German Guarantor. Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section 42 GmbHG, sections 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
Appears in 3 contracts
Samples: Refinancing Amendment to Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.), Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.), Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. (a) Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section § 42 GmbHGGmbH — Act, sections §§ 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
(i) The amount of any increase of registered share capital (Stammkapital) of such German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH) implemented after the date of this Agreement that is effected without the prior written consent of the Funding Agent shall be deducted from the registered share capital of the German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH);
(ii) any loans provided to the German Guarantor by a direct or indirect shareholder or an affiliate thereof (other than a Subsidiary of such German Guarantor) shall be disregarded and not accounted for as a liability to the extent that such loans are subordinated or are considered subordinated under Section 32a GmbHG;
(iii) shareholder loans, other loans and contractual obligations and liabilities incurred by the German Guarantor in violation of the provisions of any of the Loan Documents shall be disregarded and not accounted for as liabilities;
(iv) any assets that are shown in the balance sheet with a book value that, in the opinion of the Funding Agent, is significantly lower than their market value and that are not necessary for the business of the German Guarantor (nicht betriebsnotwendig) shall be accounted for with their market value; and
(v) the assets of the German Guarantor will be assessed at liquidation values (Liquidationswerte) if, at the time the managing directors prepare the balance sheet in accordance with paragraph (b) below and absent the demand a positive going concern prognosis (positive Fortbestehensprognose) cannot be established. 190
(b) The limitations set out in Section 7.11(a) only apply:
(i) if and to the extent that the managing directors of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) have confirmed in writing to the Funding Agent within ten Business Days of a demand for payment under this Article VII the amount of the obligations under this Article VII which cannot be paid without causing the net assets of such German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) to fall below its registered share capital, or increase an existing shortage in net assets below its registered share capital (taking into account the adjustments set out above) and such confirmation is supported by a current balance sheet and other evidence satisfactory to the Funding Agent and neither the Funding Agent nor any Lender raises any objections against that confirmation within five Business Days after its receipt; or
(ii) if, within twenty Business Days after an objection under clause (i) has been raised by the Funding Agent or a Lender, the Funding Agent receives a written audit report (“Auditor’s Determination”) prepared at the expense of the relevant German Guarantor by a firm of auditors of international standing and reputation that is appointed by the German Guarantor and reasonably acceptable to the Funding Agent, to the extent such report identifies the amount by which the net assets of that German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner in the form of a GmbH) are necessary to maintain its registered share capital as at the date of the demand under this Article VII (taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Auditor’s Determination shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsgemäßer Buchführung) as consistently applied by the German Guarantor in the preparation of its most recent annual balance sheet. The Auditor’s Determination shall be binding for all Parties except for manifest error.
(c) In any event, the Credit Parties shall be entitled to enforce the guarantee up to those amounts that are undisputed between them and the relevant German Guarantor or determined in accordance with Section 7.11(a) and Section 7.11(b). In respect of the exceeding amounts, the Credit Parties shall be entitled to further pursue their claims (if any) and the German Guarantor shall be entitled to provide that the excess amounts are necessary to maintain its registered share capital (calculated as at the date of demand under this Article VII and taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Secured Parties are entitled to pursue those parts of the guarantee obligations of the German Guarantor that are not enforced by operation of Section 7.11(a) above at any subsequent point in time. This Section 7.11 shall apply again as of the time such additional demands are made.
(d) Section 7.11(a) shall not apply as to the amount of Loans borrowed under this Agreement and passed on (whether by way of shareholder loan or equity contribution) to the respective German Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries as long as the respective shareholder loan is outstanding or the respective equity contribution has not been dissolved or otherwise repaid.
(e) Should it become legally permissible for managing directors of a German Guarantor to enter into guarantees in support of obligations of their shareholders without limitations, the limitations set forth in Section 7.11(a) shall no longer apply. Should any such 191 guarantees become subject to legal restrictions that are less stringent than the limitations set forth in Section 7.11(a) above, such less stringent limitations shall apply. Otherwise, Section 7.11(a) shall remain unaffected by changes in applicable law.
Appears in 2 contracts
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.), Credit Agreement (Novelis South America Holdings LLC)
German Guarantor. (a) Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section § 42 GmbHGGmbH — Act, sections §§ 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
(i) The amount of any increase of registered share capital (Stammkapital) of such German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH) implemented after the date of this Agreement that is effected without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent shall be deducted from the registered share capital of the German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH);
(ii) any loans provided to the German Guarantor by a direct or indirect shareholder or an affiliate thereof (other than a Subsidiary of such German Guarantor) shall be disregarded and not accounted for as a liability to the extent that such loans are subordinated pursuant to Section 39(1) Nr. 1 through Nr. 5 of the German Insolvency Code (Insolvenzordnung) or subordinated in any other way by law or contract;
(iii) any shareholder loans, other loans and contractual obligations and liabilities incurred by the German Guarantor in violation of the provisions of any of the Loan Documents shall be disregarded and not accounted for as liabilities;
(iv) any assets that are shown in the balance sheet with a book value that, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, is significantly lower than their market value and that are not necessary for the business of the German Guarantor (nicht betriebsnotwendig) shall be accounted for with their market value; and
(v) the assets of the German Guarantor will be assessed at liquidation values (Liquidationswerte) if, at the time the managing directors prepare the balance sheet in accordance with paragraph (b) below and absent the demand a positive going concern prognosis (positive Fortbestehensprognose) cannot be established.
(b) The limitations set out in Section 7.11(a) only apply:
(i) if and to the extent that the managing directors of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) have confirmed in writing to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days of a demand for payment under this Article VII the amount of the obligations under this Article VII which cannot be paid without causing the net assets of such German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) to fall below its registered share capital, or increase an existing shortage in net assets below its registered share capital (taking into account the adjustments set out above) and such confirmation is supported by a current balance sheet and other evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender raises any objections against that confirmation within five Business Days after its receipt; or
(ii) if, within twenty Business Days after an objection under clause (i) has been raised by the Administrative Agent or a Lender, the Administrative Agent receives a written audit report (“Auditor’s Determination”) prepared at the expense of the relevant German Guarantor by a firm of auditors of international standing and reputation that is appointed by the German Guarantor and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, to the extent such report identifies the amount by which the net assets of that German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner in the form of a GmbH) are necessary to maintain its registered share capital as at the date of the demand under this Article VII (taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Auditor’s Determination shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsgemäßer Buchführung) as consistently applied by the German Guarantor in the preparation of its most recent annual balance sheet. The Auditor’s Determination shall be binding for all Parties except for manifest error.
(c) In any event, the Secured Parties shall be entitled to enforce the guarantee up to those amounts that are undisputed between them and the relevant German Guarantor or determined in accordance with Section 7.11(a) and Section 7.11(b). In respect of the exceeding amounts, the Secured Parties shall be entitled to further pursue their claims (if any) and the German Guarantor shall be entitled to provide evidence that the excess amounts are necessary to maintain its registered share capital (calculated as at the date of demand under this Article VII and taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Secured Parties are entitled to pursue those parts of the guarantee obligations of the German Guarantor that are not enforced by operation of Section 7.11(a) above at any subsequent point in time. This Section 7.11 shall apply again as of the time such additional demands are made.
Appears in 2 contracts
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.), Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section § 42 GmbHGGmbH – Act, sections §§ 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
Appears in 2 contracts
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.), Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. (a) Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section § 42 GmbHGGmbH — Act, sections §§ 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
(i) The amount of any increase of registered share capital (Stammkapital) of such German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH) implemented after the date of this Agreement that is effected without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent shall be deducted from the registered share capital of the German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH);
(ii) any loans provided to the German Guarantor by a direct or indirect shareholder or an affiliate thereof (other than a Subsidiary of such German Guarantor) shall be disregarded and not accounted for as a liability to the extent that such loans are subordinated or are considered subordinated under Section 32a GmbHG;
(iii) shareholder loans, other loans and contractual obligations and liabilities incurred by the German Guarantor in violation of the provisions of any of the Loan Documents shall be disregarded and not accounted for as liabilities;
(iv) any assets that are shown in the balance sheet with a book value that, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, is significantly lower than their market value and that are not necessary for the business of the German Guarantor (nicht betriebsnotwendig) shall be accounted for with their market value; and
(v) the assets of the German Guarantor will be assessed at liquidation values (Liquidationswerte) if, at the time the managing directors prepare the balance sheet in accordance with paragraph (b) below and absent the demand a positive going concern prognosis (positive Fortbestehensprognose) cannot be established.
(b) The limitations set out in Section 7.11(a) only apply:
(i) if and to the extent that the managing directors of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) have confirmed in writing to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days of a demand for payment under this Article VII the amount of the obligations under this Article VII which cannot be paid without causing the net assets of such German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) to fall below its registered share capital, or increase an existing shortage in net assets below its registered share capital (taking into account the adjustments set out above) and such confirmation is supported by a current balance sheet and other evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender raises any objections against that confirmation within five Business Days after its receipt; or
(ii) if, within twenty Business Days after an objection under clause (ii) has been raised by the Administrative Agent or a Lender, the Administrative Agent receives a written audit report (“Auditor’s Determination”) prepared at the expense of the relevant German Guarantor by a firm of auditors of international standing and reputation that is appointed by the German Guarantor and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, to the extent such report identifies the amount by which the net assets of that German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner in the form of a GmbH) are necessary to maintain its registered share capital as at the date of the demand under this Article VII (taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Auditor’s Determination shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsgemäßer Buchführung) as consistently applied by the German Guarantor in the preparation of its most recent annual balance sheet. The Auditor’s Determination shall be binding for all Parties except for manifest error.
(c) In any event, the Credit Parties shall be entitled to enforce the guarantee up to those amounts that are undisputed between them and the relevant German Guarantor or determined in accordance with Section 7.11(a) and Section 7.11(b). In respect of the exceeding amounts, the Credit Parties shall be entitled to further pursue their claims (if any) and the German Guarantor shall be entitled to provide that the excess amounts are necessary to maintain its registered share capital (calculated as at the date of demand under this Article VII and taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Secured Parties are entitled to pursue those parts of the guarantee obligations of the German Guarantor that are not enforced by operation of Section 7.11(a) above at any subsequent point in time. This Section 7.11 shall apply again as of the time such additional demands are made.
Appears in 2 contracts
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.), Credit Agreement (Novelis South America Holdings LLC)
German Guarantor. (a) Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section § 42 GmbHGGmbH – Act, sections §§ 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. (a) Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Credit Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section 42 GmbHG, sections 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
Appears in 1 contract
German Guarantor. (a) Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section 42 GmbHG, sections 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
(i) The amount of any increase of registered share 1117312.02-CHISR02A - MSW capital (Stammkapital) of such German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH) implemented after the Closing Date that is effected without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent shall be deducted from the registered share capital of the German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH);
(ii) any loans provided to the German Guarantor by a direct or indirect shareholder or an affiliate thereof (other than a Subsidiary of such German Guarantor) shall be disregarded and not accounted for as a liability to the extent that such loans are subordinated pursuant to Section 39(1) no. 1 through no. 5 of the German Insolvency Code (Insolvenzordnung) or subordinated in any other way by law or contract;
(iii) any shareholder loans, other loans and contractual obligations and liabilities incurred by the German Guarantor in violation of the provisions of any of the Loan Documents shall be disregarded and not accounted for as liabilities;
(iv) any assets that are shown in the balance sheet with a book value that, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, is significantly lower than their market value and that are not necessary for the business of the German Guarantor (nicht betriebsnotwendig) shall be accounted for with their market value; and
(v) the assets of the German Guarantor will be assessed at liquidation values (Liquidationswerte) if, at the time the managing directors prepare the balance sheet in accordance with paragraph (b) below and absent the demand a positive going concern prognosis (positive Fortbestehensprognose) cannot be established.
(b) The limitations set out in Section 7.11(a) only apply:
(i) if and to the extent that the managing directors of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) have confirmed in writing to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days of a demand for payment under this Article VII the amount of the obligations under this Article VII which cannot be paid without causing the net assets of such German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) to fall below its registered share capital, or increase an existing shortage in net assets below its registered share capital (taking into account the adjustments set out above) and such 1117312.02-CHISR02A - MSW confirmation is supported by a current balance sheet and other evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender raises any objections against that confirmation within five Business Days after its receipt; or
(ii) if, within twenty Business Days after an objection under clause (i) has been raised by the Administrative Agent or a Lender, the Administrative Agent receives a written audit report (“Auditor’s Determination”) prepared at the expense of the relevant German Guarantor by a firm of auditors of international standing and reputation that is appointed by the German Guarantor and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, to the extent such report identifies the amount by which the net assets of that German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner in the form of a GmbH) are necessary to maintain its registered share capital as at the date of the demand under this Article VII (taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Auditor’s Determination shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsgemäßer Buchführung) as consistently applied by the German Guarantor in the preparation of its most recent annual balance sheet. The Auditor’s Determination shall be binding for all Parties except for manifest error.
(c) In any event, the Secured Parties shall be entitled to enforce the guarantee up to those amounts that are undisputed between them and the relevant German Guarantor or determined in accordance with Section 7.11(a) and Section 7.11(b). In respect of the exceeding amounts, the Secured Parties shall be entitled to further pursue their claims (if any) and the German Guarantor shall be entitled to provide evidence that the excess amounts are necessary to maintain its registered share capital (calculated as at the date of demand under this Article VII and taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Secured Parties are entitled to pursue those parts of the guarantee obligations of the German Guarantor that are not enforced by operation of Section 7.11(a) above at any subsequent point in time. This Section 7.11 shall apply again as of the time such additional demands are made.
(d) Section 7.11(a) shall not apply as to the amount of Loans borrowed under this Agreement and passed on (whether by way of shareholder loan or equity contribution) to the respective German Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries as long as the respective shareholder loan is outstanding or the respective equity contribution has not been dissolved or otherwise repaid.
(e) Should it become legally permissible for managing directors of a German Guarantor to enter into guarantees in support of obligations of their shareholders without limitations, the limitations set forth in Section 7.11(a) shall no longer apply. Should any such guarantees become subject to legal restrictions that are less stringent than the limitations set 1117312.02-CHISR02A - MSW forth in Section 7.11(a) above, such less stringent limitations shall apply. Otherwise, Section 7.11(a) shall remain unaffected by changes in applicable law.
(f) The limitations provided for in paragraph (a) above shall not apply where (i) the relevant German Guarantor has a fully valuable (vollwertig) recourse claim (Gegenleistungs- oder Rückgewähranspruch) vis-à-vis the relevant shareholder or (ii) a domination agreement (Beherrschungsvertrag) or a profit and loss pooling agreement (Ergebnisabführungsvertrag) is or will be in existence with the relevant German Guarantor (or the relevant general partner), unless section 30 GmbHG is violated despite of the existence of such agreement.
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. (a) Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) below, the Secured Parties shall not enforce the guarantee obligations of a German Guarantor existing in the form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; GmbH) or limited partnership with a limited liability company as partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) under this Article VII to the extent (i) such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder within the meaning of Section 15 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) (other than a Subsidiary of that German Guarantor or the German Guarantor itself), and (ii) the enforcement of such guarantee for shareholder obligations would reduce, in violation of Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “GmbHG”), the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves (Reinvermögen)), in each case as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger Buchführung) as consistently applied by such German Guarantor in preparing its unconsolidated balance sheets (Jahresabschluss gem. section § 42 GmbHGGmbH - Act, sections §§ 242, 264 German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB)) of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that is insufficient to maintain its (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:
(i) The amount of any increase of registered share capital (Stammkapital) of such German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH) implemented after the date of this Agreement that is effected without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent shall be deducted from the registered share capital of the German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH);
(ii) any loans provided to the German Guarantor by a direct or indirect shareholder or an affiliate thereof (other than a Subsidiary of such German Guarantor) shall be disregarded and not accounted for as a liability to the extent that such loans are subordinated pursuant to Section 39(1) Nr. 1 through Nr. 5 of the German Insolvency Code (Insolvenzordnung) or subordinated in any other way by law or contract;
(iii) any shareholder loans, other loans and contractual obligations and liabilities incurred by the German Guarantor in violation of the provisions of any of the Loan Documents shall be disregarded and not accounted for as liabilities;
(iv) any assets that are shown in the balance sheet with a book value that, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, is significantly lower than their market value and that are not necessary for the business of the German Guarantor (nicht betriebsnotwendig) shall be accounted for with their market value; and
(v) the assets of the German Guarantor will be assessed at liquidation values (Liquidationswerte) if, at the time the managing directors prepare the balance sheet in accordance with paragraph (b) below and absent the demand a positive going concern prognosis (positive Fortbestehensprognose) cannot be established.
(b) The limitations set out in Section 7.11(a) only apply:
(i) if and to the extent that the managing directors of the German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) have confirmed in writing to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days of a demand for payment under this Article VII the amount of the obligations under this Article VII which cannot be paid without causing the net assets of such German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH Co. KG, its general partner) to fall below its registered share capital, or increase an existing shortage in net assets below its registered share capital (taking into account the adjustments set out above) and such confirmation is supported by a current balance sheet and other evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender raises any objections against that confirmation within five Business Days after its receipt; or
(ii) if, within twenty Business Days after an objection under clause (i) has been raised by the Administrative Agent or a Lender, the Administrative Agent receives a written audit report (“Auditor’s Determination”) prepared at the expense of the relevant German Guarantor by a firm of auditors of international standing and reputation that is appointed by the German Guarantor and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, to the extent such report identifies the amount by which the net assets of that German Guarantor (or in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner in the form of a GmbH) are necessary to maintain its registered share capital as at the date of the demand under this Article VII (taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Auditor’s Determination shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable in Germany (Grundsätze ordnungsgemäßer Buchführung) as consistently applied by the German Guarantor in the preparation of its most recent annual balance sheet. The Auditor’s Determination shall be binding for all Parties except for manifest error.
(c) In any event, the Secured Parties shall be entitled to enforce the guarantee up to those amounts that are undisputed between them and the relevant German Guarantor or determined in accordance with Section 7.11(a) and Section 7.11(b). In respect of the exceeding amounts, the Secured Parties shall be entitled to further pursue their claims (if any) and the German Guarantor shall be entitled to provide evidence that the excess amounts are necessary to maintain its registered share capital (calculated as at the date of demand under this Article VII and taking into account the adjustments set out above). The Secured Parties are entitled to pursue those parts of the guarantee obligations of the German Guarantor that are not enforced by operation of Section 7.11(a) above at any subsequent point in time. This Section 7.11 shall apply again as of the time such additional demands are made.
(d) Section 7.11(a) shall not apply as to the amount of Loans borrowed under this Agreement and passed on (whether by way of shareholder loan or equity contribution) to the respective German Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries as long as the respective shareholder loan is outstanding or the respective equity contribution has not been dissolved or otherwise repaid.
(e) Should it become legally permissible for managing directors of a German Guarantor to enter into guarantees in support of obligations of their shareholders without limitations, the limitations set forth in Section 7.11(a) shall no longer apply. Should any such guarantees become subject to legal restrictions that are less stringent than the limitations set forth in Section 7.11(a) above, such less stringent limitations shall apply. Otherwise, Section 7.11(a) shall remain unaffected by changes in applicable law.
(f) The limitations provided for in paragraph (a) above shall not apply where (i) the relevant German Guarantor has a fully valuable (vollwertig) recourse claim (Gegenleistungs- oder Rückgewähranspruch) vis-à-vis the relevant shareholder or (ii) a domination agreement (Beherrschungsvertrag) or a profit and loss pooling agreement (Ergebnisabführungsvertrag) is or will be in existence with the relevant German Guarantor (or the relevant general partner) and the relevant German Guarantor has a fully valuable (vollwertig) compensation claim (Ausgleichsanspruch).
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