German Guarantor. 268 (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 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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW (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 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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 Existing Credit Agreement 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;; 1209502.04-CHISR02A - MSW
(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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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 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);; 225
(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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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 226 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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 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;; 1087312.03B-CHISR01A1209777.02-CHISR02A - MSW
(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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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 1087312.03B-CHISR01A1209777.02-CHISR02A - MSW 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), unless section 30 GmbHG is violated despite of the existence of such agreement.
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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”), 193 1120544.02G-CHISR02A - MSW 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 capital (Stammkapital) of such German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH) implemented after the Closing Effective 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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW the business of the German Guarantor (nicht betriebsnotwendig) shall be accounted for with their market value; and
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. 1060441.101066947.03194 1120544.02G-CHISR01A CHISR02A - MSW
(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 1 contract
German Guarantor. 268
(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 Existing Credit Agreement 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;; 1125931.03I-XXXXX000000000.05E-CHISR01A - MSW
(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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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 1125931.03I-XXXXX000000000.05E-CHISR01A - MSW 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 (Gewinnabführungsvertrag) is or will be in existence with the relevant German Guarantor (or the relevant general partner), unless Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act is violated despite of the existence of such agreement.
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(a) Subject to Section 7.11(b) through Section 7.11(e) 8.1.1 The parties agree, other than in accordance with the procedure set out below, the Secured Parties shall not to enforce the guarantee obligations of Guarantee granted by a German Guarantor existing incorporated or established (as the case may be) in Germany in the legal form of a German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung; Haftung / GmbH) or as a limited partnership with a German limited liability company as general partner (GmbH or GmbH & Co. KG) (each a "German Guarantor") under this Article VII to the extent (i) this Agreement if such German Guarantor guarantees obligations of one of its shareholders or of enforcement would cause an affiliated company (verbundenes Unternehmen) of a shareholder unlawful payment 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 64 sentence 3 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (Gesetz betreffend die Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung – “/ GmbHG”) or if and to the extent that:
(a) such Guarantee is for the obligations or liabilities of a direct or indirect shareholder of that German Guarantor or Subsidiary of such shareholder (other than a Subsidiary of that relevant German Guarantor) (an "Up-Stream or Cross- Stream Guarantee"), ; and:
(b) the enforcement otherwise had the effect of:
(A) reducing the net assets (assets minus liabilities minus provisions and liability reserves Reinvermögen) (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)) the jurisprudence from time to time of the German Federal Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof) relating to the protection of liable capital under sections 30 and 31 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG) (as amended from time to time)) (the "Net Assets") of that relevant German Guarantor (or or, in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) to an amount that which is insufficient less than the amount required to maintain its stated share capital (or Stammkapital); or
(B) increasing an existing shortage of the its (or, in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner’s's) registered share capital (Stammkapital) (or would increase an existing shortage in its net assets below its registered stated share capital); provided that for the purpose of determining the relevant registered share capital and the net assets, as the case may be:,
(iA) The the amount of any increase of registered the stated share capital (Stammkapital) of such that relevant 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 thator, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, is significantly lower than their market value and that are not necessary for 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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 partner) after the date of this Agreement which is not permitted under the Finance Documents shall be deducted from the stated share capital;
(B) in case the stated share capital of that relevant German Guarantor (or, in case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) is not fully paid in, the amount by which the stated share capital exceeds the amount of the share capital paid in shall be deducted from the stated share capital;
(C) loans provided to such relevant German Guarantor shall be disregarded if such loans are subordinated (for the benefit of its creditors in general) pursuant to section 39 paragraph 1 no. 5 of the German Insolvency Code (InsO); and
(D) loans and other liabilities incurred by such German Guarantor (or, in case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner) in negligent or wilful violation of the provisions of the Finance Documents shall be disregarded.
8.1.2 Subject to Clause 8.1.4 below, the limitations set out in the form preceding Clause 8.1.1 above shall only apply if and to the extent that:
(a) within 20 Business Days following the making of a GmbHdemand against a German Guarantor under this Agreement that German Guarantor has confirmed in writing to the Security Agent:
(A) are necessary to maintain what extent the Guarantee is an Up-Stream or Cross-Stream Guarantee; and
(B) the amount of such Up-Stream or Cross-Stream Guarantee which cannot be enforced as it would otherwise cause its registered (or, in case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner's) Net Assets to fall below its stated share capital as at or increase an existing shortage of its (or, in case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner's) stated share capital, taking into account the adjustments set out in Clause 8.1.1 above) (setting out in reasonable detail to what extent the share capital would fall below the stated share capital or an increase of an existing shortage would occur, providing an up-to-date pro forma balance sheet and a statement if and to what extent a realisation or other measures undertaken in accordance with the mitigation provisions set out in Clause 8.1.5 below would not prevent such situation) (the "Management Determination"); and
(b) if the Security Agent notifies the relevant German Guarantor against which a demand under this Agreement has been made that it disagrees with the Management Determination, within 30 Business Days following such notice the relevant German Guarantor has provided the Security Agent with a determination by auditors of international standard and reputation (the "Auditor's Determination") appointed by that German Guarantor of the amount that would have been necessary on the date of the demand under this Article VII Agreement to maintain its (taking into account or, in case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner's) stated share capital or to avoid the adjustments set out above)increase of an existing shortage of its (or, in case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner's) stated share capital.
8.1.3 If the Security Agent disagrees with the Auditor's Determination, it shall notify the respective German Guarantor accordingly. 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW
(c) In any event, Security Agent and the Secured Parties shall only be entitled to enforce the guarantee Guarantee up to those amounts that are undisputed between them and the relevant German Guarantor or determined amount which on the basis of the Auditor's Determination can be enforced in accordance compliance with Section 7.11(a) and Section 7.11(b)the limitations set out in Clause 8.1.1 above. In respect of relation to the exceeding amountsamount which is disputed by the Security Agent, the Security Agent and the Secured Parties shall be entitled to further pursue their claims under this Agreement (if any) in court.
8.1.4 If the Guarantee was enforced without limitation because the Management Determination and/or the Auditor's Determination (as the case may be) was not delivered within the relevant time frame but is then subsequently delivered, the Security Agent and the Secured Parties shall, upon written demand of that relevant German Guarantor, repay to that German Guarantor shall be entitled to provide evidence that any amount received by it from the excess amounts are enforcement of the Guarantee which is necessary to maintain that German Guarantor's (or, in case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its registered general partner's) stated share capital or to avoid the increase of an existing shortage of its (or, in case of a GmbH & Co. KG, its general partner's) stated share capital, calculated as at of the date of the demand under this Article VII Agreement was made and in accordance with Clause 8.1.2 above.
8.1.5 Where a German Guarantor claims in accordance with the provisions of Clauses 8.1.2 and 8.1.4 above that the Guarantee granted hereunder can only be enforced in a limited amount, it shall within three months after receipt of a respective demand by the Security Agent realise, to the extent lawful and at arm's length terms, any and all of its assets that are shown in its balance sheet with a book value (Buchwert) that is significantly lower than their market value to the extent such assets are not necessary for its business (nicht betriebsnotwendig). After the expiry of the earlier of (i) the expiry of such three months' period and (ii) the realisation of such assets, the relevant German Guarantor shall, within three Business Days, notify the Security Agent of the amount of the net proceeds from the sale and submit a statement with a new calculation of the amount of the Net Assets of that German Guarantor (and, in the case of a GmbH & Co. KG, of its general partner) taking into account such proceeds. Such calculation shall, upon the adjustments Security Agent's request (acting reasonably), be confirmed by the relevant German Guarantor's auditor within a period of 30 Business Days following the request.
8.1.6 The limitations set out above). The Secured Parties are entitled in this Clause 8.2 shall not apply:
(a) to pursue those parts the extent that the Guarantee granted under this Agreement relates to any funds or guarantees which have been on-lent to, or issued for, the benefit of that relevant German Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries and such amounts on- lent or such guarantees have not been repaid or returned prior to the enforcement of the guarantee Guarantee;
(b) to an enforcement of the Guarantee under this Agreement where it relates to obligations of an Obligor which is dominating that German Guarantor under a domination and/or profit and loss pooling agreement (Beherrschungs- und/oder Gewinnabführungsvertrag) ("DPLPA") or an uninterrupted chain of DPLPAs, unless and to the extent that German Guarantor:
(A) evidences to the Security Agent that at the time of enforcement of the Up-Stream or Cross-Stream Guarantee there is a final and unappealable judgment of the German Federal Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof) or more than one higher courts (Oberlandesgerichte); or
(B) provides the Security Agent with a legal opinion (Rechtsgutachten) prepared by a law firm of international standard and reputation as agreed between that German Guarantor and the Security Agent which law firm has not acted as legal adviser to any party in relation to the Finance Documents before, that are the existence of such DPLPA does not enforced by operation lead to the inapplicability of Section 7.11(a) above at any subsequent point in time. This Section 7.11 shall apply again as section 30 paragraph 1 sentence 1 of the time such additional demands are made.German Limited Liabilities Company Act (GmbHG), provided that (x) any legal opinion will only be sufficient evidence if it comes to the unrestricted/unqualified conclusion that there would be a violation of section 30 paragraph 1 sentence 1 of the German Limited Liabilities Company Act (GmbHG) irrespective of the existence of the DPLPA and (y) the Security Agent or any other Secured Party may prove that the existence of the DPLPA is sufficient to prevent a violation of section 30 paragraph 1 sentence 1 of the German Limited Liabilities Company Act (GmbHG);
(c) to the extent that relevant German Guarantor will acquire a valuable consideration or recourse claim (vollwertiger Gegenleistungs- oder Rückgewähranspruch) against any of its direct or indirect shareholders; or
(d) if that German Guarantor has not complied with its obligations pursuant to Clauses 8.1.2 and 8.1.5 above. No reduction of the amount enforceable under this Agreement in accordance with the above limitations will prejudice the rights of the Security Agent and the Secured Parties to continue enforcing the Guarantee (subject always to the restrictions set out in this Clause 8.2) until full and irrevocable satisfaction of the Secured Obligations
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Guarantee and Adherence Agreement
German Guarantor. 268
(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 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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW the business of the German Guarantor (nicht betriebsnotwendig) shall be accounted for with their market value; andand 967770.02F-CHISR1034077.05-CHISR01A - MSW 218
(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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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 967770.02F-CHISR1034077.05-CHISR01A - MSW 219 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), unless section 30 GmbHG is violated despite of the existence of such agreement.
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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:: 1096351.01A-CHISR01A1096355.04J-CHISR01A - MSW
(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 Existing Credit Agreement 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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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 0000000.01A-CHISR01A1096355.04J-CHISR01A - MSW 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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 (Gewinnabführungsvertrag) is or will be in existence with the relevant German Guarantor (or the relevant general partner), unless Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act is violated despite of the existence of such agreement.
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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 Closing Date 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) noNr. 1 through noNr. 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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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).
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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 972172.01-CHISR01A - MSW 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 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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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:: 972172.01-CHISR01A - MSW
(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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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. 972172.01-CHISR01A - MSW
(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), unless section 30 GmbHG is violated despite of the existence of such agreement.
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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 Existing Credit Agreement 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;indirect
(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;and
(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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW the business of the German Guarantor (nicht betriebsnotwendig) shall be accounted for with their market value; andin
(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 or 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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 (Gewinnabführungsvertrag) is or will be in existence with the relevant German Guarantor (or the relevant general partner), unless Section 30 of the German Limited Liability Companies Act is violated despite of the existence of such agreement.
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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 1160299.01-CHISR1160299.03H-CHISR02A - MSW 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 Existing Credit Agreement 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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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:: 1160299.01-CHISR1160299.03H-CHISR02A - MSW
(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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(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 1 contract
Samples: Credit Agreement (Novelis Inc.)
German Guarantor. 268
(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”), 1066931.03C-CHISR01A - MSW 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 capital (Stammkapital) of such German Guarantor (or its general partner in the form of a GmbH) implemented after the Closing Effective 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 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW 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 1066931.03C-CHISR01A - MSW 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. 1060441.101066947.03-CHISR01A - MSW.
(c) In any event, the Secured 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 Secured Credit 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 Credit 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. 1066931.03C-CHISR01A - MSW
(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), unless section 30 GmbHG is violated despite of the existence of such agreement.
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