CREDIT AGREEMENT
among
CONSECO, INC., as Borrower,
The Banks named herein,
and
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK,
as Administrative Agent for the Banks
Arranged By
FIRST UNION CAPITAL MARKETS CORP.
Dated as of September 30, 1997
C-462027v04.11222.01014
- 1 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS.............................................................. 1
SECTION 1.1 Certain Defined Terms................................................................ 1
SECTION 1.2 Other Definitional Provisions........................................................ 23
SECTION 1.3 Accounting and Financial Determinations.............................................. 23
SECTION 2. THE COMMITMENTS AND THE LOANS................................................................. 24
SECTION 2.1 Commitment........................................................................... 24
SECTION 2.2 Procedure for Borrowings............................................................. 24
SECTION 2.3 [Intentionally left blank.].......................................................... 25
SECTION 2.4 [Intentionally left blank.].......................................................... 25
SECTION 2.5 Types of Loans....................................................................... 25
SECTION 2.6 Funding Reliance for Borrowings...................................................... 25
SECTION 2.7 Conversion and Continuation Elections
for Borrowings............................................................ 26
SECTION 2.8 Repayment of Loans................................................................... 27
SECTION 2.9 Loan Accounts; Record Keeping........................................................ 27
SECTION 3. INTEREST AND FEES, ETC........................................................................ 28
SECTION 3.1 Interest Rates....................................................................... 28
SECTION 3.2 Default Interest Rate................................................................ 28
SECTION 3.3 Interest Payment Dates............................................................... 29
SECTION 3.4 Setting and Notice of Rates.......................................................... 29
SECTION 3.5 Computation of Fees and Interest..................................................... 29
SECTION 3.6 Fees................................................................................. 29
SECTION 4. PAYMENTS AND PREPAYMENTS...................................................................... 29
SECTION 4.1 Voluntary Termination or Reduction of
Commitments............................................................... 29
SECTION 4.2 Optional Prepayments................................................................. 30
SECTION 4.3 [Intentionally left blank]........................................................... 30
SECTION 4.4 Payments by the Borrower............................................................. 30
SECTION 4.5 [Intentionally left blank]........................................................... 31
SECTION 4.6 Sharing of Payments.................................................................. 31
SECTION 4.7 Setoff............................................................................... 32
SECTION 4.8 Net Payments......................................................................... 32
SECTION 4.9 Mandatory Reduction in the Commitments............................................... 33
SECTION 5. CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES...................................................................... 33
SECTION 5.1 Increased Costs...................................................................... 33
SECTION 5.2 Change in Rate of Return............................................................. 34
SECTION 5.3 Basis for Determining Interest Rate
Inadequate or Unfair...................................................... 35
SECTION 5.4 Changes in Law Rendering Certain Loans
Unlawful.................................................................. 36
SECTION 5.5 Funding Losses....................................................................... 36
SECTION 5.6 Right of Banks to Fund Through Other Offices......................................... 37
SECTION 5.7 Discretion of Banks as to Manner of
Funding................................................................... 37
SECTION 5.8 Replacement of Banks................................................................. 37
SECTION 5.9 Conclusiveness of Statements; Survival
of Provisions............................................................. 38
C-462027v04.11222.01014
i
SECTION 6. [Intentionally left blank.]................................................................... 38
SECTION 7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES................................................................ 38
SECTION 7.1 Organization, etc.................................................................... 38
SECTION 7.2 Authorization........................................................................ 38
SECTION 7.3 No Conflict.......................................................................... 38
SECTION 7.4 Governmental Consents................................................................ 39
SECTION 7.5 Validity............................................................................. 39
SECTION 7.6 Financial Statements................................................................. 39
SECTION 7.7 Material Adverse Change.............................................................. 39
SECTION 7.8 Litigation and Contingent Obligations................................................ 39
SECTION 7.9 Liens................................................................................ 39
SECTION 7.10 Pension and Welfare Plans............................................................ 39
SECTION 7.11 Investment Company Act............................................................... 41
SECTION 7.12 Public Utility Holding Company Act................................................... 41
SECTION 7.13 Taxes................................................................................ 41
SECTION 7.14 Accuracy of Information.............................................................. 41
SECTION 7.15 Environmental Warranties............................................................. 42
SECTION 7.16 Proceeds............................................................................. 43
SECTION 7.17 Insurance............................................................................ 43
SECTION 7.18 Securities Laws...................................................................... 43
SECTION 7.19 Governmental Authorizations.......................................................... 43
SECTION 7.20 Business Locations; Trade-Names...................................................... 44
SECTION 7.21 Solvency............................................................................. 44
SECTION 7.22 Insurance Licenses................................................................... 44
SECTION 7.23 Compliance with Laws................................................................. 44
SECTION 7.24 No Default........................................................................... 45
SECTION 7.25 Margin Regulations................................................................... 45
SECTION 7.26 Conseco Corporate Structure.......................................................... 45
SECTION 7.27 Significant Subsidiaries............................................................. 45
SECTION 8. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS......................................................................... 45
SECTION 8.1 Reports, Certificates and Other Information.......................................... 45
SECTION 8.2 Corporate Existence; Foreign Qualification........................................... 51
SECTION 8.3 Books, Records and Inspections....................................................... 52
SECTION 8.4 Insurance............................................................................ 52
SECTION 8.5 Taxes and Liabilities................................................................ 52
SECTION 8.6 Pension Plans and Welfare Plans...................................................... 52
SECTION 8.7 Compliance with Laws................................................................. 52
SECTION 8.8 Maintenance of Permits............................................................... 53
SECTION 8.9 Environmental Compliance............................................................. 53
SECTION 9. NEGATIVE COVENANTS............................................................................ 53
SECTION 9.1 Limitation on Indebtedness........................................................... 53
SECTION 9.2 Liens................................................................................ 56
SECTION 9.3 Consolidation, Merger, etc........................................................... 57
SECTION 9.4 Asset Disposition, etc............................................................... 57
SECTION 9.5 Other Agreements..................................................................... 58
SECTION 9.6 Business Activities.................................................................. 58
SECTION 9.7 Change of Location or Name........................................................... 58
SECTION 9.8 Transactions with Affiliates......................................................... 58
SECTION 9.9 [Intentionally left blank.].......................................................... 59
SECTION 9.10 Investments.......................................................................... 59
SECTION 9.11 Certain Indebtedness................................................................. 60
C-462027v04.11222.01014
ii
SECTION 10. FINANCIAL COVENANTS........................................................................... 60
SECTION 10.1 Shareholders' Equity................................................................. 61
SECTION 10.2 Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio................................................... 61
SECTION 10.3 Interest Coverage Ratio.............................................................. 61
SECTION 11. CONDITIONS.................................................................................... 61
SECTION 11.1 Initial Loans........................................................................ 61
SECTION 11.2 [Intentionally left blank.].......................................................... 63
SECTION 11.3 All Loans............................................................................ 63
SECTION 12. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND THEIR EFFECT............................................................ 63
SECTION 12.1 Events of Default.................................................................... 63
SECTION 12.2 Effect of Event of Default........................................................... 66
SECTION 13. THE AGENT..................................................................................... 66
SECTION 13.1 Authorization and Action............................................................. 66
SECTION 13.2 Liability of the Administrative Agent................................................ 67
SECTION 13.3 Administrative Agent and Affiliates.................................................. 67
SECTION 13.4 Bank Credit Decision................................................................. 68
SECTION 13.5 Indemnification...................................................................... 68
SECTION 13.6 Successor Agent...................................................................... 68
SECTION 14. ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS................................................................ 69
SECTION 14.1 Assignments.......................................................................... 69
SECTION 14.2 Participations....................................................................... 70
SECTION 14.3 Disclosure of Information............................................................ 71
SECTION 14.4 Foreign Transferees.................................................................. 72
SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS................................................................................. 72
SECTION 15.1 Waivers and Amendments............................................................... 72
SECTION 15.2 Failure to Consent................................................................... 73
SECTION 15.3 Notices.............................................................................. 74
SECTION 15.4 Payment of Costs and Expenses........................................................ 74
SECTION 15.5 Indemnity............................................................................ 75
SECTION 15.6 Subsidiary References................................................................ 75
SECTION 15.7 Captions............................................................................. 75
SECTION 15.8 GOVERNING LAW........................................................................ 75
SECTION 15.9 Counterparts......................................................................... 76
SECTION 15.10 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF
VENUE..................................................................... 76
SECTION 15.11 Service of Process................................................................... 76
SECTION 15.12 Successors and Assigns............................................................... 77
SECTION 15.13 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL................................................................. 77
C-462027v04.11222.01014
iii
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A - Form of Account Designation Letter
Exhibit B - Form of Note
Exhibit C - [Intentionally left blank]
Exhibit D - [Intentionally left blank]
Exhibit E - [Intentionally left blank]
Exhibit F - Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit G - Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation
Exhibit H - [Intentionally left blank]
Exhibit I - Eurodollar Funding Loss Determination Methodology
Exhibit J - Conseco Corporate Structure
Exhibit K - Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit L - Form of Opinion of Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, counsel to the
Borrower
Exhibit M - Form of Officer's Certificate
Exhibit N - Form of Assignment Agreement
Exhibit O - Form of Confidentiality Agreement
SCHEDULES
Schedule 1.1-A - Schedule of Lenders and Commitments
Schedule 1.1-B - Servicing Agreements
Schedule 7.4 - Required Governmental Consents
Schedule 7.8 - Material Litigation
Schedule 7.10 - ERISA
Schedule 7.13 - Taxes
Schedule 7.17 - Insurance
Schedule 7.20 - Business Office Locations
Schedule 7.22 - Jurisdictions of Insurance Licenses
Schedule 7.27 - Significant Subsidiaries
Schedule 9.1 - Permitted Indebtedness
Schedule 9.2 - Permitted Liens
Schedule 9.6 - Permitted Business Activities
Schedule 9.8 - Permitted Reinsurance Agreements
Schedule 9.10 - Permitted Investments
C-462027v04.11222.01014
iv
CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT is entered into as of September 30, 1997 (the
"Effective Date"), among CONSECO, INC., an Indiana corporation (the "Borrower"),
the several financial institutions from time to time party to this Agreement
(herein, together with any Eligible Assignees thereof, collectively called the
"Banks" and each individually, a "Bank"), and FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as
administrative agent for the Banks (herein in such capacity, together with any
successors thereto in such capacity, called the "Administrative Agent").
Background
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Banks provide a
$200,000,000 credit facility for the purposes hereinafter set forth; and
WHEREAS, the Banks have agreed to make the requested credit facility
available to the Borrower on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein
contained and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
SECTION 1.1 Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the
following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally
applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):
"Account Designation Letter" shall mean a letter in the form of Exhibit
A from the Borrower to the Agent, duly completed and signed by a duly authorized
Responsible Officer of the Borrower, listing any one or more accounts to which
the Borrower may from time to time request the Agent to forward the proceeds of
any Loans made hereunder.
"Acquisition" shall mean any transaction or series of transactions for
the purpose of or resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of
all or substantially all of the assets of a Person, or of any business or
division of a Person, (b) the acquisition of in excess of 50% of the capital
stock, partnership interests, membership interests or equity securities (or
warrants, options, or other rights to acquire any of the foregoing) of any
Person, or otherwise causing any Person to become a Subsidiary of the Borrower,
or (c) a merger or consolidation or any other combination of the Borrower or one
of
its Subsidiaries with another Person (other than a Person that is a Subsidiary
of the Borrower immediately prior to such merger or consolidation); provided
that, in the case of any merger, consolidation or other combination of the
Borrower, the Borrower shall be the surviving entity, in each case subject to
and to the extent permitted by this Agreement.
"Administrative Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble
hereof.
"Administrative Agent's Office" shall mean One First Union Center, 000
Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000-0000, or such
other address designated by the Administrative Agent (or any successor agent) to
the Borrower and the Banks from time to time.
"Affected Bank" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.4.
"Affiliate" shall mean, as to any Person, any other Person which,
directly or indirectly, owns, holds, controls, is controlled by or is under
common control with such Person (including all beneficial control as a trustee,
guardian or other fiduciary). A Person shall be deemed to be "controlled by" any
other Person if such other Person possesses, directly or indirectly, power (a)
to vote 10% or more of the securities (on a fully diluted basis) having ordinary
voting power for the election of directors or managing general partners; or (b)
to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person
whether through the ownership of voting securities, membership interests, by
contract or otherwise.
"Agreement" shall mean this Credit Agreement, as amended or modified.
"ALH" shall mean American Life Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
"ALHC" shall mean American Life Holding Company, a Delaware
corporation.
"ALHC Preferred Stock" shall mean ALHC's $2.16 Redeemable Cumulative
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 and its $2.32 Redeemable Cumulative Preferred
Stock, par value $.01.
"Amounts Available for Dividends" shall mean, without duplication, the
maximum amount of dividends the Insurance Subsidiaries are permitted to pay
under the Applicable Insurance Code of their respective states of domicile
without necessitating approval of the applicable Department.
"Annual Statement" shall mean, as to any Insurance Subsidiary, the
annual financial statement of such Insurance Subsidiary as required to be filed
with the applicable Department, together with all exhibits or schedules filed
2
therewith, prepared in conformity with SAP. References to amounts on particular
exhibits, schedules, lines, pages and columns of the Annual Statement are based
on the format promulgated by the NAIC for 1996 Life, Accident and Health
Insurance Company Annual Statements. If such format is changed in future years
so that different information is contained in such items or they no longer
exist, it is understood that the reference is to information consistent with
that reported in the referenced item in the 1996 Annual Statement of such
Insurance Subsidiary.
"Applicable Insurance Code" shall mean, as to any Insurance Subsidiary,
the insurance code of any state where such Insurance Subsidiary is domiciled or
doing insurance business and any successor statute of similar import, together
with the regulations thereunder, as amended or otherwise modified and in effect
from time to time. References to sections of the Applicable Insurance Code shall
be construed to also refer to successor sections.
"Arranger" shall mean First Union Capital Markets Corp.
"Assignment Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
14.1.
"ATC" shall mean American Travellers Corp., a Pennsylvania corporation.
"Average Life" shall mean, as of the date of determination, with
respect to any Indebtedness, the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the sum of
the products of the numbers of years from the date of determination to the dates
of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness multiplied
by the amount of such scheduled principal payment by (b) the sum of all such
scheduled principal payments.
"B-Share Financings" shall mean the financing of fees or commissions
related to B-Shares.
"B-Shares" shall mean those shares of ownership representing a mutual
interest in a pool of assets on which 12b-1 fees or contingent deferred sales
commissions (CDSC), as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are
applicable.
"Banks" or "Bank" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble
hereof.
"Bank Default" shall mean (a) the refusal (which has not been
retracted) of a Bank to make available its Percentage of any Loans when required
hereunder or (b) a Bank having notified the Administrative Agent or the Borrower
that it does not intend to comply with its obligations under Section 2.1 to the
extent required thereunder.
3
"Base Rate" shall mean, for any day, the higher of (a) 0.50% per annum
above the latest Federal Funds Effective Rate and (b) the rate of interest in
effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by First Union in
Charlotte, North Carolina, as its "prime rate." The "prime rate" is a rate set
by First Union based upon various factors including First Union's costs and
desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a
reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below
such announced rate. Any change in the prime rate announced by First Union shall
take effect at the opening of business on the date specified in the public
announcement of such change.
"Base Rate Loan" shall mean a Loan that bears interest based on the
Base Rate.
"BLHC" shall mean Bankers Life Holding Corp., a Delaware corporation.
"BNL" shall mean Bankers National Life Insurance Company, a Texas stock
insurance corporation.
"Borrower" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble hereof.
"Borrowing" shall mean a borrowing hereunder consisting of Loans of the
same Type made to the Borrower on the same day by the Banks under Section 2,
and, other than in the case of Base Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period.
"Borrowing Date" shall mean any date on which a Borrowing occurs under
Section 2.
"Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York or Charlotte, North
Carolina are authorized or required by law to close and, if the applicable
Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, shall mean such a day on which
dealings in Dollar deposits are also carried on in the London interbank market.
"Calculation Period" shall mean, with respect to any ratio or
calculation, the period for which such ratio or calculation is being calculated.
"Capital and Surplus" shall mean, as to any Insurance Subsidiary, as of
any date, the total amount shown on line 38, page 3, column 1 of the Annual
Statement of such Insurance Subsidiary, or an amount determined in a consistent
manner for any date other than one as of which an Annual Statement is prepared.
"Capitalized Lease Liabilities" shall mean, with respect to any Person,
all monetary obligations of such Person under any leasing or similar arrangement
which, in accordance with GAAP,
4
would be classified as a capitalized lease, and, for purposes of this Agreement,
the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof,
determined in accordance with GAAP, and the stated maturity thereof shall be the
date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior
to the first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without
payment of a penalty.
"Cash Equivalents" shall mean (a) securities with maturities of one (1)
year or less from the date of determination issued or fully guaranteed or
insured by the United States Government, or any instrumentality or agency
thereof, (b) certificates of deposit, eurodollar time deposits, overnight bank
deposits, bankers' acceptances and repurchase agreements of any Bank or any
other commercial bank whose unsecured long-term debt obligations are rated at
least "BBB-" by Standard & Poor's, "Baa-3" by Moody's, "BBB-" by Duff & Xxxxxx,
"BBB-" by Fitch Investors Services, Inc. or "NAIC 2" by the NAIC having
maturities of six (6) months or less from the date of determination and (c)
commercial paper having maturities of six (6) months or less from the date of
determination rated at least "A-2" by Standard Poor's, "P-2" by Moody's, "D-2"
by Duff & Xxxxxx, "F-2" by Fitch Investors Services, Inc. or "NAIC 2" by the
NAIC, or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency,
if all of the named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of investments.
"CBOs" shall mean notes or other instruments (other than CMOs) secured
by collateral consisting primarily of debt securities and/or other types of debt
obligations, including loans.
"CCPI" shall mean CCP Insurance, Inc., an Indiana corporation, which
merged into the Borrower.
"CCPI Indenture" shall mean the Indenture, dated as of December 15,
1994, between CCPI and LTCB Trust Company, as trustee, as the same may be
amended or modified in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The
obligations of CCPI were assumed by the Borrower on account of the merger of
CCPI into the Borrower.
"CCPI Senior Note Obligations" shall mean the Obligations (as defined
in the CCPI Indenture) of CCPI with respect to the Securities (as defined in the
CCPI Indenture), such Obligations having been assumed by the Borrower on account
of the merger of CCPI into the Borrower.
"CCPI Senior Notes" shall mean the 10-1/2% Senior Notes due 2004 of
CCPI assumed by the Borrower pursuant to the merger of CCPI into the Borrower,
as the same may be amended or modified in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement.
"CERCLA" shall mean the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.
5
"CERCLIS" shall mean the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Information System List.
"Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred at such times as:
(a) any Person, or two or more Persons, acting in concert, directly or
indirectly acquire after the Closing Date beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of 30%
or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of the Borrower (other than
the officers and directors of the Borrower in place as of the Effective Date) or
(b) individuals who as of the Closing Date constituted the Borrower's Board of
Directors (together with any new director whose election by the Borrower's Board
of Directors or whose nomination for election by the Borrower's stockholders was
approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office
who either were directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved), for any reason, cease to
constitute a majority of the directors at any time then in office.
"Charges" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8.
"Closing Date" shall mean the date on which all conditions precedent
set forth in Section 11 are satisfied or waived by all Banks or, with respect to
the payment of any fee payable hereunder, waived by the Person entitled to
receive such payment.
"CMOs" shall mean notes or other instruments secured by collateral
consisting primarily of mortgages, mortgage-backed securities and/or other types
of mortgage-related obligations.
"CMO Derivative Investments" shall mean Z bonds, floaters/inverse
floaters, PAC II, PAC III, Ioettes, support bonds, interest-only investments,
principal-only investments, residuals, inverse IO's and super floaters.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
regulations promulgated thereunder, or, as the context requires, applicable
provisions of prior laws.
"Commitment" and "Commitments" shall have the respective meanings set
forth in Section 2.1.
"Compliance Certificate" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8.1.5.
"Conseco Indenture" shall mean the Indenture, dated as of February 18,
1993, between Conseco, Inc. and Shawmut Bank Connecticut, National Association,
as trustee, as the same may be amended or modified in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement.
"Conseco Series E Preferred Stock" shall mean $900,000,000 stated value
of the Borrower's Series E Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share.
6
"Conseco Senior Note Obligations" shall mean the Obligations (as
defined in the Conseco Indenture) of the Borrower with respect to the Securities
(as defined in the Conseco Indenture).
"Conseco Senior Notes" shall mean the 8-1/8% Senior Notes due 2003 of
the Borrower, as the same may be amended or modified in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement.
"Contingent Obligation" shall mean, without duplication, any agreement,
undertaking or arrangement by which any Person guarantees, endorses or otherwise
becomes or is contingently liable upon (by direct or indirect agreement,
contingent or otherwise, to provide funds for payment, to supply funds to, or
otherwise to invest in, a debtor, or otherwise to assure a creditor against
loss) the debt, obligation or other liability of any other Person (other than by
endorsements of instruments in the course of collection), or guarantees the
payment of dividends or other distributions upon the shares of any other Person;
provided, that (i) the obligations of any Person under Reinsurance Agreements
and Surplus Relief Reinsurance Agreements or in connection with Investments of
Insurance Subsidiaries permitted by Section 9.10 and (ii) the obligations of the
Borrower in connection with its guaranty of the TOPrS shall not be deemed
Contingent Obligations of any such Person or the Borrower, as applicable. The
amount of any Person's liability with respect to any Contingent Obligation shall
(subject to any limitation set forth therein) be deemed to be the outstanding
principal amount (or maximum outstanding principal amount, if larger) of the
debt, obligation or other liability outstanding thereunder.
"Contractual Obligation" shall mean, as to any Person, any provision of
any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, undertaking, contract,
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument, document or agreement to
which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
"Controlled Group" shall mean all members of a controlled group of
corporations and all members of a controlled group of trades or businesses
(whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together with the
Borrower, are treated as a single employer under section 414(b) or section
414(c) of the Code or section 4001 of ERISA. For purposes of this definition,
the term "the Borrower" shall be deemed to include any and all Subsidiaries of
the Borrower.
"Conversion/Continuation Date" shall mean any date on which, under
Section 2.7, the Borrower (a) converts Loans of one Type to Loans of another
Type, or (b) continues as Eurodollar Rate Loans of the same Type, but with a new
Interest Period, Eurodollar Rate Loans having Interest Periods expiring on such
date.
"Credit Tenant Loans" shall mean mortgage loans which are made
primarily in reliance on the credit standing of a major tenant, structured with
an assignment of the rental payments to
7
the lender with real estate property pledged as collateral in the form of a
first lien.
"Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio" shall mean, for any Calculation
Period, the ratio of (a) the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all
Indebtedness for borrowed money of the Borrower or any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
for which the Borrower or any such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, respectively, is
directly liable and which is not a Contingent Obligation (calculated excluding
Permitted Transactions) to (b) Total Capitalization (calculated excluding
Permitted Transactions).
"Default" shall mean any condition or event which constitutes an Event
of Default or which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would,
unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.
"Defaulting Bank(s)" shall mean any Bank(s) with respect to which a
Bank Default is in effect.
"Department" shall mean, with respect to any Insurance Subsidiary, the
Governmental Authority of such Insurance Subsidiary's state of domicile with
whom such Insurance Subsidiary is required to file its Annual Statement.
"Dollars" and the sign "$" shall mean lawful money of the United States
of America.
"Duff & Xxxxxx" shall mean Duff & Xxxxxx Credit Rating Co., Inc.
"Effective Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble
hereof.
"Eligible Assignee" shall mean any bank, pension fund, mutual fund,
investment fund or other financial institution (other than an insurance company
or any Affiliate of an insurance company except those to which the Borrower
consents).
"Environmental Claims" shall mean all claims, complaints, notices or
inquiries, however asserted or made, by any Governmental Authority or other
Person alleging potential liability or responsibility for violation of any
Environmental Law, or for release or injury to the environment or threat to
public health, personal injury (including sickness, disease or death), property
damage, natural resources damage, or otherwise alleging liability or
responsibility for damages (punitive or otherwise), cleanup, removal, remedial
or response costs, restitution, civil or criminal penalties, injunctive relief,
or other type of relief, resulting from or based upon the presence, placement,
discharge, emission or release (including intentional or unintentional,
negligent or non-negligent, sudden or non sudden, accidental or non-accidental,
placement, spills, leaks, discharges, emissions or releases) of any Hazardous
Material at, in, or from property, whether or not owned by the Borrower.
8
"Environmental Laws" shall mean all federal, state or local laws,
statutes, common law duties, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes and
guidelines (including common law, consent decrees and administrative orders),
together with all administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses,
authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental
Authorities, in each case relating to environmental, health, safety and land use
matters; including CERCLA, the Clean Air Act, the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act of 1972, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Federal Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and any other applicable laws of any
jurisdiction.
"ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended.
"Eurodollar Rate" shall mean, for the Interest Period for each
Eurodollar Loan comprising part of the same Borrowing (including conversions,
extensions and renewals), a per annum interest rate determined pursuant to the
following formula:
Eurodollar Rate = London Interbank Offered Rate
--------------------------------------
1 - Eurodollar Reserve Percentage
"Eurodollar Rate Loan" shall mean any Loan that bears interest at a
rate determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate.
"Eurodollar Rate Margin" shall mean the Eurodollar Rate Margin set
forth in the fee letter dated September 29, 1997, by and between the Borrower
and First Union.
"Eurodollar Reserve Percentage" shall mean for any day, that percentage
(expressed as a decimal) which is in effect from time to time under Regulation D
as the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any basic,
supplemental, emergency, special, or marginal reserves) applicable with respect
to Eurocurrency liabilities as that term is defined in Regulation D (or against
any other category of liabilities that includes deposits by reference to which
the interest rate on Eurodollar Loans is determined), whether or not a Bank has
any Eurocurrency liabilities subject to such reserve requirement at that time.
Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute Eurocurrency liabilities and as
such shall be deemed subject to reserve requirements without benefits of credits
for proration, exceptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to
a Bank. The Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the
effective date of any change in the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage.
"Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.
9
"Existing Credit Agreement" shall mean the Credit Agreement, dated as
of November 22, 1996, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto and the
agents party thereto including NationsBank, N.A. (South), as administrative
agent, as such agreement may now or hereafter be amended, supplemented, or
otherwise modified, and any agreement extending the maturity, modifying,
renewing, extending or refunding the same or refinancing or restructuring all or
any portion of the indebtedness under any such agreement for whatever purpose,
along with any amendment, modification or supplement of any such refinancing or
restructuring.
"Federal Funds Effective Rate" shall mean, for any day, the rate set
forth in the weekly statistical release designated as H.15(519), or any
successor publication, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
(including any such successor, "H.15(519)") on the preceding Business Day
opposite the caption "Federal Funds (Effective)"; or, if for any relevant day
such rate is not so published on any such preceding Business Day, the rate for
such day will be the arithmetic mean as determined by the Administrative Agent
of the rates for the last transaction in overnight Federal funds arranged prior
to 9:00 A.M. (New York City time) on that day by each of three leading brokers
of Federal funds transactions in New York City selected by the Administrative
Agent.
"First Union" shall mean First Union National Bank and each successor
thereto.
"Fiscal Quarter" or "FQ" shall mean any fiscal quarter of a Fiscal
Year.
"Fiscal Year" or "FY" shall mean any period of twelve consecutive
calendar months ending on December 31; references to a Fiscal Year with a number
corresponding to any calendar year (e.g., the "1995 Fiscal Year") refer to the
Fiscal Year ending on the December 31 occurring during such calendar year.
"Fixed Interest Charges" shall mean, for any Calculation Period, (a)
interest paid or, without duplication, accrued but unpaid on the Loans with
respect to such Calculation Period, plus (b) interest paid or, without
duplication, accrued but unpaid on the Senior Notes during such Calculation
Period, plus (c) interest paid or, without duplication, accrued but unpaid on
any Indebtedness set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of the definition thereof
during such Calculation Period, minus (d) interest paid or, without duplication,
accrued but unpaid on any Indebtedness which has been eliminated from the
balance sheet liabilities of the Borrower on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP.
"FRB" shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,
and any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America as from time to time in effect.
10
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any state
or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising executive,
legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining
to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through
stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.
"Hazardous Material" shall mean: (a) any "hazardous substance," as
defined by CERCLA; (b) any "hazardous waste," as defined by the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended; (c) any petroleum product; or (d) any
pollutant or contaminant or hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical, material or
substance within the meaning of any other applicable federal, state or local
law, regulation, ordinance or requirement (including consent decrees and
administrative orders) relating or imposing liability or standards of conduct
concerning any hazardous, toxic or dangerous waste, substance or material, all
as amended or hereafter amended.
"Hedging Obligations" shall mean, with respect to the Borrower, all
liabilities of the Borrower under interest rate swap agreements, interest rate
cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements or agreements designed to
protect the Borrower against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange
rates.
"IMR/AVR" shall mean, as to any of the Insurance Subsidiaries at a
particular date, the interest maintenance reserve of such Insurance
Subsidiaries, computed in accordance with SAP as reported on line 11.4, page 3,
column 1 of the Annual Statement plus the asset valuation reserve of such
insurance Subsidiary, computed in accordance with SAP as reported on line 24.1,
page 3, column 1 of the Annual Statement.
"Income Taxes" shall mean any Taxes in which the base is measured by
net income.
"Indebtedness" shall mean, with respect to any Person at any date,
without duplication: (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or in
respect of loans or advances; (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by
bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (c) all obligations in
respect of letters of credit, whether or not drawn, and bankers' acceptances
issued for the account or upon the application or request of such Person; (d)
all Capitalized Lease Liabilities of such Person; (e) all Hedging Obligations of
such Person; (f) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase
price of property or services which are included as liabilities in accordance
with GAAP, and Indebtedness secured by a Lien on property owned or being
purchased by such Person (including Indebtedness arising under conditional sales
or other title retention agreements); (g) any Indebtedness of a partnership in
which such Person is a general partner; and (h) all Contingent Obligations of
such Person in connection with the foregoing.
11
"Indemnified Parties" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.5.
"Indentures" shall mean, collectively, the Conseco Indenture, the CCPI
Indenture and the Subordinated Indentures.
"Insurance Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower that
is authorized or admitted to carry on or transact one or more aspects of the
business of selling, issuing or underwriting insurance or reinsurance.
"Interest Coverage Ratio" shall mean, for any Calculation Period, the
ratio of (a) the sum of (i) Amounts Available for Dividends directly to the
Borrower from the Insurance Subsidiaries, plus (ii) interest paid with respect
to the Surplus Debentures, plus (iii) Net Cash Available from the Non-Insurance
Subsidiaries, plus (iv) the amount of Taxes paid or, without duplication,
accrued but unpaid to the Borrower under the Tax Sharing Agreement, plus (v)
management and other fees received by the Borrower under the Servicing
Agreements or otherwise, plus (vi) the Borrower's Investment Income received in
cash, minus (vii) the amount of Taxes paid or, without duplication, accrued but
unpaid by the Borrower, minus (viii) cash operating expenses of the Borrower,
minus (ix) capital expenditures of the Borrower, minus (x) principal and
interest payments made or, without duplication, interest accrued but unpaid on
intercompany loans by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, minus (xi) dividends
paid, in cash, to BNL by the Borrower on the Conseco Series E Preferred Stock to
the extent permitted by this Agreement to (b) Fixed Interest Charges. The
Interest Coverage Ratio and the component amounts referenced herein shall be
calculated on the last day of each Fiscal Quarter for the immediately preceding
four (4) consecutive Fiscal Quarters; provided that, for the Fiscal Quarter
ending September 30, 1997, the foregoing shall be calculated for the immediately
preceding three (3) consecutive Fiscal Quarters.
"Interest Payment Date" shall mean, as to any Loan other than a Base
Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and, as
to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each calendar month for all or
any portion of any such Base Rate Loan outstanding during such calendar month;
provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan
exceeds three months, the date that falls three months after the beginning of
such Interest Period and after each Interest Payment Date thereafter is also an
Interest Payment Date.
"Interest Period" shall mean, as to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the
period commencing on the Borrowing Date of such Loan or on the
Conversion/Continuation Date on which such Loan is converted into or continued
as a Eurodollar Rate Loan, and ending on the date one, two, or three months
thereafter as selected by the Borrower in its Notice of Borrowing or Notice of
Conversion/Continuation; provided that:
12
(a) if any Interest Period would otherwise end on a day that
is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the
following Business Day unless, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate
Loan, the result of such extension would be to carry such Interest
Period into another calendar month, in which event such Interest Period
shall end on the preceding Business Day;
(b) with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, any Interest
Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on
a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the
calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the
last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest
Period; and
(c) no Interest Period for any Loan shall extend beyond the
maturity date of such Loan; provided, however, that the initial
Borrowing made under this Agreement shall be for an Interest Period of
fourteen (14) days.
"Investment" shall mean any investment in any Person, whether by means
of share purchase, capital contribution, loan, time deposit, or otherwise.
"Investment Grade Securities" shall mean (a) (i) non-equity securities
which are rated "BBB-" or better by Standard & Poor's, "Baa-3" or better by
Moody's, "BBB-" or better by Duff & Xxxxxx, or "NAIC 2" or better by the NAIC
and (ii) municipal bonds which are rated "SP-2" or better by Standard & Poor's,
"Baa-3" or "MIG4" or better by Moody's, "BBB-" or better by Duff & Xxxxxx or
"NAIC 2" or better by the NAIC, or, in each case, carrying an equivalent rating
by a nationally recognized rating agency, if all of the named rating agencies
cease publishing ratings of investments, and (b) direct mortgage loans which are
secured by leases with lessees which have outstanding securities described in
clause (a) of this definition.
"Investment Income" shall mean, (a) as to any Person which is an
Insurance Subsidiary as of any date, the amount reported on line 4, page 4,
column 1 of the Annual Statement, or an amount determined in a consistent manner
for any date other than one as of which an Annual Statement is prepared but
exclusive of earnings of any Insurance Subsidiaries of such Person and, (b) as
to any Person which is not an Insurance Subsidiary, the amount of earnings of
such Person on Investments, net of expenses actually incurred in connection with
such Investments and taking into account realized gains and losses on such
Investments.
"Lending Office" shall mean, with respect to any Bank, any office
designated by1 such Bank in its sole discretion beneath its signature hereto (or
in an Assignment Agreement) or otherwise from time to time by written notice to
the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, as a Lending Office for purposes
hereunder. A Bank may designate separate Lending Offices for the purposes of
13
making, maintaining or continuing Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans and,
with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, such Lending Office may be a foreign
branch or an Affiliate of such Bank or such Bank's holding company.
"Liabilities" shall mean all obligations of the Borrower to the Banks,
the Administrative Agent, or the Arranger, howsoever created, arising or
evidenced, whether direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent,
or now or hereafter existing, or due or to become due, which arise out of or in
connection with this Agreement, the Notes, if any, or the other Loan Documents.
"Licenses" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.22.
"Lien" shall mean any security interest, mortgage, pledge,
hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or
other), claim or other priority or preferential arrangement of any kind or
nature whatsoever.
"Litigation" shall mean any litigation (including, without limitation,
any governmental proceeding or arbitration proceeding), tax audit or
investigative proceeding, claim, lawsuit, and/or investigation pending or
threatened against or involving the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any
of its or their businesses or operations.
"Loan" shall mean a Loan by a Bank to the Borrower under Section 2.1,
which may be a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.
"Loans" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
"Loan Documents" shall mean, collectively, this Agreement, the Notes
and any and all other documents or instruments furnished or required to be
furnished in connection with any of the foregoing, as the same may be amended or
modified in accordance with this Agreement.
"London Interbank Offered Rate" shall mean, with respect to any
Eurodollar Loan for the Interest Period applicable thereto, the rate of interest
per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) appearing
on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) as the London interbank offered
rate for deposits in Dollars at approximately 11:00 A.M. (London time) two
Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a term
comparable to such Interest Period and for an amount comparable to such
Eurodollar Loan; provided, however, if more than one rate is specified on
Telerate Page 3750, the applicable rate shall be the arithmetic mean of all such
rates. If, for any reason, such rate is not available, the term "London
Interbank Offered Rate" shall mean, with respect to any Eurodollar Loan for the
Interest Period applicable thereto, the rate of interest per annum (rounded
upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) determined by the
Administrative Agent to be the rate or the arithmetic mean of rates at which
Dollar deposits in immediately
14
available funds are offered by First Union to first-tier banks in the London
interbank Eurodollar market, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2)
Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a period
substantially equal to such Interest Period and in an amount comparable to such
Eurodollar Loan.
"Material Adverse Change" or "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any
change, event, action, condition or effect which individually or in the
aggregate (a) impairs the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, or (b) materially and adversely affects the consolidated
business, operations, financial prospects or condition of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (c) materially impairs the ability of the
Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any of the other
Loan Documents.
"Material Litigation" or "Material Litigation Development" shall mean
any Litigation, or development in any Litigation, as the case may be, (a) which
seeks to enjoin, prohibit, discontinue or otherwise impacts the validity or
enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or other
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or (b) which could be reasonably
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
"Moody's" shall mean Xxxxx'x Investors Service, Inc. and any successor
thereto.
"Multiemployer Pension Plan" shall mean a multiemployer plan as defined
in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any other Controlled
Group member may have liability.
"NAIC" shall mean the National Association of Insurance Commissioners,
or any successor organization.
"Net Cash Available" shall mean, without duplication, for any direct
Non-Insurance Subsidiary of the Borrower (a) Net Income of such Subsidiary plus
(b) any non-cash expenses of such Subsidiary deducted in determining Net Income
less (c) any non-cash income of such Subsidiary included in determining such Net
Income.
"Net Income" shall mean, for any Person for any Calculation Period, the
net income (or loss) of such Person for such period as determined in accordance
with GAAP.
"Nonconsenting Bank" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.2.
"Non-Insurance Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary which is not an
Insurance Subsidiary.
"Notes" shall mean promissory notes, substantially in the form of
Exhibit B with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith, evidencing
Loans, or any promissory note or
15
promissory notes issued in substitution or replacement therefor.
"Notice of Borrowing" shall mean a notice in substantially the form of
Exhibit F.
"Notice of Conversion/Continuation" shall mean a notice in
substantially the form of Exhibit G.
"Pension Plan" shall mean a Single Employer Pension Plan, or a
Multiemployer Pension Plan to which the Borrower or any other Controlled Group
member may have liability.
"Percentage" shall mean, relative to any Bank, the percentage set forth
opposite such Bank's name on Schedule 1.1-A (or set forth in an Assignment
Agreement), as such Percentage may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to
Assignment Agreement(s) executed by such Bank and its Eligible Assignee and
delivered pursuant to Section 14.1.
"Permitted Liens" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2.
"Permitted Transactions" shall mean (a) mortgage-backed security
transactions in which an investor sells mortgage collateral, such as securities
issued by the Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation for delivery in the current month while simultaneously
contracting to repurchase "substantially the same" (as determined by the Public
Securities Association and GAAP) collateral for a later settlement, (b)
transactions in which an investor lends cash to a primary dealer and the primary
dealer collateralizes the borrowing of the cash with certain securities, (c)
transactions in which an investor lends securities to a primary dealer and the
primary dealer collateralizes the borrowing of the securities with cash
collateral, (d) transactions in which an investor makes loans of securities to a
broker-dealer under an agreement requiring such loans to be continuously secured
by cash collateral or United States government securities and (e) transactions
in which the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Bank of Pittsburgh ("FHLMBP") makes
loans to the Borrower, which are sufficiently secured by appropriate assets of
the Borrower consisting of government agency mortgage-backed securities, in
accordance with the rules, regulations and guidelines of the FHLMBP for its loan
programs.
"Person" shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership,
limited liability company, limited liability partnership, joint venture, trust,
unincorporated organization, association, corporation, institution, public
benefit corporation, entity or government (whether federal, state, county, city,
municipal or otherwise, including, without limitation, any instrumentality,
division, agency, body or department thereof).
16
"Process Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.11.
"Purchase Money Debt" shall mean Indebtedness incurred by a Person in
connection with the purchase of fixed or capital assets by such Person, in which
such assets the seller or financier thereof has taken or retained a Lien
therein, provided that any such Lien attaches to such assets concurrently with
or within sixty (60) days after the purchase thereof by such Person.
"Qualification" shall mean, with respect to any certificate covering
financial statements or any financial statements, a qualification to such
certificate or financial statements (such as a "subject to" or "except for"
statement therein) (a) resulting from a limitation on the scope of examination
of such financial statements or the underlying data, (b) as to the capability of
the Person whose financial statements are certified to continue operations as a
going concern, or (c) which could be eliminated by changes in financial
statements or notes thereto covered by such certificate (such as by the creation
of or increase in a reserve or a decrease in the carrying value of assets) and
which if so eliminated by the making of any such change and after giving effect
thereto would result in the occurrence of a Default, provided, that neither of
the following shall constitute a Qualification: (i) a consistency exception
relating to a change in accounting principles with which the independent public
accountants for the Person whose financial statements are being certified have
concurred; or (ii) a qualification relating to the outcome or disposition of
threatened Litigation, pending Litigation being contested in good faith, pending
or threatened claims or contingencies which cannot be determined with sufficient
certainty to permit such financial statements to not be qualified.
"Reference Departments" shall mean, collectively, the Departments of
the following States: California, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio,
Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Iowa, Alabama, New York,
Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania.
"Regulation D" shall mean Regulation D (or any successor regulation)
promulgated by the FRB as from time to time in effect.
"Regulation G" shall mean Regulation G (or any successor regulation)
promulgated by the FRB as from time to time in effect.
"Regulation U" shall mean Regulation U (or any successor regulation)
promulgated by the FRB as from time to time in effect.
"Reinsurance Agreements" shall mean any agreement, contract, treaty,
certificate or other arrangement (other than a Surplus Relief Reinsurance
Agreement) by which any Insurance Subsidiary
17
agrees to transfer or cede to another insurer all or part of the liability
assumed or assets held by it under a policy or policies of insurance or under a
reinsurance agreement assumed by it. Reinsurance Agreements shall include, but
not be limited to, any agreement, contract, treaty, certificate or other
arrangement (other than a Surplus Relief Reinsurance Agreement) which is treated
as such by the applicable Department or Reference Department.
"Replaced Bank" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.
"Replacement Bank" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8.
"Reportable Event" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
ERISA.
"Required Banks" shall mean (a) Banks (other than a Defaulting Bank)
having at least 51% of the Commitments (excluding the Commitment of any
Defaulting Bank) or, if the Commitments have terminated or expired, 51% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Loans and Participation Interests outstanding
at such time (excluding the Loans and Participation Interests of any Defaulting
Bank) or (b) for purposes of amending or modifying the provisions of or waiving
or curing a Default pursuant to Section 12.1.5 as a result of Section 9.8 or
Section 12.1.9, Banks (other than a Defaulting Bank) having at least 66- 2/3% of
the Commitments (excluding the Commitment of any Defaulting Bank) or, if the
Commitments have terminated or expired, 66-2/3% of the aggregate principal
amount of the Loans outstanding and Participation Interests at such time
(excluding the Loans and Participation Interests of any Defaulting Bank).
"Responsible Officer" shall mean, in the case of any Person, any of the
following officers of such Person: the chief executive officer; the president;
the chief financial officer; the chief operating officer; the chief investment
officer; the general counsel; the secretary; the treasurer; any executive vice
president; or any vice president with responsibility for or substantive
knowledge of financial matters. If any of the titles of the preceding officers
of such corporate Person are changed after the date hereof, the term
"Responsible Officer" shall thereafter mean any officer performing substantially
the same functions as are presently performed by one or more of the officers
listed in the first sentence of this definition.
"SAP" shall mean, as to any Insurance Subsidiary, the statutory
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Department.
"Senior Note Documents" shall mean the Conseco Indenture, the CCPI
Indenture, the Senior Notes and the other agreements and instruments pursuant to
which the Senior Notes were issued, as
18
the same may be amended or modified or supplemented in accordance with this
Agreement.
"Senior Notes" shall mean, collectively, the Conseco Senior Notes and
the CCPI Senior Notes.
"Servicing Agreements" shall mean, collectively, those agreements set
forth on Schedule 1.1-B.
"Significant Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower
with, after the elimination of intercompany accounts, (a) assets which
constituted at least 10% of the Borrower's consolidated total assets, or (b)
revenues which constituted at least 10% of the Borrower's consolidated total
revenues, or (c) net earnings which constituted at least 10% of the Borrower's
consolidated total net earnings, all as determined as of the date of the
Borrower's most recently prepared quarterly financial statements for the
12-month period then ended.
"Single Employer Pension Plan" shall mean a pension plan as such term
is defined in section 3(2) of ERISA, other than a multiemployer plan as defined
in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower or any other Controlled
Group member may have liability, including any liability by reason of having
been a substantial employer within the meaning of section 4063 of ERISA at any
time during the preceding five years, or by reason of being deemed to be a
contributing sponsor under section 4069 of ERISA.
"Solvent", as to any Person on a particular date, shall mean that on
such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the
total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, Contingent
Obligations, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of
such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the
probable liabilities of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and
matured, (c) such Person is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts
and other liabilities, Contingent Obligations and other commitments as they
mature in the normal course of business, (d) such Person does not intend to, and
does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person's
ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature, and (e) such Person is not
engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or
a transaction, for which such Person's property would constitute unreasonably
small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practice in the
industry in which such Person is engaged. For the purposes of this definition,
in computing the amount of any Contingent Obligation at any time, it is intended
that such Contingent Obligation will be computed at the amount which, in light
of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount
that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.
19
"Standard & Poor's" shall mean Standard & Poor's Ratings Group and any
successor thereto.
"Statutory Carrying Value" shall mean, as to an asset of any Insurance
Subsidiary, the value of such asset to be reflected in line 25, page 2, column 4
of the Annual Statement, or an amount determined in a consistent manner for any
date other than one as of which an Annual Statement is prepared.
"Statutory Liabilities" shall mean, with respect to any Insurance
Subsidiary as of any date, the amount reported on line 28, page 3, column 1 of
the Annual Statement of such Insurance Subsidiary, less IMR/AVR and less amounts
under the Surplus Debenture constituting Statutory Liabilities on the Annual
Statement, or an amount determined in a consistent manner for any date other
than one as of which an Annual Statement is prepared.
"Subordinated Debenture Indenture" shall mean the Indenture, dated
November 14, 1996, between Conseco, Inc. and Fleet National Bank, as trustee, as
supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture, dated November 14, 1996, a
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated November 22, 1996, and a Third Supplemental
Indenture, dated March 26, 1997, as the same may be amended or modified in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
"Subordinated Debentures" shall mean the subordinated debt instruments
issued by the Borrower pursuant to the Subordinated Debenture Indenture.
"Subordinated Indentures" shall mean, collectively, the Indenture,
dated as of September 29, 1994, between ALHC Merger Corporation and LTCB Trust
Company and First Supplemental Indenture thereto, dated as of September 29,
1994, between ALHC and LTCB Trust Company for the 11 1/4% Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2004; the Indenture, dated as of April 21, 1993, between ALH and
Boatmen's Trust Company and the Supplemental Indenture thereto, dated as of
September 29, 1994, between ALH and Boatmen's Trust Company of the 6 1/4%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2003; the Indenture, dated as of
November 1, 1992, between BLHC and The Connecticut National Bank for the Senior
Subordinated Notes Due 2002; the Indenture, dated September 15, 1995, between
ATC and American Bank, National Association for the 6.5% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures due October 1, 2005, to be amended by the First
Supplemental Indenture between the Borrower and Firstar Bank of Minnesota; and
the Indenture, dated as of March 27, 1996, between Pioneer Financial Services,
Inc., a Delaware corporation, and The First National Bank of Chicago for the
6-1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2003.
"Subsidiary" shall mean, as to any Person, any corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, joint
venture, trust, association or other unincorporated organization of which or in
which such Person and such Person's Subsidiaries own directly or indirectly 50%
or more of (a) the combined voting power of all classes of stock having
20
general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect a majority of the
board of directors, if it is a corporation, (b) the capital interest or
partnership interest, if it is a partnership, joint venture or similar entity,
or (c) the beneficial interest, if it is a trust, association or other
unincorporated organization; provided that, with respect to any Investment made
by the Borrower in any Person in the ordinary course of business solely for
investment purposes, such Person shall not be considered a Subsidiary of the
Borrower for purposes of this Agreement if such Person is not integral to the
business or operations of the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary and such
Investment is otherwise permitted by Section 9.10.
"Substitute Bank" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.2.
"Surplus Debentures" shall mean, as to any Insurance Subsidiary, debt
securities of such Insurance Subsidiary the proceeds of which are permitted to
be included, in whole or in part, as Capital and Surplus of such Insurance
Subsidiary as approved and permitted by the applicable Department.
"Surplus Relief Reinsurance Agreements" shall mean any agreement
whereby any insurance company assumes or cedes business under a reinsurance
agreement that would be considered a "financing-type" reinsurance agreement as
determined in accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
113 or any successor thereto.
"Tax Returns and Reports" shall mean all returns, reports and
information required to be filed with any Governmental Authority with regard to
Taxes.
"Tax Sharing Agreement" shall mean the tax sharing agreement dated
February 29, 1989 among the Borrower and certain of its Subsidiaries.
"Taxes" or "Tax" shall mean all taxes of any nature whatsoever and
however denominated, including, without limitation, retaliatory, income,
premium, withholding, guaranty fund and similar assessments, excise, import,
governmental fees, duties and all other charges, as well as additions to tax,
penalties and interest thereon, imposed by any Governmental Authority.
"Termination Date" shall mean the earlier of (a) March 30, 1998, or (b)
the date of termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 4.1, 4.3
or 12.2.
"TOPrS" shall mean (a) $275,000,000 of 9.16% Trust Originated Preferred
Securities issued by Conseco Financing Trust I, a Delaware business trust, and
guaranteed by the Borrower, (b) $325,000,000 of 8.70% Capital Trust Pass-through
Securities issued by Conseco Financing Trust II, a Delaware business trust, and
guaranteed by the Borrower, (c) $300,000,000 of 8.796%
21
Capital Securities issued by Conseco Financing Trust III, a Delaware business
trust, and guaranteed by the Borrower, or (d) other similar securities with
substantially similar terms, provided that the aggregate face amount thereof,
together with the aggregate face amount of the securities described in clauses
(a), (b) or (c) of this definition, do not exceed $1,000,000,000. Upon their
issuance, the TOPrS were, or will be, sold in a public offering and the proceeds
thereof were, or shall be, used to purchase the Borrower's Subordinated
Debentures issued under the Subordinated Debenture Indenture.
"Total Capitalization" shall mean (a) principal and accrued and unpaid
interest on all Indebtedness for borrowed money of the Borrower or any
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary for which the Borrower or any such Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary, respectively, is directly liable and which is not a Contingent
Obligation (calculated excluding Permitted Transactions) plus (b) the Total
Shareholders' Equity of the Borrower plus (c) the minority interests in
Subsidiaries recorded on the balance sheet of the Borrower, determined in
accordance with GAAP (but only to the extent such interests are not included in
the calculation of amounts specified in clause (a), (b) or (c) immediately
above), provided that (i) the Borrower or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the
Borrower owns 100% of the Voting Shares of any such Subsidiary or (ii) in the
event that less than 100% of the Voting Shares of any such Subsidiary are owned
by the Borrower or one of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, the Borrower or such
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary has guaranteed the Indebtedness of such Subsidiary.
"Total Shareholders' Equity" shall mean the sum of (i) total
shareholders' equity of a Person as determined in accordance with GAAP
(calculated excluding unrealized gains (losses) of securities as determined in
accordance with FAS 115) and (ii) the redemption value or liquidation preference
(or if less, the purchase price), as applicable, of the ALHC Preferred Stock and
the TOPrS.
"Transferee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.3.
"Type of Loan" or "Type" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.2. The Types of Loans under this Agreement are as follows: Base Rate Loans and
Eurodollar Rate Loans.
"U.S. Government Securities" shall mean obligations of, or obligations
guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the United States Government or
agency or instrumentality thereof.
"Voting Shares" shall mean, with respect to any Person, capital stock
issued by such Person, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of
contingencies, entitled to vote for the election of directors (or persons
performing similar functions) of such Person, even though the right so to vote
has been suspended by the happening of any such contingency.
22
"Welfare Plan" shall mean a "welfare plan," as such term is defined in
section 3(l) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any other Controlled Group member
may have liability.
"Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" shall mean (i) any Person in which (other
than directors' qualifying shares required by law) 100% of the capital stock or
other ownership interests is owned, beneficially and of record, by such Person,
or by one or more other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person, or both, and
(ii) ALH.
SECTION 1.2 Other Definitional Provisions.
(a) All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the
above-defined meanings when used in any Loan Document, or any
certificate, report or other document made or delivered pursuant to
this Agreement, unless the context therein shall clearly otherwise
require.
(b) The words "hereof," "herein," "hereunder" and similar
terms when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a
whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All
references to sections and subsections in this Agreement shall be to
sections and subsections of this Agreement unless otherwise specified
or as the context shall clearly otherwise require.
(c) The words "amended or modified" when used in any Loan
Document shall mean with respect to such Loan Document as from time to
time, in whole or in part, amended, modified, supplemented, restated,
refinanced, refunded or renewed.
(d) In the computation of periods of time in this Agreement
from a specified date to a later specified date, the word "from" means
"from and including" and the words "to" and "until" each means "to but
excluding."
SECTION 1.3 Accounting and Financial Determinations. Except as
otherwise expressly provided herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be
interpreted, and all financial statements and certificates and reports as to
financial matters required to be delivered to the Banks hereunder shall be
prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis. All
calculations made for the purposes of determining compliance with this Agreement
shall (except as otherwise expressly provided herein) be made by application of
GAAP applied on a consistent basis with the most recent annual or quarterly
financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 8.1 (or, prior to the
delivery of the first financial statements pursuant to Section 8.1 , consistent
with the financial statements as at September 30, 1996); provided, however, if
(a) the Borrower shall object to determining such compliance on such basis at
the time of delivery of such financial statements due to any change in GAAP or
the rules promulgated with respect thereto or (b) the Administrative
23
Agent or the Required Banks shall so object in writing within 30 days after
delivery of such financial statements, then such calculations shall be made on a
basis consistent with the most recent financial statements delivered by the
Borrower to the Banks as to which no such objection shall have been made.
SECTION 2. THE COMMITMENTS AND THE LOANS
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and relying on
the representations and warranties herein set forth:
SECTION 2.1 Commitment. Each of the Banks, severally and for itself
alone, agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, to make loans
(herein collectively called the "Loans" and individually called a "Loan") to the
Borrower on a revolving basis from time to time from the Closing Date until the
Termination Date in such Bank's Percentage of the aggregate amount of such Loans
as the Borrower may request from all Banks. The aggregate principal amount of
the Loans which any Bank shall be committed to have outstanding to the Borrower
shall not at any one time exceed the amount set opposite such Bank's name on
Schedule 1.1-A or, if less, in an Assignment Agreement. The foregoing commitment
of each Bank is herein called its "Commitment" and for all Banks the
"Commitments." The aggregate principal amount of the Loans which all Banks shall
be committed to have outstanding hereunder to the Borrower shall not at any one
time exceed $200,000,000 (or such reduced amount as may be fixed pursuant to
Sections 4.1, 4.9 and 12.2).
SECTION 2.2 Procedure for Borrowings.
(a) Each Borrowing shall be made upon the Borrower's
irrevocable written notice (or by telephone promptly confirmed in
writing) delivered to the Administrative Agent in the form of a Notice
of Borrowing (which notice must be received by the Administrative Agent
prior to 11:00 A.M. (Charlotte, North Carolina time) (i) three Business
Days prior to the requested Borrowing Date, in the case of Eurodollar
Rate Loans, and (ii) on the requested Borrowing Date, in the case of
Base Rate Loans, specifying:
(A) the amount of such Borrowing, which shall be in
an aggregate minimum amount of $3,000,000 or any integral
multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof;
(B) the requested Borrowing Date, which shall be a
Business Day;
(C) the Type of Loans comprising such Borrowing; and
(D) with respect to any Borrowing comprised of
Eurodollar Rate Loans, the duration of the Interest Period
applicable to such Loans included in such notice. If the
Notice of Borrowing fails to specify
24
the duration of the Interest Period for any Borrowing
comprised of Eurodollar Rate Loans, such Interest Period shall
be three (3) months or, if less, the highest number of whole
months remaining before the Termination Date.
(b) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Bank of
its receipt of any Notice of Borrowing and of the amount of such Bank's
Percentage of the related Borrowing.
(c) Each Bank will make the amount of its Percentage of each
Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the
Borrower at the Administrative Agent's Office by 2:00 P.M. (Charlotte,
North Carolina time) on the Borrowing Date requested by the Borrower in
funds immediately available to the Administrative Agent. The proceeds
of all such Loans will then be made available to the Borrower by the
Administrative Agent by wire transfer in accordance with written
instructions provided to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower of
like funds as received by the Administrative Agent.
(d) After giving effect to any Borrowing, there may not be
more than five (5) different Interest Periods in effect for all Loans
then outstanding.
(e) Notwithstanding the three Business Days notice requirement
of Section 2.2(a)(i), the initial Borrowing under this Agreement shall
be a Eurodollar Rate Loan with an Interest Period of fourteen (14)
days.
SECTION 2.3 [Intentionally left blank.]
SECTION 2.4 [Intentionally left blank.]
SECTION 2.5 Types of Loans. The Loans shall be denominated as Base Rate
Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans (each being herein called a "Type" of Loan), as
the Borrower shall specify in the related Notice of Borrowing or Notice of
Continuation/Conversion. Both types of Loans may be outstanding at the same
time, provided that (a) not more than five (5) different Interest Periods shall
be outstanding at any one time for all Loans, and (b) the Borrower shall specify
Types of Loans and Interest Periods such that no payment or prepayment of any
principal on any Loan shall result in an interruption of any Interest Period.
SECTION 2.6 Funding Reliance for Borrowings. Unless the Administrative
Agent shall have been notified in writing by any Bank prior to a Borrowing that
such Bank will not make available to the Administrative Agent the amount which
would constitute its Percentage of the related Borrowing, the Administrative
Agent may assume that such Bank is making such amount available to the
Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such
assumption, make available to the Borrower a
25
corresponding amount. If such corresponding amount is not in fact made available
to the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent shall be able to recover
such corresponding amount from such Bank. If such Bank does not pay such
corresponding amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent's demand therefor,
the Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower, and the Borrower
shall immediately pay such corresponding amount to the Administrative Agent. The
Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover from the Bank or the
Borrower, as the case may be, interest on such corresponding amount in respect
of each day from the date such corresponding amount was made available by the
Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such corresponding amount is
recovered by the Administrative Agent at a per annum rate equal to (i) from the
Borrower at the applicable rate for such Loan pursuant to the Notice of
Borrowing and this Agreement and (ii) from a Bank at the Federal Funds Effective
Rate.
SECTION 2.7 Conversion and Continuation Elections for Borrowings.
(a) As to any Loans comprising a Borrowing, the Borrower may,
upon irrevocable written notice to the Administrative Agent in
accordance with Section 2.7(b):
(i) elect, as of any Business Day, in the case of
Base Rate Loans, or as of the last day of the applicable
Interest Period, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, to
convert any such Loans (or any part thereof in an amount not
less than $3,000,000, or that is in an integral multiple of
$1,000,000 in excess thereof) into any other Type of Loans; or
(ii) elect, as of the last day of the applicable
Interest Period, to continue any Eurodollar Rate Loans having
Interest Periods expiring on such day (or any part thereof in
an amount not less than $3,000,000, or that is in an integral
multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof);
provided, that if at any time the aggregate amount of Eurodollar Rate
Loans in respect of any Borrowing is reduced, by payment, prepayment,
or conversion of part thereof to be less than $3,000,000, such
Eurodollar Rate Loans shall automatically convert into Base Rate Loans,
and on and after such date the right of the Borrower to continue such
Loans as, and convert such Loans into, Eurodollar Rate Loans, as the
case may be, shall terminate.
(b) The Borrower shall deliver a Notice of
Conversion/Continuation to be received by the Administrative Agent not
later than 11:00 A.M. (Charlotte, North Carolina time) at least (i)
three Business Days in advance of the Conversion/Continuation Date, if
the Loans are to be converted into or continued as Eurodollar Rate
Loans; and
26
(ii) one Business Day in advance of the Conversion/Continuation Date,
if the Loans are to be converted into Base Rate Loans, specifying:
(A) the proposed Conversion/Continuation Date;
(B) the aggregate amount of Loans to be converted or
continued;
(C) the Type of Loans resulting from the proposed
conversion or continuation; and
(D) in the case of conversions into or continuations
of Eurodollar Rate Loans, the duration of the requested
Interest Period.
(c) If upon the expiration of any Interest Period applicable
to Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Borrower has failed to select timely a
new Interest Period to be applicable to such Eurodollar Rate Loans or
if any Default then exists, the Borrower shall be deemed to have
elected to convert such Eurodollar Rate Loans into Base Rate Loans
effective as of the expiration date of such Interest Period.
(d) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Bank of
its receipt of a Notice of Conversion/Continuation, or, if no timely
notice is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent will
promptly notify each Bank of the details of any automatic conversion.
All conversions and continuations shall be made ratably according to
the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Loans with respect
to which the notice was given held by each Bank.
(e) Unless the Required Banks otherwise agree, during the
existence of a Default, the Borrower may not elect to have a Loan
converted into or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan.
(f) After giving effect to any conversion or continuation of
Loans, there may not be more than five (5) different Interest Periods
in effect for all Loans hereunder.
SECTION 2.8 Repayment of Loans. Subject to the provisions of Sections
4.1, the Loans of each Bank shall be payable in full (and the Borrower agrees to
pay such Loans) on the Termination Date.
SECTION 2.9 Loan Accounts; Record Keeping.
(a) The Loans made by each Bank shall be evidenced by one or
more loan accounts or records maintained by such Bank in the ordinary
course of business and the Administrative Agent. The loan accounts or
records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Bank shall be
conclusive
27
absent manifest error of the amount of the Loans made by the Banks to
the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon; provided, that in
the event of a conflict between information recorded by the
Administrative Agent and any Bank as to such Bank's Loans, the records
of the Administrative Agent absent manifest error shall control. Any
failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit
or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or to pay
any amount owing with respect to the Loans.
(b) Upon the request of any Bank made through the
Administrative Agent, the Loans made by such Bank may be evidenced by
one or more Notes, instead of or in addition to loan accounts. Each
such Bank shall endorse on the schedules annexed to its Note the date,
amount and maturity of each Loan made by it and the amount of each
payment of principal made by the Borrower with respect thereto. Each
such Bank is irrevocably authorized by the Borrower to endorse its Note
and each Bank's record shall be conclusive absent manifest error;
provided, however, that the failure of a Bank to make, or an error in
making, a notation thereon with respect to any Loan shall not limit or
otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under any
such Note to such Bank.
SECTION 3. INTEREST AND FEES, ETC.
SECTION 3.1 Interest Rates. With respect to each Loan, the Borrower
hereby promises to pay to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders,
interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof for the period commencing on the
Borrowing Date of such Loan until such Loan is paid in full, as follows:
(i) At all times while such Loan or any portion
thereof is a Base Rate Loan, at a rate per annum equal to the
Base Rate from time to time in effect.
(ii) At all times while such Loan or any portion
thereof is a Eurodollar Rate Loan, at a rate per annum equal
to the Eurodollar Rate from time to time in effect plus the
Eurodollar Rate Margin.
SECTION 3.2 Default Interest Rate. Notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 3.1, in the event that any Default under Section 12.1.3 or any Event of
Default shall occur, the Borrower hereby promises to pay, automatically in the
case of a Default under Section 12.1.3 or upon demand therefor by the
Administrative Agent for any Event of Default, interest on the unpaid principal
amount of the Loans (and interest thereon to the extent permitted by law) for
the period commencing on the date of such Default or demand until such Loans are
paid in full or such Default or Event of Default is cured or waived in
accordance with Sections 12.2 and 15.1 at a rate per annum equal to the Base
Rate from time to time in effect (but not less than the Base Rate as
28
at such date of demand), plus the Eurodollar Rate Margin then in effect, plus
two percent (2%) per annum.
SECTION 3.3 Interest Payment Dates. Interest on each Loan shall be paid
in arrears on each Interest Payment Date. Interest shall also be paid on the
date of any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans under Section 4.1 or Section 4.3
for the portion of the Eurodollar Rate Loans so prepaid and upon payment
(including prepayment) in full thereof and during the existence of any Event of
Default, interest shall be paid on demand of the Administrative Agent at the
request or with the consent of the Required Banks. After maturity, accrued
interest on the Loans shall be payable on demand.
SECTION 3.4 Setting and Notice of Rates. The applicable Eurodollar Rate
shall be determined by the Administrative Agent. Each determination of the
applicable Eurodollar Rate shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties
hereto, in the absence of demonstrable error. If the Administrative Agent is
unable to determine such a rate, the provisions of Section 5.3 shall apply. The
Administrative Agent shall, upon written request of the Borrower or any Bank,
deliver to the Borrower or such Bank a statement showing the computations used
by the Administrative Agent in determining any applicable Eurodollar Rate
hereunder.
SECTION 3.5 Computation of Fees and Interest. Fees described in Section
3.6 and interest on Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be computed for the actual
number of days elapsed on the basis of a 360-day year, and interest on Base Rate
Loans shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed on the basis of a
365-day year. Each determination of an interest rate by the Administrative Agent
shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower and the Banks in the absence of
manifest error.
SECTION 3.6 Fees. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative
Agent, for the benefit of the Banks (other than a Defaulting Bank) ratably
according to their respective Percentage, a non-use fee on the average daily
unused Commitments, payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of
each Fiscal Quarter (commencing with the first such date occurring after the
Effective Date for the period from and including the Effective Date to such
date) and on the Termination Date at a rate per annum equal to 0.125%
SECTION 4. PAYMENTS AND PREPAYMENTS
SECTION 4.1 Voluntary Termination or Reduction of Commitments. Subject
to Section 5.5, the Borrower may, upon not less than five (5) Business Days'
irrevocable prior written notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall
promptly advise each Bank thereof), terminate the Commitments or permanently
reduce the Commitments by an aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000 or any
integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; unless, after giving effect
thereto and to any prepayments of Loans made on the effective date thereof, the
then
29
outstanding principal amount of the Loans would exceed the amount of the
aggregate Commitments then in effect. Once reduced in accordance with this
Section, the Commitments, to the extent terminated or permanently reduced, may
not be increased. Any reduction of the Commitments shall be applied to each
Bank's Commitment, pro rata, according to its Percentage.
SECTION 4.2 Optional Prepayments. Subject to Section 5.5, the Borrower
may, at any time or from time to time, upon not less than (a) three (3) Business
Days', irrevocable written notice with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans and (b)
one (1) Business Day's irrevocable written notice with respect to Base Rate
Loans, to the Administrative Agent by 11:00 A.M. (Charlotte, North Carolina
time), ratably prepay such Loans in whole or in part, in minimum amounts of
$3,000,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Such notice
of prepayment shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the
Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify
each Bank of its receipt of any such notice, and of such Bank's Percentage of
such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall
make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be
due and payable on the date specified therein, together with any amounts
required pursuant to Section 5.5. If such notice does not provide the type of
Loans to be repaid, such prepayment shall be applied first to Base Rate Loans to
the extent of the aggregate principal amount thereof outstanding, and the
balance to Eurodollar Rate Loans.
SECTION 4.3 [Intentionally left blank.]
SECTION 4.4 Payments by the Borrower.
(a) All payments to be made by the Borrower hereunder shall be
made without set-off, recoupment or counterclaim. Except as otherwise
expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower shall be made
to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Banks at the
Administrative Agent's Office, and shall be made in Dollars and in
immediately available funds, no later than 1:30 P.M. (Charlotte, North
Carolina time) on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent
will promptly distribute to each Bank its Percentage (or other
applicable share as expressly provided herein or in the Assignment
Agreement) of such payment in like funds as received. Any payment
received by the Administrative Agent later than 1:30 P.M. (Charlotte,
North Carolina time) shall be deemed to have been received on the
following Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall
continue to accrue.
(b) Subject to the provisions set forth in the definition of
"Interest Period" herein, whenever any payment is due on a day
other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the following
Business Day, and such
30
extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of
interest or fees, as the case may be.
(c) Unless the Administrative Agent receives notice from the
Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Banks
that the Borrower will not make such payment in full as and when
required, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has
made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent on such date in
immediately available funds and the Administrative Agent may (but shall
not be so required), in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to
each Bank on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such
Bank. If and to the extent the Borrower has not made such payment in
full to the Administrative Agent, each Bank shall repay to the
Administrative Agent on demand such amount distributed to such Bank,
together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate for
each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Bank until
the date repaid.
SECTION 4.5 [Intentionally left blank].
SECTION 4.6 Sharing of Payments.
(a) If any Bank shall obtain any payment or other recovery
(whether voluntary, involuntary, by application of offset or otherwise
(other than pursuant to Sections 5.8, 14.1 and 15.2)) on account of the
Loans (other than pursuant to the terms of Section 5) in excess of its
pro rata share (based on its Percentage or, if expressly provided
differently herein or in the Assignment Agreement, such other
applicable share) of payments and other recoveries obtained by all
Banks of the Loans on account of principal of and interest on the
Loans, such Bank shall purchase from the other Banks such participation
in the Loans as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Bank to
share the excess payment or other recovery ratably with each of them;
provided, however, that if all or any portion of the excess payment or
other recovery is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Bank, the
purchase shall be rescinded and each Bank which has sold a
participation to the purchasing Bank shall repay to the purchasing Bank
the purchase price to the ratable extent of such recovery together with
an amount equal to such selling Bank's ratable share (according to the
proportion of (i) the amount of such selling Bank's required repayment
to the purchasing Bank to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the
purchasing Bank) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the
purchasing Bank in respect of the total amount so recovered.
(b) The Borrower agrees that any Bank so purchasing a
participation from another Bank pursuant to Section 4.6(a) may, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment
(including pursuant to Section 4.7) with respect to such participation
as fully as if such Bank
31
were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such
participation. If under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law, any Bank receives a secured claim in lieu of a setoff to
which this Section 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
4.6(b) to share in the benefits of any recovery of such secured claim.
SECTION 4.7 Setoff. Each Bank shall, upon the occurrence of any Event
of Default under Section 12.1.1, the occurrence of a Default under Section
12.1.3, or, with the consent of the Required Banks, upon the occurrence of any
other Event of Default, have the right to appropriate and apply to the payment
of the Liabilities owing to it (whether or not then due), and (as security for
such Liabilities) the Borrower hereby grants to each Bank a continuing security
interest in, any and all balances, credits, deposits, accounts or moneys of the
Borrower then or thereafter maintained with such Bank. Any such appropriation
and application shall be subject to the provisions of Section 4.6. Each Bank
agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any
such setoff and application made by such Bank; provided, however, that the
failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and
application. The rights of each Bank under this Section 4.7 are in addition to
other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff under applicable law
or otherwise) which such Bank may have.
SECTION 4.8 Net Payments. All payments by the Borrower of principal of,
and interest on, the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder shall be made
free and clear of and without deduction for any present or future income, stamp
or other Taxes, fees, duties, withholdings or other charges of any nature
whatsoever imposed by any taxing authority, other than Taxes imposed on or
measured by any Bank's net income or receipts with respect to payments received
hereunder (such non-excluded items being called "Charges"). In the event that
any withholding or deduction from any payment to be made by the Borrower
hereunder is required in respect of any Charges pursuant to any applicable law,
rule or regulation, then the Borrower will:
(a) pay directly to the relevant authority the full amount
required to be so withheld or deducted;
(b) promptly forward to the Administrative Agent an official
receipt or other documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent
evidencing such payment to such authority; and
(c) pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the
Banks such additional amount or amounts as are necessary to ensure
that the net amount actually received by each Bank
32
will equal the full amount such Bank would have received had no such
withholding or deduction been required.
If any Bank receives a refund in respect of any Taxes as to which it has been
indemnified by the Borrower or with respect to which the Borrower (or any Person
acting on behalf of the Borrower) has paid additional amounts pursuant to this
Section 4.8, it shall promptly repay such refund to the Borrower (but only to
the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by the
Borrower (or such Person acting on behalf of the Borrower) under this Section
4.8 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all
out-of-pocket expenses of such Bank or the Administrative Agent, as the case may
be; provided, that the Borrower, upon the request of such Bank or the
Administrative Agent, agrees to return such refund (together with any penalties,
interest or other charges due in connection therewith to the appropriate taxing
authority or other Governmental Authority) to such Bank or the Administrative
Agent in the event such Bank or the Administrative Agent is required to pay or
to return such refund to the relevant taxing authority or other Governmental
Authority.
Each Bank that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the
United States or any state thereof shall, prior to the due date of any payments
under the Loans, execute and deliver to the Borrower, on or about the first
scheduled payment date in each calendar year, a United States Internal Revenue
Service Form 4224 or Form 1001, as may be applicable (or any successor form),
appropriately completed. Without prejudice to the survival of any other
agreement of the Borrower hereunder or any other document, the agreements of the
Borrower contained in this Section shall survive satisfaction of the Liabilities
and termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 4.9 Mandatory Reduction in the Commitments. Each repayment or
prepayment of the Loans made pursuant to Section 4.1 shall concurrently,
permanently and automatically ratably reduce the Commitments by the amount of
such repayment or prepayment. If on any date the aggregate principal amount of
the Loans exceeds the Commitments, the Borrower shall repay on such date such
Loans in an amount equal to such excess.
SECTION 5. CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES
SECTION 5.1 Increased Costs. If (a) Regulation D, or (b) after the
Closing Date, the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any
change therein, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by
any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any Bank (or any
Lending Office of such Bank) with any request or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable
agency,
33
(i) shall subject any Bank (other than a Defaulting Bank) (or
any Lending Office of such Bank) to any tax, duty or other charge with
respect to its Eurodollar Rate Loans, or its obligation to make
Eurodollar Rate Loans or shall change the basis of taxation of payments
to any Bank (other than a Defaulting Bank) of the principal of, or
interest on, its Eurodollar Rate Loans or any other amounts due under
this Agreement in respect of its Eurodollar Rate Loans or its
obligation to make Eurodollar Rate Loans (except for changes in the
rate of Tax, other than Taxes covered by Section 4.8, on the overall
gross or net income of such Bank or its Lending Office); or
(ii) shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve
(including, without limitation, any reserve imposed by the FRB, but
excluding any reserve included in the determination of interest rates
pursuant to Section 3), special deposit or similar requirement against
assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by,
any Bank (other than a Defaulting Bank) (or any Lending Office of such
Bank); or
(iii) shall impose on any Bank (other than a Defaulting Bank)
(or its Lending Office) any other condition affecting its Eurodollar
Rate Loans;
and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to (or in the
case of Regulation D referred to above, to impose a cost on) such Bank (or any
Lending Office of such Bank) of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Rate Loan
or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Bank (or the
Lending Office of such Bank) under this Agreement or under its Loans with
respect thereto, then within thirty (30) days after demand by such Bank (which
demand shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth in reasonable detail
the basis of such demand and the calculation of such additional amount), the
Borrower shall pay directly to such Bank such additional amount or amounts as
will compensate such Bank for such increased cost or such reduction. Each Bank
shall promptly, but in no event more than ninety (90) days after it has
knowledge thereof, notify the Borrower of any event occurring after the date
hereof, which will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section
5.1.
SECTION 5.2 Change in Rate of Return. If any change in, or the
introduction, adoption, effectiveness, interpretation, reinterpretation or
phase-in of, any law or regulation, directive, guideline, decision or request
(whether or not having the force of law) of any court, central bank, regulator
or other Governmental Authority affects or would affect the amount of capital
required or expected to be maintained by any Bank (other than a Defaulting Bank)
or any Person controlling such Bank, and such Bank reasonably determines that
the rate of return on its or such controlling Person's capital as a consequence
of the Loans made by such Bank (or any participating interest therein held by
such Bank) is reduced to a level below that which such Bank or
34
such controlling Person could have achieved but for the occurrence of any such
circumstance, then, in any such case the Borrower shall, within thirty (30) days
after written demand by such Bank to the Borrower, pay directly to such Bank
additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Bank or such controlling Person
for such reduction in rate of return. A statement of such Bank as to any such
additional amount or amounts (including calculations thereof in reasonable
detail) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on
the Borrower. In determining such amount, such Bank may use any method of
averaging and attribution that it shall deem reasonably applicable. Each Bank
shall promptly, but in no event more than ninety (90) days after it has
knowledge thereof, notify the Borrower of any event occurring after the Closing
Date, which will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section 5.2.
SECTION 5.3 Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate or
Unfair. If with respect to any Interest Period:
(a) deposits in Dollars (in the applicable amounts) are not
being offered to the Administrative Agent in the interbank eurodollar
market for such Interest Period, or the Administrative Agent otherwise
determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding on all
parties) that by reason of circumstances affecting the interbank
eurodollar market adequate and reasonable means do not exist for
ascertaining the applicable Eurodollar Rate; or
(b) any Bank advises the Administrative Agent that the
Eurodollar Rate as determined by the Administrative Agent, will not
adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Bank of maintaining or
funding any Eurodollar Rate Loan for such Interest Period, or that the
making or funding of Eurodollar Rate Loans has become impracticable as
a result of an event occurring after the Closing Date which in the
opinion of such Bank materially changes such Loans;
then, so long as such circumstances shall continue:
(i) the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the
Borrower and the Banks thereof,
(ii) no Bank shall be under any obligation to make or
continue or convert into Eurodollar Rate Loans so affected, and
(iii) on the last day of the then current Interest Period for
Eurodollar Rate Loans so affected, such Eurodollar Rate Loans shall,
unless then repaid in full, automatically convert to Base Rate Loans.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent and each Bank shall take
any reasonable actions available to it (including
35
designation of a different Lending Office), consistent with legal and regulatory
restrictions, that will avoid the need to take the steps described in this
Section 5.3, which will not, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative
Agent or such Bank, be materially disadvantageous to the Administrative Agent,
such Bank, or the Borrower as compared to the steps described in this Section
5.3.
SECTION 5.4 Changes in Law Rendering Certain Loans Unlawful. In the
event that any change in (including the adoption of any new) applicable laws or
regulations, or any change in the interpretation of applicable laws or
regulations by any governmental or other regulatory body charged with the
administration thereof, should make it unlawful for a Bank or the Lending Office
of such Bank ("Affected Bank") to make, maintain or fund Eurodollar Rate Loans,
then (a) the Affected Bank shall promptly notify each of the other parties
hereto, (b) the obligation of all Banks to make or continue or convert into
Eurodollar Rate Loans made unlawful for the Affected Bank shall, upon the
effectiveness of such event, be suspended for the duration of such unlawfulness,
and (c) on the last day of the current Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Loans
(or, in any event, if the Affected Bank so requests, on such earlier date as may
be required by the relevant law, regulation or interpretation), the Eurodollar
Rate Loans shall, unless then repaid in full, automatically convert to Base Rate
Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrative Agent and each Bank
shall take any reasonable actions available to it (including designation of a
different Lending Office), consistent with legal and regulatory restrictions,
that will avoid the need to take the steps described in this Section 5.4, which
will not, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent or such Bank,
be materially disadvantageous to the Administrative Agent or the Affected Bank,
or the Borrower as compared to the steps described in this Section 5.4.
SECTION 5.5 Funding Losses. The Borrower hereby agrees that upon demand
by any Bank to the Administrative Agent (which demand shall be made within three
(3) Business Days after receipt of notice of any payment or proposed payment by
the Borrower under this Agreement giving rise to indemnification under this
Section 5.5 and shall be accompanied by a statement setting forth in reasonable
detail using the methodology set forth in Exhibit I with respect to Eurodollar
Rate Loans) the Borrower will indemnify such Bank against any loss or expense
which such Bank may sustain or incur (including, without limitation, any loss
incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds
acquired by such Bank to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans, but excluding
specifically any administrative fee or other amount chargeable by such Bank for
the calculation of such loss), as reasonably determined by such Bank, as a
result of (a) any payment or prepayment or conversion of any Eurodollar Rate
Loans of such Bank on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period for
such Eurodollar Rate Loan, or (b) any failure of the Borrower to borrow on the
date of any
36
Borrowing set forth in any Notice of Borrowing or (c) any failure of the
Borrower to convert or continue any portion of the Loans on a date specified
therefor in the Notice of Continuation/ Conversion delivered pursuant to this
Agreement. For this purpose, all notices to the Administrative Agent pursuant to
this Agreement shall be deemed to be irrevocable.
SECTION 5.6 Right of Banks to Fund Through Other Offices. Each Bank
may, if it so elects, fulfill its commitment as to any Eurodollar Rate Loans by
causing any of its Lending Offices to make such Eurodollar Rate Loans; provided,
that in such event for the purposes of this Agreement, such Loan shall be deemed
to have been made by such Bank and the obligation of the Borrower to repay such
Eurodollar Rate Loan shall nevertheless be to such Bank and shall be deemed held
by it, to the extent of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, for the account of such
branch or affiliate.
SECTION 5.7 Discretion of Banks as to Manner of Funding.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, each Bank shall
be entitled to fund and maintain its funding of all or any part of its Loans in
any manner it sees fit, it being understood, however, that for the purposes of
this Agreement all determinations hereunder shall be made as if such Bank had
actually funded and maintained each Eurodollar Rate Loan during each Interest
Period for such Loan through the purchase of deposits having a maturity
corresponding to such Interest Period and bearing an interest rate equal to the
Eurodollar Rate, as the case may be, for such Interest Period.
SECTION 5.8 Replacement of Banks. If any Bank shall become affected by
any of the changes or events described in Section 5.1, 5.2 or 5.4 (any such Bank
being hereinafter referred to as a "Replaced Bank") and shall petition the
Borrower for any increased cost or amounts thereunder, then in such case, the
Borrower may, upon at least five (5) Business Days' notice to the Administrative
Agent and such Replaced Bank, designate a replacement lender (a "Replacement
Bank") acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion, to
which such Replaced Bank shall, subject to its receipt (unless a later date for
the remittance thereof shall be agreed upon by the Borrower and the Replaced
Bank) of all amounts owed to such Replaced Bank under Section 5.1 or 5.2, assign
all (but not less than all) of its rights, obligations, Loans and Commitment
hereunder; provided, that all Liabilities (except Liabilities which by the terms
hereof survive the payment in full of the Loans and termination of this
Agreement) due and payable to the Replaced Bank shall be paid in full as of the
date of such assignment. Upon any assignment by any Bank pursuant to this
Section 5.8 becoming effective, the Replacement Bank shall thereupon be deemed
to be a "Bank" for all purposes of this Agreement and such Replaced Bank shall
thereupon cease to be a "Bank" for all purposes of this Agreement and shall have
no further rights or obligations hereunder (other than pursuant to Sections 5.1,
5.2, 15.4 and 15.5 while such Replaced Bank was a Bank).
37
Notwithstanding any Replaced Bank's failure or refusal to assign its rights,
obligations, Loans and Commitment under this Section 5.8, the Replaced Bank
shall cease to be a "Bank" for all purposes of this Agreement and the
Replacement Bank substituted therefor upon payment to the Replaced Bank by the
Replacement Bank of all amounts set forth in this Section 5.8 without any
further action of the Replaced Bank.
SECTION 5.9 Conclusiveness of Statements; Survival of Provisions.
Determinations and statements of the Administrative Agent or any Bank pursuant
to Section 5.1 through Section 5.5 shall be conclusive absent demonstrable
error. The provisions of Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5 and this Section 5.9 shall
survive termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 6. [Intentionally left blank.]
SECTION 7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
To induce the Administrative Agent and the Banks to enter into this
Agreement and to make the Loans hereunder, the Borrower represents and warrants
to the Administrative Agent and to each of the Banks that:
SECTION 7.1 Organization, etc. The Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries is a corporation or partnership duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation or
formation, each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to
transact business and in good standing as a foreign corporation or partnership
authorized to do business in each jurisdiction where the nature of its business
makes such qualification necessary and failure to so qualify could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries has the power and authority to own or lease its property and
conduct its business as presently conducted.
SECTION 7.2 Authorization. The Borrower (a) has the power to execute,
deliver and perform this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a
party, and (b) has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution,
delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to
which it is a party.
SECTION 7.3 No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance by the
Borrower of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party
did not, does not and will not (a) contravene or conflict with any provision of
any law, statute, rule or regulation, the contravention of which could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (b) contravene or
conflict with, result in any breach of, or constitute a default under, any
agreement or instrument binding on the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
(including, without limitation, any writ, judgment, injunction or other similar
court order), the contravention of which could reasonably be expected
38
to have a Material Adverse Effect, (c) result in the creation or imposition of
or the obligation to create or impose any Lien (except for Permitted Liens) upon
any of the property or assets of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or (d)
contravene or conflict with any provision of the articles of incorporation or
by-laws of the Borrower.
SECTION 7.4 Governmental Consents. Except as have been obtained and as
set forth on Schedule 7.4, no material order, consent, approval, hearing or
filing, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or
registration with or exemption by, any governmental or public body or authority,
or any subdivision thereof, is (or, at the time of execution and delivery
thereof, was) required in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance by the Borrower of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.
SECTION 7.5 Validity. The Borrower has duly executed and delivered this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and each of such documents constitutes
or upon execution and delivery will constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Borrower enforceable in accordance with its terms subject to
(a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar
laws affecting creditors' rights generally and (b) general equitable principles,
including without limitation, concepts of good faith and fair dealing,
materiality, fraudulent transfer and reasonableness (regardless of whether
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
SECTION 7.6 Financial Statements. The Borrower's audited consolidated
financial statements for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 1996 and its
unaudited consolidated financial statements for the Fiscal Quarters ended March
31, 1997, and June 30, 1997, copies of which have been furnished to each Bank,
have been prepared in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with
that of the preceding Fiscal Year, and accurately present the financial
condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at such dates and the results of
operations for the periods then ended.
SECTION 7.7 Material Adverse Change. No Material Adverse Change has
occurred since December 31, 1996.
SECTION 7.8 Litigation and Contingent Obligations. No Material
Litigation is pending or, to the best of Borrower's knowledge, threatened except
as set forth (including estimates of the Dollar amounts involved) in Schedule
7.8. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have no material Contingent Obligations
other than as provided for or disclosed on Schedule 7.8.
SECTION 7.9 Liens. None of the assets of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries is subject to any Lien, except for Permitted Liens.
SECTION 7.10 Pension and Welfare Plans.
39
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 7.10, during the
twelve-consecutive-month period prior to the Closing Date, no steps
have been taken by the Borrower or any other Controlled Group member
(i) to terminate or completely or partially withdraw from any Pension
Plan or (ii) terminate any Welfare Plan, which termination could be
reasonably expected to give rise to a liability of the Borrower or any
other Controlled Group member in excess of $20,000,000 for any
Controlled Group member (other than the Borrower) or in excess of
$65,000,000 for the Borrower, and no contribution failure has occurred
with respect to any Pension Plan sufficient to give rise to a Lien
exceeding $20,000,000 on behalf of any Controlled Group member (other
than the Borrower) or $65,000,000 on behalf of the Borrower under
section 302(f) of ERISA and no contribution failure in excess of
$20,000,000 has occurred on behalf of any Controlled Group member
(other than the Borrower) or in excess of $65,000,000 on behalf of the
Borrower;
(b) except as set forth on Schedule 7.10, to the best of the
Borrower's knowledge, no condition exists, or event or transaction has
occurred, with respect to any Pension Plan which might result in the
incurrence by the Borrower or any other member of the Controlled Group
of any liability, fine, Tax or penalty which could be reasonably
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) except as set forth on Schedule 7.10, neither the Borrower
nor any other member of the Controlled Group has any vested or
contingent liability with respect to any post-retirement benefit under
a Welfare Plan, other than liability for continuation coverage
described in Part 6 of Title I of ERISA;
(d) except as set forth on Schedule 7.10, with respect to each
Pension Plan maintained or contributed to by the Borrower or any other
Controlled Group member which is intended to qualify under section 401
of the Code, a favorable determination letter has been received from
the Internal Revenue Service stating that such Pension Plan so
qualifies and nothing has occurred since the date of issuance of such
determination letter which would cause any such Pension Plan to cease
to qualify under section 401 of the Code;
(e) no Pension Plan maintained by the Borrower or any other
member of the Controlled Group is a "multiemployer plan" as defined in
section 4001 of ERISA; and
(f) except as disclosed in Schedule 7.10, no Pension Plan
maintained by or contributed to by the Borrower or any other member of
the Controlled Group and subject to section 302 of ERISA or section 412
of the Code has incurred an accumulated funding deficiency as defined
in section 302(a)(2) of ERISA and section 412(a) of the Code in excess
40
of $20,000,000 on behalf of any Controlled Group member (other than the
Borrower) or in excess of $65,000,000 on behalf of the Borrower,
whether or not waived.
SECTION 7.11 Investment Company Act. Neither the Borrower nor any of
its Subsidiaries is an "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an
"investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended.
SECTION 7.12 Public Utility Holding Company Act. Neither the Borrower
nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "holding company," or a "subsidiary company" of
a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a
"subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within the meaning of the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.
SECTION 7.13 Taxes.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 7.13, the Borrower and
each of its Significant Subsidiaries have filed all material Tax
Returns and Reports required by law to have been filed by them and have
paid or provided adequate reserves for all Taxes thereby shown to be
owing, except any such Taxes which are being diligently contested in
good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves
have been established and are being maintained in accordance with GAAP.
Except as set forth on Schedule 7.13, there is no ongoing audit or, to
the Borrower's knowledge, other governmental investigation of the tax
liability of the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries and
there is no unresolved claim by a taxing authority concerning the
Borrower's or any of the Significant Subsidiaries' tax liability, for
any period for which returns have been filed or were due. The liability
stated for Taxes as of December 31, 1995 in the financial statements
described in Section 7.6 is sufficient in all material respects for all
Taxes as of such date.
(b) All life insurance reserves shown as such on federal tax
returns (other than individual annuity contracts) of each of the
Insurance Subsidiaries qualify as life insurance reserves under section
816(b) of the Code or under former section 801(b) of the Code.
(c) All current Reinsurance Agreements among the Insurance
Subsidiaries and their respective Affiliates have, at all times, been
conducted on an arm's-length basis.
(d) Each of the Insurance Subsidiaries is a life insurance
company as defined in section 816 of the Code.
SECTION 7.14 Accuracy of Information. All factual information
heretofore or contemporaneously furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries in writing to the Administrative Agent or any Bank for
purposes of or in
41
connection with this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and
all other such factual information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of the
Borrower or its Subsidiaries to the Administrative Agent or any Bank will be,
true and accurate in every material respect on the date as of which such
information is dated or certified and, except as such information speaks solely
as of a particular date, such information is not, or shall not be, as the case
may be, incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make such
information not misleading.
SECTION 7.15 Environmental Warranties.
(a) All facilities and property (including underlying
groundwater) owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
have been, and continue to be, owned or leased by the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries in material compliance with all Environmental Laws, except
where failure to so comply could not be reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect;
(b) there have been no past, and there are no pending or
threatened, Environmental Claims, except where such Environmental
Claims could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect;
(c) there have been no releases of Hazardous Materials at, on
or under any property now or previously owned or leased by the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, have
had, or could reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse
Effect;
(d) the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries have been issued
and are in material compliance with all permits, certificates,
approvals, licenses and other authorizations relating to environmental
matters and necessary or desirable for their businesses except where
failure to comply could not be reasonably expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect;
(e) no property now or previously owned or leased by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is listed or, to the Borrower's
knowledge, proposed for listing (with respect to owned property only)
on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA, on the CERCLIS or
on any similar state list of sites requiring investigation or clean-up;
(f) there are no underground storage tanks, active or
abandoned, including petroleum storage tanks, on or under any property
now or previously owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
42
(g) neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has
directly transported or directly arranged for the transportation of any
Hazardous Material to any location which is listed or, to Borrower's
knowledge, proposed for listing on the National Priorities List
pursuant to CERCLA, on the CERCLIS or on any similar state list or
which is the subject of federal, Governmental Authority or local
enforcement actions or other investigations which may lead to material
claims against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for any remedial
work, damage to natural resources or personal injury, including claims
under CERCLA;
(h) there are no polychlorinated biphenyls or friable asbestos
present at any property now or previously owned or leased by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the
aggregate, could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect; and
(i) no conditions exist at, on or under any property now or
previously owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
which, with the passage of time, or the giving of notice or both, would
give rise to liability under any Environmental Law, except where such
liability could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
SECTION 7.16 Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans will be used to redeem
the ALHC Preferred Stock, to repurchase the Borrower's capital stock and its
Subsidiaries' capital stock, to acquire Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company,
and for general corporate purposes.
SECTION 7.17 Insurance. Schedule 7.17 sets forth a true and correct
summary of all insurance carried by the Borrower. The properties and business of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are insured against casualties and
contingencies (other than normal life insurance risk) for its benefit under
policies issued by insurers of recognized responsibility in such amounts as is
customary in the case of similar businesses. No notice of any pending or
threatened cancellation or material premium increase has been received by the
Borrower with respect to any of such insurance policies. The Borrower is in
substantial compliance with all conditions contained in such insurance policies.
SECTION 7.18 Securities Laws. Neither the Borrower nor, to the best of
Borrower's knowledge, any of its Affiliates, nor anyone acting on behalf of any
such Person, has directly or indirectly offered any interest in the Loans or any
other Liabilities for sale to, or solicited any offer to acquire any such
interest from, or has sold any such interest to, any Person that would subject
the making of the Loans or any other Liabilities to registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
SECTION 7.19 Governmental Authorizations. The Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries have all licenses, franchises,
43
permits and other governmental authorizations necessary for all businesses
presently carried on by them (including ownership and leasing of the real and
personal property owned and leased by them), except where failure to obtain such
licenses, franchises, permits and other governmental authorizations could not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 7.20 Business Locations; Trade-Names. Schedule 7.20 lists each
of the locations where the Borrower and each of its Significant Subsidiaries
maintains an office, a place of business or any records together with each
partnership, corporate, fictitious or trade name under or by which the Borrower
or any of its Significant Subsidiaries conducts its business.
SECTION 7.21 Solvency. On a consolidated basis, the Borrower is and,
after consummation of this Agreement and after giving effect to all Indebtedness
incurred by the Borrower in connection herewith, will be, Solvent.
SECTION 7.22 Insurance Licenses. Schedule 7.22 lists all of the
jurisdictions in which each of the Insurance Subsidiaries hold licenses
(including, without limitation, licenses or certificates of authority from
applicable insurance departments), permits or authorizations to transact
insurance and reinsurance business (collectively, the "Licenses"). Except as set
forth on Schedule 7.22, to the best of Borrower's knowledge after due inquiry of
the Responsible Officers of the respective Insurance Subsidiaries, no such
License is the subject of a proceeding for suspension or revocation or any
similar proceedings, there is no sustainable basis for such a suspension or
revocation, and no such suspension or revocation is threatened by any Department
which, in either case could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. Schedule 7.22 indicates that line or lines of insurance which the
Insurance Subsidiaries are permitted to be engaged in with respect to each
License therein listed. The Insurance Subsidiaries do not transact any insurance
business, directly or indirectly, in any state or jurisdiction other than those
enumerated on Schedule 7.22, where such business requires any license, permit,
governmental approval, consent or other authorization.
SECTION 7.23 Compliance with Laws. None of the Borrower or its
Subsidiaries is in violation of any law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order,
policy, guideline or other requirement of any Governmental Authority, if the
effect of such violation could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect and, to the best of the Borrower's knowledge, no such violation has been
alleged and each of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (a) has filed in a
timely manner all reports, documents and other materials required to be filed by
it with any Governmental Authority, if such failure to so file could reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and the information contained in
each of such filings is true, correct and complete in all material respects and
(b) has retained all records and
44
documents required to be retained by it pursuant to any law, ordinance, rule,
regulation, order, policy, guideline or other requirement of any Governmental
Authority, if the failure to so retain such records and documents could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 7.24 No Default. None of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries is in
default under any agreement or instrument to which the Borrower or such
Subsidiary is a party or by which any of their respective properties or assets
is bound or affected, which default might reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 7.25 Margin Regulations. Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary of the Borrower is engaged principally, or as one of its important
activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation G or Regulation U).
"Margin stock" within the meaning of Regulation U does not constitute more than
25% of the value of the consolidated assets of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries. None of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(including, without limitation, the direct or indirect use of the proceeds of
the Loans) will violate or result in a violation of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or regulations
issued pursuant thereto, or Regulation G, T, U or X.
SECTION 7.26 Conseco Corporate Structure. On the Effective Date, the
corporate structure of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is as set forth in
Exhibit J.
SECTION 7.27 Significant Subsidiaries. Set forth on Schedule 7.27 is a
complete and accurate list of each Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower as of
the Effective Date.
SECTION 8. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
The Borrower agrees that, on and after the Closing Date until the
termination or expiration of the Commitments and for so long thereafter as any
of the Liabilities remain unpaid or outstanding (except Liabilities which by the
terms hereof survive the payment in full of the Loans and termination of this
Agreement), the Borrower will:
SECTION 8.1 Reports, Certificates and Other Information. Unless
otherwise provided herein, furnish or cause to be furnished to the
Administrative Agent and each Bank:
8.1.1 Audit Report. As soon as available, but in any event
within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each Fiscal
Year of the Borrower:
(a) copies of the audited consolidated balance sheet
of the Borrower and an unaudited consolidating balance
45
sheet of the Borrower as at the end of such Fiscal Year and the related
statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows for such
Fiscal Year, in each case setting forth the figures as of the end of
the year and, in the case of the audited consolidated statements, for
the previous year, prepared in reasonable detail and in accordance with
GAAP applied consistently throughout the periods reflected therein
(except as set forth therein) certified, in the case of the audited
financial statements, without Qualification by Coopers & Xxxxxxx (or
such other independent certified public accountants of recognized
standing acceptable to the Required Banks), and
(b) a letter or letters addressed to the Borrower
from such accountants stating in substance that such accountants have
been informed that such audited financial statements and audited
reports are being delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Banks,
and acknowledging that such financial statements and audit reports will
be part of the information that the Administrative Agent and the Banks
will use to make credit decisions with regard to this Agreement;
8.1.2 Quarterly Reports. As soon as available, but in any
event within sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three
Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year of the Borrower, copies of the
condensed unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the
Borrower at the end of such Fiscal Quarter and the related condensed
unaudited statements of earnings, stockholders' equity and cash flows
for such Fiscal Quarter and the portion of the Fiscal Year through such
Fiscal Quarter, in the case of the consolidated statements setting
forth in comparative form the figures as of the end of and for the
corresponding periods of the previous Fiscal Year, prepared in
reasonable detail and in accordance with GAAP applied consistently
throughout the periods reflected therein (except as set forth therein)
and certified by the chief financial officer or a vice-president with
responsibility for or knowledge of financial matters of the Borrower on
behalf of the Borrower as presenting fairly the financial condition and
results of operations of the Borrower (subject to normal year-end and
audit adjustments);
8.1.3 Tax Returns and Reports. If requested by the
Administrative Agent or the Required Banks, copies of all federal,
state, local and foreign Tax Returns and Reports filed by any of the
Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries;
8.1.4 SAP Financial Statements.
(a) As soon as possible, but in any event within
seventy-five (75) days after the end of each Fiscal Year of each of the
Insurance Subsidiaries, a copy of the Annual Statement of such
Insurance Subsidiary for such Fiscal Year prepared in accordance with
SAP and accompanied by the
46
certification of the chief financial officer or a vice-president with
responsibility for or knowledge of financial matters of such Insurance
Subsidiary that such financial statement presents fairly, in accordance
with SAP, the financial position of such Insurance Subsidiary for the
period then ended;
(b) As soon as possible, but in any event within
sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three Fiscal
Quarters of each Fiscal Year of each of the Insurance Subsidiaries, a
copy of the quarterly statement of such Insurance Subsidiary for such
Fiscal Quarter, all prepared in accordance with SAP and accompanied by
the certification of the chief financial officer or a vice-president
with responsibility for or knowledge of financial matters of such
Insurance Subsidiary that all such financial statements present fairly
in accordance with SAP the financial position of such Insurance
Subsidiary for the periods then ended;
(c) Within fifteen (15) days after being delivered to
any of the Insurance Subsidiaries constituting a Significant
Subsidiary, any draft or final Triennial Examination Report issued by
the applicable Department or the NAIC;
(d) Within ninety (90) days after the close of each
Fiscal Year of each of the Insurance Subsidiaries, a copy of the
"Statement of Actuarial Opinion" and "Management Discussion and
Analysis" for each of the Insurance Subsidiaries which is provided to
the applicable Department (or equivalent information should such
Department no longer require such a statement) as to the adequacy of
loss reserves of such Insurance Subsidiary. Such opinion shall be in
the format prescribed by the Applicable Insurance Code of the state of
domicile of such Insurance Subsidiary;
8.1.5 Compliance Certificate. Contemporaneously with the
furnishing of a copy of each set of the statements and reports provided
for in Sections 8.1.1 through 8.1.2, a duly completed certificate,
substantially in the form of Exhibit K (the "Compliance Certificate"),
signed by the chief financial officer or a vice-president with
responsibility for or knowledge of financial matters of the Borrower,
containing, among other things, a computation of, and showing
compliance with, each of the applicable financial ratios and
restrictions contained in Section 10 and to the effect that as of such
date no Default has occurred and is continuing;
8.1.6 [Intentionally left blank.]
8.1.7 Auditors' Materials. Promptly upon receipt thereof by
the Borrower, copies of all material financial and management reports
regarding the Borrower or any of the Significant Subsidiaries submitted
to the Borrower or any of
47
the Significant Subsidiaries by independent public accountants in
connection with each annual or interim audit report made by such
accountants of the books of the Borrower or any of its Significant
Subsidiaries;
8.1.8 Reports to SEC and to Stockholders. Promptly upon the
filing or making thereof, copies of each filing and report made by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with or to any securities exchange
or the Securities and Exchange Commission and of each communication
from the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to stockholders generally;
8.1.9 Notice of Default and Litigation. Promptly upon learning
of the occurrence of any of the following, written notice thereof,
describing the same and the steps being taken by the Borrower with
respect thereto:
(a) the occurrence of a Default;
(b) the institution of any Material Litigation or
the occurrence of any Material Litigation Development;
(c) the commencement of any dispute which might
reasonably be expected to lead to the material modification, transfer,
revocation, suspension or termination of any Loan Document; or
(d) any Material Adverse Change;
8.1.10 Insurance Reports. Written notification ten (10) days
prior to any cancellation or material change of any insurance policy by
the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary, and written notification
within five (5) days after receipt of any notice (whether formal or
informal) of cancellation or any material change by any of its
insurers;
8.1.11 ERISA Liability. Promptly upon learning of the
occurrence of the following, written notice thereof describing the same
and the steps being taken by Borrower with respect thereto:
(a) the failure of any member of the Controlled Group
to make a required contribution to any Pension Plan if such failure is
sufficient to give rise to a Lien under section 302(f)(1) or
accumulated funding deficiency under section 302 of ERISA of at least
$20,000,000, but with respect to the Borrower only if such failure or
deficiency totals $65,000,000,
(b) the institution of any steps by any member of the
Controlled Group to withdraw from, or the institution of any steps by
the Borrower to terminate, any Pension Plan,
(c) the taking of any action with respect to a
Pension Plan which could result in the requirement that the
48
Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group furnish a bond or other
security in excess of $20,000,000 by any Controlled Group member (other
than the Borrower) or in excess of $65,000,000 by the Borrower to the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (or any successor thereto) or such
Pension Plan, or
(d) the occurrence of any event with respect to any
Pension Plan which could result in the incurrence by any member of the
Controlled Group (other than the Borrower) of any liability, fine, Tax
or penalty in excess of $20,000,000 or $65,000,000 with respect to the
Borrower or any event or requirement that would require the Borrower or
any member of the Controlled Group to pay more than $30,000,000 in
benefits in any one year with respect to any post-retirement Welfare
Plan other than benefits which are required to be provided under
section 601 of ERISA;
8.1.12 Pension Plan Withdrawals. With respect to each Pension
Plan, if any, which is a "multi-employer plan," as defined in section
4001 of ERISA as to which any member of the Controlled Group may incur
any liability,
(a) no less frequently than annually, a written estimate
(which shall be based on information received from each such plan, it
being expressly understood that the Borrower shall take all reasonable
steps to obtain such information) of the withdrawal liability that
would be incurred by the Controlled Group in the event that all members
of the Controlled Group were to completely withdraw from such plan, and
(b) written notice thereof, as soon as it has reason to
believe (on the basis of the most recent information available to it)
that the sum of (i) the withdrawal liability that would be incurred by
the Controlled Group if all members of the Controlled Group completely
withdrew from all multi-employer plans as to which any member of the
Controlled Group has an obligation to contribute, and (ii) the
aggregate amount of the outstanding withdrawal liability (without
unaccrued interest) incurred by the Controlled Group to multi-employer
plans, would exceed $20,000,000;
8.1.13 Environmental Liabilities. Promptly upon learning
thereof, written notice (together with copies, if available) of all
material written claims, complaints, notices or inquiries relating to
the Borrower's or any Subsidiary's (a) properties or facilities, or (b)
compliance with Environmental Laws, together with a description of the
steps being taken by the Borrower or such Subsidiary with respect
thereto;
8.1.14 Insurance Holding Company Filings. Copies of all
material Insurance Holding Company System Act filings with Governmental
Authorities by the Borrower or any of its
49
Subsidiaries not later than five (5) Business Days after such filings
are made, including, without limitation, filings which seek approval of
Governmental Authorities with respect to transactions between the
Borrower and its Affiliates;
8.1.15 Insurance Licenses. Within five (5) Business Days of
notice, notice of actual suspension, termination or revocation of any
License or restriction thereon (material to the Insurance Subsidiaries
taken as a whole) of any of the Insurance Subsidiaries by any
Governmental Authority or of receipt of notice from any Governmental
Authority notifying any of the Insurance Subsidiaries of a hearing
(which is not withdrawn within ten (10) days) relating to such a
suspension, termination, revocation or restriction, including any
request by a Governmental Authority which commits any of the Insurance
Subsidiaries to take, or refrain from taking, any action or which
otherwise materially and adversely affects the authority of any of the
Insurance Subsidiaries to conduct its business;
8.1.16 Insurance Proceedings. Within three (3) Business Days
of such notice, notice of any pending or threatened investigation or
regulatory proceeding (other than routine periodic investigations or
reviews) by any Governmental Authority concerning the business,
practices or operations of any of the Insurance Subsidiaries, including
any agent or managing general agent thereof, which could have a
Material Adverse Effect;
8.1.17 Changes in Applicable Insurance Code. Promptly, upon
knowledge of the Borrower, to the Administrative Agent (which shall
promptly deliver such reports to the Banks), notice of any actual or
proposed changes in any Applicable Insurance Code which could have a
Material Adverse Effect;
8.1.18 Reinsurance Agreements.
(a) Promptly, notice of any material change or modification to
any Reinsurance Agreements or Surplus Relief Reinsurance Agreements
whether entered into before or after the Closing Date including
Reinsurance Agreements, if any, which are in a runoff mode on the
Closing Date, which change or modification could reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(b) promptly, notice of any written notice received by any of
the Insurance Subsidiaries of any material denial of coverage,
litigation or arbitration arising out of any material Surplus Relief
Reinsurance Agreement or any material Reinsurance Agreement to which
any of the Insurance Subsidiaries is a party; and
50
(c) promptly, such other financial, actuarial and other
information with respect to Surplus Relief Reinsurance Agreements and
Reinsurance Agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably
request;
8.1.19 Investments. To the extent not provided with the
financial statements provided in Section 8.1.4, within sixty (60) days
of the end of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters in any Fiscal
Year and within one hundred twenty (120) days of the end of each Fiscal
Year, a list of the Investments of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
including a valuation thereof prepared from sources reasonably
acceptable to the Administrative Agent;
8.1.20 Revenue Agent Notices. Promptly, and in any event
within ten (10) days of receipt, any revenue agent's reports or
statutory notices of any deficiency related to the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries which deficiency is material to the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole;
8.1.21 Other Tax Information. Upon request, promptly furnish
to the Administrative Agent copies of all correspondence (including,
without limitation, notices, requests, explanations, determinations,
schedules, charts and lists) delivered to any Governmental Authority in
connection with any Tax claim or Taxes and any protest, petition or
refund suit filed on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
in connection with any Tax claim or Taxes;
8.1.22 Rating Agency Notice. Promptly, but in any event within
three (3) Business Days of its knowledge thereof, written notice of any
change in the rating of the Borrower's Senior Notes by Duff & Xxxxxx
and/or Standard & Poor's; and
8.1.23 Other Information. From time to time, such other
information concerning the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries as the
Administrative Agent or a Bank may reasonably request.
SECTION 8.2 Corporate Existence; Foreign Qualification. Except as
permitted by Sections 9.3 and 9.4, do and cause to be done at all times all
things necessary to (a) maintain and preserve the corporate existence of the
Borrower and each of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries and Significant Subsidiaries,
(b) be, and ensure that the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries are, duly
qualified to do business and in good standing as foreign corporations or
partnerships, as applicable, in each jurisdiction where the nature of their
business makes such qualification necessary and failure to so qualify could have
a Material Adverse Effect, and (c) comply, and cause each of its Wholly-Owned
Subsidiaries and Significant Subsidiaries to comply, with all
51
material Contractual Obligations and requirements of law binding upon such
entity.
SECTION 8.3 Books, Records and Inspections.
(a) Maintain, and cause each of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
and Significant Subsidiaries to maintain, books and records which are
complete and correct in all material respects;
(b) permit, and cause each of its Wholly-owned Subsidiaries
and Significant Subsidiaries to permit, access at reasonable times by
the Administrative Agent and each Bank to its books and records;
(c) permit, and cause each of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
and Significant Subsidiaries to permit, the Administrative Agent and
each Bank to inspect at reasonable times its properties and operations;
and
(d) permit, and cause each of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
and Significant Subsidiaries to permit, the Administrative Agent and
each Bank to discuss its business, operations and financial condition
with its officers.
SECTION 8.4 Insurance. Maintain with responsible insurance companies,
insurance with respect to its properties and business against such casualties
and contingencies and of such types and in such amounts as is customary in the
case of similar businesses.
SECTION 8.5 Taxes and Liabilities.
(a) Pay, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay, when due
all of their respective Taxes and other material liabilities, except as
contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings with respect to
which reserves have been established, and are being maintained, in
accordance with GAAP; and
(b) except as permitted by Sections 9.3 and 9.4, cause each of
the Insurance Subsidiaries to continue to qualify as life insurance
companies under Section 816 of the Code.
SECTION 8.6 Pension Plans and Welfare Plans. Maintain, and cause each
of its Subsidiaries to maintain, each Pension Plan and Welfare Plan sponsored by
it or its Subsidiaries as to which it may have any liability, in compliance in
all material respects with all applicable requirements of law.
SECTION 8.7 Compliance with Laws. Comply, and cause each of its
Subsidiaries to comply, with all federal, state and local laws, rules and
regulations related to its businesses including, without limitation, the various
Applicable Insurance Codes,
52
except where such failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 8.8 Maintenance of Permits. Maintain, and cause each of its
Subsidiaries to maintain, all permits, licenses and consents as may be required
for the conduct of its business by any state, federal or local government agency
or instrumentality including, without limitation, the Licenses, except where
such failure to maintain could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.
SECTION 8.9 Environmental Compliance. Maintain, and cause each of its
Subsidiaries to maintain, (a) all necessary permits, approvals, certificates,
licenses and other authorizations relating to environmental matters in effect
and use and operate all of its facilities and properties in material compliance
with all Environmental Laws, and (b) appropriate procedures for the handling of
all Hazardous Materials in material compliance with all applicable Environmental
Laws, and comply with such procedures at all times, except where such failure to
maintain could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 9. NEGATIVE COVENANTS
The Borrower agrees that, on and after the Closing Date until the
termination or expiration of the Commitments and for so long thereafter as any
of the Liabilities remain unpaid or outstanding (except Liabilities which by the
terms hereof survive the payment in full of the Loans and the termination of
this Agreement), the Borrower will:
SECTION 9.1 Limitation on Indebtedness. (I) Subject to the provisions
set forth in subsection (II) below in this Section 9.1, not, and not permit any
of its Subsidiaries to, incur or at any time be liable with respect to, any
Indebtedness which is or constitutes:
(a) a Hedge Obligation not entered into in the ordinary course
of business;
(b) Indebtedness with respect to Contingent Obligations to the
extent the principal amount of Indebtedness of this type exceeds eight
percent (8%) of Total Shareholders' Equity of the Borrower in the
aggregate;
(c) (i) recourse Indebtedness of Significant Subsidiaries or
(ii) nonrecourse Indebtedness of Significant Subsidiaries resulting
from the sale or securitization of assets other than non-admitted
assets, policy loans, B-Share Financings, CBOs and CMOs; or
53
(d) any secured Indebtedness (excluding secured Indebtedness
not prohibited by clause (c)(ii) immediately above), including, without
limitation, Capitalized Lease Liabilities and Purchase Money Debt, to
the extent Indebtedness of this type exceeds ten percent (10%) of Total
Shareholders' Equity of the Borrower in the aggregate or is in
violation of Section 9.2(l).
(II) In the event that the long-term unsecured debt ratings of the Borrower by
each of Standard & Poor's and Duff & Xxxxxx shall fall below investment grade
(as of the Effective Date, "BBB-" for each such rating agency), the following
covenant shall replace the restrictions on the incurrence of Indebtedness set
forth above in subsection (I) of this Section 9.1 and shall become applicable
automatically upon such event, without further act:
Not, and not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, incur or at any time be liable
with respect to any Indebtedness except:
(a) Indebtedness outstanding under this Agreement in respect
of the Loans and other Liabilities;
(b) Indebtedness outstanding on the Effective Date described
on Schedule 9.1; provided, that Indebtedness permitted by this clause
(b) does not include any extension, renewal or refunding of any such
outstanding Indebtedness unless such extension, renewal or refunding of
such Indebtedness does not (A) increase the principal amount of or rate
of interest on such Indebtedness, (B) shorten the Average Life of such
Indebtedness, or (C) make the terms of such Indebtedness less favorable
to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower;
(c) Indebtedness secured by a Permitted Lien;
(d) Hedging Obligations entered into in the ordinary course of
business;
(e) Other Indebtedness the proceeds of which are used solely
to pay the Liabilities; provided that a permanent ratable reduction is
made with respect to the Commitments in an amount equal to such
proceeds;
(f) Indebtedness in connection with Permitted Transactions;
(g) Indebtedness, or refinancings thereof, under reimbursement
obligations in respect of letters of credit incurred in the ordinary
course of business;
(h) Indebtedness of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries
consisting of deferred payment obligations resulting from
54
the adjudication or settlement of any claim or Litigation of the
Borrower or its Subsidiaries;
(i) Indebtedness resulting from reserves for outstanding
checks;
(j) Indebtedness of the Significant Subsidiaries resulting
from the sale or securitization of receivables so long as such
receivables constitute non-admitted assets of such Significant
Subsidiaries; provided, that Indebtedness related to any sale or
securitization will be nonrecourse to the Significant Subsidiaries;
(k) Indebtedness with respect to Contingent Obligations in an
aggregate principal amount not exceeding five percent (5%) of Total
Shareholders' Equity of the Borrower in the aggregate;
(l) Indebtedness of Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of the Borrower
owing to the Borrower or another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the
Borrower, and Indebtedness of the Borrower owing to any of its
Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries;
(m) Indebtedness in respect of deferred Taxes reserved on the
financial statements of the Borrower in accordance with GAAP;
(n) Indebtedness arising from deferral by employees of their
right to receive a portion of their salary or wages pursuant to any
Pension Plan;
(o) Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such person
is first acquired and becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or is merged
or consolidated with the Borrower or any other Subsidiary of the
Borrower so long as immediately after giving effect to such acquisition
or merger no Default then exists; and
(p) Indebtedness, including, without limitation, Capitalized
Lease Liabilities and Purchase Money Debt, in addition to the
Indebtedness permitted by clauses (a) through (o), in a principal
amount not exceeding three percent (3%) of Total Shareholders' Equity
of the Borrower in the aggregate;
provided, however, that legally binding actions taken or commitments made in
compliance with subsection (I) while subsection (I) of this Section 9.1 was
still in effect shall be exempted from the application of this subsection (II)
to the extent such obligations cause the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to not be
in compliance with this subsection (II). Notwithstanding the foregoing to the
contrary, any renewals or extensions of any such actions or commitments shall be
subject to the application of this subsection (II).
55
SECTION 9.2 Liens. Not, and not permit any of its Subsidiaries to,
create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any asset now owned or hereafter
acquired by it, except for the following (collectively called "Permitted
Liens"):
(a) Liens in connection with Permitted Transactions;
(b) Liens for current Taxes not delinquent or for Taxes being
contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and with respect
to which adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with
GAAP;
(c) Liens shown on Schedule 9.2;
(d) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in
connection with worker's compensation, unemployment insurance or other
forms of governmental insurance or benefits or to secure performance of
tenders, statutory obligations, leases and contracts (other than for
borrowed money) entered into in the ordinary course of business or to
secure obligations on surety or appeal bonds;
(e) Liens of mechanics, carriers, and materialmen and other
like Liens arising in the ordinary course of business in respect of
obligations which are not delinquent or which are being contested in
good faith and by appropriate proceedings and with respect to which
adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance with GAAP;
(f) Liens arising in the ordinary course of business for sums
being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and with
respect to which adequate reserves are being maintained in accordance
with GAAP, or for sums not due, and in either case not involving any
deposits or advances for borrowed money or the deferred purchase price
of property or services;
(g) Liens on real estate to the extent real estate Investments
are permitted by Section 9.10(e)(iii);
(h) Liens in favor of the trustee on sums required to be
deposited with the trustee under the Indentures;
(i) If Section 9.1(II) is then in effect, Liens on
Indebtedness permitted by Section 9.1(II)(o);
(j) If Section 9.1(II) is then in effect, Liens on assets of
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and which are not otherwise
permitted to be incurred pursuant to the foregoing clauses (a) - (i)
securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 9.1(II)(p); provided,
however, that the aggregate fair market value of the property and other
assets subject to any such Liens, calculated at the time such Liens are
incurred, shall not exceed three and six-tenths percent (3.6%) of Total
Shareholders' Equity of the Borrower; and
56
(l) If Section 9.1(I) is then in effect, Liens on assets of
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and which are not otherwise
permitted to be incurred pursuant to the foregoing clauses (a) - (h)
securing Indebtedness not prohibited by Section 9.1(I); provided,
however, that the aggregate fair market value of the property and other
assets subject to any such Liens, calculated at the time such Liens are
incurred, shall not exceed twelve percent (12%) of Total Shareholders'
Equity of the Borrower.
SECTION 9.3 Consolidation, Merger, etc. Not, and not permit any of its
Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries or Significant Subsidiaries to, liquidate or dissolve,
consolidate with, or merge into or with, any other Person, or consummate any
Acquisition, except
(a) any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower may liquidate
or dissolve voluntarily into, and may merge or consolidate with and
into, or sell all or substantially all of its capital stock or assets
to, the Borrower or any other Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower,
and
(b) Acquisitions; provided the Debt to Total Capitalization
Ratio does not exceed 0.35:1 immediately after giving pro forma effect
to such Acquisition; and provided, further, that no Default exists at
the time of such Acquisition or will result therefrom and the
Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of the chief
financial officer or a vice president with responsibility for or
knowledge of financial affairs of the Borrower to such effect.
Notwithstanding the foregoing if the Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio
exceeds 0.35:1, but in any event is less than 0.45:1, immediately after
giving pro forma effect to such Acquisition, the Borrower shall be
permitted to make such Acquisition without being in violation of this
Section 9.3 so long as the Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio is equal
to or less than 0.35:1 ninety (90) days after the consummation of such
Acquisition.
SECTION 9.4 Asset Disposition, etc. Not, and not permit any of its
Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries or Significant Subsidiaries to, sell, assign, lease,
transfer, contribute, reinsure, cede, convey or otherwise dispose of, or grant
options, warrants or other rights with respect to, any of its assets (including,
without limitation, any books of business), unless:
(a) such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, contribution,
reinsurance, cession, conveyance or other disposition is in the
ordinary course of its business including, without limitation, sales of
assets in connection with the management of the investment portfolio of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or as related to the sale or
securitization of receivables constituting non-admitted assets of an
Insurance Subsidiary;
57
(b) such sale, assignment, transfer, contribution, conveyance
or other disposition is of Credit Tenant Loans, CBOs, CMOs or other
mortgages held by such Person in connection with the securitization of
such mortgages;
(c) such sale, assignment, transfer, contribution, conveyance
or other disposition is made pursuant to a sale-leaseback of an asset
of such Person in connection with a Capital Lease Liability permitted
under Section 9.1; or
(d) such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, contribution,
reinsurance, cession, conveyance or other disposition is not of (i)
stock of any Significant Subsidiary or (ii) a substantial portion of
the assets of the Borrower or of any Significant Subsidiary of the
Borrower.
SECTION 9.5 Other Agreements. Not, and not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, enter into any agreement (other than agreements with insurance
regulators) containing any provision which (a) would be violated or breached by
the performance of its obligations hereunder or under any instrument or document
delivered or to be delivered by it hereunder or in connection herewith, (b)
prohibits or restricts the ability of any Subsidiary of the Borrower to make
dividends or advances or payments to the Borrower, (c) prohibits or restricts
the ability of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to amend or otherwise
modify this Agreement or any other document executed in connection herewith or
(d) constitutes an agreement to a limitation or restriction of the type
described in clauses (a) through (c) with respect to any other Indebtedness.
SECTION 9.6 Business Activities. Not, and not permit any of its
Significant Subsidiaries to fundamentally change the type of business in which
it is presently engaged as listed on Schedule 9.6.
SECTION 9.7 Change of Location or Name. Not, and not permit its
Significant Subsidiaries to, change (a) the location of its principal place of
business, chief executive office, major executive office, chief place of
business or its records concerning its business and financial affairs, or (b)
its name or the name under or by which it conducts its business, in each case
without first giving the Administrative Agent at least ten (10) days' advance
written notice thereof; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing,
neither the Borrower nor any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall change the
location of its principal place of business, chief executive office, major
executive office, chief place of business or its records concerning its business
and financial affairs to any place outside the contiguous continental United
States of America.
SECTION 9.8 Transactions with Affiliates. Except as set forth on
Schedule 9.8, not, and not permit any of the Insurance Subsidiaries to, enter
into, or cause, suffer or permit to exist
58
any arrangement, Reinsurance Agreement, Surplus Relief Reinsurance Agreement or
contract with any of its other Affiliates (other than the Borrower, another
Insurance Subsidiary or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of any of them) unless, in the
case of any arrangement, contract or instrument which is material to the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, written notice is given to the
Administrative Agent (which shall promptly deliver copies of such notice to the
Banks) subsequent to such arrangement and, in any case, such arrangement,
contract or instrument (a) is fair and equitable to the Borrower or such
Subsidiary and (b) is of a sort which would be entered into by a prudent Person
in the position of the Borrower or such Subsidiary with a Person which is not
one of its Affiliates.
SECTION 9.9 [Intentionally left blank.]
SECTION 9.10 Investments. Not, and not permit any of its Subsidiaries
to, make, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Investment in any other Person,
except:
(a) Investments existing on the Effective Date and identified
in Schedule 9.10;
(b) Cash Equivalents;
(c) without duplication, Investments permitted as Indebtedness
pursuant to Section 9.1;
(d) Investments by the Borrower in any of its Wholly Owned
Subsidiaries or by any such Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in the Borrower or
any other Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, by way of
contributions to capital or loans or advances;
(e) other Investments by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
which are in compliance with all of the following guidelines:
(i) All Investments made by any Insurance Subsidiary shall
be in compliance with the applicable Department of such Insurance
Subsidiary;
(ii) No Investments in mortgage loans, except (A) for
existing direct mortgage loans listed on Schedule 9.10 and refinancings
thereof and (B) other Investments in direct mortgage loans; provided,
that such Investments, when aggregated with Investments in real estate
permitted by clause (iii) below, shall not exceed 8% of the aggregate
Investments of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis;
(iii) No Investments in real estate, except for existing
Investments in real estate listed on Schedule 9.10 and additional
Investments in real estate; provided, that such Investments, when
aggregated with Investments in
59
mortgage loans permitted by clause (ii) above, shall not exceed 8% of
the aggregate Investments of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis;
(iv) Investments by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on
a consolidated basis, in equity securities (excluding Investments in
any Subsidiary of the Borrower) and non-Investment Grade Securities
shall not exceed in the aggregate 15% of the Investments of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;
(v) Investments by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a
consolidated basis, in Investments relating to a single issuer (other
than U.S. Government Securities) shall not exceed in the aggregate 4%
of the Investments of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis;
(vi) Investments in connection with Permitted Transactions;
(vii) Investments in CMO Derivative Investments in an
amount not to exceed in the aggregate 4% of the Investments of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;
(f) Credit Tenant Loans, CMOs and CBOs; and
(g) Investments, in addition to the Investments permitted by
clauses (a) - (f) above, which do not exceed in the aggregate 4% of the
Investments of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis.
SECTION 9.11 Certain Indebtedness. Not, and not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to:
(a) make any payment (whether of principal, interest or
otherwise) on any Senior Notes on any day other than the stated
scheduled date for such payment set forth in the Senior Note Documents
as of the Effective Date;
(b) prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or transfer its
obligations under any Senior Notes, or make any deposit for any of the
foregoing; or
(c) amend or modify any Senior Note Documents if such
amendment or modification could have an adverse effect on the Banks or
any material provision of the Loan Documents.
SECTION 10. FINANCIAL COVENANTS
The Borrower agrees that, on and after the Closing Date until the
termination or expiration of the Commitments and for so long thereafter as any
of the Liabilities remain unpaid or outstanding, it will comply with the
following:
60
SECTION 10.1 Shareholders' Equity. Not permit Total Shareholders'
Equity of the Borrower to be less than $2,400,000,000 at any time on or after
the Closing Date.
SECTION 10.2 Debt to Total Capitalization Ratio. Not permit the Debt to
Total Capitalization Ratio to exceed 0.45:1 at any time on or after the Closing
Date. This ratio shall be measured at the end of each Fiscal Quarter.
SECTION 10.3 Interest Coverage Ratio. Not permit the Interest Coverage
Ratio to be less than (a) 2.25:1 for the three Fiscal Quarters ending September
30, 1997, and (b) 2.5:1 for any four Fiscal Quarters ending thereafter. This
ratio shall be measured at the end of each Fiscal Quarter for the periods
provided in the definition thereof.
SECTION 11. CONDITIONS
The obligation of the Banks to make the Loans is subject to the
performance by the Borrower of all of its obligations under this Agreement and
to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
SECTION 11.1 Initial Loans. Prior to or concurrent with the making of
the initial Loans, the Administrative Agent shall have received all of the
following, each, except to the extent otherwise specified below, duly executed
by a Responsible Officer, dated the date of the initial Loans (or such earlier
date as shall be satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), in form and
substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, and each in sufficient
number of signed counterparts or copies to provide one for each Bank and the
Administrative Agent:
11.1.1 If requested by a Bank, an appropriately completed
Note, payable to the order of such Bank evidencing such Bank's
Commitment;
11.1.2 A favorable opinion of Xxxx X. Xxxxxx, legal counsel
for the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries, substantially in the
form of Exhibit L hereto, and addressing such other legal matters as
the Administrative Agent may require;
11.1.3 An officer's certificate of the Borrower, substantially
in the form of Exhibit M hereto, and dated as of the Closing Date,
signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and attested to by the
secretary thereof, together with certified copies of the Borrower's
articles of incorporation, by-laws and directors resolutions;
11.1.4 [Intentionally left blank.];
11.1.5 [Intentionally left blank.];
61
11.1.6 A letter from the Process Agent agreeing to receive
service of process on behalf of the Borrower pursuant to Section 15.11
hereof;
11.1.7 Certified copies of each material consent, license and
approval (including, without limitation, any insurance commission
approvals) required in connection with the execution, delivery,
performance, validity and enforceability of this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents; such consents, licenses and approvals shall be in
full force and effect, shall be satisfactory in form and substance to
the Administrative Agent and shall be all of the material consents
required to be obtained or made on or before the consummation of the
financing contemplated by this Agreement;
11.1.8 A certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower
that there are no material insurance regulatory proceedings pending or
threatened against any of the Insurance Subsidiaries;
11.1.9 A certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower,
dated the Closing Date, as to the matters set forth in Sections 11.3.2
through 11.3.5 hereof;
11.1.10 An officer's certificate signed by a Responsible
Officer of the Borrower, certifying that to such officer's best
knowledge, since December 31, 1996, no event has occurred which
individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect;
11.1.11 An Account Designation Letter, together with written
instructions from a duly authorized Responsible Officer, including wire
transfer information, directing the payment of the proceeds of the
initial Loans to be made hereunder;
11.1.12 [Intentionally left blank.];
11.1.13 Schedules and Exhibits satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent and the Banks;
11.1.14 A Federal Reserve Form U-1 for each Bank, duly
executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, the statements made
in which shall be such, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, as
to permit the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in accordance
with Regulation U;
11.1.15 Evidence satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that
each of the Loan Documents has been duly executed and delivered and is
in full force and effect without modification;
62
11.1.16 Receipt by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of
the consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for each of fiscal years 1995 and 1996, including balance
sheets and income and cash flow statements, in each case audited by
independent public accountants of recognized national standing and
containing an unqualified opinion of such firm that such statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position and results of operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, respectively, and are prepared in conformity with GAAP;
11.1.17 [Intentionally left blank.];
11.1.18 There shall not exist any pending or threatened
action, suit, investigation or proceeding against the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries that would have or would reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect; and
11.1.19 Such other information and documents as may reasonably
be required by the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent's
counsel.
SECTION 11.2 [Intentionally left blank.]
SECTION 11.3 All Loans. The obligation of the Banks to make Loans
hereunder is subject to the following further conditions precedent:
11.3.1 The Administrative Agent shall have received a duly
executed Notice of Borrowing;
11.3.2 No Default exists or will result from the making of
the Loans;
11.3.3 The representations and warranties of the Borrower
contained in Section 7 and by the Borrower in the other Loan Documents
are true and correct with the same effect as though made on the
Borrowing Date;
11.3.4 No Material Litigation exists except as disclosed on
Schedule 7.8; and
11.3.5 No Material Adverse Change has occurred since September
30, 1996.
SECTION 12. EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND THEIR EFFECT
SECTION 12.1 Events of Default. An "Event of Default" shall exist if
any one or more of the following events (herein collectively called "Events of
Default") shall occur and be continuing:
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12.1.1 Non-Payment of Loans, etc.
(a) Default in the payment or prepayment when due of any
principal on the Loans, or
(b) Default in the payment within five (5) days of when due of
any interest on the Loans or any other amount owing by the Borrower
pursuant to this Agreement.
12.1.2 Non-Payment of Other Indebtedness. Default in the
payment when due (subject to any applicable grace period), whether by
acceleration or otherwise, of any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any
of its Significant Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness in respect of
this Agreement) in an amount in excess of $50,000,000; or default in
the performance or observance of any obligation or condition with
respect to any such Indebtedness if the effect of such default is to
accelerate or could result in the acceleration of the maturity of any
such Indebtedness or to permit the holder or holders thereof, or any
trustee or agent for such holders, to cause such Indebtedness to become
due and payable prior to its expressed maturity. For purposes of this
Section 12.1.2, Indebtedness shall refer only to Indebtedness included
in clauses (a) through (d) and clause (h) of the definition of
Indebtedness.
12.1.3 Bankruptcy, Insolvency, etc. The Borrower or any of its
Significant Subsidiaries or Insurance Subsidiaries becomes insolvent or
generally fails to pay, or admits in writing its inability to pay,
debts as they become due; or the applicable Department places the
Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or any of its Insurance
Subsidiaries under supervision or conservation; or the Borrower or any
of its Significant Subsidiaries or Insurance Subsidiaries applies for,
consents to, or acquiesces in, the appointment of a trustee, receiver
or other custodian for the Borrower or such Significant Subsidiary or
Insurance Subsidiary or any property thereof, or makes a general
assignment for the benefit of creditors; or, in the absence of such
application, consent or acquiescence, a trustee, receiver or other
custodian is appointed for the Borrower or any of its Significant
Subsidiaries or Insurance Subsidiaries or for a substantial part of the
property of any thereof and is not discharged within sixty (60) days;
or any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement, or other case or
proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any dissolution
or liquidation proceeding (except the voluntary dissolution, not under
any bankruptcy or insolvency law, of a Subsidiary), is commenced in
respect of the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or
Insurance Subsidiaries and if such case or proceeding is not commenced
by the Borrower or such Significant Subsidiary or Insurance Subsidiary,
it is consented to or acquiesced in by the Borrower or such Significant
Subsidiary or Insurance Subsidiary or remains for sixty (60) days
undismissed; or
64
the Borrower or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or Insurance
Subsidiaries takes any corporate action to authorize, or in furtherance
of, any of the foregoing.
12.1.4 Defaults Under this Agreement. Failure by the Borrower
to comply with or perform any of the covenants or agreements of the
Borrower set forth in Sections 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 and 10.
12.1.5 Other Noncompliance with this Agreement. Failure by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to comply with or perform any other
provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents applicable to
it (other than those listed in Section 12.1.4 or those constituting an
Event of Default under any of the other provisions of this Section 12)
and continuance of such failure for thirty (30) days after notice
thereof to the Borrower from the Administrative Agent.
12.1.6 Representations and Warranties. Any representation or
warranty made by the Borrower in any of the Loan Documents is false or
misleading in any material respect as of the date hereof or as of the
date hereafter certified, or any schedule, certificate, financial
statement, report, notice, or other writing furnished by the Borrower
to the Administrative Agent or any Bank is false or misleading in any
material respect on the date as of which the facts therein set forth
are stated or certified.
12.1.7 Pension Plans and Welfare Plans. With respect to any
Single Employer Pension Plan as to which the Borrower or any other
Controlled Group member may have any liability, there shall exist a
deficiency of more than $20,000,000 as to any Controlled Group member
(other than the Borrower) or $65,000,000 as to the Borrower in the
Pension Plan assets available to satisfy the benefits guaranteeable
under ERISA with respect to such Pension Plan, and steps are undertaken
to terminate such plan or such Pension Plan is terminated or the
Borrower or any other Controlled Group member withdraws from or
institutes steps to withdraw from such Pension Plan, or the Borrower
has knowledge that steps have been taken to terminate any Multiemployer
Pension Plan and such termination may result in liability to any
Controlled Group member (other than the Borrower) in excess of
$20,000,000 or $65,000,000 as to the Borrower or any Reportable Event
with respect to such Pension Plan has occurred which could result in
the incurrence of liability by any Controlled Group member (other than
the Borrower) in excess of $20,000,000 or $65,000,000 as to the
Borrower or steps are taken to terminate any Multiemployer Pension Plan
and such termination may result in any liability of any Controlled
Group member (other than the Borrower) in excess of $20,000,000 or
$65,000,000 as to the Borrower shall occur.
65
12.1.8 Adverse Judgment. One or more final judgments or
decrees shall be entered against the Borrower or any of its
Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries and/or Significant Subsidiaries involving,
individually or in the aggregate, a liability (other than a liability
of an Insurance Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business) (not
covered by collectible insurance) of $30,000,000 or more, and all such
judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated, satisfied, discharged
or stayed or bonded, if required by law, pending appeal within thirty
(30) consecutive days from the entry thereof.
12.1.9 Change in Control. The occurrence of a Change in
Control.
12.1.10 Material Adverse Change. The occurrence of any event
which, in the reasonable judgment of the Required Banks, constitutes a
Material Adverse Change.
SECTION 12.2 Effect of Event of Default. If any Event of Default
described in Section 12.1.3 shall occur and be continuing, the Commitments (if
they have not theretofore terminated) shall immediately terminate and all
Liabilities shall become immediately due and payable, all without presentment,
demand, protest or notice of any kind; and, in the case of any other Event of
Default, the Administrative Agent may (or shall, upon the written request of the
Required Banks) declare the Commitments (if they have not theretofore
terminated) to be terminated and all Liabilities to be due and payable,
whereupon the Commitments (if they have not theretofore terminated) shall
immediately terminate and all Liabilities shall become immediately due and
payable, all without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind. The
Administrative Agent shall promptly advise the Borrower and each Bank of any
such declaration, but failure to do so shall not impair the effect of such
declaration. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any provision of Section 15.1, the
effect as an Event of Default of any event described in Section 12.1.3 may be
waived by the written concurrence of the Banks holding 100% of the aggregate
unpaid principal amount of the Loans, and the effect as an Event of Default of
any other event described in this Section 12 may be waived as provided in
Section 15.1.
SECTION 13. THE AGENT
SECTION 13.1 Authorization and Action. Each Bank hereby appoints and
authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as administrative agent
on its behalf and to exercise such powers to the extent provided herein or in
any document or instrument delivered hereunder or in connection herewith,
together with such other action as may be reasonably incidental thereto. As to
matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement (including, without
limitation, enforcement or collection of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document) the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any
66
discretion, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be
fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of
the Required Banks and such instructions shall be binding upon all Banks. Under
no circumstances shall the Administrative Agent have any fiduciary duties to any
Bank or be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to
personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or to the other Loan
Documents or applicable law.
SECTION 13.2 Liability of the Administrative Agent. None of the
Administrative Agent or any of its directors, officers, agents or employees
shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under
or in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, except for
its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent: (a) may treat a Bank as such until
the Administrative Agent receives an executed Assignment Agreement entered into
between a Bank and an Eligible Assignee pursuant to Section 14.1; (b) may
consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent
public accountants and other experts or consultants selected by it; (c) shall
not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by the
Administrative Agent in accordance with the advice of counsel, accountants,
consultants or experts; (d) shall make no warranty or representation to any Bank
and shall not be responsible to any Bank for any recitals, statements,
warranties or representations, whether written or oral, made in or in connection
with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; (e) shall not have any duty to
ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms,
obligations, covenants or conditions of this Agreement on the part of the
Borrower or to inspect the property (including, without limitation, any books
and records) of the Borrower; (f) shall not be responsible to any Bank for the
due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or
value of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or other support or security
(including the validity, priority or perfection of any Lien), or any other
document furnished in connection with any of the foregoing; and (g) shall incur
no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by
action upon any written notice, statement, certificate, order, telephone
message, facsimile or other document which the Administrative Agent believes in
good faith to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by
the proper Person.
SECTION 13.3 Administrative Agent and Affiliates. With respect to the
Loans made by it, First Union shall have the same rights and powers under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any other Bank and may exercise the
same as though it were not the Administrative Agent; and the term "Bank" or
"Banks" shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include First Union in its
individual capacity. First Union and its Affiliates may accept deposits from,
lend money to, act as
67
trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with,
the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries and any Person who may do business with
or own securities of the Borrower or any such Subsidiary, all as if First Union
were not the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to
the Banks.
SECTION 13.4 Bank Credit Decision. Each Bank acknowledges that it has,
independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other
Bank and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 7.6 and such
other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Bank also
acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the
Administrative 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
credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement.
SECTION 13.5 Indemnification. The Banks agree to indemnify the
Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably
according to their Percentages, from and against any and all liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed
on, incurred by, or assessed against the Administrative Agent in any way
relating to or arising out of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or any
action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or the
other Loan Documents; provided, that no Bank shall be liable for any portion of
such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments,
suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Administrative
Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limiting any of the
foregoing, each Bank agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent promptly upon
demand for its Percentage of any expenses (including reasonable counsel fees)
incurred by the Administrative Agent (in its individual capacity as agent or in
its capacity as representative of the Banks) in connection with the preparation,
execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment, waiver or
enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of,
or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under this Agreement or
the other Loan Documents to the extent that the Administrative Agent is not
reimbursed for such expenses by the Borrower. All obligations provided for in
this Section 13.5 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 13.6 Successor Agent. The Administrative Agent may, and at the
request of the Required Banks shall, resign as Administrative Agent upon 30
days' notice to the Banks. If the Administrative Agent resigns under this
Agreement, the Required Banks shall appoint from among the Banks a successor
agent for the Banks which successor agent shall be approved by the Borrower
(which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). If no successor agent is
appointed prior to the effective date of the
68
resignation of the Administrative Agent, the Administrative Agent may appoint,
after consulting with the Banks and the Borrower, a successor agent from among
the Banks. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder,
such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the
retiring Administrative Agent and the term "Administrative Agent" shall mean
such successor agent and the retiring Administrative Agent's appointment, powers
and duties as Administrative Agent shall be terminated. After any retiring
Administrative Agent's resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the
provisions of this Section 13 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken
or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this
Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as Administrative
Agent by the date which is 30 days following a retiring Administrative Agent's
notice of resignation, the retiring Administrative Agent's resignation shall
nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Banks shall perform all of the
duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the
Required Banks appoint a successor agent as provided for above.
SECTION 14. ASSIGNMENTS AND PARTICIPATIONS
SECTION 14.1 Assignments.
(a) Each Bank shall have the right at any time to assign with
the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (which
consent, in each case, will not unreasonably be withheld), to any
Eligible Assignee, all or any part of such Bank's rights and
obligations under this Agreement and each other Loan Document including
its rights in respect of its Loans and Notes. Any such assignment shall
be pursuant to an assignment agreement, substantially in the form of
Exhibit N (an "Assignment Agreement"), duly executed by such Bank and
the Eligible Assignee, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent and
the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Bank may make
assignments to its Affiliates or to any Federal Reserve Bank without
obtaining consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent.
(b) Each assignment shall be pro rata with respect to all
rights and obligations of the assigning Bank including its Commitment,
Loans and Note, if any. Each assignment shall be in an amount equal to
or in excess of $10,000,000 (except for assignments of the entire
unpaid balance, if less than $10,000,000, of the Loans of a Bank or
assignments to existing Banks). In the case of any such assignment,
upon the fulfillment of the conditions in Section 14.1(c), this
Agreement shall be deemed to be amended to the extent, and only to the
extent, necessary to reflect the addition of such Eligible Assignee,
and such Eligible Assignee shall for all purposes be a Bank party
hereto and shall have, to the extent of such assignment, the same
rights and obligations as a Bank hereunder.
69
(c) An assignment shall become effective hereunder when all of
the following shall have occurred:
(i) the Assignment Agreement shall have been
executed by the parties thereto,
(ii) the Assignment Agreement shall have been
acknowledged by the Administrative Agent and by the Borrower,
(iii) either the assigning Bank or the Eligible
Assignee shall have paid a processing fee of $3,000 to the
Administrative Agent for its own account; provided that the Eligible
Assignee shall be solely responsible for such processing fee with
respect to any assignment pursuant to Sections 5.8 and 15.2, and
(iv) the assigning Bank and the Administrative Agent
shall have agreed upon a date upon which such assignment shall become
effective. Upon such assignment becoming effective, the Administrative
Agent shall forward all payments of interest, principal, fees and other
amounts that would have been made to the assigning Bank, in proportion
to the percentage of the assigning Bank's rights transferred, to the
Eligible Assignee.
(d) Upon the effectiveness of any assignment, the assigning
Bank shall be relieved from its obligations hereunder to the extent of
the obligations so assigned (except to the extent, if any, that the
Borrower, any other Bank or the Administrative Agent have rights
against such assigning Bank as a result of any default by such Bank
under this Agreement). Promptly following the effectiveness of each
assignment, the Administrative Agent shall furnish to the Borrower and
each Bank a revised Schedule 1.1-A, revised to reflect such assignment.
SECTION 14.2 Participations.
(a) Each Bank may grant participations in all or any part of
its Loans, Commitments and, if applicable, the Notes to any Eligible
Assignee. A participant shall not have any rights under this Agreement
or any other document delivered in connection herewith (the
participant's rights against such Bank in respect of such participation
to be those set forth in the agreement executed by such Bank in favor
of the participant relating thereto, which agreement with respect to
such participation shall not restrict such Bank's ability to make any
modification, amendment or waiver to this Agreement without the consent
of the participant except that the consent of such participant may be
required in connection with matters requiring the consent of all of the
Banks under Section 15.1). Notwithstanding the foregoing, each
participant shall have the rights of a Bank pursuant to Section 4.7.
All amounts payable by the Borrower under this
70
Agreement shall be determined as if the Bank had not sold such
participation. In the event of any such sale by a Bank of participating
interests to a participant, such Bank's obligations under this
Agreement shall remain unchanged, such Bank shall remain solely
responsible for the performance thereof, such Bank shall remain the
holder of any obligation for all purposes under this Agreement, and the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall continue to deal solely and
directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank's rights and
obligations under this Agreement.
(b) Limitation of Rights of any Participant. Notwithstanding
anything in the foregoing to the contrary,
(i) no participant shall have any direct rights
hereunder,
(ii) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the
Banks, other than the selling Bank, shall deal solely with the selling
Bank and shall not be obligated to extend any rights or make any
payment to, or seek any consent of, the participant,
(iii) no participation shall relieve the selling Bank
of any of its other obligations hereunder and such Bank shall remain
solely responsible for the performance thereof, and
(iv) no participant, other than an affiliate of the
selling Bank, shall be entitled to require such Bank to take or omit to
take any action hereunder, except that such Bank may agree with such
participant that such Bank will not, without such participant's
consent, take any action which requires the consent of all of the Banks
under Section 15.1.
SECTION 14.3 Disclosure of Information. The Borrower authorizes each
Bank to disclose to any participant, assignee or Eligible Assignee (each, a
"Transferee") and any prospective Transferee any and all financial and other
information in such Bank's possession concerning the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries which has been delivered to such Bank by the Borrower in connection
with such Bank's credit evaluation of the Borrower prior to entering into this
Agreement or which has been delivered to such Bank by the Borrower pursuant to
this Agreement; provided, however, that each Bank, participant, assignee and
Eligible Assignee shall execute a confidentiality agreement substantially in the
form of Exhibit O in which it agrees that it shall hold all non-public,
confidential and proprietary information obtained pursuant to the requirements
of this Agreement in accordance with safe and sound banking and business
practices and may make disclosure reasonably required by any bona fide
participant, assignee or Eligible Assignee in connection with the contemplated
transfer of any portion of the Loans or as required or requested by any
Governmental Authority or
71
representative thereof or pursuant to legal process. For the purposes of this
Section 14.3, by execution of this Agreement each of the Banks shall be deemed
to have agreed to and executed the confidentiality agreement contained in
Exhibit O.
SECTION 14.4 Foreign Transferees. If, pursuant to this Section 14, any
interest in this Agreement or any Loans or any Note is transferred to any
Transferee which is organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
United States or any state thereof or upon the request of the Administrative
Agent, the transferor Bank shall cause such Transferee (other than any
participant), and may cause any participant, concurrently with the effectiveness
of such transfer,
(a) to represent to the transferor Bank (for the benefit of
the transferor Bank, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower) that
under applicable law and treaties no Taxes will be required to be
withheld by the Administrative Agent,
(b) to represent to the Borrower or the transferor Bank that
under applicable law and treaties no Taxes will be required to be
withheld with respect to any payments to be made to such Transferee in
respect of the Loans or, if applicable, the Notes,
(c) to furnish to the transferor Bank, the Administrative
Agent and the Borrower either U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 4224
or U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 (wherein such Transferee
claims entitlement to complete exemption from U.S. federal withholding
tax on all interest payments hereunder), and
(d) to agree (for the benefit of the transferor Bank, the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower) to provide the transferor Bank,
the Administrative Agent and the Borrower a new Form 4224 or Form 1001
upon the obsolescence of any previously delivered form and comparable
statements in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations and
amendments duly executed and completed by such Transferee, and to
comply from time to time with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations
with regard to such withholding tax exemption.
SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 15.1 Waivers and Amendments. The provisions of this Agreement
and of each other Loan Document may from time to time be amended, modified or
waived, if such amendment, modification or waiver is in writing and consented to
by the Borrower and the Required Banks; provided, that no such amendment,
modification or waiver:
(a) which would modify any requirement hereunder that
any particular action be taken by all Banks or by the
72
Required Banks, shall be effective without the consent of each
Bank;
(b) which would modify this Section 15.1, change the
definition of "Required Banks," change any Percentage for any
Bank (except pursuant to an Assignment Agreement), reduce any
fees, extend the Termination Date or the maturity date of any
Loan, reduce any rate of interest payable on the Loans or
subject any Bank to any additional obligations, shall be
effective without the consent of each Bank;
(c) which would extend the due date for, or reduce
the amount of, any payment or prepayment of principal of or
interest on the Loans or any fees, shall be effective without
the consent of each Bank; or
(d) which would affect adversely the interests,
rights or obligations of the Administrative Agent (in such
capacity) other than removal in accordance with Section 13.6,
shall be effective without consent of the Administrative
Agent.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Section 15.1 to the contrary, any
amendment, waiver or other modification with respect to Section 8, 9 or 10 (or
any related definition in Section 1) of the Existing Credit Agreement shall
automatically likewise amend, waive or otherwise modify the corresponding
provision of Section 8, 9 or 10 (or related definition in Section 1) of this
Agreement unless, within ten (10) Business Days after receipt by the Bank and
the Administrative Agent of written notice of the effectiveness of such
amendment to the Existing Credit Agreement, Banks, whose unwillingness to
consent would, in the aggregate, preclude a consent of the Required Banks,
notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that they do not
consent to such amendment, waiver or other modification with respect to this
Agreement.
SECTION 15.2 Failure to Consent. If any Bank shall fail to consent to
any amendment, modification or waiver described in Section 15.1 (any such Bank
being hereinafter referred to as a "Nonconsenting Bank") then in such case, the
Borrower may, upon at least five (5) Business Days' written notice to the
Administrative Agent and such Nonconsenting Bank, designate a substitute lender
(a "Substitute Bank") acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its sole
discretion, to which such Nonconsenting Bank shall assign all (but not less than
all) of its rights and obligations under the Loans and Commitment hereunder.
Upon any assignment by any Bank pursuant to this Section 15.2 becoming
effective, the Substitute Bank shall thereupon be deemed to be a "Bank" for all
purposes of this Agreement and the assigning Bank shall thereupon cease to be a
"Bank" for all purposes of this Agreement and shall have no further rights or
obligations hereunder (other than pursuant to Sections 5.1, 5.2, 15.4 and 15.5
while such Non-Consenting Bank
73
was a Bank); provided, that all Liabilities (except Liabilities which by the
terms hereof survive the payment in full of the Loans and termination of this
Agreement) due and payable to the Nonconsenting Bank shall be paid in full as of
the date of such assignment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that in
connection with any amendment, modification or waiver more than one Bank is a
Nonconsenting Bank, the Borrower may not require one Bank to assign its rights
and obligations to a Substitute Bank unless all Nonconsenting Banks are required
to make such an assignment. Notwithstanding any Nonconsenting Bank's failure or
refusal to assign its rights, obligations, Loans and Commitment under this
Section 15.2, the Nonconsenting Bank shall cease to be a "Bank" for all purposes
of this Agreement and the Substitute Bank substituted therefor upon payment to
the Nonconsenting Bank by the Substitute Bank of all amounts set forth in this
Section 15.2 without any further action of the Nonconsenting Bank.
SECTION 15.3 Notices. All notices, requests and other communications to
any party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire, telex, facsimile
or similar writing) and shall be given to such party at its address, facsimile
or telex number set forth on the signature or acknowledgement pages hereof or
such other address, facsimile or telex number as such party may hereafter
specify for the purpose by written notice to the Administrative Agent and the
Borrower. Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective
(a) if given by facsimile or telex, when such facsimile or telex is transmitted
to the facsimile or telex number specified in this Section and, in the case of
telex, the appropriate answerback is received, (b) if given by mail, seventy-two
(72) hours after such communication is deposited in the mails with first class
postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid or (c) if given by any other means, when
delivered at the address specified in this Section, provided, that notices to
the Administrative Agent under Sections 3, 4 and 12 shall not be effective until
received by the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 15.4 Payment of Costs and Expenses. The Borrower agrees to pay
on demand all reasonable expenses of the Administrative Agent (including the
non-duplicative fees and reasonable expenses of counsel (including expenses of
in-house counsel) and of local counsel, if any, who may be retained by such
counsel) in connection with:
(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution, syndication and
delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including
schedules and exhibits, and any amendments, waivers, consents,
supplements or other modifications to this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents as may from time to time hereafter be required, whether or
not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby are consummated;
and
74
(b) the preparation and/or review of the form of any document
or instrument relevant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
The Borrower further agrees to pay, and to save the Administrative Agent and the
Banks harmless from all liability for, any stamp or other Taxes (other than
income taxes of the Administrative Agent or the Banks) which may be payable in
connection with the execution or delivery of this Agreement, the borrowing
hereunder, or the issuance of the Notes or any other Loan Document. The Borrower
also agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent and each Bank upon demand for
all reasonable expenses (including attorneys' fees and legal expenses) incurred
by the Administrative Agent or such Bank in connection with the enforcement of
any Liabilities and the consideration of legal issues relevant hereto and
thereto whether or not such expenses are incurred by the Administrative Agent on
its own behalf or on behalf of the Banks. All obligations of the Borrower
provided for in this Section 15.4 shall survive termination of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Bank
shall have the right to reimbursement under this Section 15.4 for amounts
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have arisen from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or such Bank.
SECTION 15.5 Indemnity. The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Bank and
each Bank's respective directors, officers, employees, persons controlling or
controlled by any of them or their respective agents, consultants, attorneys and
advisors (the "Indemnified Parties") and hold each Indemnified Party harmless
from and against any and all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, costs and
expenses of any kind to which any of the Indemnified Parties may become subject,
whether directly or indirectly (including, without limitation, the reasonable
fees and disbursements of counsel for any Indemnified Party), relating to or
arising out of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any actual or
proposed use of the proceeds of the Loans hereunder; provided, that no
Indemnified Party shall have the right to be indemnified hereunder for its own
gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent
jurisdiction. All obligations of the Borrower provided for in this Section 15.5
shall survive termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 15.6 Subsidiary References. The provisions of this Agreement
relating to Subsidiaries shall apply only during such times as a Person
referenced in such a provision has one or more Subsidiaries.
SECTION 15.7 Captions. Section captions used in this Agreement are for
convenience only, and shall not affect the construction of this Agreement.
SECTION 15.8 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT, THE NOTES AND THE LOANS
SHALL BE A CONTRACT MADE UNDER AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS
75
OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES.
ALL OBLIGATIONS OF THE BORROWER AND RIGHTS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE
BANKS IN RESPECT OF THE LIABILITIES EXPRESSED HEREIN OR IN THE OTHER LOAN
DOCUMENTS SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO AND NOT IN LIMITATION OF THOSE PROVIDED BY
APPLICABLE LAW.
SECTION 15.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts and by the different parties on separate counterparts and each
such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts
shall together constitute but one and the same agreement. When counterparts
executed by all the parties shall have been lodged with the Administrative Agent
(or, in the case of any Bank as to which an executed counterpart shall not have
been so lodged, the Administrative Agent shall have received telegraphic,
facsimile, telex or other written confirmation from such Bank of execution of a
counterpart hereof by such Bank), this Agreement shall become effective as of
the Closing Date, and at such time the Administrative Agent shall notify the
Borrower and each Bank.
SECTION 15.10 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF VENUE. THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, EACH AGENT, EACH BANK AND THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
SUBMIT TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY NORTH CAROLINA STATE OR FEDERAL
COURT SITTING IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA OVER ANY ACTION OR
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER LOAN
DOCUMENTS, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, EACH AGENT, EACH BANK AND THE BORROWER
HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREE THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING
MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS. THE ADMINISTRATIVE
AGENT, EACH AGENT, EACH BANK AND THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE, TO THE
FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO
THE LAYING OF VENUE IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING (WHETHER BROUGHT BY THE
BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY AGENT, ANY BANK, OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY
COURT HEREINABOVE SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION 15.10 AS WELL AS ANY RIGHT IT MAY
NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO REMOVE ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ONCE COMMENCED,
TO ANOTHER COURT ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR OTHERWISE. THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, EACH AGENT, EACH BANK AND THE BORROWER AGREE THAT A FINAL
JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE
ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER
PROVIDED BY LAW.
SECTION 15.11 Service of Process. The Borrower hereby irrevocably
appoints C.T. Corporation (the "Process Agent"), with an office on the date
hereof at 000 Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000, as its agent
to receive on behalf of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and their property
service of copies of the summons and complaint and any other process which may
be served in any such action or proceeding. A copy of such process shall also be
mailed by express two-day delivery, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at its
address specified pursuant to Section 15.3; provided, however, that failure to
give a copy of
76
such notice to the Borrower will not affect the validity of service on the
Process Agent. Such service may be made by delivering by express two-day
delivery or hand delivering a copy of such process to the Borrower in care of
the Process Agent at the Process Agent's above address, and the Borrower hereby
irrevocably authorizes and directs the Process Agent to accept such service on
its behalf. The Borrower agrees to indemnify such Process Agent in connection
with all matters relating to its appointment as agent of the Borrower for such
purposes, to enter into any agreement relating to such appointment which such
Process Agent may customarily require, and to pay such Process Agent's customary
fees upon demand. As an alternative method of service, the Borrower for itself
and its Subsidiaries also irrevocably consents to the service of any and all
process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies of such
process to the Borrower at its address specified pursuant to Section 15.3.
Nothing in this Section 15.11 shall affect the right of the Administrative Agent
or any Bank to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law.
SECTION 15.12 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns; provided, however, that: the Borrower may not assign or
transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan
Document without the prior written consent of all Banks, and the rights of the
Banks to make assignments or grant participations are subject to the provisions
of Section 14.
SECTION 15.13 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE
AGENT AND EACH BANK HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY
RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM CONCERNING
ANY RIGHTS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER DOCUMENT
OR AGREEMENT DELIVERED OR WHICH MAY IN THE FUTURE BE DELIVERED IN CONNECTION
HEREWITH OR THEREWITH, OR ARISING FROM ANY BANKING RELATIONSHIP EXISTING IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, AND AGREE THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, PROCEEDING OR
COUNTERCLAIM SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A COURT AND NOT BEFORE A JURY; THIS PROVISION
IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE PARTIES ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.
77
Executed as of the day and year first above written.
CONSECO, INC.
By: /s/ XXXXXX X. XXXX
---------------------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
Title: Chief Financial Officer and
Executive Vice President
Notice Address
Address: 00000 X. Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xx.
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxx X. Xxxx
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
C-462027v04.11222.01014
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as
Administrative Agent and as a Bank
By: /s/ XXXX X. XXXXXXXXX
---------------------------------------------
Commitment:
$200,000,000 Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Title: Senior Vice President
Instructions for wire transfers
to the Administrative Agent:
First Union National Bank
ABA Routing Xx. 000000000
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx
General Ledger No. 465906, RC No. 5007
Attention: Syndication Agency Services
Re: Conseco, Inc. Six-Month Loan
Address for notices as a Lender:
First Union National Bank
One First Union Center, 5th Floor
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Xx. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, Xx.
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy: (000) 000-0000
Lending Office:
First Union National Bank
One First Union Center, 5th Floor
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Xx. Xxxx Xxxxxx
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy: (000) 000-0000
C-462027v04.11222.01014