premises

$100,000,000 Earth Movement

$5,000,000 Earth Movement for Italy

$100,000,000 Named Storm

$25,000,000 Named Storm (wind zones 1 and 2)

$50,000,000 Flood

$5,000,000 locations within 100 year floodplain

$10,000,000 locations outside 100 year floodplain and within 500 year floodplain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property - Italy

 

 

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

Zurich American Insurance Co.

 

Included in Blanket limit

All Real and Personal

Property, including Boiler and Machinery, BI, Extra Expense, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property - Canada

 

 

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

Zurich American

 

Included In Blanket limit

All Real and Personal

 



 

Coverage

 

Policy #

 

Policy Term

 

Insurer

 

Deductibles/Limits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Co.

 

Property, including Boiler and Machinery, BI, Extra Expense, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Excess and DIC

(Casualty)

 

GB02901665

 

4/1/07 to 4/1/08

 

St Paul Fire & Marine

 

1) General Liability

$2,000,000 each occurrence

$2,000,000 General Aggregate

$1,000,000 products / completed operation aggregate

$1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Liability

$1,000,000 Premises Damage

$10,000 Medical Expense Per Person

$1,000,000 Employee Benefits Aggregate

 

2) Auto Liability

$1,000,000 CSL

$10,000 Medical Payments

$25,000 Medical Payments – each accident

 

3) Foreign Voluntary

Workers Compensation WC and EL Benefits - State of Hire

$1,000,000 BI Each Accident

$1,000,000 BI by Disease

$1,000,000 BI Policy Limit

$250,000 Repatriation Expense each employee/ $250,000 aggregate

 



 

Schedule 6.19(a)

 

Filing Offices

 

Knoll, Inc.

 

The Secretary of State of the State of Delaware

 

 

 

Knoll Overseas, Inc.

 

The Secretary of State of the State of Delaware

 

 

 

Spinneybeck Enterprises. Inc.

 

The Secretary of State of the State of New York

 

 

 

This schedule does not include fixture filings.

 



 

Schedule 6.19(c)

 

Mortgage Filing Offices

 

Knoll, Inc.

 

Kent County Register of Deeds

 

 

300 Monroe Avenue, NW

 

 

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

 

 

 

 

 

Muskegon County Register of Deeds

 

 

990 Terrace Street

 

 

County Building

 

 

Muskegon, MI 49442

 

 

 

 

 

Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds

 

 

One Montgomery Plaza

 

 

Suite 303

 

 

Swede and Airy Streets

 

 

Norristown, PA 19404

 



 

Schedule 6.20(a)

 

Owned Property

 

Knoll, Inc.

 

4300 36th St., S.E., Kentwood,
County of Kent, Michigan

Knoll, Inc.

 

2800 Estes St., Norton Shores,
County of Muskegon,
Michigan (plus adjacent parcel
acquired in 2001)

Knoll, Inc.

 

329 Railroad Street, Borough
of East Greenville, County of
Montgomery, Pennsylvania

Knoll, Inc.

 

1235 Water Street, Borough of
East Greenville, County of
Montgomery, Pennsylvania

 



 

Schedule 6.20(b)

 

Leased Property

 

Knoll, Inc. manufacturing plant

921 W. Western Avenue

 

Muskegon, MI

 

In addition, Borrower and its Subsidiaries lease showroom, office and warehouse space, none of which individually is material to the Borrower.

 



 

Schedule 8.01

 

Existing Indebtedness

 

Lender

 

Type of Indebtedness and
Description

 

Outstanding Amount (or, if
line of credit, maximum
amount of the line of credit)

 

Bank of Italy

 

Knoll International S.p.A

 

478,000.00

 

Banca Nazionale Del Lavoro

 

Knoll International S.p.A

 

1,650,000.00

 

Banca Intesa

 

Knoll International S.p.A

 

1,000,000.00

 

Banca Di Roma

 

Knoll International S.p.A

 

1,225,000.00

 

Unicredit Banca

 

Knoll International S.p.A

 

850,000.00

 

Societe Generale

 

Knoll International S.A.

 

304,000.00

 

Natexis Banques Populaires

 

Knoll International S.A.

 

1,525,000.00

 

National Westminster

 

Knoll International Ltd.

 

200,000.00

 

 



 

Schedule 8.02

 

Existing Liens

 

None

 



 

Schedule 8.04

 

Existing Investments

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 11.02

 

Certain Addresses for Notices

 

1.  Address for Loan Parties:

 

Borrower:

 

Knoll, Inc.

1235 Water Street

East Greenville, PA 18041

Attention:

Barry L. Mc Cabe

Cc:

Michael Pollner

Telephone:

(215) 679-1301

Facsimile:

(215) 679-1013

E-mail:

bmccabe@knoll.com

Website:

www.knoll.com

 

With copies to:

 

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10019

Attention:

William Hiller

Telephone:

(212) 728 8228

Facsimile:

(212) 728 9228

E-mail:

whiller@willkie.com

 

2.  Addresses for Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer:

 

Agent’s Office:

(for payments and requests)

 

Bank of America, N.A.

One Independence Center

101 N. Tryon Street

Mail Code:

NC1-001-04-39

Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-001

Attention:

Robert Lloyd

Telephone:

704-387-3615

Facsimile:

704-719-8311

 

Wiring instructions:

 

Bank of America, N.A.

Charlotte, North Carolina

ABA #:

026009593

Acct #:

136-621-225-0600

Attention:

Robert Lloyd

Ref:

Knoll, Inc.

 



 

Other Notices to Administrative Agent:

 

Bank of America, N.A.

231 S. LaSalle Street

Mail Code:

IL1-231-10-41

Chicago, Illinois 60697

Attention:

Charlene Wright-Jones

Telephone:

312-828-3935

Facsimile:

877-206-8427

E-mail:

charlene.wright-jones@bankofamerica.com

 

 

For Notices as L/C Issuer:

 

 

Bank of America, N.A.

1 Fleet Way

Mail Code:

PA6-580-02-30

Scranton, Pennsylvania 18507

Attention:

Alfonso Malave Jr.

Telephone:

570-330-4212

Facsimile:

570-330-4186

E-mail:

afonso.malave@bankofamerica.com

 

 

For Notices as Swing Line Lender:

(daily borrowing/repaying activity)

 

 

Bank of America, N.A.

One Independence Center

101 N. Tryon Street

Mail Code:

NC1-001-04-39

Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-001

Attention:

Robert Lloyd

Telephone:

704-387-3615

Facsimile:

704-719-8311

 

 

Wiring instructions:

 

 

Bank of America, N.A.

Charlotte, North Carolina

ABA #:

026009593

Acct #:

136-621-225-0600

Attention:

Robert Lloyd

Ref:

Knoll, Inc.

 



 

Exhibit 2.02

 

FORM OF LOAN NOTICE

 

Date:                      , 20

 

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

 

Re:                               Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 (as amended, modified, supplemented or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Knoll, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

1.            The undersigned hereby requests (select one):

 

o  A Borrowing of Domestic Revolving Loans

 

o  A Borrowing of Euro Revolving Loans

 

o  A conversion or continuation of Domestic Revolving Loans

 

2.            On                               , 20       (which is a Business Day).

 

3.            Amount and Currency of Borrowing                                               .

 

4.            Type of Loan requested:

 

o Base Rate Loans(1)                         o Eurocurrency Rate Loans

 

5.            With an Interest Period of (for Eurodollar Rate Loans):

 

o One Month

o Two Month

o Three Month

o Six Month

o Nine Month*

o Twelve Month*

 

The Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) after giving effect to any Borrowing of Domestic Revolving Loans, (i) the Total Domestic Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Domestic Revolving Commitments, (ii) the Total Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings, and (iii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Domestic Revolving Loans of any Domestic Lender, plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Domestic L/C Obligations plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Domestic Lender’s Domestic Revolving Commitment, (b) after giving effect to any Borrowing of Euro Revolving Loans, (i) the Total Euro Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Aggregate Euro Revolving Commitments,

 


(1)  Only available for Domestic Revolving Loans.

*      Only available if consented to by all of the Lenders.

*      Only available if consented to by all of the Lenders.

 



 

(ii) the Total Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings and (iii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Euro Revolving Loans of any Euro Lender shall not exceed such Euro Lender’s Euro Revolving Commitment (c) each of the conditions set forth in Section 5.02 of the Credit Agreement has been satisfied on and as of the date of such Borrowing, conversion or continuation.

 

 

KNOLL, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 



 

Exhibit 2.04

 

FORM OF SWING LINE LOAN NOTICE

 

Date:                     , 20

 

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

 

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

 

Re:                               Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 (as amended, modified, supplemented or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Knoll, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

1.             The undersigned hereby requests a Swing Line Loan.

 

2.             On           , 20     (a Business Day).

 

3.             In the amount of $                    .

 

With respect to such Borrowing of Swing Line Loans, the Borrower hereby represents and warrants that (a) after giving effect to such Borrowing of Swing Line Loans, (i) the Total Revolving Outstandings shall not exceed the Maximum Permitted Revolving Outstandings, and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Domestic Revolving Loans of any Domestic Lender, plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Domestic L/C Obligations, plus such Domestic Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Domestic Lender’s Domestic Revolving Commitment and (b) each of the conditions set forth in Section 5.02 of the Credit Agreement has been satisfied on and as of the date of such Borrowing of Swing Line Loans.

 

 

KNOLL, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 



 

EXHIBIT 2.11(a)(i)

 

FORM OF DOMESTIC REVOLVING NOTE

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to                                            or registered assigns (the “Domestic Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Domestic Revolving Loan from time to time made by the Domestic Lender to the Borrower under that certain Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 (as amended, modified, supplemented or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among the Borrower, the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and nonpayment of this Domestic Revolving Note.

 

THIS DOMESTIC REVOLVING NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 AND SECTION 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK) WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD REQUIRE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

 

 

KNOLL, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 



 

EXHIBIT 2.11(a)(ii)

 

FORM OF EURO REVOLVING NOTE

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to                                            or registered assigns (the “Euro Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Euro Revolving Loan from time to time made by the Euro Lender to the Borrower under that certain Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 (as amended, modified, supplemented or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among the Borrower, the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and nonpayment of this Euro Revolving Note.

 

THIS EURO REVOLVING NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 AND SECTION 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK) WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD REQUIRE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

 

 

KNOLL, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 



 

EXHIBIT 2.11(a)(iii)

 

FORM OF SWING LINE NOTE

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. or registered assigns (the “Swing Line Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Swing Line Loan from time to time made by the Swing Line Lender to the Borrower under that certain Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 (as amended, modified, supplemented or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among the Borrower, the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

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

 

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

 

The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and nonpayment of this Swing Line Note.

 

THIS SWING LINE NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 AND SECTION 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK) WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD REQUIRE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

 

 

KNOLL, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 



 

Exhibit 7.04

 

FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

Financial Statement Date:                     , 20

 

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

 

Re:                               Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 (as amended, modified, supplemented or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Knoll, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, and L/C Issuer.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned Responsible Officer hereby certifies as of the date hereof that [he/she] is the                                of the Borrower, and that, in [his/her] capacity as such, [he/she] is authorized to execute and deliver this Compliance Certificate to the Administrative Agent on the behalf of the Borrower, and that:

 

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

 

[1.            Attached hereto as Schedule 1 are the year-end audited financial statements required by Section 7.01(a) of the Credit Agreement for the fiscal year of the Borrower ended as of the above date, together with the report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant required by such section.]

 

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

 

[1.            Attached hereto as Schedule 1 are the unaudited financial statements required by Section 7.01(b) of the Credit Agreement for the fiscal quarter of the Borrower ended as of the above date.  Such financial statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP as at such date and for such period, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.]

 

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

 

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

 

[select one:]

 

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

 



 

[or:]

 

[the following covenants or conditions have not been performed or observed and the following is a list of each such Default and its nature and status:]

 

4.             The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Compliance Certificate, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 6.05 of the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 7.01 of the Credit Agreement, including the statements in connection with which this Compliance Certificate is delivered.

 

5.             The financial covenant analyses and calculation of the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio, the Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio and the Consolidated Leverage Ratio set forth on Schedule 2 attached hereto are true and accurate on and as of the date of this Compliance Certificate.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Compliance Certificate as of                     , 20      .

 

 

KNOLL, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 



 

Schedule 2

to Compliance Certificate

 

1.

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Consolidated EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

Consolidated Net Income

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Consolidated Interest Expense

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

amounts for taxes based on income, profits or capital and commercial activity payments to taxing authorities

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)

depreciation and amortization expense

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(v)

non-recurring fees, cash charges and other cash expenses

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(vi)

any extraordinary losses

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(vii)

facilities relocation or closing costs, non-recurring restructuring costs and integration costs and fees

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(viii)

amortization and impairment charges resulting from purchase accounting adjustments

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ix)

non-cash compensation charges and deferred compensation charges

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(x)

other non-cash charges, impairments and expenses

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(xi)

fees, cash charges and other cash expenses made or incurred in connection with equity or debt financings, amendments and waivers

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(xii)

cash payments made on account of non-cash charges added to Consolidated Net Income

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(xiii)

extraordinary gains and all non-cash items of income (to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income)

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(xiv)

Consolidated EBITDA

 

 

 

 

[Sum of (i) + (ii) + (iii) + (iv) + (v) + (vi) +

 

 



 

 

 

 

(vii) + (viii) + (ix) + (x) + (xi) — (xii) — (xiii)]

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)

interest expense net of cash interest income

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)

accrued interest required to be capitalized

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)

Consolidated Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

[Sum of (i) + (ii)]

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio

 

 

 

[(a)(xiv)/(b)(iii)]

:1.0

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

total Indebtedness

$

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

unrestricted cash of the Borrower and its Domestic Subsidiaries in excess of $15,000,000

$

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Consolidated EBITDA

 

 

 

[1(a)(xiv) above]

$

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

Consolidated Leverage Ratio

 

 

 

[((a) — (b))/(c)]

:1.0

 

 

 

 

3.

Consolidated Leverage Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

total Indebtedness

$

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Consolidated EBITDA

 

 

 

[1(a)(xiv) above]

$

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Consolidated Leverage Ratio (Pricing)

 

 

 

[(a)/(b)]

:1.0

 



 

Exhibit 7.09

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated as of                     , 20       is by and between                     , a                      (the “New Subsidiary”), and Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as Administrative Agent under that certain Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 (as amended, modified, supplemented or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Knoll, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

The Loan Parties are required by Section 7.09 of the Credit Agreement to cause the New Subsidiary to become a “Loan Party” thereunder.  Accordingly, the New Subsidiary hereby agrees as follows with the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders:

 

1.             The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a party to the Credit Agreement and a “Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement, and shall have all of the obligations of a Guarantor thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement.  The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions applicable to the Guarantors contained in the Credit Agreement.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 1, the New Subsidiary hereby jointly and severally together with the other Guarantors, guarantees to each Lender and the Administrative Agent, as provided in Article IV of the Credit Agreement, the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

2.             The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a party to the Security Agreement and an “Obligor” for all purposes of the Security Agreement, and shall have all the obligations of an Obligor thereunder as if it had executed the Security Agreement.  The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Security Agreement.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 2, the New Subsidiary hereby grants, pledges and assignes to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Security Agreement), a continuing security interest in, and a right of set off against, any and all right, title and interest of the New Subsidiary in and to the Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement), including, but not limited to, the Equity Interests identified on Schedule 6 hereto, of the New Subsidiary to secure the prompt payment and performance in full when due, whether by lapse of time, acceleration, mandatory prepayment or otherwise, of the Secured Obligations (as defined in the Security Agreement).

 

3.             The New Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:

 

(a)           The New Subsidiary’s exact legal name and state of formation are as set forth on the signature pages hereto.

 

(b)           The New Subsidiary’s taxpayer identification number and organization number are set forth on Schedule 1 hereto.

 



 

(c)           Other than as set forth on Schedule 2 hereto, the New Subsidiary has not changed its legal name, changed its state of formation, been party to a merger, consolidation or other change in structure in the five years preceding the date hereof.

 

(d)           Schedule 3 hereto includes all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, franchises, licenses and other intellectual property rights (collectively, “IP Rights”) registered or pending registration with the United States Copyright Office or the United States Patent and Trademark Office and owned by the New Subsidiary as of the date hereof.  None of the IP Rights of the New Subsidiary set forth in Schedule 3 hereto is subject to any licensing agreement or similar arrangement, except as set forth on Schedule 3 hereto.

 

(e)           Schedule 4 hereto includes all Commercial Tort Claims before any Governmental Authority by or in favor of the New Subsidiary.

 

(f)            Schedule 5 hereto lists all real property located in the United States that is owned or leased by the New Subsidiary as of the date hereof.

 

(g)           Schedule 6 hereto includes each Subsidiary of the New Subsidiary, including (i) jurisdiction of formation, (ii) number of shares of each class of Equity Interests outstanding, (iii) the certificate number(s) of the certificates evidencing such Equity Interests and number and percentage of outstanding shares of each class owned by the New Subsidiary (directly or indirectly) of such Equity Interests and (iv) number and effect, if exercised, of all outstanding options, warrants, rights of conversion or purchase and all other similar rights with respect thereto.

 

4.             The address of the New Subsidiary for purposes of all notices and other communications is the address designated for all Loan Parties on Schedule 11.02 to the Credit Agreement or such other address as the New Subsidiary may from time to time notify the Administrative Agent in writing.

 

5.             The New Subsidiary hereby waives acceptance by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of the guaranty by the New Subsidiary under Article IV of the Credit Agreement upon the execution of this Agreement by the New Subsidiary.

 

6.             This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute one contract.

 

7.             THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 AND SECTION 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK) WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD REQUIRE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary has caused this Joinder Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer, and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

[NEW SUBSIDIARY]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Acknowledged and accepted:

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

 

By:

 

 

Name:

Title:

 



 

Schedule 1

 

Taxpayer Identification Number; Organizational Number

 

Schedule 2

 

Changes in Legal Name or State of Formation;

Mergers, Consolidations and other Changes in Structure

 

Schedule 3

 

IP Rights

 

Schedule 4

 

Commercial Tort Claims

 

Schedule 5

 

Real Property Locations

 

Schedule 6

 

Equity Interests

 



 

Exhibit 11.06

 

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each](2) Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “Assignor”) and [the][each](3) Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “Assignee”).  [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees](4) hereunder are several and not joint.](5)  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee.  The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below (including, without limitation, the Letters of Credit and the Swing Line Loans included in such facilities(6)) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “Assigned Interest”).  Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.

 

1.             Assignor:

 


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

(3)           For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language.  If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language.

(4)           Select as appropriate.

(5)           Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees.

(6)           Include all applicable subfacilities.

 



 

2.

Assignee:

                                                              [and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [identify Lender]]

 

 

 

3.

Borrower:

Knoll, Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

4.

Administrative Agent:

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

 

 

 

5.

Credit Agreement:

Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2007 (as amended, modified, supplemented or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among Knoll, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 



 

6.             Assigned Interest:

 

Facility Assigned

 

Aggregate Amount of
Commitment/Loans
for all Lenders

 

Amount of
Commitment/Loans
Assigned(7)

 

Percentage Assigned of
Commitment/Loans(8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.             Trade Date:

 

8.             Effective Date:

 

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

 

ASSIGNOR:

[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

ASSIGNEE:

[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 


(7)  Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

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

 



 

[Consented to and](9) Accepted:

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

 

as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

[Consented to:](10)

 

 

 

KNOLL, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

[Consented to:](11)

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

 

as L/C Issuer

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 


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

(10) To be added only if the consent of the Borrower is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

(11) To be added only if the consent of the L/C Issuer is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 



 

Annex 1 to Assignment and Assumption

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

1.  Representations and Warranties.

 

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

 

1.2.          Assignee.  [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 11.06(b)(iv) and (v) of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 11.06(b)(ii) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

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

 



 

to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

 

3.             General Provisions.  This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption.  THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 AND SECTION 5-1402 OF THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK) WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD REQUIRE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.