Committed Facility Agreement
EXECUTION COPY (10/19/12)
Committed Facility Agreement | ||||
BNP PARIBAS PRIME BROKERAGE, INC. (“BNPP PB, Inc.”) and the counterparty specified on the signature page (“Customer”), hereby enter into this Committed Facility Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of November 14, 2012. | ||||
Whereas BNPP PB, Inc. and Customer have entered into the U.S. PB Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “U.S. PB Agreement”) (the U.S. PB Agreement and this Agreement, collectively, the “40 Act Financing Agreements”). | ||||
Whereas this Agreement supplements and forms part of the 40 Act Financing Agreements and sets out the terms of the commitment of BNPP PB, Inc. to provide financing to Customer under the 40 Act Financing Agreements. | ||||
Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing promises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows: | ||||
1. | Definitions - | |||
(a) | Capitalized
terms not defined in this Agreement have the respective meanings assigned to them
in the U.S. PB Agreement. The 40 Act Financing Agreements are included in the term
“Contract,” as defined in the U.S. PB Agreement. |
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(b) | “Account
Agreement” means the Account Agreement attached as Exhibit A to the U.S. PB
Agreement. |
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(c) | “Borrowing”
means a draw of cash financing by Customer from BNPP PB, Inc. pursuant to Section
2 of this Agreement. |
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(d) | “Closing
Date” means November 14, 2012. |
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(e) | “Collateral
Requirements” means the collateral requirements set forth in Section 1 of Appendix
A attached hereto. |
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(f) | “Custodian”
means State Street Bank and Trust Company. |
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(g) | “Maximum
Commitment Financing” means $150 million USD (the “Financing Cap”). Customer shall
have the right to reduce the Maximum Commitment Financing upon one (1) Business
Day’s prior written notice to BNPP PB, Inc., provided that the aggregate
reduction for any calendar month shall not exceed $25 million USD. In addition, Customer
may increase the Maximum Commitment Financing upon one (1) Business Day’s prior
written notice to BNPP PB, Inc., provided that the Maximum Commitment Financing
shall not exceed the Financing Cap. |
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(h) | “Net Asset
Value” means, with respect to Customer, the aggregate net asset value of the
common stock issued by Customer calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. |
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(i) | “Outstanding
Debit Financing” means the aggregate net cash balance (excluding current short
sale proceeds) held under the 40 Act Financing Agreements if such net cash balance
is a debit, or zero if such aggregate net cash balance is a credit. For the purposes
of calculating such aggregate net cash balance, if Customer holds credit or debit
cash balances in non-USD currencies, BNPP PB, Inc. will convert each of these balances
into USD at prevailing market rates to determine Customer’s aggregate net cash
balance. |
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(j) | “Specified
Indebtedness” means any obligation (whether present or future, contingent or
otherwise, as principal or surety or otherwise) in respect of borrowed money. |
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(k) | “1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. |
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2. | Borrowings - | |||
Subject to
Section 7, BNPP PB, Inc. shall make available cash financing under the 40 Act Financing
Agreements in an amount up to the then applicable Maximum Commitment Financing.
Such cash financing shall be made available in immediately available funds. Customer
may borrow under this Section 2, prepay pursuant to Section 4 and reborrow under
this Section 2 without penalty or premium. |
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On the Closing
Date, BNPP PB, Inc. shall make funds available to Customer in an amount up to the
Maximum Commitment Financing. Each subsequent Borrowing (not to exceed the Maximum
Commitment Financing) shall be made on written notice (the “Borrow Request”), given by Customer to BNPP PB, Inc. not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York City
time) on the Business Day immediately preceding the date of the proposed Borrowing
(which must be a Business Day) by Customer. Subject to Section 7, BNPP PB, Inc.
shall, before 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the date of such Borrowing, make
available to Customer the amount of such Borrowing (provided that the Outstanding
Debit Financing, taking into account the amount specified in the Borrow Request,
does not exceed the Maximum Commitment Financing) payable to the account designated
by the Customer in such Borrow Request. |
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3. | Repayment - | |||
(a) | Upon the occurrence
of a Facility Termination Event, an event described in Section 16(a) hereof, or
the date specified in the Facility Modification Notice as described in Section 6,
all Borrowings (including all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other
amounts owing or payable hereunder) may be recalled by BNPP PB, Inc. in accordance
with Section 1 of the U.S. PB Agreement. |
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(b) | Upon the occurrence
of a Default, the BNPP Entities shall have the right to take any action described
in Section 13(c) hereof. |
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4. | Prepayments - | |||
Customer may,
upon at least one Business Day’s notice to BNPP PB, Inc. stating the proposed
date and aggregate principal amount of the prepayment, prepay all or any portion
of the outstanding principal amount of the Outstanding Debit Financing, together
with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid;
provided that Customer shall continue to be obligated to pay the commitment
fee as set forth in Appendix B in respect of any undrawn Maximum Commitment Financing. |
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5. | Interest - | |||
Customer shall
pay interest on the outstanding principal amount of each Borrowing from the date
of such Borrowing until such principal amount has been paid in full, at the rates
specified in Appendix B attached hereto. Such interest shall be payable monthly,
and if not paid when due, any unpaid interest shall be added to the principal balance
of such Borrowing(s). |
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6. | Scope of Committed Facility - | |||
Subject to
Section 7, BNPP PB, Inc. shall make available cash financing under the 40 Act Financing
Agreements in an aggregate amount up to the relevant Maximum Commitment Financing,
and may not take any of the following actions except upon at least 360 calendar
days’ prior notice (the “Facility Modification Notice”): |
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(a) | modify Appendix
A; |
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(b) | demand immediate
repayment of any cash loan under the 40 Act Financing Agreements; |
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(c) | modify the
Customer Debit Rate, as set forth in Appendix B attached hereto; |
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(d) | modify any
other fees specified in Appendix B attached hereto (the “Fees”), provided
that BNPP PB, Inc. may modify any Fees immediately if (i) the amount of such
Fees charged to BNPP PB, Inc., as the case may be, have been increased by the provider
of the relevant services or (ii) consistent with increases generally to customers;
or |
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(e) | terminate
any of the 40 Act Financing Agreements. |
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7. | Conditions for Committed Facility - | |||
The commitment
as set forth in Section 6 only applies so long as - |
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(a) | Customer satisfies
the Collateral Requirements; and |
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(b) | no Default
or Facility Termination Event has occurred. |
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8. | Commitment Fee - | |||
Customer shall
pay when due a commitment fee as set forth in Appendix B attached hereto. |
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9. | Substitution - | |||
(a) | After BNPP
PB, Inc. sends a Facility Modification Notice, Customer may not substitute any collateral, provided that Customer may purchase and sell portfolio securities in the
ordinary course of business consistent with its investment restrictions; provided
further that BNPP PB, Inc. may permit substitutions upon request, which permission
shall not be unreasonably withheld; provided further that for substitutions
of rehypothecated collateral, such collateral shall be returned for substitution
within a commercially reasonable period (in any event no later than the lesser of
three Business Days and the standard settlement period applicable to such collateral). |
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(b) | Prior to BNPP
PB, Inc. sending a Facility Modification Notice, Customer may substitute collateral,
provided that for substitutions of rehypothecated collateral, such collateral
shall be returned for substitution within a reasonable period (in any event no later
than the lesser of three Business Days and the standard settlement period applicable
to such collateral). |
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10. | Collateral Delivery - | |||
If notice
of a Collateral Requirement is sent to Customer: (i) on or before 11:00 a.m. on
any Business Day, then Customer shall deliver all required Collateral no later than
the close of business on such Business Day, and (ii) after 11:00 a.m. on any Business
Day, then Customer shall deliver all required Collateral no later than the close
of business on the immediately succeeding Business Day. |
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11. | Representations and Warranties - | |||
Customer hereby
makes all the representations and warranties as set forth in Section 5 of the Account
Agreement, which are deemed to refer to this Agreement, and such representations
and warranties shall survive each transaction and the termination of the 40 Act
Financing Agreements. |
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12. | Financial Information - | |||||
Customer shall provide BNPP PB, Inc. with copies of – | ||||||
(a) |
the most recent annual report of Customer containing financial statements certified
by independent certified public accountants and prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States, as soon as available and in
any event within 120 calendar days after the end of each fiscal year of Customer; |
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(b) |
a monthly statement of its leverage and asset coverage ratios as of the last day
of each calendar month as soon as available and in any event within 15 calendar
days after the end of each calendar month; |
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(c) |
the most recent monthly financial statement of Customer, including performance returns
and Net Asset Value of Customer, as soon as available and in any event within 30
calendar days after the end of each month; and |
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(d) |
the estimated Net Asset Value statement of Customer as of any Business Day, upon
reasonable request therefor by BNPP PB, Inc. |
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13. | Termination - | |||||
(a) |
Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Facility Termination Event, BNPP
PB, Inc. shall have the right on prior written notice to Customer to terminate this
Agreement, recall any Outstanding Debit Financing, modify Collateral Requirements,
and modify any interest rate spread, fees, charges, or expenses, in each case, in
accordance with the timeframes specified in the U.S. PB Agreement. |
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(b) |
Upon the occurrence of a NAV Trigger Event, BNPP PB, Inc. shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60) calendar days’ prior notice. |
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(c) |
Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default, the BNPP Entities may
upon prior written notice to Customer terminate any of the 40 Act Financing Agreements
and take Default Action. |
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(d) |
Each of the following events constitutes a “Default”: |
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i. | Customer fails
to meet the Collateral Requirements within the time periods set forth in Section
10; |
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ii. | any representation
or warranty made or deemed made by Customer to BNPP PB, Inc. under any 40 Act Financing
Agreements (including under Section 11 herein) proves false or misleading when made
or deemed made; |
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iii. | Customer fails
to comply with or perform any other agreement or obligation under this Agreement
or the other 40 Act Financing Agreements and such failure is not remedied within
15 days; |
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iv. | Customer becomes
bankrupt, insolvent, or subject to any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency or
similar proceeding or all or substantially all its assets become subject to a suit,
levy, enforcement, or other legal process where a secured party maintains possession
of such assets, has a resolution passed for its winding-up, official management
or liquidation (other than pursuant to a consolidation, amalgamation or merger),
seeks or becomes subject to the appointment of an administrator, provisional liquidator,
conservator, receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for
all or substantially all its assets, has a secured party take possession of all
or substantially all its assets, or takes any action in furtherance of, or indicating
its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any of the foregoing acts; |
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v. | the occurrence
and continuance of a repudiation, misrepresentation, material breach or the occurrence
of a default, termination event or similar condition (howsoever characterized, which,
for the avoidance of doubt, includes the occurrence of an Additional Termination
Event under an ISDA Master Agreement between Customer and a BNPP Entity, if applicable)
by Customer under any contract with a BNPP Entity or affiliate of a BNPP Entity
(other than a 40 Act Financing Agreement) related to a payment or posting failure
in excess of $500,000 where such event has resulted in the acceleration, termination
or close-out of all transactions under such contract; or |
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vi. | Customer fails
to comply with the provisions set forth in Section 8. |
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(e) | Each of the following events constitutes a “Facility Termination Event”: | |||||
i. | the occurrence
of a default, event of default or other similar condition or event (however described)
by Customer under one or more agreements or instruments relating to Specified Indebtedness
in an aggregate amount of not less than the Threshold which has resulted in such
Specified Indebtedness becoming due and payable under such agreements or instruments,
before it would otherwise have been due and payable. For purposes of this paragraph, “Threshold” means the lesser of (x) USD10,000,000 and (y) 3% of Customer’s Net Asset Value; |
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ii. | [Reserved] |
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iii. | the investment
management agreement between Customer and its investment advisor or any affiliate
thereof (collectively, the “Advisor”) is terminated or the Advisor otherwise
ceases to act as investment advisor of Customer; provided, however, such termination
or cessation shall not constitute a Facility Termination Event if there is a replacement
investment advisor appointed immediately who is acceptable to BNPP PB, Inc. in its
sole discretion; |
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iv. | Customer violates
Section 18 of the 1940 Act; |
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v. | Customer fails
to make any filing necessary to comply with the rules of any exchange in which its
shares are listed where such failure continues for five (5) Business Days after
notice to Customer by BNPP PB, Inc.; provided that Customer must notify BNPP
PB, Inc. immediately when it becomes aware that it has failed to comply with the
rules of any exchange in which its shares are listed, and such failure to provide
such notice shall itself constitute a Facility Termination Event; |
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vi. | Customer’s
classification under the 1940 Act becomes something other than as a “closed-end
company” as defined under Section 5 of the 1940 Act; |
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vii. | Customer enters
into any additional indebtedness with a party other than a BNPP Entity or its affiliates
beyond the financing provided hereunder through the 40 Act Financing Agreements,
including without limitation any further borrowings constituting ‘senior securities’ (as defined for purposes of Section 18 of the 0000 Xxx) or any promissory
note or other evidence of indebtedness, whether with a bank or any other person; |
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viii. | Customer changes
its fundamental investment policies; or |
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ix. | Customer pledges
to any other party, other than a BNPP Entity or its affiliates, any securities owned
or held by Customer over which Custodian has a lien; provided, however, that
pledges by Customer of assets under a Credit Support Annex to an ISDA Master Agreement
or in connection with listed call options transactions, repurchase agreements or
other portfolio transactions pursuant to Customer’s investment portfolio activities
shall be permissible; or |
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x. | Customer fails
to deliver the financial information within the time periods set out in Section
12 and such failure is not remedied within (A) five (5) days for a failure under
Sections 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c) and (B) one (1) Business Day for a failure under
Section 12(d); |
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(f) | The following event constitutes a “NAV Trigger Event”: | |||||
the Net Asset
Value of Customer as of the close of business on the last Business Day of any calendar
month declines by thirty-five percent (35%) or more from the Net Asset Value of
Customer as of the close of business on the last Business Day of the immediately
preceding calendar month (taking into account any positive or negative change caused
by capital transfers, such as redemptions, withdrawals, subscriptions, contributions
or investments, howsoever characterized, and all amounts set forth in redemption
notices received by or on behalf of Customer (notwithstanding the date the actual
redemption shall occur)). |
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14. | Reserved - | |||||
15. | Notices - | |||||
Notices under this Agreement shall be provided pursuant to Section 12(a) of the Account Agreement. | ||||||
16. | Compliance with Applicable Law - | |||||
(a) |
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, if required by Applicable Law (including, for
the avoidance of doubt, any new or amended rules, requests, guidelines and directives
promulgated in connection with current Applicable Law, including the Xxxx-Xxxxx
Xxxx Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act), upon the earlier to occur of (a)
the date that the BNPP Entities are required, in the reasonable opinion of counsel,
to do so by Applicable Law and (b) sixty (60) calendar days following the Business
Day on which the BNPP Entities provide notice to Customer that it will be required,
in the reasonable opinion of counsel, to do so by Applicable Law – |
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i. | the BNPP Entities
may terminate any 40 Act Financing Agreement and any Contract; |
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ii. | BNPP PB, Inc.
may recall any outstanding loan under the 40 Act Financing Agreements; |
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iii. | BNPP PB, Inc.
may modify the Collateral Requirements; and/or |
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iv. | the BNPP Entities
may take Default Action. |
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(b) |
This Agreement will not limit the ability of BNPP PB, Inc. to change the product
provided under this Agreement and the 40 Act Financing Agreements as necessary to
comply with Applicable Law (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any new or amended
rules, requests, guidelines and directives promulgated in connection with current
Applicable Law, including the Xxxx-Xxxxx Xxxx Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act) upon the earlier to occur of (a) the date that the BNPP Entities are required,
in the reasonable opinion of counsel, to do so by Applicable Law and (b) sixty (60)
calendar days following the Business Day on which the BNPP Entities provide notice
to Customer that it will be required. |
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(c) |
Increased Costs Due to a Change in Applicable Law - Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary set forth herein, if, based on the reasonable opinion of nationally
recognized outside counsel to BNPP PB, Inc., any change in BNPP PB, lnc.’s
interpretation of any Applicable Law or the adoption of or any changes in the same
(including, for the avoidance of doubt, any new or amended rules, requests, guidelines
and directives |
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EXECUTION COPY (10/19/12)
promulgated in connection with current Applicable Law, including the Xxxx-Xxxxx Xxxx
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act) shall result in any increase in costs
to the BNPP Entities in respect of providing financing services or in maintaining
credit extensions to Customer hereunder or under the 40 Act Financing Agreements
(the amount of such increase in costs, the “Increased Cost”), then: |
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i. | the BNPP Entities
shall notify Customer that there has been a change in Applicable Law for which Customer
will be required to pay such Increased Cost, which notice shall provide reasonable
identification of the applicable change in Applicable Law; and |
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ii. | the BNPP Entities
shall have the right beginning on the day on which the BNPP Entities incur such
Increased Cost, to increase the spread on the Customer Debit Rate (as defined in
Appendix B attached hereto) by the amount necessary to cause the relevant Customer
Debit Rate (as defined in Appendix B attached hereto) to reflect such Increased
Cost. |
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Customer shall
pay to the BNPP Entities, at the time when interest payments are otherwise due,
the interest including any increases to such rates as determined pursuant to this
section, |
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17. | Miscellaneous - | |||||
(a) |
In the event of a conflict between any provision of this Agreement and the other
40 Act Financing Agreements, this Agreement prevails. |
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(b) |
This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State
of New York, without giving effect to the conflict of laws doctrine. |
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(c) |
Section 16(c) of the Account Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement to the same extent as
if such provision had been set forth in full herein. |
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(d) |
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original
instrument and all of which together will constitute one and the same agreement. |
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(The remainder of this page is blank.) |
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EXECUTION COPY (10/19/12)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first written above.
ROYCE VALUE TRUST, INC. | |||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | ||||
Name: | Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | ||||
Title: | Vice President | ||||
BNP PARIBAS PRIME BROKERAGE, INC. | |||||
By: | /s/ Raphael Masgnaux | ||||
Name: | Raphael Masgnaux | ||||
Title: | Managing Director | ||||
BNP PARIBAS PRIME BROKERAGE, INC. | |||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxx | ||||
Name: | Xxxxxxx Xxxx | ||||
Title: | Managing Director |
EXECUTION COPY (11/06/12)
Appendix A – Collateral Requirements | ||||||
THIS APPENDIX forms a part of the Committed Facility Agreement entered into between
BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNPP PB, Inc.”) and Royce Value Trust,
Inc. (“Customer”) (the “Committed Facility Agreement”). |
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1. | Collateral Requirements - | |||||
The Collateral Requirements in relation to all positions held in the accounts established
pursuant to the 40 Act Financing Agreements (the “Positions”) shall be the
greatest of: |
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(a) the aggregate product of (x) the Collateral Percentage applicable to such Positions
and (y) the Current Market Value of such respective Positions; |
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(b) the sum of the collateral requirements of such Positions as per Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority Rule 4210 and 4210(g), each as amended from time to time; or |
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(d) 35% of the Portfolio Gross Market Value. | ||||||
2. | Eligible Securities - | |||||
(a) |
Positions in the following eligible equity security types (“Eligible Securities”, which term shall exclude any securities described in Section 2(b)) are covered
under the Committed Facility Agreement: |
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i. | USD common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, NYSE Arca, and NYSE Amex Equities; or | |||||
ii. | USD and non-USD
common stock, provided such stock is (A) listed in the FTSE All-World Index, (B)
traded on a major exchange in one of the following countries: Canada, United Kingdom,
France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Finland, Belgium,
Japan, Australia or Portugal and (C) denominated in one of the following currencies:
USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHF, AUD, SEK, NOK, DKK, HKD1, SGD or ZAR. |
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(b) |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following will not be part of the collateral commitment and shall have no collateral value: |
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i. | any security type not covered above, as determined by BNPP PB, Inc. in its sole discretion; | |||||
ii. | any short security position; | |||||
iii. | any security offered through a private placement or any restricted securities; | |||||
iv. | any security that is not maintained as a book-entry security on a major depository, such as The Depository Trust Company; | |||||
v. | any securities
that are debt securities, municipal securities, asset-backed securities, mortgage
securities, or Structured Securities (notwithstanding the fact that such securities
would otherwise be covered); |
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EXECUTION COPY (11/06/12)
vi. | any security
where Customer or Customer’s Advisor (A) is an Affiliate of the Issuer of the
relevant equity securities or (ii) beneficially owns more than 9% of either (a)
the voting interests of the Issuer or (b) any voting class of equity securities
of the Issuer (in each case, whether such positions are held in accounts established
pursuant to the 40 Act Financing Agreements or otherwise). For the avoidance of
doubt, for purposes of determining beneficial ownership, any convertible debt of
preferred debt shall be treated as converted; |
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vii. | to the extent
that the Gross Market Value of non-USD denominated Positions exceeds 50% of the
Portfolio Gross Market Value, any non-USD denominated Positions in excess of such
50% (and BNPP PB, Inc. shall determine in its sole discretion which specific securities
shall be considered to be in excess of 50%); |
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viii. | to the extent
that the Gross Market Value of Positions denominated in HKD, SGD or ZAR (each an “Identified Currency”) is greater than 10% of the Portfolio Gross Market
Value, any Positions denominated in such Identified Currency in excess of such 10%
(and BNPP PB, Inc. shall determine in its sole discretion which specific securities
shall be considered to be in excess of 10%); |
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ix. | any security
with a market capitalization of less than USD $100,000,000; |
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x. | to the extent
that the Gross Market Value of Positions with a market capitalization between USD $100,000,000
and USD $300,000,000 is greater than 35% of the Portfolio Gross Market Value, any
Positions in excess of such 35% (and BNPP PB, Inc. shall determine in its sole discretion
which specific securities shall be considered to be in excess of such 35%); |
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xi. | to the extent
that the Gross Market Value of Positions in any industry subgroup (as defined by
Bloomberg) exceeds 35% of the Portfolio Gross Market Value, any Positions in excess
of such 35% (and BNPP PB, Inc. shall determine in its sole discretion which specific
securities shall be considered to be in excess of such 35%); |
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xii. | any Positions
with an Issuer Position Concentration equal to or greater than 10%; |
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xiii. | any Positions
with Days of Trading Volume equal to or greater than 10; and |
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xiv. | any Positions
with Equity Volatility equal to or greater than 100%. |
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3. | Equity Securities Collateral Percentage - | |||||
The Collateral Percentage for an equity Position consisting of applicable Eligible Securities shall be: | ||||||
i. | subject to
paragraph ii below, the sum of (A) the Equity Core Collateral Rate and (B) the product
of (I) the Equity Core Collateral Rate and (II) the sum of the Equity Concentration
Factor, the Equity Liquidity Factor, and the Equity Volatility Factor, or |
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ii. | 100% if the
product determined under paragraph (i) above is greater than 100%. |
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(a) | Equity Concentration Factor. | |||||
The “Equity Concentration Factor” shall be determined pursuant to the following table. |
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EXECUTION COPY (11/06/12)
Issuer Position Concentration | Equity Concentration Factor |
Equal to or greater than 5%and less than 10% | 0.5 |
(b) | Equity Liquidity Factor. | ||
The “Equity Liquidity Factor” shall be determined pursuant to the following table. |
Days of Trading Volume | Equity Liquidity Factor |
Less than 2 | 0 |
Equal to or greater than 2 and less than 4 | 1 |
Equal to or greater than 4 and less than 6 | 2 |
Equal to or greater than 6 and less than 8 | 3 |
Equal to or greater than 8 and less than 10 | 4 |
(c) | Equity Volatility Factor. | ||
The “Equity Volatility Factor” shall be determined pursuant to the following table. |
Equity Volatility | Equity Volatility Factor |
Less than 35% | 0 |
Equal to or greater than 35% and less than 50% | 0.5 |
Equal to or greater than 50% and less than 75% | 1 |
Equal to or greater than 75% and less than 100% | 2 |
4. | Positions Outside the Scope of this Appendix - | |||
For the avoidance of doubt, the Collateral Requirements set forth herein are limited
to the types and sizes of securities specified herein. The Collateral Requirement
for any Position or part of a Position not covered by the terms of this Appendix
shall be determined by BNPP PB, Inc. in its sole discretion. |
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5. | One-off Collateral Requirements - | |||
From time to time BNPP PB, Inc., in its sole discretion, may agree to a different
Collateral Requirement than the Collateral Requirement determined by this Appendix
for a particular Position; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the
commitment in Section 6(a) of the Committed Facility Agreement shall apply only
with respect to the Collateral Requirements based upon the Collateral Percentage
determined pursuant to Sections 3 and 4 hereof and BNPP PB, Inc. shall have the
right at any time to increase the Collateral Requirement for such Position up to
the Collateral Requirement that would be required as determined in accordance to
Sections 3 and 4 hereof. |
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6. | Certain Definitions - | |||
(a) | “Affiliate” means an affiliate as defined in Rule 144(a)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933. | |||
(b) | “Bloomberg” means the Bloomberg Professional service. | |||
(c) | “Collateral Percentage” means the percentage as determined by BNPP PB, Inc. according to this Appendix A. |
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EXECUTION COPY (11/06/12)
(d) | “Current
Market Value” means with respect to a Position, an amount equal to the absolute
value of the product of (i) the number of units of the relevant security and (ii)
the price per unit of the relevant security (determined by BNPP PB, Inc.). |
||
(e) | “Days of
Trading Volume” means with respect to an equity security, an amount equal to
the quotient of (i) the number of shares of such security constituting the Position,
as numerator and (ii) the 90-day average daily trading volume of such security as
shown on Bloomberg (or, if the 90-day average daily trading volume of such security
is unavailable, the 30-day average daily trading volume of such security, as determined
by BNPP PB, Inc. in its sole discretion), as denominator. |
||
(f) | “Equity
Core Collateral Rate” means 15%. |
||
(g) | “Equity
Volatility” means with respect to an equity security, the 90-day historical
volatility of such security as determined by BNPP PB, Inc. in its sole discretion
or, if the 90-day historical price volatility of such security is unavailable, the
30-day historical price volatility of such security as determined by BNPP PB, Inc.
in its sole discretion. |
||
(h) | “Gross
Market Value” of one or more Positions means an amount equal to the sum of all
Current Market Values of all such Positions, where, for the avoidance of doubt,
the Current Market Value of each Position is expressed as a positive number whether
or not such Position is held long. |
||
(i) | “Issuer” means, with respect to an equity security, the ultimate parent company or similar
term as used by Bloomberg; provided that, if the relevant security was issued
by a company or a subsidiary of a company that has issued common stock, the Issuer
shall be deemed to be the entity that has issued common stock; provided further
that, with respect to any exchange-traded funds, the Issuer of such securities
shall be the index to which the relevant securities relate, if any. |
||
(j) | “Issuer
Position Concentration” means with respect to a Position issued by an Issuer,
an amount equal to the quotient of (i) the Gross Market Value of all Positions issued
by the same Issuer, as numerator and (ii) the Portfolio Gross Market Value, expressed
as a percentage. |
||
(k) | “Portfolio
Gross Market Value” means the Gross Market Value of all of the Positions that
are Eligible Securities. |
||
(l) | “Structured
Securities” means any security (i) the payment to a holder of which is linked
to a different security, provided that such different security is issued by a different
issuer or (ii) structured in such a manner that the credit risk of acquiring the
security is primarily related to an entity other than the issuer of the security
itself. |
4
EXECUTION COPY (11/06/12)
Appendix B
Pricing
Royce Value Trust, Inc. |
Financing Rate |
Customer Debit Rate
3 Month LIBOR + 95 bps
ISO Code
USD
Commitment Fee |
Customer shall pay a commitment fee (the “Commitment Fee”) to BNPP PB, Inc. equal to sum of the Daily Commitment Fees over the relevant calculation period, when the amount calculated under the Financing Rate above is due. For purposes of this section, the “Daily Commitment Fee” on each day shall be the product of (a) the difference between (i) the Maximum Commitment Financing and (ii) the current Outstanding Debit Financing, (b) 1/360 and (c) 50 bps.
FIRST AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (“Amendment”) dated as of January 15, 2014 to the Committed Facility Agreement dated November 14, 2012 between BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNPP PB, Inc.”) and Royce Value Trust, Inc. (“Customer”).
WHEREAS, BNPP
PB, Inc. and Customer previously entered into a Committed Facility Agreement dated
as of November 14, 2012 (as amended from time to time, the “Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Agreement as provided herein;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements provided herein, the parties agree to amend the Agreement as follows:
1. | Amendment to “Maximum Commitment Financing” Definition | |||
Section l (g) of the Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with: | ||||
(g) | “Maximum Commitment Financing” means $70 million USD. Customer shall have the right to reduce the Maximum Commitment Financing upon one (l) Business Day’s prior written notice to BNPP PB, Inc., provided that the aggregate reduction for any calendar month shall not exceed $25 million USD. In addition, Customer may, subject to BNPP PB, Inc.’s approval, increase the Maximum Commitment Financing upon one (l) Business Day’s prior written notice to BNPP PB, Inc., provided that the Maximum Commitment Financing shall not exceed $150 million USD (the “Financing Cap”). | |||
2. | Representations | |||
Each party represents to the other party that all representations contained in the Agreement are true and accurate as of the date of this Amendment and that such representations are deemed to be given or repeated by each party, as the case may be, on the date of this Amendment. | ||||
3. | Miscellaneous | |||
(a) | Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings specified for such terms in the Agreement. | |||
(b) | Entire Agreement. The Agreement as amended and supplemented by this Amendment constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all oral communications and prior writings (except as otherwise provided herein) with respect thereto. Except as expressly set forth herein, the terms and conditions of the Agreement remain in full force and effect. | |||
(c) | Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by facsimile transmission), each of which will be deemed an original. | |||
(d) | Headings. The headings used in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into consideration in interpreting this Amendment. | |||
(e) | Governing Law. This Amendment will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without reference to choice of law doctrine). | |||
(Signature page follows)
1
IN WlTNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Amendment with effect from the first date specified on the first page of this Amendment.
BNP PARIBAS PRIME BROKERAGE, INC. | ROYCE VALUE TRUST, INC. | |
/s/ X. Xxxxxxx Xxx | /s/ Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | |
Name: X. Xxxxxxx Xxx | Name: Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | |
Title: Chief Executive Officer | Title: Vice President | |
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxx | ||
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxx | ||
Title: Managing Director |
2
SECOND AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (“Amendment”) dated as of October 7, 2014 to the Committed Facility Agreement dated November 14, 2012 between BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNPP PB, Inc.”) and Royce Value Trust, Inc. (“Customer”).
WHEREAS, BNPP PB, Inc. and Customer previously entered into a Committed Facility Agreement dated as of November 14, 2012 (as amended from time to time, the “Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Agreement as provided herein;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements provided herein, the parties agree to amend the Agreement as follows:
1. | Amendment to “Maximum Commitment Financing” Definition | |||
The definition of “Maximum Commitment Financing” in Section l(g) of the Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the words “$45 million USD” currently appearing therein with the words “$60 million USD”. | ||||
2. | Representations | |||
Each party represents to the other party that all representations contained in the Agreement are true and accurate as of the date of this Amendment and that such representations are deemed to be given or repeated by each party, as the case may be, on the date of this Amendment. | ||||
3. | Miscellaneous | |||
(a) | Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings specified for such terms in the Agreement. | |||
(b) | Entire Agreement. The Agreement as amended and supplemented by this Amendment constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all oral communications and prior writings (except as otherwise provided herein) with respect thereto. Except as expressly set forth herein, the terms and conditions of the Agreement remain in full force and effect. | |||
(c) | Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by facsimile transmission), each of which will be deemed an original. | |||
(d) | Headings. The headings used in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into consideration in interpreting this Amendment. | |||
(e) | Governing Law. This Amendment will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without reference to choice of law doctrine). |
(Signature page follows)
1
IN WlTNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Amendment with effect from the first
date
specified on the first page of this Amendment.
BNP PARIBAS PRIME BROKERAGE, INC. | ROYCE VALUE TRUST, INC. | |
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxx | /s/ Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxx | Name: Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | |
Title: Managing Director | Title: Vice President | |
/s/ XX Xxxx | ||
Name: XX Xxxx | ||
Title: Managing Director |
2
THIRD AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (“Amendment”) dated as of October 10, 2014 to the Committed Facility Agreement dated November 14, 2012 between BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNPP PB, Inc.”) and Royce Value Trust, Inc. (“Customer”).
WHEREAS, BNPP PB, Inc. and Customer previously entered into a Committed Facility Agreement dated as of November 14, 2012 (as amended from time to time, the “Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Agreement as provided herein;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements provided herein, the parties agree to amend the Agreement as follows:
1. | Amendment to “Maximum Commitment Financing” Definition | |||
The definition of “Maximum Commitment Financing” in Section l(g) of the Agreement is hereby amended by replacing the words “$60 million USD” currently appearing therein with the words “$70 million USD”. | ||||
2. | Representations | |||
Each party represents to the other party that all representations contained in the Agreement are true and accurate as of the date of this Amendment and that such representations are deemed to be given or repeated by each party, as the case may be, on the date of this Amendment. | ||||
3. | Miscellaneous | |||
(a) | Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings specified for such terms, in the Agreement. | |||
(b) | Entire Agreement. The Agreement as amended and supplemented by this Amendment constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all oral communications and prior writings (except as otherwise provided herein) with respect thereto. Except as expressly set forth herein, the terms and conditions of the Agreement remain in full force and effect. | |||
(c) | Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by facsimile transmission), each of which will be deemed an original. | |||
(d) | Headings. The headings used in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into consideration in interpreting this Amendment. | |||
(c) | Governing Law. This Amendment will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without reference to choice of law doctrine). |
(Signature page follows)
1
IN WlTNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Amendment with effect from the first date specified on the first page of this Amendment.
BNP PARIBAS PRIME BROKERAGE, INC. | ROYCE VALUE TRUST, INC. | |
/s/ X. Xxxxxxx Xxx | /s/ Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | |
Name: X. Xxxxxxx Xxx | Name: Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | |
Title: Chief Executive Officer | Title: Vice President | |
/s/ XX Xxxx | ||
Name: XX Xxxx | ||
Title: Managing Director |
2
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
TO
THE COMMITTED FACILITY AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (“Amendment”) dated as of December 14, 2015 to the Committed Facility Agreement dated as of November 14, 2012 between BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNPP PB, Inc.”) and Royce Value Trust, Inc. (“Customer”).
WHEREAS, BNPP PB, Inc. and Customer previously entered into a Committed Facility Agreement dated as of November 14, 2012 (as amended from time to time prior to this Amendment, the “Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the Agreement as provided herein:
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements provided herein, the parties agree to amend the Agreement as follows:
1. | Amendment to Section 1 of the Agreement (‘Definitions’) | |||
The following definition is hereby added to Section 1 of the Agreement in alphabetical order, reordering such other definitions as appropriate: | ||||
“Funding Event” means on any day (the “Date of Determination”), BNP Paribas’ long-term credit rating has declined to a level three or more notches, as shown in Exhibit 1 attached hereto, below its highest rating by any of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Xxxxx’x Investor Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings, Ltd. during the period beginning on and including October 15, 2015 and ending on and including such Date of Determination.” | ||||
2. | Amendment to Section 6 (‘Scope of Committed Facility’) | |||
Section 6 of the Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following to the end thereof: | ||||
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, on or at any time after the occurrence of a Funding Event, BNPP PB, Inc. shall have the option to terminate the Agreement immediately upon notice. Upon termination resulting from the exercise of such option, BNPP PB, Inc. shall pay to Customer a fee equal to 50 bps on the Maximum Commitment Financing, BNPP PB, Inc. shall provide notice to Customer of any downgrade of BNP Paribas’ long-term credit rating by any of Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, Xxxxx’x Investor Service, Inc. or Fitch Ratings, Ltd.” | ||||
3. | Representations | |||
Each party represents to the other party that all representations contained in the Agreement are true and accurate as of the date of this Amendment and that such representations are deemed to be given or repeated by each party, as the case may be, on the date of this Amendment. | ||||
4. | Miscellaneous | |||
(a) | Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings specified for such terms in the Agreement. | |||
(b) | Entire Agreement. This Amendment constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all oral communications and prior writings (except as otherwise provided herein) with respect thereto. | |||
(c) | Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by facsimile transmission), each of which will be deemed an original. |
1
(d) | Headings. The headings used in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into consideration in interpreting this Amendment. | |||
(e) | Governing Law. This Amendment will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without reference to choice of law doctrine). | |||
(Signature page follows.) |
2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Amendment with effect from the first date specified on the first page of Amendment.
BNP PARIBAS PRIME BROKERAGE, INC. | ROYCE VALUE TRUST, INC. | |||||
/s/ XX Xxxx | /s/ Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | |||||
Name: | XX Xxxx | Name: | Xxxxxx X. X’Xxxxx | |||
Title: | Managing Director | Title: | Vice President | |||
/s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxx | ||||||
Name: | Xxxxxxx Xxxx | |||||
Title: | Managing Director |
3
Exhibit 1
Credit Agency
Ratings Notches
Fitch | S&P | Moody’s |
AAA | AAA | Aaa |
AA+ | AA+ | Aa1 |
AA | AA | Aa2 |
AA- | AA- | Aa3 |
A+ | A+ | A1 |
A | A | A2 |
X- | X- | X0 |
BBB+ | BBB+ | Baa1 |
BBB | BBB | Baa2 |
BBB- | BBB- | Baa3 |
BB+ | BB+ | Xx0 |
XX | XX | Xx0 |
XX- | XX- | Xx0 |
B+ | B+ | B1 |
B | B | B2 |
B- | B- | B3 |
CCC+ | CCC+ | Caa1 |
CCC | CCC | Caa2 |
CCC- | CCC- | Caa3 |
CC | CC | Ca |
C | C | |
DDD | SD | C |
DD | D | |
D |
4
FIFTH AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
TO THE COMMITTED FACILITY AGREEMENT
FIFTH AMENDMENT AGREEMENT (“Amendment”) dated as of December 15, 2016, to the Committed Facility Agreement between BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNPP PB”) and Royce Value Trust, Inc (“Customer”), dated as of November 14, 2012 (the “CFA”), as amended from time to time.
WHEREAS, BNPP PB and Customer previously entered into the CFA, as amended by the First Amendment Agreement dated as of January 15, 2014, Second Amendment Agreement dated as of October 7, 2014, Third Amendment Agreement dated as of October 10, 2014, Fourth Amendment Agreement dated as of December 14, 2015, and Fifth Amendment Agreement dated as of March 15, 2016;
WHEREAS, the CFA as amended to date shall be referred to herein as the “Agreement”;
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to amend the agreement as provided herein;
NOT THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements provided herein; the parties agree to amend the Agreement as follows:
1. | Amendment to the Collateral Requirements in Section 1 in Appendix A of the Agreement | |||
The Collateral Requirements in Section 1 in Appendix A of the Agreement is hereby amended by inserting of following language after the words “from time to time,” as the end of subsection (b) and before the words “or (d)”: | ||||
(c) the sum of the collateral requirements of such Positions as per Regulation T or Regulation X, as applicable, of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as amended from time to time. | ||||
2. | Representations | |||
Each party represents of the other party that all representation contained in the Agreement are true and accurate as of the date of this Amendment and that such representations are deemed to be given or repeated by each party, as the case may be, on the date of this Amendment. | ||||
3. | Miscellaneous | |||
(a) | Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings specified for such terms in the Agreement. | |||
(b) | Entire Agreement. This Amendment constitutes the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all oral communications and prior writings (except as otherwise provided herein) with respect thereto. | |||
(c) | Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed and delivered in counterparts (including by facsimile transmission), each of which will be deemed an original. | |||
(d) | Heading. The headings used in this Amendment are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction of or to be taken into consideration in interpreting this Amendment. | |||
(e) | Governing Law. This Amendment will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without reference of choice of law doctrine). | |||
(Signature page follows.) |
1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Amendment with effect from the first date specified on the first page of the Amendment.
BNP PARIBAS PRIME BROKERAGE, INC. | ROYCE VALUE TRUST, INC. | |||||
/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx | /s/ Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | |||||
Name: | Xxxxx Xxxxxxx | Name: | Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | |||
Title: | Managing Director | Title: | CEO | |||
/s/ Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||||||
Name: | Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx | |||||
Title: | Managing Director |
2
BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc.
BNP
Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Ltd.
c/o BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage,
Inc.
000 0xx Xxxxxx
0xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
December 15, 2016
Re: Assignment of Financing Agreements (as
defined below)
To: Royce Value Trust, Inc.
Reference is made to the U.S. PB Agreement between Royce Value Trust, Inc. (“Customer”) and BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNPP PB”), dated as of November 14, 2012, as amended from time to time (the “Account Agreement”), and the Committed Facility Agreement between Customer and BNPP PB, dated as of November 14, 2012, as amended from time to time (the “CFA” and, together with the Account Agreement, the “Financing Agreements”).
This notice is to inform you that pursuant to section 16(c) of the Account Agreement and section 17(c) of the CFA, BNPP PB is hereby assigning the Financing Agreements and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto and in connection therewith to BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Ltd. (“PBL”), effective as of December 15, 2016 (the “Effective Date”). All references to BNPP PB in each Financing Agreement and in any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto and in connection therewith are, as of the Effective Date, hereby deleted and replaced in their entirety with references to PBL.
In addition, we are notifying you that, subject in all cases to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreements and the Special Custody and Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2014, as amended from time to time (the “SCPA”), by and among Royce Value Trust, Inc. (“Customer”), State Street Bank and Trust Company (“Custodian”), and BNPP PB, we will be instructing Custodian as of the Effective Date to: (i) re-name the Special Custody Account (as defined in the SCPA) and the Funding Event Special Custody Account (as defined in the SCPA) so that “BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Ltd.” (and not BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc.) is the Pledgee of Customer for each account and (ii) continue to hold any Collateral (as defined in the SCPA) therein.
As a result of this assignment, the rights and obligations of BNPP PB under each Financing Agreement shall be transferred to, and are expressly assumed by, PBL and any obligations of Customer to BNPP PB shall now be obligation to PBL. Each Financing Agreement shall continue in full force and effect except as expressly modified or amended herein.
Please reach out to us should you have any questions. |
Best regards, |
BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. |
By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
Title: Managing Director |
By: /s/ Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
Name: Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
Title: Managing Director |
BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Ltd. |
By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
Title: Managing Director |
By: /s/ Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
Name: Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxx |
Title: Managing Director |