AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT
Exhibit 4.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Security Agreement”) dated as of February 1, 2006 is by and among the parties identified as “Grantors” on the signature pages hereto and such other parties as may become Grantors hereunder after the date hereof (individually a “Grantor”, and collectively the “Grantors”) and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”) for the holders of the Secured Obligations referenced below.
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, a $350 million credit facility has been established in favor of School Specialty, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation (the “Borrower”), pursuant to the terms of that Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended, modified, supplemented and extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) dated as of the date hereof among the Borrower, the Guarantors identified therein, the Lenders identified therein and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent;
WHEREAS, this Security Agreement is required under the terms of the Credit Agreement; and
WHEREAS, this Security Agreement is given in amendment to, restatement of and substitution for the Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of August 31, 2005 among the Grantors and Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of these premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Definitions.
(a) Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.
(b) The following terms shall have the meanings assigned thereto in the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of North Carolina on the date hereof: Accession, Account, As-Extracted Collateral, Chattel Paper, Commercial Tort Claim, Commingled Goods, Consumer Goods, Deposit Account, Document, Equipment, Farm Products, Fixtures, General Intangible, Goods, Instrument, Inventory, Investment Property, Letter-of-Credit Right, Manufactured Home, Proceeds, Software, Standing Timber, Supporting Obligation and Tangible Chattel Paper.
(c) As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Collateral” has the meaning provided in Section 2 hereof.
“Copyright License” means any written agreement, naming any Grantor as licensor, granting any right under any Copyright including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement.
“Copyrights” means (a) all registered United States copyrights in all Works, now existing or hereafter created or acquired, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications in connection therewith, including, without limitation, registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Copyright Office including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement, and (b) all renewals thereof including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement.
“Patent License” means any agreement, whether written or oral, providing for the grant by or to a Grantor of any right to manufacture, use or sell any invention covered by a Patent, including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement.
“Patents” means (a) all letters patent of the United States or any other country and all reissues and extensions thereof, including, without limitation, any letters patent referred to in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement, and (b) all applications for letters patent of the United States or any other country and all divisions, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof, including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement.
“Secured Obligations” means, without duplication, all of the Obligations and all costs and expenses incurred in connection with enforcement and collection of the Obligations, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and the allocated cost of internal counsel.
“Trademark License” means any agreement, written or oral, providing for the grant by or to a Grantor of any right to use any Trademark, including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement.
“Trademarks” means (a) all trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service marks, logos and other source or business identifiers, and the goodwill associated therewith, now existing or hereafter adopted or acquired, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications in connection therewith, whether in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any state thereof or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, or otherwise, including, without limitation, any thereof referred to in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement, and (b) all renewals thereof.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code.
“Work” means any work that is subject to copyright protection pursuant to Title 17 of the United States Code.
2. Grant of Security Interest in the Collateral. To secure the prompt payment and performance in full when due, whether by lapse of time, acceleration, mandatory prepayment or otherwise, of the Secured Obligations, each Grantor hereby grants to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations, a continuing security interest in, and a right to set off against, any and all right, title and interest of such Grantor in and to all of the following, whether now owned or existing or owned, acquired, or arising hereafter (collectively, the “Collateral”):
(a) all Accounts;
(b) all cash and currency;
(c) all Chattel Paper;
(d) those Commercial Tort Claims identified on Schedule 2(d) attached hereto;
(e) all Copyrights;
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(f) all Copyright Licenses;
(g) all Deposit Accounts;
(h) all Documents;
(i) all Equipment;
(j) all Fixtures;
(k) all General Intangibles;
(l) all Instruments;
(m) all Inventory;
(n) all Investment Property;
(o) all Letter-of-Credit Rights;
(p) all Patents;
(q) all Patent Licenses;
(r) all Software;
(s) all Supporting Obligations;
(t) all Trademarks;
(u) all Trademark Licenses;
(v) all other personal property of such Grantor of whatever type or description; and
(w) to the extent not otherwise included, all Accessions and all Proceeds of any and all of the foregoing.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, neither the security interests granted under this Security Agreement nor any provision of or notice under this Security Agreement shall extend to (and “Collateral” shall not include) (i) any Property that is subject to a Lien securing purchase money Indebtedness permitted under the Credit Agreement pursuant to documents that prohibit such Grantor from granting any other Liens in such Property, (ii) any lease, license or other contract if the grant of a security interest in such lease, license or contract in the manner contemplated by this Security Agreement is prohibited by the terms of such lease, license or contract or by law and would result in the termination of such lease, license or contract, but only to the extent that (A) after reasonable efforts, consent from the relevant party or parties has not been obtained and (B) any such prohibition could not be rendered ineffective pursuant to the UCC or any other applicable law (including Debtor Relief Laws) or principles of equity or (iii) any Securitization Related Property.
The Grantors and the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the holders of the Secured Obligations, hereby acknowledge and agree that the security interest created hereby in the Collateral (i) constitutes continuing
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collateral security for all of the Secured Obligations, whether now existing or hereafter arising and (ii) is not to be construed as an assignment of any Copyrights, Copyright Licenses, Patents, Patent Licenses, Trademarks or Trademark Licenses.
3. Provisions Relating to Accounts.
(a) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, each of the Grantors shall remain liable under each of the Accounts to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it thereunder, all in accordance with the terms of any agreement giving rise to each such Account. Neither the Collateral Agent nor any holder of the Secured Obligations shall have any obligation or liability under any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto) by reason of or arising out of this Security Agreement or the receipt by the Collateral Agent or any holder of the Secured Obligations of any payment relating to such Account pursuant hereto, nor shall the Collateral Agent or any holder of the Secured Obligations be obligated in any manner to perform any of the obligations of a Grantor under or pursuant to any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto), to make any payment, to make any inquiry as to the nature or the sufficiency of any payment received by it or as to the sufficiency of any performance by any party under any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto), to present or file any claim, to take any action to enforce any performance or to collect the payment of any amounts that may have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled at any time or times.
(b) At any time after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall have the right, but not the obligation, to make test verifications of the Accounts in any manner and through any medium that it reasonably considers advisable, and the Grantors shall furnish all such assistance and information as the Collateral Agent may require in connection with such test verifications, (ii) upon the Collateral Agent’s request and at the expense of the Grantors, the Grantors shall cause independent public accountants or others satisfactory to the Collateral Agent to furnish to the Collateral Agent reports showing reconciliations, aging and test verifications of, and trial balances for, the Accounts and (iii) the Collateral Agent in its own name or in the name of others may communicate with account debtors on the Accounts to verify with them to the Collateral Agent’s satisfaction the existence, amount and terms of any Accounts.
4. Representations and Warranties. Each Grantor hereby represents and warrants to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations, that so long as any of the Secured Obligations remains outstanding and until all of the commitments relating thereto have been terminated:
(a) Ownership. Each Grantor is the legal and beneficial owner of its Collateral and has the right to pledge, sell, assign or transfer the same.
(b) Security Interest/Priority. This Security Agreement creates a valid security interest in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations, in the Collateral of such Grantor and, when properly perfected by filing, shall constitute a valid perfected security interest in such Collateral, to the extent such security interest can be perfected by filing under the UCC, free and clear of all Liens except for Permitted Liens.
(c) Types of Collateral. None of the Collateral consists of, or is the Accessions or the Proceeds of, As-Extracted Collateral, Consumer Goods, Farm Products, Manufactured Homes, or Standing Timber.
(d) Accounts. (i) Each Account of the Grantors and the papers and documents relating thereto are genuine and in all material respects what they purport to be, and (ii) each Account arises out of (A) a bona fide sale of goods sold and delivered by such Grantor (or is in the process of being delivered) or (B) services theretofore actually rendered by such Grantor to, the account debtor named therein.
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(e) Inventory. No Inventory is held by any Person other than a Grantor pursuant to consignment, sale or return, sale on approval or similar arrangement.
(f) Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks.
(i) Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement includes all Copyrights, Copyright Licenses, Patents, Patent Licenses, Trademarks and Trademark Licenses owned by any Grantor in its own name, or to which any Grantor is a party, as of the date hereof.
(ii) To each Grantor’s knowledge, each material Copyright, Patent and Trademark of such Grantor is valid, subsisting, unexpired, enforceable and has not been abandoned.
(iii) Except as set forth in Schedule 6.17 to the Credit Agreement, none of the material Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks of any Grantor is the subject of any licensing or franchise agreement.
(iv) To each Grantor’s knowledge, no holding, decision or judgment has been rendered by any Governmental Authority that would limit, cancel or question the validity of any material Copyright, Patent or Trademark of any Grantor.
(v) No action or proceeding is pending seeking to limit, cancel or question the validity of any material Copyright, Patent or Trademark of any Grantor, or that, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the value of such Copyright, Patent or Trademark.
(vi) All applications pertaining to the material Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks of each Grantor have been duly and properly filed, and all registrations or letters pertaining to such Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks have been duly and properly filed and issued, and all of such Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks are valid and enforceable.
5. Covenants. Each Grantor covenants that, so long as any of the Secured Obligations remains outstanding and until all of the commitments relating thereto have been terminated, such Grantor shall:
(a) Other Liens. Defend the Collateral against the claims and demands of all other parties claiming an interest therein other than Permitted Liens.
(b) Instruments/Tangible Chattel Paper/Documents. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral shall be or become evidenced by any Instrument or Tangible Chattel Paper, or if any property constituting Collateral shall be stored or shipped subject to a Document, (i) ensure that such Instrument, Tangible Chattel Paper or Document is either in the possession of such Grantor at all times or, if requested by the Collateral Agent, is immediately delivered to the Collateral Agent, duly endorsed in a manner satisfactory to the Collateral Agent and (ii) ensure that any Collateral consisting of Tangible Chattel Paper is marked with a legend acceptable to the Collateral Agent indicating the Collateral Agent’s security interest in such Tangible Chattel Paper.
(c) Perfection of Security Interest. Execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such agreements, assignments or instruments (including affidavits, notices, reaffirmations and
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amendments and restatements of existing documents, as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request) and do all such other things as the Collateral Agent may reasonably deem necessary, appropriate or convenient (i) to assure to the Collateral Agent the effectiveness and priority of its security interests hereunder, including (A) such instruments as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request in order to perfect and maintain the security interests granted hereunder in accordance with the UCC, (B) with regard to Copyrights, a Notice of Grant of Security Interest in Copyrights for filing with the United States Copyright Office in the form of Schedule 5(f)(i) attached hereto, (C) with regard to Patents, a Notice of Grant of Security Interest in Patents for filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the form of Schedule 5(f)(ii) attached hereto and (D) with regard to Trademarks, a Notice of Grant of Security Interest in Trademarks for filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the form of Schedule 5(f)(iii) attached hereto, (ii) to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) to otherwise protect and assure the Collateral Agent of its rights and interests hereunder. To that end, each Grantor authorizes the Collateral Agent to file one or more financing statements (with collateral descriptions broader and/or less specific than the description of the Collateral contained herein) disclosing the Collateral Agent’s security interest in any or all of the Collateral of such Grantor without such Grantor’s signature thereon, and further each Grantor also hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the Collateral Agent, its nominee or any other Person whom the Collateral Agent may designate, as such Grantor’s attorney-in-fact with full power and for the limited purpose to sign in the name of such Grantor any such financing statements (including renewal statements), amendments and supplements, notices or any similar documents that in the Collateral Agent’s reasonable discretion would be necessary, appropriate or convenient in order to perfect and maintain perfection of the security interests granted hereunder, such power, being coupled with an interest, being and remaining irrevocable so long as the Secured Obligations remain unpaid and until the commitments relating thereto shall have been terminated. Each Grantor hereby agrees that a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Security Agreement or any such financing statement is sufficient for filing as a financing statement by the Collateral Agent without notice thereof to such Grantor wherever the Collateral Agent may in its sole discretion desire to file the same. In the event for any reason the law of any jurisdiction other than North Carolina becomes or is applicable to the Collateral of any Grantor or any part thereof, or to any of the Secured Obligations, such Grantor agrees to execute and deliver all such instruments and to do all such other things as the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion reasonably deems necessary, appropriate or convenient to preserve, protect and enforce the security interests of the Collateral Agent under the law of such other jurisdiction (and, if a Grantor shall fail to do so promptly upon the request of the Collateral Agent, then the Collateral Agent may execute any and all such requested documents on behalf of such Grantor pursuant to the power of attorney granted hereinabove). If any Collateral is in the possession or control of a Grantor’s agents and the Collateral Agent so requests, such Grantor agrees to notify such agents in writing of the Collateral Agent’s security interest therein and, upon the Collateral Agent’s request, instruct them to hold all such Collateral for the account of the holders of the Secured Obligations and subject to the Collateral Agent’s instructions. Each Grantor agrees to xxxx its books and records to reflect the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral.
(d) Control. Execute and deliver all agreements, assignments, instruments or other documents as the Collateral Agent shall reasonably request for the purpose of obtaining and maintaining control within the meaning of the UCC with respect to any Collateral consisting of Deposit Accounts, Investment Property, Letter-of-Credit Rights and Electronic Chattel Paper.
(e) Collateral held by Warehouseman, Bailee, etc. If any Collateral is at any time in the possession or control of a warehouseman, bailee, agent or processor of such Grantor, (i) notify the Collateral Agent of such possession or control, (ii) notify such Person of the Collateral Agent’s security interest in such Collateral, (iii) instruct such Person to hold all such Collateral for the Collateral Agent’s account and subject to the Collateral Agent’s instructions and (iv) use its best efforts to obtain an acknowledgment from such Person that it is holding such Collateral for the benefit of the Collateral Agent.
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(f) Treatment of Accounts. Not grant or extend the time for payment of any Account, or compromise or settle any Account for less than the full amount thereof, or release any Person or property, in whole or in part, from payment thereof, or allow any credit or discount thereon, other than as normal and customary in the ordinary course of a Grantor’s business or as required by law.
(g) Commercial Tort Claims.
(i) Promptly notify the Collateral Agent in writing of the initiation of any Commercial Tort Claim seeking damages in excess of $5,000,000 before any Governmental Authority by or in favor of such Grantor or any of its Subsidiaries.
(ii) Execute and deliver such statements, documents and notices and do and cause to be done all such things as the Collateral Agent may reasonably deem necessary, appropriate or convenient, or as are required by law, to create, perfect and maintain the Collateral Agent’s security interest in any Commercial Tort Claim.
6. Advances by Holders of the Secured Obligations. On failure of any Grantor to perform any of the covenants and agreements contained herein, the Collateral Agent may, at its sole option and in its sole discretion, perform the same and in so doing may expend such sums as the Collateral Agent may reasonably deem advisable in the performance thereof, including, without limitation, the payment of any insurance premiums, the payment of any taxes, a payment to obtain a release of a Lien or potential Lien (other than a Permitted Lien), expenditures made in defending against any adverse claim and all other expenditures that the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations may make for the protection of the security hereof or that may be compelled to make by operation of law. All such sums and amounts so expended shall be repayable by the Grantors on a joint and several basis (subject to Section 23 hereof) promptly upon timely notice thereof and demand therefor, shall constitute additional Secured Obligations and shall bear interest from the date said amounts are expended at the Default Rate for Base Rate Loans. No such performance of any covenant or agreement by the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations on behalf of any Grantor, and no such advance or expenditure therefor, shall relieve the Grantors of any default under the terms of this Security Agreement, the other Credit Documents or any other documents relating to the Secured Obligations. The holders of the Secured Obligations may make any payment hereby authorized in accordance with any xxxx, statement or estimate procured from the appropriate public office or holder of the claim to be discharged without inquiry into the accuracy of such xxxx, statement or estimate or into the validity of any tax assessment, sale, forfeiture, tax lien, title or claim except to the extent such payment is being contested in good faith by a Grantor in appropriate proceedings and against which adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with GAAP.
7. Remedies.
(a) General Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the continuation thereof, the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations shall have, in addition to the rights and remedies provided herein, in the Credit Documents, in any other documents relating to the Secured Obligations, or by law (including, without limitation, levy of attachment and garnishment), the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC of the jurisdiction applicable to the affected Collateral and, further, the Collateral Agent may, with or without judicial process or the aid and assistance of others, (i) enter on any premises on which any of the Collateral may be located and, without resistance or interference by the Grantors, take possession of the Collateral, (ii) dispose of any Collateral on any such premises, (iii) require the Grantors to assemble and make available to the Collateral Agent at the expense of the Grantors any Collateral at any place and time designated by the Collateral Agent that is reasonably convenient to both
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parties, (iv) remove any Collateral from any such premises for the purpose of effecting sale or other disposition thereof, and/or (v) without demand and without advertisement, notice, hearing or process of law, all of which each of the Grantors hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by law, at any place and time or times, sell and deliver any or all Collateral held by or for it at public or private sale, by one or more contracts, in one or more parcels, for cash, upon credit or otherwise, at such prices and upon such terms as the Collateral Agent deems advisable, in its sole discretion (subject to any and all mandatory legal requirements). Each of the Grantors acknowledges that any private sale referenced above may be at prices and on terms less favorable to the seller than the prices and terms that might have been obtained at a public sale and agrees that such private sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner. Neither the Collateral Agent’s compliance with applicable law nor its disclaimer of warranties relating to the Collateral shall be considered to adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale. In addition to all other sums due the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations with respect to the Secured Obligations, the Grantors shall pay the Collateral Agent and each of the holders of the Secured Obligations all reasonable documented costs and expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent or any such holder of the Secured Obligations, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, the allocated cost of internal counsel and court costs, in obtaining or liquidating the Collateral, in enforcing payment of the Secured Obligations, or in the prosecution or defense of any action or proceeding by or against the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations or the Grantors concerning any matter arising out of or connected with this Security Agreement, any Collateral or the Secured Obligations, including, without limitation, any of the foregoing arising in, arising under or related to a case under the Bankruptcy Code. To the extent the rights of notice cannot be legally waived hereunder, each Grantor agrees that any requirement of reasonable notice shall be met if such notice is personally served on or mailed, postage prepaid, to the Borrower in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 11.02 of the Credit Agreement at least ten Business Days before the time of sale or other event giving rise to the requirement of such notice. The Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations shall not be obligated to make any sale or other disposition of the Collateral regardless of notice having been given. To the extent permitted by law, any holder of the Secured Obligations may be a purchaser at any such sale. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each of the Grantors hereby waives all of its rights of redemption with respect to any such sale. Subject to the provisions of applicable law, the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations may postpone or cause the postponement of the sale of all or any portion of the Collateral by announcement at the time and place of such sale, and such sale may, without further notice, to the extent permitted by law, be made at the time and place to which the sale was postponed, or the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations may further postpone such sale by announcement made at such time and place.
(b) Remedies relating to Accounts. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the continuation thereof, whether or not the Collateral Agent has exercised any or all of its rights and remedies hereunder, (i) each Grantor will promptly upon request of the Collateral Agent instruct all account debtors to remit all payments in respect of Accounts to a mailing location selected by the Collateral Agent and (ii) the Collateral Agent shall have the right to enforce any Grantor’s rights against its customers and account debtors, and the Collateral Agent or its designee may notify any Grantor’s customers and account debtors that the Accounts of such Grantor have been assigned to the Collateral Agent or of the Collateral Agent’s security interest therein, and may (either in its own name or in the name of a Grantor or both) demand, collect (including without limitation by way of a lockbox arrangement), receive, take receipt for, sell, xxx for, compound, settle, compromise and give acquittance for any and all amounts due or to become due on any Account, and, in the Collateral Agent’s discretion, file any claim or take any other action or proceeding to protect and realize upon the security interest of the holders of the Secured Obligations in the Accounts. Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that the Proceeds of its Accounts remitted to or on behalf of the Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be solely for the Collateral Agent’s own convenience and that such Grantor shall not have any right, title or interest in such Accounts or in any such other amounts except as expressly provided herein. The Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations shall have no liability or responsibility to any Grantor for acceptance of a check, draft or other order for payment of money bearing the legend “payment in full” or words of similar import or any other restrictive legend or
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endorsement or be responsible for determining the correctness of any remittance. Each Grantor hereby agrees to indemnify the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations from and against all liabilities, damages, losses, actions, claims, judgments, costs, expenses, charges and reasonable attorneys’ fees (including the allocated cost of internal counsel) suffered or incurred by the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations (each, an “Indemnified Party”) because of the maintenance of the foregoing arrangements except as relating to or arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party or its officers, employees or agents. In the case of any investigation, litigation or other proceeding, the foregoing indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by a Grantor, its directors, shareholders or creditors or an Indemnified Party or any other Person or any other Indemnified Party is otherwise a party thereto.
(c) Access. In addition to the rights and remedies hereunder, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the continuation thereof, the Collateral Agent shall have the right to enter and remain upon the various premises of the Grantors without cost or charge to the Collateral Agent, and use the same, together with materials, supplies, books and records of the Grantors for the purpose of collecting and liquidating the Collateral, or for preparing for sale and conducting the sale of the Collateral, whether by foreclosure, auction or otherwise. In addition, the Collateral Agent may remove Collateral, or any part thereof, from such premises and/or any records with respect thereto, in order to effectively collect or liquidate such Collateral.
(d) Nonexclusive Nature of Remedies. Failure by the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations to exercise any right, remedy or option under this Security Agreement, any other Credit Document, any other documents relating to the Secured Obligations, or as provided by law, or any delay by the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations in exercising the same, shall not operate as a waiver of any such right, remedy or option. No waiver hereunder shall be effective unless it is in writing, signed by the party against whom such waiver is sought to be enforced and then only to the extent specifically stated, which in the case of the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations shall only be granted as provided herein. To the extent permitted by law, neither the Collateral Agent, the holders of the Secured Obligations, nor any party acting as attorney for the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations, shall be liable hereunder for any acts or omissions or for any error of judgment or mistake of fact or law other than their gross negligence or willful misconduct hereunder. The rights and remedies of the Collateral Agents and the holders of the Secured Obligations under this Security Agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other right or remedy that the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations may have.
(e) Retention of Collateral. To the extent permitted under applicable law, in addition to the rights and remedies hereunder, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent may, after providing the notices required by Sections 9-620 and 9-621 of the UCC or otherwise complying with the requirements of applicable law of the relevant jurisdiction, accept or retain all or any portion of the Collateral in satisfaction of the Secured Obligations. Unless and until the Collateral Agent shall have provided such notices, however, the Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have accepted or retained any Collateral in satisfaction of any Secured Obligations for any reason.
(f) Deficiency. In the event that the proceeds of any sale, collection or realization are insufficient to pay all amounts to which the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations are legally entitled, the Grantors shall be jointly and severally liable for the deficiency (subject to Section 23 hereof), together with interest thereon at the Default Rate for Base Rate Loans, together with the costs of collection and reasonable attorneys’ fees (including the allocated cost of internal counsel). Any surplus remaining after the full payment and satisfaction of the Secured Obligations shall be returned to the Grantors or to whomsoever a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine to be entitled thereto.
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8. Rights of the Collateral Agent.
(a) Power of Attorney. In addition to other powers of attorney contained herein, each Grantor hereby designates and appoints the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the holders of the Secured Obligations, and each of its designees or agents, as attorney-in-fact of such Grantor, irrevocably and with power of substitution, with authority to take any or all of the following actions upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default:
(i) to demand, collect, settle, compromise and adjust, and give discharges and releases concerning the Collateral, all as the Collateral Agent may reasonably deem appropriate;
(ii) to commence and prosecute any actions at any court for the purposes of collecting any of the Collateral and enforcing any other right in respect thereof;
(iii) to defend, settle or compromise any action brought and, in connection therewith, give such discharge or release as the Collateral Agent may reasonably deem appropriate;
(iv) to receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to a Grantor and endorse checks, notes, drafts, acceptances, money orders, bills of lading, warehouse receipts or other instruments or documents evidencing payment, shipment or storage of the goods giving rise to the Collateral on behalf of and in the name of such Grantor, or securing, or relating to such Collateral;
(v) to pay or discharge taxes, liens, security interests or other encumbrances levied or placed on or threatened against the Collateral;
(vi) to direct any parties liable for any payment in connection with any of the Collateral to make payment of any and all monies due and to become due thereunder directly to the Collateral Agent or as the Collateral Agent shall direct;
(vii) to receive payment of and receipt for any and all monies, claims, and other amounts due and to become due at any time in respect of or arising out of any Collateral;
(viii) to sell, assign, transfer, make any agreement in respect of, or otherwise deal with or exercise rights in respect of, any Collateral or the goods or services that have given rise thereto, as fully and completely as though the Collateral Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes;
(ix) to adjust and settle claims under any insurance policy relating thereto;
(x) to execute and deliver all assignments, conveyances, statements, financing statements, renewal financing statements, security and pledge agreements, affidavits, notices and other agreements, instruments and documents that the Collateral Agent may reasonably deem appropriate in order to perfect and maintain the security interests and liens granted in this Security Agreement and in order to fully consummate all of the transactions contemplated therein;
(xi) to institute any foreclosure proceedings that the Collateral Agent may reasonably deem appropriate; and
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(xii) to do and perform all such other acts and things as the Collateral Agent may reasonably deem appropriate or convenient in connection with the Collateral.
This power of attorney is a power coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable for so long as any of the Secured Obligations shall remain outstanding and until all of the commitments relating thereto shall have been terminated. The Collateral Agent shall be under no duty to exercise or withhold the exercise of any of the rights, powers, privileges and options expressly or implicitly granted to the Collateral Agent in this Security Agreement, and shall not be liable for any failure to do so or any delay in doing so. The Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any act or omission or for any error of judgment or any mistake of fact or law in its individual capacity or its capacity as attorney-in-fact except acts or omissions resulting from its gross negligence or willful misconduct. This power of attorney is conferred on the Collateral Agent solely to protect, preserve and realize upon its security interest in the Collateral.
(b) Performance by the Collateral Agent of Obligations. If any Grantor fails to perform any agreement or obligation contained herein, the Collateral Agent itself may perform, or cause performance of, such agreement or obligation, and the expenses of the Collateral Agent incurred in connection therewith shall be payable by the Grantors on a joint and several basis (subject to Section 24 hereof).
(c) The Collateral Agent’s Duty of Care. Other than the exercise of reasonable care to assure the safe custody of the Collateral while being held by the Collateral Agent hereunder, the Collateral Agent shall have no duty or liability to preserve rights pertaining thereto, it being understood and agreed that the Grantors shall be responsible for preservation of all rights in the Collateral, and the Collateral Agent shall be relieved of all responsibility for the Collateral upon surrendering it or tendering the surrender of it to the Grantors. The Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which the Collateral Agent accords its own property, which shall be no less than the treatment employed by a reasonable and prudent agent in the industry, it being understood that the Collateral Agent shall not have responsibility for taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any of the Collateral. In the event of a public or private sale of Collateral pursuant to Section 7 hereof, the Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to clean, repair or otherwise prepare the Collateral for sale.
9. Rights of Required Lenders. All rights of the Collateral Agent hereunder, if not exercised by the Collateral Agent, may be exercised by the Required Lenders.
10. Application of Proceeds. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, any payments in respect of the Secured Obligations and any proceeds of the Collateral, when received by the Collateral Agent or any of the holders of the Secured Obligations in cash or its equivalent, will be applied in reduction of the Secured Obligations in the order set forth in the Credit Agreement or other document relating to the Secured Obligations, and each Grantor irrevocably waives the right to direct the application of such payments and proceeds and acknowledges and agrees that the Collateral Agent shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reapply any and all such payments and proceeds in the Collateral Agent’s sole discretion, notwithstanding any entry to the contrary upon any of its books and records.
11. Continuing Agreement.
(a) This Security Agreement shall be a continuing agreement in every respect and shall remain in full force and effect so long as any of the Secured Obligations remains outstanding and until all of the commitments relating thereto have been terminated (other than any obligations with respect to the indemnities and the representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Documents). Upon such payment and termination, this Security Agreement and the liens and security interests of the Collateral Agent hereunder shall be automatically terminated and the Collateral Agent shall, upon the request and at the
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expense of the Grantors, execute and deliver all UCC termination statements and/or other documents reasonably requested by the Grantors evidencing such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all releases and indemnities provided hereunder shall survive termination of this Security Agreement.
(b) This Security Agreement shall continue to be effective or be automatically reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, in whole or in part, of any of the Secured Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Collateral Agent or any holder of the Secured Obligations as a preference, fraudulent conveyance or otherwise under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law, all as though such payment had not been made; provided that in the event payment of all or any part of the Secured Obligations is rescinded or must be restored or returned, all reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, the allocated cost of internal counsel and disbursements) incurred by the Collateral Agent or any holder of the Secured Obligations in defending and enforcing such reinstatement shall be deemed to be included as a part of the Secured Obligations.
12. Amendments and Waivers. This Security Agreement and the provisions hereof may not be amended, waived, modified, changed, discharged or terminated except as set forth in Section 11.01 of the Credit Agreement.
13. Successors in Interest. This Security Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall be binding upon each Grantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure, together with the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations hereunder, to the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the holders of the Secured Obligations and their successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that none of the Grantors may assign its rights or delegate its duties hereunder without the prior written consent of the requisite Lenders under the Credit Agreement. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Grantor hereby releases the Collateral Agent and each holder of the Secured Obligations, their respective successors and assigns and their respective officers, attorneys, employees and agents, from any liability for any act or omission or any error of judgment or mistake of fact or of law relating to this Security Agreement or the Collateral, except for any liability arising from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Collateral Agent or such holder, or their respective officers, attorneys, employees or agents.
14. Notices. All notices required or permitted to be given under this Security Agreement shall be given as provided in Section 11.02 of the Credit Agreement.
15. Counterparts. This Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which where so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Security Agreement to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.
16. Headings. The headings of the sections and subsections hereof are provided for convenience only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Security Agreement.
17. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue.
(a) THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA APPLICABLE TO AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN SUCH STATE; PROVIDED THAT THE COLLATERAL AGENT AND EACH LENDER SHALL RETAIN ALL RIGHTS ARISING UNDER FEDERAL LAW.
(b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT MAY BE BROUGHT IN XXX XXXXXX XX
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XXX XXXXX XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX SITTING IN CHARLOTTE, XXXXX XXXXXXXX XX XX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT, THE BORROWER, THE COLLATERAL AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS. THE BORROWER, THE COLLATERAL AGENT AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. THE BORROWER, THE COLLATERAL AGENT AND EACH LENDER WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY SUMMONS, COMPLAINT OR OTHER PROCESS, WHICH MAY BE MADE BY ANY OTHER MEANS PERMITTED BY THE LAW OF SUCH STATE.
18. Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury.
EACH PARTY TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
19. Severability. If any provision of this Security Agreement is determined to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed without giving effect to the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions.
20. Entirety. This Security Agreement, the other Credit Documents and the other documents relating to the Secured Obligations represent the entire agreement of the parties hereto and thereto, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, if any, including any commitment letters or correspondence relating to the Credit Documents, any other documents relating to the Secured Obligations, or the transactions contemplated herein and therein.
21. Survival. All representations and warranties of the Grantors hereunder shall survive the execution and delivery of this Security Agreement, the other Credit Documents and the other documents relating to the Secured Obligations, the delivery of the Notes and the extension of credit thereunder or in connection therewith.
22. Other Security. To the extent that any of the Secured Obligations are now or hereafter secured by property other than the Collateral (including, without limitation, real property and securities owned by a Grantor), or by a guarantee, endorsement or property of any other Person, then the Collateral Agent shall have the right to proceed against such other property, guarantee or endorsement upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, and the Collateral Agent shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to determine which rights, security, liens, security interests or remedies the Collateral Agent shall at any time
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pursue, relinquish, subordinate, modify or take with respect thereto, without in any way modifying or affecting any of them or the Secured Obligations or any of the rights of the Collateral Agent or the holders of the Secured Obligations under this Security Agreement, under any of the other Credit Documents or under any other document relating to the Secured Obligations.
23. Joint and Several Obligations of Grantors.
(a) Subject to subsection (c) of this Section 23, each of the Grantors is accepting joint and several liability hereunder in consideration of the financial accommodation to be provided by the holders of the Secured Obligations, for the mutual benefit, directly and indirectly, of each of the Grantors and in consideration of the undertakings of each of the Grantors to accept joint and several liability for the obligations of each of them.
(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this Section 23, each of the Grantors jointly and severally hereby irrevocably and unconditionally accepts, not merely as a surety but also as a co-debtor, joint and several liability with the other Grantors with respect to the payment and performance of all of the Secured Obligations arising under this Security Agreement, the other Credit Documents and any other documents relating to the Secured Obligations, it being the intention of the parties hereto that all the Secured Obligations shall be the joint and several obligations of each of the Grantors without preferences or distinction among them.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, in any other of the Credit Documents or in any other documents relating to the Secured Obligations, the obligations of each Guarantor under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents shall be limited to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render such obligations subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provisions of any applicable state law.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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Each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of this Amended and Restated Security Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.
GRANTORS: | SCHOOL SPECIALTY, INC., a Wisconsin corporation | |||
By: | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx | |||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |||
CHILDCRAFT EDUCATION CORP., a New York corporation | ||||
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.XXX, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company | ||||
BIRD-IN-HAND WOODWORKS, INC., a New Jersey corporation | ||||
SPORTIME, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company | ||||
GLOBAL VIDEO, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company | ||||
PREMIER AGENDAS, INC., a Washington corporation | ||||
XXXX SCIENTIFIC, INC., a Delaware corporation | ||||
AMALGAMATED WIDGETS, INC., a Wisconsin corporation | ||||
SAX ARTS & CRAFTS, INC., a Delaware corporation | ||||
CALIFONE INTERNATIONAL, INC., a Delaware corporation | ||||
DELTA EDUCATION, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxx | |||
Title: | Treasurer |
Accepted and agreed to as of the date first above written. | ||
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Anthea Del Xxxxxx | |
Name: | Anthea Del Xxxxxx | |
Title: | Vice President |
SCHEDULE 2(d)
COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS
XxxxxxxxxXxxxxx.xxx, LLC, v. Re-Print/Draphix, LLC, Circuit Court Of Jefferson County, Alabama, Civil Action No. CV-05-4675, a claim by XxxxxxxxxXxxxxx.xxx, LLC for fraud in the inducement of a settlement agreement by Re-Print/Draphix d/b/a XxxxxxxXxxxxx.xxx
The XxXxxx-Xxxx Companies, Inc. and XxXxxx-Xxxx International (U.K.) Ltd. v. School Specialty, Inc., And Living & Learning, Ltd., Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, Index No. 600308/2005 (filed January 26, 2005). The parties are in dispute regarding a post-closing purchase price adjustment provision in a purchase agreement from 2004.
SCHEDULE 5(f)(i)
NOTICE
OF
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST
IN
COPYRIGHTS
United States Copyright Office
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Please be advised that pursuant to the Security Agreement dated as of January , 2006 (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the “Security Agreement”) by and among the Grantors party thereto (each a “Grantor” and collectively, the “Grantors”) and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”) for the holders of the Secured Obligations referenced therein, the undersigned Grantor has granted a continuing security interest in and continuing lien upon the copyrights and copyright applications shown on Schedule 1 attached hereto to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations.
The undersigned Grantor and the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the holders of the Secured Obligations, hereby acknowledge and agree that the security interest in the copyrights and copyright applications set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto (i) may only be terminated in accordance with the terms of the Security Agreement and (ii) is not to be construed as an assignment of any copyright or copyright application.
Very truly yours, | ||
[Grantor] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged and Accepted: | ||
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
SCHEDULE 5(f)(ii)
NOTICE
OF
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST
IN
PATENTS
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Please be advised that pursuant to the Security Agreement dated as of January , 2006 (the “Security Agreement”) by and among the Grantors party thereto (each a “Grantor” and collectively, the “Grantors”) and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”) for the holders of the Secured Obligations referenced therein, the undersigned Grantor has granted a continuing security interest in and continuing lien upon the patents and patent applications set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations.
The undersigned Grantor and the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the holders of the Secured Obligations, hereby acknowledge and agree that the security interest in the patents and patent applications set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto (i) may only be terminated in accordance with the terms of the Security Agreement and (ii) is not to be construed as an assignment of any patent or patent application.
Very truly yours, | ||
[Grantor] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged and Accepted: | ||
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
SCHEDULE 5(f)(iii)
NOTICE
OF
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST
IN
TRADEMARKS
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Please be advised that pursuant to the Security Agreement dated as of January , 2006 (the “Security Agreement”) by and among the Grantors party thereto (each a “Grantor” and collectively, the “Grantors”) and Bank of America, N.A., as Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”) for the holders of the Secured Obligations referenced therein, the undersigned Grantor has granted a continuing security interest in and continuing lien upon the trademarks and trademark applications set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the holders of the Secured Obligations.
The undersigned Grantor and the Collateral Agent, on behalf of the holders of the Secured Obligations, hereby acknowledge and agree that the security interest in the trademarks and trademark applications set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto (i) may only be terminated in accordance with the terms of the Security Agreement and (ii) is not to be construed as an assignment of any trademark or trademark application.
Very truly yours, | ||
[Grantor] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged and Accepted: | ||
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |