FIVE YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT
Β
Exhibit
10.22
EXECUTION
COPY
FIVE
YEAR
among
WISCONSIN
PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION,
as
Borrower,
THE
LENDERS IDENTIFIED HEREIN,
U.S.
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as
Syndication
Agent
XXXXX
FARGO BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION,
as
Co-Documentation
Agent
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Co-Documentation
Agent
UBS
SECURITIES LLC,
as
Co-Documentation
Agent
CITIBANK,
N.A.,
as
Administrative
Agent
and
CITIGROUP
GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
and U.S. BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION,
as
Co-Lead
Arrangers and Book Managers
DATED
AS OF JUNE 2,
2005
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
SECTION
1.
|
DEFINITIONS
AND ACCOUNTING TERMSΒ
|
1
|
Β
|
1.1
|
DefinitionsΒ
|
1
|
Β
|
1.2
|
Computation
of Time PeriodsΒ
|
12
|
Β
|
1.3
|
Accounting
TermsΒ
|
13
|
SECTION
2.
|
LOANSΒ
|
13
|
Β
|
2.1
|
Revolving
Loan CommitmentΒ
|
13
|
Β
|
2.2
|
Method
of
Borrowing for Revolving LoansΒ
|
13
|
Β
|
2.3
|
Funding
of
Revolving LoansΒ
|
13
|
Β
|
2.4
|
Continuations
and ConversionsΒ
|
14
|
Β
|
2.5
|
Minimum
AmountsΒ
|
15
|
Β
|
2.6
|
Reductions
of
Revolving Loan CommitmentΒ
|
15
|
Β
|
2.7
|
NotesΒ
|
15
|
Β
|
2.8
|
Swing
Line
LoansΒ
|
15
|
Β
|
2.9
|
Letters
of
CreditΒ
|
17
|
SECTION
3.
|
PAYMENTSΒ
|
23
|
Β
|
3.1
|
InterestΒ
|
23
|
Β
|
3.2
|
PrepaymentsΒ
|
23
|
Β
|
3.3
|
Payment
in
Full at MaturityΒ
|
24
|
Β
|
3.4
|
FeesΒ
|
24
|
Β
|
3.5
|
Place
and
Manner of PaymentsΒ
|
24
|
Β
|
3.6
|
Pro
Rata
TreatmentΒ
|
25
|
Β
|
3.7
|
Computations
of Interest and FeesΒ
|
25
|
Β
|
3.8
|
Sharing
of
PaymentsΒ
|
26
|
Β
|
3.9
|
Evidence
of
DebtΒ
|
26
|
SECTION
4.
|
ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS REGARDING LOANSΒ
|
27Β
|
Β
|
4.1
|
Eurodollar
Loan ProvisionsΒ
|
27
|
Β
|
4.2
|
Capital
AdequacyΒ
|
29
|
Β
|
4.3
|
CompensationΒ
|
29
|
Β
|
4.4
|
TaxesΒ
|
30
|
Β
i
Β
Β
|
4.5
|
Replacement
of LendersΒ
|
32
|
SECTION
5.
|
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENTΒ
|
32
|
Β
|
5.1
|
Closing
ConditionsΒ
|
32
|
Β
|
5.2
|
Conditions
to
Each Extension of CreditΒ
|
34
|
Β
|
5.3
|
Conditions
to
Each Extension of Credit On and After Any Trigger
DateΒ
|
35
|
SECTION
6.
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIESΒ
|
35
|
Β
|
6.1
|
Organization
and Good Standing; AssetsΒ
|
35
|
Β
|
6.2
|
Due
AuthorizationΒ
|
36
|
Β
|
6.3
|
No
ConflictsΒ
|
36
|
Β
|
6.4
|
ConsentsΒ
|
36
|
Β
|
6.5
|
Enforceable
ObligationsΒ
|
36
|
Β
|
6.6
|
Financial
ConditionΒ
|
37
|
Β
|
6.7
|
No
Material
ChangeΒ
|
37
|
Β
|
6.8
|
No
DefaultΒ
|
37
|
Β
|
6.9
|
IndebtednessΒ
|
37
|
Β
|
6.10
|
LitigationΒ
|
37
|
Β
|
6.11
|
TaxesΒ
|
38
|
Β
|
6.12
|
Compliance
with LawΒ
|
38
|
Β
|
6.13
|
ERISA.Β
|
38
|
Β
|
6.14
|
Use
of
Proceeds; Margin StockΒ
|
39
|
Β
|
6.15
|
Government
RegulationΒ
|
39
|
Β
|
6.16
|
DisclosureΒ
|
39
|
SECTION
7.
|
AFFIRMATIVE
COVENANTSΒ
|
40
|
Β
|
7.1
|
Information
CovenantsΒ
|
40
|
Β
|
7.2
|
Financial
CovenantΒ
|
42
|
Β
|
7.3
|
Preservation
of Existence and FranchisesΒ
|
42
|
Β
|
7.4
|
Books
and
RecordsΒ
|
42
|
Β
|
7.5
|
Compliance
with LawΒ
|
42
|
Β
|
7.6
|
Payment
of
Taxes and Other IndebtednessΒ
|
42
|
Β
|
7.7
|
InsuranceΒ
|
42
|
Β
|
7.8
|
Use
of
ProceedsΒ
|
43
|
Β
|
7.9
|
Audits/InspectionsΒ
|
43
|
Β
|
7.10
|
Restrictive
AgreementsΒ
|
43
|
Β
ii
Β
SECTION
8.
|
NEGATIVE
COVENANTSΒ
|
43
|
Β
|
8.1
|
Nature
of
BusinessΒ
|
44
|
Β
|
8.2
|
Consolidation
and MergerΒ
|
44
|
Β
|
8.3
|
Sale
or Lease
of AssetsΒ
|
44
|
Β
|
8.4
|
Arm's-Length
TransactionsΒ
|
44
|
Β
|
8.5
|
Fiscal
YearΒ
|
45
|
Β
|
8.6
|
LiensΒ
|
45
|
SECTION
9.
|
EVENTS
OF
DEFAULTΒ
|
46
|
Β
|
9.1
|
Events
of
DefaultΒ
|
46
|
Β
|
9.2
|
Acceleration;
RemediesΒ
|
48
|
Β
|
9.3
|
Allocation
of
Payments After Event of DefaultΒ
|
49
|
SECTION
10.
|
AGENCY
PROVISIONSΒ
|
50
|
Β
|
10.1
|
AppointmentΒ
|
50
|
Β
|
10.2
|
Delegation
of
DutiesΒ
|
51
|
Β
|
10.3
|
Exculpatory
ProvisionsΒ
|
51
|
Β
|
10.4
|
Reliance
on
CommunicationsΒ
|
51
|
Β
|
10.5
|
Notice
of
DefaultΒ
|
52
|
Β
|
10.6
|
Non-Reliance
on Agent and Other LendersΒ
|
52
|
Β
|
10.7
|
IndemnificationΒ
|
53
|
Β
|
10.8
|
Agent
in Its
Individual CapacityΒ
|
53
|
Β
|
10.9
|
Successor
AgentΒ
|
53
|
SECTION
11.
|
MISCELLANEOUSΒ
|
54
|
Β
|
11.1
|
NoticesΒ
|
54
|
Β
|
11.2
|
Right
of
Set-OffΒ
|
55
|
Β
|
11.3
|
Benefit
of
AgreementΒ
|
55
|
Β
|
11.4
|
No
Waiver;
Remedies CumulativeΒ
|
58
|
Β
|
11.5
|
Payment
of
Expenses, etc.Β
|
58
|
Β
|
11.6
|
Amendments,
Waivers and ConsentsΒ
|
59
|
Β
|
11.7
|
Counterparts/TelecopyΒ
|
60
|
Β
|
11.8
|
HeadingsΒ
|
60
|
Β
|
11.9
|
Defaulting
LenderΒ
|
60
|
11.10Β Β
|
Survival
of
Indemnification and Representations and WarrantiesΒ
|
60
|
11.11Β Β
|
ConfidentialityΒ
|
61
|
Β
iii
Β
11.12Β Β
|
Governing
Law; VenueΒ
|
61
|
11.13Β Β
|
Waiver
of
Jury Trial; Waiver of Consequential DamagesΒ
|
61
|
11.14Β Β
|
TimeΒ
|
62
|
11.15Β Β
|
SeverabilityΒ
|
62
|
11.16Β Β
|
AssurancesΒ
|
62
|
11.17Β Β
|
USA
Patriot
Act NotificationΒ
|
62
|
11.18Β Β
|
EntiretyΒ
|
62
|
SCHEDULES
Β
Schedule
1.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Commitment Percentages
Schedule
6.1(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Subsidiaries
Schedule
8.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Asset Sales
Schedule
8.6Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Existing Liens
Schedule
11.1Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Notices
EXHIBITS
Β
Exhibit
2.2Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit
2.4Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Form of Notice of Continuation/Conversion
Exhibit
2.7Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Form of Revolving Loan Note
Exhibit
7.1(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Form
of Officer's Certificate
Exhibit
11.3Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Form
of Assignment Agreement
iv
FIVE
YEAR
Β
THIS
FIVE YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Credit
Agreement"), dated as of June 2, 2005, is entered into among WISCONSIN
PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION, a Wisconsin corporation (the "Borrower"),
the Lenders (as defined herein), CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC. and U.S. BANK
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Co-Lead Arrangers and Book Managers, U.S. BANK NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, as Syndication Agent, XXXXX FARGO BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. and UBS SECURITIES LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents,
and CITIBANK, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity,
the "Agent").
Β
RECITALS
Β
WHEREAS,the
Borrower has requested that
the Lenders provide a $115 million Five Year revolving credit facility to the
Borrower for the purposes set forth herein; and.
Β
WHEREAS,the
Lenders
have agreed to provide such Five Year revolving credit facility on the terms
and
conditions hereinafter set forth.
Β
NOW,
THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION
of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
Β
Section
1.Β
DEFINITIONS AND
ACCOUNTING TERMS
Β
1.1Β
Definitions.
Β
As
used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings herein specified unless
the context otherwise requires.Β Β Defined terms herein shall include in
the singular number the plural and in the plural the
singular:
Β
"2004
Credit Agreement" means the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of August
6, 2004, among the Borrower, the financial institutions identified as lenders
therein, Xxxxx Fargo Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, Citibank, N.A.,
X.X.Xxxxxx Chase Bank and UBS AG, Stamford Branch, as co-documentation agents,
and U.S. Bank National Association, as lead arranger, book manager and as agent
for the lenders thereunder.
Β
"Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate" means the Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable
Percentage.
Β
"Affiliate"
means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly
controlling (including but not limited to all directors and officers of such
Person), controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such
Person.Β Β A Person shall be deemed to control a corporation if such
Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power (a)Β to vote 10% or more
of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election of directors
of
such corporation or (b) to direct or cause direction of the management and
policies of such corporation, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise.
1
"Agent"
means
Citibank, N.A. and any successors and assigns in such capacity.
Β
"Aggregate
Commitments" means, collectively, the Revolving Loan Commitment of each
Lender.
Β
"Applicable
Percentage" means, at any time, the appropriate applicable percentages
corresponding to the Borrower's Credit Ratings in effect as of the most recent
Calculation Date, as shown below:
Β
Pricing
Level
|
Borrower's
Credit Rating
|
Applicable
Percentage for Eurodollar Loans
|
Applicable
Percentage for Revolving
Fees
|
Applicable
Percentage for Letter of Credit Fees
|
|||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||
I.
|
AA-1+
from
S&P or
Aa3
from
Xxxxx'x
|
0.135%
|
0.065%
|
0.135%
|
|||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||
II.
|
A+
from
S&P or A1 from Xxxxx'x
|
0.175%
|
0.075%
|
0.175%
|
|||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||
III.
|
A
from
S&P or
A2
from
Xxxxx'x
|
0.210%
|
0.090%
|
0.210%
|
|||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||
IV.
|
A-
from
S&P
or
A3 from
Xxxxx'x
|
0.300%
|
0.100%
|
0.300%
|
|||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||
V.
|
BBB+
from
S&P or
Baa1
from
Xxxxx'x
|
0.350%
|
0.125%
|
0.350%
|
|||
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | |||
VI.
|
<BBB
from
S&P or
Baa2
from
Xxxxx'x
|
0.475%
|
0.150%
|
0.475%
|
|||
Β |
or
Unrated
by
S&P
or
Xxxxx'x
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β
The
Applicable
Percentage for Eurodollar Loans, the Revolving Fees and the Letter of Credit
Fees shall, in each case, be determined and adjusted on the date (each a "Calculation Date")
five Business Days after the date there is a change in the Borrower's Credit
Rating.Β Β Each determination of the Applicable Percentage shall be
effective from one Calculation Date until the next Calculation
Date.Β Β Any adjustment in the Applicable Percentage shall be applicable
to all existing Eurodollar Loans as well as any new Eurodollar Loans
made.
Β
In
the event that
the Credit Ratings of S&P and Xxxxx'x do not correspond to the same Pricing
Level, then the higher of the two ratings shall determine the Pricing Level,
except that if the Credit Ratings differ by more than one Pricing Level, the
Pricing Level that is one Pricing Level higher than the Pricing Level
corresponding to the lower of such ratings shall determine the Pricing
Level.
2
The
Borrower shall
promptly deliver to the Agent, at the address set forth on Schedule 11.1,
information regarding any change in the Borrower's Credit Rating, as determined
by S&P and Xxxxx'x, that would change the existing Pricing Level pursuant to
the preceding paragraph.
Β
"Bankruptcy
Code"
means the Bankruptcy Code in Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended,
modified, succeeded or replaced from time to time.
Β
"Base
Rate" means, for
any day, the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest
whole
multiple of 1/100 of 1%) equal to the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Rate
in
effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%
or (b)
the Prime Rate in effect on such day.Β Β If for any reason the Agent
shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest
error) that it is unable after due inquiry to ascertain the Federal Funds Rate
for any reason, including the inability or failure of the Agent to obtain
sufficient quotations in accordance with the terms hereof, the Base Rate shall
be determined without regard to clause (a) of the first sentence of this
definition until the circumstances giving rise to such inability no longer
exist.Β Β Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate
or the Federal Funds Rate shall be effective on the effective date of such
change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate, respectively.
Β
"Base
Rate Loan" means
a Revolving Loan which bears interest based on the Base Rate.
Β
"Borrower"
means
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, a Wisconsin corporation.
Β
"Borrower
Obligations"
means, without duplication, all of the obligations of the Borrower to the
Lenders and the Agent, whenever arising, under this Credit Agreement, the Notes
or any of the other Credit Documents.
Β
"Business
Day" means
any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal holiday or a day on which
banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other governmental
action to close in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and New York, New York; provided that in
the
case of Eurodollar Loans, such day is also a day on which dealings between
banks
are carried on in U.S. dollar deposits in the London interbank
market.
Β
"Capitalization"
means
the sum of (a) Total Funded Debt plus (b) Net Worth.
Β
"Change
of Control"
means any of the following events: (a) any "person" or "group" (within the
meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act) has become, directly
or
indirectly, the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under
the Exchange Act, except that a Person shall be deemed to have "beneficial
ownership" of all shares that any such Person has the right to acquire, whether
such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), by
way
of merger, consolidation or otherwise, of 30% or more of the voting power of
the
Voting Stock of the Parent on a fully-diluted basis, after giving effect to
the
conversion and exercise of all outstanding warrants, options and other
securities of the Parent (whether or not such securities are then currently
convertible or exercisable), (b) during any period of two consecutive calendar
years, individuals who at the beginning of such period
3
constituted
the
board of directors of the Parent cease for any reason to constitute a majority
of the directors of the Parent then in office unless (i) such new directors
were
elected or nominated by a majority of the directors of the Parent who
constituted the board of directors of the Parent at the beginning of such period
or (ii) the reason for such directors failing to constitute a majority is a
result of retirement by directors due to age, death or disability, or (c) the
failure of the Parent to own 100% of the common stock of the
Borrower.
Β
"Closing
Date" means
the date hereof.
Β
"Code"
means the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Β
"Commitment
Percentage" means, for each Lender, the percentage identified as its
Commitment Percentage opposite such Lender's name on Schedule 1.1 attached
hereto, as such percentage may be modified by assignment in accordance with
the
terms of this Credit Agreement or by reductions in the Revolving Loan Commitment
pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof.
Β
"Confidential
Information" means information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower
to the Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement, but does not
include any such information that (a) is or becomes generally available to
the
public, (b) was available to the Agent or any Lender on a nonconfidential basis
prior to its disclosure to the Agent or such Lender by the Borrower or any
of
its Subsidiaries or (c) is or becomes available to the Agent or such Lender
on a
nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries.
Β
"Credit
Documents"
means this Credit Agreement, the Notes, the LOC Documents and all other related
agreements and documents issued or delivered hereunder or thereunder or pursuant
hereto or thereto.
Β
"Credit
Ratings"
means, as of any date, the rating that has been most recently announced by
either S&P or Xxxxx'x, as the case may be, for any class of non-credit
enhanced long-term senior unsecured debt issued by the Borrower or, if no such
debt of the Company is then outstanding, the corporate credit rating most
recently announced by either S&P or Xxxxx'x, as the case may
be.
Β
"Default"
means any
event, act or condition which with notice or lapse of time, or both, would
constitute an Event of Default.
Β
"Defaulting
Lender"
means, at any time, any Lender that, at such time (a) has failed to make a
Loan
required pursuant to the term of this Credit Agreement, (b) has failed to pay
to
the Agent or any Lender an amount owed by such Lender pursuant to the terms
of
this Credit Agreement or (c) has been deemed insolvent or has become subject
to
a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or to a receiver, trustee or similar
official.
Β
"Dollars"
and "$" means dollars
in
lawful currency of the United States of America.
4
"Effective
Date" means
the date on which the conditions set forth in Section 5.1 shall have been
fulfilled (or waived in the sole discretion of the Lenders) and on which the
initial Extension of Credit shall have been made.
Β
"Eligible
Assignee"
means (a) a Lender; (b) an Affiliate of a Lender; and (c)Β any other Person
approved by the Agent and the Borrower (such approval not to be unreasonably
withheld or delayed); provided that (i)
the
Borrower's consent is not required during the existence and continuation of
an
Event of Default, and (ii) neither the Borrower nor an Affiliate of the Borrower
shall qualify as an Eligible Assignee.
Β
"ERISA"
means the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor
statute thereto, as interpreted by the rules and regulations thereunder, all
as
the same may be in effect from time to time.Β Β References to sections
of ERISA shall be construed also to refer to any successor
sections.
Β
"ERISA
Affiliate"
means an entity, whether or not incorporated, which is under common control
with
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries within the meaning of Section
4001(a)(14) of ERISA, or is a member of a group which includes the Borrower
or
any of its Subsidiaries and which is treated as a single employer under Sections
414(b), (c), (m), or (o) of the Code.
Β
"Eurodollar
Loan"
means a Revolving Loan bearing interest at the Adjusted Eurodollar
Rate.
Β
"Eurodollar
Rate"
means with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, for the Interest Period applicable
thereto, a rate per annum determined pursuant to the following
formula:
Β
Β
|
"Eurodollar
Rate" =
|
Β London
Interbank Offered RateΒ Β Β Β Β
|
Β
|
1
-
Eurodollar Reserve Percentage
|
Β
"Eurodollar
Reserve
Percentage" means, for any day, that percentage (expressed as a decimal)
which is in effect from time to time under Regulation D of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor), as such regulation
may be amended from time to time or any successor regulation, 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 of Eurodollar Loans is determined), whether or not a Lender
has any Eurocurrency liabilities subject to such reserve requirement at that
time.Β Β Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute Eurocurrency
liabilities and as such shall be deemed subject to reserve requirements without
benefit of credits or proration, exceptions or offsets that may be available
from time to time to a Lender.Β Β The Eurodollar Rate shall be adjusted
automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the Eurodollar
Reserve Percentage.
Β
"Event
of Default" has
the meaning specified in Section 9.1.
5
"Extension
of Credit"
means, as to any Lender, (i) the making of a Loan by such Lender (or a
participation therein by a Lender) and (ii) the issuance of a Letter of Credit
by the Agent (and the participation therein by the Lenders).
Β
"Fee
Letter" means
that certain letter agreement, dated as of __________, 2005 between the Agent
and the Borrower, as amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time
to
time.
Β
"Federal
Funds Rate"
means for any day the rate per annum (rounded upward to the nearest 1/100th
of
1%) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds
transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal
funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York
on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a)
if
such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be
such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day and (b) if
no
such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal
Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate quoted to the Agent on such
day on such transactions as determined by the Agent.
Β
"First
Mortgage
Indentures" means (a) that certain First Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated
as of January 1, 1941, from Wisconsin Public Service Corporation to U.S. Bank
National Association (successor to First Wisconsin Trust Company), as trustee,
as heretofore or hereafter amended, modified and supplemented and any substitute
or replacement mortgage indenture, (b) that certain Indenture dated as of
DecemberΒ 1, 1998, between Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and U.S.
Bank National Association (successor to Firstar Bank Milwaukee, N.A.), as
trustee, as heretofore or hereafter amended, modified and supplemented and
any
substitute or replacement mortgage indenture, and (c) that certain Indenture
of
Mortgage dated May 1, 1947, from Upper Peninsula Power Company to U.S. Bank
National Association (successor to City National Bank and Trust Company of
Chicago), as trustee, as heretofore or hereafter amended, modified and
supplemented and any substitute or replacement mortgage indenture.
Β
"Funded
Debt" of any
Person means, without duplication, the sum of (a) all Indebtedness of such
Person for borrowed money, except to the extent such Indebtedness is
"non-recourse" to such Person or recourse for payment of such Indebtedness
is
limited to specific assets of such Person (whether or not included on a
consolidated balance sheet of such Person), (b) the principal portion of all
obligations of such Person under capital lease obligations, (c) all obligations,
contingent or otherwise, relative to the face amount of all letters of credit
issued to support Indebtedness of the kinds referred to in clauses (a) and
(b)
above, (d) all Guaranty Obligations of such Person with respect to Indebtedness
and obligations of the type described in clauses (a) through (c) hereof of
another Person; provided that such Guaranty Obligations are required to be
reported as liabilities on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance
with GAAP (and without duplication of any liability already appearing as a
liability on such balance sheet); and further provided that, in the event a
Guaranty Obligation is limited as to dollar amount, such Guaranty Obligation
shall not exceed such limitation, and (e) all Indebtedness and obligations
of
the type described in clauses (a), (b), and (c) hereof of another Person,
secured by a Lien on any property of such Person whether or not such
Indebtedness or obligations has been assumed by such
Person.Β Β Notwithstanding the foregoing, Funded Debt
6
shall
not include
trust preferred securities, if any, shall not include interest on Indebtedness
that is accrued in the ordinary course of business and shall not include
intercompany Indebtedness.
Β
"GAAP"
means generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent
basis and subject to Section 1.3.
Β
"Governmental
Authority" means any Federal, state, local or foreign court or
governmental agency, authority, instrumentality or regulatory body.
Β
"Guaranty
Obligations"
means, with respect to any Person, without duplication, any obligations (other
than endorsements in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments
for deposit or collection) guaranteeing any Funded Debt of any other Person
in
any manner, whether direct or indirect, and including without limitation any
obligation, whether or not contingent, (a) to purchase any such Funded Debt,
or
(b) to advance or provide funds or other support for the payment or purchase
of
such Funded Debt or to maintain working capital, solvency or other balance
sheet
condition of such other Person.Β Β The amount of any Guaranty Obligation
hereunder shall (subject to any limitations set forth therein) be deemed to
be
an amount equal to the outstanding principal amount (or maximum principal
amount, if larger) of the Indebtedness in respect of which such Guaranty
Obligation is made; provided that, in the event a Guaranty Obligation is limited
as to dollar amount, such Guaranty Obligation shall not exceed such
limitation.
Β
"Indebtedness"
of any
Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for
borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds,
debentures, notes or similar instruments, or upon which interest payments are
customarily made, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale
or
other title retention agreements relating to property purchased by such Person
to the extent of the value of such property (other than customary reservations
or retentions of title under agreements with suppliers entered into in the
ordinary course of business), (d) all obligations, other than intercompany
items, of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of
property or services purchased by such Person which would appear as liabilities
on a balance sheet of such Person (other than trade payables), (e) all
Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness
has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien
on
property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the obligations
secured thereby have been assumed, (f) all Guaranty Obligations of such Person,
(g) the principal portion of all obligations of such Person under (i) capital
lease obligations and (ii) any synthetic lease, tax retention operating lease,
off-balance sheet loan or similar off-balance sheet financing product of such
Person where such transaction is considered borrowed money indebtedness for
tax
purposes but is classified as an operating lease in accordance with GAAP, (h)
all obligations of such Person to repurchase any securities which repurchase
obligation is related to the issuance thereof, including, without limitation,
obligations commonly known as residual equity appreciation potential shares,
(i)
the net obligations of such Person in respect of interest rate protection
agreements, foreign currency exchange agreements, Permitted Energy Transactions
or other interest or exchange rate hedging arrangements, and (j) the maximum
amount of all outstanding performance and standby letters of credit issued
or
bankers' acceptance facilities created for the account of such Person and,
without duplication, all drafts drawn thereunder (to the extent
unreimbursed).Β Β The Indebtedness of any
7
Person
shall
include the recourse Indebtedness of any partnership or unincorporated joint
venture and for which such Person is legally obligated.
Β
"Interest
Payment
Date" means (a) as to Base Rate Loans, monthly in arrears on the first
day of each fiscal month of the Borrower and the Maturity Date and (b) as to
Eurodollar Loans, the last day of each applicable Interest Period and the
Maturity Date and, in addition, where the applicable Interest Period for a
Eurodollar Loan is greater than three months, then also on the last day of
each
fiscal quarter of the Borrower during such Interest Period.Β Β If an
Interest Payment Date falls on a date which is not a Business Day, such Interest
Payment Date shall be deemed to be the next succeeding Business Day, except
that
in the case of Eurodollar Loans where the next succeeding Business Day falls
in
the next succeeding calendar month, then on the next preceding day.
Β
"Interest
Period"
means, as to Eurodollar Loans, a period of one, two, three or, subject to
availability, six months duration, as the Borrower may elect, commencing, in
each case, on the date of the borrowing (including continuations and conversions
of Eurodollar Loans); provided, however,
(a) if any
Interest Period would end on a day which is not a Business Day, such Interest
Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day (except that where
the next succeeding Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month,
then on the next preceding Business Day), (b) no Interest Period shall extend
beyond the Maturity Date and (c) with respect to Eurodollar Loans, where an
Interest Period begins on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding
day in the calendar month in which the Interest Period is to end, such Interest
Period shall end on the last Business Day of such calendar month.
Β
"Issuing
Bank" means
U.S. Bank National Association.
Β
"Lender"
means any of
the Persons identified as a "Lender" on the signature pages hereto, and any
Eligible Assignee which may become a Lender by way of assignment in accordance
with the terms hereof, together with their successors and permitted
assigns.
Β
"Letter
of Credit
Obligations" means the stated amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit
plus, without duplication, any unpaid reimbursement obligations of the Borrower
under the Letters of Credit.
Β
"Letters
of Credit" is
defined in Section 2.9.
Β
"Leverage
Ratio"
means, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries at any date of
determination, the ratio of (a) Total Funded Debt to, (b) Capitalization, in
each case calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Β
"Lien"
means any
mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment for security, deposit arrangement,
security interest, encumbrance, lien (statutory or otherwise), priority or
charge of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any unterminated financing
or similar statement or notice filed under the Uniform Commercial Code as
adopted and in effect in the relevant jurisdiction or other similar recording
or
notice statute, and any lease in the nature thereof).Β Β The term "Lien"
shall not include statutory priorities or financing statements filed in
connection with operating leases or
8
sales
of accounts
owed by customers for energy provided or to be provided outside the normal
franchise service area of the Borrower.
Β
"Loans"
means the
Revolving Loans and the Swing Line Loans.
Β
"LOC
Documents" means,
with respect to any Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit, any amendments
thereto, any documents delivered in connection therewith, any application
therefor, and any agreements, instruments, guarantees or other documents
(whether general in application or applicable only to such Letter of Credit)
governing or providing for (a) the rights and obligations of the parties
concerned or at risk or (b) any collateral security for such
obligations.
Β
"London
Interbank Offered
Rate" means, with respect to any Eurodollar Loan for the Interest Period
applicable thereto, (a) the rate per annum equal to the rate determined by
the
Agent to be the offered rate that appears on the page of the Telerate screen
(or
any successor thereto) that displays an average British Bankers Association
Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery on the first
day
of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period,
determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior
to the first day of such Interest Period, or
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
if the rate referenced in the preceding subsection (a) does
not appear on such page or service or such page or service is not available,
the
rate per annum equal to the rate determined by the Agent to be the offered
rate
on such other page or other service that displays an average British Bankers
Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits in Dollars (for delivery
on
the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest
Period, determined as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business
Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, or
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
if the rates referenced in the preceding subsections (a) and
(b)
are not
available, the rate of interest per annum determined by the Agent as the rate
of
interest at which deposits in Dollars, in the approximate amount of the Loan
to
be made or continued as, or converted into, a Eurodollar loan by Citibank,
N.A.
and having a maturity comparable to such Interest Period, would be offered
to
major banks in the London interbank market at their request at approximately
11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the commencement of such
Interest Period rounded upwards to the next 1/100th
of
1%.
Β
"Material
Adverse
Effect" means a material adverse effect on (a) the operations, financial
condition or business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
(b) the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Credit
Agreement or (c) the validity or enforceability of this Credit Agreement, any
of
the other Credit Documents, or the rights and remedies of the Lenders hereunder
or thereunder; provided that matters disclosed in writing to the Lenders prior
to the Closing Date shall not be deemed to cause a Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
"Maturity
Date" means
the earliest to occur of (a) any Trigger Date, if the Borrower has not received
all authorizations or approvals of Governmental Authorities required to be
obtained in order for the term of this Agreement to extend past such date,
(b)
June 2, 2010
9
and
(c) the date of
termination or reduction in whole of the Commitments pursuant to section 2.6
or
9.2.
Β
"Moody's"
means
Xxxxx'x Investors Service, Inc., or any successor or assignee of the business
of
such company in the business of rating securities.
Β
"Multiemployer
Plan"
means a Plan covered by Title IV of ERISA which is a multiemployer plan as
defined in Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
Β
"Multiple
Employer
Plan" means a Plan covered by Title IV of ERISA, other than a
Multiemployer Plan, which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate and at least
one
employer other than the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate are contributing
sponsors.
Β
"Net
Worth" means, as
of any date, the shareholders' equity or net worth of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, as determined in accordance with
GAAP.
Β
"Notes"
means the
Revolving Loan Notes.
Β
"Notice
of Borrowing"
means a request by the Borrower for a Revolving Loan in the form of Exhibit
2.2.
Β
"Notice
of
Continuation/Conversion" means a request by the Borrower for the
continuation or conversion of a Revolving Loan in the form of Exhibit
2.4.
Β
"Participation
Interest" means the Extension of Credit by a Lender by way of a purchase
of a participation in any Loans as provided in Section 3.8.
Β
"Parent"
means WPS
Resources Corporation, a Wisconsin corporation and its successor and
assigns.
Β
"PBGC"
means the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of
Title
IV of ERISA and any successor thereto.
Β
"Permitted
Energy
Transactions" means commodity sale, purchase or option agreements or
other commodity transactions or purchase or sale of weather derivatives entered
into by the Borrower or any Principal Subsidiary in the ordinary course of
the
energy or energy related industry for non-speculative purposes relating to
the
purchase or sale of electric power, electric power transmission capacity,
natural gas, natural gas transportation capacity, natural gas storage,
generation spark spreads, heating oil, crude oil, propane, coal or
currency.
Β
"Person"
means any
individual, partnership, joint venture, firm, corporation, association, trust,
limited liability company or other enterprise (whether or not incorporated),
or
any government or political subdivision or any agency, department or
instrumentality thereof.
Β
"Plan"
means any
employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) which is covered
by
ERISA and with respect to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or,
if
such plan were terminated at such time, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be
deemed to be) an "employer" within the meaning of Section 3(5) of
ERISA.
10
"Prime
Rate" means the
per annum rate of interest established from time to time by the Agent at its
principal office in New York, New York (or such other principal office as
communicated by the Agent to the Borrower and the Lenders) as its base
rate.Β Β Any change in the interest rate resulting from a change in the
Prime Rate shall become effective as of 12:01 a.m. (New York City time) of
the
Business Day on which each change in the Prime Rate is announced by the
Agent.Β Β The Prime Rate is a reference rate used by the Agent in
determining interest rates on certain loans and is not intended to be the lowest
rate of interest charged on any extension of credit to any debtor.
Β
"Principal
Subsidiary"
means any Subsidiary, whether owned directly or indirectly by the Borrower,
which, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole,
represents at least twenty percent (20%) of the Borrower's consolidated assets
or the Borrower's consolidated net income (or loss), as shown on the most recent
financial statements delivered to the Agent pursuant to Section 7.1
below.
Β
"Reportable
Event"
means a "reportable event" as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA with respect
to
which the notice requirements to the PBGC have not been waived.
Β
"Required
Lenders"
means Lenders whose aggregate Credit Exposure (as hereinafter defined)
constitutes more than 51% of the aggregate Credit Exposure of all Lenders at
such time; provided, however,
that if any
Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender at such time then there shall be excluded
from the determination of Required Lenders the aggregate principal amount of
Credit Exposure of such Lender at such time.Β Β For purposes of the
preceding sentence, the term "Credit Exposure" as
applied to each Lender shall mean (a) at any time prior to the termination
of
the Revolving Loan Commitment, the Commitment Percentage of such Lender
multiplied by the Revolving Loan Commitment and (b) at any time after the
termination of the Revolving Loan Commitment, the principal balance of the
outstanding Loans of such Lender plus the Commitment Percentage of such Lender
multiplied by the Letter of Credit Obligations.
Β
"Revolving
Loan
Commitment" means, collectively, ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS
($115,000,000), subject to amendment pursuant to Section 2.6, and with respect
to each Lender, shall mean such amount multiplied by such Lender's Commitment
Percentage.
Β
"Revolving
Loan Notes"
means the promissory notes of the Borrower in favor of each Lender evidencing
the Revolving Loans and substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.7, as such
promissory notes may be amended, modified, supplemented or replaced from time
to
time.
Β
"Revolving
Loans"
means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to Section
2.1.
Β
"S&P"
means
Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc., or any
successor or assignee of the business of such division in the business of rating
securities.
Β
"Single
Employer Plan"
means any Plan which is covered by Title IV of ERISA, but which is not a
Multiemployer Plan.
11
"Subsidiary"
means, as
to any Person, (a) any corporation more than 50%Β of whose stock of
any
class or classes having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect
a
majority of the directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not
at
the time, any class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have
voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time
owned
by such Person directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries and (b) any
partnership, association, joint venture, limited liability company or other
entity in which such person directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries has
more
than 50% equity interest at any time.
Β
"Swing
Line Lender"
means U.S. Bank National Association.
Β
"Swing
Line Loan"
means a loan made by the Swing Line Lender to the Borrower under Section
2.8.
Β
"Swing
Line Sublimit"
means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $10,000,000 and (b) the aggregate
Revolving Loan Commitment.Β Β The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and
not in addition to, the aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment.
Β
"Termination
Event"
means (a) with respect to any Single Employer Plan, the occurrence of a
Reportable Event or the substantial cessation of operations (within the meaning
of Section 4062(e) of ERISA), (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate from a Multiple Employer Plan during a plan year in which it was
a
substantial employer (as such term is defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA),
or the termination of a Multiple Employer Plan, (c) the distribution of a notice
of intent to terminate or the actual termination of a Plan pursuant to Section
4041(a)(2) or 4041A of ERISA, (d) the institution of proceedings to terminate
or
the actual termination of a Plan by the PBGC under Section 4042 of ERISA,
(e)Β any event or condition which might reasonably constitute grounds under
Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee
to
administer, any Plan, or (f)Β the complete or partial withdrawal of the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan.
Β
"Total
Assets" means
all assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as shown on its most recent
quarterly or annual audited consolidated balance sheet, as determined in
accordance with GAAP.
Β
"Total
Funded Debt"
means all Funded Debt of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, without duplication,
on a consolidated basis, as determined in accordance with GAAP.
Β
"Trigger
Date" means
(i) June 1, 2006, (ii) May 31, 2007, (iii) May 30, 2008 and (iv) May 29,
2009.
Β
"Voting
Stock" means
all classes of the capital stock (or other voting interests) of a Person then
outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of
directors.
Β
1.2Β
Computation of Time Periods.
Β
For
purposes of
computation of periods of time hereunder, the word "from" means "from and
including" and the words "to" and "until" each mean "to but
excluding."Β Β References in this Credit Agreement to "Articles",
"Sections", "Schedules" or "Exhibits" shall be
12
to
Articles,
Sections, Schedules or Exhibits of or to this Credit Agreement unless otherwise
specifically provided.
Β
1.3Β
Accounting Terms.
Β
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 Lenders hereunder shall be
prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied in a manner consistent with those
used
in preparing the financial statements referred to in Section
5.1(d).Β Β In the event that any changes occur in GAAP after the date of
this Agreement and such changes result in a material variation in the method
of
calculation of financial covenants or other terms of this Agreement, then the
Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders agree to amend such provisions of this
Agreement so as to equitably reflect such changes in order that the criteria
for
evaluating the Borrower's financial condition will be the same after such
changes as if such changes had not occurred.
Β
Section
2.Β
LOANS
Β
2.1Β
Revolving Loan Commitment.
Β
Subject
to the
terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make
revolving loans to the Borrower in Dollars, at any time and from time to time,
during the period from the Effective Date to the Maturity Date (each a "Revolving Loan" and
collectively the "Revolving Loans");
provided,
however,
that (i) the
sum of the aggregate amount of Revolving Loans outstanding plus the aggregate
amount of Swing Line Loans outstanding shall not exceed the amount of the
Revolving Loan Commitment minus the Letter of Credit Obligations and (ii) with
respect to each individual Lender, the Lender's pro rata share of outstanding
Revolving Loans plus such Lender's Commitment Percentage of outstanding Swing
Line Loans shall not exceed such Lender's Commitment Percentage of the amount
of
the Revolving Loan Commitment minus the Letter of Credit
Obligations.Β Β Subject to the terms of this Credit Agreement, the
Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow Revolving Loans.
Β
2.2Β
Method of Borrowing for Revolving Loans.
Β
By
no later than
noon (New York City time) (a) on the date of the requested borrowing of
Revolving Loans that will be Base Rate Loans or (b) two Business Days prior
to
the date of the requested borrowing of Revolving Loans that will be Eurodollar
Loans, the Borrower shall submit a written Notice of Borrowing in the form
of
Exhibit 2.2 to
the Agent setting forth (i)Β the amount requested, (ii) whether such
Revolving Loans shall accrue interest at the Base Rate or the Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate, (iii) with respect to Revolving Loans that will be Eurodollar
Loans, the Interest Period applicable thereto and (iv) certification that the
Borrower has complied in all respects with Section 5.2.
Β
2.3Β
Funding of Revolving Loans.
Β
Upon
receipt of a
Notice of Borrowing, the Agent shall promptly inform the Lenders as to the
terms
thereof.Β Β Each such Lender shall make its Commitment Percentage of the
requested Revolving Loans available to the Agent by 2:00 p.m. (New York City
time) on the
13
date
specified in
the Notice of Borrowing by deposit, in Dollars, of immediately available funds
at the principal offices of the Agent in New York, New York or at such other
address as the Agent may designate in writing.Β Β The amount of the
requested Revolving Loans will then be made available to the Borrower by the
Agent by crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of such office
of
the Agent, to the extent the amount of such Revolving Loans are made available
to the Agent.
Β
No
Lender shall be
responsible for the failure or delay by any other Lender in its obligation
to
make Revolving Loans hereunder; provided, however,
that the
failure of any Lender to fulfill its obligations hereunder shall not relieve
any
other Lender of its obligations hereunder.Β Β Unless the Agent shall
have been notified by any Lender prior to the date of any such Revolving Loan
that such Lender does not intend to make available to the Agent its portion
of
the Revolving Loans to be made on such date, the Agent may assume that such
Lender has made such amount available to the Agent on the date of such Revolving
Loans, and the Agent in reliance upon such assumption, may (in its sole
discretion but without any obligation to do so) make available to the Borrower
a
corresponding amount.Β Β If such corresponding amount is not in fact
made available to the Agent, the Agent shall be able to recover such
corresponding amount from such Lender.Β Β If such Lender does not pay
such corresponding amount forthwith upon the Agent's demand therefor, the Agent
will promptly notify the Borrower, and the Borrower shall immediately pay such
corresponding amount to the Agent.Β Β The Agent shall also be entitled
to recover from the Lender 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 Agent to the Borrower to the date such
corresponding amount is recovered by the Agent at a per annum rate equal to
(i)
from the Borrower at the applicable rate for such Revolving Loan pursuant to
the
Notice of Borrowing and (ii) from a Lender at the Federal Funds
Rate.
Β
2.4Β
Continuations and Conversions.
Β
The
Borrower shall
have the option, on any Business Day, to continue existing Eurodollar Loans
for
a subsequent Interest Period, to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurodollar Loans
or to convert Eurodollar Loans into Base Rate Loans; provided, however,
that (a)
each such continuation or conversion must be requested by the Borrower pursuant
to a Notice of Continuation/Conversion, in the form of Exhibit 2.4, in
compliance with the terms set forth below, (b) except as provided in Section
4.1, Eurodollar Loans may only be continued or converted into Base Rate Loans
on
the last day of the Interest Period applicable hereto, (c)Β Eurodollar Loans
may not be continued nor may Base Rate Loans be converted into Eurodollar Loans
during the existence and continuation of a Default or Event of Default and
(d)
any request to extend a Eurodollar Loan that fails to comply with the terms
hereof or any failure to request an extension of a Eurodollar Loan that fails
to
comply with the terms hereof or any failure to request an extension of a
Eurodollar Loan at the end of an Interest Period shall constitute a conversion
to a Base Rate Loan on the last day of the applicable Interest
Period.Β Β Each continuation or conversion must be requested by the
Borrower no later than noonΒ (New York CityΒ time)Β Β (i) on the
date for a requested conversion of a Eurodollar Loan to a Base Rate Loan or
(ii)
two Business Days prior to the date for a requested continuation of a Eurodollar
Loan or conversion of a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar Loan, in each case
pursuant to a written Notice of Continuation/Conversion submitted to the Agent
which shall set forth (A)Β whether the Borrower wishes to continue or
convert such Loans and (B) if the request is to continue a
14
Eurodollar
Loan or
convert a Base Rate Loan to a Eurodollar Loan, the Interest Period applicable
thereto.
Β
The
Borrower hereby
authorizes the Lenders and the Agent to extend, convert or continue Eurodollar
Loans or Base Rate Loans, effect selection of Eurodollar Loans or Base Rate
Loans and to transfer funds based in each case on telephonic notices made by
any
person or persons the Agent or any Lender in good faith believes to be acting
on
behalf of the Borrower.Β Β The Borrower agrees to deliver promptly to
the Agent a written confirmation, if such confirmation is requested by the
Agent
or any Lender, of each telephonic notice signed by the chief financial officer,
treasurer, secretary or assistant treasurer of the Borrower.Β Β If the
written confirmation differs in any material respect from the action taken
by
the Agent and the Lenders, the records of the Agent and the Lenders shall govern
absent manifest error.
Β
2.5Β
Minimum Amounts.
Β
Each
request for a
Revolving Loan or a conversion or continuation hereunder shall be subject to
the
following requirements: (a) each Eurodollar Loan shall be in a minimum of
$5,000,000 (and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof), (b)
each
Base Rate Loan shall be in a minimum amount of the lesser of $1,000,000 (and
in
integral multiples of $250,000 in excess thereof) or the remaining amount
available to be borrowed and (c) no more than twelve Eurodollar Loans shall
be
outstanding hereunder at any one time.Β Β For the purposes of this
Section, all Eurodollar Loans with the same Interest Periods that begin and
end
on the same date shall be considered as one Eurodollar Loan, but Eurodollar
Loans with different Interest Periods, even if they begin on the same date,
shall be considered separate Eurodollar Loans.
Β
2.6Β
Reductions of Revolving Loan Commitment.
Β
Upon
at least five
Business Days' notice, the Borrower shall have the right to permanently
terminate or reduce the aggregate unused amount of the Revolving Loan Commitment
at any time and from time to time; provided that (a)
each partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount at least equal to
$10,000,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 above such amount and (b)
no
reduction shall be made which would reduce the Revolving Loan Commitment to
an
amount less than the then outstanding Loans plus the Letter of Credit
Obligations.Β Β Any reduction in (or termination of) the Revolving Loan
Commitment shall be permanent and may not be reinstated.
Β
2.7Β
Notes.
Β
The
Revolving Loans
made by the Lenders shall be evidenced by a duly executed promissory note of
the
Borrower payable to each Lender in substantially the form of Exhibit 2.7 (the
"Revolving Loan
Notes") and in a principal amount equal to the amount of such Lender's
Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Loan Commitment as originally in
effect.
Β
2.8Β
Swing Line Loans.
Β
(a)Β Subject
to the
terms and conditions set forth herein, during the period from the Effective
Date
to the Maturity Date, Swing Line Lender agrees to make Swing Line Loans to
the
Β
15
Borrower
as the
Borrower may from time to time request for the purposes permitted hereby; provided, however,
that (i) the
aggregate amount of Swing Line Loans outstanding shall not exceed the Swing
Line
Sublimit, (ii) Swing Line Lender's pro rata share of the aggregate amount of
Revolving Loans outstanding plus the aggregate amount of Swing Line Loans
outstanding shall not exceed such Lender's Commitment Percentage of the amount
of the Revolving Loan Commitment minus the Letter of Credit Obligations, and
(iii) the sum of all Loans outstanding shall not exceed the amount of the
Revolving Loan Commitment minus the Letter of Credit
Obligations.Β Β This is a revolving credit and, subject to the foregoing
and the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow, prepay
and
reborrow Swing Line Loans as set forth herein without premium or penalty;
provided, however, that Swing Line Lender may terminate or suspend the Swing
Line at any time in its sole discretion upon notice to the
Borrower.Β Β Each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest at a rate equal to
the rate applicable to Base Rate Loans or at a rate quoted by the Agent and
agreed to by the Borrower.
Β
(b)Β Unless
notified to
the contrary by Swing Line Lender, the Borrower may irrevocably request a Swing
Line Loan upon notice to Swing Line Lender.Β Β There is no minimum
borrowing amount for a Swing Line Loan.Β Β Each such request for a Swing
Line Loan shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that
the conditions set forth in SectionΒ 5.2 are satisfied.Β Β Promptly
after receipt of such request, Swing Line Lender shall obtain telephonic
verification from the Agent that such Swing Line Loan is permitted
hereunder.Β Β Upon receiving such verification, Swing Line Lender shall
make such Swing Line Loan available to the Borrower.Β Β Without the
consent of the Required Lenders and Swing Line Lender, no Swing Line Loan shall
be made during the continuation of a Default or Event of
Default.Β Β Upon the making of each Swing Line Loan, each Lender shall
be deemed to have purchased from Swing Line Lender a risk participation therein
in an amount equal to that Lender's Commitment Percentage times the amount
of
the Swing Line Loan.
Β
(c)Β Each
Swing Line
Loan shall bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the rate
of
interest payable on Base Rate Loans or at the rate quoted by the Agent and
agreed to by the Borrower and interest shall be payable upon demand of Swing
Line Lender, on the last day of each month and on the Maturity
Date.Β Β Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the
Borrower (or notifying the Agent to so invoice the Borrower) for such
interest.Β Β The interest payable on Swing Line Loans is solely for the
account of Swing Line Lender, except following any funding of a risk
participation under clause (f) below.
Β
(d)Β The
Borrower shall
repay each Swing Line Loan on the earliest of (i) upon demand made by Swing
Line
Lender and (ii) the Maturity Date.Β Β The Borrower shall repay the
principal amount of each Swing Line Loan by payment directly to Swing Line
Lender or by Swing Line Lender debiting the Borrower's deposit account at Swing
Line Lender not later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) for payments
hereunder.Β Β If the conditions precedent set forth in Section 5.2 can
be satisfied, the Borrower may request a Revolving Loan to repay Swing Line
Lender, or, failing to make such request, the Borrower shall be deemed to have
requested a Revolving Loan of Base Rate Loans on such payment date pursuant
to
subsection (f) below. Swing Line Lender shall promptly notify the Agent of
each
Swing Line Loan and each payment thereof.
Β
16
(e)Β If
the Borrower
fails to timely make any principal or interest payment on any Swing Line Loan,
Swing Line Lender shall notify the Agent of such fact and the unpaid
amount.Β Β The Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of its pro rata
share of such amount by 11:00 a.m. (New York City time).Β Β Each Lender
shall make funds in an amount equal to its pro rata share of such amount
available to the Agent at the Agent's payment office not later than the 2:00
p.m. (New York City time) for payments hereunder on the same Business
Day.Β Β The obligation of each Lender to make such payment shall be
absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by the occurrence of an
Event of Default or any other occurrence or event.Β Β Any such payment
shall not relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay
the Swing Line Lender for any amount of Swing Line Loans, together with interest
as provided herein.
Β
(f)Β If
the conditions
precedent set forth in Section 5.2 can be satisfied on any date the Borrower
is
obligated to, but fails to, repay a Swing Line Loan, the funding by Lenders
pursuant to the previous subsection shall be deemed to be a borrowing of Base
Rate Loans (without regard to the minimum amount therefor) deemed requested
by
the Borrower.Β Β If the conditions precedent set forth in Section 5.2
cannot be satisfied on the date the Borrower is obligated to make, but fails
to
make, such payment, the funding by Lenders pursuant to the previous subsection
shall be deemed to be a funding by each Lender of its participation in such
Swing Line Loan, and each Lender making such funding shall thereupon acquire
a
pro rata participation, to the extent of its payment, in the claim of Swing
Line
Lender against the Borrower in respect of such payment and shall share, in
accordance with that pro rata participation, in any payment made by the Borrower
with respect to such claim.Β Β Any amounts made available by a Lender
under its risk participation shall be payable by the Borrower upon demand of
the
Agent, and shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus 2% per
annum.
Β
2.9Β
Letters of Credit.
Β
(a)Β Issuance.Β Β Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof and of the LOC Documents, if any, and any
other terms and conditions which the Issuing Bank may reasonably require, the
Issuing Bank shall from time to time upon request issue, and the Lenders shall
participate in, letters of credit (the "Letters of Credit")
for the account of the Borrower; provided, however,
that (i) the
aggregate amount of Letter of Credit Obligations shall not at any time exceed
$75,000,000, (ii) the sum of the aggregate amount of Letter of Credit
Obligations outstanding plus the aggregate amount of Loans outstanding shall
not
exceed the Aggregate Commitment and (iii) with respect to each individual
Lender, the Lender's pro rata share of outstanding Loans plus its pro rata
share
of outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations shall not exceed such Lender's
Revolving Loan Commitment.Β Β The Issuing Bank may require the issuance
and expiry date of each Letter of Credit to be a day other than (x) a Saturday
or a Sunday or (y) any other day on which the letter of credit issuing office
of
the Issuing Bank is authorized or required by law or executive order to
close.Β Β Each Letter of Credit shall be a standby or documentary letter
of credit issued to support the obligations (including pension or insurance
obligations), contingent or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries.Β Β Each Letter of Credit shall have a stated term not to
exceed one year, but may by its terms be renewable annually upon notice (a
"Notice of
Renewal") given to the Agent on or prior to any date for notice of
renewal set forth in such Letter of Credit but in any event at least three
Business Days prior to the date of the proposed renewal of such Letter of Credit
and upon fulfillment of the
Β
17
applicable
conditions set forth in Section 5.2 unless the Agent has notified the Borrower
on or prior to the date for notice of termination set forth in such Letter
of
Credit but in any event at least 30 Business Days prior to the date of automatic
renewal of its election not to renew such Letter of Credit (a "Notice of
Termination") and (y) 10 Business Days prior to the Maturity Date; provided that
the
terms of each Letter of Credit that is automatically renewable annually shall
(x)Β require the Agent to give the beneficiary named in such Letter of
Credit notice of any Notice of Termination, (y)Β permit such beneficiary,
upon receipt of such notice, to draw under such Letter of Credit prior to the
date such Letter of Credit otherwise would have been automatically renewed
and
(z)Β not permit the expiration date (after giving effect to any renewal) of
such Letter of Credit in any event to be extended to a date later than 10
Business Days before the Maturity Date.Β Β If either a Notice of Renewal
is not given by the Borrower or a Notice of Termination is given by the Agent
pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, such Letter of Credit shall
expire on the date on which it otherwise would have been automatically renewed;
provided, however,
that even in
the absence of receipt of a Notice of Renewal the Agent may in its discretion,
unless instructed to the contrary by the Borrower, deem that a Notice of Renewal
had been timely delivered and in such case, a Notice of Renewal shall be deemed
to have been so delivered for all purposes under this Agreement.Β Β Each
Letter of Credit shall comply with the related LOC Documents.
Β
(b)Β Cash
Collateral.Β Β In the event that any Letter of Credit remains
outstanding beyond the fifteenth day prior to the Maturity Date, the Borrower
shall upon demand of the Required Lenders (or the Issuing Bank acting with
the
consent of the Required Lenders) either (i) pay to the Issuing Bank the sum
of
the largest draft which could then or thereafter be drawn under such Letter
of
Credit, which sum the Issuing Bank may hold for the account of the Borrower,
with interest, for the purpose of paying any draft presented, with the excess,
if any, to be returned to the Borrower upon termination or expiration of such
Letter of Credit or (ii) deliver a back-up letter of credit to the Issuing
Bank
securing the Borrower's reimbursement obligations with respect to such Letter
of
Credit in form and substance acceptable to the Required Lenders and from a
creditworthy financial institution acceptable to the Required
Lenders.
Β
(c)Β Letter
of Credit
Fees.
Β
(1)Β Letter
of Credit
Fees.Β Β In consideration of the issuance of Letters of Credit
hereunder, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent for the pro rata benefit
of
the Lenders (based on each Lender's Commitment Percentage), a per annum fee
(the
"Letter of Credit
Fees") equal to the Applicable Percentage on the average daily maximum
amount available to be drawn under all Letters of Credit.Β Β The Letter
of Credit Fees will be payable in arrears on the first Business Day after the
end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower (as well as on the Maturity Date)
for
the immediately preceding fiscal quarter (or portion thereof), beginning with
the first of such dates to occur after the date of this Agreement.
Β
(2)Β Issuing
Bank Letter of
Credit Fees.Β Β In addition to the Letter of Credit Fees payable
pursuant to subsection (1) above, the Borrower shall pay to the Issuing Bank
for
its own account, without sharing by the other Lenders, a fronting fee in an
amount agreed by the Borrower and the Issuing Bank as a percentage of the
outstanding face amount of each Letter of Credit payable quarterly in arrears
at
the same time the
Β
18
Letter
of Credit
Fees are payable plus the customary incidental and/or out of pocket charges
from
time to time for its services in connection with the issuance, amendment,
payment, transfer, administration, cancellation and conversion of, and drawings
under, Letters of Credit (collectively, the "Issuing Bank Letter
of
Credit Fees").
Β
(d)Β Notice
and
Reports.Β Β The request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit
shall be submitted to the Issuing Bank and the Agent at least two Business
Days
prior to the requested date of issuance unless otherwise agreed to between
the
Borrower, the Issuing Bank and the Agent.Β Β The Agent will, at least
monthly and more frequently upon request, provide to the Lenders a detailed
report specifying the Letters of Credit which are then issued and outstanding
and any activity with respect thereto which may have occurred since the date
of
the prior report, and including therein, among other things, the account party,
the beneficiary, the face amount, and the expiry date as well as any payments
or
expirations which may have occurred.
Β
(e)Β Participations.Β Β Each
Lender, upon issuance of a Letter of Credit, shall be deemed to have purchased
without recourse a risk participation from the Issuing Bank in such Letter
of
Credit and each LOC Document related thereto and the rights and obligations
arising thereunder and any collateral relating thereto, in each case in an
amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of the obligations under such Letter
of Credit, and shall absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably assume, as
primary obligor and not as surety, and be obligated to pay to the Issuing Bank
therefor and discharge when due, its Commitment Percentage of the obligations
arising under such Letter of Credit.Β Β Without limiting the scope and
nature of each Lender's participation in any Letter of Credit, to the extent
that the Issuing Bank has not been reimbursed as required hereunder or under
any
such Letter of Credit, each such Lender shall pay to the Issuing Bank its
Commitment Percentage of such unreimbursed drawing in same day funds on the
day
of notification by the Issuing Bank of an unreimbursed drawing pursuant to
the
provisions of subsection (f) hereof.Β Β The obligation of each Lender to
so reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be absolute and unconditional and shall
not
be affected by the occurrence of a Default, an Event of Default or any other
occurrence or event.Β Β Any such reimbursement shall not relieve or
otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Issuing Bank
under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as hereinafter
provided.
Β
(f)Β Reimbursement.Β Β In
the event of any drawing under any Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank will
promptly notify the Borrower and the Agent.Β Β Unless the Borrower shall
immediately notify the Issuing Bank and the Agent of its intent to otherwise
reimburse the Issuing Bank, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested
a
Revolving Loan at the Base Rate in the amount of the drawing as provided in
subsection (g) hereof, the proceeds of which will be used to satisfy the
reimbursement obligations.Β Β The Borrower shall reimburse the Issuing
Bank on the day any drawing under any Letter of Credit is paid either with
the
proceeds of a Revolving Loan obtained hereunder or otherwise in same day funds
as provided herein or in the LOC Documents.Β Β If the Borrower shall
fail to reimburse the Issuing Bank as provided hereinabove, the unreimbursed
amount of such drawing shall bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the
Base
Rate plus two percent (2%).Β Β The Borrower's reimbursement obligations
hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under all circumstances (except
as
expressly set forth below) irrespective of any rights of set-off, counterclaim
or defense to payment the applicable account party or the Borrower may claim
or
have against the Issuing Bank, the Lenders, the beneficiary of the Letter of
Credit drawn upon or any other Person, including
Β
19
without
limitation,
any defense based on any failure of the applicable account party or the Borrower
to receive consideration or the legality, validity, regularity or
unenforceability of the Letter of Credit.Β Β The Issuing Bank will
promptly notify the Agent, who will promptly notify the Lenders of the amount
of
any unreimbursed drawing and each Lender shall promptly pay to the Issuing
Bank,
in immediately available funds, the amount of such Lender's Commitment
Percentage of such unreimbursed drawing.Β Β Such payment shall be made
on the day such notice is received by such Lender from the Agent if such notice
is received at or before 2:00 p.m., otherwise such payment shall be made at
or
before 12:00 noon on the Business Day next succeeding the day such notice is
received.Β Β If such Lender does not pay such amount to the Issuing Bank
in full upon such request, such Lender shall, on demand, pay to the Issuing
Bank
interest on the unpaid amount during the period from the date the Lender
received the notice regarding the unreimbursed drawing until the Lender pays
such amount to the Issuing Bank in full at a rate per annum equal to, if paid
within two Business Days of the date of drawing, the Federal Funds Rate and
thereafter at a rate equal to the Base Rate.Β Β Each Lender's obligation
to make such payment to the Issuing Bank, and the right of the Issuing Bank
to
receive the same, shall be absolute and unconditional, shall not be affected
by
any circumstance whatsoever and without regard to the termination of this Credit
Agreement or the Revolving Loan Commitments hereunder, the existence of a
Default or Event of Default or the acceleration of the obligations hereunder
and
shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction
whatsoever.Β Β Simultaneously with the making of each such payment by a
Lender to the Issuing Bank, such Lender shall, automatically and without any
further action on the part of the Issuing Bank or such Lender, acquire a
participation in an amount equal to such payment (excluding the portion of
such
payment constituting interest owing to the Issuing Bank) in the related
unreimbursed drawing portion of the Letter of Credit Obligation and in the
interest thereon and in the related LOC Documents, and shall have a claim
against the Borrower with respect thereto.
Β
(g)Β Repayment
with Revolving
Loans.Β Β On any day on which the Borrower shall have requested,
or been deemed to have requested, a Revolving Loan to reimburse a drawing under
a Letter of Credit, the Agent shall give notice to the Lenders that a Revolving
Loan has been requested or deemed requested in connection with a drawing under
a
Letter of Credit, in which case a Revolving Loan comprised solely of Base Rate
Loans (each such borrowing, a "Mandatory Borrowing")
shall be immediately made from all Lenders (without giving effect to any
termination of the Revolving Loan Commitments pursuant to Section 9.1) prorata
based on each
Lender's respective Commitment Percentage and the proceeds thereof shall be
paid
directly to the Issuing Bank for application to the respective Letter of Credit
Obligations.Β Β Each Lender hereby irrevocably agrees to make such
Revolving Loans upon any such request or deemed request on account of each
such
Mandatory Borrowing in the amount and in the manner specified in the preceding
sentence and on the same such date notwithstanding (i)
the amount of Mandatory Borrowing may not comply with the minimum amount for
borrowings of Revolving Loans otherwise required hereunder, (ii) whether any
conditions specified in Article III are then satisfied, (iii) whether a Default
or Event of Default then exists, (iv) failure of any such request or deemed
request for Revolving Loans to be made by the time otherwise required hereunder,
(v) the date of such Mandatory Borrowing, or (vi) any reduction in or any
termination of the Revolving Loan Commitments.Β Β Such funding of
Revolving Loans shall be made on the day notice of such Mandatory Borrowing
is
received by each Lender from the Agent if such notice is received at or before
2:00 p.m., otherwise such payment shall be made at or before 12:00 noon
on
the
Business Day next succeeding the day such notice is received.Β Β In the
event that any
Β
Β
20
Β
Β
Mandatory
Borrowing
cannot for any reason be made on the date otherwise required above (including,
without limitation, as a result of the commencement of a proceeding under any
applicable bankruptcy law with respect to the Borrower), then each Lender hereby
agrees that it shall forthwith fund (as of the date the Mandatory Borrowing
would otherwise have occurred, but adjusted for any payments received from
the
Borrower on or after such date and prior to such purchase) its Commitment
Percentage in the outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations; provided, further,
that in the
event any Lender shall fail to fund its Commitment Percentage on the day the
Mandatory Borrowing would otherwise have occurred, then the amount of such
Lender's unfunded Commitment Percentage therein shall bear interest payable
to
the Issuing Bank upon demand, at the rate equal to, if paid within two Business
Days of such date, the Federal Funds Rate, and thereafter at a rate equal to
the
Base Rate.
Β
(h)Β Modification
and
Extension.Β Β The issuance of any supplement, modification,
amendment, or extension to any Letter of Credit shall, for purposes hereof,
be
treated in all respects the same as the issuance of a new Letter of
Credit.
Β
(i)Β International
Standby
Practices.Β Β The Issuing Bank may have the Letters of Credit be
subject to International Standby Practices, as published as of the date of
issue
by the International Chamber of Commerce (Publication No. 590 or the most recent
publication, the "ISP
98"), in which case the ISP 98 may be incorporated therein and deemed
in
all respects to be a part thereof.
Β
(j)Β Responsibility
of Issuing
Bank.Β Β It is expressly understood and agreed as between the
Lenders that the obligations of the Issuing Bank hereunder to the Lenders are
only those expressly set forth in this Credit Agreement and that the Issuing
Bank shall be entitled to assume that the conditions precedent set forth in
Section 5 have been satisfied unless it shall have acquired actual knowledge
that any such condition precedent has not been satisfied; provided, however,
that nothing set forth in this Section 2.9 shall be deemed to prejudice the
right of any Lender to recover from the Issuing Bank any amounts made available
by such Lender to the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section 2.9 in the event
that it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the issuance
of
or payment with respect to a Letter of Credit constituted gross negligence
or
willful misconduct on the part of the Issuing Bank.
Β
(k)Β Conflict
with LOC
Documents.Β Β In the event of any conflict between this Credit
Agreement and any LOC Document, this Credit Agreement shall govern.
Β
(l)Β Indemnification
of Issuing
Bank.
Β
(1)Β In
addition to its
other obligations under this Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby agrees to
protect, indemnify, pay and save the Issuing Bank harmless from and against
any
and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and
expenses (including reasonable, documented attorneys' fees) that the Issuing
Bank may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or indirect, of (A)
the
issuance of any Letter of Credit or (B) the failure of the Issuing Bank to
honor
a drawing under a Letter of Credit as a result of any act or omission, whether
rightful or wrongful, of any present or
future de jure
or de facto government or governmental authority (all such acts or omissions,
herein called "Government
Acts").
Β
Β
21
Β
Β
(2)Β As
between the
Borrower and the Issuing Bank and the Lenders, the Borrower shall assume all
risks of the acts, omissions or misuse of any Letter of Credit by the
beneficiary thereof.Β Β The Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall not be
responsible for (except in the case of (A), (B) and (C) below if the Issuing
Bank has actual knowledge to the contrary):Β Β (A) the form, validity,
sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any document submitted
by
any party in connection with the application for and issuance of any Letter
of
Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid,
insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; provided that such document(s)
reasonably appear to conform on their face to the terms of the Letter of Credit,
(B) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning
or
purporting to transfer or assign any Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits
thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, that may prove to be
invalid or ineffective for any reason; (C) failure of the beneficiary of a
Letter of Credit to comply fully with conditions required in order to draw
upon
a Letter of Credit; provided that such document(s) reasonably appear to conform
on their face to the terms of the Letter of Credit, (D) errors, omissions,
interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail,
cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (E)
errors in interpretation of technical terms; (F) any loss or delay in the
transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing
under a Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof; and (G) any consequences
arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank, including, without
limitation, any Government Acts.Β Β None of the above shall affect,
impair, or prevent the vesting of the Issuing Bank's rights or powers
hereunder.
Β
(3)Β In
furtherance and
extension and not in limitation of the specific provisions hereinabove set
forth, any action taken or omitted by the Issuing Bank, under or in connection
with any Letter of Credit or the related certificates, if taken or omitted
in
good faith and not deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct,
shall not put the Issuing Bank under any resulting liability to the
Borrower.Β Β It is the intention of the parties that this Credit
Agreement shall be construed and applied to protect and indemnify the Issuing
Bank against any and all risks involved in the issuance of the Letters of
Credit, all of which risks are hereby assumed by the Borrower, including,
without limitation, any and all risks of the acts or omissions, whether rightful
or wrongful, of any present or future Government Acts.Β Β The Issuing
Bank shall not, in any way, be liable for any failure by the Issuing Bank or
anyone else to pay any drawing under any Letter of credit as a result of any
Government Acts or any other cause beyond the control of the Issuing
Bank.
Β
(4)Β Nothing
in this
subsection (l) is intended to limit the reimbursement obligation of the Borrower
contained in this Section 2.9.Β Β The obligations of the Borrower under
this subsection (l) shall survive the termination of this Credit
Agreement.Β Β No act or omission of any current or prior beneficiary of
a Letter of Credit shall in any way affect or impair the rights of the Issuing
Bank to enforce any right, power or benefit under this Credit
Agreement.
Β
(5)Β Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this subsection (l) or in any LOC
Document, neither the Borrower nor any Lender shall have any obligation to
indemnify the Issuing Bank in respect of any liability incurred by the
Β
Β
22
Β
Β
Issuing
Bank
arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Issuing Bank,
as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.Β Β Nothing in this
Credit Agreement shall relieve the Issuing Bank of any liability to the Borrower
or any Lender in respect of any action taken by the Issuing Bank which action
constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Issuing Bank or a
violation of the UCP or Uniform Commercial Code (as applicable), as determined
by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Β
(m)Β Letters
of Credit Under the
2004 Credit Agreement.Β Β Upon the Effective Date, all letters of
credit issued or deemed issued by U.S. Bank National Association under the
2004
Credit Agreement shall automatically be deemed Letters of Credit issued by
the
Issuing Bank under this Agreement subject to all of the terms and conditions
hereof including, among other things, that the Lenders will automatically be
deemed to have purchased a participation in such letters of credit as of the
Effective Date and the Borrower shall have the reimbursement obligations with
respect thereto set forth in Section 2.9(f) above.
Β
Section
3.Β
PAYMENTS
Β
3.1Β
Interest.
Β
(a)Β Interest
Rate.
Β
(i)Β All
Base Rate Loans
shall accrue interest at the Base Rate.
Β
(ii)Β All
Eurodollar
Loans shall accrue interest at the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate applicable to such
Eurodollar Loan.
Β
(b)Β Default
Rate
of Interest.Β Β Upon the occurrence, and during the continuance,
of an Event of Default, the principal of and, to the extent permitted by law,
interest on the Loans and any other amounts owing hereunder or under the other
Credit Documents shall bear interest, payable on demand, at a per annum rate
equal to two percent (2%) plus the rate which would otherwise be applicable
(or
if no rate is applicable, then the rate for Revolving Loans that are Base Rate
Loans plus two percent (2%) per annum).
Β
(c)Β Interest
Payments.Β Β Interest on Loans shall be due and payable in
arrears on each Interest Payment Date.
Β
3.2Β
Prepayments.
Β
(a)Β Voluntary
Prepayments.Β Β The Borrower shall have the right to prepay Loans
in whole or in part from time to time without premium or penalty; provided, however,
that (i)
Eurodollar Loans may only be prepaid on three Business Days' prior written
notice to the Agent and any prepayment of Eurodollar Loans will be subject
to
Section 4.3; and (ii) each such partial prepayment of Loans shall be in the
minimum principal amount of $1,000,000; provided that if
less
than $1,000,000 would remain outstanding after such prepayment, such prepayment
shall beΒ in
the amount of
the entire outstanding principal amount of the Loans.Β Β Amounts prepaid
hereunder shall be applied as the Borrower may elect; provided that if
the
Borrower fails to specify a voluntary prepayment then such prepayment shall
be
applied as the Agent may direct.Β Β
Β
Β
23
Β
Β
All
voluntary
prepayments shall be applied first to Swing Line Loans, then to Revolving Loans
that are Base Rate Loans, and then to Revolving Loans that are Eurodollar Loans
in direct order of Interest Period maturities.
Β
(b)Β Mandatory
Prepayments.Β Β If at any time the amount of Loans outstanding
plus the Letter of Credit Obligations outstanding exceeds the Aggregate
Commitment, the Borrower shall immediately make a principal payment to the
Agent
in the manner and in an amount such that the sum of Loans outstanding plus
the
Letter of Credit Obligations outstanding is less than or equal to the Aggregate
Commitment.Β Β Any payments made under this Section 3.2(b) shall be
subject to Section 4.3 and shall be applied first to Swing Line Loans, then
to
Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans, and then to Revolving Loans that
are
Eurodollar Loans in direct order of Interest Period maturities.
Β
3.3Β
Payment in Full at Maturity.
Β
On
the Maturity
Date, the entire outstanding principal balance of all Loans and the Letter
of
Credit Obligations (to the extent that the Borrower has not provided cash
collateral or provided a back-up letter of credit pursuant to Section 2.9(b)
above), together with accrued but unpaid interest and all other sums owing
under
this Credit Agreement, shall be due and payable in full, unless accelerated
sooner pursuant to Section 9.2.
Β
3.4Β
Fees.
Β
(a)Β Revolving
Fees.Β Β In consideration of the Revolving Loan Commitment being
made available by the Lenders hereunder, the Borrower agrees to pay to the
Agent, for the pro rata benefit of each Lender, a fee equal to the Applicable
Percentage for Revolving Fees multiplied by the Revolving Loan Commitment (the
"Revolving
Fees").Β Β The accrued Revolving Fees shall be due and payable in
arrears on the first Business Day after the end of each fiscal quarter of the
Borrower (as well as on the Maturity Date and on any date that the Revolving
Loan Commitment is reduced) for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter (or
portion thereof), beginning with the first of such dates to occur after the
Closing Date.
Β
(b)Β Utilization
Fees.Β Β At any time the principal amount of outstanding Loans
and outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations hereunder shall exceed an amount
equal to fifty percent (50%)Β of the Aggregate
Commitment, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent hereunder, for the pro rata
benefit of the Lenders, fees ("UtilizationFees")Β equal
to .10%Β per annum on the
principal amount of outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit
Obligations.Β Β The Utilization Fees, if any, shall be due and payable
in arrears on the first Business Day after the end of each fiscal quarter of
the
Borrower (as well as the Maturity Date) and any date of reduction in the
Revolving Loan Commitments.
Β
(c)Β Administrative
Fees.Β Β The Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for its own
account, an annual fee as agreed to between the Borrower and the Agent in the
Fee Letter.
Β
3.5Β
Place and Manner of Payments.
Β
All
payments of
principal, interest, fees, expenses and other amounts to be made by the Borrower
under this Credit Agreement shall be received without setoff, deduction or
Β
Β
24
Β
Β
counterclaim
not
later than 2:00 p.m.(New York City time) on the date when due in Dollars and
in
immediately available funds by the Agent at its offices in New York, New
York.Β Β The Agent may charge account no. __________ of the Borrower for
principal, interest and fees due hereunder and under the
Notes.Β Β Unless the application of a payment is specifically directed
by the Borrower (or if such application would be inconsistent with the terms
hereof), the Agent shall distribute payments received from the Borrower to
the
Lenders in such manner as it reasonably determines in its sole
discretion.
Β
3.6Β
Pro Rata Treatment.
Β
Except
to the
extent otherwise provided herein, all Revolving Loans, each payment or
prepayment of principal of any Revolving Loan, each payment of interest on
the
Revolving Loans, each payment of Revolving Fees, each reduction of the Revolving
Loan Commitment, and each conversion or continuation of any Revolving Loans,
shall be allocated pro rata among the Lenders in accordance with the respective
Commitment Percentages; provided that, if
any
Lender shall have failed to pay its applicable pro rata share of any Revolving
Loan, then any amount to which such Lender would otherwise be entitled pursuant
to this Section 3.6 shall instead be payable to the Agent until the share of
such Revolving Loan not funded by such Lender has been repaid; and provided, further,
that in the
event any amount paid to any Lender pursuant to this Section 3.6 is rescinded
or
must otherwise be returned by the Agent, each Lender shall, upon the request
of
the Agent, repay to the Agent the amount so paid to such Lender, with interest
for the period commencing on the date such payment is returned by the Agent
until the date the Agent receives such repayment at a rate per annum equal
to,
during the period to but excluding the date two Business Days after such
request, the Federal Funds Rate, and thereafter, the Base Rate plus two percent
(2%)
per annum.
Β
3.7Β
Computations of Interest and Fees.
Β
(a)Β Except
for Base
Rate Loans, on which interest shall be computed on the basis of a 365Β or 366 day year as
the
case may be, all computations of interest and fees hereunder shall be made
on
the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360
days.
Β
(b)Β It
is the intent of
the Lenders and the Borrower to conform to and contract in strict compliance
with applicable usury law from time to time in effect.Β Β All agreements
between the Lenders and the Borrower are hereby limited by the provisions of
this paragraph which shall override and control all such agreements, whether
now
existing or hereafter arising and whether written or oral.Β Β In no way,
nor in any event or contingency (including but not limited to prepayment or
acceleration of the maturity of any obligation), shall the interest taken,
reserved, contracted for, charged, or received under this Credit Agreement,
under the Notes or otherwise, exceed the maximum nonusurious amount permissible
under applicable law.Β Β If, from any possible construction of any of
the Credit Documents or any other document, interest would otherwise be payable
in excess of the maximum nonusurious amount, any such construction shall be
subject to the provisions of this paragraph and such documents shall be
automatically reduced to
the maximum
nonusurious amount permitted under applicable law, without the necessity of
execution of any amendment or new document.Β Β If any Lender shall ever
receive anything of value which is characterized as interest on the Loans under
applicable law and which would, apart from this provision, be in excess of
the
maximum lawful amount, an amount equal to the
Β
Β
25
Β
Β
amount
which would
have been excessive interest shall, without penalty, be applied to the reduction
of the principal amount owing on the Loans and not to the payment of interest,
or refunded to the Borrower or the other payor thereof if and to the extent
such
amount which would have been excessive exceeds such unpaid principal amount
of
the Loans.Β Β The right to demand payment of the Loans or any other
indebtedness evidenced by any of the Credit Documents does not include the
right
to receive any interest which has not otherwise accrued on the date of such
demand, and the Lenders do not intend to charge or receive any unearned interest
in the event of such demand.Β Β All interest paid or agreed to be paid
to the Lenders with respect to the Loans shall, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated, and spread throughout the
full stated term (including any renewal or extension) of the Loans so that
the
amount of interest on account of such indebtedness does not exceed the maximum
nonusurious amount permitted by applicable law.
Β
3.8Β
Sharing of Payments.
Β
Each
Lender agrees
that, in the event that any Lender shall obtain payment in respect of any Loan
or any other obligation owing to such Lender under this Credit Agreement through
the exercise of a right of set-off, banker's lien, counterclaim or otherwise
(including, but not limited to, pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code) in excess
of
its pro rata share as provided for in this Credit Agreement, such Lender shall
promptly purchase from the other Lenders a participation in such Loans and
other
obligations, in such amounts and with such other adjustments from time to time,
as shall be equitable in order that all Lenders share such payment in accordance
with their respective ratable shares as provided for in this Credit
Agreement.Β Β Each Lender further agrees that if a payment to a Lender
(which is obtained by such Lender through the exercise of a right of set-off,
banker's lien, counterclaim or otherwise) shall be rescinded or must otherwise
be restored, each Lender which shall have shared the benefit of such payment
shall, by repurchase of a participation theretofore sold, return its share
of
that benefit to each Lender whose payment shall have been rescinded or otherwise
restored.Β Β The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing such a
participation may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all rights
of payment, including set-off, banker's lien or counterclaim, with respect
to
such participation as fully as if such Lender were a holder of such Loan or
other obligation in the amount of such participation.Β Β Except as
otherwise expressly provided in this Credit Agreement, if any Lender shall
fail
to remit to the Agent or any other Lender an amount payable by such Lender
to
the Agent or such other Lender pursuant to this Credit Agreement on the date
when such amount is due, such payments shall accrue interest thereon, for each
day from the date such amount is due until the day such amount is paid to the
Agent or such other Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds
Rate.Β Β If under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar
law, any Lender receives a secured claim in lieu of a setoff to which this
Section 3.8 applies, such Lender shall, to the extent practicable, exercise
its
rights in respect of such secured claim in a manner consistent with the rights
of the Lenders under this Section 3.8 to share in the benefits of any recovery
on such secured claim.
3.9Β
Evidence of Debt.
Β
(a)Β Each
Lender shall
maintain an account or accounts evidencing each Loan made by such Lender to
the
Borrower from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest
payable and paid to such Lender from time to time under this Credit
Agreement.Β Β Each
Β
Β
26
Β
Β
Lender
will make
reasonable efforts to maintain the accuracy of its account or accounts and
to
promptly update its account or accounts from time to time, as
necessary.
Β
(b)Β The
Agent shall
maintain the Register pursuant to Section 11.3(c), and a subaccount for each
Lender, in which Register and subaccounts (taken together) shall be recorded
(i)
the amount, type and Interest Period of each such Loan hereunder, (ii) the
amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable
to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Agent
hereunder from or for the account of the Borrower and each Lender's share
thereof.Β Β The Agent will make reasonable efforts to maintain the
accuracy of the subaccounts referred to in the preceding sentence and to
promptly update such subaccounts from time to time, as necessary.
Β
(c)Β The
entries made in
the accounts, Register and subaccounts maintained pursuant to subsection (b)
of
this Section 3.9 (and, if consistent with the entries of the Agent, subsection
(a)) shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the
obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; provided, however,
that the
failure of any Lender or the Agent to maintain any such account, such Register
or such subaccount, as applicable, or any error therein, shall not in any manner
affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Loans made by such Lender
in
accordance with the terms hereof.
Β
Section
4.Β
ADDITIONAL
PROVISIONS REGARDING LOANS
Β
4.1Β
Eurodollar Loan Provisions.
Β
(a)Β Unavailability.Β Β In
the event that the Agent shall have determined in good faith (i) that
U.S.Β Β dollar deposits in the principal amounts requested with respect
to a Eurodollar Loan are not generally available in the London interbank
Eurodollar market or (ii)Β that reasonable means do not exist for
ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate, the Agent shall, as soon as practicable
thereafter, give notice of such determination to the Borrower and the
Lenders.Β Β In the event of any such determination under clauses (i) or
(ii) above, until the Agent shall have advised the Borrower and the Lenders
that
the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (A) any request
by
the Borrower for Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to be a request for Base
Rate
Loans, (B) any request by the Borrower for conversion into or continuation
of
Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to be a request for conversion into or
continuation of Base Rate Loans and (C) any Loans that were to be converted
or
continued as Eurodollar Loans on the first day of an Interest Period shall
be
converted to or continued as Base Rate Loans.
Β
(b)Β Change
in
Legality.Β Β Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if any
change, after the date hereof, in any law or regulation (including the
introduction of any new law or regulation) or in the interpretation thereof
by
any Governmental Authority charged with the administration or interpretation
thereof shall make it unlawful for any Lender to make or maintain any Eurodollar
Loan or to give effect to its obligations as contemplated hereby
withΒ respect
to any
Eurodollar Loan, then, by written notice to the Borrower and to the Agent,
such
Lender may:
Β
(A)Β declare
that
Eurodollar Loans, and conversions to or continuations of Eurodollar Loans,
will
not thereafter be made by such Lender hereunder, whereupon any
Β
Β
27
Β
Β
request
by the
Borrower for, or for conversion into or continuation of, Eurodollar Loans shall,
as to such Lender only, be deemed a request for, or for conversion into or
continuation of, Base Rate Loans, unless such declaration shall be subsequently
withdrawn; and
Β
(B)Β require
that all
outstanding Eurodollar Loans made by it be converted to Base Rate Loans in
which
event all such Eurodollar Loans shall be automatically converted to Base Rate
Loans.
Β
In
the event any
Lender shall exercise its rights under clause (A) or (B) above, all payments
and
prepayments of principal which would otherwise have been applied to repay the
Eurodollar Loans that would have been made by such Lender or the converted
Eurodollar Loans of such Lender shall instead be applied to repay the Base
Rate
Loans made by such Lenders in lieu of, or resulting from the conversion of,
such
Eurodollar Loans.
Β
(c)Β Requirements
of
Law.Β Β If at any time a Lender shall incur increased costs or
reductions in the amounts received or receivable hereunder with respect to
the
making, the commitment to make or the maintaining of any Eurodollar Loan because
of (i) any change, after the date hereof, in any applicable law, governmental
rule, regulation, guideline or order (or in the interpretation or administration
thereof and including the introduction of any new law or governmental rule,
regulation, guideline or such order) including, without limitation, the
imposition, modification or deemed applicability of any reserves, deposits
or
similar requirements (such as, for example, but not limited to, a change in
official reserve requirements, but, in all events, excluding reserves required
under Regulation D to the extent included in the computation of the Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate) or (ii) other circumstances affecting the London interbank
Eurodollar market; then the Borrower shall pay to such Lender promptly upon
written demand therefore, accompanied by a statement in reasonable detail
showing the calculation of the amount demanded, such additional amounts (in
the
form of an increased rate of, or a different method of calculating, interest
or
otherwise as such Lender may determine in its reasonable discretion) as may
be
required to compensate such Lender for such increased costs or reductions in
amounts receivable hereunder.Β Β Each determination and calculation made
by a Lender under this Section 4.1 shall, absent manifest error, be binding
and
conclusive on the parties hereto.Β Β Any conversions of Eurodollar Loans
made pursuant to this Section 4.1 shall subject the Borrower to the payments
required by Section 4.3.Β Β This Section shall survive termination of
this Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents and payment of the Loans
and all other amounts payable hereunder.
Β
Failure
or delay on
the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 4.1
shall
not constitute a waiver of such Lender's right to demand such compensation;
provided that
the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender pursuant to this
Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 90 days prior
to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the change in or in the
interpretation of law or regulation
giving
rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender's intention to
claim compensation therefor; providedfurther
that, if the
change in or in the interpretation of law or regulation giving rise to such
increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 90-day period referred
to
above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect
thereof.
Β
Β
28
Β
Β
4.2Β
Capital Adequacy.
Β
If
any Lender has
determined that the adoption or effectiveness, after the date hereof, of any
applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change
therein (after the date hereof), 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 such Lender (or its parent corporation) with any request or directive
regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any
such
authority, central bank or comparable agency, has or would have the effect
of
reducing the rate of return on such Lender's (or parent corporation's) capital
or assets as a consequence of its commitments or obligations hereunder to a
level below that which such Lender (or its parent corporation) could have
achieved but for such adoption, effectiveness, change or compliance (taking
into
consideration such Lender's (or parent corporation's) policies with respect
to
capital adequacy), then, upon notice from such Lender, accompanied by a
statement in reasonable detail showing the calculation of the amount demanded,
the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as
will
compensate such Lender for such reduction.Β Β Each determination by any
such Lender of amounts owing under this Section 4.2 shall, absent manifest
error, be conclusive and binding on the parties hereto.Β Β This Section
shall survive termination of this Credit Agreement and the other Credit
Documents and payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable
hereunder.
Β
Failure
or delay on
the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 4.2
shall
not constitute a waiver of such Lender's right to demand such compensation;
provided that
the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender pursuant to this
Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 90 days prior
to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the change in or in the
interpretation of law or regulation giving rise to such increased costs or
reductions and of such Lender's intention to claim compensation therefor; providedfurther
that, if the
change in or in the interpretation of law or regulation giving rise to such
increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 90-day period referred
to
above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect
thereof.
Β
4.3Β
Compensation.
Β
The
Borrower
promises to indemnify each Lender and to hold each Lender harmless from any
loss
or expense which such Lender may sustain or incur as a consequence of (a)
default by the Borrower in making a borrowing of, conversion into or
continuation of Eurodollar Loans after the Borrower has given a notice
requesting the same in accordance with the provisions of this Credit Agreement,
(b) default by the Borrower in making any prepayment of a Eurodollar Loan after
the Borrower has given a notice thereof in accordance with the provisions of
this Credit Agreement, (c) the making of a prepayment of Eurodollar Loans on
a
day which is not the last day of an Interest Period with respect thereto and
(d)
the payment, continuation
or
conversion of a Eurodollar Loan on a day which is not the last day of the
Interest Period applicable thereto or the failure to repay a Eurodollar Loan
when required by the terms of this Credit Agreement.Β Β Such
indemnification may include an amount equal to (i) an amount of interest
calculated at the Eurodollar Rate which would have accrued on the amount in
question, for the period from the date of such prepayment or of such failure
to
borrow, convert, continue or repay to the last day of the applicable Interest
Period (or, in the case of a failure to borrow,
Β
Β
29
Β
Β
convert
or
continue, the Interest Period that would have commenced on the date of such
failure) in each case at the applicable rate of interest for such Eurodollar
Loans provided for herein minus (ii) the amount of interest (as reasonably
determined by such Lender) which would have accrued to such Lender on such
amount by placing such amount on deposit for a comparable period with leading
banks in the interbank Eurocurrency market.Β Β The agreements in this
Section shall survive the termination of this Credit Agreement and the payment
of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.
Β
4.4Β
Taxes.
Β
(a)Β Except
as provided
below in this Section 4.4, all payments made by the Borrower under this Credit
Agreement and any Notes shall be made free and clear of, and without deduction
or withholding for or on account of, any present or future income, stamp or
other taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings,
now or hereafter imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by any court,
or governmental body, agency or other official, excluding taxes measured by
or
imposed upon the net income of any Lender or its applicable lending office,
or
any branch or affiliate thereof, and all franchise taxes, branch taxes, taxes
on
doing business or taxes on the capital or net worth of any Lender or its
applicable lending office, or any branch or affiliate thereof, in each case
imposed in lieu of net income taxes: (i) by the jurisdiction under the laws
of
which such Lender, applicable lending office, branch or affiliate is organized
or is located, or in which its principal executive office is located, or any
nation within which such jurisdiction is located or any political subdivision
thereof or (ii) by reason of any connection between the jurisdiction imposing
such tax and such Lender, applicable lending office, branch or affiliate other
than a connection arising solely from such Lender having executed, delivered
or
performed its obligations, or received payment under or enforced, this Credit
Agreement or any Notes.Β Β If any such non-excluded taxes, levies,
imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions or withholdings ("Non-Excluded Taxes")
are required to be withheld from any amounts payable to an Agent or any Lender
hereunder or under any Notes, (A) the amounts so payable to the Agent or such
Lender shall be increased to the extent necessary to yield to the Agent or
such
Lender (after payment of all Non-Excluded Taxes) interest or any such other
amounts payable hereunder at the rates or in the amounts specified in this
Credit Agreement and any Notes, provided, however,
that the
Borrower shall be entitled to deduct and withhold any Non-Excluded Taxes and
shall not be required to increase any such amounts payable to any Lender that
is
not organized under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof
if such Lender fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this
Section 4.4 whenever any Non-Excluded Taxes are payable by the Borrower, and
(B)
as promptly as possible after requested, the Borrower shall send to the Agent
for its own account or for the account of such Lender, as the case may be,
a
certified copy of an original official receipt received by the Borrower showing
payment thereof.Β Β If the Borrower fails to pay any Non-Excluded Taxes
of which it has notice when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails
to
remit to the Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence,
the BorrowerΒ shall
indemnify the
Agent and any Lender for any incremental Non-Excluded Taxes, interest or
penalties that may become payable by the Agent or any Lender as a result of
any
such failure.Β Β The agreements in this Section 4.4 shall survive the
termination of this Credit Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other
amounts payable hereunder.
Β
Β
30
Β
Β
(b)Β Each
Lender that is
not incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or a state
thereof shall:
Β
(A)Β on
or before the
date of any payment by the Borrower under this Credit Agreement or the Notes
to
such Lender, deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (x) two duly completed copies
of United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI or W-8BEN, or successor
applicable form, as the case may be, certifying that it is entitled to receive
payments under this Credit Agreement and any Notes without deduction or
withholding of any United States federal income taxes and (y) an Internal
Revenue Service Form W-8 or W-9, or successor applicable form, as the case
may
be, certifying that it is entitled to an exemption from United States backup
withholding tax;
Β
(B)Β deliver
to the
Borrower and the Agent two further copies of any such form or certification
on
or before the date that any such form or certification expires or becomes
obsolete and after the occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most
recent form previously delivered by it to the Borrower; and
Β
(C)Β obtain
such
extensions of time for filing and complete such forms or certifications as
may
reasonably be requested by the Borrower or the Agent; or
Β
(ii)Β in
the case of any
such Lender that is not a "bank" within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A)
of
the Internal Revenue Code, (A) represent to the Borrower (for the benefit of
the
Borrower and the Agent) that it is not a bank within the meaning of Section
88l(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, (B) agree to furnish to the Borrower,
on or before the date of any payment by the Borrower, with a copy to the Agent,
two accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue Service
Form W-8, or successor applicable form certifying to such Lender's legal
entitlement at the date of such certificate to an exemption from U.S.
withholding tax under the provisions of Section 881(c) of the Internal Revenue
Code with respect to payments to be made under this Credit Agreement and any
Notes (and to deliver to the Borrower and the Agent two further copies of such
form on or before the date it expires or becomes obsolete and after the
occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recently provided form
and, if necessary, obtain any extensions of time reasonably requested by the
Borrower or the Agent for filing and completing such forms), and (C) agree,
to
the extent legally entitled to do so, upon reasonable request by the Borrower,
to provide to the Borrower (for the benefit of the Borrower and the Agent)
such
other forms as may be reasonably required in order to establish the legal
entitlement of such Lender to an exemption from withholding with respect to
payments under this Credit Agreement and any Notes.
Β
Notwithstanding
the
above, if any change in treaty, law or regulation has occurred after the date
such Person becomes a Lender hereunder which renders all such forms inapplicable
or which would prevent such Lender from duly completing and delivering any
such
form with respect to it and such Lender so advises the Borrower and the Agent,
then such Lender shall be exempt from such requirements.Β Β Each Person
that shall become a Lender or a participant of a Lender pursuant to Section
11.3
shall, upon the effectiveness of the related transfer, be required
Β
Β
31
Β
Β
to
provide all of
the forms, certifications and statements required pursuant to this subsection
(b); provided
that in the case of a participant of a Lender, the obligations of such
participant of a Lender pursuant to this subsection (b) shall be determined
as
if the participant of a Lender were a Lender except that such participant of
a
Lender shall furnish all such required forms, certifications and statements
to
the Lender from which the related participation shall have been
purchased.
Β
4.5Β
Replacement of Lenders.
Β
The
Agent and each
Lender shall use reasonable efforts to avoid or mitigate any increased cost
or
suspension of the availability of an interest rate under Sections 4.1 through
4.4 above to the greatest extent practicable (including transferring the Loans
to another lending office of Affiliate of a Lender) unless, in the opinion
of
the Agent or such Lender, such efforts would be likely to have an adverse effect
upon it.Β Β In the event a Lender makes a request to the Borrower for
additional payments in accordance with Section 4.1, 4.2 or 4.4, then, provided that no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at such time, the
Borrower may, at its own expense (such expense to include any transfer fee
payable to the Agent under Section 11.3(b) and any expense pursuant to Section
4) and in its sole discretion, require such Lender to transfer and assign in
whole (but not in part), without recourse (in accordance with and subject to
the
terms and conditions of Section 11.3(b)), all of its interests, rights and
obligations under this Credit Agreement to an Eligible Assignee which shall
assume such assigned obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if
a
Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (a)
such assignment shall not conflict with any law, rule or regulation or order
of
any court or other Governmental Authority and (b) the Borrower or such assignee
shall have paid to the assigning Lender in immediately available funds the
principal of and interest accrued to the date of such payment on the portion
of
the Loans hereunder held by such assigning Lender and all other amounts owed
to
such assigning Lender hereunder, including amounts owed pursuant to Sections
4.1
through 4.4.
Β
Section
5.Β
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
Β
5.1Β
Closing Conditions.
Β
The
obligation of
the Lenders to enter into this Credit Agreement and make the initial Extension
of Credit is subject to satisfaction (or waiver) of the following
conditions:
Β
(a)Β Executed
Credit
Documents.Β Β Receipt by the Agent of duly executed copies of (i)
this Credit Agreement, (ii) the Notes and (iii) all other Credit Documents,
each
in form and substance acceptable to the Lenders.
(b)Β Corporate
Documents.Β Β Receipt by the Agent of the following:
Β
(i)Β Charter
Documents.Β Β Copies of the articles of incorporation or other
charter documents of the Borrower certified to be true and complete as of a
recent date by the appropriate Governmental Authority of the state or other
jurisdiction of its incorporation and certified by a secretary or assistant
secretary of the Borrower to be true and correct as of the Closing Date,
together with any other information required by Section 326 of the USA Patriot
Act of 2001, 31
Β
Β
32
Β
Β
U.S.C.
Section
5318, or necessary for the Agent or any Lender to verify the identity of
Borrower as required by Section 326 of such Act.
Β
(ii)Β Bylaws.Β Β A
copy of the bylaws of the Borrower certified by a secretary or assistant
secretary of the Borrower to be true and correct as of the Closing
Date.
Β
(iii)Β Resolutions.Β Β Copies
of resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving and adopting
the Credit Documents to which it is a party, the transactions contemplated
therein and authorizing execution and delivery thereof, certified by a secretary
or assistant secretary of the Borrower to be true and correct and in force
and
effect as of the Closing Date.
Β
(iv)Β Good
Standing.Β Β Copies of (A) certificates of good standing,
existence or its equivalent with respect to the Borrower certified as of a
recent date by the appropriate Governmental Authorities of the state or other
jurisdiction of incorporation and each other jurisdiction in which the failure
to so qualify and be in good standing would have a Material Adverse Effect
and
(B) to the extent available, a certificate indicating payment of all corporate
franchise taxes certified as of a recent date by the appropriate Governmental
Authorities of the state or other jurisdiction of incorporation and each other
jurisdiction in which the failure to pay such franchise taxes would have a
Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(v)Β Incumbency.Β Β An
incumbency certificate of the Borrower certified by a secretary or assistant
secretary of the Borrower to be true and correct as of the Closing
Date.
Β
(c)Β Opinion
of
Counsel.Β Β Receipt by the Agent of an opinion, or opinions, from
legal counsel to the Borrower addressed to the Agent and the Lenders and dated
as of the Effective Date, in each case satisfactory in form and substance to
the
Agent.
Β
(d)Β Financial
Statements.Β Β Receipt by the Lenders of the audited financial
statements of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries, for the fiscal
years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2004, including balance sheets and
income and cash flow statements, in each case audited by Deloitte & Touche
and prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Β
(e)Β Fees
and
Expenses.Β Β Payment by the Borrower of all fees and expenses
owed by it to the Lenders and the Agent, including, without limitation, payment
to the Agent of the fees set forth in the Fee Letter.
(f)Β Litigation.Β Β Except
as disclosed in the Borrower's Annual Report on its Form 10-K for the year
ended
December 31, 2004 and in subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act
of
1934 made prior to the Closing Date, there shall not exist any action, suit
or
investigation, nor shall any action, suit or investigation be pending or
threatened before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority that materially
adversely affects the Borrower or any transaction contemplated hereby or on
the
ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Credit
Documents.
Β
Β
33
Β
Β
(g)Β Material
Adverse
Effect.Β Β No event or condition shall have occurred since the
date of the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(d)Β above that has had
or
would be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(h)Β Officer's
Certificates.Β Β The Agent shall have received a certificate or
certificates executed by the chief financial officer, treasurer, secretary
or
assistant treasurer of the Borrower as of the Closing Date stating that (i)
the
Borrower is in compliance with all existing material financial obligations,
(ii)
no action, suit, investigation or proceeding is pending or, to his knowledge,
threatened in any court or before any arbitrator or governmental instrumentality
that purports to affect the Borrower or any transaction contemplated by the
Credit Documents, if such action, suit, investigation or proceeding would have
or would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect and (iii)
immediately after giving effect to this Credit Agreement, the other Credit
Documents and all the transactions contemplated therein to occur on such date,
(A) no Default or Event of Default exists, (B) all representations and
warranties contained herein and in the other Credit Documents, are true and
correct in all material respects on and as of the date made and (C) the Borrower
is in compliance with the financial covenant set forth in Section
7.2.
Β
(i)Β 2004
Credit
Agreement.Β Β The 2004 Credit Agreement shall be terminated prior
to or contemporaneously with the making of the initial Loans under this Credit
Agreement and all loans and other obligations outstanding under the 2004 Credit
Agreement shall be paid in full prior to or contemporaneously with the making
of
the initial Loans under this Credit Agreement.Β Β Each of the Lenders
that is a party to the above described credit agreement, by execution hereof,
hereby waives the requirement of five business days' notice to the termination
of the commitments thereunder.
Β
(j)Β Other.Β Β Receipt
by the Lenders of such other documents, instruments, agreements or information
as reasonably requested by any Lender.
Β
5.2Β
Conditions to Each Extension of Credit.
Β
In
addition to the
conditions precedent stated elsewhere herein, (excluding after the Closing
Date
those contained in Sections 5.1(f) and 5.1(g) hereof), the Lenders shall not
be
obligated to make any new Extension of Credit unless:
Β
(a)Β Request.Β Β The
Borrower shall have timely delivered, (i) in the case of any new Revolving
Loan,
a duly executed and completed Notice of Borrowing in conformance with all the
terms and conditions of this Credit Agreement and (ii) in the case of any Letter
of Credit, the necessary application and any other LOC Documents required by
the
Agent.
(b)Β Representations
and
Warranties.Β Β The representations and warranties made by the
Borrower herein (excluding after the Closing Date those contained in Sections
6.7 and 6.10) are true and correct in all material respects at and as if made
as
of the date of the making of the Extension of Credit.
Β
(c)Β No
Default.Β Β No Default or Event of Default shall exist or be
continuing either prior to or after giving effect thereto.
Β
Β
34
Β
Β
(d)Β Availability.Β Β Immediately
after giving effect to the making of an Extension of Credit (and the application
of the proceeds thereof), the sum of the Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations
outstanding shall not exceed the Aggregate Commitment.
Β
The
delivery of
each Notice of Borrowing and each application for a Letter of Credit shall
constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower of the correctness
of
the matters specified in subsections (b), (c) and (d) above.
Β
5.3Β
Conditions to Each Extension of Credit On and After Any Trigger Date.
Β
In
addition to the
conditions precedent stated elsewhere herein, (excluding after the Closing
Date
those contained in Sections 5.1(f) and 5.1(g) hereof), the Lenders shall not
be
obligated to make any new Extension of Credit at any time on or after any
Trigger Date unless the Borrower shall have timely delivered (a) a certificate
of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying that
attached are true and correct copies of all authorizations or approvals of
Governmental Authorities required to be obtained in order for the term of this
Agreement to extend past such Trigger Date, and that such authorizations or
approvals have been issued and are in full force and effect and (b) an opinion
of counsel for the Borrower to the effect that no authorizations or approvals
of
Governmental Authorities are or will be required in connection with the
performance by the Borrower, or the consummation by the Borrower of the
transactions contemplated by, this Agreement between such Trigger Date and
the
next succeeding Trigger Date (if any), other than the authorizations or
approvalsΒ Β described in clause (a) above, which have been duly issued
and in full force and effect.
Β
Section
6.Β
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
Β
The
Borrower hereby
represents and warrants to each Lender that:
Β
6.1Β
Organization and Good Standing; Assets.
Β
(a)Β The
Borrower and
each of its Principal Subsidiaries (i) is a corporation or limited liability
company validly existing and in good standing (or equivalent status) under
its
jurisdiction of organization, (ii) is duly qualified and in good standing as
a
foreign corporation or limited liability company authorized to do business
in
every jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify would have a Material Adverse
Effect and (iii) has the requisite corporate or limited liability company power
and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as now
conducted and as proposed to be conducted.
Β
(b)Β The
Borrower and
each of its Principal Subsidiaries has good and marketable title (or, in the
case of personal property, valid title) or valid leasehold interests in its
assets,Β except
for (i)
minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with the ability of
the
Borrower or the relevant Principal Subsidiary to conduct its business as now
conducted and (ii) other defects that, either individually or in the aggregate,
do not materially adversely affect the financial condition, properties or
operations of the Borrower or the relevant Principal Subsidiary.Β Β All
such assets and properties are free and clear of any Lien, other than Liens
permitted under Section 8.6 hereof.
Β
Β
35
Β
Β
(c)Β
The Borrowerβs
Principal Subsidiaries and other Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date are set
forth on Schedule
6.1(c) hereto.Β Β All outstanding shares of capital stock having
ordinary voting power for the election of directors of each of the Borrowerβs
Principal Subsidiaries have been validly issued, are fully paid and
nonassessable (except as provided by Wisconsin Statutes section 180.0622, as
judicially interpreted) and, in the case of each of the Principal Subsidiaries,
are owned beneficially by the Borrower or another Subsidiary, free and clear
of
any Lien.
Β
6.2Β
Due Authorization.
Β
The
Borrower (a)
has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform
this Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents and to incur the
obligations herein and therein provided for and (b) is duly authorized to,
and
has been authorized by all necessary corporate action to, execute, deliver
and
perform this Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents.
Β
6.3Β
No Conflicts.
Β
Neither
the
execution and delivery of the Credit Documents, nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated therein, nor performance of and compliance with the
terms and provisions thereof by the Borrower will (a) violate or conflict with
any provision of its organizational documents or bylaws, (b) violate, contravene
or materially conflict with any law (including without limitation, the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended), regulation (including without
limitation, Regulation U, Regulation X and any regulation promulgated by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission), order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree
or permit applicable to it, (c) violate, contravene or materially conflict
with
contractual provisions of, or cause an event of default under, any indenture,
loan agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, contract or other agreement or
instrument to which it is a party or by which it may be bound, the violation
of
which would have a Material Adverse Effect or (d) result in or require the
creation of any Lien upon or with respect to its properties.
Β
6.4Β
Consents.
Β
No
consent,
approval, authorization or order of, or filing, registration or qualification
with, any court or Governmental Authority (including, without limitation, the
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin pursuant to Chapter 201 of the Wisconsin
Statutes) or third party is required in connection with the execution, delivery
or performance of this Credit Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents
that has not been obtained.
6.5Β
Enforceable Obligations.
Β
This
Credit
Agreement and the other Credit Documents have been duly executed and delivered
and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable
against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except as may
be
limited by bankruptcy or insolvency laws or similar laws affecting creditors'
rights generally or by general equitable principles.
Β
Β
36
Β
Β
6.6Β
Financial Condition.
Β
(a)Β The
financial
statements delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 5.1(d) and pursuant
to
Sections 7.1(a) and (b): (i) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP (subject
to the provisions of Section 1.3 and subject to, in the case of the interim
financial statements, year end adjustments and the absence of footnotes) and
(ii) present fairly the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of such date and for such
periods.
Β
(b)Β Since
December 31,
2004, there has been no sale, transfer or other disposition by the Borrower
or
any of its Principal Subsidiaries of any material part of the business or
property of the Borrower and its Principal Subsidiaries, other than sales of
inventory during the course of business, and no purchase or other acquisition
by
the Borrower and its Principal Subsidiaries of any business or property
(including any capital stock of any other Person) material in relation to the
financial condition of the Borrower and its Principal Subsidiaries, in each
case, which, is not (i) reflected in the most recent financial statements
delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 7.1 or in the notes thereto, (ii)
permitted by the terms of this Credit Agreement or (iii) disclosed to the
Lenders prior to the date hereof.
Β
6.7Β
No Material Change.
Β
Since
December 31,
2004, there has been no development or event relating to or affecting the
Borrower and its Principal Subsidiaries which has had or would be reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
6.8Β
No Default.
Β
Neither
the
Borrower nor any Principal Subsidiary is in default in any respect under any
contract, lease, loan agreement, indenture, mortgage, security agreement or
other agreement or obligation to which it is a party or by which any of its
properties is bound which default would have or would be reasonably likely
to
have a Material Adverse Effect.Β Β No Default or Event of Default
presently exists and is continuing.
6.9Β
Indebtedness.
Β
As
of December 31,
2004, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have no Indebtedness except as disclosed
in the financial statements referenced in Section 5.1(d) and to the extent
required to be disclosed by GAAP.
6.10Β
Litigation.
Β
Except
as disclosed
to the Lenders in writing prior to the Closing Date, there are no actions,
suits
or legal, equitable, arbitration or administrative proceedings, pending or,
to
the knowledge of the Borrower, overtly threatened against the Borrower which
has
had or would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
Β
37
Β
Β
6.11Β
Taxes.
Β
The
Borrower and
each of its Principal Subsidiaries has filed, or caused to be filed, all
material tax returns (federal, state, local and foreign) required to be filed
and paid all amounts of taxes shown thereon to be due (including interest and
penalties) and has paid all other taxes, fees, assessments and other
governmental charges (including mortgage recording taxes, documentary stamp
taxes and intangibles taxes) owing by it, except for such taxes which are not
yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith and by proper
proceedings, and against which adequate reserves are being maintained in
accordance with GAAP.Β Β As of the date of this Agreement, the Borrower
is not aware of any proposed tax assessments against it which have had or would
be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
6.12Β
Compliance with Law.
Β
The
Borrower and
each of its Principal Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws, rules,
regulations, orders and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, the
failure to comply with which has had or would be reasonably likely to have
a
Material Adverse Effect.
Β
6.13Β
ERISA.
Β
Except
as would not
result or be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse
Effect:
Β
(a)Β During
the
five-year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or
deemed made: (i) no Termination Event has occurred, and, to the best knowledge
of the Borrower, no event or condition has occurred or exists as a result of
which any Termination Event would be reasonably likely to occur, with respect
to
any Plan; (ii) no "accumulated funding deficiency," as such term is defined
in
Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, whether or not waived, has
occurred with respect to any Plan; (iii)Β each Plan has been maintained,
operated, and funded in compliance with its own terms and in material compliance
with the provisions of ERISA, the Code, and any other applicable federal or
state laws; and (iv) no Lien in favor or the PBGC or a Plan has arisen or is
reasonably likely to arise on account of any Plan.
Β
(b)Β No
liability has
been or is reasonably expected by the Borrower to be incurred under Sections
4062, 4063 or 4064 of ERISA with respect to any Single Employer Plan by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
Β
(c)Β Except
as disclosed
in the Borrower's financial statements in accordance with FASB 87, the
accumulated benefit obligation under each Single Employer Plan (determined
utilizing the actuarial assumptions used for purposes of FASB 87), did not,
as
of the last annual valuation
date
prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made, exceed
the current value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such
obligation.
Β
(d)Β Neither
the
Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or, to the best knowledge of
the
Borrower, is reasonably likely to incur, any withdrawal liability under ERISA
to
any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan.Β Β Neither the
Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has received any notification that any
Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization (within
Β
Β
38
Β
Β
the
meaning of
Section 4241 of ERISA), is insolvent (within the meaning of Section 4245 of
ERISA), or has been terminated (within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA), and
no
Multiemployer Plan is, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, reasonably likely
to be in reorganization, insolvent, or terminated.
Β
(e)Β No
prohibited
transaction (within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of
the
Code) or breach of fiduciary responsibility has occurred with respect to a
Plan
which has subjected or would be reasonably likely to subject the Borrower or
any
ERISA Affiliate to any liability under Sections 406, 409, 502(i), or 502(1)
of
ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or under any agreement or other instrument
pursuant to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has agreed or is required
to indemnify any person against any such liability.
Β
(f)Β The
present value
(determined using actuarial and other assumptions which are reasonable with
respect to the benefits provided and the employees participating) of the
liability of the Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate for post-retirement welfare
benefits to be provided to their current and former employees under Plans which
are welfare benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA), net of all
assets under all such Plans allocable to such benefits, are reflected on the
financial statements referenced in Section 7.1 in accordance with FASB
106.
Β
(g)Β Each
Plan which is
a welfare plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) to which Sections 601-609
of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code apply has been administered in compliance
in all material respects with such sections.
Β
6.14Β
Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock.
Β
The
proceeds of the
Loans hereunder will be used solely for the purposes specified in Section
7.9.Β Β None of such proceeds will be used (a) in violation of
Regulation U or Regulation X (i) for the purpose of purchasing or carrying
any
"margin stock" as defined in Regulation U or Regulation X or (ii) for the
purpose of reducing or retiring any Indebtedness which was originally incurred
to purchase or carry "margin stock" or (b) for the acquisition of another Person
unless the board of directors (or other comparable governing body) or
stockholders, as appropriate, of such Person has approved such
acquisition.
Β
6.15Β
Government Regulation.
Β
The
Borrower is not
required to register as a "holding company" within the meaning of the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.Β Β The Borrower is not
an "investment company" registered or required to be registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or controlled by such a
company.
6.16Β
Disclosure.
Β
Neither
this Credit
Agreement nor any financial statements delivered to the Lenders nor any other
document, certificate or statement furnished to the Lenders by or on behalf
of
the Borrower in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby contains
any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact
necessary in order to make the statements contained therein or herein, taken
as
a whole, not misleading on the date when made.
Β
Β
39
Β
Β
Section
7.Β
AFFIRMATIVE
COVENANTS
Β
The
Borrower hereby
covenants and agrees that so long as this Credit Agreement is in effect and
until all Borrower Obligations have been paid in full and the Revolving Loan
Commitments hereunder shall have terminated:
Β
7.1Β
Information Covenants.
Β
The
Borrower will
furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Agent:
Β
(a)Β Annual
Financial
Statements.Β Β As soon as available, and in any event within 120
days after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a consolidated balance
sheet and income statement of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as of the
end
of such fiscal year, together with a common stock equity statement which
includes retained earnings and a consolidated statement of cash flows for such
fiscal year, setting forth in comparative form figures for the preceding fiscal
year, all such financial information described above to be in reasonable form
and detail and audited by independent certified public accountants of recognized
national standing reasonably acceptable to the Agent and whose opinion shall
be
to the effect that such financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with GAAP (except for changes with which such accountants concur) and shall
not
be limited as to the scope of the audit or qualified in any
respect.Β Β The Lenders agree that delivery of the Borrower's Form 10-K
will meet the financial information requirements of this Section
7.1(a).
Β
(b)Β Quarterly
Financial
Statements.Β Β As soon as available, and in any event within 60
days after the close of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower (other than the
fourth fiscal quarter) a consolidated balance sheet and income statement of
the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as of the end of such fiscal quarter, together
with a related consolidated statement of cash flows for such fiscal quarter
in
each case setting forth in comparative form figures for the corresponding period
of the preceding fiscal year, all such financial information described above
to
be in reasonable form and detail and reasonably acceptable to the Agent, and
accompanied by the review letter required to be filed with the Borrower's
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q pursuant to Section 10-01(d) of Regulation S-X,
if any,Β and a
certificate of the chief financial officer, treasurer, secretary or assistant
treasurer of the Borrower to the effect that such quarterly financial statements
fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject
to
changes resulting from audit and normal year-end audit adjustments and the
absence of footnotes.Β Β The Lenders agree that the delivery of the
Borrower's Form 10-Q will meet the financial information requirements of this
Section 7.1(b).
(c)Β Officer's
Certificate.Β Β At the time of delivery of the financial
statements provided for in Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b) above, a certificate
of
the chief financial officer, treasurer, secretary or assistant treasurer of
the
Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.1(c), (i)
demonstrating compliance with the financial covenant contained in Section 7.2
by
calculation thereof as of the end of each such fiscal period, (ii) stating
that
no Default or Event of Default exists, or if any Default or Event of Default
does exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof and what action the
Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto and (iii) confirming the then
existing Credit ratings of the Borrower.
Β
Β
40
Β
Β
(d)Β Notices.Β Β Upon
the Borrower obtaining knowledge thereof, the Borrower will give written notice
to the Agent immediately of (i) the occurrence of an event or condition
consisting of a Default or Event of Default, specifying the nature and existence
thereof and what action the Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto,
and
(ii) the occurrence of any of the following with respect to the Borrower or
any
of its Principal Subsidiaries:Β Β (A) the pendency or commencement of
any litigation, arbitral or governmental proceeding against the Borrower or
any
of its Principal Subsidiaries, the claim of which is in excess of $35,000,000
or
which, if adversely determined, would have or be reasonably likely to have
a
Material Adverse Effect or (B) the institution of any proceedings against the
Borrower or any of its Principal Subsidiaries with respect to, or the receipt
of
notice by such Person of potential liability or responsibility for violation,
or
alleged violation of any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, the
violation of which would be reasonably likely have a Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
(e)Β ERISA.Β Β Upon
the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate obtaining knowledge
thereof, the Borrower will give written notice to the Agent and each of the
Lenders promptly (and in any event within five Business Days) of: (i) any event
or condition, including, but not limited to, any Reportable Event, that
constitutes, or would be reasonably likely to lead to, a Termination Event
that
would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) with respect
to any Multiemployer Plan, the receipt of notice as prescribed in ERISA or
otherwise of any material withdrawal liability assessed against the Borrower,
its Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates, or of a determination that
any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or insolvent (both within the
meaning of Title IV of ERISA) that would be reasonably likely to lead to a
withdrawal liability that would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect; (iii) the failure to make full payment on or before the due date
(including extensions) thereof of all amounts which the Borrower or any of
its
Subsidiaries or ERISA Affiliates is required to contribute to each Plan pursuant
to its terms to meet the minimum funding standard set forth in ERISA and the
Code with respect thereto if such failure would be reasonably likely to have
a
Material Adverse Effect; or (iv) any change in the funding status of any Plan
that would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect; together,
with a description of any such event or condition or a copy of any such notice
and a statement by an officer of the Borrower briefly setting forth the details
regarding such event, condition, or notice, and the action, if any, which has
been or is being taken or is proposed to be taken by the Borrower with respect
thereto.Β Β Promptly upon request, the Borrower shall furnish the Agent
and each of the Lenders with such additional information concerning any Plan
as
may be reasonably requested, including, but not limited to, copies of each
annual report/return (Form 5500 series), as well as all schedules and
attachments thereto required to be filed with the Department of Labor and/or
the
Internal Revenue Service pursuant to ERISA and the Code, respectively, for
each
"plan-year" (within the meaning of Section 3(39) of ERISA).
(f)Β Other
Information.Β Β With reasonable promptness upon any such request,
such other information regarding the business, properties or financial condition
of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as the Agent or the Required Lenders
may reasonably request.
Β
Financial
reports
required to be delivered pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above shall be deemed
to have been delivered on the date on which such report is posted on the SEC's
website at xxx.xxx.xxx, and such posting shall be deemed to satisfy the
financial reporting requirements of clauses (a) and (b) above, provided that,
in
each instance the Company shall
Β
Β
41
Β
Β
provide
all other
reports and certificates required to be delivered under this Section 7.1 in
the
manner set forth in Section 11.1.
Β
7.2Β
Financial Covenant.
Β
The
Borrower will
maintain a Leverage Ratio as of the last day of each of its fiscal quarters
of
not greater than .65 to 1.00.
Β
7.3Β
Preservation of Existence and Franchises.
Β
Except
as expressly
permitted by Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 below, the Borrower will, and will
cause
each of its Principal Subsidiaries to, do all things necessary to preserve
and
keep in full force and effect its existence, and material rights, franchises
and
authority.
Β
7.4Β
Books and Records.
Β
Subject
to Section
1.3, the Borrower will, and will cause its Principal Subsidiaries to, keep
complete and accurate books and records of its transactions in accordance with
good accounting practices on the basis of GAAP (including the establishment
and
maintenance of appropriate reserves).
Β
7.5Β
Compliance with Law.
Β
The
Borrower will,
and will cause each of its Principal Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws,
rules, regulations and orders, and all applicable restrictions imposed by all
Governmental Authorities, applicable to it and its property, if the failure
to
comply would have or be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
7.6Β
Payment of Taxes and Other Indebtedness.
Β
The
Borrower will,
and will cause each of its Principal Subsidiaries to, pay, settle or discharge
(a) all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed
upon it, or upon its income or profits, or upon any of its properties, before
they shall become delinquent and (b) all lawful claims (including claims for
labor, materials and supplies) which, if unpaid, might give rise to a Lien
which
is not permitted by Section 8.6 upon any of its properties; provided, however,
that neither
the Borrower nor any Principal Subsidiary shall be required to pay any such
tax,
assessment, charge, levy, claim or Indebtedness which is being contested in
good
faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate reserves therefor
have
been established in accordance with GAAP, unless the failure to make any such
payment (i) would give
rise to an
immediate right to foreclose or collect on a Lien securing such amounts or
(ii)
would have or reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
Β
7.7Β
Insurance.
Β
The
Borrower will,
and will cause each of its Principal Subsidiaries to, at all times maintain
in
full force and effect insurance (including workerβs compensation insurance,
liability insurance, casualty insurance and business interruption insurance)
in
such amounts, covering such risks and liabilities and with such deductibles
or
self-insurance retentions as are in
Β
Β
42
Β
Β
accordance
with
normal industry practice; provided, however,
that the
Borrower and its Principal Subsidiaries may self-insure to the same extent
as
other companies engaged in similar businesses and to the extent consistent
with
prudent business practice.
Β
7.8Β
Use of Proceeds.
Β
The
proceeds of the
Loans may be used solely (a) to repay on the Closing Date the entire amount
of
all loans and other obligations outstanding under the 2004 Credit Agreement,
(b)
to provide working capital and (c) for other general corporate purposes; provided that
proceeds of the Loans may not be used to acquire another Person unless the
board
of directors (or other comparable body) or shareholders, as appropriate, of
such
Person has approved such acquisition.
Β
7.9Β
Audits/Inspections.
Β
Upon
reasonable
notice and during normal business hours, the Borrower will, and will cause
each
of its Principal Subsidiaries to, permit representatives appointed by the Agent,
including, without limitation, independent accountants, agents, attorneys,
and
appraisers to visit and inspect the Borrower's and its Principal Subsidiaries'
property, including its books and records, its accounts receivable and
inventory, the Borrower's and its Principal Subsidiaries' facilities and their
other business assets, and to make photocopies or photographs thereof and to
write down and record any information such representative obtains and shall
permit the Agent or its representatives to investigate and verify the accuracy
of information provided to the Lenders and to discuss all such matters with
the
officers, employees and representatives of the Borrower and its Principal
Subsidiaries.Β Β All information so obtained shall be subject to the
provisions of Section 11.11 below.
Β
7.10Β
Restrictive Agreements.
Β
The
Borrower will
not, and will not permit any Principal Subsidiary to, enter into any agreement
that restricts the ability of any Principal Subsidiary to pay dividends or
other
distributions with respect to any shares of its capital stock; provided that
it
is understood and agreed that (a) the foregoing covenant does not prohibit
the
Borrower or a Principal Subsidiary from entering into agreements that contain
financial covenants which require the maintenance of a minimum net worth or
compliance with financial ratios without explicitly addressing the ability
to
pay dividends or make other distributions with respect to shares of its capital
stock and (b) the foregoing covenant does not apply to limitations or
restrictions imposed by law or in regulatory proceedings.
Section
8.Β NEGATIVE
COVENANTS
Β
The
Borrower hereby
covenants and agrees that so long as this Credit Agreement is in effect and
until all Borrower Obligations have been paid in full and the Revolving Loan
Commitments shall have terminated:
Β
Β
43
Β
Β
8.1Β
Nature of Business.
Β
The
Borrower will
not, and will not permit any of its Principal Subsidiaries to, alter in any
material respect the character of the business of the Borrower and its Principal
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that conducted as of the Closing Date;
provided that
the foregoing shall not prevent the disposition of assets, business or
operations permitted by Section 8.3 below so long as the Borrower shall have
complied with all other terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Β
8.2Β
Consolidation and Merger.
Β
The
Borrower will
not, and will not permit any of its Principal Subsidiaries to, enter into any
transaction of merger or consolidation or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself
(or suffer any liquidation or dissolution); provided that, a
Person may be merged or consolidated with or into the Borrower or a wholly-owned
Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as (a) if the Borrower is involved in the
transaction, the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation,
(b)
if a Principal Subsidiary is involved, such Principal Subsidiary or a wholly
owned Subsidiary of the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving entity;
provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit mergers, consolidations or
liquidations of a Principal Subsidiary into the Borrower, and (c) immediately
before and after such merger or consolidation there does not exist a Default
or
an Event of Default.
Β
8.3Β
Sale or Lease of Assets.
Β
Other
than (a)
sales of inventory or other assets acquired for resale in the ordinary course
of
business, (b) sales of accounts owed by customers for energy provided or to
be
provided outside the normal franchise service area of the Borrower, (c) sales,
transfers or other dispositions of assets between or among the Borrower, WPS
Resources Corporation and the wholly owned Subsidiaries of WPS Resources
Corporation, (d) sales, transfers or other dispositions of obsolete or worn-out
tools, equipment or other property no longer used or useful in business and
sales of intellectual property determined to be uneconomical, negligible or
obsolete, (e) sales, transfers or other dispositions of the assets listed on
Schedule 8.3, (f) non-exclusive licenses of intellectual property, and (g)
sales, transfers or other dispositions of assets the proceeds of which are
invested in other energy related assets, within any twelve month period, the
Borrower will not, and will not permit its Subsidiaries to, convey, sell, lease,
transfer or otherwise dispose of assets, business or operations with a book
value (net of assumed liabilities associated with the assets that are the
subject of such transaction) in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) of Total
Assets, as calculated as of the end of the most recent fiscal
quarter.
8.4Β
Arm's-Length Transactions.
Β
The
Borrower will
not, and will not permit any of its Principal Subsidiaries to, enter into any
transaction or series of transactions, whether or not in the ordinary course
of
business, with any Affiliate other than on terms and conditions substantially
as
favorable to the Borrower or the Principal Subsidiary as would be obtainable
in
a comparable armβs-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate,
other than (a) transactions between or among the Borrower and its wholly owned
Subsidiaries, (b) customary fees to non-officer directors of
Β
Β
44
Β
Β
the
Borrower and
its Subsidiaries and (c) employment and severance arrangements with officers
and
employees of the Borrower in the ordinary course of business.
Β
8.5Β
Fiscal Year.
Β
The
Borrower will
not, and will not permit any of its Principal Subsidiaries to, change its fiscal
year (a) without prior written notification to the Lenders and (b) if such
change would materially affect the Lenders' ability to read and interpret the
financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.1 or calculate the
financial covenant in Section 7.2.
Β
8.6Β
Liens.
Β
The
Borrower will
not, and will not permit any of its Principal Subsidiaries to, contract, create,
incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien with respect to any of its property
or
assets of any kind (whether real or personal, tangible or intangible), whether
now owned or hereafter acquired, except for (a)Β Liens securing Borrower
Obligations, (b)Β the Lien of First Mortgage Indentures or any Liens
attaching to the property to which the Lien of the First Mortgage Indentures
attach; provided that such Liens do not secure Funded Debt (other than Funded
Debt secured by the First Mortgage Indentures), (c)Β Liens for taxes not yet
due or Liens for taxes being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
for which adequate reserves determined in accordance with GAAP have been
established (and as to which the property subject to any such Lien is not yet
subject to foreclosure, sale or loss on account thereof), (d)Β Liens in
respect of property imposed by law arising in the ordinary course of business
such as materialmen's, mechanics', warehousemen's, carrier's, landlords' and
other nonconsensual statutory Liens which are not yet due and payable, which
have been in existence less than 90 days or which are being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves determined
in
accordance with GAAP have been established (and as to which the property subject
to any such Lien is not yet subject to foreclosure, sale or loss on account
thereof), (e)Β pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business
to secure payment of worker's compensation insurance, unemployment insurance,
pensions or social security programs, (f)Β Liens arising from good faith
deposits in connection with or to secure performance of tenders, bids, leases,
government contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar
obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business (other than obligations
in respect of the payment of borrowed money), (g)Β Liens arising from good
faith deposits in connection with or to secure performance of statutory
obligations and surety and appeal bonds, (h)Β easements, rights-of-way (and
liens on easements or rights-of-way or the underlying real estate), restrictions
(included zoning restrictions), minor defects or irregularities in title and
other similar charges or encumbrances not, in any material respect, impairing
the use of the encumbered property for its intended purposes, (i)Β judgment
Liens that would not constitute an Event
of Default,
(j)Β Liens arising by virtue of any statutory or common law provision
relating to banker's liens, rights of setoff or similar rights as to deposit
accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository institution,
(k)Β any Lien created or arising over any property which is acquired,
constructed or created by the Borrower or any Principal Subsidiary, but only
if
(i) such Lien secures only principal amounts (not exceeding the cost of such
acquisition, construction or creation) raised for the purposes of such
acquisition, construction or creation together with any costs, expenses,
interest and fees incurred in relation thereto or a guarantee given in respect
thereof, (ii) such Lien is created or arises on or before 180 days after the
completion of such
Β
Β
45
Β
Β
acquisition,
construction or creation and (iii) such Lien is confined solely to the property
so acquired, constructed or created and any improvements thereto and proceeds
and products thereof, (l)Β any Lien on any property or assets acquired from
a Person which is merged with or into the Borrower or any Principal Subsidiary
in accordance with Section 8.2, and is not created in anticipation of any such
transaction, (m)Β any Lien on any property or assets existing at the time of
acquisition of such property or assets by the Borrower or any Principal
Subsidiary and which is not created in anticipation of such acquisition, (n)
Liens existing on the Closing Date and described on Schedule 8.6 attached
hereto, (o) pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to
secure obligations of the Borrower or any Principal Subsidiary under interest
rate protection agreements, foreign currency exchange agreements, Permitted
Energy Transactions or other interest or exchange rate hedging arrangements,
(p)
Liens on cash, cash collateral, cash deposits or deposit accounts furnished
to
or for the benefit of Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
("MISO") or other transmission providers or energy market administrators to
secure the payment and performance of obligations (i) in connection with the
purchase of electric transmission service from MISO or such other transmission
providers or (ii) related to energy, capacity or ancillary service transactions
entered into through markets administered by MISO or such other transmission
providers or energy market administrators, (q) Liens, if any, arising in
connection with the securitization of environmental retrofit receivables, (r)
any extension, renewal or replacement (or successive extensions, renewals or
replacements), as a whole or in part, of any Liens referred to in the foregoing
clauses (a) through (q), for amounts not exceeding the maximum principal amount
of the Indebtedness secured by the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced; provided that such
extension, renewal or replacement Lien is limited to all or a part of the same
property or assets that were covered by the Lien extended, renewed or replaced
(plus improvements on such property or assets), and (s) any other Lien or Liens
which in the aggregate secure Indebtedness or other obligations at any one
time
not in excess of an amount equal to 5% of Total Assets.
Β
Section
9.Β
EVENTS OF
DEFAULT
Β
9.1Β
Events of Default.
Β
An
Event of Default
shall exist upon the occurrence of any of the following specified events (each
an "Event of
Default"):
Β
(a)Β Payment.Β Β The
Borrower shall:Β Β (i) default in the payment when due of any principal
of any of the Loans or Letter of Credit Obligations; or (ii) default, and such
default shall continue for three or more Business Days, in the payment when
due
of any interest on the Loans or Letter of Credit Obligations or of any fees
or
other amounts owing hereunder, under any of the other Credit Documents or in
connection herewith.
(b)Β Representations.Β Β Any
representation, warranty or statement made or deemed to be made by the Borrower
(or any of its officers or agents) herein, in any of the other Credit Documents,
or in any statement or certificate delivered or required to be delivered
pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove untrue in any material respect on the
date as of which it was deemed to have been made.
Β
Β
46
Β
Β
(c)Β Covenants.Β Β The
Borrower shall:
Β
(i)Β default
in the due
performance or observance of any term, covenant or agreement contained in
Sections 7.1(a), 7.1(b), 7.1(c), 7.1(d), 7.2, 7.3, 7.9, 8.2, 8.3 or 8.6;
or
Β
(ii)Β default
in the due
performance or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement (other than
those referred to in subsections (a), (b) or (c)(i) of this Section 9.1)
contained in this Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document and such default
shall continue unremedied for a period of at least 30 days after the earlier
of
the Borrower becoming aware of such default or notice thereof given by the
Agent.
Β
(d)Β Credit
Documents.Β Β Any Credit Document shall fail to be in full force
and effect or the Borrower shall so assert or any Credit Document shall fail
to
give the Agent and/or the Lenders the rights, powers and privileges purported
to
be created thereby.
Β
(e)Β Bankruptcy,
etc.Β Β The occurrence of any of the following with respect to
the Borrower or any of its Principal Subsidiaries:Β Β (i) a court or
governmental agency having jurisdiction in the premises shall enter a decree
or
order for relief in respect of the Borrower or any of its Principal Subsidiaries
in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other
similar law now or hereafter in effect, or appoint a receiver, liquidator,
assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Borrower
or any of its Principal Subsidiaries or for any substantial part of its property
or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs; or (ii) an involuntary
case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or
hereafter in effect is commenced against the Borrower or any of its Principal
Subsidiaries and such petition remains unstayed and in effect for a period
of 60
consecutive days; or (iii) the Borrower or any of its Principal Subsidiaries
shall commence a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
or
other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or consent to the entry of an
order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or consent to the
appointment or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian,
trustee, sequestrator or similar official of such Person or any substantial
part
of its property or make any general assignment for the benefit of creditors;
or
(iv) the Borrower or any of its Principal Subsidiaries shall admit in writing
its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due or any action shall
be taken by such Person in furtherance of any of the aforesaid
purposes.
Β
(f)Β Defaults
Under Other
Agreements.Β Β With respect to any Indebtedness in excess of
$35,000,000 (other than Indebtedness outstanding under this Credit Agreement)
of
the Borrower or any of its Principal Subsidiaries (i)Β the Borrower or any
of its Principal Subsidiaries shall (A) default in any payment (beyond the
applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any) with
respect to any
such Indebtedness, or (B)Β default (after giving effect to any applicable
grace period) in the observance or performance relating to such Indebtedness
or
contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating
thereto, or any other event or condition shall occur or condition exist other
than non-material defaults under any First Mortgage Indenture, the effect of
which default or other event or condition is to cause, or permit, the holder
of
the holders of such Indebtedness (or trustee or agent on behalf of such holders)
to cause
Β
Β
47
Β
Β
(determined
without
regard to whether any notice or lapse of time is required) any such Indebtedness
to become due prior to its stated maturity; or (ii) any such Indebtedness shall
be declared due and payable, or required to be prepaid other than by a regularly
scheduled required prepayment prior to the stated maturity thereof; or (iii)
any
such Indebtedness shall mature and remain unpaid.Β Β The foregoing cross
default provision shall not apply to Indebtedness to the extent recourse to
the
Borrower is limited to specific assets in a project financing; i.e., defaults
under agreements governing non-recourse project financing indebtedness are
excluded.
Β
(g)Β Judgments.Β Β One
or more judgments, orders, or decrees shall be entered against the Borrower
or
any of its Principal Subsidiaries involving a liability of $35,000,000 or more,
in the aggregate (to the extent not paid or covered by insurance provided by
a
carrier who has been notified of, and has not disputed the claim made for
payment of, the amount of such judgment or order), and such judgments, orders
or
decrees shall continue unsatisfied, undischarged and unstayed for a period
ending on the first to occur of (i) the last day on which such judgment, order
or decree becomes final and unappealable and, where applicable, with the status
of a judicial lien or (ii) 60 days; provided that if
such
judgment, order or decree provides for periodic payments over time then the
Borrower shall have a grace period of 30 days with respect to each such periodic
payment.
Β
(h)Β ERISA.Β Β The
occurrence of any of the following events or conditions if any of the same
would
be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect:Β Β (A) any
"accumulated funding deficiency," as such term is defined in Section 302 of
ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, whether or not waived, shall exist with
respect to any Plan, or any lien shall arise on the assets of the Borrower,
any
of its Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate in favor of the PBGC or a Plan;
(B) a
Termination Event shall occur with respect to a Single Employer Plan, which
is,
in the reasonable opinion of the Agent, likely to result in the termination
of
such Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA; (C) a Termination Event shall
occur
with respect to a Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan, which is, in
the
reasonable opinion of the Agent, likely to result in (i) the termination of
such
Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA, or (ii) the Borrower, any of its
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate incurring liability in connection with
a
withdrawal from, reorganization of (within the meaning of Section 4241 of
ERISA), or insolvency (within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA) of such
Plan; or (D) any prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 406
of
ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) or breach of fiduciary responsibility shall
occur which would be reasonably likely to subject the Borrower, any of
Subsidiaries or any ERISA Affiliate to liability under Sections 406, 409,
502(i), or 502(1) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or under any agreement
or other instrument pursuant to which the Borrower, any of Subsidiaries or
any
ERISA Affiliate has agreed or is required to indemnify any person against any
such liability.
Β
(i)Β Change
of
Control.Β Β The occurrence of any Change of
Control.
9.2Β
Acceleration; Remedies.
Β
Upon
the occurrence
and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Agent may, and shall,
upon the request and direction of the Required Lenders, by written notice to
the
Borrower take any of the following actions without prejudice to the rights
of
the Agent or
Β
Β
48
Β
Β
any
Lender to
enforce its claims against the Borrower, except as otherwise specifically
provided for herein:
Β
(i)Β Termination
of Revolving
Loan Commitments.Β Β Declare the Revolving Loan Commitments
terminated whereupon the Revolving Loan Commitments shall be immediately
terminated.
Β
(ii)Β Acceleration
of Borrower
Obligations.Β Β Declare the unpaid amount of all Borrower
Obligations to be due whereupon the same shall be immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which
are hereby waived by the Borrower.
Β
(iii)Β Cash
Collateral.Β Β Direct the Borrower to pay (and the Borrower
agrees that upon receipt of such notice, or upon the occurrence of an Event
of
Default under Section 9.1(e), it will immediately pay) to the Agent additional
cash, to be held, without interest, by the Agent, for the benefit of the
Lenders, in a cash collateral account as additional security for the Letter
of
Credit Obligations in respect of subsequent drawings under all then outstanding
Letters of Credit in an amount equal to the maximum aggregate amount which
may
be drawn under all Letters of Credits then outstanding.
Β
(iv)Β Enforcement
of
Rights.Β Β Enforce any and all rights and interests created and
existing under the Credit Documents, including, without limitation, all rights
of set-off.
Β
Notwithstanding
the
foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in Section 9.1(e) shall occur,
then
the Revolving Loan Commitments shall automatically terminate and all Borrower
Obligations, all accrued interest in respect thereof, all accrued and unpaid
fees and other indebtedness or obligations owing to the Lenders and the Agent
hereunder shall immediately become due and payable without the giving of any
notice or other action by the Agent or the Lenders.
Β
Notwithstanding
the
fact that enforcement powers reside primarily with the Agent, each Lender has,
to the extent permitted by law, a separate right of payment and shall be
considered a separate "creditor" holding a separate "claim" within the meaning
of Section 101(5) of the Bankruptcy Code or any other insolvency
statute.
Β
9.3Β
Allocation of Payments After Event of Default.
Β
Notwithstanding
any
other provisions of this Credit Agreement, after the occurrence and during
the
continuance of an Event of Default, all amounts collected or received
by
the
Agent or any Lender on account of amounts outstanding under any of the Credit
Documents shall be paid over or delivered as follows:
Β
Β
49
Β
Β
FIRST,
to the
payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including without
limitation reasonable attorneys' fees) of the Agent or-any of the Lenders in
connection with enforcing the rights of the Lenders under the Credit Documents,
pro rata as set forth below;
Β
SECOND,
to payment
of any fees owed to the Agent or any Lender, pro rata as set forth
below;
Β
THIRD,
to the
payment of all accrued interest payable to the Lenders hereunder, pro rata
as
set forth below;
Β
FOURTH,
to the
payment of the outstanding principal amount of the Loans and unreimbursed
drawings under Letters of Credit, and to the payment or cash collateralization
of the outstanding Letters of Credit Obligations, pro rata as set forth
below;
Β
FIFTH,
to all other
obligations which shall have become due and payable under the Credit Documents
and not repaid pursuant to clauses "FIRST" through "FOURTH" above;
and
Β
SIXTH,
to the
payment of the surplus, if any, to whoever may be lawfully entitled to receive
such surplus.
Β
In
carrying out the
foregoing, (a) amounts received shall be applied in the numerical order provided
until exhausted prior to application to the next succeeding category; (b) each
of the Lenders shall receive an amount equal to its pro rata share (based on
the
proportion that the then outstanding Loans, and Letter of Credit Obligations
held by such Lender bears to the aggregate then outstanding Loans and Letter
of
Credit Obligations), of amounts available to be applied; and (c) to the extent
that any amounts available for distribution pursuant to clause "FOURTH" above
are attributable to the issued but undrawn amount of outstanding Letters of
Credit, such amounts shall be held by the Agent in a cash collateral account
and
applied (x) first, to reimburse the Lenders from time to time for any drawings
under such Letters of Credit and (y) then, following the expiration of all
Letters of Credit, to all other obligations of the types described in clauses
"FOURTH," and "FIFTH" above in the manner provided in this Section
9.3.
Β
Section
10.Β
AGENCY
PROVISIONS
Β
10.1Β
Appointment.
Β
Each
Lender hereby
designates and appoints Citibank, N.A. as agent of such Lender to act as
specified herein and the other Credit Documents, and each such Lender hereby
authorizes the Agent, as the agent for such Lender, to take such action on
its
behalf under the provisions of this Credit Agreement and the other Credit
Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly
delegated by the terms hereof and of the other Credit Documents, together with
such other powers as are reasonably incidental
thereto.Β Β Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere
herein and in the other Credit Documents, the Agent shall not have any duties
or
responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein and therein, or any
fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants,
functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read
into this Credit Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents, or shall
otherwise exist against the Agent.Β Β The provisions of this Section are
solely for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders and
Β
Β
50
Β
Β
the
Borrower shall
not have any rights as a third party beneficiary of the provisions
hereof.Β Β In performing its functions and duties under this Credit
Agreement and the other Credit Documents, the Agent shall act solely as agent
of
the Lenders and does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any
obligation or relationship of agency or trust with or for the
Borrower.
Β
10.2Β
Delegation of Duties.
Β
The
Agent may
execute any of its duties hereunder or under the other Credit Documents by
or
through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel
concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.Β Β The Agent shall not
be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or
attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care.
Β
10.3Β
Exculpatory Provisions.
Β
Neither
the Agent
nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates shall be liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be taken
by it or such Person under or in connection herewith or in connection with
any
of the other Credit Documents (except for its or such Person's own gross
negligence or willful misconduct), or responsible in any manner to any of the
Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by
the
Borrower contained herein or in any of the other Credit Documents or in any
certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for
in,
or received by the Agent under or in connection herewith or in connection with
the other Credit Documents, or enforceability or sufficiency therefor of any
of
the other Credit Documents, or for any failure of the Borrower to perform its
obligations hereunder or thereunder.Β Β The Agent shall not be
responsible to any Lender for the effectiveness, genuineness, validity,
enforceability, collectibility or sufficiency of this Credit Agreement, or
any
of the other Credit Documents or for any representations, warranties, recitals
or statements made herein or therein or made by the Borrower in any written
or
oral statement or in any financial or other statements, instruments, reports,
certificates or any other documents in connection herewith or therewith
furnished or made by the Agent to the Lenders or by or on behalf of the Borrower
to the Agent or any Lender or be required to ascertain or inquire as to the
performance or observance of any of the terms, conditions, provisions, covenants
or agreements contained herein or therein or as to the use of the proceeds
of
the Loans or of the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event
of
Default or to inspect the properties, books or records of the
Borrower.Β Β The Agent is not a trustee for the Lenders and owes no
fiduciary duty to the Lenders.
Β
10.4Β
Reliance on Communications.
Β
The
Agent shall be
entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any note,
writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram,
telegram, telecopy, telex or teletype message, statement, order or other
document or conversation believed by it in good faith to be genuine and correct
and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons and upon
advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without limitation,
counsel
to the Borrower, independent accountants and other experts selected by the
Agent
with reasonable care).Β Β The Agent may deem and treat the Lenders as
the owner of its interests hereunder for all purposes unless a written notice
of
assignment, negotiation or transfer thereof shall have been filed with the
Agent
in accordance with Section 11.3(b).Β Β The Agent shall
Β
Β
51
Β
Β
be
fully justified
in failing or refusing to take any action under this Credit Agreement or under
any of the other Credit Documents unless it shall first receive such advice
or
concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate or it shall first
be
indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability
and
expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take
any such action.Β Β The Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in
acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder or under any of the other Credit
Documents in accordance with a request of the Required Lenders (or to the extent
specifically provided in Section 11.6, all the Lenders) and such request and
any
action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the
Lenders (including their successors and assigns).
Β
10.5Β
Notice of Default.
Β
The
Agent shall not
be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event
of Default hereunder unless the Agent has received notice from a Lender or
the
Borrower referring to the Credit Document, describing such Default or Event
of
Default and stating that such notice is a "notice of default."Β Β In the
event that the Agent receives such a notice, the Agent shall give prompt notice
thereof to the Lenders.Β Β The Agent shall take such action with respect
to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the
Required Lenders.
Β
10.6Β
Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders.
Β
Each
Lender
expressly acknowledges that neither the Agent nor any of its officers,
directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates has made any
representations or warranties to it and that no act by the Agent or any
affiliate thereof hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of
the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to constitute any representation
or warranty by the Agent to any Lender.Β Β Each Lender represents to the
Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any
other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business,
assets, operations, property, financial and other conditions, prospects and
creditworthiness of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries and made its own decision
to make its Extensions of Credit hereunder and enter into this Credit
Agreement.Β Β Each Lender also represents that it will, independently
and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender, and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue
to
make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking
action under this Credit Agreement, and to make such investigation as it deems
necessary to inform itself as to the business, assets, operations, property,
financial and other conditions, prospects and creditworthiness of the Borrower
or its Subsidiaries.Β Β Except for notices, reports and other documents
expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Agent hereunder, the
Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with
any
credit or other information concerning the business, operations, assets,
property, financial or other conditions, prospects or creditworthiness of the
Borrower or its Subsidiaries which may come into the possession
of the
Agent or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact
or
Affiliates.
Β
Β
52
Β
Β
10.7Β
Indemnification.
Β
Each
Lender agrees
to indemnify the Agent in its capacity as such (to the extent not reimbursed
by
the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the Borrower to do so),
ratably according to its Commitment Percentage, from and against any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at any time
(including without limitation at any time following the payment in full of
the
Borrower Obligations) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent
in its capacity as such in any way relating to or arising out of this Credit
Agreement or the other Credit Documents or any documents contemplated by or
referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby
or any action taken or omitted by the Agent under or in connection with any
of
the foregoing; provided that no
Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements resulting from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the Agent or from any losses suffered by the Agent solely as
a
result of the Borrower's failure to make payments as required pursuant to
Section 3.4(c).Β Β If any indemnity furnished to the Agent for any
purpose shall, in the opinion of the Agent, be insufficient or become impaired,
the Agent may call for additional indemnity and cease, or not commence, to
do
the acts indemnified against until such additional indemnity is
furnished.Β Β The agreements in this Section 10.7 shall survive the
payment of the Borrower Obligations and all other amounts payable hereunder
and
under the other Credit Documents.
Β
10.8Β
Agent in Its Individual Capacity.
Β
The
Agent in its
individual capacity and its Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from
and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as though the Agent were not Agent hereunder.Β Β With
respect to the Loans made and all Borrower Obligations owing to it, the Agent
in
its individual capacity shall have the same rights and powers under this Credit
Agreement as any Lender and may exercise the same as though they were not Agent,
and the terms "Lender" and "Lenders" shall include the Agent in its individual
capacity.
Β
10.9Β
Successor Agent.
Β
The
Agent may, and
at the request of the Required Lenders shall, resign as the Agent upon 30 days
notice to the Lenders.Β Β If the Agent resigns under this Credit
Agreement, the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor
agent for the Lenders which successor agent shall be approved by the
Borrower.Β Β If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective
date of the resignation of the Agent, the Agent may appoint, after consulting
with the Lenders and the Borrower, a successor agent from among the
Lenders.Β Β 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 Agent and the term "Agent" shall mean such successor
agent and the retiring Agent's appointment, powers and duties as Agent shall
be
terminated.Β Β After any retiring Agent's resignation hereunder as
Agent, the provisions of this Section 10 and Section
11.5 shall
inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken, by it
while
it was the Agent under this Credit Agreement.Β Β If no successor agent
has accepted appointment as the Agent by the date which is 30 days following
a
retiring Agent's notice of resignation, the
Β
Β
53
Β
Β
retiring
Agent's
resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall
perform all of the duties of the Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as
the
Required Lenders appoint a successor agent with the Borrower's approval, as
provided for above; provided that the Borrower's approval shall not be required
after and during the continuance of an Event of Default.
Β
Section
11.Β
MISCELLANEOUS
Β
11.1Β
Notices.
Β
(a)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other
communications shall have been duly given and shall be effective (i) when
delivered, (ii) when transmitted via telecopy (or other facsimile device) or
(iii) the Business Day following the day on which the same has been delivered
prepaid to a reputable national overnight air courier service, in each case
to
the respective parties at the address or telecopy numbers set forth on Schedule 11.1, or at
such other address as such party may specify by written notice to the other
parties hereto.
Β
(b)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
So long as Citibank or any of its Affiliates is the Agent, materials required
to
be delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(i) and (ii) shall be delivered to the
Agent
in an electronic medium in a format acceptable to the Agent and the Lenders
by
e-mail at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx. The Borrower agrees that the Agent
may
make such materials, as well as any other written information, documents,
instruments and other material relating to the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries
or any other materials or matters relating to this Agreement, the Notes or
any
of the transactions contemplated hereby (collectively, the "Communications")
available to the Lenders by posting such notices on Intralinks or a
substantially similar electronic system (the "Platform").Β Β The
Borrower acknowledges that (i) the distribution of material through an
electronic medium is not necessarily secure and that there are confidentiality
and other risks associated with such distribution, (ii) the Platform is provided
"as is" and "as available" and (iii) neither the Agent nor any of its Affiliates
warrants the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the Communications or the
Platform and each expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in
the
Communications or the Platform.Β Β No warranty of any kind, express,
implied or statutory, including, without limitation, any warranty of
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third
party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects, is made by the
Agent
or any of its Affiliates in connection with the Platform.
Β
(c)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Each Lender agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) (a
"Notice")
specifying that any Communications have been posted to the Platform shall
constitute effective delivery of such information, documents or other materials
to such Lender for purposes of this Agreement; provided that if
requested by any Lender the Agent shall deliver a copy of the Communications
to
such Lender by email or telecopier.Β Β Each Lender agrees (i) to notify
the Agent in writing of such Lender's e-mail address to which a Notice may
be
sent by electronic transmission (including by electronic communication) on
or
before the date such Lender becomes
a party to
this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter to ensure that the Agent has
on
record an effective e-mail address for such Lender) and (ii) that any Notice
may
be sent to such e-mail address.
Β
Β
54
Β
Β
11.2Β
Right of Set-Off.
Β
In
addition to any
rights now or hereafter granted under applicable law or otherwise, and not
by
way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default and the commencement of remedies described
in
Section 9.2, each Lender is authorized at any time and from time to time,
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind (all of which
rights being hereby expressly waived), to set off and to appropriate and apply
any and all deposits (general or special) and any other indebtedness at any
time
held or owing by such Lender (including, without limitation branches, agencies
or Affiliates of such Lender wherever located) to or for the credit or the
account of the Borrower against obligations and liabilities of the Borrower
to
the Lenders hereunder, under the Notes, the other Credit Documents or otherwise,
irrespective of whether the Agent or the Lenders shall have made any demand
hereunder and although such obligations, liabilities or claims, or any of them,
may be contingent or unmatured.Β Β The Borrower hereby agrees that any
Person purchasing a participation in the Loans and Revolving Loan Commitments
hereunder pursuant to Section 11.3(c) may exercise all rights of set-off with
respect to its participation interest as fully as if such Person were a Lender
hereunder.
Β
11.3Β
Benefit of Agreement.
Β
(a)Β Generally.Β Β This
Credit Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto;
provided the
Borrower may not assign and transfer any of its interests without the prior
written consent of the Lenders; and provided, further,
that the
rights of each Lender to transfer, assign or grant participations in its rights
and/or obligations hereunder shall be limited as set forth below in this Section
11.3.
Β
(b)Β Assignments.Β Β Each
Lender may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its
rights and obligations under this Credit Agreement (including, without
limitation, all or a portion of its Loans, its Notes, and its Revolving Loan
Commitment); provided, however,
that:
Β
(i)Β each
such
assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee;
Β
(ii)Β except
in the case
of an assignment to another Lender or an assignment of all of a Lender's rights
and obligations under this Credit Agreement, any such partial assignment shall
be in an amount at least equal to $5,000,000 (or, if less, the remaining amount
of the Revolving Loan Commitment being assigned by such Lender) and an integral
multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof;
Β
(iii)Β each
such
assignment by a Lender shall be of a constant and not varying, percentage of
all
of its rights and obligations under this Credit Agreement and the Notes;
and
Β
(iv)Β the
parties to such
assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent for its acceptance an
Assignment Agreement in substantially the form of
Β
Β
55
Β
Β
Β Exhibit
11 .3(b),
together with a processing fee (other than in connection with any assignment
to
an Affiliate of such Lender) from the assignor of $3,500.
Β
Upon
execution,
delivery, and acceptance of such Assignment Agreement, the assignee thereunder
shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of such assignment, have the
obligations, rights, and benefits of a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender
shall, to the extent of such assignment, relinquish its rights and be released
from its obligations under this Credit Agreement.Β Β Upon the
consummation of any assignment pursuant to this Section 11.3(b), the assignor,
the Agent and the Borrower shall make appropriate arrangements so that, if
required, new Notes are issued to the assignor and the assignee.Β Β If
the assignee is not incorporated under the laws of the United States of America
or a state thereof, it shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent certification
as to exemption from deduction or withholding of taxes in accordance with
Section 4.4.
Β
By
executing and
delivering an assignment agreement in accordance with this Section 11.3(b),
the
assigning Lender thereunder and the assignee thereunder shall be deemed to
confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows:
(A) such assigning Lender represents and warrants that it is legally authorized
to enter into such assignment agreement and it is the legal and beneficial
owner
of the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim
created by such assigning Lender and the assignee warrants that it is an
Eligible Assignee; (B) except as set forth in clause (A) above, such assigning
Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with
respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in
connection with this Credit Agreement, any of the other Credit Documents or
any
other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto, or the
execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or
value
of this Credit Agreement, any of the other Credit Documents or any other
instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto or the financial
condition of the Borrower or its SubsidiariesΒ Β or the performance or
observance by the Borrower of any of its obligations under this Credit
Agreement, any of the other Credit Documents or any other instrument or document
furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; (C) such assignee represents and warrants
that it is legally authorized to enter into such assignment agreement; (D)
such
assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Credit Agreement, the
other Credit Documents and such other documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such
assignment agreement; (E) such assignee will independently and without reliance
upon the Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender, 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 Credit
Agreement and the other Credit Documents; (F) such assignee appoints and
authorizes the Agent to take such action on its behalf and to exercise such
powers under this Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document as are delegated
to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto; and (G) such assignee agrees that it will perform
in accordance with their terms all the obligations
which
by the terms of this Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents are
required to be performed by it as a Lender.
Β
Β
56
Β
Β
(c)Β Register.Β Β The
Agent shall maintain a copy of each Assignment Agreement delivered to and
accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses
of
the Lenders and the Revolving Loan Commitment of, and principal amount of the
Loans owing to, each Lender from time to time (the "Register").Β Β The
entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent
manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each
Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all
purposes of this Credit Agreement.Β Β The Register shall be available
for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from
time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
Β
(d)Β Acceptance.Β Β Upon
its receipt of an Assignment Agreement executed by the parties thereto, together
with any Note subject to such assignment and payment of the processing fee,
the
Agent shall, if such Assignment Agreement has been completed and is in
substantially the form of Exhibit 11.3(b)
hereto, (i) accept such Assignment Agreement, (ii)Β record the information
contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the
parties thereto.
Β
(e)Β Participations.Β Β Each
Lender may sell participations to one or more Persons in all or a portion of
its
rights, obligations or rights and obligations under this Credit Agreement
(including all or a portion of its Revolving Loan Commitment, its Notes and
its
Loans); provided, however,
that (i)
such Lenderβs obligations under this Credit Agreement shall remain unchanged,
(ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto
for
the performance of such obligations, (iii) the participant shall be entitled
to
the benefit of the yield protection provisions contained in Sections 4.1 through
4.4, inclusive, but only to the extent that such Lender is entitled to payment
or reimbursement under such Sections, and the right of set-off contained in
Section 11.2 and (iv) the Borrower shall continue to deal solely and directly
with such Lender in connection with such Lenderβs rights and obligations under
this Credit Agreement, and such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce
the obligations of the Borrower relating to its Loans and its Notes and to
approve any amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision of this Credit
Agreement (other than amendments, modifications, or waivers decreasing the
amount of principal of or the rate at which interest is payable on such Loans
or
Notes, extending any scheduled principal payment date or date fixed for the
payment of interest on such Loans or Notes, or extending its Revolving Loan
Commitment).
Β
(f)Β Nonrestricted
Assignments.Β Β Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in
this Credit Agreement, any Lender may at any time assign and pledge all or
any
portion of its Loans and its Notes to any Federal Reserve Bank as collateral
security pursuant to Regulation A and any Operating Circular issued by such
Federal Reserve Bank.Β Β No such assignment shall release the assigning
Lender from its obligations hereunder.
Β
(g)Β Information.Β Β Any
Lender may furnish any information concerning the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
in the possession of such Lender from time to time to assignees and participants
(including prospective assignees and participants); provided that the furnishing
of such information shall be subject to the provisions of Section 11.11
below.
(h)Β SPC's.Β Β Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a "Granting Lender") may
grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an "SPC") the
Β
Β
57
Β
Β
option
to fund all
or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated
to fund pursuant to this Credit Agreement; provided that
(i) nothing
herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, (ii) if an
SPC
elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to fund all or any part
of
such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to fund such Loan pursuant
to
the terms hereof, (iii) no SPC shall have any voting rights pursuant to Section
11.6 (all such voting rights shall be retained by the Granting Lenders), (iv)
with respect to notices, payments and other matters hereunder, the Borrower,
the
Agent and the Lenders shall not be obligated to deal with an SPC, but may limit
their communications and other dealings relevant to such SPC to the applicable
Granting Lender, and (v) with respect to the funding of any Loan by an SPC,
the
Borrower shall not have to pay any greater cost, or incur any greater expense,
under the provisions of Section 4 of this Credit Agreement or otherwise, than
if
all Loans were funded by the applicable Granting Lender without the involvement
of an SPC.Β Β The funding of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize
the Revolving Loan Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent that,
and as if, such Loan were funded by such Granting Lender.Β Β Each party
hereto hereby agrees that no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or payment
under this Credit Agreement for which a Lender would otherwise be liable for
so
long as, and to the extent, the Granting Lender provides such indemnity or
makes
such payment.Β Β In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto
hereby agrees (which agreements shall survive termination of this Credit
Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the
payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness
of any SPC, it will not institute against, or join any other Person in
instituting against, such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement,
insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or
any
State thereof.Β Β Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Credit Agreement, any SPC may disclose on a confidential basis any
non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency,
commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or guarantee to such
SPC.Β Β This clause (h) may not be amended without the prior written
consent of each Granting Lender, all or any part of whose Loan is being funded
by an SPC at the time of such amendment.
Β
11.4Β
No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.
Β
No
failure or delay
on the part of the Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or
privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document and no course of dealing
between the Borrower and the Agent or any Lender shall operate as a waiver
thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege
hereunder or thereunder.Β Β The rights and remedies provided herein are
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the Agent or any
Lender would otherwise have.Β Β No notice to or demand on the Borrower
in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand
in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the
Agent or the Lenders to any other or further action in any circumstances without
notice or demand.
11.5Β
Payment of Expenses, etc.
The
Borrower agrees
to: (i) pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Agent and
the
Lead Arranger in connection with (A) the negotiation, preparation, execution
Β
Β
58
Β
Β
and
delivery and
administration of this Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents and
the
documents and instruments referred to therein (including, without limitation,
legal fees of one counsel for the Agent) and (B) any amendment, waiver or
consent relating hereto and thereto including, but not limited to, any such
amendments, waivers or consents resulting from or related to any work-out,
renegotiation or restructure relating to the performance by the Borrower under
this Credit Agreement, (ii) pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses
of the Agent and the Lenders in connection with (A) enforcement of the Credit
Documents and the documents and instruments referred to therein (including,
without limitation, in connection with any such enforcement, the reasonable
fees
and disbursements of counsel for the Agent and each of the Lenders) and (B)
any
bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding of the Borrower and (iii) indemnify the
Agent, the Lead Arranger and each Lender, its officers, directors, employees,
representatives, affiliates and agents from and hold each of them harmless
against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses incurred
by
any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or in any way related to, or
by
reason of, any investigation, litigation or other proceeding (whether or not
the
Agent, the Lead Arranger or any Lender is a party thereto) related to the
entering into and/or performance of any Credit Document or the use of proceeds
of any Loans (including other extensions of credit) hereunder or the
consummation of any other transactions contemplated in any Credit Document,
including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel
incurred in connection with any such investigation, litigation or other
proceeding (but excluding any such losses, liabilities, claims, damages or
expenses to the extent incurred by reason of gross negligence or willful
misconduct on the part of the Person to be indemnified or such Person's
employer, employee or co-employee); provided that the foregoing indemnity by
the
Borrower shall not extend to disputes solely among the Lenders or litigation
commenced by the Borrower which (a) seeks enforcement of any of the Borrower's
rights hereunder and (b) is determined in a final judgment adverse to the Agent
and the Lenders.
Β
11.6Β
Amendments, Waivers and Consents.
Β
Neither
this Credit
Agreement, nor any other Credit Document nor any of the terms hereof or thereof
may be amended, changed, waived, discharged or terminated unless such amendment,
change, waiver, discharge or termination is in writing and signed by the
Required Lenders and the Borrower; provided that no
such
amendment, change, waiver, discharge or termination shall without the consent
of
each Lender:
(a)Β extend
the Maturity
Date, or postpone or extend the time for any payment or prepayment of
principal;
Β
(b)Β reduce
the rate or
extend the time of payment of interest (other than as a result of waiving the
applicability of any post-default increase in interest rates) thereon or fees
or
other amounts payable hereunder;
Β
(c)Β reduce
or waive the
principal amount of any Loan;
(d)Β increase
or extend
the Revolving Loan Commitment of a Lender (it being understood and agreed that
a
waiver of any Default or Event of Default shall not constitute a change in
the
terms of any Revolving Loan Commitment of any Lender);
Β
Β
59
Β
Β
(e)Β release
the
Borrower from its obligations under the Credit Documents;
Β
(f)Β amend,
modify or
waive any provision of this Section 11.6 or Section 3.6, 3.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
4.4, 9.1(a), 11.2, 11.3 or 11.5;
Β
(g)Β reduce
any
percentage specified in, or otherwise modify, the definition of Required
Lenders; or
Β
(h)Β consent
to the
assignment or transfer by the Borrower of any of its rights and obligations
under (or in respect of) the Credit Documents.
Β
No
provision of
Section 2.9 or Section 10 may be amended or modified without the consent of
the
Agent.
Β
Notwithstanding
the
fact that the consent of all the Lenders is required in certain circumstances
as
set forth above, each Lender is entitled to vote as such Lender sees fit on
any
reorganization plan that affects the Loans, and each Lender acknowledges that
the provisions of Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code supersedes the
unanimous consent provisions set forth herein.
Β
11.7Β
Counterparts/Telecopy.
Β
This
Credit
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which where
so
executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute
one and the same instrument.Β Β Delivery of executed counterparts by
telecopy shall be as effective as an original and shall constitute a
representation that an original will be delivered.
Β
11.8Β
Headings.
Β
The
headings of the
sections and subsections hereof are provided for convenience only and shall
not
in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Credit
Agreement.
Β
11.9Β
Defaulting Lender.
Β
Each
Lender
understands and agrees that if such Lender is a Defaulting Lender then it shall
not be entitled to vote on any matter requiring the consent of the Required
Lenders or to object to any matter requiring the consent of all the Lenders;
provided, however,
that all
other benefits and obligations under the Loan Documents shall apply to such
Defaulting Lender.
Β
11.10Β
Survival of Indemnification and Representations and Warranties.
Β
All
indemnities set
forth herein and all representations and warranties made herein shall survive
the execution and delivery of this Credit Agreement, the making of the
Loans
and the repayment of the Loans and other obligations and the termination of
the
Revolving Loan Commitments hereunder.
Β
Β
60
Β
Β
11.11Β
Confidentiality.Β Β
Β
Neither
the Agent
nor any Lender shall disclose any Confidential Information to any Person,
without the prior written consent of the Borrower, other than (a) to the Agent's
or such Lender's Affiliates and their officers, directors, employees, agents,
attorneys, accountants and advisors (it being understood that the Persons to
whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of
such
Confidential Information and such person shall have agreed to keep such
Confidential Information confidential on substantially the same terms as
provided herein) and, as contemplated by Section 11.3, to actual or prospective
assignees and participants, and, in each such case, then only on a confidential
basis, (b) as required by any law, rule or regulation or by judicial process,
(c) to any rating agency when required by it to do so; provided that, prior
to
any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the
confidentiality of any Confidential Information relating to the Borrower
received by it from such Lender, (d) as requested or required by any state,
federal or foreign authority or examiner regulating banks or banking, (e) to
protect, preserve, exercise or enforce the Agent's or such Lender's rights
under
or pursuant to this Agreement or any Note, and (f) to perform any of the Agent's
or such Lender's obligations under or pursuant to this Agreement or any
Note.
Β
11.12Β
Governing Law; Venue.
Β
(a)Β THIS
CREDIT
AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF
THE
PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND
INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.Β Β Any
legal action or proceeding with respect to this Credit Agreement or any other
Credit Document may be brought in the courts of the State of New York, or of
the
United States for the Southern District of New York, and, by execution and
delivery of this Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby irrevocably accepts
for
itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the
jurisdiction of such courts.Β Β Nothing herein shall affect the right of
a Lender to commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed against the
Borrower in any other jurisdiction.
Β
(b)Β The
Borrower hereby
irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the
laying of venue of any of the aforesaid actions or proceedings arising out
of or
in connection with this Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document brought
in
the courts referred to in subsection (a) hereof and hereby further irrevocably
waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action
or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient
forum.
Β
11.13Β
Waiver of Jury Trial; Waiver of Consequential Damages.
Β
EACH
OF THE PARTIES
TO THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY
IN
ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS CREDIT
AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.Β Β THE BORROWER AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY CLAIM
AGAINST THE AGENT, ANY LENDER, ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES, OR ANY OF THEIR
RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES,
Β
Β
00
Β
Β
XXXXXXXXX
XX
XXXXXX, XX ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR OTHERWISE RELATING TO ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREIN.
Β
11.14Β
Time.
Β
All
references to
time herein shall be references to Central Standard Time or Central Daylight
Time, as the case may be, unless specified otherwise.
Β
11.15Β
Severability.
Β
If
any provision of
any of the Credit Documents is determined to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable and the remaining
provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed without
giving effect to the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions.
Β
11.16Β
Assurances.
Β
The
Borrower
agrees, upon the request of the Agent, to promptly take such actions, as
reasonably requested, as are consistent with and necessary to carry out the
intent of this Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents.
Β
11.17Β Β USA
Patriot Act Notification.
Β
The
following
notification is provided to the Borrower pursuant to Section 326 of the USA
Patriot Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section 5318:
Β
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT. To help the government
fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law
requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information
that identifies each person or entity that opens an account, including any
deposit account, treasury management account, loan, other extension of credit,
or other financial services product. What this means for the Borrower: When
the
Borrower opens an account, if the Borrower is an individual, the Agent and
the
Lenders will ask for the Borrower's name, residential address, tax
identification number, date of birth, and other information that will allow
the
Agent and the Lenders to identify the Borrower, and, if the Borrower is not
an
individual, the Agent and the Lenders will ask for the Borrower's name, tax
identification number, business address, and other information that will allow
the Agent and the Lenders to identify the Borrower.Β Β The Agent and the
Lenders may also ask, if the Borrower is an individual, to see the Borrower's
driver's license or other identifying documents, and, if the Borrower is not
an
individual, to see the Borrower's legal organizational documents or other
identifying documents.
11.18Β
Entirety.
Β
This
Credit
Agreement together with the other Credit Documents represent the entire
agreement of the parties hereto and thereto, and supersede all prior agreements
and
Β
Β
62
Β
Β
understandings,
oral or written, if any, including any commitment letters or correspondence
relating to the Credit Documents or the transactions contemplated herein and
therein.
[REMAINDER
OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK, SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
63
Each
of the parties
hereto has caused a counterpart of this Credit Agreement to be duly executed
and
delivered as of the date first above written.
Β
Borrower:
|
WISCONSIN
PUBLIC SERVICE
|
Β
|
CORPORATION
|
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Lenders:
|
CITIBANK,
N.A.
|
Β
|
individually
in its capacity as a Lender and as
|
Β
|
Agent
|
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
U.S.
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
XXXXX
FARGO BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
UBS
LOAN FINANCE LLC
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
BANK
OF AMERICA, N.A.
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
ASSOCIATED
BANK
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
BAYERISCHE
LANDESBANK
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
XXXXXX
XXXXXXX FINANCING, INC.
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
MIZUHO
CORPORATE BANK, LTD.
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
WACHOVIA
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
LASALLE
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
NATIONAL
CITY BANK OF THE MIDWEST
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
THE
NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Signature
Page to
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation Five Year Credit Agreement.
UNION
BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Schedule
1.1
to
Five
Year Credit
Agreement
Commitment
Percentages
Β
Lender
|
Commitment
Percentage |
Revolving
Loan
Commitment
|
U.S.
Bank
National Association
|
9.349593495935%
|
$Β Β 10,752,032.50
|
Citibank,
N.A.
|
9.349593495935%
|
$Β Β 10,752,032.50
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.
|
8.130081300813%
|
$Β Β Β 9,349,593.50
|
Xxxxx
Fargo
Bank National Association
|
8.130081300813%
|
$Β Β Β 9,349,593.50
|
UBS
Loan
Finance LLC
|
8.130081300813%
|
$Β Β Β 9,349,593.50
|
Bank
of
America, N.A.
|
8.130081300813%
|
$Β Β Β 9,349,593.50
|
Associated
Bank
|
6.504065040650%
|
$Β Β Β 7,479,674.80
|
Bayerische
Landesbank
|
6.504065040650%
|
$Β Β Β 7,479,674.80
|
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Financing, Inc.
|
6.504065040650%
|
$Β Β Β 7,479,674.80
|
Mizuho
Corporate Bank, Ltd.
|
6.504065040650%
|
$Β Β Β 7,479,674.80
|
Wachovia
Bank, National Association
|
6.504065040650%
|
$Β Β Β 7,479,674.80
|
LaSalle
Bank,
National Association
|
4.065040650407%
|
$Β Β Β 4,674,796.75
|
National
City
Bank of the Midwest
|
4.065040650407%
|
$Β Β Β 4,674,796.75
|
The
Northern
Trust Company
|
4.065040650407%
|
$Β Β Β 4,674,796.75
|
Union
Bank of
California, N.A.
|
4.065040650407%
|
$Β Β Β 4,674,796.75
|
Β |
100.00%
|
$115,000,000.00
|
Schedule
6.1(c)
to
Five
Year Credit
Agreement
Subsidiaries
WPS
Leasing,
Inc.
Schedule
8.3
to
Five
Year Credit
Agreement
Asset
Sales
1.Β Β
|
Sale
of
Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant.
|
Β
2.Β Β
|
Sale
of
accounts receivable in connection with the securitization of environmental
retrofits.
|
Β
3.Β Β
|
Sale
of 30%
of Weston 4 to Dairyland.
|
Β
Schedule
8.6
to
Five
Year Credit
Agreement
Existing
Liens
Β
Secured
Party, Filing
Date
and Filing
Number
|
Description |
Β
Debtor:Β Β Wisconsin
Public Service Corporation
|
|
Β | Β |
Xxxxx
Fargo
Bank Northwest, N.A.
11/05/92
01312991
(Wisconsin DFI)
|
Synthetic
lease of railcars; probably not a Lien.
|
First
Security Bank of Utah
11/11/93
00000000
(Wisconsin DFI)
|
Synthetic
lease of railcars; probably not a Lien.
|
First
Security Bank of Utah
11/29/93
00000000
(Wisconsin DFI)
|
Synthetic
lease of railcars; probably not a Lien.
|
Schedule
11.1
to
Five
Year Credit
Agreement
Borrower
Wisconsin
Public
Service Corporation
Attn:Β Β Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
000
Xxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
P.O.
Box
19001
Xxxxx
Xxx,
Xxxxxxxxx 00000
Phone:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (000)
000-0000
Fax:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
(000) 000-0000
Agent
Citibank,
N.A.
Attn:Β Β Bank
Loan Syndications
Xxx
Xxxxx
Xxx
Xxx
Xxxxxx,
XxxxxxxxΒ Β 00000
Phone:Β Β Β Β Β Β
(000) 000-0000
Fax:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
(000) 000-0000
Lenders
Xxxx
Xxxxxx
Citibank,
N.A.
000
Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
00xx
Xxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
XXΒ Β 00000
Phone:Β Β Β Β Β Β
(000) 000-0000
Fax:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β (000) 000-0000
xxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
U.S.
Bank National
Association
000
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx,
XX
00000
Phone:Β Β Β Β Β Β
(000) 000-0000
Fax:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
(000) 000-0000
xxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
JPMorgan
Chase
Bank, X.X.
Xxxxx
Fargo Bank
National Association
UBS
Loan Finance
LLC
Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
Bank
of America,
N.A.
000
Xxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx,
XXΒ Β 00000
Phone:Β Β (000)
000-0000
Fax:Β Β (000)
000-0000
xxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Xxxxx
Xxxxxx
Associated
Bank
National Association
0000
Xxxxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxxx
Xxx,
XXΒ Β 00000
Phone:Β Β (000)
000-0000
Fax:Β Β (000)
000-0000
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
Bayerische
Landesbank
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Financing, Inc.
Mizuho
Corporate
Bank, Ltd.
Wachovia
Bank,
National Association
LaSalle
Bank,
National Association
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
National
City Bank
of the Midwest
0000
Xxxxxx Xxxx,
Xxxxx 000
Xxx
Xxxxx,
XXΒ Β 00000
Phone:Β Β (000)
000-0000
Fax:Β Β (000)
000-0000
xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx
The
Northern Trust
Company
Union
Bank of
California, N.A.
Exhibit
2.2
FORM
OF NOTICE OF BORROWING
TO:
|
Citibank,
N.A.
|
Attn:
|
Bank
Loan
Syndications
|
Β
|
Xxx
Xxxxx Xxx
|
Β
|
Xxx
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000
|
Phone:
|
(000)
000-0000
|
Fax:
|
(000)
000-0000
|
Β | Β |
RE:
|
Five
Year
Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 2005 among Wisconsin Public
Service
Corporation (the "Borrower"), Citibank, N.A., as Agent, the agents
party
thereto and the Lenders party thereto (as the same may be amended,
modified, extended or restated from time to time, the "Credit Agreement")
|
DATE:Β
_________
|
,
____
|
4.Β Β
|
This
Notice
of Borrowing is made pursuant to the terms of the Credit
Agreement.Β Β All capitalized terms used herein unless otherwise
defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit
Agreement.
|
Β
5.Β Β
|
Please
be
advised that the Borrower is requesting a Revolving Loan in the amount
of
$_____________ to be funded on ___________, ____ at the interest
rate
option set forth in paragraph 3
below.
|
Β
6.Β Β
|
The
interest
rate option applicable to the requested Revolving Loan shall be equal
to:
|
Β
1.Β the
Base
Rate
Β
2.Β the
Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate for an Interest Period of:
Β
__________
one
month
__________
two
months
__________
three
months
__________
six
months
7.Β Β
|
On
the date
of the requested Revolving Loan, immediately after giving effect
to the
funding and the application thereof, the aggregate amount of Revolving
Loans plus Swing Line Loans plus all Letter of Credit Obligations
outstanding will be $__________, which is less than or equal to the
Revolving Loan Commitment.
|
Β
8.Β Β
|
On
and as of
the date of the requested Revolving Loan, immediately after giving
effect
to the funding and the application thereof, the representations and
warranties made by the Borrower in any Credit Document (excluding
those
contained in Sections 6.7 and 6.10
of
|
Β
Β
|
the
Credit
Agreement) are true and correct in all material respects except to
the
extent they expressly relate to an earlier
date.
|
Β
9.Β Β
|
No
Default or
Event of Default exists or is continuing or will be caused by giving
effect to this Notice of Borrowing.
|
Β
WISCONSIN
PUBLIC
SERVICE CORPORATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:
Title:
Exhibit
2.4
FORM
OF NOTICE OF CONTINUATION/CONVERSION
Β
TO:
|
Citibank,
N.A.
|
Attn:
|
Bank
Loan
Syndications
|
Β
|
Xxx
Xxxxx Xxx
|
Β
|
Xxx
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000
|
Phone:
|
(000)
000-0000
|
Fax:
|
(000)
000-0000
|
Β | Β |
RE:
|
Five
Year
Credit Agreement entered into as of June 2, 2005, among Wisconsin
Public
Service Corporation (the "Borrower"), Citibank, N.A., as Agent, the
agents
party thereto and the Lenders party thereto (as the same may be amended,
modified, extended or restated from time to time, the "Credit Agreement")
|
DATE:
|
__________,
____
|
Β
_____________________________________________________________________
1.Β Β
|
This
Notice
of Continuation/Conversion is made pursuant to the terms of the Credit
Agreement.Β Β All capitalized terms used herein unless otherwise
defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit
Agreement.
|
Β
2.Β Β
|
Please
be
advised that the Borrower is requesting that a portion of the current
outstanding Revolving Loans, in the amount of $___________, be continued
or converted at the interest rate option set forth in paragraph 3
below.
|
Β
3.Β Β
|
The
interest
rate option applicable to the continuation or conversion of all or
part of
the existing Revolving Loans shall be equal
to:
|
Β
1.Β the
Base
Rate
Β
2.Β the
Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate for an Interest Period of
Β
______
one
month
______
two
months
______
three
months
______
six
months
4.Β Β
|
Subsequent
to
the continuation or conversion of the Revolving Loans, as requested
herein, the aggregate amount of Revolving Loans plus Swing Line Loans
plus
all Letter of Credit Obligations outstanding will be $___, which
is less
than or equal to the Revolving Loan
Commitment.
|
Β
5.Β Β
|
No
Default or
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused
by
giving effect to this Notice of Continuation
Conversion.
|
Β
WISCONSIN
PUBLIC
SERVICE CORPORATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:
Title:
Exhibit
2.7
to
Five
Year Credit
Agreement
Β
FORM
OF REVOLVING LOAN NOTE
Β
June
2,
2005
Β
FOR
VALUE RECEIVED,
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION, a Wisconsin corporation (the "Borrower"), hereby
promises to pay to the order of ___________ (the "Lender"), at the
office of Citibank, N.A. (the "Agent") as set
forth
in that certain Five Year Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 2005, among
the
Borrower, the Lenders named therein and Citibank, N.A., as Agent (as the same
may be amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"),
or at such other place or places as the holder of this Revolving Loan Note
may
designate, the aggregate principal amount of all advances made by the Lender
as
Revolving Loans (and not otherwise repaid), in Dollars and in immediately
available funds, on the dates and in the principal amounts provided in the
Credit Agreement, and to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each
Revolving Loan made by the Lender, at such office, in like money and funds,
for
the period commencing on the date of each Revolving Loan until each Revolving
Loan shall be paid in full, at the rates per annum and on the dates provided
in
the Credit Agreement.
Β
This
Note is one of
the Revolving Loan Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and evidences
Revolving Loans made by the Lender thereunder.Β Β The Lender shall be
entitled to the benefits of the Credit Agreement.Β Β Capitalized terms
used in this Revolving Loan Note have the respective meanings assigned to them
in the Credit Agreement and the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement
are
expressly incorporated herein and made a part hereof.
Β
The
Credit
Agreement provides for the acceleration of the maturity of the Revolving Loans
evidenced by this Revolving Loan Note upon the occurrence of certain events
(and
for payment of collection costs in connection therewith) and for prepayments
of
Revolving Loans upon the terms and conditions specified therein.Β Β In
the event this Revolving Loan Note is not paid when due at any stated or
accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal
and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorney
fees.
Β
Except
as permitted
by Section 11.3(b) of the Credit Agreement, this Revolving Loan Note may not
be
assigned by the Lender to any other Person.
Β
The
date, amount,
type, interest rate and duration of Interest Period (if applicable) of each
Revolving Loan made by the Lender to the Borrower, and each payment made on
account of the principal thereof, shall be recorded by the Agent and the Lender
on its books; provided that the failure of the Agent or the Lender to make
any
such recordation shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower to make a
payment when due of any amount owing hereunder or under this Revolving Loan
Note
in respect of the Revolving Loans to be evidenced by this Revolving Loan Note,
and each such recordation shall be prima facie evidence of the obligations
owing
under this Revolving Loan Note absent manifest error.
THIS
REVOLVING LOAN NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH,
THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Β
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF,
the Borrower has caused this Revolving Loan Note to be executed as of the date
first above written.
Β
WISCONSIN
PUBLIC
SERVICE CORPORATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:
Title:
Exhibit
7.1(c)
FORM
OF OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE
Β
TO:
|
Citibank,
N.A.
|
Attn:
|
Bank
Loan
Syndications
|
Β
|
Xxx
Xxxxx Xxx
|
Β
|
Xxx
Xxxxxx,
Xxxxxxxx 00000
|
Phone:
|
(000)
000-0000
|
Fax:
|
(000)
000-0000
|
RE:
|
Five
Year
Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 2005 among Wisconsin Public
Service
Corporation (the "Borrower"), Citibank, N.A., as Agent, the agents
party
thereto and the Lenders party thereto (as the same may be amended,
modified, extended or restated from time to time, the "Credit Agreement")
|
DATE:
|
_________,
___
|
Β
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Pursuant
to the
terms of the Credit Agreement, I, _________________________ [Chief Financial
Officer/Treasurer/Secretary/Assistant Treasurer] of WISCONSIN PUBLIC
SERVICE
CORPORATION hereby certify that, as of the fiscal quarter ending ____________,
____, the statements below are accurate and complete in all respects (all
capitalized terms used below shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit
Agreement):
Β
3.Β Attached
hereto as
Schedule I are
(x) calculations (calculated as of the date of the financial statements referred
to in paragraph C. below) demonstrating compliance by the Borrower with the
financial covenant contained in Section 7.2 of the Credit Agreement and (y)
Borrower's Credit ratings as of the date hereof.
Β
4.Β No
Default or Event
of Default exists under the Credit Agreement, except as indicated on a separate
page attached hereto, together with an explanation of the action taken or
proposed to be taken by the Borrower with respect thereto.
Β
5.Β The
quarterly/annual financial statements for the fiscal quarter/year ended
___________ which accompany this certificate fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and have
been prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject to changes resulting from normal
year-end audit adjustments.
Β
WISCONSIN
PUBLIC
SERVICE CORPORATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
[Chief
Financial
Officer/Treasurer/Secretary
Assistant
Treasurer]
Schedule
1
to
Exhibit
7.1(c)
to
Credit
Agreement
Maximum
Leverage
Ratio
(a)Β Β
|
Total
Funded
DebtΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
$Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
|
Β
(b)Β Β
|
Net
WorthΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
$Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
|
Β
(c)Β Β
|
Capitalization
(Line 1 + Line
2)Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
$Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
|
Β
(d)Β Β
|
Total
Funded
Debt to Capitalization Ratio: 1.00
|
Β
Β
|
(Line
1/Line
3)
|
Β
Maximum
Permitted
Total Funded
Debt
to
Capitalization Ratio:Β Β Β Β Β 65: 1.0
Β
Borrower's
Credit
Ratings:
S&PΒ Β ___________________Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Xxxxx'xΒ _________________Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Exhibit
11.3
Β
FORM
OF ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
Β
Reference
is made
to that certain Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2005, among
WISCONSIN PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION (the "Borrower"), the
agents party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and Citibank, N.A., as Agent
for
the Lenders (as the same may be amended, modified, extended or restated from
time to time, the "Credit
Agreement").Β Β Capitalized terms used herein shall have the
meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement.
Β
1.Β The
Assignor hereby
sells and assigns to the Assignee, without recourse and without representation
and warranty except as expressly set forth herein, and the Assignee hereby
purchases and assumes from the Assignor, without recourse and without
representation and warranty except as expressly set forth herein, the interests
set forth below (the "Assigned Interest") in the Assignor's rights and
obligations under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, the
interests set forth below in the Commitment Percentage of the Assignor on the
Effective Date (as defined below) and the Loans owing to the Assignor in
connection with the Assigned Interest which are outstanding on the Effective
Date.Β Β The purchase of the Assigned Interest shall be at par (unless
otherwise agreed to by the Assignor and the Assignee) and periodic payments
made
with respect to the Assigned Interest which (a) accrued prior to the Effective
Date shall be remitted to the Assignor and (b) accrue from and after the
Effective Date shall be remitted to the Assignee.
Β
2.Β The
Assignor (a)
represents and warrants to the Assignee that it is the legal and beneficial
owner of the Assigned Interest and that the Assigned Interest has not previously
been transferred or encumbered and is free and clear of any adverse claim
created by the Assignor; (b) makes no representation or warranty and assumes
no
responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations
made in or in connection with the Credit Documents or the execution, legality,
validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit
Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (c)
makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect
to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance
by
the Borrower of any of its obligations under the Credit Documents or any other
instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (d) attaches the Note
held by the Assignor and requests that the Agent exchange such Note for a new
Note payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Revolving
Loan Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto and to the Assignor
in
an amount equal to the Revolving Loan Commitment retained by the Assignor,
if
any, as specified herein.
Β
3.Β The
Assignee (a)
confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with
copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 7.1 thereof and such
other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment; (b) agrees that
it
will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the Assignor or any
other Lender 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 the Credit Agreement; (c) confirms that it is
an
Β
1
Eligible
Assignee;
(d) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf
and to exercise such powers and discretion under the Credit Agreement as are
delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers and
discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto; (e) agrees that it will perform
in accordance with their terms all of the obligations that by the terms of
the
Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender, and (f)
attaches any U.S. Internal Revenue Service or other forms required under Section
4.4.
Β
4.Β Following
the
execution of this Assignment, it will be delivered to the Agent, together with
the transfer fee required pursuant to Section 11.3(b) of the Credit Agreement,
for acceptance and recording by the Agent.Β Β The effective date for
this Assignment (the "Effective Date")
shall be the date of acceptance hereof by the Agent and the Borrower, as
applicable, unless otherwise specified herein.
Β
5.Β Upon
the consent of
the Borrower and the Agent, as applicable, as of the Effective Date, (a) the
Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided
in
this Assignment, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and
(b)
the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Assignment, relinquish its
rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit
Agreement.
Β
6.Β This
Assignment
shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State
of
New York.
Β
7.Β This
Assignment may
be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be
an
original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
agreement.
Β
8.Β Terms
of
Assignment
Β
1.Β
Legal Name of
Assignor:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β
2.Β
Legal Name of
Assignee:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β
3.Β
Effective Date of
Assignment:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β
4.Β
Commitment
Percentage Assigned:Β Β Β Β _____________%
Β
5.Β Total
Revolving
Loans outstanding
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β as
of Effective
DateΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
$___________________________
Β
6.Β Principal
Amount of
Revolving
Β Β Β Loans
assigned on Effective
Date
(the
amount set
forth in (e)
multiplied
by the
percentage set
forth
in
(d))Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
$___________________________
Β
7.Β
Revolving Loan
CommitmentΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β $___________________________
Β
2
8.Β Principal
Amount of
Revolving
Loan
Commitment
assigned on
Effective
Date (the
amount set
forth
in (g)
multiplied by the
percentage
set
forth in
(d))Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
$____________________________
The
terms set forth
above
are
hereby agreed
to:
______________________,
as Assignor
Β
By:
|
Β
|
Name:
|
Β
|
Title:
|
Β
|
_______________________,
as Assignee
|
By:
|
Β
|
Name:
|
Β
|
Title:
|
CONSENTED
TO (if
applicable):
WISCONSIN
PUBLIC
SERVICE CORPORATION
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:
Title:
CITIBANK,
N.A.,
as
Agent
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:
Title:
3