Contract
Exhibit 99.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED SERVICE AGREEMENT
THIS SERVICE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is dated as of this 28th day of June, 2013, by and between Comenity Servicing LLC (“Servicer”), a Texas limited liability company with its principal place of business at 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000, and Comenity Bank (“Bank”), a Delaware state bank, with its principal place of business at Xxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000, Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Bank and Servicer entered into that certain Service Agreement dated as of February 1, 2013 (the “2013 Service Agreement”) to outsource certain data processing activities and certain other administrative and servicing functions; and
WHEREAS, Bank and Servicer wish to terminate the 2013 Service Agreement in its entirety and enter into the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, Servicer and the Bank agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
SERVICING AND COMPENSATION
Section 1.1 Services and Service Standards.
(a) Covered Services. Subject to the terms of the Agreement, Servicer, as an independent contractor, shall provide to the Bank the services as more fully described in Appendix A (collectively, the “Services”). Bank is not obligated to take each of the Services, nor will Servicer have any right to be Bank’s exclusive provider of any such Services. Bank may take and pay for any of such Services at its discretion, or discontinue any Service(s), in whole or in part, and obtain such Service(s) from a third party. The parties will work in good faith to determine an appropriate reduction in the fee described in Section 1.2 for any reduction in Services. If Bank desires to terminate all Services, such termination will be treated as a termination of the Agreement and subject to Section 2.2.
(b) Servicing Standards. Servicer agrees to perform the Services in accordance with the Service Standards set forth in Appendix B, or any other service standards as specifically directed by Bank and agreed to by Servicer for individual client(s). To the extent that any level of service required by Bank is not enumerated in Appendix B, Servicer agrees to provide at least the same level of service to Bank that Servicer provides to other clients.
(c) Reporting. In addition, Servicer shall continue to provide the number, types and content of reports regarding servicing that it currently provides Bank under the 2013 Service Agreement, as well as any other reports reasonably requested by Bank from time to time.
(d) Designation of Servicing Representatives. In providing the Services, representatives of Servicer may state that they are calling “on behalf of Comenity Bank” or “for Comenity Bank” or refer to themselves as “Comenity Servicing” or use other similar designations approved by Bank from time to time, but shall not state that they are employees of Comenity Bank.
Section 1.2 Compensation by Bank for Services. Bank shall pay Servicer for Services performed in accordance with the fee schedule set forth in Appendix C.
Section 1.3 Bank Duties. Insofar as the performance of Services under the Agreement requires data, documents, information or materials required to be furnished by Bank, Bank agrees to furnish the data, documents, information or materials reasonably necessary and within such time as may reasonably be necessary in order for Servicer to perform the Services in a prompt workmanlike manner and within the service standards set forth herein.
ARTICLE 2
TERM AND TERMINATION
Section 2.1 Term. The Agreement shall become effective as of June 1, 2013 (the “Effective Date”) and shall continue in full force and effect for a period of two (2) years from such date (“Initial Term”), unless terminated in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. The Agreement shall automatically renew for consecutive one (1) year terms (each a “Renewal Term”), unless terminated by either party as specified below.
Section 2.2 Termination. The Agreement will terminate (i) if either party gives written notice of termination not less than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the Initial or any Renewal Term; (ii) if either party fails to perform any of its material obligations or duties under the Agreement or commits a material breach of its representations and warranties and such failure to perform or breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice is provided to the defaulting party; (iii) if either party gives at least thirty (30) days prior written notice of termination to the other party, or (iv) if either party becomes insolvent or generally unable to pay its debts as they become due or shall become the subject of a bankruptcy, conservatorship, receivership or similar proceeding, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, the other party may terminate the Agreement, subject to applicable creditor rights laws. Notwithstanding the above, the parties agree to cooperate for a period of up to one hundred eighty (180) days following the termination of the Agreement to ensure orderly transition by Servicer of its duties hereunder to either Bank or Bank’s designated substitute provider of Services.
Section 2.3 Other Provisions. Article1, Article 4, Article 5 and the relevant provisions of this Article 2, and the related obligations of each, including, without limitation Bank’s obligation to pay Servicer for Services performed and Servicer’s obligations to pay Bank pursuant to Appendix B, shall survive the termination of the Agreement.
Section 2.4 Step-In Right. If Bank’s right to terminate the Agreement arises pursuant to clause (iv) of Section 2.2, in addition to Bank’s termination right and regardless of whether Bank exercises such right, the following shall apply:
(a) Servicer shall continue to provide the Service in accordance with the terms of the Agreement, including for the one hundred eighty (180) post-termination transition period referenced in Section 2.2 above.
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(b) Servicer shall provide Bank such access to the computer systems (hardware and software) and data used by Servicer to provide the Services hereunder, including general ledger systems, reporting systems, network and information systems, records systems, system backup data, and tax information, as shall be necessary to enable Bank to ensure the continued availability of Services pursuant to the Agreement.
(c) Bank shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to assume managerial oversight of all Service personnel involved in the provision of the Services to Bank for the sole purpose of ensuring the continued availability of Services pursuant to the Agreement.
(d) To the extent permitted by applicable law, Servicer shall, at Bank’s sole discretion, assign to Bank, and Bank shall assume, Servicer’s rights and associated obligations under any agreement with a Subcontractor utilized by Servicer to provide the Services, in each case solely to the extent permissible under such agreement and solely to the extent necessary to ensure the continued availability of Services pursuant to the Agreement.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 3.1 Performance. Servicer represents and warrants that it has all of the necessary facilities and qualified personnel to provide the Services in accordance with the terms of the Agreement; that it shall perform its obligations hereunder at all times and in all respects in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and that it will perform its obligations hereunder in a timely manner and with due care.
Section 3.2 Organizational Existence. Each party to the Agreement represents and warrants to the other party that it: (i) is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization; (ii) is duly qualified and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualifications; (iii) has the requisite corporate power and authority and the legal right to own, pledge, mortgage, and operate its properties, to lease the properties it operates under lease, and to conduct its business as now conducted and hereafter contemplated to be conducted; (iv) has all necessary licenses, permits, consents, or approvals from or by, and has made all necessary notices to, all authorities having jurisdiction, to the extent required for such current ownership and operation or as proposed to be conducted; and (v) is in compliance with its certificate of incorporation and by-laws.
Section 3.3 Corporate Power. Each party to the Agreement represents and warrants to the other party that the execution, delivery, and performance of the Agreement and all instruments and documents to be delivered hereunder: (i) are within the party’s corporate power; (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary or proper corporate action; (iii) do not and will not contravene any provisions of the party’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws; (iv) will not violate any law or regulation or any order or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality; (v) will not conflict with or result in the breach of, or constitute a default under any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, lease, agreement, or other instrument to which it is a party or by which any of its property is bound; and (vi) do not require any filing or registration with or the consent or approval of any governmental body, agency, authority, or any other person which has not been made or obtained previously. The Agreement has been duly executed and delivered, and constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the extent that enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect and to the availability of equitable remedies.
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Section 3.4 Solvency. Each party to the Agreement represents and warrants to the other party that it is Solvent. “Solvent,” as to an entity for purposes of the Agreement, means (i) such entity is presently able generally to pay its debts as they become due and (ii) such entity does not have unreasonably small capital to carry on such entity’s business as theretofore operated and all business in which such entity is about to or intends to engage.
Section 3.5 No Default. Each party to the Agreement represents and warrants to the other party that it is not in default with respect to any material contract, agreement, lease, or other instrument to which it is a party, nor has it received any notice of default under any such material contract, agreement, lease or other instrument which as a consequence of any such default, would materially and adversely affect the performance of its obligations under the Agreement.
Section 3.6 No Burdensome Restrictions. Each party to the Agreement represents and warrants to the other party that no contract, lease agreement, or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound, and no provision of applicable law or governmental regulation, materially and adversely affects the business, operation, prospects, property, or financial condition of the party such as to impair its ability to meet its obligations under the Agreement.
Section 3.7 Information Correct. Each party to the Agreement represents and warrants to the other party that all information furnished for purposes of or in connection with the Agreement or any information hereafter furnished, is to the best of such parties’ knowledge, true and correct in all material respects and no such information omits to state a material fact necessary to make the information so furnished not misleading. There is no fact known which has not been disclosed and which materially and adversely affects the financial condition, business, property, or prospects of the party.
Section 3.8 No Termination Event. Each party to the Agreement represents and warrants to the other party that no event which, with notice or the passage of time or both, would permit termination of the Agreement has occurred and is continuing or, to the best knowledge of the party, is threatened to occur.
ARTICLE 4
CONFIDENTIALITY
Section 4.1 Duty of Confidentiality. In connection with the performance of the Agreement, each party may receive information which the other party (the “Furnishing Party”) has identified to the party receiving such information (the “Receiving Party”) as being confidential or proprietary to the Furnishing Party, or otherwise not generally available to the public (collectively, the “Confidential Information”). Confidential Information, includes, but is not limited to, the confidential and proprietary information of either party or its affiliates, subsidiaries, or parent companies disclosed by either party to the other party, either directly or indirectly, in writing, orally or by inspection of tangible objects (including, without limitation, documents, prototypes, samples, plant and equipment). Confidential Information includes, by way of example, but without limitation, the Business Information, Technical Information, and Personal Information described below.
(a) Examples of ”Business Information” are: business models, know-how, designs, reports, data, research, financial information, pricing information, corporate client information, market definitions and information, and business inventions and ideas.
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(b) Examples of “Technical Information” are: software, algorithms, developments, inventions, processes, ideas, designs, drawings, engineering, hardware configuration, and technical specifications, including, but not limited to, computer terminal specifications, the source code developed from such specifications, all derivative and reverse-engineered works of the specifications, and the documentation and software related to the source code, the specifications and the derivative works.
(c) Examples of “Personal Information” are: all non-public personal information of or related to individual customers or consumers of either party, including but not limited to names, addresses, telephone numbers, account numbers, customer lists, and account, financial or transaction information.
Each party agrees (i) to keep the Confidential Information confidential and (ii) not to use or disclose the Confidential Information for any purpose, other than the purpose for which it was disclosed, without the prior written consent of the Furnishing Party.
Section 4.2 Information which is not Confidential Information. For purposes of the Agreement, “Confidential Information,” with the exclusion of Personal Information, shall not include: (i) information in the public domain at the time that it was provided by the Furnishing Party or subsequently came in to the public domain other than as a result of breach of the confidentiality provisions contained herein; (ii) information obtained from a third party (provided such party was not bound by confidentiality agreements with the Furnishing Party); (iii) information is released by the Furnishing Party to anyone without restriction; (iv) information that was known to the Receiving Party prior to its disclosure without any obligation to keep it confidential as evidenced by tangible records kept by the Receiving Party in the ordinary course of business; or (v) information independently developed by the Receiving Party.
Section 4.3 Preservation of Confidential Information. Procedures to Protect. Security Controls. The Receiving Party shall disclose Confidential Information only to those of its employees who have a need to know in order to accomplish the purposes of the Agreement. Each party shall use its best efforts to ensure that its employees take such action as shall be necessary or advisable to preserve and protect the confidentiality of Confidential Information. In addition, the Receiving Party shall establish commercially reasonable controls to ensure the confidentiality of Confidential Information and to ensure that Confidential Information is not disclosed contrary to the provisions of the Agreement, GLBA, or any other applicable laws. Without limiting the foregoing, each party shall implement such physical and other security measures as are necessary to (i) ensure the security and confidentiality of Confidential Information, (ii) protect against threats or hazards to the security and integrity of Confidential Information, and (iii) protect against unauthorized access to or use of Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall disclose Confidential Information only to those of its employees who have a need to know in order to accomplish the purposes of the Agreement. Each party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its employees take such action as shall be necessary or advisable to preserve and protect the confidentiality of Confidential Information. The parties shall, at a minimum, establish and maintain such data security program as is necessary to meet the objectives of the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safeguarding customer Information, as set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 12 C.F.R. Parts 30, 208, 211, 225, 263, 308, 364, 568, and 570. Servicer shall immediately notify Bank in the event it believes, or has reason to believe, that a security breach or any other unauthorized intrusion has occurred. Servicer shall estimate the intrusion’s impact on the Bank and shall specify any corrective action taken by Servicer.
Section 4.4 Return of Confidential Information. The Receiving Party shall, at the Furnishing Party’s option, either destroy or return the Confidential Information to the Furnishing
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Party as soon as possible after completion of the Services or other circumstances for which such Confidential Information was disclosed. Upon written request or upon termination of the Agreement, the Receiving Party shall, at its option, either destroy or return to the Furnishing Party such Confidential Information in its possession or control.
Section 4.5 Compelled Disclosure. If the Receiving Party is legally compelled (including, without limitation, by law, rule, regulation, stock exchange or governmental regulating or administrative or similar agency, as part of a judicial or administrative proceeding or otherwise, by deposition, interrogatory, request for information or documents, subpoena, civil or criminal investigative demand or otherwise) to disclose any Confidential Information, the Receiving Party shall promptly notify, where allowed by law to do so, the Furnishing Party to permit the Furnishing Party to seek a protective order or take other appropriate action. The Receiving Party shall also cooperate in the Furnishing Party’s efforts to obtain a protective order or other reasonable assurance that the Confidential Information shall be treated confidentially. If, in the absence of a protective order, the Receiving Party or its representatives are, in the opinion of counsel, compelled as a matter of law to disclose the Confidential Information, the Receiving Party may disclose to the party compelling disclosure only the part of the Confidential Information as is required by law to be disclosed (in which case, prior to disclosure, the Receiving Party shall advise and consult with the Furnishing Party and its counsel as to such disclosure and the nature and wording of such disclosure) and shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain confidential treatment therefore.
Section 4.6 Continuing Duty. Each party’s obligations to confidentiality and non-disclosure shall survive the termination of the Agreement.
ARTICLE 5
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 5.1 Servicer shall indemnify and hold Bank, its officers, directors, employees and agents harmless from and against any “Losses,” defined in Section 5.4 below, arising out of or in connection with:
(a) The intentional or negligent act or omission of Servicer or of its officers, directors, employees, or agents (including Subcontractors) in the performance of the duties and obligations of Servicer under the Agreement;
(b) The failure by Servicer, after notice of breach and opportunity to cure in accordance with Section 2.2(b) above, to comply with the terms of the Agreement; or
(c) The failure by Servicer to comply with its obligations under any and all laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, or directives applicable to Servicer; provided, however, that no indemnification shall be available under this clause (c) as to any matter for which Bank is required to indemnify Servicer under Section 5.2(d);
(d) The failure by Servicer to comply with all laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, or directives applicable to Bank in its performance of services on Bank's behalf or to comply with Bank's instructions on compliance in connection with such services, to the extent permitted by applicable law;
(e) Any act or omission to act taken or not taken, as the case may be, by Bank, its officers, directors, employees or agents at the request of, and in accordance with such instructions
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or procedures as may be required by, Servicer if such act or omission constitutes a failure to comply with any law, rule or regulation applicable to Servicer.
provided, however, that except as specifically provided in clause (d) above, Servicer shall not be required to indemnify or hold Bank, its officers, directors, employees or agents harmless from and against any losses arising from any act or omission of Bank, its officers, directors, employees or agents.
Section 5.2 Bank shall indemnify and hold Servicer, its officers, directors, employees and agents harmless from and against any “Losses,” as defined in Section 5.4 below, arising out of or in connection with:
(a) The intentional or negligent act or omission of Bank or of its officers, directors, employees, or agents in the performance of the duties and obligations of Bank under the Agreement;
(b) The failure by Bank, after notice of breach and opportunity to cure in accordance with Section 2.2 above, to comply with the terms of the Agreement; or
(c) The failure by Bank to comply with its obligations under any and all laws, rules or regulations applicable to Bank; provided, however, that no indemnification shall be available under this clause (c) as to matters for which Servicer is required to indemnify Bank under Section 5.1(d);
(d) Any act or omission to act taken or not taken, as the case may be, by Servicer, its officers, directors, employees or agents, at the request of, and in accordance with such instructions or procedures as may be required by Bank, if such act or omission constitutes a failure to comply with any law, rule or regulation applicable to Bank;
provided, however, that except as specifically provided in clause (d) above, Bank shall not be required to indemnify or hold Servicer, its officers, directors, employees or agents harmless from and against any losses arising from any act or omission of Servicer, its officers, directors, employees or agents.
Section 5.3 Notice of Claims. Each party shall promptly notify the other party of any claim, demand, suit, or threat of suit of which that party becomes aware (except with respect to a threat of suit either party might institute against the other) which may give rise to a right of indemnification pursuant to the Agreement. The indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in the settlement or defense thereof and, if the indemnifying party elects, to take over and control the settlement or defense thereof with counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party. In any case, the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall cooperate (at no cost to the indemnified party) in the settlement or defense of any such claim, demand, suit, or proceeding.
Section 5.4. Losses. For purposes of this Article 5, the term “Losses” shall mean any losses, damages, costs, and expenses, liabilities, settlements, or similar items including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees, investigation costs and court costs reasonably incurred by Servicer or Bank, as the case may be.
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ARTICLE 6
NOTICES
Section 6.1 Notices. All notices required under the Agreement shall be in writing and be deemed to have been properly given when delivered in person or sent by overnight courier, certified or registered USPS mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed:
If to Servicer:
Comenity Servicing LLC
0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: President
If to Bank:
Comenity Bank
Xxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: President
Either party may change its address for notices by notice in the manner set forth above.
ARTICLE 7
SUBCONTRACTING
Section 7.1 Subcontractors. In performing its obligations under the Agreement, Servicer may engage subcontractors and other third parties (collectively, “Subcontractors”), provided Servicer has done so in compliance with Bank’s vendor due diligence policy. All Subcontractors shall, as a condition to their engagement, agree to be bound by provisions substantially similar to those included in the Agreement, specifically those relating to Confidential Information and Bank’s and regulators’ right to audit. Servicer shall not, without first obtaining Bank’s written permission, outsource any services involving the release of Personal Information outside of the United States. Servicer shall make commercially reasonable efforts to incorporate into any Subcontractor agreement the right to assume Servicer’s rights and obligations under such agreement to the extent they relate to the provision of Services under the Agreement.
ARTICLE 8
INSURANCE
Section 8.1. Insurance. Servicer shall during the Term of the Agreement maintain in force the following insurance coverages. Servicer shall cause its insurers to issue certificates of insurance evidencing that the coverage required under the Agreement is maintained in force, and that Bank is a designated additional insured. Servicer shall provide or have its insurer provide to Bank not less than thirty (30) days written notice of any modification in insurance coverage that reduces coverage to amounts below the limits set forth below or any cancellation or non-renewal of the policies.
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8.1.1 Worker’s Compensation Insurance, including occupational illness or disease coverage, or other similar social insurance in accordance with the laws of the nation, province, state, or territory exercising jurisdiction over Servicer employees; and Employer’s Liability Insurance, with minimum limits of $1,000,000 bodily injury per occurrence, $1,000,000 bodily injury by disease for each employee, and $1,000,000 bodily injury by disease in the aggregate. The policy shall be endorsed to include “all states” coverage and a waiver of subrogation in favor of Bank, where allowed by law;
8.1.2 General Liability Insurance, written on an “occurrence” basis with a combined single limit of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, and $2,000,000 aggregate for bodily injury and property damage in a form providing coverage not less than a standard commercial general liability policy including hazards of operation coverage, products/completed operations coverage, contractual coverage, and an umbrella liability policy with limits of at least $15,000,000. Each policy shall name Bank as an additional insured and shall include a waiver of subrogation in favor of Bank.
8.1.3 Employee Dishonesty and Computer Fraud coverage for loss arising out of or in connection with any fraudulent or dishonest acts committed by the employees of Servicer, acting alone or in collusion with others, in a minimum amount of $5,000,000.
8.1.4 Servicer shall ensure that its Subcontractors, if any, maintain adequate insurance coverage as appropriate for the services rendered by such Subcontractors.
ARTICLE 9
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Section 9.1 Exclusion of Consequential and Other Damages; Limitation. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.4, AND AS OTHERWISE MAY BE SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT, IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE UNDER ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER, SUFFERED BY THE OTHER PARTY, ANY END USER, CUSTOMER, RESELLER OR ANY DISTRIBUTOR, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, OR OTHER ECONOMIC LOSS ARISING OUT OF THE PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE HEREUNDER OR ANY SERVICES PROVIDED HEREUNDER, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY.
Section 9.2 TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.4, NOTWITHSTANDING THE FORM (E.G., CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) STATUTORY LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) IN WHICH ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE CLAIM OR ACTION MAY BE BROUGHT AGAINST SERVICER HEREUNDER, SERVICER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE HEREUNDER FOR DAMAGES WHICH EXCEED, IN THE AGGREGATE, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO TWO TIMES THE FEES PAYABLE BY BANK TO SERVICER UNDER THE AGREEMENT. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.4, NOTWITHSTANDING THE FORM (E.G., CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) STATUTORY LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE) IN WHICH ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE CLAIM OR ACTION MAY BE BROUGHT AGAINST BANK HEREUNDER, BANK SHALL NOT BE LIABLE HEREUNDER FOR DAMAGES WHICH EXCEED, IN THE AGGREGATE, AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE FEES PAYABLE BY BANK TO SERVICER UNDER THE AGREEMENT IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEEDING THE DATE OF OCCURENCE OF THE CAUSE OF ACTION WHICH GAVE RISE TO THE LIABILITY.
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Section 9.3 In the event that a party believes that it has a claim against the other party for losses sustained as a result of such other party’s actions or inactions under the Agreement, the party having such claim shall promptly notify the other party of such claim. NO ACTION MAY BE BROUGHT RELATING TO THE AGREEMENT AT ANY TIME MORE THAN TWENTY FOUR (24) MONTHS AFTER SUCH PARTY CLAIMING SUCH LOSS HAS BECOME AWARE OF OR SHOULD REASONABLY HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THE MATERIAL FACTS GIVING RISE TO THE CAUSE OF ACTION OCCURRED.
Section 9.4 Exceptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on liability, the limitations set forth in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 shall not apply (i) with respect to damages proximately caused by the gross negligence and or intentional tortious conduct of either party, its employees, officers, directors or subcontractors, (ii) to limit either party’s express obligations under the Agreement to defend or indemnify the other under the Agreement, damages caused by either party’s infringement (or misappropriation) of the then presently issued patents of, or the copyrights or trade secrets of, the other party, or (iii) to a party’s material breach of Sections 3 and/or 4 of the Agreement, (iv) to Servicer’s intentional breach of the Agreement, or (v) to Servicer’s payment obligations pursuant to Appendix B.
Nothing in this Section 9 shall abridge the right of either party to terminate the Agreement as may be expressly allowed in the Agreement, nor be construed to limit in any manner either party’s right to seek injunctive relief. Each party shall have a duty to mitigate damages for which the other party is responsible under the Agreement.
Section 9.5 Acknowledgments. EACH OF THE PARTIES UNDERSTANDS THE LEGAL AND ECONOMIC RAMIFICATIONS OF THIS SECTION, AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION WERE NEGOTIATED BETWEEN PARTIES AND THAT SUCH PROVISIONS WERE CONSIDERED BY EACH PARTY IN DETERMINING THE SPECIFIC RISKS THAT IT ASSUMED IN AGREEING TO ITS OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT, AND THE AMOUNTS OF THE PAYMENTS TO BE MADE UNDER THE AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 10
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 10.1 Force Majeure. Any party to the Agreement shall be released from liability hereunder for failure to perform any of its obligations herein (other than the obligation of Bank to pay for Services) where such failure to perform occurs by reason of any act of God, fire, flood, storm, earthquake, tidal wave, sabotage, war, military operation, terrorist acts, national emergency, civil commotion, strike, order of any government agency or other cause beyond either party’s reasonable control.
Section 10.2 Status of Parties to Agreement. Nothing in the Agreement shall be construed as making either party a joint venturer, partner, representative, employee, or agent of the other. Neither Servicer nor Bank shall hold itself out as such, nor shall either use the other’s name in any advertising without prior written approval. Servicer is and shall be considered an independent contractor. Servicer shall be responsible for any income taxes, unemployment taxes, social security, worker’s compensation, insurance and other taxes, expenses or deductions arising out of the services rendered by Servicer to Bank under the Agreement.
Section 10.3 Governing Law. The Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to its conflicts of laws provisions.
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Section 10.4 No Waiver. No delay on the part of Servicer or Bank in exercising any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any such power or right. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing signed by the waiving party and then only to the extent set forth therein.
Section 10.5 Assignment and Modification. The Agreement shall not be assigned or amended except by a written instrument signed by both Servicer and Bank. Notwithstanding the prior sentence, either party may assign the Agreement to an affiliate, subsidiary or the purchaser of all or substantially all of its assets.
Section 10.6 Titles. The titles and headings indicated herein are inserted for convenience only and shall not be considered a part of the Agreement or in any way limit the construction or interpretation of the Agreement.
Section 10.7 Entire Agreement. The Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any prior agreements, representations, statements, negotiations, or undertakings dealing with the subject matter of the Agreement are superseded, including, but not limited to the 2013 Service Agreement (including any survival clauses contained therein), which is hereby terminated. As a point of clarification, no liabilities arising under the 2013 Service Agreement, or liabilities arising from events that occurred during the term of the 2013 Service Agreement, are waived by the execution of the Agreement and such liabilities are still governed by and subject to the terms of the 2013 Service Agreement, including, without limitation, the survival of the indemnification obligations.
Section 10.8 Severability. If any provision of the Agreement is held to be invalid, void or unenforceable, all other provisions shall remain valid and be enforced and construed as if such invalid provision were never a part of the Agreement.
Section 10.9 Binding Effect. The Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their successors and permitted assigns.
Section 10.10 Announcements. Servicer and the Bank agree that neither party shall make any publicity release, advertisement or public announcement concerning the Agreement or the Services provided by Servicer to the Bank in connection with the Agreement without the prior approval of the other party, except as may be required by law.
Section 10.11 Audit. Servicer (and its Subcontractors) shall make available its records, policies, procedures, facilities and premises that directly relate to the Services to Bank and Bank’s appropriate regulatory and/or supervisory agencies for examination and to the internal and third party auditors of Bank during normal business hours in a manner that will not disrupt its day-to-day business operations. All persons conducting such examinations shall abide by Servicer’s reasonable security procedures and shall conduct such examinations at their own or Bank’s own expense. In addition, Servicer shall provide to Bank on an annual basis copies of Servicer’s (or its parent company’s) financial reports and such other internal and/or external audit reports or reviews to assist Bank in reviewing the performance of the Services, such as reviews of internal controls, security programs and business continuity programs.
Section 10.12 Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery. Servicer represents and warrants that it currently has in place a business continuity and a disaster recovery plan, will provide Bank an executive summary of the business continuity and disaster recovery plan, which will highlight the parameters of such plan.
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Section 10.13 Taxes. The parties’ respective responsibilities for taxes arising under or in connection with the Agreement shall be as follows:
(a) Bank shall be responsible for, and shall pay, all sales, use, excise, value-added taxes, or taxes of a similar nature (excluding taxes based upon Servicer’s income or employment of personnel, which shall be borne by Servicer), imposed by the United States, any state, provincial or local government, or other taxing authority, on all goods and services provided under the Agreement. The parties agree to cooperate with each other to minimize any applicable sales, use or similar tax and, in connection therewith, the parties shall provide each other with any relevant tax information as reasonably requested, including, without limitation, resale or exemption certificates, multi-state exemption certificates, information concerning the use of assets, materials, notice of assessments and withholding documentation. Servicer shall calculate and include the appropriate amount of taxes on each monthly invoice to Bank.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, each party is permitted to disclose the tax treatment and tax structure of any transaction that may occur at any time on or after the earliest to occur of the date of public announcement of discussions relating to the transaction, the date of public announcement of the transaction, and the date of execution of an agreement (with or without conditions) to enter into the transaction. The Agreement shall not be construed to limit in any way the parties’ ability to consult any tax advisor regarding the tax treatment or tax structure of a transaction. These provisions are meant to be interpreted so as to prevent any transaction from being treated as offered under “conditions of confidentiality” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
Section 10.14 Bank Policies and Securitization Documents. Servicer shall provide the Services in accordance with the Bank’s policies, including the Bank’s credit card guidelines and any servicing or similar agreement or arrangement of Bank in connection with a securitization.
Section 10.15 Leases for the Benefit of Bank. Bank acknowledges that lease terms and procedures may be negotiated by Servicer, provided that Bank shall approve all lease terms and conditions prior to execution.
Section 10.16 Receivership. Servicer agrees that if Bank is placed into receivership with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Servicer shall continue to comply with the terms of the Agreement, continue to provide the Services in accordance with the Agreement and, upon the request of the FDIC, provide a reasonable time for transition to a successor servicer.
ARTICLE 11
BANK DATA AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Section 11.1 Data and Intellectual Property Ownership. The parties acknowledge and agree that any and all data or information provided to Servicer in order for Servicer to provide the Services under the terms of the Agreement is owned by Bank (“Bank Data”). Servicer represents and warrants that, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, Servicer shall use Bank Data solely for the purposes of fulfilling its obligations under the terms of the Agreement and no other purpose. Furthermore, in the event Bank provides any software, hardware or processes to Servicer, such software, hardware or processes will remain the exclusive property of Bank. Nothing in the Agreement shall be deemed to convey a proprietary interest to Servicer or any third party in any of the software, hardware, processes, technology, or any of the derivative works thereof , or trade name or trade xxxx rights which are owned or licensed by Bank or any of its non-Servicer affiliates.
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Section 11.2 Representation and Warranty by Servicer Regarding Intellectual Property. Servicer represents, to the best of Servicer’s knowledge, that the provision of the Services does not violate the intellectual property rights of any third party.
Section 11.3 Intellectual Property Indemnity. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 9 of the Agreement, Servicer agrees to indemnify, defend, protect, save and hold harmless Bank, Bank’s subsidiaries and affiliates, and their directors, officers, employees and agents, against any and all losses, liabilities, judgments, awards and costs (including legal fees and out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by Bank) arising out of or related to any claim in whole or in part that Bank’s use of the Services or other goods and services provided to the Bank pursuant to the Agreement infringes, induces the infringement, or violates and any third parties’ intellectual property rights. Servicer shall defend and settle at its sole expense all suits or proceedings arising in whole or in part out of the foregoing, provided that Bank gives Servicer reasonably prompt notice of any such claim of which it learns. This obligation of indemnification shall survive even if Bank does not provide Servicer with reasonably prompt notice of any such claim of which Bank learns so long as such failure does not materially prejudice Servicer. If, as a result of any such claim, Bank is enjoined from use of the Services, or if Servicer believes that Bank is likely to become the subject of a claim, Servicer, at its option and expense shall (i) procure the right for Bank to continue to use the Services; (ii) modify the Services so that they are not infringing, while remaining functionally equivalent to the current Services; or (iii) terminate the Agreement.
[Signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused the Agreement to be executed by their authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
Comenity Servicing LLC
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By: /s/Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
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Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
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Title: President
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Comenity Bank
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By: /s/Xxxx X. Xxxxx
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Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxx
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Title: President
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APPENDIX A
SERVICES
Servicer will from time to time at the request of Bank provide any one or more of the following services to the Bank, subject to and in accordance with the Bank’s policies, procedures and directives. All of such Services shall be provided by Servicer in accordance with best industry practices.
Product Services
Applications Development
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Management and maintenance of processing applications, including new feature development, product enhancements and problem resolution
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Provision of development staff with specialized knowledge of Bank processing applications
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Card Embossing and Issuance
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End to end processing of card embossing requests, either from initial account set-up or for replacement cards
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Collections
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Manage collection of overdue accounts from initial delinquency through charge-off
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Manage special account processing including bankruptcy, deceased & fraud
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Collection exceptions, including but not limited to settlement offers will be referred to appropriate Bank representative for approval
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Manage collection agencies and law firms retained to collect overdue accounts
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Credit Operations Support
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Provide strategic credit operations support for all call center operations and includes interfaces with third party partners including credit reporting agencies and collection agencies
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Customer Service
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Process all customer inquires (received via telephone/mail/fax/electronic)
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Includes toll free customer inquiry number
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Respond to billing inquiries, account disputes and adjustments, billing error resolution, provision of duplicate copies of billing documentation (as requested)
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Serve as a liaison between customers and clients for communication of product/service disputes
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Data Processing
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Manage all aspects of processing platform(s), including day to day operation, backups and maintenance, and disaster recovery
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Provide a 24 X 7 control center/help desk facility to monitor and manage data processing operations on behalf of Bank
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Ensure availability of the Enterprise Data Warehouse (“XXX”). The XXX is used by Servicer to compile and store all retail transaction and cardholder account data
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New Account Processing
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Manage receipt and processing of applications received via mail/fax/electronic
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Manage credit scoring and adjudication in accordance with Bank credit criteria
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Application exceptions will be referred to appropriate Bank representative
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Approved accounts will be established on account processing platform
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Declined accounts will be sent adverse action letters
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Payment Remittance Processing
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Provide secure processing of customer remittances at Servicer’s national remittance center facility
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Include exception item processing and deposit of funds into Bank-specified account(s)
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Statement Issuance
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Include production and mailing of all customer communications from Bank; including not only periodic statements but also xxxxxxx letters, customer service correspondence, adverse action letters and change of terms notices
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OTHER SERVICES
Accounting, Settlement & Other Services
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All client settlement and related services, as well as budgeting, general ledger support and other accounting assistance. Any financial reporting and analysis as appropriate.
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Contingency Planning
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Assist management in planning for a shut down or disruption in business, as requested by Bank
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Desktop/PC Support
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Provision of hardware, software and support to ensure continuous functioning
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Disaster Recovery Services
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Servicer shall provide disaster recovery services to the Bank as follows:
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Servicers has designated, and Bank agrees and acknowledges, that the Servicer office, located at 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, XX 00000 (“Easton”), will serve as the alternate site for Bank headquarters personnel in the event that Bank’s Wilmington, DE location is rendered inaccessible or inoperable. Bank personnel shall have the use of the Easton facility until the Wilmington facility has been restored or other permanent location is secured.
Bank personnel will be provided up to 5 workstations in the Easton facility for the duration of their occupancy. The workstations will be available for Bank’s use during Bank’s normal business hours (currently 8:00 AM until 5:30 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday). Workstations will be equipped with the necessary computer terminals to allow access to all Servicer systems normally used by Bank personnel, Bank data that resides on Servicer servers, and Telephones with unlimited call access within the United States.
Upon arrival at the Easton facility, Bank personnel will be issued such building access devices (electronic cards, keys, etc.) as needed to facilitate unfettered access to the building and will be subject to all such Servicer security policies and procedures then in effect for this facility.
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In as much as Servicer personnel located in the Easton facility currently provide data security, data recovery, data backup, secured connectivity, and confidentiality, these functions will continue to be provided as they presently are.
In addition, Bank personnel shall have access to copy machines, fax machines and customary office supplies needed to perform their duties.
Facilities Management
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Assist with management of the premises and its contents.
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Provision of property management services for Bank.
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Human Resources
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Assist in the recruiting, management of staff and management of benefits available to Bank associates
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Information Security Support
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Provide technologies to protect client/customer data from illegal acquisition.
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Information Technology Services/Outsourcing
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Provide Information Technology platform and services, including outsourcing of Information Technology platform and services.
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Local Area Network and Telecommunications Support
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Provision of network and telecommunications access to Servicer systems.
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Mail Services
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Access to inter-company mail with all other Servicer facilities.
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Project Management
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General services as requested by Bank.
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Purchasing
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Assistance in the purchase of miscellaneous office supplies and materials reasonably necessary to conduct the Bank’s business.
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Risk/Underwriting Support
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Provision of risk and underwriting support to Bank.
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Safety Services
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Access to Servicer policies and procedures regarding safety.
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Security
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Provision of physical security for the buildings owned or occupied by Bank.
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XXXXXXXX X
SERVICE STANDARDS
For all Services, Servicer shall meet either: (i) the following service standards; or (ii) or any other service standards as specifically directed by Bank and agreed to by Servicer for individual client(s).
1.
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Servicer will process mailed-in applications five days per week. Servicer will process one hundred percent (100%) of such applications within six (6) business days of receipt.
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2.
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Servicer will process “instant” and “quick” applications from 9:00 am to 12:30 (Eastern Time) Monday through Saturday and from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm (Eastern Time) Sunday (“Normal Store Hours”). Servicer will process at least ninety percent (90%) of such applications within five (5) minutes of receipt. Servicer will establish “downtime” procedures for application processing.
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3.
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Servicer will issue new and replacement credit cards within four (4) business days of embossing tape output; provided that schedules for issuance of additional cards pursuant to reactivation programs will be established on a program-by-program basis.
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4.
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Servicer will answer at least eighty percent (80%) of incoming calls within twenty-five (25) seconds and not permit the abandoned call rate to exceed five percent (5%) measured on a monthly basis. Servicer will provide authorization service during Normal Store Hours and customer service from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (Eastern Time) Monday through Saturday.
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5.
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Servicer will provide electronic authorization services to be available at least ninety-nine and one-half percent (99.5%) of Normal Store Hours. Servicer will provide batch authorization means for catalogue sales. Servicer will establish “downtime” procedures for authorization.
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6.
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Servicer will post valid transactions to the customer’s account within twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) hours of receipt of a transaction file received on a business day.
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7.
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Servicer will xxxx and mail account statements within four (4) business days of the scheduled billing date.
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8.
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Servicer will process at least ninety-six percent (96%) of payments (based on monthly average) made in accordance with the instructions of Bank and at locations or addresses specified by Bank within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt. In the event any payment is not processed within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt, such payment shall be backdated to the date of receipt.
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9.
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Servicer will respond to at least ninety percent (90%) of mailed-in customer inquiries within eight (8) business days and one hundred percent (100%) within thirty-one (31) days of receipt.
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10.
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Within five (5) business days of receipt of any “NG” check notification, Servicer will debit the customer’s account at face value plus any applicable NG check fee and, if payment was originally accepted by Bank and a corresponding payment made to Servicer, reimburse the Bank the face value of the check.
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11.
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The XXX data will be delivered by Servicer on a daily basis and made available based on the XXX end of day marker within forty eight (48) hours. Sunday XXX data will be made available no later than the following Tuesday.
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12.
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For Local Area Network, PC Support and Telecommunications Support, reports which track service requests will be provided by Servicer to ensure that these services are provided in accordance with agreed upon targets.
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13.
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All Other Services, as defined above in Appendix A (with the exception of Local Area Network, PC Support and Telecommunications Support which are to be provided pursuant to Section 12 above), shall be provided by Servicer in accordance with best industry practices.
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14.
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Servicer will track Servicer performance of these standards on a weekly basis, and will report results to Bank as agreed upon.
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Assumptions:
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All standards are expressed as simple monthly averages for the Servicer service center and are measured on a monthly calendar basis based on Bank client.
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Telephone service factors are reported and tracked based on Servicer’s department averages.
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Response time for credit application inquiries means those applicants which Bank has approved or declined. Applicants who Bank is reviewing under special circumstances, such as a suspected fraudulent application, shall not be included in the measurement of the standard.
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APPENDIX C
FEE SCHEDULE
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1.
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Servicer reserves the right to pass through any and all out-of-pocket third party expenses to Bank, without markup, such as any postage increase. Bank shall reimburse Servicer for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses contemplated by the Agreement as described in Appendix D.
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2.
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Bank shall be responsible for all sales, use or excise taxes levies on accounts payable by Bank to Servicer under the Agreement, excluding taxes based upon Servicer’s income, employment of personnel or taxes from which Bank is exempt, provided Bank provides Servicer written evidence of such exemption. Undisputed payments shall be made by Bank to Servicer within thirty (30) calendar days after Bank’s receipt of Servicer’s invoice.
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3.
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Bank agrees to pay Servicer monthly the “Fee Per Statement” listed below. For purposes of this Fee Schedule, “Fee Per Statement” shall mean the all-inclusive pricing of the Services to be performed by Servicer on behalf of Bank as described in the Agreement and the Appendices. The “Fee Per Statement” is calculated by adding the total cost plus a seven (7%) percent xxxx-up, which the parties have agreed (based upon an independent third party study) is the midpoint of a markup range between independent or arms length parties, for a total “Fee Per Statement” as follows:
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Fee Per Statement: $2.52
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4.
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Each quarter beginning with the Effective Date, Servicer will conduct an analysis of its actual servicing costs based on Bank’s actual statement volume, and any overage will be credited to Bank, or any underage will be charged to Bank by Servicer. The analysis will be conducted on a one-month lag basis in order to facilitate the quarterly closing of the books for both Bank and Servicer. Any overage or underage applicable to the prior year 2012 will be paid ratably over the remaining calendar months of 2013.
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5.
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The parties will meet annually to review Servicer’s budgeted costs for the year associated with the Services described herein, based on estimated annual statement volume supplied by Bank to determine the Fee Per Statement. Based on that review, the parties will determine whether (and if so, how much) to adjust the then-current Fee Per Statement. Such adjustments shall be documented in a writing executed by both parties, which writing need not be in the form of a formal amendment to the Agreement.
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APPENDIX D
PASS THROUGH EXPENSES
1.
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Outside vendors, consultants or contractors fees/expenses as approved by Bank
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2.
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Any other expenses as mutually agreed upon by Bank and Servicer
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3.
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Postage increases
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