Exhibit k.9
$150,000,000
Dated as of March 22, 2007
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Agent
Table of Contents
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Section 1 General Definitions |
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1.1 Definitions |
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1 |
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1.2 Accounting and Other Terms |
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6 |
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1.3 General Rules |
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7 |
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Section 2 Credit Facility |
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7 |
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2.1 Total Credit Facility |
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7 |
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2.2 Revolving Credit Loans |
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7 |
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2.3 Swingline Loans |
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8 |
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2.4 Reduction and Changes of Commitments |
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9 |
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2.5 Pro Rata Treatment |
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9 |
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Section 3 Finance Charges, Repayment and Other Terms |
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9 |
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3.1 Interest Rate |
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9 |
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3.2 Payments of Principal, Interest and Costs |
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10 |
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3.3 Voluntary Prepayments |
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11 |
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3.4 Mandatory Prepayments |
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11 |
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3.5 Method of Payment |
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11 |
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3.6 Use of Proceeds |
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12 |
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3.7 Notice and Manner of Borrowing |
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12 |
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3.8 Minimum Amount |
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12 |
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3.9 Capital Adequacy |
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13 |
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3.10 Application of Payments and Collections |
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13 |
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3.11 Periodic Statement |
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13 |
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3.12 Non-Receipt of Funds by Agent |
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13 |
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3.13 Several Obligations |
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14 |
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3.14 Balance; Sharing of Payments |
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14 |
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3.15 Libor Loan Provisions |
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14 |
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Section 4 Lending Conditions |
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15 |
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4.1 Credit Documents |
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15 |
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4.2 Additional Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans |
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16 |
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4.3 Conditions Precedent to All Loans |
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17 |
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Section 5 Representations And Warranties |
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17 |
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5.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Borrower |
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17 |
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Section 6 Covenants |
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19 |
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6.1 Affirmative Covenants |
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19 |
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6.2 Negative Covenants |
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22 |
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Table of Contents
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Section 7 Events of Default |
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24 |
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7.1 Events of Default |
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7.2 Obligation to Lend; Acceleration |
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25 |
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7.3 Remedies |
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7.4 Ranking of Loans; Compliance with Investment Company Act of 1940 |
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25 |
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Section 8 Agency Provisions |
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26 |
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8.1 Appointment, Powers and Immunities |
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26 |
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8.2 Reliance by Agent |
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26 |
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8.3 Defaults |
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27 |
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8.4 Rights as a Bank |
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27 |
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8.5 Indemnification |
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27 |
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8.6 Non-Reliance on Agent and other Banks |
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27 |
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8.7 Failure to Act |
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27 |
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8.8 Resignation or Removal of Agent |
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28 |
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8.9 Representation of Banks |
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28 |
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8.10 Obligations Several |
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28 |
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Section 9 Miscellaneous |
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28 |
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9.1 Notices |
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28 |
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9.2 Reimbursement of Expenses |
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29 |
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9.3 Indemnity |
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29 |
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9.4 Entire Agreement; Modification of Agreement; Sale of Interest |
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29 |
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9.5 Indulgences Not Waivers |
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30 |
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9.6 Severability |
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30 |
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9.7 Successors and Assigns |
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30 |
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9.8 General Waivers by Borrower |
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30 |
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9.9 Execution in Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures |
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31 |
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9.10 Captions |
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31 |
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9.11 USA Patriot Act Notice |
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31 |
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9.12 Governing Law; Consent to Forum |
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31 |
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9.13 Waiver of Jury Trial; Limitation on Damages |
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31 |
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9.14 Controlling Document |
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9.15 K.S.A. §16-118 Required Notice |
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33 |
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Table of Exhibits
Exhibit A — Commitments
Exhibit B — Form of Revolving Credit Note
Exhibit C — Form of Swingline Note
Exhibit D — Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
ii
This
Credit Agreement (the “
Agreement”) is made as of March 22, 2007, by and among
TORTOISE ENERGY CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Maryland corporation (the “
Borrower”); U.S. BANK
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, FIFTH THIRD BANK, a Michigan banking
corporation, THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, COMERICA BANK, and each other lender from time to time
identified as having a Commitment on
Exhibit A hereto and who becomes a party hereto (each
a “
Bank” and, collectively, the “
Banks”); U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a
national banking association, as the lender for Swingline Loans (in such capacity, the
“
Swingline Lender”); U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, as
agent for the Banks hereunder (in such capacity, the “
Agent”); and as lead arranger
hereunder (in such capacity, the “
Lead Arranger”).
The parties agree as follows:
Section 1
General Definitions
1.1 Definitions. When used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following
meanings:
“1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
“Affiliate” means a Person (1) which owns or otherwise has an interest in five percent
or more of any equity interest of the Borrower, (2) five percent or more of the equity interests of
which the Borrower (or any shareholder or other equity holder, director, officer, employee or
subsidiary of the Borrower or any combination thereof) owns or otherwise has an interest in, or (3)
which, directly or through one or more intermediaries, is controlled by, controls, or is under
common control with the Borrower. For purposes of subpart (3) above, “control” means the ability,
directly or indirectly, to affect the management or policies of a Person by virtue of an ownership
interest, by right of contract or any other means.
“
Agreement” means this
Credit Agreement, as amended, renewed, restated, replaced,
consolidated or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Banks” shall have the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph hereof
and shall include the Swingline Lender. The term shall also include any assignee of a Bank under
Section 9.4.
“Borrowing Base Availability” means the Borrowing Base, less the Revolving Credit
Loans and the Swingline Loans then outstanding.
“Borrowing Base Certificate” means a certificate, in favor of the Agent, signed by an
authorized officer of the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto, or in such other
form as the Agent may reasonably request from time to time, which sets forth in reasonable detail
the computations necessary to determine the Borrowing Base at a particular time.
“Borrowing Base” means, at any date, an amount equal to (1) 33-1/3% of the value of
the total assets of the Borrower (such amount shall also include any Loan requested on such date),
less (2) all outstanding other senior debt, including, but not limited to, Senior Notes; provided,
however, such senior debt shall not include the Loans under this Agreement.
Credit Agreement - Page 1
“
Business Day” means any day on which commercial banks are not authorized or
required to close in
Kansas City, Missouri.
“Central Time” means the time as in effect in the central time zone in the United
States from time to time.
“Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if (1) any Person or group of
Persons acting in concert shall own, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, shares
representing more than 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and
outstanding capital stock of the Borrower; or (2) a change shall occur in the Board of Directors of
the Borrower such that the individuals who constituted the Board of Directors of the Borrower as of
the Closing Date cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the directors of the Borrower
then in office.
“Closing Date” means the date of this Agreement as set forth in the introductory
paragraph of this Agreement.
“Commitments” means, as to each Bank, at any date, without duplication, its Revolving
Credit Loan Commitment and its Swingline Exposure, all at such date; provided, however, that, in
the case of the Swingline Lender (solely in its capacity as the Swingline Lender), its Commitments
shall mean its Swingline Loan Commitment.
“Credit Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Notes and any other
agreements or documents with the Agent or the Banks existing on or after the Closing Date
evidencing or otherwise relating to any of the transactions described in or contemplated by this
Agreement, and any amendments, renewals, restatements, replacements, consolidations or other
modifications of any of the foregoing from time to time.
“Daily Reset Libor Rate” means an annual rate of interest equal to the one-month LIBOR
rate for Dollars quoted by the Agent from Telerate Page 3750 (or, any successor or substitute
thereto selected by the Agent in its sole discretion), which shall be that one-month LIBOR rate in
effect and reset each Business Day, adjusted for any reserve requirement and any subsequent costs
arising from a change in government regulation.
“Debt” means any of the following: (1) indebtedness or liability for borrowed money;
(2) obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (3) obligations
for the deferred purchase price of property or services; (4) obligations as lessee under capital
leases; (5) current liabilities in respect of unfunded vested benefits under Plans covered by
ERISA; (6) obligations under letters of credit or acceptance facilities; (7) all guarantees,
endorsements (other than for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business) and other
contingent obligations to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to invest in any
Person, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss; and (8) obligations secured by a Lien,
whether or not the obligations have been assumed.
“Default Rate” has the meaning provided in Section 3.1(b) of this Agreement.
“Default” means an event or condition the occurrence of which would, with the lapse of
time or the giving of notice or both, become an Event of Default.
“Dollars” and “$” means lawful money of the United States of America.
“Environmental Laws” means all federal, state, local and other applicable statutes,
ordinances, rules, regulations, judicial orders or decrees, common law theories of liability,
governmental or quasi-
Credit Agreement - Page 2
governmental directives or notices or other laws or matters existing on or after the Closing
Date relating in any respect to occupational safety, health or environmental protection.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from
time to time, and all rules and regulations from time to time promulgated thereunder.
“Eurocurrency Reserve Requirement” means, for any Loan for any Interest Period
therefor, the daily average of the stated maximum rate (expressed as a decimal) at which reserves
(including any marginal, supplemental or emergency reserves) are required to be maintained during
such Interest Period under Regulation D by member banks of the Federal Reserve System in New York
City with deposits exceeding one billion dollars against “Eurocurrency liabilities” (as such term
is used in Regulation D) but without benefit or credit of proration, exemptions or offsets that
might otherwise be available from time to time under Regulation D. Without limiting the effect of
the foregoing, the Eurocurrency Reserve Requirement shall reflect any other reserves required to be
maintained against (1) any category of liabilities that includes deposits by reference to which the
Libor Rate or the Daily Reset Libor Rate for Loans is to be determined, or (2) any category of
extension of credit or other assets that include Loans for which the interest rate is determined on
the basis of a Libor Rate or a Daily Reset Libor Rate.
“Event of Default” has the meaning provided in Section 7.1 of this Agreement.
“Funded Debt” means Debt of the Borrower of the type described in subparts (1), (2),
(3), (4) and (6) of the definition of “Debt” in this Section 1.1 and includes, in any event, the
Loans and the Senior Notes.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time in
the United States of America.
“Governmental Authority” means any nation or government, any state or other political
subdivision thereof, and any branch, department, or agency thereof, or any other entity exercising
executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to a
government.
“Hazardous Substance” means any hazardous, toxic, dangerous or otherwise
environmentally unsound substance, waste or other material, in whatever form, as defined or
described in, or contemplated by, any Environmental Law and any other hazardous, toxic, dangerous
or otherwise environmentally unsound substance, waste or other material in whatever form, or any
other substance, waste or other material regulated by any Environmental Law.
“Interest Period” means, with respect to any Loan in which interest accrues at a Libor
Rate, the period commencing on the date such Loan is made and ending on the numerically
corresponding day in the first, second, third or sixth calendar month thereafter, except, that each
Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on any day for
which there is no numerically corresponding day in the appropriate subsequent calendar month) shall
end on the last Business Day of the appropriate subsequent calendar month; provided, however, that
(a) no Interest Period may extend beyond the Termination Date, and (b) if an Interest Period would
end on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next
Business Day unless such Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which event such
Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day.
“Investment Advisor” means any person (other than a bona fide officer, director,
trustee, member of an advisory board, or employee of the Borrower, as such) who, pursuant to
contract with the Borrower, regularly furnishes advice to the Borrower with respect to the
desirability of investing in, purchasing or
Credit Agreement - Page 3
selling securities or other property, or is empowered to determine what securities or other
property shall be purchased or sold by the Borrower.
“Libor Rate” means, for any Interest Period, the rate per annum determined by the
Agent to equal the quotient of (1) the London interbank offered rate for Dollars for such Interest
Period, as quoted two Business Days immediately preceding the date of the proposed Libor Loan in
the “Money Rates” section of The Wall Street Journal or, if not available, by Bloomberg, Telerate
or any other financial news services (electronic or otherwise) used by the Agent from time to time
in accordance with commercially reasonable industry standards, divided by (2) one minus the
Eurocurrency Reserve Requirement for such Interest Period.
“Lien” means any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, security interest, hypothecation,
assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), or preference, priority,
or other security agreement or preferential arrangement, charge or encumbrance of any kind or
nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement, any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the
foregoing, or the filing of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code or comparable
law of any jurisdiction to evidence any of the foregoing.
“Loans” means all Revolving Credit Loans and the Swingline Loans. The term “Loan” may
refer to all Revolving Credit Loans or Swingline Loans then outstanding or, as the context so
requires, any particular Revolving Credit Loan or Swingline Loan then outstanding under this
Agreement.
“Mandatory Prepayments” shall mean the prepayments of the Loans required by Section
3.5 hereof.
“Material Adverse Effect” means (1) a material adverse effect on the assets,
liabilities, business, prospects, operations, income or condition, financial or otherwise, of the
Borrower, (2) a material impairment of the ability of the Borrower to pay, perform or observe its
obligations under the Credit Documents, or (3) a material impairment of the enforceability or
availability of the rights or remedies stated to be available to the Agent or any Bank under the
Credit Documents.
“Notes” means, collectively, the Revolving Credit Notes and the Swingline Note.
“Permitted Debt” means any of the following: (1) accrued expenses and trade account
payables incurred in the ordinary course of the Borrower’s business; (2) the Senior Notes; (3) Debt
to the Banks under this Agreement; (4) interest rate protection agreements; and (5) other Debt
approved in advance by the Agent in a writing delivered to the Borrower.
“Permitted Liens” means any of the following: (1) Liens for taxes, assessments or
governmental charges not delinquent or being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings
and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are maintained on the Borrower’s books; (2)
Liens arising out of deposits in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, old
age pensions or other social security or retirement benefits legislation; (3) deposits or pledges
to secure bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money), leases,
statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, and other obligations of like nature arising in the
ordinary course of the Borrower’s business; (4) Liens imposed by law, such as mechanics’, workers’,
materialmen’s, carriers’ or other like Liens (excluding, however, any Lien in favor of a landlord)
arising in the ordinary course of the Borrower’s business which secure the payment of obligations
which are not past due or which are being diligently contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are maintained on the
Borrower’s books; and (5) rights of way, zoning restrictions, easements and
Credit Agreement - Page 4
similar encumbrances affecting the Borrower’s real property which do not materially interfere
with the use of such property.
“Person” means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
trust, governmental entity or any other entity, organization or group whatsoever.
“Plan” means an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) maintained
for employees of the Borrower on or after the Closing Date.
“Prime Rate” means a basis on which the rate of interest is from time to time
calculated for loans making reference thereto, and may not be the lowest, best or most favored of
the interest rates offered by U.S. Bank National Association.
“Pro-Rata Share” means, at any date, with respect to a Bank, in each case expressed as
a percentage (rounded to 12 decimal places, or such other number of decimal places as the Agent,
acting in a commercially reasonable manner, may select from time to time):
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(1) |
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Make Revolving Credit Loans. In the case of a Bank’s
obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans, a fraction: (a) the numerator of
which is the amount of such Bank’s Revolving Credit Loan Commitment on such
date, and (b) the denominator of which is the aggregate amount of all Banks’
Revolving Credit Loan Commitments on such date. |
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(2) |
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Swingline Exposure. In the case of a Bank’s obligation to
reimburse the Swingline Lender for Swingline Loans, a fraction: (a) the
numerator of which is the amount of such Bank’s Revolving Credit Loan
Commitment on such date, and (b) the denominator of which is the aggregate
amount of all Banks’ Revolving Credit Loan Commitments on such date. |
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(3) |
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Receive Principal or Interest. In the case of a Bank’s right
to receive payments of principal and interest with respect to its outstanding
Revolving Credit Loans (including any such Revolving Credit Loans arising out
of Swingline Loans), a fraction: (a) the numerator of which is the aggregate
unpaid principal amount of such Bank’s Loans giving rise to such principal or
interest payment on such date, and (b) the denominator of which is the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Banks’ Loans giving rise to such
principal or interest payment on such date. |
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(4) |
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Indemnification; Other. In the case of a Bank’s obligations
under Section 8.5 hereof, or in any other case not addressed in subparts (1)
through (3) above, a fraction: (a) the numerator of which is the amount of such
Bank’s Revolving Credit Loan Commitment, and (b) the denominator of which is
the aggregate amount of all Banks’ Revolving Credit Loan Commitments (the
foregoing fraction shall be calculated without regard to whether such Bank or
any other Bank has any commitment to make Revolving Credit Loans on such date). |
“Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System as amended or supplemented from time to time.
“Regulatory Change” means any change after the Closing Date in federal, state, local
or foreign laws or regulations (including, without limitation, Regulation D, but, subject to the
Borrower’s obligations otherwise provided herein, not including a change in the Eurocurrency
Reserve Requirement),
Credit Agreement - Page 5
or the adoption or making after such date of any interpretations, directives or requirements
applying to a class of banks including the Agent and/or Banks under any federal, state, local or
foreign laws or regulations (whether or not having the force of law) by any court or governmental
or monetary authority charged with the interpretation or administration thereof.
“Required Banks” shall mean, at any date, one or more Banks having at least 66-2/3% of
the Commitments on such date.
“Revolving Credit Loan Commitment” means, as to each Bank, its obligation to make
Revolving Credit Loans under Section 2.2 hereof in an aggregate principal amount at any time
outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Bank’s name on Exhibit A
hereto under the column entitled “Revolving Credit Loan Commitment Amount.”
“Revolving Credit Loans” has the meaning provided in Section 2.2(a) of this Agreement.
“Revolving Credit Note” has the meaning provided in Section 2.2(b) of this Agreement.
“Securities Account” means securities account number 19-9235 held at the Securities
Intermediary.
“Securities Intermediary” means U.S. Bank National Association.
“Senior Notes” means (1) the Borrower’s $120,000,000 aggregate principal amount
Auction Rate Senior Notes, which are comprised of $60,000,000 Series A Auction Rate Senior Notes
due November 14, 2045 and $60,000,000 Series B Auction Rate Senior Notes due November 14, 2045, and
(2) any senior notes that the Borrower may issue subsequent to the Closing Date.
“Swingline Exposure” means, at any date, with respect to any Bank, its Pro-Rata Share
of the outstanding principal amount of Swingline Loans on such date.
“Swingline Lender” has the meaning given to such term in the introductory paragraph
hereof.
“Swingline Loan Commitment” means, as to the Swingline Lender, its obligation to make
Swingline Loans pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any
time not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Bank’s name on Exhibit A hereto under
the column entitled “Swingline Loan Commitment Amount.”
“Swingline Loans” has the meaning provided in Section 2.3(a) of this Agreement.
“Swingline Note” has the meaning provided in Section 2.3(b) of this Agreement.
“Termination Date” means March 21, 2008.
1.2 Accounting and Other Terms.
(a) General. All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed
in accordance with GAAP. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, all references to
“dollars” or “$” are to United States dollars. This Agreement and the other Credit Documents shall
be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction against the party
causing any such document or any portion thereof to be drafted. The Section and other headings in
this Agreement and any index at the beginning of this Agreement are for convenience of reference
only and shall not limit or
Credit Agreement - Page 6
otherwise affect any of the terms of this Agreement. Similarly, any page footers or headers
or similar word processing, document or page identification numbers in this Agreement or any index
or exhibit are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect any of the
terms of this Agreement, nor shall there be any requirement that any such footers or other numbers
be consistent from page to page. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, any reference to a
Section of this Agreement refers to all Sections and Subsections thereunder. Any pronoun used
herein shall be deemed to cover all genders. Defined terms used in this Agreement may be set forth
in Section 1.1 or other Sections of this Agreement, and all such definitions defined in the
singular shall have a corresponding meaning when used in the plural and vice versa.
(b) Changes in GAAP. If at any time any change in GAAP would affect the computation
of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Credit Document, and either the Borrower or
the Agent shall so request, the Agent and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such
ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP;
provided, however, that, until so amended, (1) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be
computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein, and (2) the Borrower shall provide
to the Agent financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as
reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or
requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP.
1.3 General Rules. For the purposes of this Agreement, the words “herein,” “hereof,”
“hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to a particular
section, paragraph or other subdivision. Terms defined in the singular have a corresponding
meaning when used in the plural and vice versa. Similarly, verbs defined in one tense have a
corresponding meaning when used in another tense.
Section 2
Credit Facility
2.1 Total Credit Facility. Each Bank severally agrees, subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, to make a total credit facility of up to $150,000,000 available to
the Borrower upon its request therefor, as provided in this Section 2.
2.2 Revolving Credit Loans.
(a) General. Each Bank severally agrees, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, to make revolving credit loans (“Revolving Credit Loans”) to the Borrower from
time to time on any Business Day during the period from and including the Closing Date to, but
excluding the Termination Date in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding up to
but not exceeding the lesser of (A) the amount of such Bank’s Revolving Credit Loan Commitment at
such time, or (B) such Bank’s Pro-Rata Share of the Borrowing Base at such time. In no event shall
any Bank be obligated to make a Revolving Credit Loan if any Default or Event of Default exists or
would result from the making of such Revolving Credit Loan. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the Borrower may borrow, repay and re-borrow under the Revolving Credit Loan
facility.
(b)
Revolving Credit Note. The Revolving Credit Loans made by each Bank under its
Revolving Credit Loan Commitment shall be evidenced by, and shall be payable in accordance with the
terms and conditions of, a promissory note of the Borrower in favor of such Bank in substantially
the form of
Exhibit B hereto (as to such Bank, as the same may be amended, renewed,
restated, replaced, consolidated or otherwise modified from time to time, its “
Revolving Credit
Note”). Each Revolving Credit Note shall be in a principal amount equal to the amount of its
Revolving Credit Loan Commitment
Credit Agreement - Page 7
then in effect and otherwise duly completed. Each Loan made by each Bank under its Revolving
Credit Loan Commitment, and all payments and prepayments made on account of the principal thereof,
shall be recorded by such Bank on its books and records.
2.3 Swingline Loans.
(a) General. The Swingline Lender agrees, on and subject to the terms of this
Agreement, to make loans (“Swingline Loans”) to the Borrower from time to time on any
Business Day during the period from and including the Closing Date but excluding the Termination
Date in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding up to but not exceeding the Swingline
Loan Commitment at such time; provided, that the aggregate principal balance of all Swingline Loans
then outstanding (or which would be outstanding if such Swingline Loan were to be made) at any time
plus the aggregate principal balance of all Revolving Credit Loans then outstanding shall not
exceed the lesser of (1) the total Commitments of all Banks at such time, or (2) the Borrowing
Base. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during such period the Borrower may
borrow, repay and reborrow Swingline Loans.
If the Borrower does not repay any Swingline Loans in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, the Swingline Note or any of the other Credit Documents, then the Banks shall reimburse
the Swingline Lender on demand for the unpaid amount of such Swingline Loans. Such reimbursements
shall be made by the Banks in accordance with their respective Pro-Rata Shares and shall thereafter
be reflected as Revolving Credit Loans of the Banks on the books and records of the Agent. Each
Bank shall fund its respective Pro-Rata Share of Revolving Credit Loans as required to repay
Swingline Loans outstanding to the Swingline Lender upon demand by the Swingline Lender but in no
event later than 2:00 p.m., Central Time, on the next succeeding Business Day after such demand is
made. No Bank’s obligation to fund its Pro-Rata Share of a Swingline Loan shall be affected by any
other Bank’s failure to fund its Pro-Rata Share of a Swingline Loan. Similarly, the Borrower’s
obligation to repay Swingline Loans shall not be affected by any Bank’s failure to reimburse the
Swingline Lender pursuant to this Section 2.3.
If any portion of any principal payment made by the Borrower to the Swingline Lender on
account of any Swingline Loan shall be recovered by or on behalf of the Borrower from the Swingline
Lender in bankruptcy or otherwise, the loss of the amount so recovered shall be ratably shared
among all of the Banks in accordance with their respective Pro-Rata Shares.
Each Bank acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to reimburse Swingline Loans in
accordance with the terms of this Section 2.3 is absolute and unconditional and shall not be
affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including, without limitation, the existence of a Default
or an Event of Default. Further, each Bank agrees and acknowledges that if prior to the
reimbursing of any outstanding Swingline Loans pursuant to this Section 2.3, one of the events
described in Sections 7(e) shall have occurred, each Bank will, on the date the applicable
Revolving Credit Loan would have been made, purchase, without warranty or recourse, an undivided
participating interest in the Swingline Loan to be reimbursed in an amount equal to its Pro-Rata
Share of the aggregate amount of such Swingline Loan. Each Bank will immediately transfer to the
Swingline Lender, in immediately available funds, the amount of its participation and upon receipt
thereof the Swingline Lender will deliver to such Bank a certificate evidencing such participation
dated the date of receipt of such funds and for such amount. Whenever, at any time after the
Swingline Lender has received from any Bank such Bank’s participating interest in a Swingline Loan,
the Swingline Lender receives any payment on account thereof, the Swingline Lender will distribute
to such Bank its participating interest in such amount (appropriately adjusted, in the case of
interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Bank’s participating interest
was outstanding and funded).
Credit Agreement - Page 8
The parties acknowledge that the Swingline Loan facility referred to in this Section 2.3 is a
subfacility of the Revolving Credit Loan facility referred to in Section 2.2 above and,
accordingly, its use by the Borrower shall act to reduce, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount
of credit otherwise available to the Borrower under such Revolving Credit Loan facility.
(b) Swingline Note. Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender shall be evidenced by
a promissory note of the Borrower in favor of the Swingline Lender in substantially the form of
Exhibit C hereto (as the same may be amended, renewed, restated, replaced, consolidated or
otherwise modified from time to time, the “Swingline Note”). The Swingline Note shall be
in a principal amount equal to the total Swingline Loan Commitment then in effect and otherwise
duly completed.
2.4 Reduction and Changes of Commitments.
(a) The Borrower shall have the right to terminate in whole or reduce in part the unused
portion of the Commitments, upon notice as provided herein; provided, however, that each reduction
in the Revolving Credit Loan Commitments is an amount of not less than $1,000,000 and whole
multiples of $1,000,000; provided, further, that no reduction shall be permitted if, after giving
effect thereto, and to any prepayment made therewith, the outstanding and unpaid principal amount
of the Loans shall exceed the Commitments. Any reduction in part of the unused portion of a Bank’s
Revolving Credit Loan Commitment shall be made in the proportion that such Bank’s Revolving Credit
Loan Commitment bears to the total amount of the Revolving Credit Loan Commitments.
(b) The Borrower shall give the Agent notice (and the Agent shall promptly notify the Banks in
writing) at least three (3) Business Days prior to any such reduction or termination provided in
this Section 2.4.
(c) Commitments once reduced in accordance with Section 2.4(a) may not be reinstated.
2.5 Pro Rata Treatment. Except as otherwise provided herein:
(a) each borrowing of Revolving Credit Loans hereunder shall be made from the Banks, and each
termination or reduction of the amount of the Revolving Credit Loan Commitments shall be applied to
such Commitments of the Banks, in each case in accordance with the Banks’ respective Pro-Rata
Shares;
(b) each payment and prepayment by the Borrower of principal of or interest on the Loans shall
be made to the Agent for the account of the Banks in accordance with their respective Pro-Rata
Shares (but not any other fees or amounts payable to the Agent whether pursuant to a separate
letter or otherwise) shall be made to the Agent for the benefit of the Banks in accordance with
their respective Pro-Rata Shares.
Section 3
Finance Charges, Repayment and Other Terms
3.1 Interest Rate.
(a) General.
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(1) |
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Revolving Credit Loans. Interest on
each advance of a Revolving Credit Loan hereunder shall accrue at an
annual rate equal to, at the Borrower’s
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Credit Agreement - Page 9
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election, (i) the Libor Rate plus 0.75% or (ii) the Daily Reset Libor
Rate plus 0.75%, as the Borrower shall specify, pursuant to Section
3.7(a) below. |
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(2) |
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Swingline Loans. Interest on each
advance of a Swingline Loan hereunder shall accrue at an annual rate
equal to the Daily Reset Libor Rate plus 0.75%. |
(b) Default Rate. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection 3.1(a) above, upon or
after the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default, the principal amount of
each Loan shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to three percent (3%) above the interest
rate that would otherwise apply under Section 3.1(a) above (the “Default Rate”).
(c) Computation of Interest. Interest on the outstanding principal balance of all
Loans and all other obligations, if any, under the Credit Documents with respect to which interest
accrues pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be calculated on a daily basis, computed on
the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed (or if the Agent so elects, on
the basis of twelve 30-day months for the actual number of days elapsed).
(d) Usury. In no contingency or event whatsoever shall the aggregate of all amounts
deemed interest hereunder or under any Note and charged or collected pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or any other Credit Documents exceed the highest rate permissible under any law which a
court of competent jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable thereto. If such
a court determines that any amount of interest charged or received hereunder or under the other
Credit Documents is in excess of the highest applicable rate, any such excess shall be applied to
any other obligations then due and payable by the Borrower under the Credit Documents, whether
principal, interest, fees or otherwise, and the remainder of such excess interest, if any, shall be
refunded to the Borrower, and such rate shall automatically be reduced to the maximum rate
permitted by such law.
3.2 Payments of Principal, Interest and Costs. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, the Borrower agrees to pay, to the Agent for the account of each Bank, the Borrower’s
obligations under the Credit Documents as follows:
(a) Revolving Credit Loans.
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(1) |
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Interest. Accrued interest on the
outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Credit Loans of such
Bank is payable on: (A) in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan that
accrues interest at a Libor Rate, (i) the earlier of: (I) the last day
of each Interest Period or (II) the date that is three months following
the first day of the then current Interest Period (beginning April 1,
2007), or (B) in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan that accrues
interest at a Daily Reset Libor Rate, on the first day of each month
(beginning April 1, 2007), and (C) with respect to all Revolving Credit
Loans, the Termination Date. |
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(2) |
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Principal. The outstanding principal
balance of the Revolving Credit Loans of such Bank is payable on the
Termination Date. |
(b) Swingline Loans.
Credit Agreement - Page 10
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(1) |
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Interest. Accrued interest on the
outstanding principal balance of Swingline Loans is payable on (A) the
first day of each month (beginning April 1, 2007), and (B) the
Termination Date. |
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(2) |
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Principal. The outstanding principal
balance of the Swingline Loans is payable on the Termination Date. |
(c) Other Obligations. Costs, fees and expenses and any
other obligations payable by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or the
other Credit Documents shall be payable as and when provided in this Agreement
or the other Credit Documents, as the case may be, or, if no specific provision
for payment is made, on demand.
3.3 Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrower shall have the right, without penalty or
premium, to prepay the Loans in whole or in part at any time and from time to time after the
Closing Date; provided; however, if the Borrower prepays all or any part of a Loan on any day other
than the last day of the then-current Interest Period, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent the
amounts due each Bank under such circumstances in accordance with Section 3.15(c) of this
Agreement.
3.4 Mandatory Prepayments.
(a) Combined Loan to Value. If, at any time, the aggregate outstanding principal
balance of the Loans exceeds the Borrowing Base, the Borrower shall immediately prepay the Loans in
an amount sufficient to reduce the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the Loans by an amount
equal to such excess.
(b) Legal Requirement. If at any time the Borrower, the Agent or any Bank, as the
case may be, is required by applicable law to prepay or to cause to be prepaid all or any portion
of the Loans, the Borrower shall immediately prepay the Loans in an amount sufficient to satisfy
such legal requirement. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “applicable law” and “legal
requirement” shall include, without limitation, any legal requirement or restriction imposed by
virtue of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the 1940 Act.
3.5 Method of Payment.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Borrower shall make each payment due
under this Agreement, the Notes and the other Credit Documents, in immediately available funds,
without notice or demand, and without exercising any right of set-off, deduction or counterclaim,
not later than 1:00 p.m., Central Time, on the date when due, in Dollars, to the Agent at such
office as the Agent may designate from time to time by giving notice thereof to the Borrower.
Payments received after 1:00 p.m., Central Time, shall be deemed received by the Agent on the next
following Business Day, and interest shall accrue on such amount until such next Business Day.
Insofar as the Borrower’s obligations are concerned, payment to the Agent shall constitute payment
to the Banks.
(b) The Agent shall remit to each Bank its Pro-Rata Share of all payments of principal and
interest under the Loans received by the Agent on the Business Day the Agent receives such
payments; provided, however, that if any such payment is received by the Agent after 2:00 p.m.,
Central Time, on such Business Day, then the Agent shall endeavor to remit to each Bank its
Pro-Rata Share of such payment on such Business Day but shall be under no duty to do so. If the
Agent fails to remit any such payment received after 2:00 p.m., Central Time, on any Business Day,
the Agent shall remit to each Bank its Pro-Rata Share of such payment on the next following
Business Day.
Credit Agreement - Page 11
(c) All payments from the Agent to a Bank, and all payments from a Bank to the Agent, in each
case contemplated by this Agreement, shall be made by electronic funds transfer or by such other
means and pursuant to such instructions as the Agent and such Bank may agree from time to time, any
such agreement to be confirmed in writing at the request of the Agent or such Bank.
(d) If the due date of any payment under this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Credit
Documents would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day such payment date shall (unless
otherwise expressly provided herein) be extended to the immediately succeeding Business Day and
interest shall be payable for any principal so extended for the period of such extension.
3.6 Use of Proceeds. The Revolving Credit Loans shall be used solely for purposes of:
(1) the refinancing of the existing senior indebtedness of the Borrower to U.S. Bank National
Association; (2) the Borrower’s acquisition of investment property in the ordinary course of its
business; (3) the Borrower’s general working capital and other general corporate needs; and (4)
paying costs and expenses incurred in connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement.
3.7 Notice and Manner of Borrowing.
(a) The Borrower shall give the Agent notice (and the Agent shall promptly notify the Banks in
writing) of each borrowing hereunder: (i) in the case of a Loan that accrues interest based on a
Daily Reset Libor Rate, by noon Central Time of the Business Day such Loan is to be disbursed to
the Borrower, and (ii) in the case of a Loan that accrues interest at a rate other than a Daily
Reset Libor Rate, at least three (3) Business Days before the Business Day such Loan is to be
disbursed to the Borrower, and the Borrower shall specify and provide: (i) the proposed funding
date of such Loan, (ii) the amount of such Loan and whether the Loan requested is a Revolving
Credit Loan or a Swingline Loan, (iii) if such Loan is to bear interest based on the Libor Rate,
the Interest Period requested by the Borrower for such Loan, (iv) the then current total fair
market value of the financial assets in the Securities Account and any and all other assets of the
Borrower, (v) a Borrowing Base Certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto, executed
by an authorized officer of the Borrower providing the current Borrowing Base and stating that the
Borrower is in compliance with all applicable leverage regulations of the 1940 Act; and (vi) only
in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan, whether such Loan shall accrue interest at a Daily Reset
Libor Rate. All notices given under this Section by the Borrower shall be irrevocable and shall be
given not later than 11:00 a.m. Central Time on the day which is not less than the number of
Business Days specified above for such notice. For purposes of this Section, the Borrower and the
Banks agree that the Agent may rely and act upon any request for a Loan from any individual who the
Agent, absent gross negligence or willful misconduct, believes to be a representative of the
Borrower.
(b) Not later than 1:00 p.m., Central Time, on the date specified for each borrowing
hereunder, each Bank shall make available to the Agent the amount of the Revolving Credit Loan to
be made by it on such date, at such account maintained by the Agent as the Agent shall specify, in
immediately available funds, for the account of the Borrower. The amount so received by the Agent
shall, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, promptly be made available to the
Borrower by depositing the same, in immediately available funds, in one or more accounts of the
Borrower maintained with the Agent.
3.8 Minimum Amount. Each borrowing of a Loan that accrues interest at a Daily Reset
Libor Rate shall be in an amount of at least $250,000 and a whole multiple of $25,000. Each
borrowing of a Loan that accrues interest at a rate other than a Daily Reset Libor Rate shall be in
an amount of at least $1,000,000 and a whole multiple of $250,000.
Credit Agreement - Page 12
3.9 Capital Adequacy. If the Agent determines that the adoption of any law, rule or
regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein or in the interpretation or
application thereof or compliance by the Agent or the Banks with any request or directive regarding
capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or governmental
authority, does or shall have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the Agent’s or any
Bank’s capital as a consequence of its obligations hereunder to a level below that which the Agent
or the Banks could have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into
consideration the Agent’s and the Banks’ policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount
deemed by the Agent (or, the Required Banks) to be material, then from time to time, after
submission by the Agent to the Borrower of a written demand therefor, the Borrower shall pay to the
Agent such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Agent for such reduction. A
certificate of the Agent claiming entitlement to payment as set forth in this Section shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error. Such certificate shall set forth the nature of the
occurrence giving rise to such payment, the additional amount or amounts to be paid to the Agent,
and the method by which such amounts were determined. In determining such amount, the Agent may
use any reasonable averaging and attribution method.
3.10 Application of Payments and Collections. The Borrower irrevocably waives the
right to direct the application of any and all payments and collections at any time or times after
the Closing Date received by the Agent from or on behalf of the Borrower, and the Borrower agrees
that the Agent and each affected Bank has the continuing exclusive right to apply and reapply any
and all such payments and collections received at any time or times after the Closing Date by the
Agent or its agent against the Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Documents, in such manner as
the Agent and each affected Bank may deem advisable, notwithstanding any entry by the Agent or any
Bank upon any of its books and records.
3.11 Periodic Statement. The Agent may, in its sole discretion, account to the
Borrower with a periodic statement of loan balances, charges and payments made or received pursuant
to this Agreement, and any such statement rendered by the Agent shall be deemed final, binding and
conclusive upon the Borrower unless the Agent is notified by the Borrower in writing to the
contrary within 45 days after the date such statement is made available to the Borrower. Any such
notice by the Borrower shall only be deemed an objection to those items specifically objected to in
such notice.
3.12 Non-Receipt of Funds by Agent.
(a) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Bank prior to the date on which such
Bank is to provide funds to the Agent for a Loan to be made by such Bank that such Bank will not
make available to the Agent such funds, the Agent may assume that such Bank has made such funds
available to the Agent on the date of such Loan in accordance with Section 3.7 and the Agent in its
sole discretion may, but shall not be obligated to, in reliance on such assumption, make available
to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If, and to the extent such Bank shall not
have so made such funds available to the Agent, such Bank agrees to repay to the Agent forthwith on
demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such
amount is repaid to the Agent, at the customary rate set by the Agent for the correction of errors
among banks for three (3) Business Days and thereafter at the Prime Rate. If such Bank does not
pay such corresponding amount forthwith upon the Agent’s demand therefore, the Agent shall promptly
notify the Borrower, and the Borrower shall immediately pay such corresponding amount to the Agent
with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower
until the date such amount is repaid to the Agent, at the rate of interest applicable at the time
to such proposed Loan.
(b) Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which
any payment is due to the Banks hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in
Credit Agreement - Page 13
full, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Agent on
such date and the Agent in its sole discretion may, but shall not be obligated to, in reliance upon
such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Bank on such due date an amount equal to the
amount then due such Bank. If and to the extent the Borrower shall not have so made such payment
in full to the Agent, each Bank shall repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount
distributed to such Bank together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is
distributed to such Bank until the date such Bank repays such amount to the Agent, at the customary
rate set by the Agent for the correction of errors among banks for the three Business Days and
thereafter at the Prime Rate.
3.13 Several Obligations. The failure of any Bank to make any Loan to be made by it
on the date specified therefor shall not relieve any other Bank of its obligation to make its Loan
on such date, but neither any Bank nor the Agent shall be responsible for the failure of any other
Bank to make a Loan to be made by such other Bank.
3.14 Balance; Sharing of Payments.
(a) If any Bank shall obtain payment of any principal of or interest on any Loan through the
exercise of any right of set-off, banker’s lien or counterclaim or similar right or otherwise, and,
as a result of such payment, such Bank shall have received a greater percentage of the principal or
interest then due hereunder by the Borrower to such Bank than its Pro-Rata Share thereof, it shall
promptly purchase from such other Banks participations in (or, if and to the extent specified by
such Bank, direct interests in) the Loans made by such other Banks (or in interest due thereon, as
the case may be) in such amounts, and make such other adjustments from time to time as shall be
equitable, to the end that all the Banks shall share the benefit of such excess payment (net of any
expenses which may be incurred by such Bank in obtaining or preserving such excess payment) pro
rata in accordance with the unpaid principal and/or interest on the Loans held by each of the
Banks. To such end, all the Banks shall make appropriate adjustments among themselves (by the
resale of participations sold or otherwise) if such payment is rescinded or must otherwise be
restored. Nothing in this Agreement shall require any Bank to exercise any such right or shall
affect the right of any Bank to exercise, and retain the benefits of exercising, any such right
with respect to any other indebtedness or obligation of the Borrower. If, under any applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law, any Bank receives a secured claim in lieu of a set-off
to which this Section 3.14 applies, such Bank shall, to the extent practicable, exercise its rights
in respect of such secured claim in a manner consistent with the rights of the Banks entitled under
this Section 3.14 to share in the benefits of any recovery on such secured claim.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Sections 3.14(a) or (b) above, if any Bank at
any time has a separate credit relationship with the Borrower — separate and apart from such
Person’s credit relationship with the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents
— and such Person exercises any right of set-off, banker’s lien or other right or claim with
respect to any amounts due such Person by the Borrower under any such separate credit relationship,
then all proceeds of such set-off, banker’s lien or other right or claim, as the case may be, shall
first be applied against the Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents, before being applied against the Borrower’s obligations under such separate credit
relationship.
3.15 Libor Loan Provisions.
(a)
Market Disruption. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if, prior to
the determination of any Libor Rate or Daily Reset Libor Rate, any Bank determines (in its sole
discretion and which determination shall be conclusive) that any condition exists which impairs
such Bank’s ability to readily and reliably ascertain the Libor Rate or Daily Reset Libor Rate, as
the case may be, for Loans (whether due to disruption in the relevant markets, suspension of
quotations, or otherwise), then such
Credit Agreement - Page 14
Bank shall give the Borrower prompt notice thereof (with a copy to the Agent), and so long as
such condition remains in effect, interest shall accrue on the Loans at a rate designated by the
Agent which shall be the Agent’s Prime Rate. Such Bank agrees to give notice to the Borrower (with
a copy to the Agent) promptly after the circumstances specified in this Section no longer exist.
(b) Illegality; Regulatory Change. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if
it becomes unlawful for any Bank to honor its obligation to make or maintain Loans hereunder, then
such Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower thereof (with a copy to the Agent), and for the period
of such illegality, interest shall accrue on the Loans at a rate designated by the Agent which
shall be the Agent’s Prime Rate. Furthermore, if, by reason of any Regulatory Change, any Bank
becomes subject to restrictions on the amount of a category of deposits or liabilities which it may
hold which includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on Loans is determined as
provided in this Agreement or a category of assets of such Bank which includes Loans for which the
interest rate is determined on the basis of a Libor Rate or a Daily Reset Libor Rate, then, if such
Bank so elects by notice to the Borrower thereof (with a copy to the Agent), interest shall, for
the duration of such Regulatory Change, accrue on the Loans made by such Bank at a rate designated
by the Agent which shall be the Agent’s Prime Rate. Such Bank agrees to give notice to the
Borrower (with a copy to the Agent) promptly after the circumstances specified in this Section no
longer exist.
(c) Breakage Costs; Funding Indemnification. If any payment or prepayment is made or
applied in respect of any Loan before the last day of the applicable Interest Period (whether due
to voluntary prepayment, acceleration of the Loan, or otherwise), the Borrower shall pay to the
Agent, as liquidated damages for the loss of the bargain and/or anticipated resulting damages and
not as a penalty, an amount which, when added to the interest otherwise accruing in respect of such
Loan, would enable the Banks to realize the rate due on the Loans hereunder on the principal amount
of such Loan for the entirety of such Interest Period. Similarly, if the Borrower fails to borrow
any Loan on the date for borrowing specified hereunder, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent such
amount as shall be sufficient, in the reasonable judgment of the Agent, to compensate it for any
loss, cost or expense resulting therefrom.
Section 4
Lending Conditions
4.1 Credit Documents. Notwithstanding anything herein or in the other Credit
Documents to the contrary, the Banks shall not be obligated to make the initial Loans under this
Agreement to the Borrower until the Agent shall have received the following documents, duly
executed and delivered by all parties thereto, and otherwise satisfactory in form and content to
the Agent:
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(a) |
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Credit Agreement. This Agreement; |
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(b) |
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Notes. The Revolving Credit Notes and the Swingline
Note; |
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(c) |
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Loan Disbursement Instructions; Borrowing Base
Certificate. Written instructions from the Borrower to the Agent directing
the disbursement of proceeds of the initial Loans made pursuant to this
Agreement, and an initial Borrowing Base Certificate from the Borrower
reflecting that the Borrower has sufficient assets to support Loans in the
amount requested by the Borrower on the date of such certificate; |
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(d) |
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Form U-1. A Form U-1 for the Borrower whereby, among
other things, the Borrower represents and warrants that the proceeds of each
Loan may be used to purchase or carry margin stock, the Borrower hereby
concurring with the |
Credit Agreement - Page 15
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assessment of the market value of any margin stock and other investment
property described therein as of the date provided therein; |
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(e) |
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Opinion of Borrower’s Counsel. The favorable written
opinion to the Agent of Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx LLP, counsel to the
Borrower, regarding the Borrower, the Credit Documents, the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and such other
matters and in such form as the Agent may reasonably require; |
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(f) |
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Certificate of Borrower’s Secretary. A certificate
executed by the Borrower’s secretary whereby such secretary affirms that, among
other things, attached to such certificate is (1) a copy of the Borrower’s
board resolutions authorizing the borrowing of monies and all other matters set
forth in or contemplated by the Credit Documents, (2) a copy of the Borrower’s
by-laws in effect on the Closing Date, (3) a copy of the Borrower’s articles or
certificate of incorporation and all amendments thereto, and (4) a certificate
of good standing for the Borrower, dated on or not more than 10 days prior to
the Closing Date, from the Secretary of State of the state of incorporation of
the Borrower and from the Secretary of State of Kansas; and |
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(g) |
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Other Items. Such other agreements, documents and
assurances as the Agent may reasonably request in connection with the
transactions described in or contemplated by the Credit Documents. |
If the Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, elects to make a Loan notwithstanding the
Borrower’s failure to comply with all of the terms of this Section, then the Agent or any Bank
shall not be deemed to have waived the Borrower’s compliance therewith, nor to have waived any of
the Agent’s or Banks’ other rights under this Agreement; and in any event the Agent, if it so
elects, may declare an immediate Event of Default if the Borrower fails to furnish to the Agent on
demand any of the Credit Documents described in this Section or otherwise fails to comply with any
condition precedent set forth in any Credit Document, in each case irrespective of whether such
failure occurs on or after the Closing Date or the making of such Loan.
4.2 Additional Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans. The obligation of each Bank to
make the initial Loans under this Agreement shall also be subject to the satisfaction, in the
Agent’s sole judgment, of each of the following conditions precedent:
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(a) |
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Since the date of the most recent financial statements of the
Borrower submitted by the Borrower to the Agent immediately prior to the
Closing Date, there shall not have occurred any act or event which could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; |
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(b) |
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No action, proceeding, investigation, regulation or legislation
shall have been instituted, threatened or proposed before any court,
governmental agency or legislative body to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or to
obtain damages in respect of, or which is related to or arises out of this
Agreement or the other Credit Documents or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby or which, in the Agent’s reasonable
determination, would make it inadvisable to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the other Credit Documents; and |
Credit Agreement - Page 16
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(c) |
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The Borrower shall have paid all legal fees and other closing
or like costs and expenses of the Agent and the Banks which the Borrower is
obligated to pay hereunder. |
4.3 Conditions Precedent to All Loans. The obligation of each Bank to make each Loan
under this Agreement (including, without limitation, the initial Loan) shall be subject to the
further conditions precedent that, on the date of each such Loan:
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(a) |
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The following statements shall be true: (1) the representations
and warranties of the Borrower contained in this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents are correct on and as of the date of such Loan as though made on and
as of such date, and (2) there exists no Default or Event of Default as of such
date, nor would any Default or Event of Default result from the making of the
Loan requested by the Borrower; |
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(b) |
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The Borrower shall have signed and sent to the Agent a request
for borrowing, setting forth in writing the amount of the Loan requested and
the other information required pursuant to Section 3.7 of this Agreement; |
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(c) |
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The Borrower shall have furnished to the Agent a completed
Borrowing Base Certificate, signed by the Borrower, and dated not more than one
day prior to the date of the Borrower’s request for such Loan; and |
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(d) |
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The Agent shall have received such other approvals, opinions or
documents as it may reasonably request. |
The Borrower agrees that the making of a request by the Borrower for a Revolving Credit Loan or
Swingline Loan, whether in writing, by telephone or otherwise, shall constitute a certification by
the Borrower that all representations and warranties of the Borrower in the Credit Documents are
true as of the date thereof and that all required conditions to the making of the Revolving Credit
Loan and/or Swingline Loan have been met.
Section 5
Representations And Warranties
5.1 Representations, Warranties and Covenants of the Borrower. The Borrower
represents, and warrants to the Agent and the Banks as follows:
(a) Organization and Existence. The Borrower (1) is a corporation duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation as reflected
in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement, (2) is in good standing in all other jurisdictions
in which it is required to be qualified to do business as a foreign corporation, and (3) has
obtained all licenses and permits and has filed all registrations necessary to the operation of its
business; except where the failure to so qualify or to obtain such licenses or permits could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b)
Authorization by the Borrower. The execution, delivery and performance by the
Borrower of the Credit Documents (1) are within the Borrower’s corporate powers, (2) have been duly
authorized by all necessary corporate or similar action, (3) do not contravene the Borrower’s
articles or certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or any law or contractual restriction binding
on or affecting the Borrower or its properties (including, without limitation, any contractual
restriction arising under or
Credit Agreement - Page 17
otherwise related to the Senior Notes), and (4) do not result in or require the creation of a
Lien upon any of the Borrower’s existing or future assets.
(c) Approval of Governmental Bodies. No authorization or approval or other action by,
and no notice to or filing with, any Governmental Authority or regulatory body is required for the
due execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Documents or the exercise by
the Bank of its rights thereunder.
(d) Default or Event of Default. No Default or Event of Default has occurred or is
occurring.
(e) Disclosure. Neither this Agreement, nor any of the other Credit Documents, nor
any certificate or statement furnished to the Agent or any Bank in connection herewith or
otherwise, at the time it was executed, delivered and/or furnished, contained any untrue statement
of material fact, or omitted to state a material fact which was necessary in order to make the
statements contained herein or therein not materially misleading. There is no fact known to the
Borrower which is expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(f) Enforceability of Obligations. The Credit Documents are the legal, valid and
binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their
respective terms, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights
generally and subject to the discretion of courts in applying equitable remedies.
(g) Financial Statements. All financial statements of the Borrower which have been
furnished to the Agent and/or the Banks fairly present the financial condition of the Borrower, as
of the dates reflected on the financial statements, and fairly present the results of its
operations for the period covered thereby, all in accordance with GAAP, except for the omission of
footnotes in interim financial statements and subject to normal year-end adjustments. There has
been no material adverse change in the financial condition or results from operations of the
Borrower since the dates of the most recent financial statements of the Borrower submitted to the
Agent and/or the Banks.
(h) Litigation. There is no pending or threatened action or proceeding affecting the
Borrower or any of its properties before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator which, if
determined adversely to the Borrower, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(i) Existing Debt. The Borrower has no Debt other than Permitted Debt.
(j) Taxes. The Borrower has filed all required federal, state, local and other tax
returns and has paid, or made adequate provision for the payment of, any taxes due pursuant thereto
or pursuant to any assessment received by the Borrower except such taxes, if any, as are being
contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been provided.
(k) Stock and Records. All outstanding capital stock of the Borrower was and is
properly issued, and all books and records of the Borrower, including but not limited to its minute
books, by-laws and books of account, are accurate and complete in all material respects. The
Borrower is not obligated on or after the Closing Date to redeem or otherwise acquire, or pay any
dividends or make any other distributions in respect of, any of its stock.
Credit Agreement - Page 18
(l) Contracts. The Borrower is not in default under or has not otherwise violated the
terms of any contract or other agreement to which such Person is a party or by which such Person is
bound, except for any such default the consequences of which would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(m) Hazardous Materials. The Borrower has complied with all Environmental Laws and
all of its facilities, leaseholds, assets and other property comply with all Environmental Laws,
except where such failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. There are no outstanding or threatened citations, notices or orders of non-compliance
issued to the Borrower or relating to its facilities, leaseholds, assets or other property. The
Borrower has been issued all licenses, certificates, permits or other authorizations required under
any Environmental Law or by any federal, state or local governmental or quasi-governmental entity,
except where the failure to obtain such license, certificate, permit or other authorization could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(n) Title to Property; Liens. The Borrower has good and marketable title to all
property purported to be owned by it subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens.
(o) Insolvency. After the execution and delivery of the Credit Documents and the
disbursement of the Loans hereunder, the Borrower will not be insolvent within the meaning of the
United States Bankruptcy Code or unable to pay its debts as they mature.
(p) Survival of Representations. All representations and warranties made in this
Section 5 shall survive the execution and delivery of the Credit Documents and the making of the
Loans.
Section 6
Covenants
6.1 Affirmative Covenants. So long as any Loan remains unpaid or the Banks have any
commitment to extend credit to or for the benefit of the Borrower, the Borrower covenants to the
Agent and the Banks as follows:
(a) Compliance with Laws. The Borrower shall comply with all applicable laws, rules,
regulations and orders affecting the Borrower or its properties, including, without limitation, all
ERISA and all Environmental Laws, except where such failure to comply could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower shall
remain in material compliance, at all times, with the 1940 Act, including but not limited to, all
leverage regulations specified in the 1940 Act.
(b) Reporting Requirements. The Borrower shall furnish to the Agent:
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(1) |
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Quarterly Statements. As soon as
available and in any event within 60 days after the end of each fiscal
quarter of the Borrower, an internally prepared balance sheet of the
Borrower as of the end of such quarter and internally prepared income
statements as of the end of such quarter for such quarter and for the
fiscal year-to-date, each certified to the Agent by the Borrower’s
chief financial officer as to fairness of presentation and conformity
with GAAP; |
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(2) |
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Audited Year-End Statements. As soon
as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each
fiscal year of the Borrower, final audited financial statements (as
described above but including a |
Credit Agreement - Page 19
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statement of changes in financial position) as of the end of such
fiscal year of the Borrower reported on by and accompanied by the
unqualified opinion of independent certified public accountants
selected by the Borrower and reasonably acceptable to the Agent, and
a copy of any management, operation or other letter or correspondence
from such accountant to the Borrower in connection therewith; |
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(3) |
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Borrowing Base Certificate. So long as
any Loan remains unpaid, and within 14 days after the end of each
calendar month, a Borrowing Base Certificate; and |
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(4) |
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Other. Such other information
respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the
Borrower as the Agent may reasonably request from time to time. |
All financial statements described in clauses (1) and (2) above shall be prepared in accordance
with GAAP on a basis applied consistently with the financial statements of the Borrower delivered
to the Agent for the period ending most immediately prior to the Closing Date, except that
unaudited financial statements shall be subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and need not
contain footnotes.
(c) Preservation of Business and Corporate Existence. The Borrower shall: (1) carry
on and conduct its principal business substantially as it is now being conducted; (2) maintain in
good standing its existence and its right to transact business in those states in which it is now
or may after the Closing Date be doing business; and (3) maintain all licenses, permits and
registrations necessary to the conduct of its business; except where the failure to so maintain its
right to transact business or to maintain such licenses, permits or registrations could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Insurance. The Borrower shall keep insured at all times with financially sound
and reputable insurers which are reasonably satisfactory to the Agent (1) all of the Borrower’s
property of an insurable nature, including, without limitation, all real estate, equipment,
fixtures and inventories, against fire and other casualties in such a manner and to the extent that
like properties are usually insured by others owning properties of a similar character in a similar
locality or as otherwise required by the Agent, with the proceeds of such casualty insurance
payable solely to the Agent, and (2) against liability on account of damage to persons or property
(including product liability insurance and all insurance required under all applicable worker’s
compensation laws) caused by the Borrower or its officers, directors, employees, agents or
contractors in such a manner and to the extent that like risks are usually insured by others
conducting similar businesses in the places where the Borrower conducts its business or as
otherwise required by the Agent, with the Agent being named as an additional insured under such
liability policies. The Borrower shall cause the insurers under all of its insurance policies to
provide the Agent at least 30 days prior written notice of the termination of any such policy
before such termination shall be effective and to agree to such other matters in respect of any
such casualty insurance as provided in the Agent’s loss payee endorsement provided to the Borrower.
In addition, the Borrower will, upon request of the Agent at any time, furnish a written summary
of the amount and type of insurance carried, the names of the insurers and the policy numbers, and
deliver to the Agent certificates with respect thereto.
(e)
Payment of Taxes. The Borrower shall pay and discharge, before they become
delinquent, all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges imposed upon it, its properties,
or any part thereof, or upon the income or profits therefrom and all claims for labor, materials or
supplies which if unpaid might be or become a Lien or charge upon any of its property, except such
items as it is in good
Credit Agreement - Page 20
faith appropriately contesting and as to which adequate reserves have been provided to the
Agent’s satisfaction.
(f) Employee Plans. The Borrower shall: (1) notify the Agent promptly of the
establishment of any Plan, except that prior to the establishment of any “welfare plan” (as defined
in Section 3(1) of ERISA) covering any employee of the Borrower for any period after such
employee’s termination of employment other than such period required by the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 or “defined benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA),
it will obtain the Agent’s prior written approval of such establishment; (2) at all times make
prompt payments or contributions to meet the minimum funding standards of Section 412 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, with respect to each Plan; (3) promptly after the filing
thereof, furnish to the Agent a copy of any report required to be filed pursuant to Section 103 of
ERISA in connection with each Plan for each Plan year, including but not limited to the Schedule B
attached thereto, if applicable; (4) notify the Agent promptly of any “reportable event” (as
defined in ERISA) or any circumstances arising in connection with any Plan which might constitute
grounds for the termination thereof by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or for the
appointment by the appropriate United States District Court of a trustee to administer the Plan,
the initiation of any audit or inquiry by the Internal Revenue Service or the Department of Labor
of any Plan or transaction(s) involving or related to any Plan, or any “prohibited transaction” as
defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended; (5) notify the Agent prior to any action that could result in the assertion of liability
under Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA caused by the complete or partial withdrawal from any
multiemployer plan or to terminate any defined benefit plan sponsored by the Borrower; and (6)
promptly furnish such additional information concerning any Plan as the Agent, it its sole
discretion, may from time to time request.
(g) Notice of Default. The Borrower shall give prompt written notice to the Agent of
the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default under any of the Credit Documents. Similarly,
the Borrower shall give prompt written notice to the Agent of any failure to pay, perform or
observe or any other default by the Borrower under any other existing or future agreement by which
the Borrower is bound if such default could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
(h) Books and Records; Inspection; Audits. The Borrower shall: (1) maintain complete
and accurate books and financial records in accordance with GAAP (except that interim financial
statements need not contain footnotes and may be subject to normal year-end audit adjustments); (2)
during normal working hours permit the Agent, the Banks and Persons designated by the Agent and the
Banks to visit and inspect its properties and to inspect its books and financial records (including
its journals, orders, receipts and correspondence which relates to its accounts receivable), and to
discuss its affairs, finances and accounts receivable and operations with its directors, officers,
employees and agents and its independent public accountants; and (3) permit the Agent, the Banks
and Persons designated by the Agent and the Banks to perform reviews of such books and financial
records when and as requested by the Agent or any Bank.
(i) Further Assurances. The Borrower agrees to execute, deliver or perform, or cause
to be executed, delivered or performed, all such documents, agreements or acts, as the case may be,
as the Agent may reasonably request from time to time to create, evidence or assure the Agent’s or
any Bank’s rights and remedies under, or as contemplated by, the Credit Documents or at law or in
equity.
(j) Securities Account. The Borrower shall deliver to the Agent, promptly after its
receipt thereof, a copy of the monthly account statement for the Securities Account. The Borrower
further agrees that the Agent shall have the right, should it so elect, to monitor the Securities
Account from time to time on a “real time” or other electronic basis, and to that end the Borrower
hereby
Credit Agreement - Page 21
irrevocably authorizes and instructs the Securities Intermediary to take such steps as may be
necessary to allow the Agent to so monitor the Securities Account. The foregoing right to monitor
the Securities Account shall give the Agent the right to monitor all aspects of the Securities
Account, including, without limitation, the right to monitor all financial assets held therein and
all trading activity relating thereto. The Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold the Securities
Intermediary harmless from and against any losses, damages or expenses the Securities Intermediary
may incur as a result of the Securities Intermediary permitting the Agent to monitor the Securities
Account as provided in this Section, except for any such losses, damages or expenses that arise out
of the Securities Intermediary’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Securities
Intermediary shall be a third-party beneficiary of this Section.
(k) Daily Securities Account Information. In the event that the Agent is not the
custodian of the Securities Account and the financial assets held therein, the Borrower shall
before the end of each Business Day directly provide the Agent such information as the Agent may
request to allow monitoring of the Securities Account, including the financial assets held therein
and all trading activity relating thereto, on a daily basis. The Agent shall have the right,
should it so elect to monitor the Securities Account from time to time on a “real time” or other
electronic basis, and to that end, Borrower, if so requested by the Agent, will take appropriate
action to authorize and instruct the custodian of the Securities Account to take such steps as
necessary to allow the Agent to so monitor the Securities Account, not less frequently than at the
end of each Business Day.
(l) Litigation. The Borrower shall promptly give to the Agent and the Banks, notice
of:
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(1) |
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any pending or threatened action or proceeding
affecting the Borrower or any of its properties before any court,
governmental agency or arbitrator which, if determined adversely to the
Borrower, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. |
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(2) |
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(i) the issuance by any Governmental Authority
of any injunction, order or other restraint prohibiting, or having the
effect of prohibiting or delaying, any action on the part of the
Borrower, or (ii) the institution of any litigation or similar
proceedings seeking any such injunction, order or other restraint
which, in the case of subpart (i) hereof, would have, and in the case
of subpart (ii) hereof, would reasonably be expected to have if the
outcome were adverse, a Material Adverse Effect. |
(m) Credit Rating. The Borrower shall maintain a minimum unsecured credit rating of
(i) “A-2” by Xxxxx’x Investor Service, Inc. and (ii) “A” by Fitch, Inc.
6.2 Negative Covenants. So long as any Loan remains unpaid or the Banks have any
commitment to extend credit to or for the benefit of the Borrower, the Borrower covenants to the
Agent and the Banks as follows:
(a) Liens. The Borrower shall not create or suffer to exist any Lien on or with
respect to any of its properties, whether the Borrower owns or has an interest in such property on
the Closing Date or at any time thereafter, except for Permitted Liens. If, notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Borrower at any time creates or suffers to exist any Lien (other than a Permitted
Lien) on any Property, including, if applicable, any proceeds thereof (such Property and, if
applicable, such proceeds being collectively referred to herein as “Encumbered Property”),
to secure any Debt (including, without limitation, any Debt evidenced by any of the Senior Notes),
the Borrower shall be deemed to have granted to the Agent and the Banks at such time, without
further action on any Person’s part, a security interest in
Credi Agreement - Page 22
the Encumbered Property as security for all existing and future obligations of the Borrower to
the Agent and the Banks under the Credit Documents. In such event and insofar as the Encumbered
Property consists of the Securities Account or any financial assets held therein: (1) the Agent
and the Securities Intermediary shall be authorized – without notice to, the consent of or other
action by the Borrower – to take such action as the Agent deems necessary or advisable to perfect
or otherwise assure the Agent with respect to such security interest (including, without
limitation, to provide the Agent control of the Encumbered Property held in the Securities Account,
as the term “control” is defined in §8-106(d)(2) of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in any
jurisdiction); and (2) if so requested by the Agent, the Borrower, at its expense, shall cause the
holder of any such Lien granted to a Person other than the Agent or the Banks to take such action
as the Agent reasonably deems necessary or advisable to cause the priority of such Lien to rank on
a pari passu basis with the Agent’s and the Banks’ Liens.
(b) Debt. The Borrower shall not create or suffer to exist any Debt except for
Permitted Debt. The Borrower shall not prepay any Debt, including the Senior Notes; provided,
however, Borrower shall be permitted to prepay any Loans under this Agreement.
(c) Structure; Disposition of Assets. The Borrower shall not merge or consolidate
with or otherwise acquire, or be acquired by, any other Person; provided, however, that the
foregoing prohibition on acquisitions by the Borrower shall not prohibit the Borrower from
acquiring investment property in the ordinary course of its business. The Borrower shall not sell,
lease or otherwise transfer any property, except for the disposition of obsolete equipment and the
sale or other disposition of investment property in the ordinary course of the Borrower’s business.
(d) Subsidiaries; New Business. The Borrower shall not (a) change its corporate
structure or create any subsidiary, (b) render any services or otherwise enter into any business
which is not substantially similar to that existing on the Closing Date, or (c) liquidate, wind-up
or dissolve itself.
(e) Conflicting Agreements. The Borrower shall not enter into any agreement any term
or condition of which conflicts with any provision of this Agreement or the other Credit Documents.
(f) Changes in Accounting Principles; Fiscal Year. The Borrower shall not make any
change in its principles or methods of accounting as currently in effect, except such changes as
are required by GAAP, nor shall the Borrower, without first obtaining the Agent’s written consent,
change its fiscal year.
(g) Dividends and Distributions. So long as a Default or an Event of Default is
occurring, the Borrower shall not declare or pay, directly or indirectly, any dividend or make any
other distribution (by reduction of capital or otherwise), whether in cash, property, securities or
otherwise, with respect to any shares of its capital stock or directly or indirectly redeem,
purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value any shares of any class of its capital stock or set
aside any amount for any such purpose.
(h) Investments and Joint Ventures. The Borrower shall not make or permit to remain
outstanding any investment in any Person or enter into any joint venture; provided, however,
Borrower shall not be prohibited from making or permitting to remain outstanding any investment in
the ordinary course of its business; and provided further, Borrower may purchase interest rate
protection in a form acceptable to the Agent and the Banks, which may cover a mutually agreed upon
notional amount of the Senior Notes.
(i) Transactions With Affiliates. Other than the advisor relationship existing on the
Closing Date with Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC, the Borrower shall not enter into or be a party
to any transaction or arrangement, including without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of
property of
Credi Agreement - Page 23
any kind or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate, except in the ordinary course of
and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Borrower’s business and upon fair and reasonable
terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower as those which would be obtained in a comparable
arms-length transaction with a non-Affiliate.
(j) Amount Invested in Single MLP. The Borrower shall not make any investment in any
single master limited partnership or other single issuer if, immediately after giving effect to
such investment, the aggregate fair market value of all investments in such issuer would exceed 15%
of the Borrower’s total assets at such time.
Section 7
Events of Default
7.1 Events of Default. Each of the following events shall constitute an Event of
Default hereunder:
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(a) |
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General. The Borrower fails to pay, perform or observe
any obligation of the Borrower to the Agent or the Banks under the Credit
Documents or any other term, covenant or other provision in any Credit Document
in accordance with the terms thereof and, if such default is curable, the
Borrower fails to cure such default within five days after written notice from
the Agent specifying in reasonable detail the nature of such default is
received by the Borrower; or |
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(b) |
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Other Bank Default. Any “Event of Default” (as such
term is defined in any other Credit Document to which the Borrower is a party)
occurs; or |
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(c) |
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Misrepresentation. Any representation or warranty made
or furnished by the Borrower in connection with this Agreement or the other
Credit Documents proves to be incorrect, incomplete or misleading in any
material respect when made, or any such representation or warranty becomes
incorrect, incomplete or misleading in any material respect and the Borrower
fails to give the Agent prompt written notice thereof; or |
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(d) |
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Cross-Default. The Borrower fails to pay any Debt
(excluding any monetary obligation due the Agent or any Bank under the Credit
Documents, as contemplated by Subsection (a) above, but including, without
limitation, the Senior Notes) or to perform or observe any other obligation or
term in respect of such Debt, and, as a result of any such failure, the holder
of such Debt accelerates or is entitled to accelerate the maturity thereof or
requires or is entitled to require the Borrower or some other Person to
purchase or otherwise acquire such Debt; or |
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(e) |
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Insolvency. The Borrower ceases to be solvent or
suffers the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or similar fiduciary
or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any petition for an
order for relief is filed by or against the Borrower under the federal
Bankruptcy Code or any similar state insolvency statute (except, in the case of
a petition filed against the Borrower, if such proceeding is dismissed within
60 days after the petition is filed, unless prior thereto an order for relief
is entered under the federal Bankruptcy Code); or the Borrower makes any offer
of settlement, extension or composition to their respective unsecured creditors
generally; or |
Credi Agreement - Page 24
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(f) |
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Contest Credit Documents. The Borrower challenges or
contests in any action, suit or proceeding the validity or enforceability of
any of the Credit Documents or the legality or enforceability of any obligation
of the Borrower to the Agent or any Bank under the Credit Documents; or |
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(g) |
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Judgments. One or more judgments, decrees or orders
for the payment of money in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate during any
12-month period is rendered against the Borrower; or |
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(h) |
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Change in Control. Any Change in Control occurs; or |
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(i) |
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Material Adverse Change. Any material adverse change
occurs in the financial condition or economic prospects of the Borrower or any
other act or event occurs which reasonably could be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect. |
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(j) |
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Investment Advisor. The Borrower changes the
Investment Advisor, and such new Investment Advisor is not acceptable to the
Required Banks; provided, however, changing the Investment Advisor shall not be
deemed an Event of Default, if doing so violates the 1940 Act. |
7.2 Obligation to Lend; Acceleration. After the occurrence and during the
continuation of any Default, the Agent may (and, upon the request of the Required Banks, the Agent
shall) declare the obligation of the Agent and/or any Bank to make Loans or to otherwise extend
credit hereunder to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate. After the
occurrence and during the continuation of any Event of Default, the Agent may (and, upon the
request of the Required Banks, the Agent shall) declare the Notes, all interest thereon, and all
other obligations of the Borrower to the Agent and/or any Bank under the Credit Documents to be
forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Notes, all such interest thereon and all such other
obligations shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, protest or further
notice or demand of any kind, all of which are waived by the Borrower. If, notwithstanding the
foregoing, after the occurrence and during the continuation of any Default or Event of Default, as
the case may be, the Agent elects (any such election to be in the Agent’s sole and absolute
discretion) to make one or more advances under this Agreement or to not accelerate all or any of
the Borrower’s obligations, any such election shall not preclude the Agent from electing thereafter
(in its sole and absolute discretion) to not make advances or to accelerate all or any of the
Borrower’s obligations, as the case may be.
7.3 Remedies. Upon or after the occurrence and during the continuation of any Event
of Default, the Agent has and may (and, upon request of the Required Banks, the Agent shall)
exercise from time to time all rights and remedies available at law or in equity, all of which
rights and remedies shall be cumulative, and none of which shall be exclusive, and all of which
shall be in addition to any other rights or remedies contained in this Agreement or any of the
other Credit Documents.
7.4 Ranking of Loans; Compliance with Investment Company Act of 1940. Notwithstanding
anything herein or in the other Credit Documents to the contrary, so long as the Senior Notes
constitute senior indebtedness of the Borrower the Loans and all other obligations of the Borrower
hereunder or under the other Credit Documents shall rank pari passu in all respects with the Senior
Notes, including with respect to distributions of the assets of the Borrower and with respect to
the payment of interest; provided, however, that, if any Bank is deemed to have been granted a Lien
pursuant to the second sentence of Section 6.2(a) of this Agreement, such Bank shall be entitled to
enjoy the benefits of such Lien but shall share the net proceeds of any collateral realized on by
the Agent or any Bank, to the extent the Agent or such Bank receives such proceeds, with the
holders of the Senior Notes on a pari passu basis.
Credi Agreement - Page 25
It is the intention of the Agent, the Banks and the Borrower to comply with the provisions of
the 1940 Act. If any term, condition or other provision in this Agreement or any of the other
Credit Documents is deemed by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any court to render any
Loan or other obligation incurred under any of the Credit Documents a separate “class of senior
securities representing indebtedness,” for purposes of Section 18(c) of the 1940 Act, and to have
preferential rights over the Senior Notes in violation of Section 18(c) of the 1940 Act, the Agent,
the Banks and the Borrower agree to diligently and in good faith negotiate an amendment to the
applicable Credit Documents so as to comply with Section 18(c) of the 1940 Act provided that such
amendment does not impair the Agent’s and/or the Banks’ fundamental economic rights under the
Credit Documents.
Section 8
Agency Provisions
8.1 Appointment, Powers and Immunities. Each Bank hereby irrevocably appoints and
authorizes the Agent to act as its agent hereunder and under the Credit Documents with such powers
as are specifically delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such
other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Agent (which term as used in this sentence
and in Section 9.7 hereof shall include reference to its Affiliates and its own and its Affiliates’
officers, directors, employees and agents): (a) shall have no duties or responsibilities except
those expressly set forth in this Agreement or in any of the Credit Documents, and shall not by
reason of this Agreement be a trustee or fiduciary for any Bank; (b) shall not be responsible to
the Banks for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties contained in this Agreement
or any of the other documents in any certificate or any of the other Credit Documents or received
by an of them under, this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents, for the value, validity,
effectiveness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement, any Note or any of the other Credit
Documents or for any failure by the Borrower or any other Person to perform any of its obligations
hereunder or thereunder, or for the satisfaction of any condition precedent specified in Section 4
hereof; (c) shall not be required to initiate or conduct any litigation or collection proceedings
hereunder; and (d) shall not be responsible for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it
hereunder or under any of the other Credit Documents, except for its own gross negligence or
willful misconduct. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agent shall be
conclusively entitled to assume that the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4 hereof have
been satisfied unless the Agent has received written notice from a Bank referring to the relevant
Section and stating that the relevant condition has not been satisfied or unless the certificate
furnished by the Borrower pursuant thereto so indicates. The Agent may employ agents and
attorneys-in-fact and shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any such agents
or attorneys-in-fact selected by it in good faith. The Agent may deem and treat the payee of any
Note as the holder thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until a written notice of the
assignment or transfer thereof shall have been filed with the Agent.
8.2 Reliance by Agent. The Agent shall be entitled to rely on any certification,
notice or other communication (including any thereof by telephone, telex, telegram or cable)
believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by or on behalf of the
proper Person or Persons, and on advice and statements of legal counsel, independent accountants
and other experts selected by it. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement
or any of the Credit Documents, the Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in
refraining from acting, hereunder or thereunder (as the case may be) in accordance with
instructions signed by the Required Banks, and such instructions of the Required Banks and any
action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding on all of the Banks. If the Agent
shall seek the consent or approval of the Required Banks to the taking or refraining from taking of
any action hereunder or under any of the Credit Documents, the Agent shall give notice thereof to
each Bank and as soon as practicable notify each Bank at any time that the Required Banks have
instructed the Agent to act or refrain from acting hereunder or thereunder (as the case may be).
Credi Agreement - Page 26
8.3 Defaults. The Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of the occurrence of a
Default or an Event of Default (other than the non-payment of principal of or interest on Loans)
unless the Agent has received written notice from a Bank or the Borrower specifying such Default or
Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default.” In the event that the
Agent receives such a notice of the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default, the Agent shall
give prompt notice thereof to the Banks (and shall give each Bank prompt notice of each such
nonpayment). The Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default as shall be directed by
the Required Banks, provided that, unless and until the Agent shall have received such directions,
the Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action or refrain from taking such action
with respect to such default as it shall deem advisable in the best interest of the Banks.
8.4 Rights as a Bank. With respect to its Commitment and the Loans made by it, U.S.
Bank National Association (and any successor acting as Agent), in its capacity as a Bank hereunder
shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Bank and may exercise the same as
though it were not acting as the Agent, and the term “Bank” or “Banks” shall, unless the context
otherwise indicates, include the Agent in its individual capacity. The Agent, its permitted
successors and its Affiliates may, without having to account therefor to any Bank, accept deposits
from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with the
Borrower and any of its Affiliates as if it were not acting as the Agent, and the Agent and its
Affiliates may accept fees and other consideration from the Borrower and its Affiliates for
services in connection with this Agreement or otherwise without having to account for the same to
the Banks, except for any fees stated herein to be for the account of any of the Banks.
8.5 Indemnification. Each Bank severally, to the extent of its Pro-Rata Share,
indemnifies the Agent (to the extent the Agent is not reimbursed by the Borrower) for any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses
and/or disbursements of any kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or
asserted against it and/or any of its shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents,
attorneys, contractors or other representatives in any way relating to or arising out of this
Agreement, any of the other Credit Documents, any of the transactions contemplated hereby
(including, without limitation, the costs, expenses and other amounts which the Borrower is
obligated to pay under Section 9.2 hereof), any action or omission taken by the Agent or any of the
other indemnified parties referred to above, and/or the enforcement of any of the terms of this
Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents; provided; however, that no Bank shall be liable for
any portion of any of the foregoing resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of
the Agent or any of the other indemnified parties referred to above.
8.6 Non-Reliance on Agent and other Banks. Each Bank agrees that it has,
independently and without reliance on the Agent or any other Bank, and based on such documents and
information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and evaluation of the
Borrower and its own decision to enter into this Agreement and that it will, independently and
without reliance on the Agent or any other Bank, and based on such documents and information as it
shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own analysis and decisions in taking or
not taking action under this Agreement. The Agent shall not be required to keep itself informed as
to the performance or observance by the Borrower or any other Person of this Agreement or any other
Credit Document or in respect of the properties or books of the Borrower or any other Person.
Except for notices, reports and other documents and information expressly required to be furnished
to the Banks by the Agent hereunder, the Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide
any Bank with any credit or other information concerning the affairs, financial condition or
business of the Borrower (or Affiliates) which may come into its possession or into the possession
of any of its Affiliates.
8.7 Failure to Act. Except for action expressly required of the Agent hereunder or
under any of the Credit Documents, the Agent shall in all cases be fully justified in failing or
refusing to act
Credi Agreement - Page 27
hereunder or thereunder (as the case may be) unless it shall be indemnified to its
satisfaction by the Banks against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by
reason of taking or continuing to take any such action.
8.8 Resignation or Removal of Agent. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a
successor Agent as provided below, the Agent may resign at any time by giving notice thereof to the
Banks and the Borrower, and the Agent may be removed at any time with or without cause by the
Required Banks. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Required Banks shall have the right to
appoint a successor Agent with the consent of Borrower. If no such successor Agent shall have been
so appointed by the Required Banks and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after
the retiring Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Required Banks’ removal of the retiring
Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Banks, appoint a successor Agent with the
consent of Borrower. Upon the acceptance or any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor
Agent, such successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights,
powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged
from its duties and obligations hereunder. After any retiring Agent’s resignation or removal
hereunder as Agent, the provisions of this Section 8.8 shall continue in effect for its benefit in
respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Agent.
8.9 Representation of Banks. The Banks severally represent that they will be taking
the Notes issued hereunder for their own respective accounts to evidence loans made in the ordinary
course of their commercial banking business, and not with a view of distribution of such Notes;
provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 8.9 shall create any rights or remedies
in favor of the Borrower or anyone else against any Bank so long as such Bank acts in good faith
upon the advice of its counsel with respect to compliance with applicable laws; provided further,
that the assets of each Bank must be and shall always remain within the control of each Bank.
8.10 Obligations Several. Unless otherwise expressly provided for herein, the
obligation of each Bank hereunder is several, and neither the Agent nor any Bank shall be
responsible for the obligations of any other Bank hereunder, nor will the failure of any Bank to
perform any of its obligations hereunder relieve any other Bank from the performance of its
respective obligations hereunder. Nothing contained in this Agreement or any of the other Credit
Documents, and no action taken by the Banks pursuant hereto or thereto shall be deemed to
constitute the Banks a partnership, association, joint venture or other entity or otherwise (except
as expressly provided for herein) give rise to joint or vicarious liability between the Banks.
Section 9
Miscellaneous
9.1 Notices. All notices and other communications provided for herein (including,
without limitation, any waivers or consents under this Agreement) shall be given or made by telex,
telecopy, cable or otherwise in writing (each communication given by any of such means to be deemed
to be “in writing” for purposes of this Agreement) and telexed, telecopied, cabled, mailed or
delivered to the intended recipient at the “Address for Notices” specified below its name on the
signature pages hereof, or, as to any party, at such other address as shall be designated by such
party in a written notice to the other parties hereto. Except as otherwise provided in this
Agreement, all such communications shall be deemed to have been duly given when transmitted by
telex or fax, delivered to the cable office or personally delivered or, in the case of a mailed
notice, upon deposit with the United States Postal Service, certified mail, return receipt
requested, with postage prepaid, in each case given or addressed as aforesaid.
Credi Agreement - Page 28
9.2 Reimbursement of Expenses. The Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse the Agent
on demand for its reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including without limitation, the
reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Agent), in connection with the negotiation,
preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and the making
of the Loans hereunder, (b) to pay or reimburse the Agent and the Banks for all reasonable
out-of-pocket costs and expenses of such Persons (including reasonable counsels’ fees and expenses)
in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement and any of the other Credit Documents, and all
transfer, stamp, documentary or other similar taxes, assessments or charges levied by any
Governmental Authority in respect of this Agreement, any of the Notes, or any of the other Credit
Documents (except for any such tax imposed on or measured by the income of such Person), and (c) to
pay or reimburse the Agent and the Banks for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses
(including reasonable counsels’ fees and expenses) in connection with any litigation, contest
dispute, suit, proceeding or action brought by a third party in any way relating to this Agreement,
any of the other Credit Documents or the Borrower’s affairs (all of which are hereinafter
collectively referred to as the “Expenses”); then, in any and each such event, such
Expenses shall be payable on demand.
9.3 Indemnity. The Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Agent
and the Banks and each shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, attorney and other
representative of or contractor for the Agent and/or the Banks from and against any and all
damages, settlement amounts, expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and court
costs), other losses, claims or other assertions of liability of any nature whatsoever incurred by
or on behalf of or asserted against, as the case may be, any one or more of such indemnified
parties at any time arising in whole or in part out of the Borrower’s failure to observe, perform
or discharge any of the Borrower’s duties under any of the Credit Documents or any
misrepresentation made by or on behalf of the Borrower under any of the Credit Documents. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, this indemnity shall extend to any claims asserted
against the Agent and/or the Banks or such other indemnitees by any Person under any Environmental
Laws or similar laws by reason of the Borrower’s or any other Person’s failure to comply with laws
applicable to Hazardous Substances. The Borrower further agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the Agent and the Banks and each shareholder, director, officer, employee, agent, attorney
and other representative of or contractor for the Agent and the Banks from and against any and all
damages, settlement amounts, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and court
costs), other losses, claims or other assertions of liability of any nature whatsoever incurred by
or on behalf of or asserted against, as the case may be, any one or more of such indemnified
parties at any time in connection with any one or more indemnified parties’ actions or inactions
relating in any respect to the Credit Agreement, any of the other Credit Documents or any of the
transactions described in or contemplated by any of the foregoing, except to the extent such losses
arise out of such indemnified party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. All indemnities
given by the Borrower to the Agent and/or the Banks under the Credit Documents, including, without
limitation, the indemnities set forth in this Section, shall survive the repayment of the Loans and
the termination of this Agreement.
9.4 Entire Agreement; Modification of Agreement; Sale of Interest. This Agreement and
the other Credit Documents, together with all other instruments, agreements and certificates
executed by the parties in connection therewith or with reference thereto, embodies the entire
agreement between the parties hereto and thereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and
thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and inducements, whether express or
implied, oral or written. This Agreement may not be modified, altered or amended, except by an
agreement in writing signed by the Borrower, the Agent and the Required Banks, and any provisions
of this Agreement or the other Credit Documents may be waived by the Agent or the Required Banks;
provided, however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or waiver shall be effective,
without first obtaining the written consent of all Banks, that (a) extends the due date of any
principal, interest or fee payment in respect of the Loans; (b) changes the amount or duration of
any Bank’s Commitment; (c) releases the Borrower, in whole or in
Credi Agreement - Page 29
part, from any obligation under the Credit Documents to pay any principal or interest under
the Loans; (d) reduces the rate of interest or fees provided hereunder; or (e) changes the
definition of “Required Banks” or amends the terms of this Section 9.4, or that otherwise has the
effect of impairing any of the consent requirements contained in this Section 9.4 or in any other
provision of this Agreement or the other Credit Documents where the consent of all the Banks or the
Required Banks is required in connection with any matter. The Borrower may not directly or
indirectly sell, assign or transfer any interest in or rights under this Agreement or any of the
other Credit Documents. The Borrower consents to the Agent’s or the Banks’ participation, sale,
assignment, transfer or other disposition, at any time or times on or after the Closing Date, of
this Agreement and any of the other Credit Documents, or of any portion hereof or thereof,
including, without limitation, the Agent’s and the Banks’ rights, title, interests, remedies,
powers and duties hereunder or thereunder; provided, however, that any such participation, sale,
assignment, transfer or other disposition shall be in an amount of not less than $5,000,000;
provided further, that, unless an Event of Default is then in effect or the Termination Date has
occurred, the Banks shall not have the right to any such transfer of this Agreement or any of the
other Credit Documents without first obtaining the Agent’s and the Borrower’s prior written
consent, which may not be unreasonably withheld. Any Bank assigning any part of its interest
hereunder shall pay to the Agent a fee in the amount of $3,500, per such assignment.
9.5 Indulgences Not Waivers. The Agent’s or any Bank’s failure, at any time or times
on or after the Closing Date, to require strict performance by the Borrower of any provision of
this Agreement or the other Credit Documents shall not waive, affect or diminish any right of the
Agent or the Banks thereafter to demand strict compliance and performance therewith. Any
suspension or waiver by the Agent and/or any Bank of a Default or an Event of Default by the
Borrower under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents shall not suspend, waive or
affect any other Default or Event of Default by the Borrower under this Agreement or any of the
other Credit Documents, whether the same is prior or subsequent thereto and whether of the same or
of a different type. None of the undertakings, agreements, warranties, covenants and
representations of the Borrower contained in this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents
and no Default or Event of Default by the Borrower under this Agreement or any of the other Credit
Documents shall be deemed to have been suspended or waived by the Agent and/or any Bank, unless
such suspension or waiver is by an instrument in writing specifying such suspension or waiver and
is signed by a duly authorized representative of the Agent and directed and delivered to the
Borrower.
9.6 Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be
interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision
of this Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be
ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the
remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
9.7 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and the other Credit Documents, shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Borrower, the Agent and
the Banks. This provision, however, shall not be deemed to modify Section 9.4 hereof.
9.8 General Waivers by Borrower. Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this
Agreement, the Borrower waives: (a) presentment, protest, demand for payment, notice of dishonor
demand and protest and notice of presentment, default, notice of nonpayment, maturity, release,
compromise, settlement, extension or renewal of any or all commercial paper, accounts receivable,
contract rights, documents, instruments, chattel paper and guaranties at any time held by the Agent
and the Banks on which the Borrower may in any way be liable and ratifies and confirms whatever the
Agent and/or the Banks may do in this regard; (b) the benefit of all valuation, appraisement and
exemption laws; and (c) any and all other notices, demands and consents in connection with the
delivery, acceptance,
Credi Agreement - Page 30
performance, default or enforcement of this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents.
Subject to the following sentence, the Borrower also waives any right of set-off or similar right
the Borrower may at any time have against the Agent or any Bank as a defense to the payment or
performance of the Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Documents. If the Borrower now or
hereafter has any claim against the Agent or any Bank giving rise to any such right of set-off or
similar right, the Borrower agrees not to assert such claim as a defense or right of set-off with
respect to the Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Documents, and to instead assert any such
claim, if the Borrower so elects to assert such claim, in a separate proceeding against the Agent
or any Bank and not as a part of any proceeding or as a defense to any claim initiated by the Agent
or any Bank to enforce any of the Agent’s or any Bank’s rights under any of the Credit Documents.
9.9 Execution in Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement and the other
Credit Documents may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties thereto,
each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
counterparts taken together shall constitute but one and the same instrument. A signature of a
party to any of the Credit Documents sent by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be
deemed to constitute an original and fully effective signature of such party.
9.10 Captions. Captions and section headings appearing herein are included solely for
convenience of reference and are not intended to affect the interpretation of any provision of this
Agreement.
9.11 USA Patriot Act Notice. The Agent notifies the Borrower that, pursuant to the
requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 signed into law October 26, 2001)
(the “Act”), it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the
Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information
that will allow the Agent to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Act. The Borrower agrees
to provide such information and take such other action as the Agent may request from time to time
to enable the Agent and the Banks to comply with the provisions of the Act with respect to the
transactions described in the Credit Documents.
9.12
Governing Law; Consent to Forum. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of
the State of
Kansas without giving effect to any choice of law rules thereof. As part of the
consideration for new value this day received, the Borrower consents to the jurisdiction of any
state court located in Xxxxxxx County,
Kansas or any federal court located in Wyandotte County,
Kansas (collectively, the “
Chosen Forum”), and waives personal service of any and all
process upon it and consents that all such service of process be made by certified or registered
mail directed to the Borrower at the address stated pursuant to Section 9.1 hereof and service so
made shall be deemed to be completed upon delivery thereto. The Borrower waives any objection to
jurisdiction and venue of any action instituted against it as provided herein and agrees not to
assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue. The Borrower further agrees not to
assert against the Agent or the Banks (except by way of a defense or counterclaim in a proceeding
initiated by the Agent or any Bank) any claim or other assertion of liability relating to any of
the Credit Documents, the Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Documents or the Agent’s or any
Bank’s actions or inactions in respect of any of the foregoing in any jurisdiction other than the
Chosen Forum. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the Agent’s or any Bank’s right to bring any
action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the other Credit Documents against the Borrower
or its properties in courts of other jurisdictions.
9.13 Waiver of Jury Trial; Limitation on Damages. To the fullest extent permitted by
law, and as separately bargained-for consideration to the Agent and the Banks, the Borrower waives
any right to trial by jury (which the Agent and each Bank also waives) in any action, suit,
proceeding or counterclaim
Credi Agreement - Page 31
of any kind arising out of or otherwise relating to any of the Credit Documents, the
Borrower’s obligations under the Credit Documents or the Agent’s or the Banks’ actions or inactions
in respect of any of the foregoing. To the fullest extent permitted by law, and as separately
bargained-for consideration to the Agent and the Banks, the Borrower also waives any right it may
have at any time to claim or recover in any litigation or other dispute involving the Agent or any
Bank, whether the underlying claim or dispute sounds in contract, tort or otherwise, any special,
exemplary, punitive or consequential damages or any damages other than, or in addition to, actual
damages. The Borrower acknowledges that the Agent and the Banks are relying upon and would not
enter into the transactions described in the Credit Documents on the terms and conditions set forth
therein but for the Borrower’s waivers and agreements under this Section.
9.14 Controlling Document. In the event of actual conflict in the terms and
provisions of this Agreement, the Notes or any of the other Credit Documents, the terms and
provisions of this Agreement shall prevail and control.
Credi Agreement - Page 32
9.15 K.S.A. §16-118 Required Notice. This statement is provided pursuant to K.S.A.
§16-118: “THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT IS A FINAL EXPRESSION OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
CREDITORS AND THE DEBTOR AND SUCH WRITTEN CREDIT AGREEMENT MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF
ANY PRIOR ORAL CREDIT AGREEMENT OR OF A CONTEMPORANEOUS ORAL CREDIT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CREDITORS
AND DEBTOR.” THE FOLLOWING SPACE CONTAINS ANY NON-STANDARD TERMS, INCLUDING THE REDUCTION TO
WRITING OF ANY PREVIOUS ORAL CREDIT AGREEMENT:
NONE.
The creditors and debtor, by their respective initials or signatures below, confirm that no
unwritten credit agreement exists between the parties:
Creditor:
Creditor:
Creditor:
Creditor:
Debtor:
[signature page(s) to follow]
Credi Agreement - Page 33
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and
delivered by their duly authorized representatives as of the day and year first above written.
Address for Notices:
Tortoise Energy Capital Corporation
00000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx 00000
Attn.: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Fax No.: 000-000-0000
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx LLP
0000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn.: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax No.: 000-000-0000
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Agent, Swingline Lender, Lead Arranger and a Bank
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By: |
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Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
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Title: Assistant Vice President |
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Address for Notices:
Credi Agreement - Signature Page
U.S. Bank National Association
0000 Xxxx 00xx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx 00000
Attn.: Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Fax No.: 000-000-0000
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
0000 Xxxxx Xxxx.
Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn.: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
Fax No.: 000-000-0000
FIFTH THIRD BANK, a Michigan banking corporation
a Bank
Address for Notices:
Fifth Third Bank
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Fax No: 000-000-0000
THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA,
a Bank
Address for Notices:
The Bank of Nova Scotia
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxx X0X 0X00
Attn: Xxxxxxxxx Xxx
Fax No. 000-000-0000
Credi Agreement - Signature Page
COMERICA BANK,
a Bank
Address for Notices:
Comerica Bank
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attn: Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
Fax No. 000-000-0000
Credi Agreement - Signature Page
EXHIBIT A
(Banks and Commitments)
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Revolving |
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Credit Loan |
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Swingline Loan |
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Commitment |
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Commitment |
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Bank’s Total |
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Bank’s Pro-Rata |
Bank |
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Amount |
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Amount* |
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Commitment Amount |
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Percentage |
U.S. Bank
National Association |
|
$ |
80,000,000 |
|
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$ |
15,000,000 |
|
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$ |
80,000,000 |
|
|
|
0.533333333334 |
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Fifth Third Bank |
|
$ |
20,000,000 |
|
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0 |
|
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$ |
20,000,000 |
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0.000000000000 |
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The Bank of Nova
Scotia |
|
$ |
30,000,000 |
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0 |
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$ |
30,000,000 |
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0.000000000000 |
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Comerica Bank |
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$ |
20,000,000 |
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0 |
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$ |
20,000,000 |
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0.133333333333 |
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TOTALS: |
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$ |
150,000,000 |
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$ |
15,000,000 |
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$ |
150,000,000 |
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1.000000000000 |
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* |
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As more particularly described in the Agreement, the Swingline
Loan Commitment is a subcommitment under the Revolving Credit Loan Commitments.
Accordingly, extensions of credit under the Swingline Loan Commitment act to
reduce, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, the amount of credit otherwise available
under the Revolving Credit Loan Commitments. |
Credi Agreement - Exhibit A
EXHIBIT B
[Form of Revolving Credit Note]
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE
For value received, the undersigned,
TORTOISE ENERGY CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Maryland
corporation (the “
Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to the order of
, a
(the “
Bank”; which term shall include any subsequent holder hereof),
at such place as may be expressly provided for in the Credit Agreement referred to below, the
principal sum of
and 00/100 Dollars ($
) or, such lesser amount
as shall equal the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Credit Loans made by the Bank
to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, in lawful money of the United States of America,
without set-off, deduction or counterclaim, and in immediately available funds, on the Termination
Date, and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each such Revolving Credit Loan, at
such office, in like money and funds, for the period commencing on the date of such Revolving
Credit Loan until such Revolving Credit Loan shall be paid in full, at the rates per annum and on
the date provided in the Credit Agreement.
This Revolving Credit Note (the “Note”) is the Revolving Credit Note referred to in,
is issued pursuant to, and is subject to the terms and conditions of, the Credit Agreement, dated
as of March 22, 2007, among the Borrower, the Banks named therein (including the Bank) and U.S.
Bank National Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and Lead Arranger (as the same may be
amended, renewed, restated, replaced, consolidated or otherwise modified from time to time, the
“Credit Agreement”), and evidences Revolving Credit Loans made by the Bank under its
Revolving Credit Loan Commitment thereunder. To the extent of any direct conflict between the
terms and conditions of this Note and the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the terms
and conditions of the Credit Agreement shall prevail and govern. Capitalized terms used and not
defined in this Note have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.
Interest shall accrue on the outstanding principal balance of this Note as provided in the
Credit Agreement. Principal, interest and all other amounts, if any, payable in respect of this
Note shall be payable as provided in the Credit Agreement. The Borrower’s right, if any, to prepay
this Note is subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement (the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference) provides for
the acceleration of the maturity of this Note upon the occurrence of certain events and for
prepayments of Revolving Credit Loans upon the terms and conditions specified therein.
Time is of the essence of this Note. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the
Borrower and any and all sureties, guarantors and endorsers of this Note and all other parties
hereafter liable hereon waive grace, presentment, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, any and all
other notices (including, but not limited to, notice of protest, notice of intention to accelerate
and notice of acceleration), diligence in collecting and bringing suit against any party hereto,
demands and consents in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or
enforcement of this Note, and consent to any extensions of time, renewals, releases of any parties
to or guarantors of this Note, waivers and any other modifications that may be granted or consented
to by the Bank from time to time in respect of the time of payment or any other provision of this
Note.
Credi Agreement - Exhibit B
This Note shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Kansas, without regard to any choice
of law rule thereof which gives effect to the laws of any other jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has executed and delivered this Note as of the date first
above written.
Credi Agreement - Exhibit B
EXHIBIT C
[Form of Swingline Note]
SWINGLINE NOTE
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$15,000,000
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March 22, 2007 |
For value received, the undersigned,
TORTOISE ENERGY CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Maryland
corporation (the “
Borrower”) hereby promises to pay to the order of U.S. BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, a national banking association (the “
Swingline Lender”), at such place as may
be expressly provided for in the Credit Agreement referred to below, the principal sum of Fifteen
Million Dollars ($15,000,000), or such lesser amount as shall equal the aggregate unpaid principal
amount of the Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender to the Borrower under the Credit
Agreement, in lawful money of the United States of America, and in immediately available funds, on
the Termination Date, or such earlier date as provided in the Credit Agreement, referred to below,
and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan, at such office, in like
money and funds, for the period commencing on the date of each Swingline Loan until such Swingline
Loan shall be paid in full, at rates per annum and on the dates provided in the Credit Agreement.
This Swingline Note (the “Note”) is the Swingline Note referred to in, is issued
pursuant to, and is subject to the terms and conditions of, the Credit Agreement, dated as of March
22, 2007, among the Borrower, the Banks named therein (including the Bank) and U.S. Bank National
Association, as Agent, Swingline Lender and Lead Arranger, (as the same may be amended, renewed,
restated, replaced, consolidated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit
Agreement”), and evidences Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender under its Swingline
Loan Commitment thereunder. To the extent of any direct conflict between the terms and conditions
of this Note and the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of the
Credit Agreement shall prevail and govern. Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Note
have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.
Interest shall accrue on the outstanding principal balance of this Note as provided in the
Credit Agreement. Principal, interest and all other amounts, if any, payable in respect of this
Note shall be payable as provided in the Credit Agreement. The Borrower’s right, if any, to prepay
this Note is subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement (the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference) provides for
the acceleration of the maturity of this Note upon the occurrence of certain events and for
prepayments of Swingline Loans upon the terms and conditions specified therein.
Time is of the essence of this Note. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the
Borrower and any and all sureties, guarantors and endorsers of this Note and all other parties
hereafter liable hereon waive grace, presentment, demand, protest, notice of dishonor, any and all
other notices (including, but not limited to, notice of protest, notice of intention to accelerate
and notice of acceleration), diligence in collecting and bringing suit against any party hereto,
demands and consents in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or
enforcement of this Note, and consent to any extensions of time, renewals, releases of any parties
to or guarantors of this Note, waivers and any other modifications that may be granted or consented
to by the Swingline Lender from time to time in respect of the time of payment or any other
provision of this Note.
Credi Agreement - Exhibit C
This Note shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Kansas, without regard to any choice
of law rule thereof which gives effect to the laws of any other jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has executed and delivered this Note as of the date first
above written.
Credi Agreement - Exhibit C
EXHIBIT D
[Form of Borrowing Base Certificate]
BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE
This Borrowing Base Certificate (“Certificate”) is delivered pursuant to Section 3.7(a) of the
Credit Agreement (the “
Credit Agreement”), dated as of March ___, 2007, among
Tortoise
Energy Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “
Borrower”); certain lenders (the
“
Banks”); U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as the lender for
Swingline Loans (in such capacity, the “
Swingline Lender”); and U.S. Bank National
Association, a national banking association, as agent for the Banks hereunder (in such capacity,
the “
Agent”); and as lead arranger hereunder (in such capacity, the “
Lead
Arranger”). Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Certificate have the meanings given
to them in the Credit Agreement.
The undersigned hereby certifies that he or she is an authorized xxxxxx of the Borrower and,
as such, is authorized to execute and deliver this Certificate on behalf of the Borrower and,
certify to the Agent that:
1. Borrowing Base. The Borrowing Base for the Borrower, as of ___, 20___, is
as follows:
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A.
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Total value of assets (“Total Assets”)
(after giving effect to any Requested Advance)
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$ |
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B.
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33-1/3% of Total Assets (“Margined Asset Value”)
(33.3% of line A)
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$ |
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C.
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Less Outstanding Senior Notes and other senior debt:
(Total Senior Notes and outstanding other senior debt
Balance)
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$ |
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D.
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Total Borrowing Base
(line B minus line C)
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$ |
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E.
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Revolving Credit Loan Commitments
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$ |
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F.
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Less: Current Outstanding Balances on Revolving Credit Loans and Swingline Loans
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$ |
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G.
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Total Availability
(lesser of line D and line E minus line F)
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$ |
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H.
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Requested Advance (if any)
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$ |
Credi Agreement - Exhibit D
2. Compliance with 1940 Act. As of , 20___, the Borrower is in material
compliance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “1940 Act”), including but
not limited to, all leverage regulations specified in the 1940 Act.
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A. |
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Asset Coverage Ratio of Auction Rate Senior Notes and Short-Term Borrowings:
(represents the value of the Total Assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not
represented by Senior Notes, Loans and preferred shares at the end of the period divided
by Senior Notes and Loans outstanding at the end of the period) |
Percentage of Total Assets %
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B. |
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Asset Coverage Ratio of Preferred Shares: (represents the value
of the Total Assets less liabilities and indebtedness not represented by Senior
Notes, Loans and preferred shares at the end of the period divided by Senior Notes,
Loans and preferred shares outstanding at the end of the period) |
Percentage of Total Assets %
3. Reliance. This Certificate is delivered to the Agent for its benefit and the
benefit of the Banks, the Swingline Lender and the Lead Arranger and may be conclusively relied
upon by all such Persons.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate on behalf of the Borrower on
___, 20___.
Credi Agreement - Exhibit D