21 December 2004 SENIOR FACILITIES AGREEMENT between TELEWEST UK LIMITED
Exhibit 10.1
EXECUTION VERSION
21 December 2004
£1,550,000,000
between
TELEWEST UK LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS LIMITED
and, upon its accession,
TELEWEST GLOBAL FINANCE LLC
as Borrowers
BARCLAYS CAPITAL
BNP PARIBAS
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
DEUTSCHE BANK AG LONDON
GE CAPITAL STRUCTURED FINANCE GROUP LIMITED
THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC
as Mandated
Lead Arrangers
BARCLAYS BANK PLC
as Facility
Agent and Security Trustee
BARCLAYS BANK PLC
as US Paying Agent
GE CAPITAL STRUCTURED FINANCE GROUP LIMITED
as Administrative Agent
THE ORIGINAL GUARANTORS
and
THE LENDERS
0 Xxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Right of Prepayment and Cancellation in relation to a single Lender |
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Repayment from Net Proceeds of Disposals and Insurance Recoveries |
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Margin Ratchet for A Facility Advances and B Facility Advances |
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vi
THIS AGREEMENT is dated 21 December 2004 and made between:
(1) TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS LIMITED (company registration number 3071086, whose registered office is at Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, XX00 0XX, “TCN”);
(2) TELEWEST UK LIMITED (company registration number 04925679, whose registered office is at Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, XX00 0XX, “Telewest UK”);
(3) BARCLAYS CAPITAL, BNP PARIBAS, CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED, CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON, DEUTSCHE BANK AG LONDON, GE CAPITAL STRUCTURED FINANCE GROUP LIMITED and THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC (together, the “Mandated Lead Arrangers”);
(4) BARCLAYS BANK PLC (as agent for and on behalf of the Finance Parties, the “Facility Agent”);
(5) BARCLAYS BANK PLC (as United States paying agent for and on behalf of the Finance Parties (the “US Paying Agent”));
(7) BARCLAYS BANK PLC (as security trustee for and on behalf of the Finance Parties, the “Security Trustee”);
(8) GE CAPITAL STRUCTURED FINANCE GROUP LIMITED (as administrative agent for the Lenders under the B Facility and the C Facility, the “Administrative Agent”);
(9) THE LENDERS (as defined below); and
(10) THE ORIGINAL GUARANTORS (as defined below).
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
In this Agreement the following terms have the meanings set out below.
“95% Security Test” means the requirement that, save as otherwise provided in Clause 23.12 (Further Assurance), members of the TCN Group generating not less than 95% of the Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow are originally party to or have acceded as Guarantors to this Agreement as tested by reference to (subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of the definition of “Merger Event Conditions”) each set of quarterly financial information relating to the TCN Group delivered to the Facility Agent pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements).
“Acceding Guarantor” means any member of the TCN Group (or immediately prior to the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, any member of the Target Group) which has complied with the requirements of Clause 25.1 (Acceding Guarantors).
“Acceleration Date” means the date on which notice has been served under Clause 26.18 (Acceleration).
“Acceptable Hedging Agreement” means a Hedging Agreement entered into on the terms of the International Swaps & Derivatives Association Inc. 1992 or 2002 Master Agreement (Multicurrency-Cross Border) under which:
(a) if the 1992 Master Agreement is used, “Second Method” and “Market Quotation” are specified as the payment method applicable; and
1
(b) the governing Law is English or New York Law.
“Accession Notice” means a duly completed notice of accession in the form of Part 1 of Schedule 7 (Form of Accession Notice).
“Act” means the Companies Xxx 0000 (as amended).
“Advance” means, save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, a Revolving Facility Advance, an A Facility Advance, a B Facility Advance or a C Facility Advance, as the context may require.
“A Facility” means the term loan facility granted to TCN pursuant to Clause 2.1(b) (The Facilities).
“A Facility Advance” means an advance (as from time to time reduced by repayment) made or to be made by the Lenders under the A Facility or arising in respect of the A Facility under Clause 13.3 (Consolidation of Term Facility Advances) or under Clause 13.4 (Division of Term Facility Advances).
“A Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender at any time, and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the amount set opposite its name in the relevant column of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (Lenders and Commitments) or as specified in the Transfer Deed pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement.
“A Facility Margin” means, in relation to A Facility Advances, and subject to Clause 13.7 (Margin Ratchet for A Facility Advances and B Facility Advances), 2.25% per annum.
“A Facility Outstandings” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of the A Facility Advances outstanding under this Agreement.
“Affiliate” means, in relation to a person, any other person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with that person, and for these purposes “control” shall be construed so as to mean the ownership, either directly or indirectly and legally or beneficially, of more than 50% of the issued share capital of a company or the ability to control, either directly or indirectly, the affairs or the composition of the board of directors (or equivalent of it) of a company and “controlling”, “controlled by” and “under common control with” shall be construed accordingly.
“Agents” means the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent and the Administrative Agent, and “Agent” means any of them.
“Ancillary Facility” means any:
(a) overdraft, automated payment, cheque drawing or other current account facility;
(b) forward foreign exchange facility;
(c) derivatives facility;
(d) guarantee, bond issuance, documentary or stand-by letter of credit facility;
(e) performance bond facility; and/or
(f) such other facility or financial accommodation as may be required in connection with the business of the TCN Group and which is agreed in writing between TCN and the relevant Ancillary Facility Lender.
2
“Ancillary Facility Commitment” means, in relation to an Ancillary Facility Lender at any time, and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the maximum Sterling Amount to be made available under an Ancillary Facility granted by it, to the extent not cancelled or reduced or transferred pursuant to the terms of such Ancillary Facility or under this Agreement.
“Ancillary Facility Documents” means the documents and other instruments pursuant to which an Ancillary Facility is made available and the Ancillary Facility Outstandings under it are evidenced.
“Ancillary Facility Lender” means any Lender which has notified the Facility Agent that it has agreed to its nomination in a Conversion Notice to be an Ancillary Facility Lender in respect of an Ancillary Facility granted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
“Ancillary Facility Outstandings” means (without double counting), at any time with respect to an Ancillary Facility Lender and each Ancillary Facility provided by it, the aggregate of:
(a) all amounts of principal then outstanding under any overdraft, automated payment, cheque drawing or other current account facility (determined in accordance with the applicable terms) as at such time; and
(b) in respect of any other facility or financial accommodation, such other amount as fairly represents the aggregate potential exposure of that Ancillary Facility Lender with respect to it under its Ancillary Facility, as reasonably determined by that Ancillary Facility Lender from time to time in accordance with its usual banking practices for facilities or accommodation of the relevant type (including without limitation, the calculation of exposure under any derivatives facility by reference to the xxxx-to-market valuation of such transaction at the relevant time).
“Ancillary Facility Termination Date” has the meaning given to such term in paragraph (h) of Clause 6.1 (Utilisation of Ancillary Facilities).
“Anti-Terrorism Laws” mean:
(a) Executive Order No. 13224 of September 23, 2001 - Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support Terrorism (the “Executive Order”);
(b) the Uniting and Strengthening of America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56 (commonly known as the USA Patriot Act); and
(c) the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-570.
“Applicable Margin” means the prevailing A Facility Margin, the B Facility Margin, the C Facility Margin or the Revolving Facility Margin, as the context may require at the relevant time.
“Associated Costs Rate” means, in relation to any Advance or Unpaid Sum, the rate determined in accordance with Schedule 6 (Associated Costs Rate).
“Authorisation” means an authorisation, consent, approval, resolution, licence, exemption, filing, notarisation or registration.
“Available A Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, at any time and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, its A Facility Commitment at such time, adjusted to take account of any cancellation or reduction of, or any transfer by such Lender or any transfer to it of, any
3
A Facility Commitment, in each case, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, provided always that such amount shall not be less than zero.
“Available Ancillary Facility Commitment” means, in relation to an Ancillary Facility Lender and an Ancillary Facility granted by it at any time, and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement or in the applicable Ancillary Facility Documents, its Ancillary Facility Commitment at such time, less the Sterling Amount of the relevant Ancillary Facility Outstandings at such time, provided always that such amount shall not be less than zero.
“Available B Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, a particular Borrower and a particular currency at any time and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, its B Facility Commitment in relation to that Borrower and that currency at such time, adjusted to take account of (a) any cancellation or reduction of, or any transfer by such Lender or any transfer to it of, any B Facility Commitment in respect of the particular Borrower and currency, in each case, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and (b) in the case of a proposed Advance, the amount of its share of any other B Facility Advance which, pursuant to any other Utilisation Request, is to be made to that Borrower in that currency on or before the proposed Utilisation Date, provided always that such amount shall not be less than zero.
“Available C Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, a particular Borrower and a particular currency at any time and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, its C Facility Commitment in relation to that Borrower and that currency at such time, adjusted to take account of (a) any cancellation or reduction of, or any transfer by such Lender or any transfer to it of, any C Facility Commitment in respect of the particular Borrower and currency, in each case, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and (b) in the case of a proposed Advance, the amount of its share of any other C Facility Advance which, pursuant to any other Utilisation Request, is to be made to that Borrower in that currency on or before the proposed Utilisation Date, provided always that such amount shall not be less than zero.
“Available Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, the aggregate amount of its Available Revolving Facility Commitment, its Available Ancillary Facility Commitment and its Available Term Facility Commitments or, in the context of a particular Facility, its Available A Facility Commitment, its Available B Facility Commitment, its Available C Facility Commitment, its Available Revolving Facility Commitment or its Available Ancillary Facility Commitment, as the context may require.
“Available Facility” means, in relation to a Facility, at any time, the aggregate amount of the Available Commitments in respect of that Facility at that time.
“Available Revolving Facility” means, at any time, the aggregate amount of the Available Revolving Facility Commitments.
“Available Revolving Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, at any time and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, its Revolving Facility Commitment at such time, less the Sterling Amount of its share of the Revolving Facility Outstandings, adjusted to take account of:
(a) any cancellation or reduction of, or any transfer by such Lender or any transfer to it of, any Revolving Facility Commitment, in each case, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and
(b) in the case of any proposed Utilisation, the Sterling Amount of its share of (i) such Revolving Facility Advance and/or Documentary Credit which pursuant to any other Utilisation Request is to be made, or as the case may be, issued, and (ii) any Revolving Facility Advance and/or Documentary Credit which is due to be repaid or expire (as the case may be), in each case, on or before the proposed Utilisation Date,
provided always that such amount shall not be less than zero.
4
“Available Term Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, the aggregate amount of its Available A Facility Commitment, its Available B Facility Commitment and its Available C Facility Commitment.
“Barclays Intercreditor Agreement” means the intercreditor deed to be entered into on or about the date hereof between Yorkshire Cable Communications Limited, Sheffield Cable Communications Limited, Yorkshire Cable Properties Limited, Cable London Limited, Barclays Bank PLC and the Security Trustee.
“BBA LIBOR” means in relation to a currency other than Euro, the British Bankers’ Association Interest Settlement Rate for the relevant currency and specified period.
“B Facility” means the term loan facility granted to the Borrowers pursuant to Clause 2.1(c) (The Facilities).
“B Facility Advance” means an advance (as from time to time reduced by repayment) made or to be made by the Lenders under the B Facility or arising in respect of the B Facility under Clause 13.3 (Consolidation of Term Facility Advances) or under Clause 13.4 (Division of Term Facility Advances).
“B Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, a particular Borrower and a particular currency at any time, and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, (a) in the case of a Lender specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 (Lenders and Commitments), the relevant proportion (as specified by the Facility Agent pursuant to Clause 2.1(e) (The Facilities)) of the amount set out opposite its name in the relevant column of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (Lenders and Commitments) or (b) in the case of all other Lenders, as specified in the Transfer Deed pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement.
“B Facility Margin” means, in relation to B Facility Advances denominated in (a) Euro, 2.375% per annum, (b) Dollars, 2.25% per annum and (c) Sterling, 2.50% per annum subject in each case to Clause 13.7 (Margin Ratchet for A Facility Advances and B Facility Advances).
“B Facility Outstandings” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of the B Facility Advances outstanding under this Agreement.
“Beneficiary” means the beneficiary in respect of a Documentary Credit.
“Blocked Account” means each interest bearing account maintained with Barclays Bank PLC (or such other bank as the Facility Agent may determine) in the name of TCN for the purposes of Clause 11.3 (Blocked Accounts) which is secured in favour of the Security Trustee pursuant to the Security Documents, or as otherwise required by the terms of this Agreement.
“Borrowers” means TCN and upon its accession in accordance with Clause 25.1 (The US Borrower) the US Borrower, and “Borrower” means either of them as the context requires.
“Break Costs” means the amount (if any) by which:
(a) the interest (excluding the Applicable Margin) which a Lender should have received for the period from the date of receipt of all or any part of its participation in an Advance or Unpaid Sum to the last day of the current Interest Period or Term in respect of that Advance or Unpaid Sum, had the amount so received been paid on the last day of that Interest Period or Term;
exceeds:
5
(b) the amount which that Lender would be able to obtain by placing an amount equal to the principal amount of such Advance or Unpaid Sum received or recovered by it on deposit with a leading bank in the Relevant Interbank Market for a period starting on the Business Day following such receipt or recovery and ending on the last day of the current Interest Period or Term.
“Budget” means in respect of any financial year the budget for such financial year and projections for the first Financial Quarter thereof in the form and including the information required to be delivered by TCN to the Facility Agent pursuant to Clause 21.2 (Budget).
“Business Day” means a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which (a) banks generally are open for business in London and (b) if such reference relates to a date for the payment or purchase of any sum denominated in:
(a) Euro (A) is a TARGET Day and (B) is a day on which banks generally are open for business in the financial centre selected by the Facility Agent for receipt of payments in Euro; or
(b) in a currency other than Euro, banks generally are open for business in the principal financial centre of the country of such currency.
“C Facility” means the term loan facility granted to the Borrowers pursuant to Clause 2.1(d) (The Facilities).
“C Facility Advance” means an advance (as from time to time reduced by repayment) made or to be made by the Lenders under the C Facility or arising in respect of the C Facility under Clause 13.3 (Consolidation of Term Facility Advances) or under Clause 13.4 (Division of Term Facility Advances).
“C Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, a particular Borrower and a particular currency at any time, and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, (a) in the case of a Lender specified in Part 1 of Schedule 1 (Lenders and Commitments), the relevant proportion (as specified by the Facility Agent pursuant to Clause 2.1(e) (The Facilities)) of the amount set out opposite its name in the relevant column of Part 1 of Schedule 1 (Lenders and Commitments) or (b) in the case of all other Lenders, as specified in the Transfer Deed pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement.
“C Facility Margin” means, in relation to C Facility Advances denominated in (a) Euro, 2.875%, (b) Dollars, 2.75% and (c) Sterling, 3.00% per annum.
“C Facility Outstandings” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of the C Facility Advances outstanding under this Agreement.
“Capital Expenditure” means, in respect of any period, the aggregate amount of all fixed asset additions of the TCN Group in accordance with GAAP during such period less any reclassification of finance or capital leases that has not resulted in a cash flow during the period; provided that for the purposes of calculating compliance with Clause 22.2 (Permitted Capital Expenditure), the following shall be excluded:
(a) any such expenditure on the replacement or restoration of assets to the extent paid for by any insurance award or condemnation award with respect to the assets being replaced or restored;
(b) any such expenditure for acquisitions, investments or Joint Ventures that are not prohibited by Clause 24.9 (Joint Ventures) or 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments); and
6
(c) any such expenditure made with Equity Proceeds or the Net Proceeds of any Financial Indebtedness in accordance with Clauses 11.5 (Repayment from Debt Proceeds) and 11.6 (Repayment from Equity Proceeds) respectively which are contributed to the TCN Group in accordance with Clause 23.16 (Contributions to the TCN Group),
and provided further that for the purposes of paragraph (b)(i) of the definition of Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow as used in Clause 22.1 (Ratios), Capital Expenditures shall also exclude the aggregate amount of all Capital Expenditures for the relevant period in excess of the cash portion thereof as set out in the cash flow statement of the TCN Group for the period in question, calculated in accordance with GAAP.
“Capital Expenditure Allowance” means, in respect of any period, the figure opposite that period in the table set out in paragraph (b) of Clause 22.2 (Permitted Capital Expenditure).
“Cash” means at any time:
(a) all Cash Equivalent Investments; and
(b) cash (in cleared balances) denominated in Sterling (or any other currency freely convertible into Sterling) and credited to an account with an Eligible Deposit Bank and to which the relevant account holder is alone beneficially entitled and for so long as:
(i) such cash is repayable on demand (including any cash held on time deposit which is capable of being broken and the balance received on same day notice provided that any such cash shall only be taken into account net of any penalties or costs which would be incurred in breaking the relevant time deposit) and repayment of such cash is not contingent on the prior discharge of any other Indebtedness of any person whatsoever or on the satisfaction of any other condition; or
(ii) such cash has been deposited with an Eligible Deposit Bank as security for any performance bond, guarantee, standby letter of credit or similar facility the contingent liabilities relating to such having been included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Debt or Consolidated Total Group Debt, as applicable.
“Cash Equivalent Investment” means:
(a) securities which are freely negotiable and marketable:
(i) which mature not more that 12 months from the date of acquisition; and
(ii) which are rated at least AA by Standard & Poor’s or Aa2 by Moody’s;
(b) certificates of deposit, floating rate notes, acceptances issued by and deposit and current accounts of and time deposits with banks which have permission to carry on the regulated activity of accepting deposits under the Financial Services & Markets Xxx 0000 or are authorised by building societies under the Building Securities Xxx 0000 or cash funds managed by any reputable financial institution so long as such bank or building society’s or cash fund senior long term debt immediately prior to the making of such investment is not rated less than A by Standard and Poor’s and not less that A2 by Moody’s; and
(c) commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s and P-2 by Moody’s with a maturity of not more than 12 months.
“Centre of Main Interests” has the meaning given to it in Article 3(1) of Council Regulation (EC) NO 1346/2000 of 29 May 2000 on Insolvency Proceedings.
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“Change in Tax Law” means the introduction, implementation, repeal, withdrawal or change in, or in the interpretation, administration or application of any Law relating to taxation (a) in the case of a participation in an Advance by a Lender named in Part 1 of Schedule 1 (Lenders and Commitments) after the date of this Agreement, or (b) in the case of a participation in an Advance by any other Lender, after the date on which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Clause 36 (Assignments and Transfers).
“Change of Control” means:
(a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) of related persons but excluding any employee benefit plan of such Person or its Subsidiaries, and any Person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan, excluding any Permitted Holder or group of Permitted Holders, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that for the purposes of this paragraph (a) such person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all shares that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 30% of the Voting Stock (excluding any such interest represented by preferred stock of such Person or any debt instrument issued by such Person, in each case which is not Voting Stock or exchangeable or convertible into Voting Stock) of the Ultimate Parent (for the purposes of this paragraph (a), such person shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of any entity held by any other entity (the “parent entity”), if such person is the beneficial owner (as defined in this paragraph (a)), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent entity); or
(b) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the board of directors of the Ultimate Parent (together with any new directors whose election by such board of directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of such company was approved by a vote of a majority of the directors of such company then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the board of directors of the Ultimate Parent, then in the office,
provided that it shall not constitute a Change of Control under paragraph (a) above in the event that the Ultimate Parent becomes a wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Holding Company and the stockholders of such Holding Company are substantially the same as the stockholders of the Ultimate Parent prior to such acquisition.
“Closing Date” means the date on which the first Utilisation is made pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, which shall not be later than 31 January 2005.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued under it. Section references to the Code are to the Code, as in effect at the date of this Agreement and any subsequent provisions of the Code, amendatory of it, supplemental to it or substituted therefor.
“Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender, its A Facility Commitment, its B Facility Commitment, its C Facility Commitment, its Revolving Facility Commitment and/or its Ancillary Facility Commitment, as the context may require.
“Compliance Certificate” means:
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(a) in the case of a Compliance Certificate required to be delivered under paragraph (a) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates), a certificate substantially in the form set out in Part 1 of Schedule 8 (Form of Quarterly Compliance Certificate); or
(b) in the case of a Compliance Certificate required to be delivered under paragraph (b) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates), a certificate substantially in the form set out in Part 2 of Schedule 8 (Form of Compliance Certificate following Integrated Merger Event),
or in each case, such other similar form as the Facility Agent shall agree with TCN.
“Confirmation Date” has the meaning given to it in paragraph (k) of Clause 16.1 (Tax Gross-up).
“Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow” means, as at the end of any Semi-Annual Period, two times the Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for such Semi-Annual Period.
“Consolidated Debt Service” means, in respect of any period, the aggregate of:
(a) the Total Interest Charges in respect of such period; and
(b) save to the extent immediately reborrowed, the aggregate of all scheduled payments (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding voluntary and mandatory prepayments) in such period of principal, capital or nominal amounts in respect of Consolidated Total Debt.
“Consolidated Group Net Borrowings” means, at any time, the Consolidated Total Group Debt at such time less Cash, credited to any account in the name of the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group.
“Consolidated Group Net Operating Cash Flow” means, in respect of any period, the aggregate of:
(a) Net Income of the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK and the TCN Group (the “Limited Group” for the purposes of this definition only) for such period, plus (or minus as the case may be) (only to the extent used in arriving at Net Income of the Limited Group for such period):
(i) non-cash gains or losses, whether extraordinary, recurring or otherwise and non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents amortisation of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period or an accrual of, or a reserve for, cash expenses in any future period) and non-cash expenses for compensation relating to the granting of options and restricted stock, sale of stock and similar arrangements;
(ii) taxes or benefits in respect of taxes;
(iii) foreign currency translation differences;
(iv) other non-operating gains, losses and expenses, including (i) costs attributable to redundancies (other than outsourcing costs), (ii) costs of, and accounting for, financial instruments, (iii) gains and losses on disposals of fixed assets and/or investments and (iv) costs attributable to the disposal of obsolete or surplus properties no longer required for the purposes of the Limited Group’s business of up to £35,000,000 in aggregate during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on 31 December 2005;
(v) interest expense, including, without limitation, amortisation of debt issuance cost and debt discount, and other periodic fees, commissions and charges in respect of
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Financial Indebtedness, net of the aggregate amount of any interest income (other than interest income in respect of loan stock issued by a Joint Venture) remaining after giving effect to any taxes paid or payable in respect of such income;
(vi) depreciation and amortisation;
(vii) extraordinary items;
(viii) (A) the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to the Fees Letter and (B) all fees paid or payable by any member of the Limited Group (on its own behalf or on behalf of Telewest) to its professional advisers or the professional advisers to the Lenders, the lenders under the Existing Credit Facility or to other stakeholders in Telewest and its current or former subsidiaries and associated partnerships in relation to the restructuring, readjustment, rescheduling and/or reorganisation of the share capital of Telewest and/or the restructuring, readjustment, rescheduling, reorganisation or refinancing of any Financial Indebtedness of Telewest which took place in connection with the financial restructuring of Telewest;
(ix) at the election of TCN, cash charges resulting from any third party professional, advisory, legal and accounting fees and out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred in connection with, an acquisition or investment, any financing, any Disposal or any Merger Event (in any such case, whether completed or not); provided that (A) the aggregate amount added back in respect of such fees and expenses in connection with a Merger Event shall not exceed £5,000,000, and the aggregate amount added back in respect of such fees and expenses in connection with a Flextech Disposal shall not exceed £5,000,000 (or to the extent the aggregate of such fees and expenses in either case does exceed £5,000,000, any amount above such limit, provided that a corresponding amount shall be deducted from any availability under, at TCN’s option, either or both of the baskets set out in paragraph (x) below) and (B) in connection with any other transactions contemplated under this sub-paragraph (ix), the aggregate amount added back in respect of such fees and expenses shall not exceed £12,000,000;
(x) cash charges resulting from severance, integration and other adjustments made as a result of:
(A) a Flextech Disposal, up to £7,500,000 in aggregate (where such charges have been certified by a duly authorised officer of TCN as being directly attributable to such Flextech Disposal); and
(B) a Merger Event, but only to the extent that such charges do not exceed (when aggregated with such equivalent charges of the Target Group) £125,000,000 in the First Period and £75,000,000 in the Second Period where the term “First Period” means the period (1) commencing on the later of (x) four months prior to the closing of the Merger Event and (y) the public announcement by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK, TCN or any other member of the TCN Group that the parties to the Merger Event have signed a merger agreement (or similar agreement) (or in the case of a Merger Event governed by the Takeover Code of the United Kingdom, that there is a firm intention to effect a Merger Event), and ending on (2) the date which is twelve months after the closing of the Merger Event, and the term “Second Period” means the twelve month period after such First Period (in each case, where such charges have been certified by a duly authorised officer of TCN as being directly attributable to the Merger Event);
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(xi) any cash costs incurred by any member of the Limited Group during such period (if any) and payable to any third party in relation to any scheme of arrangement, restructuring, recapitalisation, bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, capital raising or debt restructuring which was initiated prior to the date of this Agreement; and
(xii) any amounts arising in respect of cumulative changes in GAAP since the date of this Agreement,
minus (only to the extent used in arriving at Net Income of the Limited Group for such period);
(b) Excluded Group Net Operating Cash Flow for that period (excluding for these purposes the Ultimate Parent and Telewest UK).
“Consolidated Net Borrowings” means, at any time, the Consolidated Total Debt at such time less Cash, credited to any account in the name of a member of the TCN Group, subject to a maximum aggregate deduction equal to the sum of £200,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies).
“Consolidated Senior Debt” means, at any time (without double counting), the aggregate principal, capital or nominal amounts (including any Total Interest Charges capitalised as principal) of Financial Indebtedness of any member of the TCN Group incurred on a senior unsubordinated basis but excluding Financial Indebtedness (i) of any member of the TCN Group to another member of the TCN Group or the Target Group, (ii) under the Second Lien Facility or any Second Lien Refinancing or (iii) under any Subordinated Funding, in each case to the extent not prohibited under this Agreement.
“Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow” means, in respect of any period, Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for that period after:
(a) adding back:
(i) any decrease in the amount of Working Capital of the TCN Group at the end of such period compared against the Working Capital of the TCN Group at the start of such period;
(ii) all cash extraordinary or non-recurring gains during that period to the extent not included in Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow;
(iii) any amount received in cash in that period by members of the TCN Group in respect of income and related taxes; and
(iv) at the option of TCN, any amount paid during the period paid in relation to video on demand of up to £30 million per annum where the TCN Group has received a contribution in accordance with Clause 23.16 (Contributions to the TCN Group) equal to such amount;
(b) deducting:
(i) the actual Capital Expenditure of members of the TCN Group during such period;
(ii) any increase in the amount of Working Capital of the TCN Group at the end of such period compared against the Working Capital of the TCN Group at the start of that period;
(iii) any amount paid in cash in that period by any member of the TCN Group in respect of income and other taxes;
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(iv) all cash extraordinary or non-recurring losses during that period to the extent not included in Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow;
(v) (A) any amount paid in cash in that period in respect of the items added to Net Income in the determination of Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for such period under paragraphs (a), (iv), (v), (viii), (ix), (x) and (xi) of the definition therof, (B) any amounts paid in cash in respect of payments made or paid during such period by any member of the TCN Group to any person who is not a member of the TCN Group, in respect of costs and expenses in connection with transactions contemplated by any raising of Telewest Global Debt, by the Finance Documents, the Second Lien Finance Documents and by the Existing Credit Facility and (C) any cash costs incurred during the relevant period in relation to any scheme of arrangement, restructuring, recapitalisation, bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, capital raising or debt restructuring which was initiated prior to the date of this Agreement; and
(vi) any amount paid in cash (to the extent not taken into account under paragraph (a)(xii) of the definition of Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow) other than amounts paid by way of loan or credit to members of the Flextech Group permitted under paragraph (d)(iv) or (v) of Clause 24.3 (Loans and Guarantees)) in that period in respect of dividends, distributions, loans, investments (other than acquisitions) or other similar payments made or paid during such period by any member of the TCN Group to any person who is not a member of the TCN Group and any cash charges falling under sub-paragraph (a)(ix) of “Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow” which have been added back for the purposes of calculating such definition;
provided that in no event shall amounts constituting Consolidated Debt Service be deducted from Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow, and no amount shall be included or excluded more than once and provided further that, for the avoidance of doubt, in calculating Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow for the purposes of Clause 11.4 (Repayment from Excess Cash Flow), Net Proceeds (including, without limitation, Net Proceeds arising from any Flextech Disposal), any gains or losses arising as a result of a Flextech Disposal or Merger Event and the proceeds of any Subordinated Funding shall be excluded.
“Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow” means, in respect of any period, the aggregate of:
(a) Net Income of the TCN Group for such period, plus (or minus as the case may be) (only to the extent used in arriving at Net Income of the TCN Group for such period):
(i) non-cash gains or losses, whether extraordinary, recurring or otherwise and non-cash expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents amortisation of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period or an accrual of, or a reserve for, cash expenses in any future period) and non-cash expenses for compensation relating to the granting of options and restricted stock, sale of stock and similar arrangements;
(ii) taxes or benefits in respect of taxes;
(iii) foreign currency translation differences;
(iv) other non-operating gains, losses and expenses, including (A) costs attributable to redundancies (other than outsourcing costs), (B) costs of, and accounting for, financial instruments, (C) gains and losses on disposals of fixed assets and/or investments and (D) costs attributable to the disposal of obsolete or surplus properties no longer required for the purposes of the TCN Group’s business of up to
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£35,000,000 in aggregate during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on 31 December 2005;
(v) interest expense, including, without limitation, amortisation of debt issuance cost and debt discount, and other periodic fees, commissions and charges in respect of Financial Indebtedness, net of the aggregate amount of any interest income (other than interest income in respect of loan stock issued by a Joint Venture) remaining after giving effect to any taxes paid or payable in respect of such income;
(vi) depreciation and amortisation;
(vii) extraordinary items;
(viii) (A) the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to the Fees Letter and (B) all fees paid or payable by any member of the TCN Group (on its own behalf or on behalf of Telewest) to its professional advisers or the professional advisers to the Lenders, the lenders under the Existing Credit Facility or to other stakeholders in Telewest and its current or former subsidiaries and associated partnerships in relation to the restructuring, readjustment, rescheduling and/or reorganisation of the share capital of Telewest and/or the restructuring, readjustment, rescheduling, reorganisation or refinancing of any Financial Indebtedness of Telewest which took place in connection with the financial restructuring of Telewest;
(ix) at the election of TCN, cash charges resulting from any third party professional, advisory, legal and accounting fees and out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred in connection with, an acquisition or investment, any financing, any Disposal or any Merger Event (in any such case, whether completed or not); provided that (A) the aggregate amount added back in respect of such fees and expenses in connection with a Merger Event shall not exceed £5,000,000, and the aggregate amount added back in respect of such fees and expenses in connection with a Flextech Disposal shall not exceed £5,000,000 (or to the extent the aggregate of such fees and expenses in either case does exceed £5,000,000, any amount above such limit, provided that a corresponding amount shall be deducted from any availability under, at TCN’s option, either or both of the baskets set out in paragraph (x) below) and (B) in connection with any other transactions contemplated under this sub-paragraph (ix), the aggregate amount added back in respect of such fees and expenses shall not exceed £12,000,000;
(x) cash charges resulting from severance, integration and other adjustments made as a result of:
(A) a Flextech Disposal up to £7,500,000 in aggregate (where such charges have been certified by a duly authorised officer of TCN as being directly attributable to such Flextech Disposal); and
(B) a Merger Event, but only to the extent that such charges do not exceed (when aggregated with any such equivalent charges of the Target Group) £125,000,000 in the First Period and £75,000,000 in the Second Period where the term “First Period” means the period (1) commencing on the later of (x) four months prior to the closing of the Merger Event and (y) the public announcement by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any other member of the TCN Group that the parties to the Merger Event have signed a merger agreement (or similar agreement) (or in the case of a Merger Event governed by the Takeover Code of the United Kingdom, that there is a firm intention to effect a Merger Event), and ending on (2) the date which is twelve months
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after the closing of the Merger Event, and the term “Second Period” means the twelve month period after such First Period (in each case, where such charges have been certified by a duly authorised officer of TCN as being directly attributable to the Merger Event);
(xi) any cash costs incurred by any member of the TCN Group during such period (if any) and payable to any third party in relation to any scheme of arrangement, restructuring, recapitalisation, bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, capital raising or debt restructuring which was initiated prior to the date of this Agreement;
(xii) any amounts arising in respect of Permitted Payments made to the Ultimate Parent or Telewest UK in accordance with paragraph (a)(ii) of the definition Permitted Payments; and
(xiii) any amounts arising in respect of cumulative changes in GAAP since the date of this Agreement;
minus (only to the extent used in arriving at Net Income of the TCN Group for such period)
(b) Excluded Group Net Operating Cash Flow for that period.
“Consolidated Total Debt” means, at any time (without double counting):
(a) the aggregate principal, capital or nominal amounts of Financial Indebtedness (including any Total Interest Charges capitalised as principal) of any member of the TCN Group (including, without limitation, Financial Indebtedness arising under or pursuant to the Finance Documents and the Second Lien Finance Documents); plus
(b) the aggregate principal, capital or nominal amounts of Financial Indebtedness (including any Total Interest Charges capitalised as principal) of any member of the Group to the extent it is Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt;
excluding any Financial Indebtedness of any member of the TCN Group to another member of the TCN Group or under any Subordinated Funding, in each case, to the extent not prohibited under this Agreement.
“Consolidated Total Group Debt” means, at any time (without double counting):
(a) the aggregate principal, capital or nominal amounts of Financial Indebtedness (including any Total Interest Charges capitalised as principal) of the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK and any member of the TCN Group (including, without limitation, Financial Indebtedness arising under or pursuant to the Finance Documents and the Second Lien Finance Documents); plus
(b) the aggregate principal, capital or nominal amounts of Financial Indebtedness (including any Total Interest Charges capitalised as principal) of any member of the Group to the extent it is Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt;
excluding any Financial Indebtedness of the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the Group to Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or another member of the Group or under any Subordinated Funding, in each case, to the extent not prohibited under this Agreement.
“Content” means any rights to broadcast, transmit, distribute or otherwise make available for viewing, exhibition or reception (whether in analogue or digital format and whether as a channel or an internet service, a teletext-type service, an interactive service, or an enhanced television service or any part of any of the foregoing, or on a pay-per-view basis, or near video-on-demand, or video-on-
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demand basis or otherwise) any one or more of audio and/or visual images, audio content, or interactive content (including hyperlinks, re-purposed web-site content, database content plus associated templates, formatting information and other data including any interactive applications or functionality), text, data, graphics, or other content, by means of any means of distribution, transmission or delivery system or technology (whether now known or hereafter invented).
“Conversion Notice” has the meaning given to such term in paragraph (a) of Clause 6.1 (Utilisation of Ancillary Facilities).
“Core Group” means TCN and its Subsidiaries other than the Flextech Group.
“Core Obligor Group” means the TCN Group Obligors other than the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK and the members of the Flextech Group.
“Cost” means in relation to the provision of Intra-Group Services or management services, the cost estimated in good faith by the relevant member of the TCN Group to have been incurred by that member of the TCN Group in the provision of such Intra-Group Services or management services (as the case may be), including, without limitation, a proportion of any material employment, property, information technology, administration, utilities, transport, materials or other costs directly attributable to the provision thereof.
“Currency Hedging Agreements” means one or more Hedging Agreements consisting of foreign exchange contracts, currency swap agreements or other similar agreements or arrangements designed to manage fluctuations in currency values.
“Current Assets” means, in respect of any person or group, the aggregate of trade and other receivables (net of allowances for doubtful debts), prepayments and all other current assets of such person or group maturing within twelve months from the date of computation, as required to be accounted for as current assets under GAAP but excluding cash and Cash Equivalent Investments.
“Current Liabilities” means, in respect of any person or group, the aggregate of all liabilities (including accounts payable, accruals and provisions) of such person or group falling due within twelve months from the date of computation and required to be accounted for as current liabilities under GAAP but excluding Financial Indebtedness of such person or group falling due within such period and any interest on such Financial Indebtedness due in such period.
“Default” means an Event of Default or any event or circumstance which (with the expiry of a grace period, the giving of notice, the making of any determination under any of the Finance Documents or any combination of any of the foregoing) would be an Event of Default provided that in relation to any event which is subject to a materiality threshold or condition before such event would constitute an Event of Default, such default shall not constitute a Default until such materiality threshold or condition has been satisfied.
“Derivatives Termination Value” means, at any date and in respect of any one or more Hedging Agreements, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreements relating to such Hedging Agreements, (i) for any date on or after the date such Hedging Agreements have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (ii) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (i), the amount(s) determined as the xxxx-to-market value(s) for such Hedging Agreements, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognised dealer in such Hedging Agreements (which may include any Finance Party).
“Disposal” means any sale, transfer, lease, surrender or other disposal by any member of the TCN Group of any shares in any of its Subsidiaries or all or any part of its revenues, assets, other shares, business or undertakings other than in the ordinary course of business or trade.
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“Documentary Credit” means a letter of credit, bank guarantee, indemnity, performance bond or other documentary credit issued or to be issued by an L/C Bank pursuant to Clause 4.1 (Conditions to Utilisation).
“Dormant Subsidiary” means, at any time, with respect to any company, any Subsidiary of such company which is “dormant” as defined in section 249AA of the Act (or the equivalent under the laws of the jurisdiction of incorporation of the relevant company).
“Double Taxation Treaty” means in relation to a payment of interest on an Advance made to any Borrower, any convention or agreement between the government of the United Kingdom and any other government for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital gains which makes provision for exemption from tax imposed by the United Kingdom on interest.
“Effective Date” has the meaning given to such term in paragraph (a) of Clause 6.1 (Utilisation of Ancillary Facilities).
“Eligible Deposit Bank” means any bank or financial institution which has a short term rating of at least A1 granted by Standard & Poor’s or P1 granted by Moody’s.
“EMU” means Economic and Monetary Union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.
“EMU Legislation” means legislative measures of the European Union for the introduction of, changeover to or operation of the Euro in one or more member states, being in part legislative measures to implement the third stage of EMU.
“Encumbrance” means:
(a) a mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, encumbrance or other security interest securing any obligation of any person;
(b) any arrangement under which money or claims to, or the benefit of, a bank or other account may be applied, set-off or made subject to a combination of accounts so as to effect payment of sums owed or payable to any person; or
(c) any other type of agreement or preferential arrangement (including title transfer and retention arrangements) having a similar effect.
“Environment” means living organisms including the ecological systems of which they form part and the following media:
(a) air (including air within natural or man-made structures, whether above or below ground);
(b) water (including territorial, coastal and inland waters, water under or within land and water in drains and sewers); and
(c) land (including land under water).
“Environmental Claim” means any administrative, regulatory or judicial action, suit, demand, demand letter, claim, notice of non-compliance or violation, investigation, proceeding, consent order or consent agreement relating to any Environmental Law or Environmental Licence.
“Environmental Law” means all laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction which:
(a) have as a purpose or effect the protection of, and/or prevention of harm or damage to, the Environment;
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(b) provide remedies or compensation for harm or damage to the Environment; or
(c) relate to Hazardous Substances or health or safety matters.
“Environmental Licence” means any Authorisations required at any time under Environmental Law.
“Equity Equivalent Funding” means a loan made to, or any Financial Indebtedness owed by, any person where the Financial Indebtedness incurred thereby:
(a) may not be repaid at any time prior to the repayment in full of all Outstandings;
(b) carries no interest or carries interest which is payable only on non-cash pay terms or following repayment in full of all Outstandings and cancellation of all Available Commitments; and
(c) is either (i) structurally and contractually subordinated to the Facilities or (ii) contractually subordinated to the Facilities, in each case, pursuant to the Principal Intercreditor Deed.
“Equity Proceeds” means the cash proceeds raised by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group by way of public equity securities offerings in the international or domestic equity capital markets (after deducting all reasonable fees, commissions, costs and expenses incurred by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group in connection with such raising) and which do not constitute Net Proceeds of Financial Indebtedness described in paragraph (c) of the definition of Net Proceeds.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and the rulings issued under it. Section references to ERISA are to ERISA as in effect on the date of this Agreement.
“ERISA Affiliate” means, in relation to a member of the TCN Group, each person (as defined in section 3(9) of ERISA) which together with that member of the TCN Group would be deemed to be a “single employer” within the meaning of section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.
“EURIBOR” means, in relation to any amount to be advanced to or owed by an Obligor under this Agreement in Euro on which interest for a given period is to accrue:
(a) the rate per annum for deposits in Euro which appears on the Relevant Page for such period at or about 11.00 am (Brussels time) on the Quotation Date for such period; or
(b) if no such rate is displayed and the Facility Agent shall not have selected an alternative service on which such rate is displayed as contemplated by the definition of “Relevant Page”, the arithmetic mean (rounded upwards, if not already such a multiple, to 5 decimal places) of the rates (as notified to the Facility Agent) at which each of the Reference Banks was offering to prime banks in the European Interbank Market deposits in Euro for such period at or about 11.00 am (Brussels time) on the Quotation Date for such period.
“European Interbank Market” means the interbank market for Euro operating in Participating Member States.
“Event of Default” means any of the events or circumstances described as such in Clause 26 (Events of Default).
“Excess Cash Flow” means in relation to any financial year of TCN, (i) Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow less (ii) the sum of (A) Consolidated Debt Service for such financial year plus (B) the aggregate amount of all payments or prepayments of principal, whether voluntary or mandatory, of
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Consolidated Total Debt made in such financial year (other than voluntary prepayments applied in repayment of the Second Lien Facility in accordance with paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of the proviso to Clause 2.4 of the Principal Intercreditor Deed), provided that no such amounts prepaid and used in the calculation under this paragraph (ii)(B) shall be available for reborrowing; and provided further that for the purposes of the calculation set forth in this definition, no amount shall be included or excluded more than once.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Excluded Group” means each member of the Group which is not a member of the TCN Group, including, without limitation, the Excluded Subsidiaries.
“Excluded Group Net Operating Cash Flow” means, in respect of any period, segment profit or loss (or net income or loss, as applicable) attributable to the Excluded Group for that period adding back (or deducting as the case may be) (to the extent used in arriving at segment profit or loss (or net income or loss, as applicable)) non-cash items relating to the Excluded Group and any cumulative changes in GAAP since the date of this Agreement.
“Excluded Subsidiary” means:
(a) the Subsidiaries of TCN listed in Part 3 of Schedule 9 (Excluded Subsidiaries);
(b) any Subsidiary of TCN or, following an Integrated Merger Event, a Subsidiary of the Target Group which is a Dormant Subsidiary and which (i) has assets (save for loans existing on the date of this Agreement owed to it by other members of the TCN Group) with an aggregate value of £10,000 or less; and (ii) is not a Guarantor;
(c) any Subsidiary of TCN or, following an Integrated Merger Event, a Subsidiary of the Target Group which is a Project Company;
(d) any member of the Flextech Group; and
(e) following an Integrated Merger Event, any Excluded Target Group Member,
provided that any Excluded Subsidiary may, at the election of TCN, upon not less than 10 Business Days’ prior written notice to the Facility Agent and, in the case of a member of the Flextech Group, with the prior consent of an Instructing Group, cease to be an Excluded Subsidiary and become a member of the TCN Group.
“Excluded Target Group Member” means any member of the Target Group that is not a Target Group Obligor and has not been designated by TCN as a member of the TCN Group.
“Existing Credit Facility” means the loan agreement dated 16 March 2001 among TCN, the Lead Arrangers party thereto, CIBC World Markets PLC, as Agent, Existing Security Trustee and New Security Trustee, and the Lenders party thereto (each as defined therein), as amended and restated effective 14 July 2004 and as further amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the Closing Date.
“Existing Encumbrance” means any Encumbrance existing at the date of this Agreement, details of which are set out in Part 1 of Schedule 10 (Existing Encumbrances).
“Existing Financial Indebtedness” means the Financial Indebtedness existing at the Closing Date, details of which are set out in Part 3 of Schedule 10 (Existing Financial Indebtedness).
“Existing Hedge Counterparties” has the meaning given to it in the Principal Intercreditor Deed.
18
“Existing Hedge Agreements” has the meaning given to it in the Principal Intercreditor Deed.
“Existing Lease Parties” means Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Limited, Leckhampton Finance Limited (formerly known as Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Leasing (Number 4) Limited) and Lombard Commercial Limited as lessors, The Cable Corporation Limited and The Yorkshire Cable Group Limited as lessees and Lloyds TSB Leasing Limited as agent for the lessors.
“Existing Loan Stock” means the loan stock and redeemable preference shares identified in Part 5 of Schedule 10 (Existing Loan Stock).
“Existing Loans” means the loans granted by members of the TCN Group existing at the date of this Agreement, details of which are set out in Part 2 of Schedule 10 (Existing Loans).
“Existing Performance Bonds” means each of the performance bonds or similar obligations existing as at the Closing Date, details of which are set out in Part 4 of Schedule 10 (Existing Performance Bonds).
“Expiry Date” means, in relation to any Documentary Credit issued under this Agreement, the date stated in it to be its expiry date or the latest date on which demand may be made under it being a date falling on or prior to the Final Maturity Date in respect of the Revolving Facility.
“Facilities” means the Term Facilities, the Revolving Facility, any Ancillary Facility and any Documentary Credit granted to the Borrowers under this Agreement, and “Facility” means any of them, as the context may require.
“Facility Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange” means, in relation to two currencies, the Facility Agent’s spot rate of exchange for the purchase of the first-mentioned currency with the second-mentioned currency in the London foreign exchange market at or about 11 a.m. on a particular day.
“Facility Office” means the office notified by a Lender to the Facility Agent in writing on or before the date it becomes a Lender (or, following that date, (i) by not less than five Business Days’ written notice) as the office through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement where the office is situated in Financial Action Task Force countries, or (ii) with the prior written consent of the Facility Agent, an office through which it will perform its obligations under this Agreement situated in non-Financial Action Task Force countries.
“Fee Letters” means the fee letters referred to in Clauses 15.2 (Arrangement and Underwriting Fee), 15.3 (Agency Fee) and 15.5 (L/C Bank Fee).
“Final Maturity Date” means:
(a) in respect of the Revolving Facility, 30 June 2011;
(b) in respect of the A Facility, 30 June 2011;
(c) in respect of the B Facility, the date falling 96 months after the date of this Agreement; and
(d) in respect of the C Facility, the day which is 108 months after the date of this Agreement.
“Finance Documents” means:
(a) this Agreement, any Documentary Credits, any Accession Notices and any Transfer Deeds;
(b) the Fee Letters;
(c) any Ancillary Facility Documents;
19
(d) the Security Documents;
(e) the Principal Intercreditor Deed;
(f) each TGD Intercreditor Agreement;
(g) following an Integrated Merger Event, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement;
(h) any Hedging Agreements entered into with one or more Hedge Counterparties pursuant to Clause 23.9 (Hedging);
(i) the Barclays Intercreditor Agreement;
(j) any other intercreditor agreement entered into by any of the parties hereto, as envisaged by any other Finance Document;
(k) any other agreement or document entered into or executed by a member of the TCN Group pursuant to any of the foregoing documents; and
(l) any other agreement or document designated a “Finance Document” in writing by the Facility Agent and TCN.
“Finance Lease” means a lease treated as a capital or finance lease pursuant to applicable accounting standards (including at the date of this Agreement, Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 21).
“Finance Parties” means the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent, the Administrative Agent, the Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Security Trustee, the Lenders and each Hedge Counterparty and “Finance Party” means any of them.
“Financial Action Task Force” means the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, an inter-governmental body, the purpose of which is the development and promotion of policies, at both national and international levels, to combat money laundering.
“Financial Indebtedness” means, without double counting, any Indebtedness for or in respect of:
(a) moneys borrowed;
(b) any amount raised by acceptance under any acceptance credit facility;
(c) any amount raised pursuant to any note purchase facility or the issue of bonds, notes, debentures, loan stock or any similar instrument (for the avoidance of doubt excluding any loan notes or similar instruments issued solely by way of consideration for the acquisition of assets in order to defer capital gains or equivalent taxes where such loan notes or similar instruments are not issued for the purpose of raising finance);
(d) the principal portion of any liability in respect of any lease or hire purchase contract which would, in accordance with applicable GAAP, be treated as a finance or capital lease;
(e) receivables sold or discounted (other than any receivables to the extent they are sold on a non-recourse basis, including, without limitation, pursuant to any securitisation programme or receivables factoring transaction referred to in paragraph (g) of Clause 24.6 (Disposals));
(f) the amount of any liability in respect of any purchase price for assets or services the payment of which is deferred for a period in excess of 150 days in order to raise finance or to finance the acquisition of those assets or services;
20
(g) any amount raised under any other transaction (including any forward sale or purchase agreement) required to be accounted for as Indebtedness in accordance with GAAP;
(h) any amount raised pursuant to any issue of shares which are expressed to be redeemable in cash (other than redeemable shares in respect of which the redemption is prohibited until after repayment in full of all Outstandings under the Facilities);
(i) guarantees, bonds, standby letters of credit of other instruments issued in connection with the performance of contracts to the extent that the same are treated as borrowings in accordance with GAAP;
(j) the Derivatives Termination Value in respect of Currency Hedging Agreements;
(k) any counter-indemnity obligation in respect of a guarantee, indemnity, bond, standby or documentary letter of credit or any other instrument issued by a bank or other financial institution; or
(l) the amount of any liability in respect of any guarantee or indemnity for any Financial Indebtedness of another Person referred to in paragraphs (a) to (k) above.
“Financial Officer” means the Chief Financial Officer, the Group Treasurer or the Group Financial Controller, in each case, of TCN or of the TCN Group, or any similar officer of TCN or of the TCN Group.
“Financial Quarter” means the period commencing on the day immediately following any Quarter Date, and ending on the next succeeding Quarter Date.
“Flextech Assets” means cash or assets generated by or attributable to one or more members of the Flextech Group, provided always that cash or other assets lent or contributed by any member of the Core Group shall not constitute cash or assets so generated or attributable.
“Flextech Disposal” means any sale, transfer, demerger, contribution, distribution, spin-off or other disposal of any or all of the members and/or assets of the Flextech Group.
“Flextech Group” means each of the companies listed in Part 2 of Schedule 9 (Members of the Flextech Group), for so long as they remain a member of the Group and have not, at the option of TCN, been designated as members of the TCN Group together with any other persons acquired, organised or otherwise invested in, directly or indirectly, by any current or future member of such group, together with their respective successor and assigns in accordance with any relevant provisions of this Agreement.
“Foreign Pension Plan” means any plan, fund (including, without limitation, any superannuation fund) or other similar program established or maintained outside the United States of America by any member of the Group for the benefit of employees of any member of the Group residing outside the United States of America, which plan, fund or other similar program provides, or results in, retirement income, a deferral of income in contemplation of retirement or payments to be made upon termination of employment, and which plan is not subject to ERISA or the Code.
“GAAP” means, in relation to the preparation of the Original Financial Statements, accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom and otherwise, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
“Group” means the Ultimate Parent and its Subsidiaries from time to time including, following a Merger Event, each member of the Target Group (for as long as it remains a Subsidiary of the Group).
21
“Group Structure Chart” means the group structure chart delivered to the Facility Agent pursuant to paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 4 (Conditions Precedent to First Utilisation) or any updated group structure chart which is delivered to the Facility Agent pursuant to Clause 23.15 (Group Structure Chart) from time to time.
“Guaranteed Parent Debt” means any Telewest Global Debt in respect of which any TCN Group Obligor incurs Financial Indebtedness pursuant to a guarantee of such Financial Indebtedness.
“Guarantors” means the Original Guarantors, upon its accession hereto pursuant to Clause 25.1 (The US Borrower), the US Borrower, and any Acceding Guarantors and “Guarantor” means any one of them as the context requires, provided that in either case, such person has not been released from its rights and obligations as a Guarantor hereunder pursuant to Clause 42.5 (Release of Guarantees or Security).
“Hazardous Substance” means any waste, pollutant, contaminant or other substance (including any liquid, solid, gas, ion, living organism or noise) that may be harmful to human health or other life or the Environment.
“Hedge Counterparty” means each Lender or Second Lien Lender or Affiliate thereof which is a party to a Hedging Agreement entered into for the purposes of Clause 23.9 (Hedging) and “Hedge Counterparties” means all such Lenders or Affiliates.
“Hedging Agreement” means any agreement in respect of an interest rate swap, currency swap, forward foreign exchange transaction, cap, floor, collar or option transaction or any other treasury transaction or any combination of it or any other transaction entered into in connection with protection against or benefit from fluctuation in any rate or price.
“Holding Company” of a company means a company of which the first-mentioned company is a Subsidiary.
“Increased Cost” means:
(a) any reduction in the rate of return from a Facility or on a Finance Party’s (or an Affiliate’s) overall capital;
(b) any additional or increased cost; or
(c) any reduction of any amount due and payable under any Finance Document,
which is incurred or suffered by a Finance Party or any of its Affiliates to the extent that it is attributable to that Finance Party having agreed to make available its Commitment or having funded or performed its obligations under any Finance Document.
“Indebtedness” means any obligation (whether incurred as principal or as surety) for the payment or repayment of money, whether present or future, actual or contingent (including interest and other charges relating to it).
“Indemnifying Lender” has the meaning set out in Clause 5.1(b) (Issue of Documentary Credits).
“Information Memorandum” means the information memorandum dated November 2004 approved by TCN concerning the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK and the TCN Group which, at the request of TCN and on its behalf, was prepared in relation to the Facilities and the Second Lien Facility and the business, assets, financial condition and prospects of the Group and which was made available by the Mandated Lead Arrangers to selected banks and other institutions for the purpose of syndication of the Facilities and the Second Lien Facility.
22
“Initial Security Documents” means the documents listed in Part 3 of Schedule 4 (Initial Security Documents).
“Instructing Group” means:
(a) before any Utilisation of the Facilities under this Agreement, a Lender or group of Lenders whose Available Commitments amount in aggregate to more than 66 2/3% of the Available Facilities; and
(b) thereafter, a Lender or group of Lenders to whom in aggregate more than 66 2/3% of the aggregate amount of the Outstandings are (or if there are no Outstandings at such time, immediately prior to their repayment, were then) owed,
in each case calculated taking account of those Lenders who have actually given their instructions and those who, not having done so, are deemed to have done so pursuant to Clause 42.8 (Deemed Consent).
“Integrated Merger Event” means the designation by TCN of an Integrated Merger Event and the notification to the Facility Agent pursuant to Clause 23.19 (Notice of Integrated Merger Event) (subject to satisfaction of the Merger Event Conditions) of the proposed effective date of such Integrated Merger Event, the purpose of which is to enable TCN to better integrate the businesses of the TCN Group and the businesses of the Target Group.
“Integrated Merger Projected Debt Coverage Ratio” means the ratio of (a) the projected Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow for the 12 month period commencing on the relevant date of determination to (b) projected Consolidated Debt Service of the TCN Group for such period, calculated on a pro forma basis adjusted to give effect to the Integrated Merger Event.
“Integrated Merger Senior Leverage Ratio” means the ratio of (i) the aggregate of (A) Consolidated Senior Debt (as at close of business on the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event) of the TCN Group (as constituted immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event) plus (without double counting) (B) Pro Forma Target Group Senior Debt, to (ii) the aggregate of (A) Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow plus (B) Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow, in each case, calculated on an annualised basis for each Semi-Annual Period ended on the most recent Quarter Date for each of the TCN Group or the Target Group (as applicable) prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event.
“Integrated Merger Trailing Debt Coverage Ratio” means the ratio of (i) the aggregate of (A) Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow calculated on an annualised basis for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the most recent Quarter Date for the TCN Group immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event plus (B) Target Group Cash Flow calculated on an annualised basis for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the most recent Quarter Date for the Target Group immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event to (ii) (A) Consolidated Debt Service of the TCN Group adjusted on a pro forma basis to include any Total Interest Charges payable by the TCN Group (as constituted immediately prior to the Integrated Merger Event) with respect to Financial Indebtedness of such TCN Group as at the close of business on the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event for such Semi-Annual Period (calculated on an annualised basis) of the TCN Group plus (without double counting) (B) Pro Forma Debt Service of Target.
“Intellectual Property Rights” means any patent, trade xxxx, service xxxx, registered design, trade name or copyright or any license to use any of the same.
“Interest Period” means, save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any of those periods mentioned in Clause 13.1 (Interest Periods for Term Facility Advances).
23
“Interest Rate Agreements” means one or more Hedging Agreements consisting of interest rate protection agreements (including, without limitation, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, captions, collars and similar arrangements) and/or other similar agreements or arrangements designed to manage fluctuations in interest rates, including cross-currency swap arrangements designed primarily to manage any such fluctuations.
“Intra-Group Services” means, as between one or more members of the TCN Group and one or more members of the Flextech Group:
(a) the sale of programming or other Content by any such member(s) of the Flextech Group to one or more members of the TCN Group;
(b) the lease or sublease of office space, other premises or equipment by one or more members of the TCN Group to one or more members of the Flextech Group or by one or more members of the Flextech Group to one or more members of the TCN Group;
(c) the provision or receipt of other services, facilities or other arrangements (in each case not constituting Financial Indebtedness) in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, the employment of personnel, provision of employee healthcare or other benefits, acting as agent to buy equipment, other assets or services or to trade with residential or business customers, the provision of audit, accounting, banking, IT, telephony, office, administrative, compliance, payroll or other similar services; or
(d) the extension, in the ordinary course of business and on terms no less favourable to the relevant member of the TCN Group than arms’ length terms, by or to any member of the TCN Group to or by any such member of the Flextech Group of trade credit not constituting Financial Indebtedness in relation to the provision or receipt of Intra-Group Services referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) above,
in the case of paragraphs (a) to (c) inclusive, provided that (i) any consideration receivable by the relevant member of the TCN Group in respect of any such Intra-Group Services provided by it is no less than Cost and (ii) any consideration payable by the relevant member of the TCN Group in respect of any such Intra-Group Services received by it is no more than fair market value.
“Jersey Obligors” means each of the companies identified as such in Schedule 2 (Original Guarantors).
“Joint Venture” means any joint venture, partnership or similar arrangement between any member of the TCN Group and any other person which is not a member of the TCN Group.
“Joint Venture Group” means any Joint Venture and its Subsidiaries.
“Law” means:
(a) common or customary law;
(b) any constitution, decree, judgment, legislation, order, ordinance, regulation, statute, treaty or other legislative measure in any jurisdiction; and
(c) any directive, regulation, practice, requirement which has the force of law and which is issued by any governmental body, agency or department or any central bank or other fiscal, monetary, regulatory, self-regulatory or other authority or agency.
“L/C Bank” means The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and any other Lender in each case which has been appointed as L/C Bank in accordance with Clause 5.10 (Appointment and Change of L/C Bank)
24
and which has not resigned in accordance with paragraph (c) of Clause 5.10 (Appointment and Change of L/C Bank).
“L/C Bank Accession Certificate” means a duly completed accession certificate in the form set out in Schedule 11 (Form of L/C Bank Accession Certificate).
“L/C Proportion” means, in relation to a Lender in respect of any Documentary Credit and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the proportion (expressed as a percentage) borne by such Lender’s Available Revolving Facility Commitment to the Available Revolving Facility immediately prior to the issue of such Documentary Credit.
“Legal Opinions” means any of the legal opinions referred to in paragraph 8 of Part 1 to Schedule 4 (Conditions Precedent to First Utilisation) and paragraph 2 of Part 2 to Schedule 7 (Accession Documents) required to be delivered pursuant to Clause 3.1 (Conditions Precedent) and Clause 25 (Accession: US Borrower; Guarantors), respectively.
“Lender” means a person (including each L/C Bank and each Ancillary Facility Lender) which:
(a) is named in Part 1 of Schedule 1 (Lenders and Commitments); or
(b) has become a party to this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of Clause 36 (Assignments and Transfers),
which in each case has not ceased to be a party to this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“LIBOR” means, in relation to any amount to be advanced to or owed by an Obligor under this Agreement in a currency (other than Euro) on which interest for a given period is to accrue:
(a) the rate per annum which appears on the Relevant Page for such period at or about 11.00 am on the Quotation Date for such period; or
(b) if no such rate is displayed and the Facility Agent shall not have selected an alternative service on which such rate is displayed as contemplated by the definition of “Relevant Page”, the arithmetic mean (rounded upwards, if not already such a multiple, to the nearest 5 decimal places) of the rates (as notified to the Facility Agent) at which each of the Reference Banks was offering to prime banks in the London interbank market deposits in the relevant currency for such period at or about 11.00 am on the Quotation Date for such period.
“Long Range Plan” means the long range business plan for the TCN Group as approved by the board of directors of the Ultimate Parent on 8 September 2004.
“Marketable Securities” means any security which is listed on any publicly recognised stock exchange which is rated at least AA by Standard & Poor’s or Aa2 by Moody’s and which has, or is issued by a company which has, a capitalisation of not less than £1 billion (or its equivalent in other currencies) as at the time such Marketable Securities are acquired by any member of the TCN Group by way of consideration for any disposal permitted under Clause 24.6 (Disposals).
“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse change in:
(a) the financial condition, assets or business of the Obligors (taken as a whole); or
(b) the ability of any Obligor to perform and comply with its payment or other material obligations under any Finance Document (taking into account the resources available to such
25
TCN Group Obligor from any other member of the TCN Group or the Flextech Group (while it remains a member of the Group)).
“Material Subsidiary” means, at any time, a member of the TCN Group whose contribution to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow (on a consolidated basis if it has Subsidiaries) represents at least 5% of the Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow.
“Member State” means a member of the European Community.
“Merger Event” means:
(a) the merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Ultimate Parent, or any Holding Company or wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Ultimate Parent, with a Target or any Holding Company or wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Target which results in the Group and the Target Group forming one and the same group of companies;
(b) the acquisition by the Ultimate Parent, or any Holding Company or wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Ultimate Parent, of the total issued share capital of, a Target or any Holding Company or wholly-owned Subsidiary of a Target and which results in all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Target Group being acquired by, and forming a part of, the Group; or
(c) the acquisition by a Target or any Holding Company or wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Target of the total issued share capital of, the Ultimate Parent, or any Holding Company or wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Ultimate Parent and which results in all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Group being acquired by, and forming a part of, the Target Group,
and which TCN designates by written notice to the Facility Agent as the “Merger Event” for the purposes of this Agreement, provided that only one such designation may be permitted during the term of the Facilities.
“Merger Event Conditions” means, in relation to an Integrated Merger Event:
(a) either:
(i) TCN shall have satisfied each of the Merger Event Integration Tests as at close of business on the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event; or
(ii) the prior consent of an Instructing Group shall have been obtained to such Integrated Merger Event;
(b) save as permitted pursuant to the proviso to Clause 23.12 (Further Assurance), such members of the Target Group who are to become members of the TCN Group upon the Integrated Merger Event shall have acceded to this Agreement as Acceding Guarantors pursuant to Clause 25.1 (Acceding Guarantors), as are necessary to ensure that immediately following the Integrated Merger Event, the 95% Security Test would be satisfied, where the 95% Security Test is calculated by reference to the aggregate of (i) Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Financial Quarter ending on the most recent Quarter Date prior to the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event and (ii) Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the most recent Financial Quarter ending on the date prior to the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event for which the most recent quarterly financial information is available for the Target Group; and
26
(c) the Security Trustee is granted first ranking security interests over (i) all or substantially all of the assets and undertakings of each Target Group Obligor (other than any asset which the security trustee or security agent in respect of the Target Group Financial Indebtedness or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness has agreed may be excluded from the corresponding security documents granted or to be granted in respect of the Target Group Financial Indebtedness and/or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness and which is in existence on and following the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, or which the Security Trustee agrees may be excluded from such security (provided that the Security Trustee shall not agree to exclude any asset of a Target Group Obligor from such security where the net book value of such asset exceeds £3,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) without the prior consent of an Instructing Group (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)) on terms substantially similar to the relevant Security Documents executed by members of the TCN Group prior to such Integrated Merger Event; and (ii) all of the issued share capital of each Target Group Obligor from the prospective shareholders of such Target Group Obligor after the Integrated Merger Event, in each case, for the purposes of securing the guarantees given by each such Target Group Obligor under paragraph (b) above.
“Merger Event Integration Tests” means:
(a) the aggregate principal amount of any Target Group Financial Indebtedness and any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness (without double counting) incurred on a senior secured basis (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any second lien Financial Indebtedness) and ranking pari passu with the obligations under this Agreement does not exceed £2,425,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies);
(b) there is no decrease in the credit ratings of the Facilities and the Second Lien Facility assigned by Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s to such debt (if any) immediately prior to the Integrated Merger Event and there is no change in outlook for such credit ratings;
(c) the Integrated Merger Senior Leverage Ratio does not exceed 2.95:1;
(d) (i) the Integrated Merger Trailing Debt Coverage Ratio shall not be less than the ratio set out in the table below opposite the Quarter Date immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event; and
(ii) the Integrated Merger Projected Debt Coverage Ratio as at (A) the Quarter Date falling at the end of the first full Financial Quarter after the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, and (B) as at each subsequent Quarter Date thereafter, shall be projected in the combined business plan of the TCN Group and Target Group to not be less than the ratio set forth in the table below opposite such Quarter Date, in each case, calculated on a rolling twelve month basis, provided that in respect of each Quarter Date falling at the end of each of the first three full Financial Quarters from the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, such calculations shall be made on an annualised basis for the period between the Quarter Date at the beginning of the first full Financial Quarter arising after the Integrated Merger Event and ending on such Quarter Date;
27
|
Quarter Date |
|
Ratio |
|
Quarter Date |
|
Ratio |
|
|
30 September 2004 |
|
1.42 |
x |
31 March 2008 |
|
1.45 |
x |
|
31 December 2004 |
|
1.54 |
x |
30 June 2008 |
|
1.51 |
x |
|
31 March 2005 |
|
1.52 |
x |
30 September 2008 |
|
1.34 |
x |
|
30 June 2005 |
|
1.55 |
x |
31 December 2008 |
|
1.37 |
x |
|
30 September 2005 |
|
1.51 |
x |
31 March 2009 |
|
1.37 |
x |
|
31 December 2005 |
|
1.53 |
x |
30 June 2009 |
|
1.40 |
x |
|
31 March 2006 |
|
1.46 |
x |
30 September 2009 |
|
1.50 |
x |
|
30 June 2006 |
|
1.51 |
x |
31 December 2009 |
|
1.54 |
x |
|
30 September 2006 |
|
1.43 |
x |
31 March 2010 |
|
1.57 |
x |
|
31 December 2006 |
|
1.50 |
x |
30 June 2010 |
|
1.61 |
x |
|
31 March 2007 |
|
1.42 |
x |
30 September 2010 |
|
1.65 |
x |
|
30 June 2007 |
|
1.47 |
x |
31 December 2010 |
|
1.69 |
x |
|
30 September 2007 |
|
1.43 |
x |
31 March 2011 and thereafter |
|
1.72 |
x |
|
31 December 2007 |
|
1.48 |
x |
|
|
|
|
(e) subject to paragraph (f) below, the ratio of (i) the aggregate of (A) projected Consolidated Net Borrowings as of the close of business on the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event plus (without double counting) (B) Pro Forma Target Group Debt (provided that for the purposes of calculating the aggregate figure for this sub-paragraph (i), if the aggregate of the Cash balances deducted from Consolidated Total Debt in arriving at Consolidated Net Borrowings is less than £200,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies), an amount of cash and the value of any Cash Equivalent Investments held by the Target Group may be deducted from Pro Forma Target Group Debt, provided further that in no event may the aggregate of all such amounts deducted for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (i) exceed £200,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies)), to (ii) the aggregate of (A) Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date of the TCN Group immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event and (B) Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow calculated on an annualised basis for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date for the Target Group immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event shall not be more than X (where X has the value indicated opposite the Quarter Date immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event in the table set out in paragraph (d) to Clause 22.1 (Ratios) under the caption “Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow”);
(f) if:
(i) TCN has designated any Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness to be serviced from the TCN Group pursuant to a written notice delivered to the Facility Agent prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event; and/or
(ii) (A) the amount of Target Group Interim Indebtedness plus Target Group Financial Indebtedness included for the purposes of the Merger Event Integration Tests exceeds the amount of Target Group Financial Indebtedness as of the date of the Unintegrated Merger Event; and (B) during the period between the effective date of the
28
Unintegrated Merger Event and the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, the Target Group has entered into or made acquisitions of businesses or investments in joint ventures outside the ordinary course of business (in each case excluding businesses or joint ventures acquired from or entered into with any other member of the Group and excluding acquisitions of assets made in exchange for similar assets) or paid any dividends or distributions to any member of the Group other than to another member of the Target Group or to a member of the TCN Group where the consideration paid, the investments contractually committed and the dividends and distributions paid in aggregate exceed £250,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies),
then the provisions of paragraph (e) above shall not apply and in replacement thereof, the ratio of (i) the aggregate of (A) projected Consolidated Net Borrowings, as of the close of business on the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, calculated on a pro forma basis to include the aggregate principal amount of Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness to be serviced from the TCN Group plus (without double counting) (B) Pro Forma Target Group Debt (provided that for the purposes of calculating the aggregate figure for this sub-paragraph (i), if the aggregate of the Cash balances deducted from Consolidated Total Debt in arriving at Consolidated Net Borrowings is less than £200,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies), an amount of cash and the value of any Cash Equivalent Investments held by the Target Group may be deducted from Pro Forma Target Group Debt, provided further that in no event may the aggregate of all such amounts deducted for the purposes of this sub-paragraph (i) exceed £200,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies)) to (ii) the aggregate of (A) Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date of the TCN Group immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event and (B) Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow calculated on an annualised basis for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date for the Target Group immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, shall not be more than the ratio which is the higher of the following ratios:
(x) the ratio set forth in the table below opposite the Quarter Date immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event; and
|
Quarter Date |
|
Ratio |
|
Quarter Date |
|
Ratio |
|
|
30 September 2004 |
|
4.05 |
x |
31 December 2007 |
|
2.46 |
x |
|
31 December 2004 |
|
3.60 |
x |
31 March 2008 |
|
2.30 |
x |
|
31 March 2005 |
|
3.49 |
x |
30 June 2008 |
|
2.27 |
x |
|
30 June 2005 |
|
3.45 |
x |
30 September 2008 |
|
2.10 |
x |
|
30 September 2005 |
|
3.42 |
x |
31 December 2008 |
|
2.08 |
x |
|
31 December 2005 |
|
3.37 |
x |
31 March 2009 |
|
1.92 |
x |
|
31 March 2006 |
|
3.21 |
x |
30 June 2009 |
|
1.88 |
x |
|
30 June 2006 |
|
3.12 |
x |
30 September 2009 |
|
1.76 |
x |
|
30 September 2006 |
|
2.96 |
x |
31 December 2009 |
|
1.75 |
x |
|
31 December 2006 |
|
2.90 |
x |
31 March 2010 |
|
1.61 |
x |
|
31 March 2007 |
|
2.73 |
x |
30 June 2010 |
|
1.59 |
x |
|
30 June 2007 |
|
2.66 |
x |
30 September 2010 |
|
1.47 |
x |
|
30 September 2007 |
|
2.51 |
x |
31 December 2010 |
|
1.47 |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
31 March 2011 and thereafter |
|
1.34 |
x |
29
(y) the actual ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Quarter Date immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event calculated with respect to the TCN Group only (without including any members of the Target Group) and in the manner set forth in paragraph (a) of Clause 22.1 (Ratios), provided that the ratio in this paragraph (y) shall in no event be higher than X (where X has the value indicated opposite the Quarter Date immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, in the table set out in paragraph (d) of Clause 22.1 (Ratios) under the caption “Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow”) and
(g) the ratio of (i) (A) Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date of the TCN Group immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event plus (B) Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow calculated on an annualised basis for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date of the Target Group immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, to (ii) (A) Total Interest Charges calculated on an annualised basis for such Semi-Annual Period relating to the TCN Group (as constituted immediately prior to the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event) plus (without double counting) (B) Pro Forma Target Group Total Interest Charges, calculated on an annualised basis for such Semi-Annual Period relating to the Target Group, shall be not less than Y (where Y has the value indicated opposite the Quarter Date immediately prior to the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event in the table set out in paragraph (d) to Clause 22.1 (Ratios) under the caption “Consolidated Annualised TCN Net Operating Cash Flow to Total Interest Charges”)),
provided that:
(i) no Target Group Financial Indebtedness or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness which is to be repaid by close of business on the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event (or any amounts of Total Interest Charges payable thereon) shall be taken into account in assessing compliance with any of the tests set out in this definition; and
(ii) for the purposes of assessing satisfaction with the Merger Event Integration Tests and the Merger Event Conditions, the calculations relating to the trailing Target Group Cash Flow and Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow shall be by reference to the financial information for Target Group for the relevant period and shall reflect the accounting policies, practices and procedures of the Target Group then in effect.
“Moody’s” means Xxxxx’x Investor Services, Inc. or any successor thereof.
30
“Multiemployer Plan” shall mean any multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, which is maintained or contributed to by (or to which there is an obligation to contribute of) any member of the Group or an ERISA Affiliate, and each such plan for the five year period immediately following the latest date on which any member of the Group or an ERISA Affiliate maintained, contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to such plan.
“Necessary Authorisations” means all Authorisations (including Environmental Licences and any Authorisations issued pursuant to or any deemed Authorisations under any Statutory Requirements) of any person including any government or other regulatory authority required by applicable Law to enable it to:
(a) lawfully enter into and perform its obligations under the Finance Documents to which it is party;
(b) ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or admissibility in evidence in England and, if different, its jurisdiction of incorporation or establishment, of such Finance Documents to which it is party; and
(c) carry on its business from time to time.
“Net Income” means, in respect of any period and any Person, the net profit (or loss) after taxes of that Person for that period as determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding any adjustments to such net profit (or loss) relating to the application of fresh start accounting principles and including any profits (or losses) attributable to the interest of the TCN Group in any undertaking (as defined in Section 259 Companies Act 1985) which is not a subsidiary undertaking (as defined in Section 258 Companies Act 1985) of the Ultimate Parent for the relevant period.
“Net Proceeds” means:
(a) any cash proceeds received by any member of the TCN Group (including, when received, any cash proceeds received by way of deferred instalment of purchase price or from the sale of Cash Equivalent Investments or Marketable Securities acquired by any member of the TCN Group in consideration for any Disposal as contemplated under Clause 24.6 (Disposals)) in connection with any Disposal after deducting:
(i) all taxes paid or reasonably estimated by TCN to be payable as a result of that Disposal;
(ii) in the case of a Disposal effected by a member of the TCN Group other than TCN, such provision as is reasonable for all costs and taxes (after taking into account all available credits, deductions and allowances) incurred by the TCN Group to a person other than a member of the TCN Group and fairly attributable to up-streaming the cash proceeds to TCN or making any distribution in connection with such proceeds to enable them to reach TCN.
(iii) all reasonable fees, commissions, costs and expenses incurred by any member of the TCN Group in arranging or effecting that Disposal, including, without limitation, any amount required to be paid by any member of the TCN Group to any proprietor of any intellectual property rights (including intellectual property licences) related to the assets disposed of where such payment is on arms length terms and is required to enable such intellectual property rights to be transferred with such assets to the extent necessary to facilitate the applicable Disposal;
(iv) any cash proceeds which are to be applied towards discharging any Encumbrance over such asset; and
31
(v) in the case of a Disposal of a non-wholly-owned Subsidiary or Joint Venture, to the extent received by any member of the TCN Group, any cash proceeds attributable to any interest in such Subsidiary or Joint Venture owned by any person other than a member of the TCN Group;
(b) the cash proceeds received by any member of the TCN Group of any claim for loss or destruction of or damage to the property of a member of the TCN Group under any insurance policy after deducting any such proceeds relating to the third party claims which are applied towards meeting such claims and any reasonable costs incurred in recovering the same; and
(c) the cash proceeds received in respect of any Financial Indebtedness raised by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group (after deducting all reasonable fees, commissions, costs and expenses incurred by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group in connection with such raising).
“NTL Credit Facility” means the £2,425,000,000 senior facilities agreement dated as of 13 April 2004 among NTL Incorporated, NTL Investment Holdings Limited, Credit Suisse First Boston as facility agent and trustee, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited as administrative agent, the mandated lead arrangers named therein and the banks and other lending institutions from time to time party thereto, as the same may be amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Obligors” means the Borrowers, the Original Guarantors and any Acceding Guarantors (including, following an Integrated Merger Event, the Target Group Obligors) and “Obligor” means any of them.
“Obligors’ Agent” means TCN in its capacity as agent for the Obligors, pursuant to Clause 29.17 (Obligors’ Agent).
“OFCOM” means the UK Office of Communications;
“Original Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated financial statements of the TCN Group for the financial year ended 31 December 2003.
“Original Guarantor” means each of Telewest UK, TCN and the companies and partnerships listed in Schedule 2 (The Original Guarantors).
“Original Obligors” means TCN and the Original Guarantors.
“Outstanding L/C Amount” means:
(a) each sum paid or payable by an L/C Bank to a Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of a Documentary Credit; and
(b) all liabilities, costs (including, without limitation, any costs incurred in funding any amount which falls due from an L/C Bank under a Documentary Credit), claims, losses and expenses which an L/C Bank (or any of the Indemnifying Lenders) incurs or sustains in connection with a Documentary Credit,
in each case which has not been reimbursed or in respect of which cash cover has not been provided by or on behalf of TCN.
“Outstandings” means, at any time, the Term Facility Outstandings, the Revolving Facility Outstandings and any Ancillary Facility Outstandings.
“Parent Intercompany Debt” means any Indebtedness owed by any member of the TCN Group to Telewest UK or the Ultimate Parent from time to time or any convertible unsecured loan stock issued
32
by any member of the TCN Group to Telewest UK or the Ultimate Parent and which is subordinated to the Facilities pursuant to the terms of the Principal Intercreditor Deed.
“Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement” means (a) the intercreditor deed to be dated on or about the effective date of an Integrated Merger Event, entered into between certain of the Obligors, certain members of the Target Group, certain of the Finance Parties and certain other parties for the purpose of allowing, upon and following an Integrated Merger Event, up to £2,425,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) in aggregate principal amount of the Target Group Financial Indebtedness and any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness, in each case to be incurred on a senior secured basis ranking pari passu with all amounts outstanding under the Facilities, the form of which is set out in Schedule 13 (Pro Forma Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) or (b) to the extent that any Post Merger Target Group Refinancing occurs to refinance any of the Target Group Financial Indebtedness and/or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness referred to in paragraph (a) in a manner which is not prohibited by this Agreement, the intercreditor deed entered into on substantially similar terms to the intercreditor agreement referred to in paragraph (a) in connection with such Post Merger Target Group Refinancing.
“Participating Member State” means any member of the European Community that at the relevant time has adopted the Euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Community relating to Economic and Monetary Union.
“Partnership Obligors” means each of the partnerships identified as such in Schedule 2 (Original Guarantors).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to section 4002 of ERISA, or any successor to it.
“Permitted Auditors” means any of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte & Touche or KPMG or any of their respective successors or any other internationally recognised firm of accountants.
“Permitted Capital Expenditure” has the meaning ascribed to it in Clause 22.2 (Permitted Capital Expenditure).
“Permitted Holders” shall mean any person who, together with any of its Affiliates, is the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) of 5% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Ultimate Parent on the date of this Agreement and any Affiliates of such person from time to time.
“Permitted Payments” means:
(a) the payment of any dividend, payment, loan or other distribution, or the repayment of a loan or the redemption of loan stock or redeemable equity:
(i) to implement any part of a Flextech Disposal; or
(ii) made, at any time, to fund the payment of expenses (including taxes and the buy back of stock from employees) by any member of the Group the aggregate amount of such payments, prior to an Integrated Merger Event, being no greater than £20,000,000 per annum (or its equivalent in other currencies), or following an Integrated Merger Event, being no greater than £50,000,000 per annum (or its equivalent in other currencies), of which no more than £2,000,000 per annum (or its equivalent in other currencies) may be incurred in the buy back of stock from employees; or
33
(iii) made at any time, to any Person, from Flextech Assets (including proceeds from a Flextech Disposal); or
(b) the payment of any dividend, payment, loan or other distribution, or the repayment of a loan, or the redemption of loan stock or redeemable equity, in each case, which is required in order to facilitate the making of payments by any member of the Group required pursuant to:
(i) the terms of the Finance Documents;
(ii) the terms of any agreements for Financial Indebtedness which constitutes Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt;
(iii) the terms of the Second Lien Finance Documents and any Second Lien Refinancing (or in each case, any guarantee of the obligations thereunder), to the extent such payment is permitted by the terms of the Principal Intercreditor Deed, other than any payments in relation to any fees, costs, expenses, commissions or other payments required to be made in respect of any amendment, consent or waiver in respect of the Second Lien Finance Documents or any such Second Lien Refinancing (or any guarantee of the obligations thereunder);
(iv) any Hedging Agreement entered into by a member of the Group relating to currency or interest rate hedging of Financial Indebtedness referred to in sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) above and which is not entered into for investment or speculative purposes;
(v) the terms of the TCN Notes; or
(vi) the terms of any Subordinated Funding within the meaning of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (e)(i) or (e)(iii) of the definition thereof, to the extent required to facilitate any Permitted Payments allowed under sub-paragraphs (i) to (v) above,
where, in the case of sub-paragraphs (i) to (v), the payment under the relevant Indebtedness or obligation referred to therein has fallen due or will fall due within five Business Days of such Permitted Payment being made.
“Plan” means any pension plan as defined in section 3(2) of ERISA, which (i) is maintained or contributed to by (or to which there is an obligation to contribute by) any member of the Group or an ERISA Affiliate, and each such plan for the 5 year period immediately following the latest date on which any member of the Group or an ERISA Affiliate maintained, contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to such plan and (ii) is subject to ERISA, but excluding any Multiemployer Plan.
“Post Merger Target Group Refinancing” means any Financial Indebtedness incurred at any time after an Integrated Merger Event (other than Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness), for the purposes of refinancing any Target Group Financial Indebtedness or any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness, including any Financial Indebtedness incurred for the purpose of the payment of all principal, interest, fees, expenses, commissions, make-whole and any other contractual premium payable which is not inconsistent with standard market practice, in respect of such refinancing and any reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing, and in respect of which the following terms will apply:
(a) the final maturity date or redemption of such refinancing occurs after the scheduled final maturity date or redemption date of the Target Group Financial Indebtedness or the Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness being refinanced;
34
(b) the average life of the Post Merger Target Group Refinancing is not less than the remaining average life of the Target Group Financial Indebtedness or the Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness being refinanced at the time of such refinancing;
(c) taking into account any hedging arrangements for the principal and interest on the Post Merger Target Group Refinancing, the interest rate per annum payable in cash on the Post Merger Target Group Refinancing or in the case of a floating rate loan, the applicable margin, shall not exceed the interest payable in cash, or as the case may be, the applicable margin, on the Target Group Financial Indebtedness or any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness which is being refinanced; and
(d) such Post Merger Target Group Refinancing is raised by (i) any member of the TCN Group provided that such Post Merger Target Group Refinancing is not (in the reasonable opinion of the Facility Agent having taken legal advice from counsel where appropriate) raised at a level which is structurally superior to the level at which the Target Group Financial Indebtedness or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness being refinanced was raised or (ii) any other member of the Group which is not a member of the TCN Group.
“Principal Intercreditor Deed” means the intercreditor deed dated on or about the Closing Date between the Obligors, the Finance Parties, the Second Lien Finance Parties, the Existing Hedge Counterparties, the Existing Lease Parties certain other members of the Group and others as the same may be amended, varied, supplemented, novated or restated from time to time.
“Pro Forma Debt Service of Target” means the aggregate of:
(a) Pro Forma Target Group Total Interest Charges in respect of the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date immediately prior to the Integrated Merger Event; and
(b) save to the extent projected to be immediately reborrowed, all projected scheduled payments of principal, capital or nominal amounts in respect of Pro Forma Target Group Debt which fall due during the twelve month period after the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event divided by two but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any amounts prepaid on the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event.
“Pro Forma Target Group Debt” means (without double counting) the projected aggregate principal, capital or nominal amount (including any Total Interest Charges capitalised as principal) of Target Group Financial Indebtedness and Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness which in each case, will remain owing by any member of the Target Group as at the close of business on the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event excluding any Financial Indebtedness owed by any member of the Target Group to another member of the Target Group or the TCN Group and any Subordinated Funding (as defined herein or as it relates to the Target in any relevant agreement with respect to Target Group Financial Indebtedness) (for the purposes of this definition, “Target Group” excludes any member of the Target Group that is not a Target Group Obligor and any other member of the Target Group which has not been designated as a member of the TCN Group).
“Pro Forma Target Group Senior Debt” means (without double counting) the projected aggregate principal, capital or nominal amount (including any Total Interest Charges capitalised as principal) of Target Group Financial Indebtedness and Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness incurred on a senior unsubordinated basis which, in each case, will remain owing by any member of the Target Group as at the close of business of the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event but excluding any Financial Indebtedness owed by any member of the Target Group to another member of the Target Group or the TCN Group and any Subordinated Funding (as defined herein or as it relates to the Target in any relevant agreement with respect to Target Group Financial Indebtedness) (for the purposes of this definition, “Target Group” excludes any member of the Target Group that is not a
35
Target Group Obligor and any other member of the Target Group which has not been designated as a member of the TCN Group).
“Pro Forma Target Group Total Interest Charges” means, in respect of any period, the aggregate amount of Total Interest Charges (but excluding for the avoidance of doubt, any fees payable or amortised during such period) which would have accrued during that period on the Pro Forma Target Group Debt as at the close of business on the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, at the rates of interest and commitment commission which would have applied to Pro Forma Target Group Debt but deducting any Total Interest Charges which would have been receivable by any member of the Target Group during such period (for the purposes of this definition, “Target Group” excludes any member of the Target Group that is not a Target Group Obligor and any other member of the Target Group which has not been designated as a member of the TCN Group).
“Project Company” means a Subsidiary of a company (or a person in which such company has an interest) which has a special purpose and whose creditors have no recourse to any member of the TCN Group in respect of Financial Indebtedness of that Subsidiary or person, as the case may be, or any of such Subsidiary’s or person’s Subsidiaries (other than recourse to such member of the TCN Group who had granted an Encumbrance over its shares or other interests in such Project Company beneficially owned by it provided that such recourse is limited to an enforcement of such an Encumbrance).
“Proportion” in relation to a Lender, means:
(a) in relation to an Advance to be made under this Agreement, the proportion borne by such Lender’s Available Commitment in respect of the relevant Facility, the relevant Borrower and the relevant currency to the relevant Available Facility;
(b) in relation to an Advance or Advances outstanding under this Agreement, the proportion borne by such Lender’s share of the Sterling Amount of such Advance or Advances to the total Sterling Amount thereof;
(c) if paragraph (a) does not apply and there are no Outstandings, the proportion borne by the aggregate of such Lender’s Available Commitments to the Available Facilities (or if the Available Facilities are then zero, by its Available Commitments to the Available Facilities immediately prior to their reduction to zero); and
(d) if paragraph (b) does not apply and there are any Outstandings, the proportion borne by such Lender’s share of the Sterling Amount of the Outstandings to the Sterling Amount of all the Outstandings for the time being.
“Protected Party” means a Finance Party or any Affiliate of a Finance Party which is or will be, subject to any Tax Liability in relation to any amount payable under or in relation to a Finance Document.
“Qualifying Lender” means a Lender which is either:
(a) a UK Bank Lender;
(b) a UK Treaty Lender; or
(c) a UK Non-Bank Lender.
“Quarter Date” means (i) in relation to the TCN Group, each of 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December in each year and (ii) in relation to the Target Group for any period prior to an
36
Integrated Merger Event, each of the quarter dates in the financial year of the Target Group as at which quarterly financial information is prepared for the Target Group.
“Quotation Date” means, in relation to any currency and any period for which an interest rate is to be determined:
(a) if the relevant currency is Sterling, the first day of that period;
(b) if the relevant currency is Euro, 2 TARGET Days before the first day of that period; or
(c) in relation to any other currency, 2 Business Days before the first day of that period,
provided that if market practice differs in the Relevant Interbank Market for a currency, the Quotation Date for that currency will be determined by the Facility Agent in accordance with market practice in the Relevant Interbank Market (and if quotations would normally be given by leading banks in the Relevant Interbank Market on more than one day, the Quotation Date will be the last of those days).
“Reference Banks” means the principal London offices of Barclays Bank PLC, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Citibank, N.A. or such other bank or banks as may be appointed as such by the Facility Agent after consultation with TCN.
“Relevant Interbank Market” means, in relation to Euro, the European Interbank Market and in relation to any other currency, the London interbank market therefor.
“Relevant Page” means the page of the Reuters or Telerate screen on which is displayed in relation to LIBOR, BBA LIBOR for the relevant currency, or, in relation to EURIBOR, the European offered rates for Euro, or, if such page or service shall cease to be available, such other page or service which displays the London interbank offered rates for the relevant currency as the Facility Agent, after consultation with the Lenders and TCN, shall select.
“Renewal Request” means, in relation to a Documentary Credit, a Utilisation Request therefor, in respect of which the proposed Utilisation Date stated in it is the Expiry Date of an existing Documentary Credit and the proposed Sterling Amount is the same or less than the Sterling Amount of that existing Documentary Credit.
“Repayment Date” means:
(a) in relation to any Revolving Facility Advance, the last day of its Term; and
(b) in respect of the Term Facility Outstandings, each of the dates specified in Clause 8 (Repayment of Term Facility Outstandings) as an A Facility Repayment Date, a B Facility Repayment Date or a C Facility Repayment Date (as applicable) in respect of the relevant Term Facility Outstandings,
provided that if any such day is not a Business Day in the relevant jurisdiction for payment, the Repayment Date will be the next succeeding Business Day in the then current calendar month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not).
“Repayment Instalment” means, in respect of the Term Facility Outstandings, the amounts required to be paid by way of repayment on each of the dates specified in Clause 8 (Repayment of Term Facility Outstandings) as an A Facility Repayment Instalment, a B Facility Repayment Instalment or a C Facility Repayment Instalment (as applicable).
“Repeating Representations” means the representations and warranties set out in Clauses 20.1 (Due Organisation), 20.4 (No Immunity), 20.5 (Governing Law and Judgments), 20.6 (All Actions Taken),
37
20.8 (Binding Obligations), 20.10 (No Event of Default), 20.17 (Execution of Finance Documents), 20.26 (Investment Company Act), 20.27 (Public Utility Holding Company Act), 20.33 (U.S. Patriot Act), 20.34 (Compliance with ERISA) and 20.35 (Liabilities of the US Borrower).
“Reportable Event” means an event described in section 4043(c) of ERISA with respect to a Plan that is subject to Title IV of ERISA other than those in respect of which the 30-day notice period is waived under subsection .22, .23, .25, .27 or .28 of PBGC Regulation section 4043.
“Reservations” means:
(a) the principle that equitable remedies are remedies which may be granted or refused at the discretion of the court, the limitation of enforcement by laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganisation, court schemes, moratoria, administration and other laws generally affecting the rights of creditors, the time barring of claims under any applicable law, the possibility that an undertaking to assume liability for or to indemnify against non-payment of any stamp duty or other tax may be void, defences of set-off or counterclaim and similar principles;
(b) anything analogous to any of the matters set out in paragraph (a) above under any laws of any applicable jurisdiction;
(c) the reservations in or anything disclosed by any of the Legal Opinions;
(d) any circumstance arising through a failure to obtain any consent from the lenders under the Existing Credit Facility to (i) the execution of the Finance Documents or the Second Lien Finance Documents, (ii) the exercise of any rights or the performance of any obligations under the Finance Documents or the Second Lien Finance Documents or (iii) any other matter contemplated by the Finance Documents or the Second Lien Finance Documents; and
(e) any circumstance arising through a failure to obtain any consent from any lessor, licensor or other counterparty whose consent is required to the grant of any Security over any lease, licence or other agreement or contract on or before the execution of a Security Document.
“Restricted Party” means any person listed in the Annex to the Executive Order referred to in the definition of “Anti-Terrorism Laws” or on the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” list maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury;
“Revolving Facility” means the revolving loan facility (including any Ancillary Facility and the Documentary Credit facility) granted to TCN pursuant to Clause 2.1(a) (The Facilities).
“Revolving Facility Advance” means an advance (including a Rollover Advance) as from time to time reduced by repayment made or to be made by the Lenders under the Revolving Facility (but excluding for the purposes of this definition, any utilisation of the Revolving Facility by way of Ancillary Facility or Documentary Credit).
“Revolving Facility Commitment” means, in relation to a Lender at any time, and save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the amount set opposite its name in the relevant column of Schedule 1 (Lenders and Commitments) or as specified in the Transfer Deed pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement less the Ancillary Facility Commitment (if any) of such Lender.
“Revolving Facility Margin” means, in relation to Revolving Facility Advances and subject to Clause 12.3 (Margin Ratchet for Revolving Facility Advances), 2.25% per annum.
38
“Revolving Facility Outstandings” means, at any time, the aggregate outstanding amount of each Revolving Facility Advance and of each Outstanding L/C Amount.
“Rollover Advance” means a Rollover Advance as defined in Clause 7.2 (Rollover Advances).
“Scottish Obligors” means each of the companies identified as such in Schedule 2 (Original Guarantors).
“Second Lien Agent” means Barclays Bank PLC as agent under the Second Lien Facility Agreement.
“Second Lien Facility” means the £250,000,000 second lien term loan facility made available to the Borrowers under the Second Lien Facility Agreement.
“Second Lien Facility Agreement” means second lien facility agreement dated as at the date of this Agreement and made between the Second Lien Agent, the Security Trustee, the Second Lien Lenders, the Mandated Lead Arrangers (as defined therein) and the Borrower.
“Second Lien Finance Documents” means the Finance Documents (as defined in the Second Lien Facility Agreement).
“Second Lien Finance Parties” means the Second Lien Agent and the Second Lien Lenders.
“Second Lien Lenders” means each of the parties identified as lenders in the Second Lien Facility Agreement.
“Second Lien Refinancing” means any Financial Indebtedness incurred for the purposes of refinancing all or a portion of the Second Lien Facility including any Financial Indebtedness incurred for the purpose of the payment of principal, interest, fees, expenses, commissions, make-whole and any other contractual premium payable under the Second Lien Facility and any reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing, in respect of which the following terms apply:
(a) the final maturity date or redemption date of such refinancing (including without limitation, the payment of any accreting principal in respect of any make-whole premium payable on any notes issued at a discount) occurs on or after the scheduled redemption date in respect of the Second Lien Facility;
(b) the average life of the Second Lien Refinancing is no shorter than the remaining average life of the Second Lien Facility, as at the time of such refinancing;
(c) the Financial Indebtedness constituted by (or, in the case of pari passu Financial Indebtedness, any Encumbrance securing) any Second Lien Refinancing is contractually subordinated to the Senior Facilities on terms no less favourable to the Senior Lenders than the Second Lien Facility;
(d) any security granted in connection with such refinancing shall be over no assets other than those the subject of the Security and not materially more favourable to the beneficiaries thereof taken as a whole than the security granted in respect of the Second Lien Facility; and
(e) immediately upon completion of such refinancing, TCN is able to show compliance with the financial covenants set out in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Clause 22.1 (Ratios) calculated on a pro forma basis for each of the twelve month periods immediately preceding and following the date of such refinancing.
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“Security” means the Encumbrances created or purported to be created pursuant to the Security Documents.
“Security Documents” means:
(a) each of the Initial Security Documents;
(b) any security documents required to be delivered by an Acceding Guarantor pursuant to Clause 25.1 (Acceding Guarantors);
(c) in relation to any Integrated Merger Event, any security documents granted in favour of the Security Trustee by any member of the Target Group pursuant to the Merger Event Conditions;
(d) any other document executed at any time by any member of the Group conferring or evidencing any Encumbrance for or in respect of any of the obligations of the Obligors under this Agreement whether or not specifically required by this Agreement; and
(e) any other document executed at any time pursuant to Clause 23.12 (Further Assurance) or any similar covenant in any of the Security Documents referred to in paragraph (a) to (d) above.
“Semi-Annual Period” means each period of six months ending on a Quarter Date.
“Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt” means:
(a) Financial Indebtedness arising under any Guaranteed Parent Debt;
(b) upon the occurrence of an Integrated Merger Event, and subject to satisfaction of the test set out in paragraph (f) of the definition of “Merger Event Integration Tests”, any Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness and at any time thereafter, any Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness which, in any case, TCN has designated as Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt by notice in writing to the Facility Agent delivered not less than 5 Business Days’ prior to the Integrated Merger Event or the incurrence of the Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness, as the case may be;
(c) upon the occurrence of a Merger Event, or if later, at the time such Financial Indebtedness was incurred, any Target Group Financial Indebtedness and any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness which TCN has designated as Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt by notice in writing to the Facility Agent delivered not less than 5 Business Days’ prior to the Merger Event or the incurrence of such Financial Indebtedness, as the case may be;
(d) upon or at any time after an Integrated Merger Event, any Post Merger Target Group Refinancing which TCN has designated as Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt by notice in writing to the Facility Agent delivered not less than 5 Business Days’ prior to the incurrence of such Post Merger Target Group Refinancing; and
(e) any Telewest Global Debt not described in paragraphs (a) to (d) above where TCN has provided not less than 5 Business Days’ prior written notice to the Facility Agent designating such Financial Indebtedness as Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt,
in the case of paragraphs (b), (c) and (d), to the extent only of the principal amounts so designated at the relevant time and provided that any Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt, other than Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt consisting of Guaranteed Parent Debt which thereafter ceases to constitute Guaranteed Parent Debt, shall thereafter at all times remain Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt.
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“Standard & Poor’s” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group or any successor thereof.
“Statutory Requirements” means any applicable provision or requirement of any Act of Parliament (including without limitation, the Communications Xxx 0000 and the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996) or any instrument, rule or order made under any Act of Parliament or any regulation or by-law of any local or other competent authority or any statutory undertaking or statutory company which has jurisdiction in relation to the carrying out, use, occupation, operation of the properties or the businesses of any member of the TCN Group carried out thereon.
“Sterling Amount” means at any time:
(a) in relation to an Advance denominated in Sterling, the amount thereof, and in relation to any other Advance, the Sterling equivalent of the amount specified in the Utilisation Request (as at the date thereof) for that Advance, in each case, as adjusted, if necessary, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and to reflect any repayment, consolidation or division of that Advance;
(b) in relation to a Documentary Credit, the Outstanding L/C Amount in relation to it at such time;
(c) in relation to any Ancillary Facility granted by a Lender, the amount of its Revolving Facility Commitment converted to provide its Ancillary Facility Commitment as at the time of such conversion; and
(d) in relation to any Outstandings, the aggregate of the Sterling Amounts (calculated in accordance with paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above) of each outstanding Advance and/or Outstanding L/C Amount, made under the relevant Facility or Facilities (as the case may be) and/or in relation to Ancillary Facility Outstandings, (i) if such Outstandings are denominated in Sterling, the aggregate amount of it at such time and (ii) if such Outstandings are not denominated in Sterling, the Sterling equivalent of the aggregate amount of it at such time.
“Subordinated Funding” means any loan made to any TCN Group Obligor by any member of the Group that is not a TCN Group Obligor or by any member of the Flextech Group, which:
(a) constitutes Parent Intercompany Debt;
(b) arises under any intercompany loan agreements or any convertible unsecured loan stock or redeemable preference shares issued by a TCN Group Obligor;
(c) is an intercompany loan existing as at the date of this Agreement (including any inter-company loan the benefit of which has, at any time after the date of this Agreement, been assigned to any other member of the Group where such assignment is not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement);
(d) constitutes Equity Equivalent Funding; or
(e) in circumstances where, upon and following an Integrated Merger Event, the members of the Target Group do not constitute Subsidiaries of TCN:
(i) constitutes a loan made by a member of the Group which is not a TCN Group Obligor to a Target Group Obligor which exists as at the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event;
(ii) constitutes Equity Equivalent Funding; or
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(iii) is made by a member of the Group (other than a TCN Group Obligor) which is a direct parent of any TCN Group Obligor to the Target and which may or may not thereafter be contributed into or invested in the Target Group,
provided that, in the case of paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e), the relevant debtor and creditor are party to the Principal Intercreditor Deed as an Intergroup Debtor or Intergroup Creditor (as such terms are defined in the Principal Intercreditor Deed), respectively, or such other subordination arrangements as may be satisfactory to the Facility Agent, acting reasonably.
“Subscriber” means any person who has entered into an agreement (which has not expired or been terminated) with a TCN Group Obligor to be provided with services by a TCN Group Obligor through the operation of telecommunications and television systems operated by the TCN Group in accordance with applicable Telecommunications, Cable and Broadcasting Laws (including any part of such system and all modifications, substitutions, replacements, renewals and extensions made to such systems).
“Subsidiary” of a person means (a) any company or entity directly or indirectly controlled by such person (for which purpose “control” means either ownership of more than 50 per cent. of the voting share capital (or equivalent right of ownership) of such company or entity or power to direct its policies and management whether by contract or otherwise or the right to receive more than 50 per cent. of any distributions (of whatever nature) made in respect of the share capital or other ownership interests of such company or entity) and (b) (for the purpose only of the preparation of the financial statements to be prepared pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) and the undertakings in Clause 22 (Financial Condition) a company that is consolidated with such person in accordance with GAAP.
“Supplement” means the Supplement to the Information Memorandum dated 20 December 2004.
“Successful Syndication” has the meaning given to it in the Fee Letter referred to in Clause 15.2 (Arrangement and Underwriting Fee).
“Syndication Date” means the date specified by the Mandated Lead Arrangers (and notified to the Facility Agent and TCN) as the day on which Successful Syndication has occurred.
“Target” means a person whose principal area of business is substantially the business of the TCN Group (or any part of it) and whose operations are based predominantly in the United Kingdom.
“TARGET Day” means any day on which the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer payment system is open for the settlement of payments in Euro.
“Target Group” means the Target (or to the extent applicable, any Holding Company of the Target) and its Subsidiaries as at the date on which the Merger Event has or is deemed to have occurred and thereafter shall mean, the Target (or to the extent applicable, any Holding Company of the Target) and its Subsidiaries from time to time.
“Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness” means any Financial Indebtedness raised by any member of the Group (other than a member of the TCN Group) the proceeds of which have been or are to be used to finance the acquisition of the Target Group and any reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in relation to the same.
“Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Financial Indebtedness incurred by any member of the Group (other than a member of the TCN Group) to refinance all or any part of the Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness, including any Financial Indebtedness incurred for the purpose of the payment of all principal, interest, fees, expenses, commissions, make-whole and any other contractual premium payable in respect thereof, in respect of such refinancing and any
42
reasonable fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing, and in respect of which the following terms apply:
(a) the final maturity date or redemption of such refinancing occurs after the scheduled final maturity date or redemption date of the Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness being refinanced;
(b) the average life of the Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness is not shorter than the remaining average life of the Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness being refinanced at the time of such refinancing;
(c) taking into account any hedging arrangements for the principal and interest on the Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness, the interest rate per annum payable in cash, or in the case of a floating rate loan, the applicable margin, on such Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness shall not exceed the interest payable in cash, or as the case may be, the applicable margin, on Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness which is being refinanced; and
(d) such Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness is structurally subordinated to the Facilities.
“Target Group Capital Expenditure” means, in respect of any period, the aggregate amount of all expenditures of the Target Group on property, plant and equipment, excluding for the purposes of paragraph (b)(i) of the definition of Target Group Cash Flow:
(a) any such expenditure on the replacement or restoration of assets to the extent paid for by any insurance award or condemnation award with respect to the assets being replaced or restored;
(b) any such capital expenditure for acquisitions, investments or joint ventures; and
(c) any such capital expenditure made with proceeds of Financial Indebtedness, equity proceeds or proceeds of any asset disposition.
“Target Group Cash Flow” means, in respect of any period, Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow for that period after:
(a) adding back:
(i) any decrease in the amount of Working Capital of the Target Group at the end of such period compared against the Working Capital of the Target Group at the start of such period;
(ii) all cash extraordinary or non-recurring gains during that period to the extent not included in Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow; and
(iii) any amount received in cash in that period by members of the Target Group (other than by or in respect of any Excluded Target Group Member) in respect of income and related taxes;
(b) deducting:
(i) the actual Target Group Capital Expenditure of members of the Target Group (other than by or in relation to the business of any Excluded Target Group Member) during such period;
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(ii) any increase in the amount of Working Capital of the Target Group at the end of such period compared against the Working Capital of the Target Group at the start of that period;
(iii) any amount paid in cash in that period by any member of the Target Group (other than by or in relation to the business of any Excluded Target Group Member) in respect of income and related taxes
(iv) all cash extraordinary or non-recurring losses during that period to the extent not included in Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow; and
(v) any amount paid in cash in that period in respect of dividends, distributions, loans, investments or other similar payments made or paid during such period by any member of the Target Group (other than any Excluded Target Group Member) to any person who is not a member of the Target Group and any cash charges falling under sub-paragraph (h) of “Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow” which have been added back for the purposes of calculating such definition,
provided that (A) in no event shall amounts constituting Target Group Debt Service be deducted from Target Group Cash Flow, (B) no amount shall be included or excluded more than once and (C) in the event the Target is NTL Incorporated or any of its Subsidiaries, “Target Group Cash Flow” shall have the meaning set forth for “Bank Group Cash Flow” in the NTL Credit Facility.
“Target Group Consolidated Revenues” means, in respect of any period, the consolidated revenues for the Target Group for that period as evidenced by the financial statements of the Target Group for such period.
“Target Group Debt Service” means, in respect of any period, the aggregate of:
(a) the Total Interest Charges in respect of such period; and
(b) save to the extent immediately reborrowed, the aggregate of all scheduled payments in such period of principal, capital or nominal amounts in respect of Target Group Financial Indebtedness or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness;
provided that, in the event the Target is NTL Incorporated or any of its Subsidiaries, “Target Group Debt Service” shall have the meaning set forth for “Consolidated Debt Service” in the NTL Credit Facility.
“Target Group Financial Indebtedness” means:
(a) Financial Indebtedness of the Target Group existing as at the date on which a Merger Event has or is deemed to have occurred to the extent not incurred in contemplation of the Merger Event; and
(b) Financial Indebtedness constituting Target Group Interim Indebtedness,
but excluding any Financial Indebtedness owed by one member of the Target Group to another member of the Target Group and following an Integrated Merger Event, any Financial Indebtedness owed by one member of the Target Group to a member of the TCN Group, any Financial Indebtedness constituted by guarantees of the Facilities and any Subordinated Funding.
“Target Group Interim Indebtedness” means Financial Indebtedness incurred by the Target Group between the effective date of an Unintegrated Merger Event and the effective date of an Integrated Merger Event.
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“Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow” means, in respect of any period, the Net Income for such period of the Target Group (excluding for this purpose any Excluded Target Group Member), determined in accordance with GAAP as then in effect and adding back (or deducting, as the case may be) (only to the extent used in arriving at Net Income of the Target Group):
(a) non-cash gains or losses, whether extraordinary, recurring or otherwise (excluding however any non-cash charge to the extent that it represents amortisation of a prepaid expense that was paid in a prior period or an accrual of, or a reserve for, cash charges or expenses in any future period), and including without limitation non-cash expenses for compensation relating to the granting of options and restricted stock, sale of stock and similar arrangements;
(b) taxes or benefits in respect of taxes;
(c) foreign currency transaction gains and losses and foreign currency translation differences;
(d) other non-operating gains and losses, including the costs of, and accounting for, financial instruments and gains and losses on disposals of fixed assets;
(e) interest expense and interest income including, without limitation, amortisation of debt issuance cost and debt discount;
(f) depreciation and amortisation;
(g) extraordinary items;
(h) at the election of TCN, cash charges resulting from any third party professional, advisory, legal and accounting fees and out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred in connection with, an acquisition or investment, any financing, any disposal, any separation of any part of parts of its business anticipated under the Target Facility Agreement (as defined in the Principal Intercreditor Deed) (a “Target Separation”) or any Merger Event (in any such case, whether completed or not) provided that (i) in connection with a Merger Event or Target Separation, the aggregate amount added back in respect of such fees and expenses shall not exceed £10,000,000 (or to the extent the aggregate of such fees and expenses do exceed £10,000,000, any amount above such limit provided that a corresponding amount shall be deducted from any availability under, at TCN’s option, either or both of the baskets set out in paragraph (i) below) and (ii) in connection with any other transactions contemplated under this sub-paragraph (h), the aggregate amount added back in respect of such fees and expenses shall not exceed £20,000,000;
(i) cash charges resulting from severance, integration and other adjustments made as a result of:
(i) Target Separation (or any part of a Target Separation) up to £15,000,000 in aggregate (where such charges have been certified by a duly authorised officer of the Target as being directly attributable to a Target Separation); and
(ii) a Merger Event, but only to the extent that such charges do not exceed £125,000,000 in the First Period and £75,000,000 in the Second Period where the term “First Period” means the period (A) commencing on the later of (1) four months prior to the closing of the Merger Event and (2) the public announcement by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any other member of the TCN Group that the parties to the Merger Event have signed a merger agreement (or similar agreement) (or in the case of a Merger Event governed by the Takeover Code of the United Kingdom, that there is a firm intention to effect a Merger Event), and ending on (B) the date which is twelve months after the closing of the Merger Event, and the term “Second Period” means the twelve month period after such First Period (in each case, where such charges
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have been certified by a duly authorised officer of the Target as being directly attributable to the Merger Event);
(j) any cash costs incurred by the Target Group during such period (if any) and payable to any third party in relation to any scheme of arrangement, restructuring or recapitalisation which was initiated prior to the date of this Agreement; and
(k) cumulative changes in GAAP as at the date of this Agreement;
provided that, in the event the Target is NTL Incorporated or any of its Subsidiaries, “Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow” shall have the meaning set forth for “Bank Group Covenant Profit” in the NTL Credit Facility.
“Target Group Obligors” means any member of the Target Group that becomes an Obligor under this Agreement, pursuant to the provisions of Clause 25.1 (Acceding Guarantors).
“Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Financial Indebtedness incurred at any time prior to an Integrated Merger Event by any member of the Group other than a member of the TCN Group or upon or immediately following an Integrated Merger Event, incurred by any member of the Group (other than any member of the TCN Group which was also a member of the TCN Group immediately prior to the Integrated Merger Event), in each case, to refinance all or any part of the Target Group Financial Indebtedness, including any Financial Indebtedness incurred for the purpose of the payment of all principal, interest, fees, expenses, commissions, make-whole and any other contractual premium payable in respect thereof, in respect of such Target Group Financial Indebtedness and any fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing.
“Tax Credit” means a credit against, relief or remission for, or repayment of, any tax.
“Tax Deduction” means a deduction or withholding for or on account of tax from a payment made or to be made under a Finance Document.
“Taxes Act” means the Income and Corporation Taxes Xxx 0000.
“Tax Liability” has the meaning set out in paragraph (e) of Clause 16.2 (Tax Indemnity).
“Tax Payment” means the increase in any payment made by an Obligor to a Finance Party under paragraph (c) of Clause 16.1 (Tax Gross-up) or any amount payable under paragraph (d) of Clause 16.1 (Tax Gross-up) or under Clause 16.2 (Tax Indemnity).
“TCN Eurobond” means one or more listed notes issued by TCN to the US Borrower after the date hereof in exchange for and satisfaction of the TCN Short Term Notes, as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated, increased, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time as permitted under this Agreement.
“TCN Group” means TCN and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries and associated partnerships but (a) excluding the Excluded Subsidiaries and (b) following an Integrated Merger Event including each Target Group Obligor and each other person which was a Subsidiary or Holding Company of the Target immediately prior to the Integrated Merger Event which is designated as a member of the TCN Group by TCN pursuant to Clause 23.19 (Notice of Integrated Merger Event) or by notice to the Facility Agent from time to time and for so long as such company is a member of the Group.
“TCN Group Consolidated Revenues” means, in respect of any period, the consolidated revenues for the TCN Group for that period as evidenced by the financial information provided in respect of that period pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements).
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“TCN Group Obligor” means a member of the TCN Group that is an Obligor hereunder.
“TCN Notes” means the TCN Short Term Notes or the TCN Eurobond as applicable.
“TCN Short Term Notes” means the notes in the initial aggregate amount of £[-] and $[-] to be issued by TCN to the US Borrower on the date of first Utilisation hereunder.
“Telecommunications, Cable and Broadcasting Laws” means the Telecommunications Xxx 0000, the Cable and Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxx 0000, the Broadcasting Xxx 0000 (together with the Broadcasting Act 1996), the Communications Xxx 0000 and all other laws, statutes, regulations and judgments relating to broadcasting or telecommunications or cable television or broadcasting applicable to any member of the TCN Group, and/or the business carried on by, any member of the TCN Group (for the avoidance of doubt, not including laws, statutes, regulations or judgments relating solely to consumer credit, data protection or intellectual property).
“Telewest” means Telewest Communications plc (company registration number 2983307).
“Telewest Global Debt” means any Financial Indebtedness of the Ultimate Parent or one or more of its Subsidiaries (other than a member of the TCN Group).
“Term” means:
(a) in relation to a Revolving Facility Advance, the period for which such Advance is borrowed as specified in the relevant Utilisation Request; and
(b) in relation to any Documentary Credit, the period from the date of its issue until its Expiry Date.
“Term Facilities” means the A Facility, the B Facility, and the C Facility and “Term Facility” means any of them, as the context may require.
“Term Facility Advance” means any A Facility Advance, a B Facility Advance or C Facility Advance and “Term Facility Advances” shall be construed accordingly.
“Term Facility Outstandings” means, at any time, the aggregate of the A Facility Outstandings, the B Facility Outstandings and the C Facility Outstandings at such time.
“Termination Date” means:
(a) in relation to the Revolving Facility, the date which is 30 days prior to the Final Maturity Date in respect of the Revolving Facility;
(b) in relation to each Term Facility, the date falling 30 days after the date of this Agreement; and
(c) in relation to each Ancillary Facility the date which is specified as such in the applicable Ancillary Facility Documents provided such date shall not be later than the Termination Date in respect of the Revolving Facility.
“TGD Intercreditor Agreement” means, to the extent any Guaranteed Parent Debt is issued, one or more intercreditor deeds between certain of the Obligors, the Finance Parties and the indenture trustee or other representative of the lenders in respect of such Guaranteed Parent Debt, as the same may be amended, supplemented, novated or restated from time to time.
“Total Interest Charges” means, in relation to any period, (A) the total amount (without duplication) of (i) all interest, amounts in the nature of interest and commitment, non-utilisation and other periodic fees and commissions accruing in respect of Financial Indebtedness (including in respect of
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obligations under finance or capital leases or hire purchase payments but excluding amortisation of underwriting, arrangement and similar upfront fees and debt issuance costs) paid or payable by the TCN Group during such period plus (ii) net cash amounts paid or payable by the TCN Group (or minus net cash amounts received or receivable by the TCN Group), as the case may be, under Interest Rate Agreements, in each case in respect of such period plus (iii) discounts suffered and repayment premiums payable by the TCN Group in respect of Financial Indebtedness during such period, in each case to the extent applicable GAAP requires that such discounts and premiums be treated as or in like manner to interest plus (iv) discount fees and acceptance fees payable by the TCN Group or deducted in respect of any Financial Indebtedness of the TCN Group (including all fees payable in connection with any Documentary Credit, any other letters of credit or guarantees and any Ancillary Facility) plus (v) any cash amounts paid or payable by the TCN Group in respect of such period in the form of Permitted Payments the proceeds of which are intended to enable the recipient thereof to fund the payment of amounts owed by such recipient in respect of items of the type described in clauses (i) through (iv) above plus (vi) any other costs, expenses and deductions of the like effect minus (B) all interest received by the TCN Group in respect of cash on deposit with banks or financial institutions, in each case during such period, in the case of each of clauses (i) to (vi) above, excluding any adjustments to such amounts relating to the application of fresh start accounting principles.
“Transfer Agreement” means the agreement dated 12 July 2004 between Telewest Communications plc, Telewest UK and the Ultimate Parent pursuant to which substantially all of the assets of Telewest Communications plc (including the entire issued share capital of TCN) were transferred to Telewest UK.
“Transfer Date” means, in relation to any Transfer Deed, the effective date of such transfer as specified in such Transfer Deed.
“Transfer Deed” means a duly completed deed of transfer and accession substantially in the form set out in Schedule 3 (Form of Deed of Transfer and Accession) which has been executed as a deed by a Lender and a Transferee whereby such Lender seeks to transfer to such Transferee all or a part of such Lender’s rights, benefits and obligations under this Agreement as contemplated in Clause 36 (Assignments and Transfers) and such Transferee agrees to accept such transfer and to be bound by this Agreement and to accede to the Principal Intercreditor Deed and, if applicable, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.
“Transferee” means a bank or other institution to which a Lender seeks to transfer all or part of its rights, benefits and obligations under this Agreement pursuant to and in accordance with Clause 36 (Assignments and Transfers).
“UK Bank Lender” means, in relation to a payment of interest on a participation in an Advance, a Lender which is beneficially entitled to and within the charge to United Kingdom corporation tax as regards that payment and (a) if the participation in that Advance was made by it, is a Lender which is a “bank” (as defined for the purposes of section 349 of the Taxes Act in section 840A of the Taxes Act) or (b) if the participation in that Advance was made by a different person, such person was a “bank” (as defined for the purposes of section 349 of the Taxes Act in section 840A of the Taxes Act) at the time that Advance was made.
“UK Non-Bank Lender” means, in relation to a payment of interest on an Advance:
(a) a Lender which is beneficially entitled to the income in respect of which that payment is made and is a UK Resident company (the first condition set out in section 349B of the Taxes Act); or
(b) a Lender which satisfies one of the other conditions set out in section 349B of the Taxes Act,
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where the Board of the Inland Revenue has not given a direction under section 349C of the Taxes Act which relates to that payment of interest.
“UK Resident” means a person who is resident in the United Kingdom for the purposes of the Taxes Act and “non-UK Resident” shall be construed accordingly.
“UK Treaty Lender” means in relation to a payment of interest on an Advance, a Lender which is entitled to claim full relief from liability to taxation otherwise imposed by the United Kingdom (in relation to that Lender’s participation in Advances made to TCN) on interest under a Double Taxation Treaty and which does not carry on business in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment with which that Lender’s participation in that Advance is effectively connected and, in relation to any payment of interest on any Advance made by that Lender, TCN has received notification in writing from the Board of the Inland Revenue authorising it to pay interest on such Advances without any Tax Deduction.
“Ultimate Parent” means Telewest Global, Inc., incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America, whose registered office is at 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx of America and references to the Ultimate Parent shall include (save in the case of the definitions of Change of Control and Permitted Holders) any company which, after the date hereof, becomes a Holding Company of Telewest Global, Inc. and, following a Merger Event pursuant to which the Ultimate Parent is amalgamated, consolidated or merged into a member of the Target Group, the relevant surviving entity.
“Unfunded Current Liability” means, in relation to any Plan, the amount, if any, by which the value of the accumulated plan benefits under that Plan determined on a plan termination basis in accordance with actuarial assumptions at such time consistent with those prescribed by the PBGC for purposes of section 4044 of ERISA, exceeds the fair market value of all plan assets allocable to such liabilities under Title IV of ERISA (excluding any accrued but unpaid contributions).
“Unintegrated Merger Event” means a Merger Event has occurred but an Integrated Merger Event has not occurred.
“Unpaid Sum” means any sum due and payable by an Obligor under this Agreement but unpaid.
“US Borrower” means Telewest Global Finance LLC, a limited liability company incorporated in Delaware, United States of America.
“US Borrower Security Documents” means the Initial Security Documents listed in paragraphs 4 and 6 of Part 3 of Schedule 4 (Initial Security Documents).
“Utilisation” means the utilisation of a Facility under this Agreement, whether by way of an Advance, the issue of a Documentary Credit or the establishment of any Ancillary Facility.
“Utilisation Date” means (a) in relation to an Advance, the date on which such Advance is (or is requested) to be made (b) in relation to a utilisation by way of Ancillary Facility, the date on which such Ancillary Facility is established, and (c) in relation to a utilisation by way of Documentary Credit, the date on which such Documentary Credit is to be issued, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
“Utilisation Request” means:
(a) in relation to an Advance a duly completed notice in the form set out in Part 1 to Schedule 5 (Form of Utilisation Request (Advances)); or
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(b) in relation to a Documentary Credit, a duly completed notice in the form set out in Part 2 to Schedule 5 (Form of Utilisation Request (Documentary Credits)).
“Voting Stock” of a person means all classes of capital stock, share capital or other interests (including partnership interests) of such person then outstanding and normally entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof.
“Working Capital” means, in respect of any person or group on any date, Current Assets less Current Liabilities of such person or group.
1.2 Accounting Expressions
All accounting expressions which are not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.
1.3 Construction
Unless a contrary indication appears, any reference in this Agreement to:
the “Facility Agent”, the “US Paying Agent”, the “Administrative Agent”, a “Mandated Lead Arranger”, the “Security Trustee”, a “Hedge Counterparty”, the “L/C Bank”, an “Ancillary Facility Lender” or a “Lender” shall be construed so as to include their respective and any subsequent successors, Transferees and permitted assigns in accordance with their respective interests;
“agreed form” means, in relation to any document, in the form agreed by or on behalf of the Mandated Lead Arrangers and TCN prior to the date of this Agreement;
a reference to “Barclays Capital” is a reference to Barclays Capital the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC;
“company” includes any body corporate;
“continuing” in relation to an Event of Default, or a Default shall be construed as meaning that (a) the circumstances constituting such Event of Default or Default continue and (b) neither the Facility Agent (being duly authorised to do so) nor the Lenders have waived in accordance with this Agreement, such of its or their rights under this Agreement as arise as a result of that event;
“determines” or “determined” means, except as otherwise provided herein, a determination made in the absolute discretion of the person making the determination;
the “equivalent” on any given date in one currency (the “first currency”) of an amount denominated in another currency (the “second currency”) is a reference to the amount of the first currency which could be purchased with the second currency at the Facility Agent’s Spot Rate of Exchange at or about 11:00 a.m. on the relevant date for the purchase of the first currency with the second currency or for the purposes of determining any amounts testing any covenant or determining whether an Event of Default has occurred under this Agreement:
(a) in the case of any basket or threshold amount qualifying a covenant:
(i) in order to determine how much of such basket has been used at any time, for each transaction entered into in reliance upon the utilisation of such basket or in reliance upon such threshold not being reached prior to such time, the date upon which such transaction was entered into; and
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(ii) in order to determine the permissibility of a proposed transaction, on the date upon which the permissibility of that transaction is being tested for the purposes of determining compliance with that covenant; and
(b) in the case of any basket or threshold amount relating to an Event of Default, the date on which the relevant event is being assessed for the purposes of determining whether such Event of Default has occurred,
provided that in the case of Financial Indebtedness proposed to be incurred to refinance other Financial Indebtedness denominated in a currency other than Sterling or other than the currency in which such refinanced Financial Indebtedness is denominated, if such refinancing would cause any applicable Sterling-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such Sterling-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to be exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Financial Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Financial Indebtedness being refinanced in the applicable currency at the then current exchange rate.
“month” is a reference to a period starting on one day in a calendar month and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the next succeeding calendar month save that, where any such period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, it shall end on the next succeeding Business Day, unless that day falls in the calendar month succeeding that in which it would otherwise have ended, in which case it shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day provided that, if a period starts on the last Business Day in a calendar month or if there is no numerically corresponding day in the month in which that period ends, that period shall end on the last Business Day in that later month (provided that in any reference to “months” only the last month in a period shall be construed in the aforementioned manner);
a “repayment” shall include a “prepayment” and references to “repay” or “prepay” shall be construed accordingly;
a “person” shall be construed as a reference to any person, firm, company, whether with limited liability or otherwise, government, state or agency of a state or any association or partnership (whether or not having separate legal personality) of two or more of the foregoing;
“tax” shall be construed so as to include all present and future taxes, charges, imposts, duties, levies, deductions or withholdings of any kind whatsoever, or any amount payable on account of or as security for any of the foregoing, by whomsoever on whomsoever and wherever imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed together with any penalties, additions, fines, surcharges or interest relating to it; and “taxes” and “taxation” shall be construed accordingly;
“VAT” shall be construed as value added tax as provided for in the Value Added Tax Xxx 0000 and legislation (or purported legislation and whether delegated or otherwise) supplemental to that Act or in any primary or secondary legislation promulgated by the European Community or European Union or any official body or agency of the European Community or European Union, and any tax similar or equivalent to value added tax imposed by any country other than the United Kingdom and any similar or turnover tax replacing or introduced in addition to any of the same;
“wholly-owned Subsidiary” of a company shall be construed as a reference to any company which has no other members except that other company and that other company’s wholly-owned Subsidiaries or nominees for that other company or its wholly-owned Subsidiaries; and
the “winding-up”, “dissolution” or “administration” of a company shall be construed so as to include any equivalent or analogous proceedings under the Law of the jurisdiction in which such company is incorporated, established or organised or any jurisdiction in which such company carries
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on business, including the seeking of liquidation, winding-up, dissolution, administration, adjustment, protection from creditors or relief of debtors.
1.4 Currency
“€” and “Euro” denote the lawful currency of each Participating Member State, “£” and “Sterling” denote the lawful currency of the United Kingdom and “$” and “Dollars” denote the lawful currency of the United States of America.
1.5 Statutes
Any reference in this Agreement to a statute or a statutory provision shall, save where a contrary intention is specified, be construed as a reference to such statute or statutory provision as the same shall have been, or may be, amended or re-enacted.
1.6 Time
Any reference in this Agreement to a time shall, unless otherwise specified, be construed as a reference to London time.
1.7 References to Agreements
Unless otherwise stated, any reference in this Agreement to any agreement or document (including any reference to this Agreement) shall be construed as a reference to:
(a) such agreement or document as amended, varied, novated or supplemented from time to time;
(b) any other agreement or document whereby such agreement or document is so amended, varied, supplemented or novated; and
(c) any other agreement or document entered into pursuant to or in accordance with any such agreement or document.
1.8 Documentary Credits
Any reference in this Agreement to:
(a) an amount borrowed includes any amount utilised by way of Documentary Credit;
(b) a Lender funding its participation in a Utilisation includes an Indemnifying Lender participating in a Documentary Credit;
(c) amounts outstanding under this Agreement include amounts outstanding under, or in relation to, any Documentary Credit;
(d) an outstanding amount of a Documentary Credit at any time is the maximum amount that is or may be payable by the L/C Bank in respect of that Documentary Credit at that time;
(e) TCN “repaying” a Documentary Credit or an Ancillary Facility utilised by way of performance bond means:
(i) TCN providing cash cover for that Documentary Credit or performance bond;
(ii) the maximum amount payable under the Documentary Credit or performance bond being reduced in accordance with its terms or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to
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the L/C Bank or Ancillary Facility Lender, as the case be, in each case, acting reasonably; or
(iii) the L/C Bank or Ancillary Facility Lender, as the case be, being satisfied that it has no further liability under that Documentary Credit or performance bond,
and that the amount by which a Documentary Credit or performance bond is repaid under sub-paragraph (e)(i) or reduced under sub-paragraph (e)(ii) above is the amount of the relevant cash cover or reduction; and
(f) TCN providing “cash cover” for a Documentary Credit or an Ancillary Facility utilised by way of performance bond means TCN paying an amount in the currency of the Documentary Credit or performance bond to an interest-bearing account in the name of TCN and the following conditions are met:
(i) the account is with the Facility Agent (if the cash cover is to be provided for all the Indemnifying Lenders) or with an Indemnifying Lender or the L/C Bank or the Ancillary Facility Lender (if the cash cover is to be provided for that Indemnifying Lender or the L/C Bank or Ancillary Facility Lender, as the case may be);
(ii) in the case of cash deposited as cash cover for a Documentary Credit, withdrawals from the account may only be made to pay a Finance Party amounts due and payable to it under this Agreement in respect of that Documentary Credit until no amount is or may be outstanding under that Documentary Credit; and
(iii) TCN has executed a security document over that account, in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent or the Finance Party with which that account is held, creating a first ranking security interest over that account,
or on such other terms as may be satisfactory to the Facility Agent, the relevant Indemnifying Lender, the relevant Ancillary Facility Lender or the L/C Bank.
1.9 Principal Intercreditor Deed
Each of the parties to this Agreement agree and acknowledge that this Agreement is entered into, subject to the terms of the Principal Intercreditor Deed and in the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and the Principal Intercreditor Deed the terms of the Principal Intercreditor Deed shall prevail.
2. THE FACILITIES
2.1 The Facilities
The Lenders grant, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement:
(a) to TCN, a revolving loan facility in an aggregate amount of £100,000,000 (the “Revolving Facility”) which shall be available for drawing in Sterling subject to the utilisation in full of the Term Facilities;
(b) to TCN, a term loan facility in an aggregate amount of £700,000,000 (the “A Facility”) which shall be available in Sterling in a single drawing on the Closing Date;
(c) to the Borrowers, a term loan facility in an aggregate amount of £425,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) (the “B Facility”) which shall be available (subject to paragraph (e) of this Clause 2.1) by way of (i) no more than one drawing by each of the
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Borrowers on the Closing Date in Dollars in an aggregate principal amount of $85,000,000 (the “B Facility $ Tranche”) (ii) no more than one drawing by each of the Borrowers on the Closing Date in Euros in an aggregate principal amount of €56,667,000 (the “B Facility € Tranche”) and (iii) no more than one drawing by each of the Borrowers on the Closing Date in Sterling in an aggregate principal amount equal to the remaining Available B Facility Commitment (the “B Facility £ Tranche”); and
(d) to the Borrowers, a term loan facility in an aggregate amount of £325,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) (the “C Facility”) which shall be available (subject to paragraph (e) of this Clause 2.1) by way of (i) no more than one drawing by each of the Borrowers on the Closing Date in Dollars in an aggregate principal amount of $65,000,000 (the “C Facility $ Tranche”) (ii) no more than one drawing by each of the Borrowers on the Closing Date in Euros in an aggregate principal amount of €43,333,000 (the “C Facility € Tranche”)and (iii) no more than one drawing by each of the Borrowers on the Closing Date in Sterling in a principal aggregate amount equal to the remaining Available C Facility Commitment (the “C Facility £ Tranche”).
(e) Drawings under each of the B Facility $ Tranche, the B Facility € Tranche, the B Facility £ Tranche, the C Facility $ Tranche, the C Facility € Tranche and the C Facility £ Tranche shall be made by each of the Borrowers in such proportions as the Facility Agent shall have notified TCN prior to the first Utilisation hereunder.
2.2 Purpose
(a) The Term Facilities, together with cash on hand of TCN and the proceeds of the Second Lien Facility are intended to finance, directly or indirectly, the repayment in full of all amounts due and payable under the Existing Credit Facility (including without limitation, by way of principal, interest, break costs, fees and expenses, commission and any other premiums), any fees, costs and expenses due and payable under the Finance Documents and the Second Lien Finance Documents and any other fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Obligors in connection with the negotiation and preparation of the Finance Documents and the Second Lien Finance Documents.
(b) The Revolving Facility is intended to finance the purposes set out in paragraph (a) above to the extent that the utilisation in full of the Term Facilities together with cash on hand of TCN and the proceeds of the Second Lien Facility is insufficient to satisfy such purposes, to finance the general working capital requirements and the general corporate purposes of the TCN Group or for the purposes of complying with the obligations of TCN under the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and may be utilised by way of Revolving Facility Advances, Documentary Credits or, subject to the provisions of Clause 6 (Ancillary Facilities), Ancillary Facilities.
(c) The US Borrower shall apply all amounts borrowed by it under this Agreement in or towards funding of the TCN Short Term Notes, and TCN shall apply all amounts borrowed under this Agreement and the TCN Short Term Notes in or towards satisfaction of the purposes referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b).
(d) None of the Finance Parties shall be obliged to concern themselves with the application of any amounts borrowed under this Agreement.
2.3 Several Obligations
The obligations of each Finance Party under this Agreement are several and the failure by a Finance Party to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of any of
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the Obligors towards any other party to this Agreement nor shall any other party be liable for the failure by such Finance Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement.
2.4 Several Rights
The rights of each Finance Party are several and any debt arising under this Agreement at any time from an Obligor to any Finance Party to this Agreement shall be a separate and independent debt. Each Finance Party may, except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, separately enforce its rights under this Agreement.
3. CONDITIONS
3.1 Conditions Precedent
The obligations of the Lenders to make the Facilities available shall be conditional upon the Facility Agent having confirmed to TCN that it has received (or has waived in accordance with this Agreement, the requirement to receive) the documents listed in Part 1 of Schedule 4 (Conditions Precedent to First Utilisation) and that each is satisfactory, in form and substance, to the Facility Agent, acting reasonably. The Facility Agent shall notify TCN and the Lenders promptly upon being so satisfied.
3.2 General Conditions Subsequent
TCN shall procure (and each relevant Obligor shall ensure) that within 30 days after the Closing Date (or earlier, to the extent required by any time-limit prescribed by law) all Initial Security Documents shall have been registered or filed with all appropriate authorities to the extent necessary for the purposes of perfecting the Security created thereunder. The Facility Agent shall notify TCN and the Lenders promptly upon being so satisfied.
4. UTILISATION
4.1 Conditions to Utilisation
Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, an Advance will be made by the Lenders to the relevant Borrower or a Documentary Credit will be issued by an L/C Bank at TCN’s request if:
(a) in the case of an Advance, the Facility Agent has received from TCN or Telewest Global Finance LLC as appropriate, a duly completed Utilisation Request in the relevant form, and in the case of a Documentary Credit, both the Facility Agent and the L/C Bank have received from TCN a duly completed Utilisation Request in the relevant form, in each case, no earlier than the day which is 10 Business Days and no later than 2:00 p.m. on the day which is 3 Business Days (or in the case of any Documentary Credit which is not or will not be in the form of Schedule 12 (Form of Documentary Credit), no later than 2:00 p.m. on the day which is 5 Business Days) prior to the proposed Utilisation Date for such Advance or Documentary Credit, receipt of which shall oblige the relevant Borrower to utilise the amount requested on the Utilisation Date stated therein upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement;
(b) the proposed Utilisation Date is a Business Day for the proposed currency of the Advance or Documentary Credit, as the case may be, which is or precedes the relevant Termination Date;
(c) in the case of a Utilisation by way of Term Facility Advance, such Utilisation would result in the maximum principal amount of each Term Facility Advance being utilised, or in the case of a Utilisation by way of a Revolving Facility Advance, the proposed Sterling Amount of such Revolving Facility Advance is (i) equal to the amount of the Available Revolving
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Facility Commitment at such time, or (ii) less than such amount but equal to a minimum amount of £5,000,000, and an integral multiple of £1,000,000;
(d) in the case of a Utilisation by way of Documentary Credit, the proposed Sterling Amount of such Documentary Credit is (i) equal to the amount of the Available Revolving Facility or (ii) less than such amount but equal to or more than £1,000,000 or such lesser amount as the L/C Bank may agree;
(e) in the case of a Utilisation by way of a Revolving Facility Advance, immediately after the making of such Advance there will be no more than 10 Revolving Facility Advances then outstanding;
(f) in the case of a Utilisation by way of a Documentary Credit, the proposed Term of the Documentary Credit ends on or before the Termination Date in respect of the Revolving Facility;
(g) in the case of a Utilisation by way of a Revolving Facility Advance, the proposed Term of such Advance is a period of 1, 2, 3 or 6 months, or such other period of up to 12 months as all the Lenders having a Revolving Facility Commitment may agree (prior to submission of the relevant Utilisation Request), and ends on or before the Final Maturity Date in respect of the Revolving Facility provided that, save as the Mandated Lead Arrangers may otherwise agree, prior to the Syndication Date, the Term of each Revolving Facility Advance shall be 1 month (or, if less, such duration as is necessary to ensure that such Term ends on the Syndication Date);
(h) in the case of the first Advance, the Facility Agent has received evidence satisfactory to it that £250,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) has been or will, simultaneously with the drawing of the first Advance hereunder, be drawn by the Borrowers under the Second Lien Facility;
(i) in the case of a Utilisation by way of an Advance (other than a Rollover Advance), the interest rate applicable to such Advance’s first Interest Period or Term (as the case may be) will not have to be determined under Clause 14 (Market Disruption and Alternative Interest Rates);
(j) in the case of a Utilisation by way of a Documentary Credit which is not substantially in the form set out in Schedule 12 (Form of Documentary Credit), the L/C Bank and the Facility Agent shall each have approved the terms of such Documentary Credit;
(k) in the case of a Utilisation by way of a Revolving Facility Advance upon and following an Integrated Merger Event, such Utilisation is made in accordance with the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement; and
(l) in the case of any Utilisation, on the date of the Utilisation Request, the date of any Conversion Notice and the proposed Utilisation Date:
(i) in the case of a Rollover Advance or a Documentary Credit which is being renewed pursuant to Clause 5.2 (Renewal of Documentary Credits), the Facility Agent shall not have received instructions from an Instructing Group requiring the Facility Agent to refuse such rollover or renewal of a Documentary Credit by reason of an Event of Default having occurred which is continuing or would result from the proposed Rollover Advance or the renewal of that Documentary Credit; or
(ii) in the case of any Utilisation other than that referred to in sub-paragraph (i):
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(A) in the case of the first Utilisation (except to the extent such first Utilisation occurs on the date immediately after the date of this Agreement), all representations set out in Clause 20 (Representations and Warranties) made by each of the persons identified as making those representations are true in all material respects by reference to the circumstances then existing and no Default is continuing or would result from the proposed Utilisation; or
(B) in the case of any other Utilisation, the Repeating Representations made by the persons identified as making those representations are true in all material respects by reference to the circumstances then existing and no Default is continuing or would result from the proposed Utilisation.
4.2 Lenders’ Participations
Each Lender will participate through its Facility Office in each Advance made pursuant to Clause 4.1 (Conditions to Utilisation) in its respective Proportion.
5. DOCUMENTARY CREDITS
5.1 Issue of Documentary Credits
(a) Each L/C Bank shall issue Documentary Credits pursuant to Clause 4.1 (Conditions to Utilisation) by:
(i) completing the issue date and the proposed Expiry Date of any Documentary Credit to be issued by it; and
(ii) executing and delivering such Documentary Credit to the relevant Beneficiary on the relevant Utilisation Date.
(b) Each Lender having a Revolving Facility Commitment (an “Indemnifying Lender”) will participate by way of indemnity in each Documentary Credit in an amount equal to its L/C Proportion.
(c) The Facility Agent shall notify each Indemnifying Lender and the L/C Bank of the details of any requested Documentary Credit (including its Sterling Amount) and its participation in that Documentary Credit.
5.2 Renewal of Documentary Credits
(a) TCN may request that a Documentary Credit issued on its behalf be renewed by delivering to the Facility Agent and the L/C Bank a Renewal Request which complies with Clause 4.1 (Conditions to Utilisation).
(b) The terms of each renewed Documentary Credit shall be the same as those of the relevant Documentary Credit immediately prior to its renewal, except that (as stated in the Renewal Request therefor):
(i) its amount may be less than the amount of such Documentary Credit immediately prior to its renewal; and
(ii) its Term shall start on the date which was the Expiry Date of that Documentary Credit immediately prior to its renewal, and shall end on the proposed Expiry Date specified in the Renewal Request.
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(c) If the conditions set out in this Clause 5.2 have been met, the L/C Bank shall amend and re-issue the relevant Documentary Credit pursuant to a Renewal Request.
5.3 Immediately Payable
If a Documentary Credit or any amount outstanding under a Documentary Credit is expressed to be immediately payable, TCN shall repay that amount immediately.
5.4 Claims under a Documentary Credit
(a) TCN irrevocably and unconditionally authorises the L/C Bank to pay any claim made or purporting to be made under a Documentary Credit requested by it and which appears on its face to be in order (a “claim”).
(b) TCN shall within 3 Business Days of a demand pay to the Facility Agent for the L/C Bank an amount equal to the amount of any claim.
(c) TCN acknowledges that the L/C Bank:
(i) is not obliged to carry out any investigation or seek any confirmation from any other person before paying a claim; and
(ii) deals in documents only and will not be concerned with the legality of a claim or any underlying transaction or any available set-off, counterclaim or other defence of any person.
(d) The obligations of TCN under this Clause 5.4 will not be affected by:
(i) the sufficiency, accuracy or genuineness of any claim or any other document; or
(ii) any incapacity of, or limitation on the powers of, any person signing a claim or other document.
(e) Without prejudice to any other matter contained in this Clause 5.4, the L/C Bank shall notify TCN and the Facility Agent as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving a claim.
5.5 Documentary Credit Indemnities
(a) TCN shall within 3 Business Days of demand indemnify the L/C Bank against any cost, loss or liability incurred by the L/C Bank (otherwise than by reason of the L/C Bank’s gross negligence or wilful misconduct) in acting as the L/C Bank under any Documentary Credit requested by TCN provided that this indemnity shall not take effect until the Closing Date.
(b) Each Indemnifying Lender shall (according to its L/C Proportion) promptly on demand indemnify the L/C Bank against any cost, loss or liability incurred by the L/C Bank (otherwise than by reason of the L/C Bank’s gross negligence or wilful misconduct) in acting as the L/C Bank under any Documentary Credit (except to the extent that the L/C Bank has been reimbursed by an Obligor pursuant to a Finance Document).
(c) If any Indemnifying Lender is not permitted (by its constitutional documents or any applicable Law) to comply with paragraph (b) above, then that Indemnifying Lender will not be obliged to comply with paragraph (b) and shall instead be deemed to have taken, on the date the relevant Documentary Credit is issued (or if later, on the date that Indemnifying Lender’s participation in the Documentary Credit is transferred or assigned to that Indemnifying Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement), an undivided interest
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and participation in the Documentary Credit in an amount equal to its L/C Proportion of that Documentary Credit. On receipt of demand from the Facility Agent, that Indemnifying Lender shall pay to the Facility Agent (for the account of the L/C Bank) an amount equal to its L/C Proportion of the amount demanded under paragraph (b) above.
(d) TCN shall within 3 Business Days of demand reimburse any Indemnifying Lender for any payment it makes to the L/C Bank under this Clause 5.5 in respect of that Documentary Credit unless an Obligor has already reimbursed the L/C Bank in respect of that payment.
(e) The obligations of each Indemnifying Lender under this Clause 5.5 are continuing obligations and will extend to the ultimate balance of sums payable by that Indemnifying Lender in respect of any Documentary Credit, regardless of any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in part.
(f) The obligations of any Indemnifying Lender under this Clause 5.5 will not be affected by any act, omission, matter or thing which, but for this Clause 5.5 would reduce, release or prejudice any of its obligations under this Clause 5.5 (without limitation and whether or not known to it or any other person) including:
(i) any time, waiver or consent granted to, or composition with, any Obligor, any Beneficiary or any other person;
(ii) the release of any Obligor or any other person under the terms of any composition or arrangement with any creditor of any member of the Group;
(iii) the taking, variation, compromise, exchange, renewal or release of, or refusal or neglect to perfect, take up or enforce, any rights against, or security over assets of, any Obligor, any Beneficiary or any other person or any non-presentation or non-observance of any formality or other requirement in respect of any instrument or any failure to realise the full value of any security;
(iv) any incapacity or lack of power, authority or legal personality of or dissolution or change in the members or status of an Obligor, any Beneficiary or any other person;
(v) any amendment or restatement (however fundamental) or replacement of a Finance Document, any Documentary Credit or any other document or security;
(vi) any unenforceability, illegality or invalidity of any obligation of any person under any Finance Document, any Documentary Credit or any other document or security; or
(vii) any insolvency or similar proceedings.
5.6 Rights of Contribution
No Obligor will be entitled to any right of contribution or indemnity from any Finance Party in respect of any payment it may make under this Clause 5 (Documentary Credits).
5.7 Role of the L/C Bank
(a) Nothing in this Agreement constitutes the L/C Bank as a trustee or fiduciary of any other person.
(b) The L/C Bank shall not be bound to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by it for its own account.
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(c) The L/C Bank may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with any member of the Group.
(d) The L/C Bank may rely on:
(i) any representation, notice of document believed by it to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised; and
(ii) any statement made by a director, authorised signatory or employee of any person regarding any matters which may reasonably be assumed to be within his knowledge or within his power to verify.
(e) The L/C Bank may engage, pay for and rely on the advice or services of any lawyers, accountants, surveyors or other experts.
(f) The L/C Bank may act in relation to the Finance Documents through its personnel and agents.
(g) The L/C Bank is not responsible for:
(i) the adequacy, accuracy and/or completeness of any information (whether oral or written) supplied by the L/C Bank, the Facility Agent, the Mandated Lead Arrangers, an Obligor or any other person given in or in connection with any Finance Document; or
(ii) the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of or in connection with any Finance Document.
5.8 Exclusion of Liability
(a) Without limiting paragraph (b) below, the L/C Bank will not be liable for any action taken by it under or in connection with any Finance Document, unless directly caused by its gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
(b) No Finance Party (other than the L/C Bank) may take any proceedings against any officer, employee or agent of the L/C Bank in respect of any claim it might have against the L/C Bank or in respect of any act or omission of any kind by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Finance Document.
5.9 Credit Appraisal by the Indemnifying Lenders
Without affecting the responsibility of any Obligor for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Finance Document, each Indemnifying Lender confirms to the L/C Bank that it has been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of the risks arising under or in connection with any Finance Document, including but not limited to, those listed in paragraphs (a) to (d) of Clause 29.15 (Credit Appraisal by the Lenders).
5.10 Appointment and Change of L/C Bank
(a) TCN, with the prior written consent of the relevant Lender, may designate any Lender with a Revolving Facility Commitment as an L/C Bank or as a replacement therefor, but not with respect to Documentary Credits already issued by any other L/C Bank.
(b) Any Lender so designated shall become an L/C Bank under this Agreement by delivering to the Facility Agent an executed L/C Bank Accession Certificate.
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(c) An L/C Bank may resign as issuer of further Documentary Credits at any time if (i) TCN and an Instructing Group consent to such resignation or so require; (ii) there is, in the reasonable opinion of the L/C Bank, an actual or potential conflict of interest in it continuing to act as L/C Bank; or (iii) its Revolving Facility Commitment is reduced to zero, provided that the L/C Bank shall not resign until a replacement L/C Bank is appointed.
6. ANCILLARY FACILITIES
6.1 Utilisation of Ancillary Facilities
(a) TCN may, subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) below, at any time at least 35 days prior to the Termination Date in respect of the Revolving Facility by delivery of a notice (a “Conversion Notice”) to the Facility Agent, request an Ancillary Facility to be established by the conversion of any Lender’s Available Revolving Facility Commitment (or any part of it) into an Ancillary Facility Commitment with effect from the date (in this Clause 6, the “Effective Date”) specified in the Conversion Notice (being a date not less than 3 Business Days after the date such Conversion Notice is received by the Facility Agent).
(b) Each Conversion Notice shall specify:
(i) the nominated Ancillary Facility Lender;
(ii) the type of Ancillary Facility and the currency or currencies in which TCN wishes such Ancillary Facility to be available;
(iii) the proposed Sterling Amount of the original Ancillary Facility Commitment (subject always to paragraph (c) below), being an amount equal to (i) the Available Revolving Facility Commitment of the nominated Ancillary Facility Lender or, if less, (ii) equal to or more than £5,000,000;
(iv) the commencement and expiry date for the relevant Ancillary Facility (such expiry date not to extend beyond the Final Maturity Date in respect of the Revolving Facility); and
(v) such other details as to the nature, amount, fees for and operation of the proposed Ancillary Facility as the Facility Agent and the nominated Ancillary Facility Lender may reasonably require.
(c) The aggregate Sterling Amount of the Revolving Facility Commitments which may at any time be utilised by way of Ancillary Facilities shall not exceed £60,000,000.
(d) The Facility Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders having a Revolving Facility Commitment of each Conversion Notice received pursuant to paragraph (a) above.
(e) Any Lender nominated as an Ancillary Facility Lender which has notified the Facility Agent of its consent to such nomination shall be authorised to make the proposed Ancillary Facility available in accordance with the Conversion Notice (as approved by the Facility Agent) with effect on and from the Effective Date. No other Lender shall be obliged to consent to the nomination of the Ancillary Facility Lender.
(f) Any material variation from the terms of the Ancillary Facility or any proposed increase or reduction of the Ancillary Facility Commitment shall be effected on and subject to the provisions of this Clause 6 mutatis mutandis as if such Ancillary Facility were newly requested, provided that the Sterling Amount of the Ancillary Facility Outstandings under each Ancillary Facility shall at no time exceed the related Ancillary Facility Commitment.
61
(g) TCN may (subject to compliance with the applicable terms of the relevant Ancillary Facility) at any time by giving written notice to the Facility Agent and the relevant Ancillary Facility Lender cancel any Ancillary Facility Commitment pursuant to and in accordance with Clause 9.1 (Voluntary Cancellation), provided that on the date of such cancellation, that part of such Ancillary Facility Commitment as shall have been so cancelled shall be converted back into the Revolving Facility Commitment of the relevant Lender unless the Revolving Facility Commitments are also cancelled on such date.
(h) The Ancillary Facility Commitment of any Ancillary Facility Lender shall terminate and be cancelled on the date agreed therefor between the relevant Ancillary Facility Lender and TCN, provided such date shall be no later than the Termination Date in respect of the Revolving Facility (the “Ancillary Facility Termination Date”). Any Ancillary Facility Outstandings on the applicable Ancillary Facility Termination Date shall be repaid in full by TCN on such date.
(i) The Revolving Facility Commitment of each Lender at any time shall be reduced by the amount of any Ancillary Facility Commitment of such Lender at such time but shall, subject to any other provisions of this Agreement, automatically be increased by the amount of any portion of its Ancillary Facility Commitment which ceases to be made available to TCN for any reason (other than as a result of Utilisation of it) in accordance with the terms of such Ancillary Facility or is cancelled pursuant to paragraphs (g) or (h) above.
6.2 Operation of Ancillary Facilities
(a) Subject to paragraph (b) below, the terms governing the operation of any Ancillary Facility (including the rate of interest (including default interest), fees, commission and other remuneration in respect of such Ancillary Facility) shall be those determined by agreement between the Ancillary Facility Lender and TCN, provided that such terms shall be based upon the normal commercial terms and market rates of the relevant Ancillary Facility Lender.
(b) In the case of any inconsistency or conflict between the terms of any Ancillary Facility, the applicable Ancillary Facility Documents and this Agreement, the terms and provisions of the applicable Ancillary Facility Document shall prevail unless the contrary intention is expressly provided for in this Agreement.
(c) TCN and Ancillary Facility Lender will promptly upon request by the Facility Agent, supply the Facility Agent with such information relating to the operation of each Ancillary Facility (including without limitation details of the Ancillary Facility Outstandings and the Sterling Amount thereof) as the Facility Agent may from time to time reasonably request (and TCN consents to such documents and information being provided to the Facility Agent and the other Lenders).
6.3 Ancillary Facility Default
(a) If a default occurs under any Ancillary Facility, no Ancillary Facility Lender may demand repayment of any monies or demand cash cover for any Ancillary Facility Outstandings, or take any analogous action in respect of any Ancillary Facility, until the Acceleration Date.
(b) If an Acceleration Date occurs, the claims of each Lender with a Revolving Facility Commitment and each Ancillary Facility Lender in respect of amounts outstanding to them under the Revolving Facility and Ancillary Facilities respectively shall be adjusted in accordance with this Clause 6.3 by making all necessary transfers of such portions of such claims such that following such transfers the Revolving Facility Outstandings and Ancillary Facility Outstandings (together with the rights to receive interest, fees and charges in relation thereto) of (i) each Lender with a Revolving Facility Commitment and (ii) each Ancillary
62
Facility Lender, in each case as at the Acceleration Date shall be an amount corresponding pro rata to the proportion that the sum of such Lender’s Revolving Facility Commitment and/or (as the case may be) Ancillary Facility Commitment bears to the sum of all of the Revolving Facility Commitments and the Ancillary Commitments, each as at the Acceleration Date.
(c) No later than the third Business Day following the Acceleration Date each of the Ancillary Facility Lenders shall notify the Facility Agent in writing of the Sterling Amount of its Ancillary Facility Outstandings as at the close of business on the Acceleration Date, such amount to take account of any clearing of debits which were entered into the clearing system of such Ancillary Facility Lenders prior to the Acceleration Date and any amounts credited to the relevant accounts prior to close of business on the Acceleration Date.
(d) On receipt of the information referred to in paragraph (c) above, the Facility Agent will promptly determine what adjustment payments (if any) are necessary as between the Lenders participating in the Revolving Facility and each Ancillary Facility Lender in order to ensure that, following such adjustment payments, the requirements of paragraph (b) above are complied with.
(e) The Facility Agent will notify all the Lenders as soon as practicable of its determinations pursuant to paragraph (d) above, giving details of the adjustment payments required to be made. Such adjustment payments shall be payable by the relevant Lenders and shall be made to the Facility Agent within 3 Business Days following receipt of such notification from the Facility Agent. The Facility Agent shall distribute the adjustment payments received, among the Ancillary Facility Lenders and the Lenders participating in the Revolving Facility in order to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (b) above.
(f) If at any time following the Acceleration Date, the amount of Revolving Facility Outstandings of any Lender or Ancillary Facility Outstandings of any Ancillary Facility Lender used in the Facility Agent’s calculation of the adjustments required under paragraph (d) above should vary for any reason (other than as a result of currency exchange fluctuation or other reason which affects all relevant Lenders equally), further adjustment payments shall be made on the same basis (mutatis mutandis) provided for in this Clause 6.3.
(g) In respect of any amount paid by any Lender (a “Paying Lender”) pursuant to either of paragraphs (e) or (f) above, as between TCN and the Paying Lender, the amount so paid shall be immediately due and payable by TCN to the Paying Lender and the payment obligations of TCN to the Lender(s) which received such payment shall be treated as correspondingly reduced by the amount of such payment.
(h) Each Lender shall promptly supply to the Facility Agent such information as the Facility Agent may from time to time request for the purpose of giving effect to this Clause 6.3.
(i) If an Ancillary Facility Lender has the benefit of any Encumbrance securing any of its Ancillary Facilities, the realisations from such security when enforced will be treated as an amount recovered by such Ancillary Facility Lender in its capacity as a Lender which is subject to the sharing arrangements in Clause 34 (Sharing Among the Finance Parties) to the intent that such realisation should benefit all Lenders pro rata.
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7. REPAYMENT OF REVOLVING FACILITY OUTSTANDINGS
7.1 Repayment of Revolving Facility Advances
Subject to the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement upon and following an Integrated Merger Event, TCN shall (subject to Clause 7.2 (Rollover Advances)) repay the full amount of each Revolving Facility Advance on its Repayment Date.
7.2 Rollover Advances
Without prejudice to TCN’s obligation to repay the full amount of each Revolving Facility Advance made to it on the applicable Repayment Date, where, on the same day on which TCN is due to repay a Revolving Facility Advance (a “Maturing Advance”) TCN has also requested that a Revolving Facility Advance in the same currency as and in an amount which is equal to or less than the Maturing Advance be made to it (a “Rollover Advance”), subject to the Lenders being obliged to make such Rollover Advance under Clause 4.1 (Conditions to Utilisation), the amount to be so repaid and the amount to be so drawn down shall be netted off against each other so that the amount which TCN is actually required to repay on the applicable Repayment Date shall be the net amount remaining after such netting off.
7.3 Cash Collateralisation of Documentary Credits
TCN may give the Facility Agent not less than 5 Business Days’ prior written notice of its intention to repay all or any portion of a Documentary Credit and, having given such notice, shall procure that the relevant Outstanding L/C Amount (or portion thereof) in respect of such Documentary Credit is reduced to zero and repaid in full by providing cash cover therefor in accordance with Clause 1.8 (Documentary Credits) (in each case,) or by reducing the Outstanding L/C Amount of such Documentary Credit or by cancelling such Documentary Credit and returning the original to the L/C Bank or the Facility Agent on behalf of the Lenders.
7.4 Cleandown
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, TCN shall procure that (other than in respect of any Ancillary Facility Outstandings or Documentary Credits) Revolving Facility Outstandings are reduced to zero for a period of at least 5 consecutive Business Days in each annual period during which the Revolving Facility is available for drawing under this Agreement.
8. REPAYMENT OF TERM FACILITY OUTSTANDINGS
8.1 Repayment of A Facility Outstandings
TCN shall make such repayments as may be necessary to ensure that on each of the dates set out in the table below (each an “A Facility Repayment Date”) the aggregate Sterling Amount of the A Facility Outstandings (as at the close of business in London on the Closing Date) is reduced by an amount equal to the amount set out in the table below (each, an “A Facility Repayment Instalment”).
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|
Repayment Date |
|
Amount Repayable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2005 |
|
£ |
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2005 |
|
£ |
15,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2006 |
|
£ |
25,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2006 |
|
£ |
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2007 |
|
£ |
40,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2007 |
|
£ |
50,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2008 |
|
£ |
65,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2008 |
|
£ |
70,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2009 |
|
£ |
80,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2009 |
|
£ |
80,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2010 |
|
£ |
80,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2010 |
|
£ |
80,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2011 |
|
£ |
80,000,000 |
|
8.2 Repayment of B Facility Outstandings
TCN shall procure that the B Facility Outstandings are repaid by the making of such repayments (each, a “B Facility Repayment Instalment”) as may be necessary to ensure that on each of the dates falling 90 months and 96 months (each, a “B Facility Repayment Date”) after the date of this Agreement, the aggregate Sterling Amount of the B Facility Outstandings (as at the close of business in London on the Closing Date) is reduced by 50% of such B Facility Outstandings (in the case of the initial B Facility Repayment Instalment) and the remaining aggregate amount of such B Facility Outstandings (in the case of the final B Facility Repayment Instalment).
8.3 Repayment of C Facility Outstandings
TCN shall procure that the C Facility Outstandings are repaid by the making of such repayments (each, a “C Facility Repayment Instalment”) as may be necessary to ensure that on each of the dates falling 102 months and 108 months (each, a “C Facility Repayment Date”) after the date of this Agreement, the aggregate Sterling Amount of the C Facility Outstandings (as at the close of business in London on the Closing Date) is reduced by 50% of such C Facility Outstandings (in the case of the initial C Facility Repayment Instalment) and the remaining aggregate amount of such C Facility Outstandings (in the case of the final C Facility Repayment Instalment).
8.4 No Reborrowing of Term Facility Advances
No Borrower may reborrow any part of any Term Facility Advance which is repaid.
9. CANCELLATION
9.1 Voluntary Cancellation
Subject to the provisions of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement upon and following an Integrated Merger Event, TCN may, by giving to the Facility Agent not less than 3 Business Days’ prior written
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notice to that effect (unless an Instructing Group has given its prior consent to a shorter period) cancel any Available Facility in whole or any part (but if in part, in an amount that reduces the Sterling Amount of such Facility by a minimum amount of £5,000,000 and an integral multiple of £1,000,000) and any such cancellation shall (subject to the provisions of Clause 6.1(g) (Utilisation of Ancillary Facilities), reduce the relevant Available Commitments of the Lenders rateably.
9.2 Notice of Cancellation
Any notice of cancellation given by TCN pursuant to Clause 9.1 (Voluntary Cancellation) shall be irrevocable and shall specify the date upon which such cancellation is to be made and the amount of such cancellation.
9.3 Cancellation of Available Commitments
(a) On each Termination Date any Available Commitments in respect of the Facility to which such Termination Date relates shall automatically be cancelled and the Commitment of each Lender in relation to such Facility shall automatically be reduced to zero.
(b) No Available Commitments which have been cancelled hereunder may thereafter be reinstated.
10. VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT
10.1 Voluntary Prepayment
A Borrower may by giving to the Facility Agent not less than 5 Business Days’ prior written notice to that effect (unless an Instructing Group has given its prior consent to a shorter period), repay any Advance in whole or in part (but if in part, in an amount that reduces the Sterling Amount of the relevant Advance by a minimum amount of £5,000,000 and an integral multiple of £1,000,000) together with accrued interest on the amount repaid without premium or penalty but subject to the payment of any Break Costs.
10.2 Right of Prepayment and Cancellation in relation to a single Lender
If any sum payable to any Lender by an Obligor is required to be increased under Clause 16.1 (Tax Gross-up) or a Lender claims indemnification from any Borrower under the provisions of Clause 16.2 (Tax Indemnity) or Clause 17.1 (Increased Costs) TCN may elect, by providing at least 5 Business Days’ prior notice of its intention to repay or to cause to be repaid such Lender’s share of the Outstandings to the Facility Agent, to repay such Lender’s share of the Outstandings on a non-pro rata basis. In such event, TCN shall procure that on the last day of each of the then current Interest Periods or Terms (as the case may be) such Lender’s portion of each Advance to which each such Interest Period or Term relates is repaid and if the relevant Lender is also an L/C Bank, TCN shall procure that the relevant Outstanding L/C Amount(s) are reduced to zero and if the relevant Lender is also an Ancillary Facility Lender, TCN shall repay the relevant Ancillary Facility Outstandings in full.
10.3 Application of Repayments
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Principal Intercreditor Deed and, upon and following an Integrated Merger Event to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, to the extent applicable, any repayment made pursuant to Clauses 10.1 (Voluntary Prepayment), 11.2 (Repayment from Net Proceeds of Disposals and Insurance Recoveries), 11.4 (Repayment from Excess Cash Flow), 11.5 (Repayment from Debt Proceeds) and 11.6 (Repayment from Equity Proceeds) under the circumstances set out therein, shall be applied firstly, subject to paragraph (d) below, in repayment of the Term Facility Outstandings pro rata to the
66
aggregate amount of A Facility Outstandings, B Facility Outstandings and C Facility Outstandings on the date of such repayment until all A Facility Outstandings, all B Facility Outstandings and all C Facility Outstandings have been repaid in full, secondly, in repayment of Revolving Facility Outstandings on the date of such repayment and thirdly following repayment in full of the Facilities, against outstanding amounts of the Second Lien Facility.
(b) Any repayment of A Facility Outstandings made pursuant to paragraph (a) shall either:
(i) reduce each of the remaining Repayment Instalments for the A Facility on a pro rata basis; or
(ii) at the election of TCN made on or prior to the date upon which such repayment of A Facility Outstandings is made pursuant to paragraph (a) above, repay the two immediately succeeding Repayment Instalments for the A Facility in chronological order of maturity, and thereafter in respect of any excess, reduce each of the remaining Repayment Instalments for the A Facility on a pro rata basis.
(c) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (d) below, any repayment of B Facility Outstandings and/or C Facility Outstandings made pursuant to paragraph (a) shall reduce each of the Repayment Instalments for the B Facility and the C Facility, as applicable, on a pro rata basis.
(d) Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph (a) above, any Lender under the B Facility or the C Facility (a “B Facility Lender” or a “C Facility Lender”, as the case may be), may at its sole discretion, notify the Facility Agent at least 3 Business Days in advance that it does not wish to receive its share of the prepayment of the B Facility Outstandings or C Facility Outstandings to be made pursuant to paragraph (a), at the time such prepayment is to be made. In the event of such notification, the amount which would have been applied in prepaying such B Facility Lender or C Facility Lender shall instead be applied in prepayment to the Lenders of the A Facility (in the case of any repayments foregone by a B Facility Lender) or the B Facility (in the case of any repayments foregone by a C Facility Lender).
(e) Any repayment of any Revolving Facility Outstandings under this Agreement shall be applied first against Revolving Facility Advances and when all Revolving Facility Advances have been repaid in full, to provide cash collateral in respect of any Outstanding L/C Amounts.
10.4 Release from Obligation to make Advances
A Lender for whose account a repayment is to be made under Clause 10.2 (Right of Prepayment and Cancellation in relation to a single Lender) shall not be obliged to participate in the making of Advances (including Revolving Facility Advances) or in the issue or counter-guarantee in respect of Documentary Credits or in the provision of Ancillary Facilities on or after the date upon which the Facility Agent receives the relevant notice of intention to repay such Lender’s share of the Outstandings, on which date all of such Lender’s Available Commitments shall be cancelled and all of its Commitments shall be reduced to zero.
10.5 Notice of Repayment
Any notice of repayment given by either Borrower pursuant to Clauses 10.1 (Voluntary Prepayment) or 10.2 (Right of Prepayment and Cancellation in relation to a single Lender) shall be irrevocable, shall specify the date upon which such repayment is to be made and the amount of such repayment and shall oblige such Borrower to make such repayment on such date.
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10.6 Restrictions on Repayment
No Borrower may repay all or any part of any Advance (including, at any time, a Revolving Facility Advance) except at the times and in the manner expressly provided for in this Agreement.
10.7 Cancellation upon Repayment
No amount repaid under this Agreement may subsequently be reborrowed other than any amount of a Revolving Facility Advance repaid in accordance with Clause 7.1 (Repayment of Revolving Facility Advances) or any Documentary Credit repaid in accordance with this Agreement on or prior to the Final Maturity Date in respect of the Revolving Facility and upon any repayment (other than in respect of a Revolving Facility Advance, as aforesaid) the availability of the relevant Facility shall be reduced by an amount corresponding to the amount of such repayment and the Available Commitment of each Lender in relation to that Facility shall be cancelled in an amount equal to such Lender’s Proportion of the amount repaid. For the avoidance of doubt, unless expressly agreed to the contrary in the relevant Ancillary Facility Documents, this Clause 10.7 shall not apply to any Ancillary Facility.
11. MANDATORY PREPAYMENT AND CANCELLATION
11.1 Change of Control
If, other than to the extent arising from or in connection with a Merger Event:
(a) there occurs a sale of all or substantially all of the assets and/or business of the TCN Group, (excluding for the purposes of this Clause 11.1(a), any Flextech Disposal), taken as a whole;
(b) Telewest UK ceases to be a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Ultimate Parent;
(c) TCN ceases to be a direct wholly-owned Subsidiary of Telewest UK; or
(d) a Change of Control occurs,
all of the Available Commitments shall immediately be cancelled, the Commitments of each Lender in respect of each Facility shall be reduced to zero and TCN shall procure that the Outstandings are immediately repaid in full together with unpaid interest accrued thereon and all other amounts payable pursuant to Clause 30 (TCN’s Indemnities) and any other provision of this Agreement.
11.2 Repayment from Net Proceeds of Disposals and Insurance Recoveries
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Principal Intercreditor Deed and, upon and following an Integrated Merger Event to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, TCN shall procure that, subject to paragraph (b) below or unless the Facility Agent (acting on the instructions of the Instructing Group) otherwise agrees, an amount equal to the Net Proceeds (other than Net Proceeds of Financial Indebtedness) received:
(i) by any member of the TCN Group in excess of an aggregate of £6,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) in any financial year of TCN; or
(ii) by any member of the TCN Group in respect of any insurance policy in aggregate exceeding £6,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) in any financial year of XXX,
00
is applied in or towards repayment of the Outstandings in accordance with Clause 10.3 (Application of Repayments) at the end of the Interest Period or Term current at the time of receipt of such Net Proceeds.
(b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply to Net Proceeds arising:
(i) from a Disposal where such Net Proceeds are used for the acquisition of or reinvestment in assets used or useful in the business of the TCN Group or in a business directly related to the business of the TCN Group or are applied towards Capital Expenditures of the TCN Group, in each case, within 12 months of the date of receipt of such Net Proceeds and to the extent not otherwise restricted by the provisions of this Agreement;
(ii) from any Disposal referred to in paragraphs (a), (b) (where the Net Proceeds of any individual such Disposal, or series of Disposals forming part of the same transaction, are less than £3,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies)), (c) (other than to the extent such Net Proceeds relate to the Disposal of Cash Equivalent Investments or Marketable Securities acquired in consideration of any disposal which is subject to the proviso to Clause 24.6 (Disposals)), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l) and (p) of Clause 24.6 (Disposals);
(iii) from any insurance recovery, where the Net Proceeds arising out of the same are applied within 12 months of receipt of such Net Proceeds in replacing, reinstating or repairing the relevant damaged or destroyed assets in refinancing any expenditure incurred in the replacement, reinstatement and/or repair of such assets, for the acquisition of or reinvestment in assets acquired for use in the business of the TCN Group or for application towards Capital Expenditures of the TCN Group; or
(iv) out of or in connection with all or any part of a Flextech Disposal.
11.3 Blocked Accounts
(a) In relation to any amount of Net Proceeds or Equity Proceeds in excess of £20,000,000 (i) referred to in paragraphs (b)(i) and (b)(iii) of Clause 11.2 (Repayment from Net Proceeds of Disposals and Insurance Receivables), (ii) contributed to the TCN Group under sub-paragraph (b)(ix) of Clause 11.5 (Repayment from Debt Proceeds) or (iii) contributed to or invested in the TCN Group under sub-paragraph (b)(ii) of Clause 11.6 (Repayment from Equity Proceeds) pending the acquisition, reinvestment, replacement, reinstatement or repair or application towards Capital Expenditures contemplated in Clause 11.2(b), or the application towards any acquisition, investment or Capital Expenditures contemplated in Clause 11.5(b) or Clause 11.6(b), all such amounts shall be deposited in a Blocked Account.
(b) While there are any Outstandings or any of the Commitments are available for drawing, no amount shall be withdrawn from any Blocked Account by any member of the Group or the Facility Agent except for (i) amounts applied in accordance with sub-paragraphs (b)(i) and (b)(iii) of Clause 11.2 (Repayment from Net Proceeds of Disposals and Insurance Recoveries), sub-paragraph (b)(ix) of Clause 11.5 (Repayment from Debt Proceeds) and sub-paragraph (b)(ii) of Clause 11.6 (Repayment from Equity Proceeds), (ii) amounts applied in or towards repayment of Outstandings in accordance with Clause 11.2 (Repayment from Net Proceeds of Disposals and Insurance Recoveries), Clause 11.5 (Repayment from Debt Proceeds) or Clause 11.6 (Repayment from Equity Proceeds), (iii) at the election of TCN, amounts applied in or towards repayment of Revolving Facility Outstandings, or (iv) following the Acceleration Date, applications by the Facility Agent of the whole or any part of the sums standing to the credit of a Blocked Account in or towards payment of any sums due and unpaid at any time from any Obligor under any Finance Document.
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11.4 Repayment from Excess Cash Flow
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Principal Intercreditor Deed and, upon and following an Integrated Merger Event to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, TCN shall ensure that, to the extent Excess Cash Flow exceeds £10,000,000 in any financial year of TCN, subject to paragraph (b) below, an amount equal to:
(i) 50% of Excess Cash Flow in such financial year in the event that the Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) and the annual financial information delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) demonstrate that the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as at the end of such financial year to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the last day of such financial year, is greater than 3.5 to 1.0; or
(ii) 25% of Excess Cash Flow in such financial year in the event that the Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) and the annual financial information delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) demonstrate that the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as at the end of such financial year to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the last day of such financial year, is 3.5 to 1.0 or less but is more than 2.75 to 1.0,
is applied in or towards repayment of Outstandings in accordance with Clause 10.3 (Application of Repayments) within 10 Business Days after the delivery to the Facility Agent of the annual financial information of the TCN Group for such financial year.
(b) No repayments shall be required under paragraph (a) above in respect of (i) the financial year ending 31 December 2004 or (ii) any other financial year in the event that, in the case of this paragraph (b)(ii), the Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) and the annual financial information delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) in respect of such other financial year demonstrate that the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as at the end of such financial year to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the last day of such financial year, is 2.75 to 1.0 or less.
11.5 Repayment from Debt Proceeds
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Principal Intercreditor Deed and, upon and following an Integrated Merger Event to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and unless the Facility Agent (acting on the instructions of the Instructing Group) otherwise agrees, TCN shall, subject to paragraph (b) below, ensure that an amount equal to 50% of the Net Proceeds in excess of £10,000,000 of any Financial Indebtedness raised by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group in connection with any single raising of Financial Indebtedness after the date hereof shall be contributed to a member of the TCN Group, if applicable, in accordance with Clause 23.16 (Contributions to the TCN Group) and applied in or towards repayment of Outstandings in accordance with Clause 10.3 (Application of Repayments) in the incremental amount at the end of Interest Periods next ending on or after the 10th Business Day following the date of receipt of such Net Proceeds by the relevant member of the Group.
(b) Paragraph (a) above shall not apply to:
(i) the Net Proceeds of the Second Lien Facility or any Financial Indebtedness raised in respect of any Second Lien Refinancing provided that any amount received in
70
connection with any Second Lien Refinancing which exceeds the aggregate of (A) the aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Facility being refinanced, (B) any accrued interest thereon, (C) any make-whole and any other contractual premium payable in respect thereof and (D) any fees, costs, expenses, commissions and other similar charges reasonably incurred in connection with such refinancing, shall be required to be repaid in accordance with paragraph (a) above except to the extent such excess would be excluded from the application of paragraph (a) above under the terms of any other provision of this paragraph (b);
(ii) in connection with an Unintegrated Merger Event or at any time prior to an Integrated Merger Event, the Net Proceeds of any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness raised by the Ultimate Parent or Telewest UK;
(iii) in connection with or at any time after an Integrated Merger Event, the Net Proceeds of any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness and any Post Merger Target Group Refinancing raised by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the Group, which is not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement, (provided in each case, that any amount received in connection with any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness or any Post Merger Target Group Refinancing which exceeds the aggregate of (A) the aggregate principal amount of the Target Group Financial Indebtedness and/or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness (as the case may be) which is being refinanced, (B) any accrued interest thereon, (C) make-whole and any other contractual premium payable in respect thereof which is not inconsistent with standard market practice, and (D) any reasonable fees, costs, expenses, commissions and other similar charges reasonably incurred in connection with such refinancing, shall be required to be repaid in accordance with paragraph (a) above, except to the extent such excess would be excluded from the application of paragraph (a) above under the terms of any other provision in this paragraph (b));
(iv) the Net Proceeds of any Financial Indebtedness in respect of any Hedging Agreement entered into by any member of the Group;
(v) the Net Proceeds of any Financial Indebtedness raised by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group from any other member of the Group to the extent not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement;
(vi) the Net Proceeds of any Financial Indebtedness raised by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or a member of the TCN Group to the extent such Financial Indebtedness is permitted by Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness) or paragraph (b) of Clause 24.15 (Telewest UK Covenants);
(vii) the Net Proceeds of any Telewest Global Debt raised by the Ultimate Parent or Telewest UK which Net Proceeds are, within 90 Business Days of receipt thereof, contributed to the TCN Group in accordance with Clause 23.16 (Contributions to the TCN Group) and deposited into a Blocked Account to the extent contemplated by Clause 11.3 (Blocked Accounts) and applied within 90 days after such deposit towards the purchase price of any acquisition or investment permitted by Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments) or within 12 months thereafter towards Capital Expenditure in compliance with the provisions of Clause 22.2 (Permitted Capital Expenditure) or towards amounts relating to video on demand as set out in paragraph (a)(iv) of the definition of Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow;
(viii) the Net Proceeds of any Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt raised by the Ultimate Parent or Telewest UK which Net Proceeds are contributed to the TCN Group in accordance with Clause 23.16 (Contributions to the TCN Group), provided that if
71
such Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt had been incurred by a member of the TCN Group, it would have been permitted pursuant to paragraph (g) or (m) of Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness); or
(ix) the Net Proceeds of any Telewest Global Debt raised by the Ultimate Parent or Telewest UK which constitutes Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness or Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness (provided that any amount received in connection with any Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness which exceeds the aggregate of (A) the aggregate principal amount of the Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness being refinanced, (B) any accrued interest thereon, (C) make-whole and any other contractual premium payable in respect thereof which is not inconsistent with standard market practice, and (D) any fees, costs, expenses, commissions and other similar charges reasonably incurred in connection with such refinancing, shall be required to be repaid in accordance with paragraph (a) above, except to the extent such excess would be excluded from the application of paragraph (a) above under the terms of any other provision in this paragraph (b)).
11.6 Repayment from Equity Proceeds
(a) Subject to the provisions of the Principal Intercreditor Deed and, upon and following an Integrated Merger Event to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and unless the Facility Agent (acting on the instructions of the Instructing Group) otherwise agrees, TCN shall (subject to paragraph (b) below) ensure, to the extent Equity Proceeds exceed £10,000,000 in any financial year of TCN, that an amount equal to:
(i) 50% of Equity Proceeds in respect of any single raising of equity, in the event that the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered pursuant to Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) and the quarterly financial information delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) for each Financial Quarter in the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date to which such Compliance Certificate relates demonstrate that the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as at such Quarter Date to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on such Quarter Date is more than 3.5 to 1.0; or
(ii) 25% of Equity Proceeds in respect of any single raising of equity, in the event that the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered pursuant to Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) and the quarterly financial information delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) for each Financial Quarter in the Semi-Annual Period ending on the Quarter Date to which such Compliance Certificate relates demonstrate that the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as at such Quarter Date to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on such Quarter Date is 3.5 to 1.0 or less but is more than 3.0 to 1.0,
shall be contributed to a member of the TCN Group in accordance with Clause 23.16 (Contributions to the TCN Group) and applied in or towards repayment of Outstandings in accordance with Clause 10.3 (Application of Repayments) in each case at the end of Interest Periods next ending on or after the 10th Business Day following the date of receipt of such Net Proceeds by the relevant issuer.
(b) Paragraph (a) shall not apply to any Equity Proceeds:
(i) to the extent that any Borrower has made a voluntary prepayment of the Outstandings in accordance with Clause 10.1 (Voluntary Prepayment) using the proceeds of any Telewest Global Debt (the “Voluntary Prepayment Amount”) and, in the case of the Revolving Facility Outstandings, the aggregate Revolving Facility Commitments
72
have been permanently cancelled by an amount equal to the amount of Revolving Facility Outstandings so prepaid and such Equity Proceeds are applied in prepayment of the Telewest Global Debt so used;
(ii) to the extent such Equity Proceeds are contributed to or invested in the TCN Group in accordance with Clause 23.16 (Contributions to the TCN Group) and, immediately upon such contribution, are deposited into a Blocked Account to the extent contemplated by Clause 11.3 (Blocked Accounts) and applied within 180 days thereafter towards the purchase price of any acquisition or investment permitted by Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments) or within 12 months thereafter towards any Capital Expenditures not prohibited by the provisions of Clause 22.2 (Permitted Capital Expenditure) or towards amounts relating to video on demand as set out in paragraph (a)(iv) of the definition of Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow;
(iii) to the extent such Equity Proceeds are applied towards consideration payable in connection with, and any reasonable fees, commissions, expenses or other similar charges incurred by the Group in relation to, a Merger Event;
(iv) arising from the exercise of stock options or any other issuance of similar securities to directors, officers, employees or consultants of any member of the Group;
(v) to the extent such Equity Proceeds are applied towards any refinancing of Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness, Target Group Acquisition Refinancing Indebtedness, Target Group Financial Indebtedness, Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness or Post Merger Target Group Refinancing; and
(vi) to the extent raised by any member of the Group which is a Joint Venture but which is not a member of the TCN Group and applied for its own purposes.
(c) TCN’s obligations under Clause 11.6(a) above shall not apply in respect of Equity Proceeds if, on the last day of the Financial Quarter ended most recently prior to the receipt of such Equity Proceeds in respect of which a Compliance Certificate has been delivered pursuant to Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) and quarterly financial information has been delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements), the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as at the last day of such Financial Quarter to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on such day is 3.0 to 1.0 or less.
12. INTEREST ON REVOLVING FACILITY ADVANCES
12.1 Interest Payment Date for Revolving Facility Advances
On (a) each Repayment Date (and, if the Term of any Revolving Facility Advance exceeds 6 months, on the expiry of each period of 6 months during such Term) or (b) if Clause 16.1(k) applies, the relevant Confirmation Date, TCN shall pay accrued interest on each Revolving Facility Advance made to it.
12.2 Interest Rate for Revolving Facility Advances
The rate of interest applicable to each Revolving Facility Advance during its Term shall be the rate per annum which is the sum of the Applicable Margin for the Revolving Facility, the Associated Costs Rate for such Advance at such time (if applicable) and, in relation to any Revolving Facility Advance denominated in Euro, EURIBOR, or in relation to any Revolving Facility Advance denominated in any other currency, LIBOR, for the relevant Term.
73
12.3 Margin Ratchet for Revolving Facility Advances
(a) Subject to paragraph (c) of this Clause 12.3, if in respect of any Quarter Date falling not less than 6 months after the date of the first Utilisation of the Revolving Facility, the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow computed on the same basis as the ratio set out in paragraph (a) of Clause 22.1 (Ratios) is within the range of ratios set out in column 1 of the table set out below, then the Revolving Facility Margin shall be reduced or increased to the percentage rate per annum set out opposite the relevant range in column 2.
Margin Ratchet Table
|
Column 1 |
|
Column 2 |
|
|
Greater than or equal to 3.75:1 |
|
2.25 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 3.75:1 but greater than or equal to 3.5:1 |
|
2.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 3.5:1 but greater than or equal to 3.25:1 |
|
1.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 3.25:1 but greater than or equal to 3:1 |
|
1.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 3:1 |
|
1.50 |
% |
(b) Any reduction or increase to the Revolving Facility Margin in accordance with paragraph (a) above shall take effect in relation to Revolving Facility Advances with effect from the date of receipt by the Facility Agent in respect of the relevant Quarter Date of:
(i) the quarterly financial information required to be delivered in accordance with Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements); and
(ii) a Compliance Certificate required to be delivered in accordance with paragraph (a) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) setting out the relevant ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow,
and shall apply until the date of receipt by the Facility Agent of the quarterly financial information and Compliance Certificate in respect of the next succeeding Quarter Date (or if such financial information and Compliance Certificate are not so delivered, the last day upon which such financial information and Compliance Certificate should have been so delivered in accordance with Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) and paragraph (a) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates)) whereupon the Revolving Facility Margin shall be recalculated on the basis of such financial information and Compliance Certificate.
(c) Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Revolving Facility Margin shall revert to 2.25% and shall remain at such rate for so long as such Event of Default is continuing and when such Event of Default ceases to be continuing it shall revert:
(i) in the case of an Event of Default set out in paragraph (d) of Clause 26.3 (Covenants), upon the date on which the Facility Agent has received a Compliance Certificate confirming compliance with the financial covenants set out in Clause 22 (Financial Condition); or
(ii) in the case of any Event of Default not referred to in sub-paragraph (i) above either (A) upon the date on which the Facility Agent has received a certificate of a duly authorised officer of TCN certifying that such Event of Default has been remedied, in which case, immediately upon receipt of such certificate or (B) where the Lenders have waived such Event of Default in accordance with the terms of this Agreement,
74
in which case, immediately upon the Facility Agent having confirmed to TCN that such Event of Default has been waived,
in each case, to the applicable rate provided in paragraph (a) above by reference to:
(x) in the case of an Event of Default of the type referred to in paragraph (c)(i) above, the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow set out in the Compliance Certificate referred to therein; or
(y) in the case of any other Event of Default, by reference to the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow set out in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered to the Facility Agent prior to the remedy or waiver of such Event of Default.
13. INTEREST ON TERM FACILITY ADVANCES
13.1 Interest Periods for Term Facility Advances
The period for which a Term Facility Advance is outstanding shall be divided into successive periods (each an “Interest Period”) each of which (other than the first) shall start on the last day of the preceding such period.
13.2 Duration
The duration of each Interest Period shall, save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, be 1, 2, 3 or 6 months or such other period of up to 12 months as all the Lenders holding Commitments (in the case of first Interest Period for an Advance and thereafter, Outstandings), under the relevant Facility may agree, in each case, as the relevant Borrower may select by no later than 2:00 p.m. on the date falling 3 Business Days before the first day of the relevant Interest Period, provided that:
(a) if the relevant Borrower fails to give such notice of selection in relation to an Interest Period, the duration of that Interest Period shall, subject to the other provisions of this Clause 13, be 3 months;
(b) prior to the Syndication Date, unless the Facility Agent otherwise agrees, the duration of each Interest Period shall be 1 month (or, if less, such duration as may be necessary to ensure that such Interest Period ends on the Syndication Date); and
(c) any Interest Period that would otherwise end during the month preceding or extend beyond a Repayment Date relating to the relevant Term Facility Outstandings shall be of such duration that it shall end on that Repayment Date if necessary to ensure that there are Advances under the relevant Term Facility with Interest Periods ending on the relevant Repayment Date in a sufficient aggregate amount to make the repayment due on that Repayment Date.
13.3 Consolidation of Term Facility Advances
If 2 or more Interest Periods in respect of Term Facility Advances denominated in the same currency under the same Term Facility end at the same time, then on the last day of those Interest Periods, the Term Facility Advances to which those Interest Periods relate shall be consolidated into and treated as a single Term Facility Advance.
13.4 Division of Term Facility Advances
Subject to the requirements of Clause 13.2 (Duration) either Borrower may, by no later than 2:00 p.m. on the date falling 3 Business Days before the first day of the relevant Interest Period, direct that any
75
Term Facility Advance borrowed by it shall, at the beginning of the next Interest Period relating to it, be divided into (and thereafter, save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, be treated in all respects as) 2 or more Advances in such amounts (equal in aggregate to the Sterling Amount (or the equivalent in Sterling) of the Term Facility Advance being so divided) as shall be specified by the relevant Borrower in such notice provided that such Borrower shall not be entitled to make such a direction if:
(a) as a result of so doing, there would be outstanding more than 10 Advances outstanding under the relevant Term Facility; or
(b) any Term Facility Advance thereby coming into existence would have a Sterling Amount of less than £25,000,000.
13.5 Payment of Interest for Term Facility Advances
On (a) the last day of each Interest Period (or if such day is not a Business Day, on the immediately succeeding Business Day in the then current month (if there is one) or the preceding Business Day (if there is not)), and if the relevant Interest Period exceeds 6 months, on the expiry of each 6 month period during that Interest Period, or (b) if Clause 16.1(k) applies, the relevant Confirmation Date, the Borrower to whom the relevant Advance was made shall pay accrued interest on the Term Facility Advance to which such Interest Period relates.
13.6 Interest Rate for Term Facility Advances
The rate of interest applicable to a Term Facility Advance at any time during an Interest Period relating to it shall be the rate per annum which is the sum of the Applicable Margin, the Associated Costs Rate for such Advance at such time (if applicable) and, in relation to any Term Facility Advance denominated in Euro, EURIBOR, or in relation to any Term Facility Advance denominated in any other currency, LIBOR, for such Interest Period.
13.7 Margin Ratchet for A Facility Advances and B Facility Advances
(a) Subject to paragraph (d) of this Clause 13.7, if in respect of any Quarter Date falling not less than 6 months after the date of the first Utilisation of the A Facility the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow computed on the same basis as the ratio set out in paragraph (a) of Clause 22.1 (Ratios) is within the range of ratios set out in column 1 of the table set out below, then the A Facility Margin shall be reduced or increased to the percentage rate per annum set out opposite the relevant range in column 2.
Margin Ratchet Table
|
Column 1 |
|
Column 2 |
|
|
Greater than or equal to 3.75:1 |
|
2.25 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 3.75:1 but greater than or equal to 3.5:1 |
|
2.00 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 3.5:1 but greater than or equal to 3.25:1 |
|
1.85 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 3.25:1 but greater than or equal to 3:1 |
|
1.65 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 3:1 |
|
1.50 |
% |
(b) Any reduction or increase to the A Facility Margin in accordance with paragraph (a) above shall take effect in relation to A Facility Advances with effect from the date of receipt by the Facility Agent in respect of the relevant Quarter Date of:
76
(i) the quarterly financial information required to be delivered in accordance with Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements); and
(ii) a Compliance Certificate required to be delivered in accordance with paragraph (a) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) setting out the relevant ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow,
and shall apply until the date of receipt by the Facility Agent of the quarterly financial information and Compliance Certificate in respect of the next succeeding Quarter Date (or if such financial information and Compliance Certificate are not so delivered, the last day upon which such financial information and Compliance Certificate should have been so delivered in accordance with Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) and paragraph (a) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates)) whereupon the A Facility Margin shall be recalculated on the basis of such financial information and Compliance Certificate;.
(c) Subject to paragraph (d) of this Clause 13.7, if in respect of any Quarter Date falling not less than 6 months after the date of the first Utilisation of the B Facility the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow computed on the same basis as the ratio set out in paragraph (a) of Clause 22.1 (Ratios) is less than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0, then the B Facility Margin shall be reduced by 0.25%.
(d) Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the A Facility Margin shall revert to 2.25% and the B Facility Margin shall revert to 2.50% and shall remain at such rates for so long as the Event of Default is continuing and when such Event of Default ceases to be continuing it shall revert:
(i) in the case of an Event of Default set out in paragraph (d) of Clause 26.3 (Covenants), upon the date on which the Facility Agent has received a Compliance Certificate confirming compliance with the financial covenants set out in Clause 22 (Financial Condition); or
(ii) in the case of any Event of Default not referred to in sub-paragraph (i) above either (A) upon the date on which the Facility Agent has received a certificate of a duly authorised officer of TCN certifying that such Event of Default has been remedied, immediately upon receipt of such certificate or (B) where the Lenders have waived such Event of Default in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, immediately upon the Facility Agent having confirmed to TCN that such Event of Default has been waived,
in each case, to the applicable rate provided in paragraph (a) or (c) above (as applicable) by reference to:
(x) in the case of an Event of Default of the type referred to in paragraph (d)(i) above, the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow set out in the Compliance Certificate referred to therein; or
(y) in the case of any other Event of Default, by reference to the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow set out in the Compliance Certificate most recently delivered to the Facility Agent prior to the remedy or waiver of such Event of Default.
13.8 Notification
The Facility Agent shall promptly notify the relevant Borrower and the Lenders of each determination of LIBOR, EURIBOR, the Associated Costs Rate, and any change to the proposed length of a Term
77
or Interest Period or any interest rate occasioned by the operation of Clause 14 (Market Disruptions and Alternative Interest Rates).
14. MARKET DISRUPTION AND ALTERNATIVE INTEREST RATES
14.1 Market Disruption
If, in relation to any Interest Period or Term:
(a) EURIBOR or LIBOR, as the case may be, is to be determined by reference to the Reference Banks and, at or about 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time in the case of EURIBOR or London time in the case of LIBOR) on the Quotation Date for such Interest Period or Term, none or only one of the Reference Banks supplies a rate for the purpose of determining EURIBOR or LIBOR, as the case may be, for the relevant period; or
(b) before the close of business in London on the Quotation Date for such Interest Period or Term, the Facility Agent has been notified by a Lender or each of a group of Lenders to whom in aggregate 40% or more of the relevant Advance is owed (or, in the case of an undrawn Advance, if made, would be owed) that the cost to it of obtaining matching deposits for the relevant Advance in the Relevant Interbank Market would be in excess of EURIBOR or LIBOR, as the case may be,
then the Facility Agent shall notify the relevant Borrowers and the Lenders of such event and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Clause 14.2 (Substitute Interest Period or Term and Interest Rate) shall apply (if the relevant Advance is a Term Facility Advance which is already outstanding or a Rollover Advance). If either paragraph (a) or (b) applies to a proposed Advance other than a Rollover Advance, such Advance shall not be made.
14.2 Substitute Interest Period or Term and Interest Rate
(a) If paragraph (a) of Clause 14.1 (Market Disruption) applies, the duration of the relevant Interest Period or Term shall be 1 month or, if less, such that it shall end on the Termination Date in respect of the Revolving Facility (in the case of a Rollover Advance) or the next succeeding Repayment Date (in the case of a Term Facility Advance).
(b) If either paragraph of Clause 14.1 (Market Disruption) applies to an Advance, the rate of interest applicable to each Lender’s portion of such Advance during the relevant Interest Period or Term shall (subject to any agreement reached pursuant to Clause 14.3 (Alternative Rate)) be the rate per annum which is the sum of:
(i) the Applicable Margin;
(ii) the rate per annum notified to the Facility Agent by such Lender before the last day of such Interest Period or Term to be that which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to such Lender of funding from whatever sources it may reasonably select its portion of such Advance during such Interest Period or Term; and
(iii) the Associated Costs Rate, if any, applicable to such Lender’s participation in the relevant Advance.
14.3 Alternative Rate
If Clause 14.1 (Market Disruption) applies and the Facility Agent or any Borrower so requires, the Facility Agent and TCN shall enter into negotiations with a view to agreeing an alternative basis:
78
(a) for determining the rate of interest from time to time applicable to such Advances; and/or
(b) upon which such Advances may be maintained (whether in Sterling or some other currency) thereafter,
and any such alternative basis that is agreed shall take effect in accordance with its terms and be binding on each party to this Agreement, provided that the Facility Agent may not agree any such alternative basis without the prior consent of each Lender holding Outstandings under each applicable Facility, acting reasonably.
15. COMMISSIONS AND FEES
15.1 Commitment Fees
TCN shall pay to the Facility Agent for the account of each relevant Lender (other than an Ancillary Facility Lender) a commitment commission on the aggregate amount of such Lender’s Available Revolving Facility Commitment (other than any Ancillary Facility) from day to day during the period beginning on the date of this Agreement and ending on the Termination Date in respect of the Revolving Facility, such commitment commission to be calculated at the rate of 0.75% per annum payable in arrears on the last day of each successive period of 3 months which ends during such period and on the Termination Date for the Revolving Facility.
15.2 Arrangement and Underwriting Fee
TCN shall pay to the Mandated Lead Arrangers the arrangement fee specified in the letter dated 2 November 2004 from the Mandated Lead Arrangers to TCN at the time and in the amount specified in such letter.
15.3 Agency Fee
TCN shall pay to the Facility Agent for its own account the fees specified in the letter dated on or around the date hereof from the Facility Agent to TCN at the times and in the amounts specified in such letter.
15.4 Documentary Credit Fee
TCN shall, in respect of each Documentary Credit, pay to the Facility Agent for the account of each Indemnifying Lender (for distribution in proportion to each Indemnifying Lender’s L/C Proportion of such Documentary Credit) a documentary credit fee in the currency in which the relevant Documentary Credit is denominated at a rate equal to the applicable Revolving Facility Margin applied on the Outstanding L/C Amount in relation to such Documentary Credit. Such documentary credit fee shall be paid in arrears on the last day of each successive period of 3 months which begins during the Term of the relevant Documentary Credit and on the relevant Expiry Date. Accrued Documentary Credit fees shall also be payable on the cancelled amount of any Revolving Facility Commitment attributable to a Documentary Credit which is repaid in full at the time such cancellation is effective, if the Revolving Facility Commitment is cancelled in full and a Documentary Credit is repaid in full.
15.5 L/C Bank Fee
TCN shall pay to the L/C Bank a fronting fee in respect of each Documentary Credit requested by it in the amount and at the times agreed in the letter dated on or about the date of this Agreement between the L/C Bank and TCN.
79
16. TAXES
16.1 Tax Gross-up
(a) Each payment made by an Obligor under a Finance Document shall be made by it without any Tax Deduction, unless a Tax Deduction is required by Law.
(b) As soon as it becomes aware that an Obligor is or will be required by Law to make a Tax Deduction (or that there is any change in the rate at which or the basis on which such Tax Deduction is to be made) the relevant Obligor shall notify the Facility Agent accordingly. Similarly, a Lender shall notify the Facility Agent upon becoming so aware in respect of a payment payable to that Lender.
(c) If a Tax Deduction is required by Law to be made by an Obligor, the amount of the payment due shall, unless paragraph (f) below applies, be increased to an amount so that, after the required Tax Deduction is made, the payee receives an amount equal to the amount it would have received had no Tax Deduction been required.
(d) If a Tax Deduction is required by Law to be made by the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent or the Security Trustee (other than by reason of the Facility Agent or the Security Trustee performing its obligations as such under this Agreement through an office located outside the United Kingdom or the US Paying Agent performing its obligations as such through an office located outside the United States) from any payment to any Finance Party which represents an amount or amounts received from an Obligor, that Obligor shall, unless paragraph (f) below applies, pay directly to that Finance Party an amount which, after making the required Tax Deduction enables the payee of that amount to receive an amount equal to the payment which it would have received if no Tax Deduction had been required.
(e) If a Tax Deduction is required by Law to be made by the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent or the Security Trustee from any payment to any Finance Party, the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent or the Security Trustee as appropriate shall make that Tax Deduction and any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction to the relevant taxing authority within the time allowed and in the minimum amount required by Law and within 30 days of making either a Tax Deduction or any payment in connection with that Tax Deduction, the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent or the Security Trustee as appropriate making that Tax Deduction or other payment shall deliver to TCN or the US Borrower, as appropriate, evidence that the Tax Deduction or other payment has been made or accounted for to the relevant tax authority.
(f) No Obligor is required to make a Tax Payment to a Lender under paragraphs (c) or (d) above for a Tax Deduction in respect of tax imposed by the United Kingdom on a payment of interest in respect of a participation in an Advance by that Lender to TCN where that Lender is not a Qualifying Lender on the date on which the relevant payment of interest is due (otherwise than as a consequence of a Change in Tax Law) to the extent that payment could have been made without a Tax Deduction if that Lender had been a Qualifying Lender on that date.
(g) The relevant Obligor which is required to make a Tax Deduction shall make that Tax Deduction and any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction to the relevant taxing authority within the time allowed and in the minimum amount required by Law.
(h) Within 30 days of making either a Tax Deduction or any payment required in connection with that Tax Deduction, the relevant Obligor making that Tax Deduction or other payment shall deliver to the Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent, as appropriate, for the Finance Party
80
entitled to the interest to which such Tax Deduction or payment relates evidence that the Tax Deduction or other payment has been made or accounted for to the relevant tax authority.
(i) Each Lender expressed to be a “UK Non-Bank Lender” in Part 2 of Schedule 1 (UK Non-Bank Lenders) or in the Transfer Deed pursuant to which it becomes a Lender represents and warrants to:
(i) the Facility Agent and TCN, on the date of this Agreement, or on the relevant Transfer Date (as the case may be) that it is within paragraph (a) of the definition of UK Non-Bank Lender on that date (unless, if it is not within paragraph (a), it is within paragraph (b) of the definition of UK Non-Bank Lender on that date, and has notified the Facility Agent of the circumstances by virtue of which it falls within such paragraph (b) and has provided evidence of the same to TCN if and to the extent requested to do so, and the Facility Agent); and
(ii) the Facility Agent and TCN that, unless it notifies the Facility Agent and TCN to the contrary in writing prior to any such date, its representation and warranty in paragraph (i) of this Clause 16.1(i) is true in relation to that Lender’s participation in each Advance made to TCN, on each date that TCN makes a payment of interest in relation to such Advance.
(j) A Lender that intends to qualify as a UK Treaty Lender and the relevant Obligor that makes a payment to which that Lender is entitled shall co-operate in completing any procedural formalities necessary for the relevant Obligor to obtain authorisation to make that payment without a Tax Deduction.
(k) (i) If, in relation to any interest payment to a Lender on an Advance:
(A) that Lender has confirmed to TCN and the Facility Agent before that interest payment would otherwise fall due that:
(1) it has completed the necessary procedural formalities referred to in paragraph (j) of this Clause 16.1; and
(2) the Inland Revenue has not declined to issue the authorisation referred to in the definition of “UK Treaty Lender” (the “Authorisation”) to that Lender in relation to that Advance, or if the Inland Revenue has declined, the Lender is disputing that decision in good faith; and
(B) the relevant Obligor has not received the Authorisation,
then, that interest payment (the “relevant Interest Payment”) shall not be due and payable under Clause 12.1 (Interest Payment Date for Revolving Facility Advances) or Clause 13.5 (Payment of Interest for Term Facility Advances) (as applicable) until the date (the “Confirmation Date”) which is 2 Business Days after the earlier of:
(x) the date on which the Authorisation is received by the relevant Obligor;
(y) the date that Lender confirms to TCN and the Facility Agent that it is not entitled to claim full relief from liability to taxation otherwise imposed by the United Kingdom (in relation to that Lender’s participation in Advances made to TCN) on interest under a Double Taxation Treaty in relation to the relevant Interest Payment; and
81
(z) the date which is 6 months after the date on which the relevant Interest Payment had otherwise been due and payable.
(ii) For the avoidance of doubt, in the event that sub-paragraph (i) of this pargraph (k) applies the Interest Period or Term to which the relevant Interest Payment relates shall not be extended and the start of the immediately succeeding Interest Period or Term shall not be delayed.
16.2 Tax Indemnity
(a) Subject to paragraph (b) of this Clause, TCN shall (within 5 Business Days of demand by the Facility Agent) pay (or procure that the relevant Obligor pays) for the account of a Protected Party an amount equal to any Tax Liability which that Protected Party reasonably determines has been or will be suffered by that Protected Party (directly or indirectly) in connection with any Finance Document.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this Clause shall not apply:
(i) with respect to any Tax Liability of a Protected Party in respect of Tax on Overall Net Income of that Protected Party;
(ii) to the extent that any Tax Liability has been compensated for by an increased payment or other payment under paragraphs (c) or (d) of Clause 16.1 (Tax Gross-up) or would have been compensated for by such an increased payment or other payment, but for the application of paragraph (f) of Clause 16.1 (Tax Gross-up); or
(iii) until the Closing Date has occurred.
(c) A Protected Party making, or intending to make, a claim pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Clause 16.2 shall promptly notify the Facility Agent of the event which will give, or has given, rise to the claim together with supporting evidence, following which the Facility Agent shall notify TCN and provide such evidence to it.
(d) A Protected Party shall, on receiving a payment from an Obligor under this Clause 16.2, notify the Facility Agent.
(e) In this Clause 16.2:
“Tax Liability” means, in respect of any Protected Party:
(i) any liability or any increase in the liability of that person to make any payment of or in respect of tax;
(ii) any loss of any relief, allowance, deduction or credit in respect of tax which would otherwise have been available to that person;
(iii) any setting off against income, profits or gains or against any tax liability of any relief, allowance, deduction or credit in respect of tax which would otherwise have been available to that person; and
(iv) any loss or setting off against any tax liability of a right to repayment of tax which would otherwise have been available to that person.
For this purpose, any question of whether or not any relief, allowance, deduction, credit or right to repayment of tax has been lost or set off in relation to any person, and if so, the date
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on which that loss or set-off took place, shall be conclusively determined by that person, acting reasonably and in good faith, and such determination shall be binding on the relevant parties to this Agreement.
“Tax on Overall Net Income” means, in relation to a Protected Party, tax (other than tax deducted or withheld from any payment) imposed on the net income received or receivable (but not any sum deemed to be received or receivable) by that Protected Party by the jurisdiction in which the relevant Finance Party is incorporated or, if different, the jurisdiction (or jurisdictions) in which the Finance Party is treated as residing for tax purposes or in which the relevant Finance Party’s Facility Office or head office is situated.
(f) A Protected Party making or intending to make a claim under paragraph (a) above shall promptly notify the Facility Agent of the event which will give, or has given, rise to the claim together with supporting evidence, following which the Facility Agent shall notify TCN and provide such evidence to it.
(g) A Protected Party shall, on receiving a payment from an Obligor under this Clause 16.2, notify the Facility Agent.
16.3 Tax Credit
(a) If an Obligor makes a Tax Payment and the relevant Finance Party determines (acting in good faith and reasonably) that:
(i) a Tax Credit is attributable to that Tax Payment; and
(ii) that Finance Party has obtained, utilised and retained that Tax Credit,
the Finance Party shall (subject to paragraph (b) below and to the extent that such Finance Party can do so without prejudicing the availability and/or the amount of the Tax Credit and the right of that Finance Party to obtain any other benefit, relief or allowance which may be available to it) pay to the relevant Obligor such amount which that Finance Party determines, acting reasonably and in good faith, will leave it (after that payment) in the same after-tax position as it would have been in had the Tax Payment not been made by the relevant Obligor.
(b) (i) Each Finance Party shall have an absolute discretion as to the time at which and the order and manner in which it realises or utilises any Tax Credits and shall not be obliged to arrange its business or its tax affairs in any particular way in order to be eligible for any credit or refund or similar benefit.
(ii) No Finance Party shall be obliged to disclose to any other person any information regarding its business, tax affairs or tax computations.
(iii) If a Finance Party has made a payment to an Obligor pursuant to this Clause 16.3 on account of a Tax Credit and it subsequently transpires that that Finance Party did not receive that Tax Credit or received a reduced Tax Credit, such Obligor shall, on demand, pay to that Finance Party the amount which that Finance Party determines, acting reasonably and in good faith, will put it (after that payment is received) in the same after tax position as it would have been in had no such payment or a reduced payment been made to such Obligor.
(c) No Finance Party shall be obliged to make any payment under this Clause 16.3 if, by doing so, it would contravene the terms of any applicable Law or any notice, direction or requirement of any governmental or regulatory authority (whether or not having the force of law).
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17. INCREASED COSTS
17.1 Increased Costs
Subject to Clause 17.3 (Exceptions) TCN shall, within 3 Business Days of a demand by the Facility Agent, pay for the account of a Finance Party the amount of any Increased Cost incurred by that Finance Party or any of its Affiliates as a result (direct or indirect) of:
(a) the introduction or implementation of or any change in (or any change in the interpretation, administration or application of) any Law, regulation, practice or concession or any directive, requirement, request or guideline (whether or not having the force of law but where such law, regulation, practice, concession, directive, requirement, request or guideline does not have the force of law, it is one with which banks or financial institutions subject to the same are generally accustomed to comply) of any central bank, including the European Central Bank, the Financial Services Authority or any other fiscal, monetary, regulatory or other authority after the date of this Agreement;
(b) compliance with any Law, regulation, practice, concession or any such directive, requirement, request or guideline made after the date of this Agreement; or
(c) the implementation of economic or monetary union by any Member State which is not already a Participating Member State.
17.2 Increased Costs Claims
(a) A Finance Party intending to make a claim pursuant to Clause 17.1 (Increased Costs) shall notify the Facility Agent of the event giving rise to the claim following which the Facility Agent shall promptly notify TCN.
(b) Each Finance Party shall, as soon as practicable after a demand by the Facility Agent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its or if applicable, its Affiliate’s Increased Costs setting out in reasonable detail its calculations in relation to such Increased Costs.
17.3 Exceptions
Clause 17.1 (Increased Costs) does not apply to the extent any Increased Cost is:
(a) attributable to a Tax Deduction required by Law to be made by an Obligor, as the case may be;
(b) compensated for by Clause 16.2 (Tax Indemnity) (or would have been compensated for by Clause 16.2 but was not so compensated solely because paragraph (b) of Clause 16.2 applied);
(c) compensated for by the payment of the Associated Costs Rate;
(d) attributable to the gross negligence of, or wilful breach by, the relevant Finance Party or if applicable, any of its Affiliates of any law, regulation, practice, concession, directive, requirement, request or guideline, to which the imposition of such Increased Cost relates; or
(e) attributable to a delay of more than 30 days in the relevant Finance Party notifying the Facility Agent of any claim pursuant to paragraph (a) of Clause 17.2 (Increased Costs Claims) after such Finance Party has become aware that it had suffered the relevant Increased Cost.
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18. ILLEGALITY
If it becomes unlawful in any relevant jurisdiction for a Lender to perform any of its obligations as contemplated by this Agreement or to fund or maintain its participation in any Advance or to issue a Documentary Credit or provide a guarantee in relation to it as envisaged hereby/or in any Ancillary Facility:
(a) that Lender shall promptly notify the Facility Agent upon becoming aware of that event;
(b) upon the Facility Agent notifying TCN, the Available Commitments of that Lender will immediately be cancelled and its Commitments reduced to zero and such Lender shall not thereafter be obliged to participate in any Advance or issue or guarantee any Documentary Credit/or make available any Ancillary Facility; and
(c) if so required by the Facility Agent on behalf of the relevant Lender, TCN shall repay or procure that there is repaid that Lender’s participation in the Advances made to it on the last day of the current Interest Period or Term for each Advance occurring after the Facility Agent has notified TCN or, if earlier, the date specified by the Lender in the notice delivered to the Facility Agent (being no earlier than the last day of any applicable grace period permitted by Law) and, if applicable, shall promptly reduce that Lender’s L/C Proportion of the Outstanding L/C Amount in respect of any outstanding Documentary Credit issued by it to zero and, if applicable, shall promptly reduce the Ancillary Facility Outstandings in respect of that Lender to zero, together with accrued interest and all other amounts owing to that Lender under the Finance Documents.
19. MITIGATION
19.1 Mitigation
(a) Each Finance Party shall in consultation with TCN, take all reasonable steps to mitigate any circumstances which arise and which would result in any amount becoming payable under, or pursuant to, or cancelled pursuant to, any of Clause 16 (Taxes), Clause 17 (Increased Costs) or Clause 18 (Illegality) including (but not limited to) transferring its rights and obligations under the Finance Documents to another Affiliate or Facility Office or financial institution acceptable to TCN which is willing to participate in any Facility in which such Lender has participated.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this Clause does not in any way limit the obligations of any Obligor under the Finance Documents.
19.2 Limitation of Liability
(a) With effect from the Closing Date, TCN agrees to indemnify each Finance Party for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by that Finance Party as a result of steps taken by it under Clause 19.1 (Mitigation).
(b) A Finance Party is not obliged to take any steps under Clause 19.1 (Mitigation) if, in the opinion of that Finance Party (acting reasonably), to do so might in any way be prejudicial to it.
20. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
(a) Telewest UK makes each of the representations and warranties set out in this Clause 20, other than Clauses 20.9 (No Winding-up), 20.10 (No Event of Default), 20.12 (Original Financial Statements), 20.13 (No Material Adverse Change), 20.14 (No Undisclosed Liabilities), 20.15
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(Accuracy of Information), paragraphs (a) and (b) of Clause 20.16 (Indebtedness and Encumbrances), 20.18 (Structure), 20.26 (Investment Company Act), 20.27 (Public Utility Holding Company Act), or 20.35 (Liabilities of US Borrower) to each Finance Party on the date of this Agreement and (if different) on the Closing Date (except where the Closing Date falls on the date immediately after the date of this Agreement) with respect to itself.
(b) TCN makes each of the representations and warranties set out in this Clause 20, other than Clause 20.32 (Liabilities of Telewest UK) and 20.35 (Liabilities of US Borrower) with respect to itself and, save to the extent such representation provides otherwise, Telewest UK and each TCN Group Obligor, to each Finance Party on the date of this Agreement and (if different) on the Closing Date (except where the Closing Date falls on the date immediately after the date of this Agreement).
(c) The US Borrower makes each of the representations and warranties set out in this Clause 20, other than those expressed to be made by TCN or Telewest UK only, to each Finance Party on the date of its accession to this Agreement and (if different) on the Closing Date (except where the Closing Date falls on the date immediately after the date of this Agreement) with respect to itself.
(d) Each Obligor (other than Telewest UK, TCN and the US Borrower) makes each of the representations and warranties set out in this Clause 20, other than those expressed to be made by TCN, Telewest UK or the US Borrower only, to each Finance Party on the date of this Agreement or, in the case of an Acceding Guarantor, on the date of its accession hereto and (if different) on the Closing Date (except where the Closing Date falls on the date immediately after the date of this Agreement) with respect to itself.
1.1 Due Organisation
It is a company duly organised, or a partnership duly formed, under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or establishment with power and authority to enter into those of the Finance Documents to which it is party and to exercise its rights and perform its obligations thereunder and all corporate and (subject to paragraphs (d) and (e) of the definition of Reservations) other action required to authorise its execution of those of the Finance Documents to which it is party and its performance of its obligations have been duly taken.
20.2 No Deduction
At the date of this Agreement, it will not be required to make any deduction for or withholding on account of tax from any payment it may make under any of the Finance Documents to any Lender which is a Qualifying Lender.
20.3 Claims Pari Passu
Subject to the Reservations, under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or establishment, and, if different, England, in force at the date of this Agreement, the claims of the Finance Parties against it under the Finance Documents to which it is party rank and will rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its unsecured and unsubordinated creditors save those whose claims are preferred by any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or similar laws of general application.
20.4 No Immunity
In any legal proceedings taken in its jurisdiction of incorporation or establishment and, if different, England in relation to any of the Finance Documents to which it is party it will not be entitled to claim for itself or any of its assets immunity from suit, execution, attachment or other legal process.
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20.5 Governing Law and Judgments
Subject to the Reservations, in any legal proceedings taken in its jurisdiction of incorporation or establishment in relation to any of the Finance Documents to which it is party, the choice of law expressed in such documents to be the governing law of it and any judgment obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognised and enforced.
20.6 All Actions Taken
All acts, conditions and things required to be done, fulfilled and performed in order:
(a) to enable it lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights under and perform and comply with all material obligations expressed to be assumed by it in the Finance Documents to which it is party;
(b) subject to the Reservations, to ensure that all material obligations expressed to be assumed by it in the Finance Documents to which it is party are legal, valid and binding; and
(c) subject to the Reservations, to make the Finance Documents to which it is party admissible in evidence in its jurisdiction of incorporation or establishment and, if different, the United Kingdom,
have been done, fulfilled and performed.
20.7 No Filing or Stamp Taxes
Under the laws of the United Kingdom or the United States of America, in force at the date of this Agreement, it is not necessary that any of the Finance Documents to which it is party be filed, recorded or enrolled with any court or other authority in such jurisdiction or that any stamp, registration or similar tax be paid on or in relation to any of them other than those filings which are necessary to perfect the Security and save as stated in the Reservations, provided that for the purposes of this Clause 20.7, “Finance Documents” does not include any Transfer Deeds.
20.8 Binding Obligations
Subject to the Reservations, the obligations expressed to be assumed by it in the Finance Documents to which it is party, are legal, valid and binding and enforceable against it in accordance with the terms thereof and no limit on its powers will be exceeded as a result of the borrowings, grant of security or giving of guarantees contemplated by such Finance Documents or the performance by it of any of its obligations thereunder.
20.9 No Winding-up
In the case of TCN only none of the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any TCN Group Obligor is taking any corporate action nor are any other steps being taken (including the commencement of any legal proceedings) against the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any TCN Group Obligor, for its winding-up, suspension of payments, moratorium, dissolution, administration or reorganisation, composition or compromise of other arrangement, for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrative receiver, administrator, compulsory manager, conservator, custodian, trustee or similar officer of it or of any or all of its assets or revenues save as disclosed to the Facility Agent prior to the date of this Agreement.
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20.10 No Event of Default
In the case of TCN only, no Event of Default is continuing or might reasonably be expected to result from the making of any Advance.
20.11 No Material Proceedings
In the case of TCN and Telewest UK only, no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding of or before any court, arbitral body, or agency in which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse decision which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect has been started or, to the best of its knowledge, is threatened in writing or (in the case of TCN only) is pending against it or any member of the TCN Group, other than litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings commenced prior to the date of this Agreement, details of which are set out in the Information Memorandum.
20.12 Original Financial Statements
In the case of TCN only, except as described in Note 1 to the Original Financial Statements, the Original Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with applicable GAAP which have been consistently applied (unless and to the extent expressly disclosed to the Facility Agent in writing to the contrary before the date of this Agreement) and fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial position of the TCN Group at the date as of which they were prepared and/or (as appropriate) the results of operations and changes in financial position during the period for which they were prepared.
20.13 No Material Adverse Change
In the case of TCN only, since publication of its Original Financial Statements no event or series of events has occurred, in each case which has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
20.14 No Undisclosed Liabilities
In the case of TCN only, as at 31 December 2003, neither TCN nor any of its Subsidiaries had any material liabilities (contingent or otherwise) which were not disclosed in the Original Financial Statements (or by the notes thereto) or reserved against therein and the TCN Group had no material unrealised or anticipated losses arising from commitments entered into by it which were not so disclosed or reserved against, in each case, to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable GAAP.
20.15 Accuracy of Information
In the case of TCN only:
(a) to the best of its knowledge and belief having made all reasonable and proper enquiries, all statements of fact relating to the business, assets, financial condition and operations of the Group contained in the Information Memorandum and the Supplement are true, complete and accurate in all material respects as at their respective dates, and in any event the matters detailed in the Supplement have not had and will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) the opinions and views expressed in the Information Memorandum, the Long Range Plan and the current Budget represent the honestly held opinions and views of TCN and were arrived at after careful consideration and were based on reasonable grounds as at the dates on which they were prepared;
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(c) all financial projections and forecasts made by any member of the TCN Group in the Information Memorandum, the Long Range Plan and the current Budget have been prepared in good faith and are based upon reasonable assumptions (it being understood that such financial projections are subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of TCN and that no assurance can be given that such projections will be realised);
(d) (other than in respect of the financial projections and forecasts referred to in paragraph (c) above), the Information Memorandum did not omit to disclose or take into account any matter known to TCN after due and careful enquiry where failure to disclose or take into account such matter would result in any of the Information Memorandum (or any factual information contained therein) being misleading in any material respect as at the date thereof.
20.16 Indebtedness and Encumbrances
In the case of TCN only, other than in the case of paragraph (c):
(a) save as permitted under this Agreement, neither it nor any member of the TCN Group has incurred any Financial Indebtedness which is outstanding.
(b) save as permitted under this Agreement, no Encumbrance exists over all or any of the present or future revenues or assets of any member of the TCN Group.
(c) in the case of Telewest UK only, save as provided in the Security Documents or granted in respect of the Existing Credit Facility, no Encumbrance exists over any of its rights, title or interest in the shares of TCN or the Parent Intercompany Debt.
20.17 Execution of Finance Documents
Its execution of the Finance Documents to which it is party and the exercise of its rights and performance of its obligations thereunder do not and will not:
(a) conflict with any agreement, mortgage, bond or other instrument or treaty to which it is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets (save as contemplated by paragraphs (d) and (e) of the definition of Reservations) in a manner that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(b) conflict with any matter contained in its constitutional documents;
(c) conflict with any applicable law.
20.18 Structure
In the case of TCN only:
(a) the Group Structure Chart is a complete and accurate representation of the structure of the TCN Group and the Holding Companies of TCN in all material respects;
(b) the US Borrower is a wholly-owned Subsidiary of TCN;
(c) TCN is a wholly owned Subsidiary of Telewest UK;
(d) Telewest UK is a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Ultimate Parent; and
(e) the Ultimate Parent is a Holding Company of the Group.
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20.19 Environmental Matters
(a) It has to the best of its knowledge and belief:
(i) complied with all Environmental Laws to which it is subject;
(ii) obtained all Environmental Licences required in connection with its business; and
(iii) complied with the terms of all such Environmental Licences,
in each case where failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) To the best of its knowledge and belief, there is no Environmental Claim pending or threatened against it, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) No:
(i) property currently or previously owned, leased, occupied or controlled by it is contaminated with any Hazardous Substance; and
(ii) discharge, release, leaking, migration or escape of any Hazardous Substance into the Environment has occurred or is occurring on, under or from that property,
in each case in circumstances where the same could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
20.20 Necessary Authorisations
(a) The Necessary Authorisations required by it are in full force and effect.
(b) It is in compliance with the material provisions of each Necessary Authorisation relating to it.
(c) To the best of its knowledge, none of the Necessary Authorisations relating to it are the subject of any pending or threatened proceedings or revocation,
in each case, except where any failure to maintain such Necessary Authorisations in full force and effect, any non-compliance or any proceedings or revocation could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and subject to the Reservations.
20.21 Intellectual Property
The Intellectual Property Rights owned by or licensed to it are all the material Intellectual Property Rights required by it in order to carry out, maintain and operate its business, properties and assets, and so far as it is aware, it does not infringe, in any way any Intellectual Property Rights of any third party save, in each case, where the failure to own or license the relevant Intellectual Property Rights or any infringement thereof could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
20.22 Ownership of Assets
Save to the extent disposed of in a manner permitted by the terms of any of the Finance Documents with effect from and after the Closing Date, it has good title to or valid leases or licences of or is otherwise entitled to use all material assets necessary to conduct its business in a manner consistent with the Long Range Plan except to the extent that the failure to have such title, leases or licences or to be so entitled could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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20.23 Payment of Taxes
It has no claims or liabilities which are being, or are reasonably likely to be, asserted against it with respect to taxes which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect save to the extent it (or TCN) having set aside proper reserves for such claims or liabilities, can demonstrate that the same are being contested in good faith on the basis of appropriate professional advice.
20.24 Pension Plans
(a) Each defined benefit pension plan operated by it generally for the benefit of the employees of Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group has been valued by an actuary appointed by the trustees of such plan in all material respects in accordance with all laws applicable to it and using actuarial assumptions and recommendations complying with statutory requirements or approved by the actuary and since the most recent valuation the relevant employers have paid contributions to the plan in accordance with the schedule of contributions in force from time to time in relation to the plan, in each case save to the extent that any failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) It is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws relating to any pension plan operated by it or in which it participates, save to the extent that any failure to comply could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) It does not maintain or contribute to, and is not obliged to maintain or contribute to, any pension plan that is required by Title IV of ERISA.
20.25 Security
Subject to the Reservations, it is the legal or beneficial owner of all assets and other property which it purports to charge, mortgage, pledge, assign or otherwise secure pursuant to each Security Document and all shares subject to the Security are fully paid and not subject to any restrictions on transfer in the constitutional documents of the relevant Obligor or company which would be contravened by the creation of the Security if any necessary consent is not in full force and effect and (subject to their registration or filing at appropriate registries for the purposes of perfecting the Security created thereunder and the Reservations) those Security Documents to which it is a party create and give rise to valid and effective Security having the ranking expressed in those Security Documents.
20.26 Investment Company Act
In the case of TCN only, neither the Ultimate Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is an “investment company” which is registered or required to be registered under the United States Investment Company Act of 1940 or a company “controlled” by such an “investment company”.
20.27 Public Utility Holding Company Act
In the case of TCN only, neither the Ultimate Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries is a “holding company” or a “Subsidiary company” of a “holding company” or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or of a “Subsidiary company” of a “holding company” within the meaning of the United States Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.
20.28 Insurance
In the case of TCN and Telewest UK only, it and (in the case of TCN only) each member of the TCN Group is adequately insured for the purposes of its business with reputable underwriters or insurance companies against such risks and to such extent as is necessary or usual for prudent companies
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carrying on such a business (other than insurance in respect of the underground portion of the cable network and various pavement-based electronics associated with the cable network as disclosed in the Group’s public disclosure documents) and except to the extent that the failure to so insure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
20.29 Centre of Main Interests
Its Centre of Main Interests is the place in which its registered office is situated or, if different, another place in the country in which its registered office is situated, or England.
20.30 Broadcasting Xxx 0000
Neither it (and in the case of TCN only) nor any member of any Joint Venture Group is (other than being a body corporate which is controlled by a person or persons falling within paragraph 1(1)(b) of Part 11 of schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Act 1990 (as amended)) a “disqualified person” for the purposes schedule 2 to such Act.
20.31 Telecommunications, Cable and Broadcasting Laws
(a) It and (and in the case of TCN only) each member of each Joint Venture Group complies and has at all times complied in all material respects with all Telecommunications, Cable and Broadcasting Laws (but excluding, for these purposes only, breaches of Telecommunications, Cable and Broadcasting Laws which have been expressly waived by the relevant regulatory authority).
(b) It and (and in the case of TCN only) each member of each Joint Venture Group complies and has at all times complied in all material respects with any and all conditions set by the Director General of Telecommunications or by OFCOM under section 45 of the Communications Xxx 0000 as are applicable to it or such member of the Joint Venture Group (as the case may be).
20.32 Liabilities of Telewest UK
In the case of Telewest UK only, Telewest UK is a Holding Company of TCN and:
(a) has not traded or undertaken any commercial activities of any kind (other than by entering into any of the Finance Documents or Second Lien Finance Documents);
(b) does not have any assets other than shares in its relevant Subsidiaries, rights in respect of Parent Intercompany Debt owed to it and cash;
(c) does not have any material liabilities or obligations (actual or contingent) to any person other than (i) pursuant to the Transfer Agreement, (ii) as contemplated by the terms of the Finance Documents and/or the Second Lien Finance Documents and (iii) pursuant to any intercompany loans or obligations owing as at the date of this Agreement to any members of the Group; and
(d) as at the date of this Agreement, no material claims have been made or threatened in writing against Telewest UK pursuant to the Transfer Agreement.
20.33 US Patriot Act
(a) It has no reason to believe that it or any of its Affiliates:
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(i) is a Restricted Party or controlled by a Restricted Party or has received funds or property from a Restricted Party; or
(ii) has violated any Anti-Terrorism Law or is the subject of any action or investigation (including any relating to asset seizure, forfeiture or confiscation) under any Anti-Terrorism Law.
(b) It and its Affiliates have taken reasonable measures to ensure compliance with the Anti-Terrorism Laws.
20.34 Compliance with ERISA
(a) Each Plan (and each related trust, insurance contract or fund) is in compliance with its terms and with all applicable laws, including without limitation ERISA and the Code, save where the failure to be so compliant would not result in a material liability.
(b) Each Plan (and each related trust, if any) which is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that it meets the requirements of Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code.
(c) No Reportable Event has occurred in relation to a Plan.
(d) Neither it nor any member of the Group nor any ERISA Affiliate contributes to or has or ever had any obligation to contribute to, any Multiemployer Plan.
(e) No Plan has an Unfunded Current Liability which, when added to the aggregate amount of Unfunded Current Liabilities with respect to all other Plans, exceeds $10,000,000.
(f) No Plan which is subject to section 412 of the Code or section 302 of ERISA has an accumulated funding deficiency, within the meaning of such sections of the Code or ERISA, or has applied for or received a waiver of an accumulated funding deficiency or an extension of any amortisation period, within the meaning of section 412 of the Code or section 303 or 304 of ERISA.
(g) All contributions required to be made with respect to a Plan have been made within the time limit therefor, save where the failure to do so would not result in a material liability.
(h) Neither it nor any other member of the Group nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred any material liability (including any indirect, contingent or secondary liability) to or on account of a Plan pursuant to sections 409, 502(i), 502(l), 515, 4062, 4063, 4064, 4069, 4201, 4204 or 4212 of ERISA or section 401(a)(29), 4971 or 4975 of the Code or expects to incur any such material liability under any of the foregoing sections with respect to any Plan.
(i) To Telewest UK’s knowledge, no condition exists which presents a material risk to it or any other member of the Group or any ERISA Affiliate of incurring a liability to or on account of a Plan pursuant to the provisions of ERISA and the Code enumerated in paragraph (h) of this Clause 20.34.
(j) No proceedings have been instituted to terminate or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan maintained by it which is subject to Title IV of ERISA.
(k) No action, suit, proceeding, hearing, audit or investigation with respect to the administration, operation or the investment of assets of any Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) is pending or, to Telewest UK’s knowledge, expected or threatened.
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(l) Each group health plan (as defined in section 607(1) of ERISA or section 4980B(g)(2) of the Code) which covers or has covered employees or former employees of any member of the Group or any ERISA Affiliate has at all times been operated in compliance with the provisions of Part 6 of subtitle B of Title I of ERISA and section 4980B of the Code, save where the failure to do so would not result in a material liability.
(m) No lien imposed under the Code or ERISA on its assets or the assets of any other member of the Group or any ERISA Affiliate exists or is likely to arise on account of any Plan.
(n) It and each other member of the Group do not maintain or contribute to any employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) which provides benefits to retired employees or other former employees (other than as required by Section 601 of ERISA) or any Plan the obligations with respect to which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(o) Each Foreign Pension Plan has been maintained in substantial compliance with its terms and with the requirements of any and all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations and orders and has been maintained, where required, in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities, save where the failure to do so would not result in a material liability.
(p) All contributions required to be made with respect to a Foreign Pension Plan maintained by it have been made within the time limit therefor, save where the failure to do so would not result in a material liability.
20.35 Liabilities of the US Borrower
In the case of the US Borrower only, it is a wholly owned Subsidiary of TCN and:
(a) has not traded or undertaken any commercial activities of any kind (other than by entering into the Finance Documents and Second Lien Finance Documents to which it is party or the TCN Notes);
(b) does not have any assets other than its rights under and payments received pursuant to the TCN Notes; and
(c) does not have any material liabilities or obligations (actual or contingent) to any person other than as contemplated by the terms of the Finance Documents and Second Lien Finance Documents.
20.36 Repetition
Each Repeating Representation is deemed to be made by the party identified as making such Repeating Representation above in relation to itself, or in the case of TCN in relation to itself and each TCN Group Obligor or the TCN Group as a whole (as applicable), by reference to the facts and circumstances then existing on:
(a) each Utilisation Date (save for a Utilisation Date in respect of a Rollover Advance or a Documentary Credit which is being renewed pursuant to Clause 5.2 (Renewal of Documentary Credits) and on the first day of each Interest Period; and
(b) in the case of any Acceding Guarantor on the day the same becomes an Acceding Xxxxxxxxx.
00
00. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
21.1 Financial Statements
TCN shall provide to the Agents in sufficient copies for all the Lenders, the following financial information relating to each of the TCN Group and the Group:
(a) as soon as the same become available, but in any event within 120 days after the end of each of TCN’s financial years, the consolidated financial statements for such financial year in respect of the TCN Group and of the Group, audited by a firm of auditors meeting the requirements of Clause 23.18 (Change in Auditors), and accompanied by the related auditor’s report such report not to be qualified in any material respect as a result of the investigation described in the Supplement;
(b) as soon as they become available but in any event within 45 days after the end of the first three Financial Quarters of each financial year, the unaudited consolidated quarterly financial statements of the TCN Group and of the Group commencing with the Financial Quarter ending on 31 March 2005, provided that the unaudited consolidated quarterly financial statements for the Financial Quarter during which a Merger Event or an Integrated Merger Event occurs shall be required to be delivered within 90 days after the end of such Financial Quarter;
(c) as soon as they become available but in any event within 45 days after the end of the last Financial Quarter in each of TCN’s financial years, the unaudited consolidated management accounts of the TCN Group and of the Group in respect of such Financial Quarter.
In relation to the financial information of the Group only, the above requirements (including in relation to the financial statements in (c) above) may be satisfied by the provision, within the specified time periods, of copies of reports for the Group already filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the relevant period (it being acknowledged that the SEC does not as at the date hereof require the filing of quarterly financial statements for the fourth Financial Quarter of any financial year).
21.2 Budget
In respect of each financial year, as soon as the same becomes available and in any event by no later than 31 January in any financial year, TCN shall deliver to the Agents, in sufficient copies for the Lenders, the annual operating budget, which as regards paragraphs (b) and (c) below shall be in the agreed form or with such amendments as may be necessary to reflect changes made to the Group’s public financial information as agreed by the Facility Agent (acting reasonably) and prepared by reference to each Financial Quarter in respect of such financial year and projections for the first Financial Quarter (the “initial Financial Quarter”) in respect such financial year of the TCN Group. The annual operating budget and the projections for the initial Financial Quarter shall be prepared in form and context consistent with past practice of TCN and shall include:
(a) forecasts of any projected material Disposals (including timing and anticipated Net Proceeds thereof) on a consolidated basis for the TCN Group;
(b) projected annual statements of operations (including projected revenue and operating costs) on a consolidated basis for the TCN Group in the agreed form or with such amendments as may be necessary to reflect changes made to the Group’s public financial information as agreed by the Facility Agent (acting reasonably);
(c) projected estimated pro forma balance sheets and estimated pro forma statements of cash flows on a consolidated basis for the TCN Group in the agreed form or with such
95
amendments as may be necessary to reflect changes made to the Group’s public financial information as agreed by the Facility Agent (acting reasonably);
(d) projected Capital Expenditure to be included for each Financial Quarter of such financial year and on a consolidated basis for the TCN Group; and
(e) a commentary from the management in relation to the key drivers for the TCN Group for such financial year and for the initial Financial Quarter.
TCN shall provide the Agents with any details of material changes in the projections set out in any Budget delivered under this Clause 21.2 as soon as reasonably practicable after it becomes aware of any such change.
21.3 Other Information
TCN shall and shall procure that each of the Obligors shall from time to time on the request of the Facility Agent and/or the Administrative Agent:
(a) provide the Facility Agent and/or the Administrative Agent with such information about the business and financial condition of the TCN Group or any member of the TCN Group (including such member’s business) as the Facility Agent may reasonably require, provided that TCN shall not be under any obligation to provide, or procure the providing of, any information the supply of which would be contrary to any confidentiality obligation binding on any member of the TCN Group or where the supply of such information could prejudice the retention of legal privilege in such information and provided further that no Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) be able to deny the Facility Agent and/or the Administrative Agent any such information by reason of it having entered into a confidentiality undertaking which would prevent it from disclosing, or be able to claim any legal privilege in respect of, any financial information relating to itself or the Group; and
(b) provide all then existing information about the business and financial condition of the TCN Group or any member of the TCN Group (including such member’s business) as Standard & Poor’s or Xxxxx’x may reasonably require and extend all reasonable co-operation for the purpose of determining or assessing the credit ratings (if any) assigned to the Facilities and TCN shall use all reasonable efforts to meet with representatives of Standard & Poor’s and Xxxxx’x no less frequently than once in each calendar year and in connection with an Integrated Merger Event.
21.4 Compliance Certificates
(a) TCN shall ensure that each set of financial information delivered by it pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) is accompanied by a working paper (the “Attached Working Paper”) setting out the calculations showing compliance with the financial covenants set out in Clause 22 (Financial Condition) and the information from which such calculations are derived (including the calculations for the components of such covenants on a line by line basis) and a Compliance Certificate signed by two of its authorised signatories (at least one of whom shall be a Financial Officer) confirming:
(i) compliance with the relevant financial covenants set out in Clause 22 (Financial Condition) and showing figures representing the actual financial ratios then in effect and the amount of Capital Expenditure spent in the relevant period;
(ii) the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow;
96
(iii) the ratio of Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow to Total Interest Charges;
(iv) the ratio of Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow to Consolidated Debt Service;
(v) compliance with the 95% Security Test;
(vi) the absence of any Default; and
(vii) that the information contained in the Attached Working Paper has been prepared on the basis of the same information and methodology used to prepare the appropriate financial information,
in each case, as at the end of such financial year or Financial Quarter to which such financial information relates or detailing any non-compliance.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Integrated Merger Event, TCN shall deliver:
(i) a Compliance Certificate signed by two of its authorised signatories (at least one of whom shall be a Financial Officer) confirming that as at the effective date of such Integrated Merger Event, the Merger Event Condition set out in paragraph (b) of the definition thereof and (unless the consent of an Instructing Group has been obtained to the Integrated Merger Event pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of the definition of Merger Event Conditions) the Merger Event Integration Tests set out in paragraphs (c), (d), (e) or (f) (as applicable) and (g) of the definition thereof have been satisfied, such certificate to set out (in the case of such Merger Event Integration Tests) the relevant ratios, the calculations showing compliance with such ratios and the information from which such calculations were derived (including the calculations for the components of such ratios on a line by line basis); and
(ii) a business plan for the combined businesses of the TCN Group and the Target Group for the period up to the Final Maturity Date in respect of Facility C.
(c) If:
(i) an Event of Default has occurred, but only while such Event of Default is continuing, (provided that with respect to an Event of Default relating to a breach of any covenant in Clause 22 (Financial Condition), such Event of Default shall be deemed to be continuing until such time as TCN has delivered a Compliance Certificate pursuant to Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) demonstrating that TCN is in compliance with each of the covenants set out in Clause 22 (Financial Condition)); or
(ii) in the reasonable opinion of an Instructing Group, a breach of any covenant in Clause 22 (Financial Condition) is reasonably likely to occur,
in each such circumstance, at TCN’s expense (in the case of sub-paragraph (i)) and at the Lenders’ expense (in the case of sub-paragraph (ii)), but without causing any undue interruption to the normal business operations of such Obligor or any member of the TCN Group:
(x) the Facility Agent shall be entitled to call for an independent audit and investigation which is reasonable in scope and degree having regard to the nature of the Event of Default or suspected breach (as the case may be) of the financial position of the TCN Group; and
97
(y) the Facility Agent, any Finance Party, or representative of the Facility Agent or such Finance Party (an “Inspecting Party”) shall be entitled to have access, together with its accountants or other professional advisers, during normal business hours, to inspect or observe such part of the business of the TCN Group as is owned or operated by any Obligor, and to have access to books, records, accounts, documents, computer programmes, data or other information in the possession of or available to such Obligor or member of the TCN Group and to take such copies as may be considered appropriate by such Inspecting Party, provided that no Obligor shall (and TCN shall not be obliged to procure that any member of the TCN Group shall) be under any obligation to allow any person to have access to any books, records, accounts, documents, computer programmes, data or other information or to take copies thereof where to do so would breach any confidentiality obligation binding on any member of the Group or would prejudice the retention of legal privilege to which such Obligor or member of the Group is then entitled in respect of such books, records, accounts, documents, computer programmes, data or other information and provided further that no Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) be able to deny the Facility Agent any such information by reason of it having entered into a confidentiality undertaking which would prevent it from disclosing, or be able to claim any legal privilege in respect of, any financial information relating to itself or the Group.
21.5 Change in Accounting Practices
TCN shall ensure that each set of financial information delivered to the Facility Agent pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) is prepared using accounting policies, practices and procedures consistent with US GAAP as at the date hereof, unless in relation to any such set of financial information TCN elects to notify the Agents that there have been one or more changes in any such accounting policies, practices or procedures (including, without limitation, any change in the basis upon which costs are capitalised):
(a) TCN provides a description of the changes and the adjustments which would be required to be made to that financial information in order to cause them to reflect US GAAP as at the date hereof and any reference in this Agreement to that financial information shall be construed as a reference to that financial information as adjusted to reflect US GAAP as at the date hereof; or
(b) TCN notifies the Facility Agent that it is not longer practicable to test compliance with the financial covenants set out in Clause 22 (Financial Condition) against the financial information required to be delivered pursuant to this Clause 21 or that it wishes to cease preparing the additional information required by sub-paragraph (a) above, in which case:
(i) the Facility Agent and TCN shall enter into negotiations with a view to agreeing alternative financial covenants to replace those contained in Clause 22 (Financial Condition) in order to maintain a consistent basis for such financial covenants (and for approval by an Instructing Group);
(ii) if the Facility Agent and TCN agree alternative financial covenants to replace those contained in Clause 22 (Financial Condition) which are acceptable to an Instructing Group, such alternative financial covenants shall be binding on all parties hereto; and
(iii) if, after three months following the date of the notice given to the Facility Agent pursuant to this sub-paragraph (b), the Facility Agent and TCN cannot agree alternative financial covenants which are acceptable to an Instructing Group, the Facility Agent shall refer the matter to any of the Permitted Auditors as may be agreed between TCN and the Facility Agent for determination of the adjustments
98
required to be made to such financial information or the calculation of such ratios to take account of such change, such determination to be binding on the parties hereto, provided that pending such determination (but not thereafter) TCN shall continue to prepare financial information and calculate such covenants in accordance with paragraph (a) above.
21.6 Notifications
TCN shall furnish or procure that there shall be furnished to the Agents in sufficient copies for each of the Lenders:
(a) as soon as reasonably practicable, documents required to be despatched by the Ultimate Parent to its shareholders generally (or any class of them) in their capacity as such and all documents relating to the financial obligations of any Obligor despatched by or on behalf of any Obligor to its creditors generally (in their capacity as creditors), it being agreed that to the extent such information is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such filing will satisfy TCN’s obligations with regard to the provision of such information;
(b) as soon as reasonably practicable after the same are instituted or, to its knowledge, threatened, details of any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings involving any member of the TCN Group which, is reasonably likely to be adversely determined and if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) written details of any Default promptly upon becoming aware of the same, and of all remedial steps being taken and proposed to be taken in respect of that Default; and
(d) as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of a request by the Facility Agent, TCN shall supply to the Facility Agent a certificate signed by a director or its Chief Financial Officer (given without personal liability) on its behalf certifying that no Default is continuing (or if a Default is continuing, specifying the Default and the steps, if any, being taken to remedy the same).
21.7 Role of the Administrative Agent
Notwithstanding the right of the Administrative Agent to receive or request certain documentation and other information as set out in this Clause 21 (Financial Information), the other Finance Parties hereby expressly acknowledge and agree that the Administrative Agent (a) is under no obligation to ensure that any such documentation or other information is made available to all or any of them, (b) may (in its sole discretion) determine whether or not to exercise any of its rights as set out in this Clause 21 (Financial Information) and (c) shall have no liability whatsoever to any other Finance Party for the failure to exercise, or any delay in exercising, any of its rights set out in this Clause 21 (Financial Information).
22. FINANCIAL CONDITION
22.1 Ratios
The financial condition of the TCN Group as evidenced by the financial information provided pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) and the Attached Working Paper referred to in paragraph (a) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) shall be such that:
99
(a) Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow
Consolidated Net Borrowings as at any Quarter Date specified in the table in paragraph (d) of this Clause 22.1, shall not be more than X times Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on such Quarter Date, where X has the value indicated for such Quarter Date in such table.
(b) Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow to Total Interest Charges
Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on any Quarter Date specified in the table in paragraph (d) of this Clause 22.1, shall not be less than Y times Total Interest Charges calculated on an annualised basis based on the Total Interest Charges for such Semi-Annual Period, where Y has the value indicated for such period in such table.
(c) Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow to Consolidated Debt Service
Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow in respect of the twelve month period ending on each Quarter Date commencing with 30 June 2005 specified in the table in paragraph (d) of this Clause 22.1 shall not be less than Z times Consolidated Debt Service for such twelve month period, where Z has the value indicated for such period in such table, provided that (i) in the case of the test on 30 June 2005, this ratio shall be calculated by reference to Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow and Consolidated Debt Service for the Semi-Annual Period ending on 30 June 2005 multiplied by 2 and (ii) in the case of the test on 30 September 2005, this ratio shall be calculated by reference to Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow and Consolidated Debt Service for the nine month period ending on 30 September 2005 multiplied by 4/3.
(d) Ratio Table
This is the table referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) above.
|
|
|
Consolidated Net |
|
Consolidated Annualised |
|
Consolidated TCN |
|
|
Quarter Date |
|
X |
|
Y |
|
Z |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 March 2005 |
|
4.40 |
|
2.35 |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2005 |
|
4.35 |
|
2.45 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 September 2005 |
|
4.20 |
|
2.55 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2005 |
|
4.05 |
|
2.65 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 March 2006 |
|
4.00 |
|
2.65 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2006 |
|
3.95 |
|
2.70 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 September 2006 |
|
3.80 |
|
2.80 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2006 |
|
3.65 |
|
2.95 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 March 2007 |
|
3.55 |
|
3.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2007 |
|
3.45 |
|
3.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 September 2007 |
|
3.30 |
|
3.15 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2007 |
|
3.15 |
|
3.25 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 March 2008 |
|
3.05 |
|
3.35 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2008 |
|
2.90 |
|
3.40 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 September 2008 |
|
2.80 |
|
3.60 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2008 |
|
2.60 |
|
3.75 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 March 2009 |
|
2.55 |
|
3.90 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2009 |
|
2.50 |
|
4.05 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 September 2009 |
|
2.50 |
|
4.30 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2009 |
|
2.50 |
|
4.50 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 March 2010 |
|
2.50 |
|
4.50 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2010 and thereafter |
|
2.50 |
|
4.50 |
|
1.00 |
|
100
22.2 Permitted Capital Expenditure
(a) Capital Expenditure during each financial year of the TCN Group shall not exceed the aggregate of:
(i) the Capital Expenditure Allowance (as set out in paragraph (b) below) for such financial year; plus
(ii) to the extent not used in the immediately preceding financial year, up to 25% of the Capital Expenditure Allowance for the immediately preceding financial year (“Carried Forward Capex”),
(together, the “Permitted Capital Expenditure”) provided that in the case of any financial year:
(A) for the purposes of calculating Permitted Capital Expenditure for such financial year, any Carried Forward Capex shall be deemed to have been utilised last and shall not be carried forward more than once;
(B) in no circumstances may Permitted Capital Expenditure in such financial year exceed 125% of the Capital Expenditure Allowance for such financial year;
(C) an amount of up to £75,000,000 in aggregate (or its equivalent in other currencies) of Capital Expenditure may be incurred (in addition to any Permitted Capital
101
Expenditure allowed under this Clause 22.2) to the extent such Capital Expenditure is funded from Equity Proceeds which are contributed to the TCN Group and applied from time to time towards Capital Expenditure as contemplated by sub-paragraph (b)(ii) of Clause 11.6 (Repayment from Equity Proceeds).
(b) The Capital Expenditure Allowance (subject to its adjustment in accordance with paragraph (c) below) in respect of each financial year is as follows:
|
Financial Year ending |
|
Capital Expenditure Allowance (£) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2005 |
|
315,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2006 |
|
330,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2007 |
|
310,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2008 |
|
300,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2009 |
|
295,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2010 |
|
290,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 December 2011 |
|
285,000,000 |
|
(c) Following an Integrated Merger Event, the amounts set out in the table in paragraph (b) above under the column entitled “Capital Expenditure Allowance” shall be adjusted so that such amounts after an Integrated Merger Event shall bear the same relation to such amounts prior to the Integrated Merger Event as the combined TCN Group Consolidated Revenues for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the most recent Quarter Date for the TCN Group for which quarterly financial information is available for the TCN Group and Target Group Consolidated Revenues for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the last Quarter Date for which quarterly financial information is available for the Target Group bears to the TCN Group Consolidated Revenues for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the most recent Quarter Date for the TCN Group immediately prior to the Integrated Merger Event.
22.3 Currency calculations
Where any financial information with reference to which any of the covenants in Clause 22.1 (Ratios) are tested states amounts in a currency other than Sterling such amounts shall, for the purposes of testing such covenants be converted from such currency into Sterling at the rate used in such financial information for the purpose of converting such amounts from Sterling into the currency in which they are stated in such financial information or where no such rate is stated in such financial information at an appropriate rate selected by TCN, acting reasonably.
22.4 Pro Forma Calculations
For the purposes of testing compliance with the financial covenants set out in Clause 22.1 (Ratios), Clause 24.15 (Telewest UK Covenants) and paragraph (j) of Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments) the calculation of such ratios shall be made on a pro forma basis giving effect to all material acquisitions and disposals made by the TCN Group during the relevant period of calculation based on historical financial results of the items being acquired or disposed of, provided that any Flextech Disposal shall not give rise to any adjustments.
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23. POSITIVE UNDERTAKINGS
23.1 Application of Advances
TCN shall ensure that the proceeds of each Advance made under this Agreement are applied exclusively for the applicable purposes specified in Clause 2.2 (Purpose).
23.2 Financial Assistance and Fraudulent Conveyance
Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall) ensure that its execution of the Finance Documents to which it is a party and the performance of its obligations thereunder does not contravene any applicable local laws and regulations concerning fraudulent conveyance, financial assistance by a company for the acquisition of or subscription for its own shares or the shares of its parent or any other company or concerning the protection of shareholders’ capital.
23.3 Necessary Authorisations
Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall):
(a) obtain, comply with and do all that is necessary to maintain in full force and effect all Necessary Authorisations, except where a failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and
(b) promptly upon request of the Facility Agent, supply certified copies to the Facility Agent of any such Necessary Authorisations so requested.
23.4 Compliance with Applicable Laws
Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall) comply with all applicable laws to which it is subject in respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership of its assets (including, without limitation, all Statutory Requirements), in each case, where a failure so to comply could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
23.5 Insurance
(a) Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall) effect and maintain insurances on and in relation to its business and assets against such risks and to such extent as is necessary or usual for prudent companies carrying on a business such as that carried on by such Obligor or member of the TCN Group with a reputable underwriter or insurance company except to the extent disclosed in the Group’s public disclosure documents or to the extent that the failure to so insure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) TCN shall (upon the reasonable request of the Facility Agent) supply the Facility Agent with copies of all such insurance policies or certificates of insurance in respect thereof or (in the absence of the same) such other evidence of the existence of such policies as may be reasonably acceptable to the Facility Agent.
23.6 Intellectual Property
Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall):
(a) take all necessary action to safeguard and maintain its rights, present and future, in or relating to all Intellectual Property Rights owned, used or exploited by it and which are material to the business of the TCN Group (including, without limitation, paying all applicable renewal fees,
103
licence fees and other outgoings) save where a failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and
(b) notify the Facility Agent promptly of any infringement or suspected infringement or any challenge to the validity of any of the present or future Intellectual Property Rights owned, used or exploited by it and which are material to the business of the TCN Group which may come to its notice and it will supply the Facility Agent with all information in its possession relating thereto if the same could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and take all necessary steps (including, without limitation, the institution of legal proceedings) to prevent third parties infringing such Intellectual Property Rights to the extent that failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
23.7 Ranking of Claims
Subject to the Reservations, each Obligor shall ensure that at all times the claims of the Finance Parties against it under the Finance Documents to which it is a party rank at least pari passu with the claims of all its unsecured, unsubordinated creditors save those whose claims are preferred by any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation or similar laws of general application.
23.8 Pay Taxes
Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall), file all material tax returns on time and ensure that at all times, there are no material claims or liabilities which are asserted against it in respect of tax, save to the extent the relevant Obligor or in the case of any other member of the TCN Group, TCN (as the case may be) can demonstrate that the same are being contested in good faith on the basis of appropriate professional advice and that proper reserves have been established therefor to the extent required by applicable generally accepted accounting principles.
23.9 Hedging
Each Borrower shall:
(a) within 6 months of the date of this Agreement enter into and maintain Hedging Agreements for the purpose of limiting the TCN Group’s exposure to adverse movements in interest rates or foreign exchange in relation to the Facilities and the Second Lien Facility (or any Second Lien Refinancing, as applicable) as follows:
(i) interest rate hedging required to ensure that interest is payable at fixed rates on not less than 55% of the combined aggregate principal amount outstanding as at the Closing Date, under the Facilities and the Second Lien Facility (or any Second Lien Refinancing, as applicable), for a period commencing on the date on which such Hedging Agreements are executed and ending on the third anniversary of the Closing Date; and
(ii) currency rate hedging in respect of all amounts of principal and interest payable under the B Facility, the C Facility or the Second Lien Facility (or any Second Lien Refinancing, as applicable) in Euro or Dollars for a period commencing on the date on which such Hedging Agreements are executed and ending on the third anniversary of the Closing Date;
(b) within 6 months of the date of any Second Lien Refinancing, enter into and maintain hedging arrangements for the purpose of limiting the TCN Group’s exposure to adverse movements in interest rates or foreign exchange in relation to such Second Lien Refinancing for the relevant remaining period specified in paragraph (a) above and to the extent that TCN would have
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been obliged to enter into hedging arrangements in respect of such Second Lien Refinancing under paragraph (a) above if the loan instrument constituting such Second Lien Refinancing had constituted the Second Lien Facility;
(c) ensure that the hedging arrangements required pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) in are entered into in the form of Acceptable Hedging Agreements; and
(d) as soon as reasonably practicable following request by the Facility Agent provide the Facility Agent with certified true copies of each such Hedging Agreement entered into,
provided that no Borrower shall be in breach of this Clause 23.9 if such Borrower fails to enter into the hedging arrangements required under paragraphs (a) and (b) by the relevant times specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) and, in the case of paragraph (a), during the time between the date of this Agreement and the date falling six months thereafter, either:
(i) none of the Lenders or their Affiliates is willing to enter into Hedging Agreements to effect the hedging arrangements required by paragraphs (a) or (b), as the case may be; or
(ii) where a Lender or its Affiliate is willing to enter into such hedging arrangements, the terms of such hedging arrangements are, in the reasonable opinion of the Facility Agent and the Mandated Lead Arrangers and having regard to the creditworthiness of any Borrower and current market conditions, considered to be unreasonable, or where in the opinion of the Facility Agent and the Mandated Lead Arrangers, acting reasonably, such hedging arrangements would cause material adverse tax-related implications for any member of the Group.
23.10 Pension Plans
TCN shall use reasonable endeavours to ensure that all pension plans maintained and operated by it generally for the benefit of employees of any member of the TCN Group are maintained and operated in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws from time to time and that the employer contributions are assessed and paid in all material respects in accordance with the governing provisions of such schemes and all laws applicable thereto, in each case, save to the extent that any failure to fund such pension plan on that basis could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
23.11 Environmental Matters
(a) Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall):
(i) comply with all Environmental Laws to which it is subject;
(ii) obtain all Environmental Licences required or desirable in connection with the business it carries on; and
(iii) comply with the terms of all such Environmental Licences,
in each case where failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall) promptly notify the Facility Agent of any Environmental Claim (to the best of such Obligor’s or member of the TCN Group’s knowledge and belief) pending or threatened against it which, if substantiated, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(c) No Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) permit or allow to occur any discharge, release, leak, migration or other escape of any Hazardous Substance into the Environment on, under or from any property owned, leased, occupied or controlled by it, where such discharge, release, leak, migration or escape could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
23.12 Further Assurance
(a) Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall) at its own expense, promptly take all such reasonable action as the Facility Agent or the Security Trustee may require for the purpose of complying with the provisions of paragraph (b) and for the registration or filing of any Security Documents delivered pursuant thereto with all appropriate authorities to the extent necessary for the purposes of perfecting the Security created thereunder.
(b) TCN shall:
(i) subject to the proviso below and except as otherwise provided in this Clause 23.12, procure that the 95% Security Test is satisfied, on each Quarter Date during the term of the Facilities where such percentage is calculated by reference to the quarterly financial information relating to the TCN Group most recently delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) and certified in the relevant Compliance Certificate accompanying the same;
(ii) procure that in relation to any member of the TCN Group which becomes an Obligor for the purposes of ensuring compliance with sub-paragraph (i) above, each intermediate Holding Company of such member of the TCN Group within the TCN Group shall also become an Obligor hereunder; and
(iii) procure that each Obligor which is or becomes a party to this Agreement in such capacity under sub-paragraph (i) above shall have delivered to the Security Trustee, one or more Security Documents granting security over all or substantially all of its assets other than any shares in, receivables owed by or any other interest in any Excluded Subsidiary or Project Company or any other asset which is of a type excluded from existing corresponding Security Documents or has been excluded for the reasons provided in paragraph (c) of Merger Event Conditions, or which the Security Trustee agrees may be excluded from the Security granted under the Security Documents (provided that the Security Trustee shall not agree to exclude any asset of an Obligor from the Security where the net book value of such asset exceeds £3,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) without the prior consent of an Instructing Group (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)),
provided that it shall not constitute a breach of this paragraph (b) if any Obligor is prevented by any legal or contractual restriction from complying with the provisions of sub-paragraphs (i) and (iii) and provided further that in no event shall the Obligors represent less than 90% of the Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow.
(c) A breach of sub-paragraph (b) shall not constitute a Default if:
(i) one or more members of the TCN Group become Obligors in accordance with Clause 25.1 (Acceding Guarantors) within 5 Business Days of the delivery of a Compliance Certificate by TCN demonstrating that the 95% Security Test is not satisfied; and
(ii) the Facility Agent (acting reasonably) is satisfied that the 95% Security Test would have been satisfied on the relevant Quarter Date if such Compliance Certificate had
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been prepared on the basis that such members of the TCN Group had been Obligors as at that Quarter Date.
(d) In relation to any provision of this Agreement or after an Integrated Merger Event, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement which requires the Obligors or any member of the TCN Group to deliver a Security Document for the purposes of granting any guarantee or Security for the benefit of the Finance Parties, the Security Trustee agrees to execute as soon as reasonably practicable, any such guarantee or Security Document which is presented to it for execution.
(e) Each of the Finance Parties hereby agrees that it will, upon the request of TCN made following delivery of the written notice referred to in Clause 23.19 (Notice of Integrated Merger Event), execute a Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement substantially in the form set out in Schedule 13 (Pro Forma Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement). To the extent that any amendments are requested as contemplated by Clause 42.7 (Amendments to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement), each Finance Party agrees that the provisions of Clause 42.7 (Amendments to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) shall apply.
(f) In anticipation of the incurrence of any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness or Post Merger Target Group Refinancing after the occurrence of an Integrated Merger Event, each of the Finance Parties hereby agrees that it will, upon the request of TCN execute a new Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement substantially in the form set out in Schedule 13 (Pro Forma Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement). To the extent that any amendments are requested as contemplated by Clause 42.7 (Amendments to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement), each Finance Party agrees that the provisions of Clause 42.7 (Amendments to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) shall apply.
(g) Each of the Finance Parties hereby agrees that it will, upon the request of TCN made upon reasonable notice prior to the proposed effective date of any Second Lien Refinancing, accept an accession deed by which parties will accede to the Principal Intercreditor Deed in relation to such Second Lien Refinancing. To the extent that any amendments are requested by any person party to such agreement, each Finance Party agrees to negotiate such amendments in good faith
(h) At any time after an Event of Default has occurred and whilst such Event of Default is continuing, each Obligor shall, at its own expense, take any and all action as the Security Trustee may deem necessary for the purposes of perfecting or otherwise protecting the Lenders’ interests in the Security constituted by the Security Documents.
23.13 Assets
Each Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that each member of the TCN Group shall) maintain and preserve all of its assets that are necessary in the conduct of its business as it is conducted from time to time, in good working order and condition subject to ordinary wear and tear where any failure to do so would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
23.14 Centre of Main Interests
No Obligor incorporated or otherwise existing under the laws of England shall (and TCN shall procure that no other member of the TCN Group incorporated or otherwise existing under the laws of England shall), without the prior written consent of an Instructing Group, cause or allow its Centre of Main Interests to change to a country other than England.
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23.15 Group Structure Chart
If there is a material change or inaccuracy in the corporate structure of the TCN Group or any Holding Companies of TCN from that set out in the Group Structure Chart most recently delivered to the Facility Agent, TCN shall deliver or procure that there is delivered to the Facility Agent, as soon as practicable upon becoming available, an updated Group Structure Chart containing information sufficient to evidence the matters set out in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Clause 20.18 (Structure) and showing such change or correcting such inaccuracy.
23.16 Contributions to the TCN Group
Telewest UK shall procure that any monies which are at any time contributed by any member of the Group to any member of the TCN Group shall be contributed by way of Subordinated Funding, by way of an investment through capital contribution or a subscription of securities or convertible unsecured loan stock in the relevant member of the TCN Group.
23.17 “Know your client” checks
(a) Each Obligor shall promptly upon the request of the Facility Agent or any Lender and each Lender shall promptly upon the request of the Facility Agent supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Facility Agent (for itself or on behalf of any Lender) or any Lender (for itself or on behalf of any prospective Transferee in order for the Facility Agent, such Lender or any prospective Transferee to carry out and be satisfied with the results of all necessary “know your client” or other applicable anti-money laundering checks in relation to the identity of any person that it is required to carry out in relation to the transactions contemplated in the Finance Documents.
(b) TCN shall, by not less than 3 Business Days written notice to the Facility Agent, notify the Facility Agent (which shall promptly notify the Lenders) of its intention to request that one of its wholly-owned Subsidiaries becomes an Acceding Guarantor pursuant to Clause 25.1 (Acceding Guarantors).
(c) Following the giving of any notice pursuant to paragraph (b) above, TCN shall promptly upon the request of the Facility Agent or any Lender supply, or procure the supply of, such documentation and other evidence as is reasonably requested by the Facility Agent (for itself or on behalf of any Lender) or any Lender (for itself or on behalf of any prospective Transferee to carry out and be satisfied with the results of all necessary “know your client” or other applicable anti-money laundering checks in relation to the identity of any person that it is required to carry out in relation to the accession of such Acceding Guarantor to this Agreement.
23.18 Change in Auditors
The Obligors shall ensure that its auditors are (and in the case of TCN, the TCN Group’s auditors are) any one of the Permitted Auditors provided that in the event of any change in such auditors, the relevant Obligor (or TCN, in the case of any change to the TCN Group’s auditors) shall promptly notify the Facility Agent of such change.
23.19 Notice of Integrated Merger Event
TCN may designate an Integrated Merger Event by providing not less than 30 days’ written notice before the proposed effective date thereof to the Facility Agent. Such notice shall specify the following matters as projected by TCN in its reasonable judgment, as at the date of such notice:
(a) the proposed provisional effective date of the Integrated Merger Event;
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(b) which members of the Target Group shall become Target Group Obligors and which other members of the Target Group are being designated as members of the TCN Group at the date of the Integrated Merger Event for the purposes of sub-paragraph (b) of the definition of “TCN Group”; and
(c) what (if any) corporate reorganisations will be implemented in connection with the Integrated Merger Event; for the avoidance of doubt, any reorganisation involving the Target Group (including without limitation, the acquisition of one or more members of the Target Group by TCN or one or more Subsidiaries of TCN) for the purposes of an Integrated Merger Event shall constitute a permitted acquisition for the purposes of paragraph (a) of Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments),
provided that, upon reasonable request of the Facility Agent following delivery of the notice referred to above and from time to time, TCN shall keep the Facility Agent appraised of all material developments with respect to the Integrated Merger Event and provided further that no less than 3 Business Days before the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, TCN shall provide written confirmation of the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) to the Facility Agent.
23.20 ERISA
(a) As soon as possible and, in any event, within 20 days after Telewest UK or any Obligor knows or has reason to know of the occurrence of any of the events specified in paragraph (b) of this Clause 23.20, Telewest UK or such Obligor will deliver to the Agent in sufficient copies for each Lender a certificate of the chief financial officer of Telewest UK or such Obligor setting out full details as to such occurrence and the action, if any, that the relevant member of the Group or ERISA Affiliate is required or proposes to take, together with any notices required or proposed to be given or filed by such member of the Group, the Plan administrator or such ERISA Affiliate to or with the PBGC or any other government agency, or a Plan or Multiemployer Plan participant and any notices received by such member of the Group or ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or any other government agency, or a Plan or Multiemployer Plan participant with respect to it.
(b) the events referred to in paragraph (a) of this Clause 23.20 are:
(i) a Reportable Event occurs (except to the extent that the relevant member of the Group has previously delivered to the Agent a certificate and notices (if any) concerning such event pursuant to the next clause of this Agreement);
(ii) a contributing sponsor (as defined in section 4001(a)(13) of ERISA) of a Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA is subject to the advance reporting requirement of PBGC Regulation section 4043.61 (without regard to subparagraph (b)(1) of it), and an event described in subsection .62, .63, .64, .65, .66, .67 or .68 of PBGC Regulation section 4043 is reasonably expected to occur with respect to such Plan within the following 30 days;
(iii) an accumulated funding deficiency, within the meaning of section 412 of the Code or section 302 of ERISA, is incurred or an application is or may be made for a waiver or modification of the minimum funding standard (including any required instalment payments) or an extension of any amortisation period under section 412 of the Code or section 303 or 304 of ERISA with respect to a Plan or Multiemployer Plan;
(iv) any contribution required to be made with respect to a Multiemployer Plan, Plan or Foreign Pension Plan is not made before or within 30 days following the time limit therefor;
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(v) a Plan or Multiemployer Plan is or may be terminated, reorganised, partitioned or declared insolvent under Title IV of ERISA;
(vi) a Plan has an Unfunded Current Liability which, when added to the aggregate amount of Unfunded Current Liabilities with respect to all other Plans, exceeds the aggregate amount of such Unfunded Current Liabilities that existed on the date of this Agreement by $10,000,000;
(vii) proceedings are or may be instituted to terminate or appoint a trustee to administer a Plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA;
(viii) proceedings are instituted pursuant to section 515 of ERISA to collect a delinquent contribution to a Plan;
(ix) any member of the Group or any ERISA Affiliate incurs or is reasonably expected to incur any liability to or on account of the termination of or withdrawal from a Plan or Multiemployer Plan under section 4062, 4063, 4064, 4069, 4201, 4204 or 4212 of ERISA or with respect to such a Plan under section 401(a)(29), 4971, 4975 or 4980 of the Code or section 409, 502(i) or 502(l) of ERISA or with respect to a group health plan (as defined in section 607(1) of ERISA or section 4980B(g)(2) of the Code) maintained by Telewest UK or any member of the Group under section 4980B of the Code; and
(x) any member of the Group incurs or may incur a liability that exceeds $10,000,000 pursuant to any employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in section 3(1) of ERISA) that provides benefits to retired employees or other former employees (other than as required by section 601 of ERISA) or any Plan or any Foreign Pension Plan maintained by it.
(c) The Parent shall procure that each member of the Group will deliver to the Agent in sufficient copies for each of the Lenders:
(i) copies of any records, documents or other information that must be furnished to the PBGC with respect to any Plan pursuant to Section 4010 of ERISA;
(ii) a complete copy of the annual report (on Internal Revenue Service Form 5500-series (including, to the extent required, the related financial and actuarial statements and opinions and other supporting statements, certifications, schedules and information)) of each Plan or Multiemployer Plan (if available to any member of the Group or an ERISA Affiliate) required to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service;
(iii) copies of annual reports and any records, documents or other information required to be furnished by such member of the Group or any ERISA Affiliate to the PBGC or any other government agency; and
(iv) any material notices received by a member of the Group or any ERISA Affiliate with respect to any Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Pension Plan, in the case of each of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), no later than 30 days (or 10 days in the case of this paragraph (iv)) after the date such annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service or such records, documents and/or information has been furnished to the PBGC or such other government agency or such notice has been received by such member of the Group or ERISA Affiliate, as applicable.
(d) The Parent shall procure that each member of the Group shall ensure that all Foreign Pension Plans administered by them or into which they make payments, obtain or retain (as
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applicable) registered status under and as required by applicable law and are administered in a timely manner in all respects in compliance with all applicable laws except where the failure to do any of the foregoing will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
23.21 Telewest UK
Telewest UK shall promptly upon becoming aware of the same notify the Facility Agent of any material claim made, issued or threatened in writing against Telewest UK under the Transfer Agreement.
24. NEGATIVE UNDERTAKINGS
24.1 Undertakings with respect to the Flextech Group
Any action undertaken, or any transaction entered into, by any member of the TCN Group and any circumstances arising in connection with or as a result of a Flextech Disposal shall not be restricted by (nor be deemed to constitute a utilisation of any of the permitted exceptions to) any of the provisions of this Clause 24 (and any such action, transaction or circumstance shall not constitute a breach of any of the Finance Documents, an Event of Default or an event which would trigger a mandatory prepayment under Clause 11 (Mandatory Prepayment and Cancellation)) to the extent such action, transaction or circumstance has been undertaken or entered into for the purposes of or in connection with effecting a Flextech Disposal.
24.2 Negative Pledge
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) create or permit to subsist any Encumbrance over all or any of its present or future revenues or assets to secure or prefer any present or future Financial Indebtedness of any Person other than an Encumbrance:
(a) which is an Existing Encumbrance set out in:
(i) Part 1A of Schedule 10 (Existing Encumbrances) provided that such Encumbrance is released within 10 days following the Closing Date; or
(ii) Part 1B of Schedule 10 (Existing Encumbrances) provided that the principal amount secured thereby may not be increased unless any Encumbrance in respect of such increased amount would be permitted under another paragraph of this Clause 24.2;
(b) which arises (i) by operation of Law or (ii) under a contract having a similar effect, or an escrow arrangement required by a trading counterparty of any member of the TCN Group, in each case entered into the ordinary course of business of the relevant member of the TCN Group;
(c) which is created pursuant to any of the Finance Documents or the Second Lien Finance Documents;
(d) arising from any Finance Leases, sale and leaseback arrangements or Vendor Financing Arrangements permitted to be incurred pursuant to Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness)
(e) which arises in respect of any right of set-off, netting arrangement, title transfer or title retention arrangements which:
(i) arises in the ordinary course of business and/or by operation of Law;
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(ii) is entered into by any member of the TCN Group in the normal course of its banking arrangements for the purpose of netting debit and credit balances on bank accounts of members of the TCN Group operated on a net balance basis;
(iii) arises in respect of netting or set off arrangements contained in any Hedging Agreement or other contract permitted under Clause 24.12 (Limitations on Hedging) or required pursuant to any other provision of this Agreement;
(iv) which is a retention of title arrangement with respect to customer premises equipment in favour of a supplier (or its Affiliate) in respect of Financial Indebtedness referred to in paragraph (f) of Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness); provided that the title is only retained to individual items of customer premises equipment in respect of which the purchase price has not been paid in full; or
(v) is entered into by any member of the TCN Group on terms which are generally no worse than the counterparty’s standard or usual terms and entered into in the ordinary course of business of the relevant member of the TCN Group;
(f) which arises in respect of any judgment, award or order or any tax liability for which an appeal or proceedings for review are being diligently pursued in good faith, provided that the affected member of the TCN Group shall have or will establish such reserves as may be required under applicable generally accepted accounting principles in respect of such judgment, award, order or tax liability;
(g) which is created by any member of the TCN Group in substitution for any Existing Encumbrance referred to in paragraph (a)(ii) above of this Clause 24.2, provided that the principal amount secured thereby may not be increased unless any Encumbrance in respect of such increased amount would be permitted under another paragraph of this Clause 24.2;
(h) over or affecting any asset acquired by any member of the TCN Group after the date of this Agreement and subject to which such asset is acquired, if:
(i) such Encumbrance was not created in contemplation of the acquisition of such asset by a member of the TCN Group; and
(ii) the Financial Indebtedness secured thereby is Financial Indebtedness of, or is assumed by, the relevant acquiring members of the TCN Group, is Financial Indebtedness which at all times falls within paragraph (j) or (m) of Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness) and the amount of Financial Indebtedness so secured is not increased at any time;
(i) over or affecting any asset of any company which becomes a member of the TCN Group after the date of this Agreement, where such Encumbrance is created prior to the date on which such company becomes a member of the TCN Group, if:
(i) such Encumbrance was not created in contemplation of the acquisition of such company; and
(ii) to the extent not repaid by close of business on the date upon which such company became a member of the TCN Group, the Financial Indebtedness secured by such Encumbrance at all times falls within paragraph (j) or (m) of Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness);
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(j) constituted by a rent deposit deed entered into on arm’s length commercial terms and in the ordinary course of business securing the obligations of a member of the TCN Group in relation to property leased to a member of the TCN Group;
(k) constituted by an arrangement referred to in paragraphs (d) or (f) of the definition of Financial Indebtedness;
(l) which is granted by a member of the TCN Group over the shares of, Financial Indebtedness owed by or other interests it holds in, or over the assets (including, without limitation, present or future revenues) attributable to, a Project Company, an Excluded Subsidiary or a Joint Venture;
(m) over cash deposited as security for the obligations of a member of the TCN Group in respect of a performance bond, guarantee, standby letter of credit or similar facility entered into in the ordinary course of business of the TCN Group;
(n) over the assets and undertakings of any members of the TCN Group which secures Target Group Financial Indebtedness and/or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness as at close of business on the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event up to an aggregate principal amount of £2,425,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) or which secures Financial Indebtedness constituting a Post Merger Target Group Refinancing and which, in each case, ranks on a pari passu basis with the Facilities;
(o) securing any Second Lien Refinancing; or
(p) securing Financial Indebtedness the principal amount of which (when aggregated with the principal amount of any other Financial Indebtedness which has the benefit of an Encumbrance other than as permitted pursuant to paragraphs (a) to (o) above) does not exceed £125,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies), which may be secured:
(i) on assets not subject to the Security; and/or
(ii) over assets subject to the Security on a basis ranking junior to the Security, provided that such junior ranking security shall be granted on terms no more favourable to the beneficiaries thereof than that granted under the Second Lien Facility Agreement (or if the Second Lien Facility and any Second Lien Refinancing have been repaid or refinanced in full on other than a second secured basis, on terms no more favourable to the beneficiaries thereof than that granted under this Agreement) or where the rights of the relevant mortgagee, chargee or other beneficiary of such security in respect of any payment will be subordinated to the rights of the Finance Parties under the Principal Intercreditor Deed, any TGD Intercreditor Agreement, the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement or any other intercreditor arrangement which is either:
(A) on terms satisfactory to the Finance Parties; or
(B) on terms where the relevant mortgagee, chargee or other beneficiary of such security shall not be entitled to exercise any voting rights (or shall transfer any voting rights to which it may be entitled (whether such voting rights are granted by contract or applicable law) to the Security Trustee), shall agree to turnover any monies it receives in respect of such security, shall not enforce any rights to which it may be entitled in respect of the Financial Indebtedness secured by such security, dispose of, enforce any Encumbrance over, and shall not appoint any receiver, manager, attorney or any similar officer over, or otherwise exercise any rights in respect of, all or any part of the assets
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subject to such security until such time that all amounts outstanding under the Finance Documents have been repaid and discharged in full,
provided that in either case, each of the Finance Parties agrees to execute such intercreditor deed as soon as practicable following request from TCN, and provided further that any Encumbrances securing Target Group Financial Indebtedness, Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness and/or Post Merger Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness shall be limited as provided in paragraph (n) of this Clause 24.2.
24.3 Loans and Guarantees
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) grant any loan or credit or give any guarantee in any such case in respect of Financial Indebtedness, other than:
(a) any extension of trade credit or guarantees, bonds or indemnities granted in the ordinary course of business on usual and customary terms;
(b) any credit given by a member of the TCN Group to another member of the TCN Group which arises by reason of cash-pooling, set-off or other cash management arrangements of the TCN Group;
(c) the Existing Loans, provided that the aggregate principal amount outstanding thereunder may not be increased from that existing at the date of this Agreement in reliance on this paragraph (c) (except with respect to the accrual or capitalisation of interest);
(d) any loans or credit granted:
(i) by a member of the TCN Group which is not an Obligor to an Obligor by way of Subordinated Funding;
(ii) by one Obligor to another Obligor; or
(iii) by a member of the TCN Group which is not an Obligor to any other member of the TCN Group which is not an Obligor;
(iv) by a member of the TCN Group to one or more members of the Flextech Group; provided that the aggregate principal amount of all loans or credit at any time outstanding and granted after the Closing Date pursuant to this Clause (d)(iv) shall not exceed the sum of £15,000,000 plus that amount which, when taken together with the aggregate amount of any loans, distributions or other payments to, or guarantees for the Financial Indebtedness of, or acquisitions of interests or investments in Joint Ventures during the then current financial year, does not exceed 3.5% of TCN Group Consolidated Revenues for the preceding financial year calculated by reference to the annual financial information for the TCN Group delivered in respect of the preceding financial year of the TCN Group pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements), and provided further that any such loans or credit shall be repaid on or before any Flextech Disposal that results in the relevant member of the Flextech Group ceasing to be a member of the Group;
(v) by a member of the TCN Group to the relevant member of the Flextech Group for the purposes of funding drawings available under the undrawn portion of any Existing Loan Stock of up to £50,000,000 in aggregate, provided that any such loans or credit granted after the date of this Agreement shall be repaid on or before any Flextech
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Disposal that results in the relevant member of the Flextech Group ceasing to be a member of the Group;
(vi) in accordance with Clause 24.9 (Joint Ventures);
(vii) by the US Borrower pursuant to the TCN Notes;
(e) any loans made by any member of the TCN Group to its employees either:
(i) in the ordinary course of its employees’ employment; or
(ii) to fund the exercise of share options or other purchase of capital stock by its employees,
provided that the aggregate principal amount of all such loans shall not at any time exceed £2,500,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies);
(f) any loan granted as a result of a Subscriber being allowed terms, in the ordinary course of trade, whereby it does not have to pay for the services provided to it for a period after the provision of such services;
(g) any loan made by a member of the TCN Group to a member of the Group, where the proceeds of such loan are, or are to be (whether directly or indirectly) used;
(i) provided that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or is likely to occur as a result thereof, to fund Permitted Payments; or
(ii) at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, to fund Permitted Payments (A) under paragraph (a)(ii) of the definition thereof to the extent made to Telewest UK or the Ultimate Parent (and provided that documentation detailing the same is provided to the Facility Agent in advance of making any such loan) or (B) otherwise to the extent permitted by the Principal Intercreditor Deed or any applicable TGD Intercreditor Agreement;
(h) trade credit granted on arms’ length terms by any member of the TCN Group to a member of the Flextech Group in connection with Intra-Group Services, provided that any settlement of any such trade credit may occur by way of set-off and further provided that any overpayment or underpayment arising as a result of the settlement of all such trade credit may be returned to the overpaying party or paid to the underpaying party (and any credit or Financial Indebtedness arising as a result of such overpayment or underpayment pending repayment to the overpaying party or payment to the underpaying party is hereby permitted);
(i) following an Integrated Merger Event, any guarantee given by a member of the Target Group or the TCN Group in respect of Financial Indebtedness permitted under paragraph (d) of Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness);
(j) any guarantees arising under the Finance Documents or the Second Lien Finance Documents;
(k) any guarantee given in respect of membership interests in any company limited by guarantee where the acquisition of such membership interest is permitted under Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments);
(l) any guarantee included within or given by a member of the TCN Group in respect of or constituted by any Financial Indebtedness permitted under Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness) or Clause 24.10 (Transactions with Affiliates);
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(m) any customary title guarantee given in connection with the assignment of leases where such assignment is permitted under Clause 24.6 (Disposals);
(n) any loan or credit made to any Person (other than a member of the TCN Group) from Flextech Assets; or
(o) loans made, credit granted or guarantees given by any member of the TCN Group not falling within paragraphs (a) to (n) above, in an aggregate amount not exceeding £20,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies).
24.4 Financial Indebtedness
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) incur, create or permit to subsist or have outstanding any Financial Indebtedness or enter into any agreement or arrangement whereby it is entitled to incur, create or permit to subsist any Financial Indebtedness other than in either case:
(a) Financial Indebtedness arising under or pursuant to the Finance Documents;
(b) Existing Financial Indebtedness, provided that all Existing Financial Indebtedness described in Section A of Part 3 of Schedule 10 (Existing Financial Indebtedness) shall be repaid immediately upon the making of the first Advance under this Agreement;
(c) in relation to an Integrated Merger Event:
(i) any Target Group Financial Indebtedness existing as at the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event;
(ii) any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness existing as at or immediately following the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event; and
(iii) any Post Merger Target Group Refinancing;
(d) Financial Indebtedness of any member of the TCN Group falling within, and permitted by Clause 24.3 (Loans and Guarantees);
(e) Financial Indebtedness arising under any Hedging Agreements permitted under Clause 24.12 (Limitations on Hedging);
(f) Financial Indebtedness arising in respect of any guarantee given by TCN or any other member of the TCN Group in respect of the relevant borrower’s obligations under any Second Lien Refinancing or any other Telewest Global Debt, provided that, except at the option of TCN in the case of a Second Lien Refinancing, any such guarantee is given on a subordinated unsecured basis and is subject to the terms of a TGD Intercreditor Agreement, and provided further that if and to the extent required by Clause 11.5 (Repayment from Debt Proceeds), the Net Proceeds of such Telewest Global Debt are applied in the prepayment of the Outstandings;
(g) Financial Indebtedness (i) arising under Finance Leases or (ii) provided or arranged by a supplier (or its Affiliates) of assets (including equipment) and/or related services to the TCN Group (the “Vendor Financing Arrangements”), to the extent that such Finance Leases and/or Vendor Financing Arrangements (x) comprise Finance Leases and/or Vendor Financing Arrangements which were outstanding on the Closing Date, details of which are set out in Schedule 15 (Vendor Financing Arrangements) or any refinancing or rollover thereof, or (y) comprise Finance Leases and/or Vendor Financing Arrangements entered into after the
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Closing Date, in the case of clause (x) and (y) in an aggregate principal amount which, together with the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Financial Indebtedness incurred under paragraph (m) below, does not at any time exceed £125,000,000 plus the principal amount of such Finance Leases and Vendor Financing Arrangements outstanding on the Closing Date; provided in each case that the relevant lessor or provider of Vendor Financing Arrangements does not have the benefit of any Encumbrance other than over the assets the subject of such Vendor Financing Arrangements and/or Finance Leases;
(h) Financial Indebtedness relating to deferral of PAYE taxes with the agreement of the Inland Revenue by any member of the TCN Group;
(i) Financial Indebtedness arising in respect of Existing Performance Bonds or any performance bond, guarantee, standby letter of credit or similar facility entered into by any member of the TCN Group to the extent that cash is deposited as security for the obligations of such member of the TCN Group thereunder;
(j) other than in connection with the Integrated Merger Event, Financial Indebtedness of any company which became or becomes a member of the TCN Group after the date of this Agreement, where such Financial Indebtedness arose prior to the date on which such company became or becomes a member of the TCN Group; if:
(i) such Financial Indebtedness was not created in contemplation of the acquisition of such company; and
(ii) the aggregate principal amount of all Financial Indebtedness falling within this paragraph (j) either (A) does not exceed £12,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) outstanding at any time or (B) to the extent such Financial Indebtedness does exceed £12,000,000, an amount equal to such excess is repaid immediately upon such company becoming a member of the TCN Group;
(k) Financial Indebtedness which constitutes Subordinated Funding provided that each member of the TCN Group that is a debtor in respect of Subordinated Funding shall procure that the relevant creditor of such Subordinated Funding, to the extent not already a party at the relevant time, accedes to the Principal Intercreditor Deed or any applicable TGD Intercreditor Agreement, as appropriate and in such capacity, upon the granting of such Subordinated Funding;
(l) the TCN Notes, the Second Lien Facility and any Second Lien Refinancing; or
(m) Financial Indebtedness not falling within paragraphs (a) to (l) above, of any member of the TCN Group provided that the aggregate amount of such Financial Indebtedness outstanding at any time, when taken together with the aggregate outstanding amount in respect of Finance Leases and Vendor Financing Arrangements in excess of the aggregate amount thereof outstanding as at the Closing Date, does not exceed £125,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) and the aggregate amount of any Financial Indebtedness, the proceeds of which are not required to be applied in prepayment of outstanding amounts pursuant to paragraph (a) of Clause 11.5 (Repayment from Debt Proceeds) by virtue of the exception in paragraph (b)(viii) of such Clause; and further provided that in the case of any Financial Indebtedness constituted by an overdraft facility which operates on a gross/net basis, only the net amount of such facility shall count towards such aggregate amount.
24.5 Dividends, Distributions and Share Capital
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall):
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(a) declare, make or pay any dividend (or interest on any unpaid dividend), charge, fee or other distribution (whether in cash or in kind) on or in respect of any of its shares;
(b) redeem, repurchase, defease, retire or repay any of its share capital, or resolve to do so;
(c) repay or distribute any share premium account; or
(d) repay or otherwise discharge or purchase any amount of principal of (or capitalised interest on) or pay any amount of interest in respect of Subordinated Funding,
other than:
(i) to the extent the share capital of such TCN Group Obligor is held by one or more other TCN Group Obligors or to the extent the share capital of any member of the TCN Group which is not an Obligor is held by one or more other members of the TCN Group;
(ii) to the extent discharged in consideration of a transfer of any non-cash asset the disposal of which is not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement, by the waiver of any payment where no cash consideration is given in respect of such waiver or by way of conversion into any securities (including convertible unsecured loan stock), (or vice versa), which do not involve any cash payments or by way of capital contribution to the debtor in respect of such Subordinated Funding;
(iii) provided that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or is likely to occur as a result thereof, to the extent required to fund Permitted Payments;
(iv) at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default, to the extent required to fund Permitted Payments (A) under paragraph (a)(ii) of the definition thereof to the extent made to Telewest UK or the Ultimate Parent (and provided that documentation detailing the same is provided to the Facility Agent in advance of making any such loan) or (B) otherwise to the extent not prohibited by the Principal Intercreditor Deed or any applicable TGD Intercreditor Agreement; or
(v) to the extent such redemption, repurchase, defeasance, retirement or repayment is in respect of a nominal amount.
24.6 Disposals
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) either in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, engage in any Disposal other than:
(a) any payment required to be made under the Finance Documents;
(b) the Disposal of obsolete or surplus assets no longer required for the efficient operation of the core business of the TCN Group, on arms’ length commercial terms;
(c) Disposals of cash, the lending or repayment of cash or the Disposal of Cash Equivalent Investments or Marketable Securities, on arms’ length commercial terms where the same is not otherwise restricted by the terms of the Finance Documents;
(d) Disposals by a TCN Group Obligor to another TCN Group Obligor, provided that if the relevant assets are subject to existing Security they remain so or will be made subject to Security (in form and substance substantially similar to the existing Security or otherwise in
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such form and substance as may reasonably be required by the Facility Agent) within 10 Business Days of such Disposal;
(e) Disposals by a member of the TCN Group which is not an Obligor to another member of the Group;
(f) Disposals on arm’s length commercial terms where the cash proceeds of such Disposals are reinvested within 12 months of the date of the relevant Disposal in the purchase of replacement assets of similar nature and to be used in the same jurisdiction as the assets which it replaces and the business of the TCN Group, such reinvestment to be on no worse than arms’ length commercial terms by a member of the TCN Group, provided that where the party making such Disposal is a TCN Group Obligor, such replacement assets are either subject to existing Security granted by the member of the TCN Group that has acquired the replacement assets, or will be made subject to Security by such member of the TCN Group (in form and substance substantially similar to the existing Security or otherwise in such form and substance as may reasonably be required by the Facility Agent) within 10 Business Days of the acquisition of such replacement assets;
(g) Disposals of any accounts receivable on arms’ length commercial terms pursuant to an asset securitisation programme or one or more receivables factoring transactions provided that:
(i) such disposal is conducted on a non-recourse basis;
(ii) the aggregate principal amount of all such securitisations or factoring transactions conducted in reliance on this paragraph (g) does not exceed £100,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) at any time; and
(iii) the availability of the Revolving Facility shall be reduced by the Sterling equivalent of the aggregate principal amount of any such securitisation programme;
(h) Disposals of any shares or other interests in any Project Company, an Excluded Subsidiary or Joint Venture or the assignment of any Financial Indebtedness owed to a member of the TCN Group by a Project Company, Excluded Subsidiary or Joint Venture;
(i) Disposals of assets, revenues or rights of any member of the TCN Group arising from an amalgamation, consolidation or merger of such member of the TCN Group with any other person which is permitted by Clause 24.8 (Mergers);
(j) Disposals of accounts receivable which have remained due and owing from a third party for a period of more than 90 days and in respect of which the relevant member of the TCN Group has diligently pursued payment in the normal course of its business and where such disposal is on non-recourse terms to such member of the TCN Group;
(k) Disposals of assets subject to finance or capital leases pursuant to the exercise of an option by the lessee under such finance or capital leases;
(l) Disposals of assets in exchange for the receipt of assets of a similar or comparable value provided that the assets received by any member of the TCN Group following such exchange are located in the United Kingdom or Ireland, and provided further that:
(i) to the extent that the assets being disposed of are subject to existing Security, the assets received following such exchange will be subject to the existing Security Documents, or will be made subject to Security (in form and substance substantially similar to the existing Security or otherwise in such form and substance as may
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reasonably be required by the Facility Agent) within 10 Business Days of such Disposal; and
(ii) where the aggregate net book value of all assets being exchanged in reliance on this paragraph (l) exceeds £2,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) in any Financial Quarter, there is delivered to the Facility Agent, within 30 days from the end of such Financial Quarter of the TCN Group, a certificate signed by two authorised officers of TCN (given without personal liability) certifying that the assets received by such member of the TCN Group in reliance on this paragraph (l) during such Financial Quarter are of a similar or comparable value to the assets disposed of by such member of the TCN Group;
(m) Disposals of tax losses by any member of the TCN Group to any person, provided that, if the acquiring person is not a member of the TCN Group, the disposing company receives fair market value for such tax losses from the recipient and provided further that where the acquiring person is not a member of the TCN Group and the fair market value to the recipient of any tax losses so disposed of exceeds £5,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies), no later than 30 days after the proposed sale, transfer, surrender or other Disposal, there is delivered to the Facility Agent a certificate signed by two authorised signatories of TCN (given without personal liability) giving brief details of the relevant transaction and certifying:
(i) the fair market value received by the transferring company in respect of such tax losses, as determined by TCN in its reasonable opinion, after taking account of advice from its external tax advisers; and
(ii) that, taking into account the aggregate amount of tax losses disposed of by members of the TCN Group (whether in reliance on this paragraph (m) or otherwise) and assuming that the financial performance of the TCN Group is in accordance with the projections set out in the Long Range Plan), there is no reasonable expectation that any member of the TCN Group will become a tax payer prior to the Termination Date in respect of the Revolving Facility as a result of such disposal of tax losses;
(n) Disposals of assets to any person who is providing services the provision of which has been or is to be outsourced to that person by any member of the TCN Group provided that:
(i) the assets being disposed of in reliance on this paragraph (n) shall be assets which relate to the services which are the subject of such outsourcing;
(ii) the projected cash cost to the TCN Group of such outsourcing shall be less than the projected cash cost to the TCN Group of carrying out such outsourced activities at the levels of service to be provided by the service provider within the TCN Group;
(iii) the economic benefits derived from any such outsourcing contract shall be received by the TCN Group during the term of such contract;
(iv) the aggregate fair market value of the assets disposed of shall not exceed in any financial year £75,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies); and
(v) no later than 30 days after the date of such outsourcing where the consideration payable in respect of the assets subject to such Disposal exceeds £1,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies), a duly authorised officer of TCN shall have provided to the Facility Agent, a certificate (without personal liability) verifying each of the matters set out in sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) above and certifying that as at the date of such certificate, the aggregate fair market value of all assets disposed of in reliance on
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this paragraph (n) during such financial year, does not exceed the threshold specified in sub-paragraph (iv) above;
(o) Disposals of assets pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions not constituting Financial Indebtedness where the aggregate fair market value of any assets disposed of in reliance on this paragraph (o) does not exceed £50,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) in any financial year of TCN and any Disposals of assets pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions constituting Financial Indebtedness to the extent such Financial Indebtedness is permitted under this Agreement;
(p) Disposals of any Hedging Agreements no longer required for the purpose for which it was originally entered into;
(q) Disposals of non-core assets acquired in connection with a transaction permitted under Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments);
(r) any Flextech Disposal.
(s) Disposals not otherwise permitted under this Clause 24.6, provided that the aggregate fair market value of the assets disposed of in reliance on this paragraph (s) does not exceed £50,000,000 during any given financial year or £250,000,000 from and after the Closing Date,
provided that in respect of any Disposal permitted under paragraphs (g), (k), (m) (other than Disposals to a member of the TCN Group), (o) or (s) above:
(A) (other than in respect of Disposals under paragraphs (k) or (m) above) such Disposal shall be on arm’s length commercial terms;
(B) at least 75% of the consideration for such Disposal shall be comprised of cash, Cash Equivalent Investments or Marketable Securities, provided that the aggregate amount of consideration received by way of Marketable Securities shall not (valued as at the relevant time of receipt of any Marketable Securities) at any time exceed £25,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) and provided further that any Cash Equivalent Investments and/or Marketable Securities acquired pursuant to any such Disposal are monetised within 3 months of the expiry of any lock-up arrangement entered into by the relevant member of the TCN Group making such Disposal with any third party (where such lock-up arrangement has a term not exceeding 12 months); and
(C) in respect of any Disposal the fair market value of which exceeds £5,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) no later than 30 days after the date of such Disposal, there shall have been delivered to the Facility Agent, a certificate signed by two authorised officers of TCN providing brief details of the transaction and certifying (in each case, to the extent applicable) (1) (other than in respect of Disposals under paragraphs (k) or (m) above) such Disposal shall be on arm’s length commercial terms or (in the case of paragraph (m) such Disposals are for fair market value from the perspective of the transferring company), (2) that not less than 75% of the consideration for such Disposal shall be in cash, Cash Equivalent Investments or Marketable Securities, and (3) to the extent any of the consideration will include Marketable Securities, the name, amount and other brief details of such Marketable Securities.
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24.7 Change of Business
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall), save as otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement make any change in the nature of its business as carried on immediately prior to the date of this Agreement, which would give rise to a substantial change in the business of the TCN Group taken as a whole, provided that this Clause 24.7 shall not be breached by any member of the TCN Group making a Disposal permitted by Clause 24.6 (Disposals), an acquisition or investment permitted by Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments) or as a result of any Flextech Disposal.
24.8 Mergers
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) amalgamate, consolidate or merge with any other person unless:
(a) such amalgamation, consolidation or merger constitutes an Integrated Merger Event or an Unintegrated Merger Event;
(b) such amalgamation, consolidation or merger is between two TCN Group Obligors or a TCN Group Obligor and another member of the Group where the TCN Group Obligor will be the surviving entity;
(c) such amalgamation, consolidation or merger is between two members of the TCN Group which are not Obligors;
(d) any member of the TCN Group liquidates or dissolves in either case on a solvent basis and in connection therewith all of its assets are transferred to one or more TCN Group Obligors or, if such member is not itself a TCN Group Obligor to one or more members of the TCN Group;
(e) such amalgamation, consolidation or merger is by a TCN Group Obligor (excluding TCN) (the “Original Entity”) into one or more entities (each a “Merged Entity”); provided that:
(i) such Merged Entity is a TCN Group Obligor and is liable for the obligations of the relevant Original Entity under this Agreement and the Security which remain unaffected thereby and entitled to the benefit of all the rights of such Original Entity;
(ii) if required by the Facility Agent, such Merged Entity has entered into Security which provide security over the same assets of at least an equivalent nature and ranking to the security provided by the relevant Original Entity pursuant to any Security entered into by them and any possibility of the Security referred to in this paragraph or paragraph (iii) below being challenged or set aside is not greater than any such possibility in relation to the Security entered into by or in respect of the share capital of any relevant Original Entity; and
(iii) (if all or any part of the share capital of the relevant Original Entity was charged pursuant to the Security) the equivalent part of the issued share capital of such Merged Entity is charged pursuant to Security on terms of at least an equivalent nature and ranking as the Security relating to the shares in the relevant Original Entity; and
(iv) the Facility Agent is satisfied (acting reasonably) that all the property and other assets of the relevant Original Entity are vested in the Merged Entity and that the Merged Entity has assumed all the rights and obligations of the relevant Original Entity under all material Necessary Authorisations,
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provided that in the case of paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) above, no later than 10 Business Days prior to the proposed amalgamation, consolidation or merger a duly authorised officer of TCN shall have delivered to the Facility Agent (in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent, acting reasonably) a certificate verifying compliance with the relevant matters set out in such paragraph and to the extent deemed necessary, the Facility Agent shall have received appropriate advice from counsel in any relevant jurisdiction that such amalgamation, consolidation or merger (i) will not result in the breach of any applicable law or regulation in any material respect and (ii) in the case of an amalgamation, consolidation or merger involving a TCN Group Obligor, will not have a materially adverse impact upon any of the obligations owed by such TCN Group Obligor to the Finance Parties or upon the Security granted by such TCN Group Obligor under any Security Document.
24.9 Joint Ventures
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) enter into, make any loans, distributions or other payments to, give any guarantees for the Financial Indebtedness of, or acquire any interest or otherwise invest in, any Joint Venture other than such loans, distributions, payments, guarantees or consideration for acquisitions or investments may be made, paid or given by TCN Group Obligors in an aggregate amount during any financial year of the TCN Group, which taken together with the aggregate principal amount of loans or credit granted to any member of the Flextech Group during such financial year which are then outstanding in excess of £15 million under paragraph (d)(iv) of Clause 24.3 (Loans and Guarantees), do not exceed 3.5% of TCN Group Consolidated Revenues for the preceding financial year, calculated by reference to the annual financial information for the TCN Group delivered in respect of the preceding financial year of the TCN Group pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements).
24.10 Transactions with Affiliates
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) enter into any arrangement, contract or transaction with any other member of the Group which is not a TCN Group Obligor, other than:
(a) transactions expressly permitted by the Finance Documents;
(b) transactions between a member of the TCN Group which is not an Obligor and any other member of the TCN Group which is not an Obligor;
(c) transactions in the ordinary course of business and either on no worse than arm’s length terms or, where there is no available market by which to assess whether such a transaction is on no worse than arm’s length terms, on terms such that the transaction is financially fair to the relevant TCN Group Obligor or, as the case may be, other members of the TCN Group;
(d) transactions with any member of the Group in relation to management services conducted at not less than Cost on behalf of such member of the Group;
(e) transactions relating to the provision of Intra-Group Services;
(f) transactions either on terms and conditions (including, without limitation, as to any reasonable fees payable in connection with such transactions) not substantially less favourable to the relevant TCN Group Obligor or, as the case may be, other members of the TCN Group than would be obtainable at such time in comparable arm’s length transactions with an entity which is not an Affiliate or, where there is no comparable arm’s length transaction by which to assess whether such a transaction is on terms and conditions not substantially less favourable to the relevant TCN Group Obligor or, as the case may be, other members of the TCN Group, on such terms and conditions (including, without limitation, as to any fees
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payable in connection with such transaction) that the transaction is financially fair to the relevant TCN Group Obligor or, as the case may be, other members of the TCN Group;
(g) any transaction to which one or more TCN Group Obligors and one or more members of the Group who are not TCN Group Obligors are party where the sole purpose of such transaction is for such TCN Group Obligors and members of the Group to effect a transaction with a person who is not a member of the Group;
(h) transactions relating to capital contributions between TCN Group Obligors or the amendment of the terms of any loans made by or any convertible unsecured loan stock or other securities issued by any TCN Group Obligors to any other member of the Group (whether by way of conversion of loans to convertible unsecured loan stock or vice versa or otherwise) or the capitalisation of, or the waiver of or the repayment of, loans made by or any convertible unsecured loan stock issued by any TCN Group Obligors to any other TCN Group Obligor;
(i) transactions required to implement an Integrated Merger Event;
(j) transactions constituting Subordinated Funding;
(k) transactions constituting Permitted Payments;
(l) tax sharing agreements or arrangements to surrender tax losses and payments made pursuant thereto, to the extent such transactions are not prohibited by this Agreement;
(m) any arrangements entered into in connection with any guarantee of any Telewest Global Debt permitted under Clause 24.3 (Loans and Guarantees) and/or Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness); and
(n) any other transaction or arrangement permitted under Clause 24.3 (Loans and Guarantees), Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness), Clause 24.5 (Dividends, Distributions and Share Capital), Clause 24.6 (Disposals), Clause 24.8 (Mergers), Clause 24.9 (Joint Ventures) or Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments).
24.11 Change in Financial Year
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall), without the prior consent of the Facility Agent, change the end of its financial year from 31 December.
24.12 Limitations on Hedging
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) enter into any Hedging Agreement other than:
(a) the Hedging Agreements identified in Schedule 14 (Hedging Agreements);
(b) any Hedging Agreements specifically required under Clause 23.9 (Hedging); or
(c) any Hedging Agreement entered into in connection with the business or any Financial Indebtedness of the TCN Group, in each case which is not entered into for investment or speculative purposes and, for the avoidance of doubt (subject to the provisions of Clause 24.10 (Transactions with Affiliates)), any such Hedging Agreement may be entered into with another member of the Group.
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24.13 Acquisitions and Investments
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or invest in any shares (or other securities or any interest in it) in, or incorporate, any company or acquire (by subscription or otherwise) all or any substantial part of the assets, property or business (including Content, save to the extent envisaged in the Long Range Plan) of any other person or any assets that constitute a division or operating unit of the business of any other person, other than:
(a) any acquisition, incorporation or investment relating to an Integrated Merger Event;
(b) the purchase of or investment in Cash Equivalent Investments or Marketable Securities (including without limitation by way of consideration in respect of any Disposal as contemplated in the proviso to Clause 24.6 (Disposals) and subject to the conditions set out therein);
(c) the incorporation of a company or the acquisition of an “off-the-shelf” company which is or becomes a member of the TCN Group;
(d) any acquisition by any member of the TCN Group in connection with a Disposal permitted by the provisions of Clause 24.6 (Disposals) and any acquisition or subscription by a TCN Group Obligor of shares issued by another TCN Group Obligor or, after an Integrated Merger Event, a Subsidiary of the holding company of the Target Group which is a member of the TCN Group which will, after the acquisition of such shares, become a wholly-owned direct or indirect Subsidiary of TCN or by any other member of the Group (not being a TCN Group Obligor) of shares issued by any member of the Group other than a TCN Group Obligor; provided in each case that if the other shares of such TCN Group Obligor or other member of the Group are subject to existing Security, either (i) such newly issued shares shall also be subject to Security (in form and substance substantially similar to any existing Security or otherwise in such form and substance as may be reasonably required by the Facility Agent) upon their issue or (ii) such shares shall be made subject to Security (in form and substance substantially similar to any existing Security or otherwise in such form and substance as may be reasonably required by the Facility Agent) within 10 Business Days of their issue;
(e) any acquisition by any member of the TCN Group of any loan receivable, security or other asset by way of capital contribution or in consideration of the issue of any securities or of Subordinated Funding;
(f) any acquisition of shares, assets, revenues or rights arising from an amalgamation, consolidation or merger of a member of the TCN Group with any other person which is permitted by Clause 24.8 (Mergers);
(g) the acquisition of any leasehold interest in any assets which are the subject of a sale and leaseback permitted by the provisions of paragraph (o) of Clause 24.6 (Disposals);
(h) any purchase or acquisition of assets or revenues by a member of the TCN Group from a member of the TCN Group, provided that the Disposal of such assets or revenues by the relevant member of the TCN Group is permitted under Clause 24.6 (Disposals)
(i) acquisitions not falling within paragraphs (a) to (h) above of up to an amount of £40,000,000; or
(j) acquisitions not falling within paragraphs (a) to (i) above, provided that TCN can demonstrate by reference to the quarterly information most recently delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) that the ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings (as at the date of such
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financial statements, calculated on a pro forma basis giving effect to any Financial Indebtedness incurred by any member of the TCN Group in connection with such acquisition and any Financial Indebtedness raised by any member of the TCN Group since the date of such quarterly information and on a pro forma basis giving effect to the acquisition) to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period then ended is not more than 3.0 to 1.0 and provided further that the aggregate value of acquisitions permitted in any financial year of the TCN Group by this paragraph (j) shall not exceed the aggregate of 3% of TCN Group Consolidated Revenues for the preceding financial year of the TCN Group, calculated by reference to the annual financial information for the TCN Group delivered in respect of the preceding financial year of the TCN Group pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements), plus any amount permitted to be used during such financial year for investments in Joint Ventures in accordance with Clause 24.9 (Joint Ventures) which has not been so used.
24.14 No Restrictions on Payments
No TCN Group Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) enter into any agreement, transaction or other arrangement which restricts or attempts to restrict such TCN Group Obligor from making any payments or other distributions in cash to any other TCN Group Obligor, if any such restriction affects the ability of the TCN Group Obligors as a whole to comply with the payment obligations under the Finance Documents or is reasonably likely to result in the incurrence of significant costs, or any significant increase in, any costs and expenses payable by or any taxes in any material amount owing by the TCN Group Obligors as a whole, other than pursuant to or as contemplated by the Finance Documents and/or the Second Lien Finance Documents.
24.15 Telewest UK Covenants
(a) Telewest UK shall not:
(i) carry on trade;
(ii) create or permit to subsist any Encumbrance over its shares in TCN or over its rights, title and interest in any Subordinated Funding owed to it by TCN, other than:
(A) pursuant to the Security;
(B) after an Integrated Merger Event, for the purposes of securing Target Group Financial Indebtedness, any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness and any Post Merger Target Group Refinancing to the extent not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement; or
(C) as contemplated by any applicable TGD Intercreditor Agreement or the Principal Intercreditor Deed;
(iii) dispose of any or all of its interests in the shares of TCN or any of its rights, title and interest in any Subordinated Funding owed to it by TCN, other than pursuant to or as contemplated by the Security Documents or as contemplated by any applicable TGD Intercreditor Agreement or the Principal Intercreditor Deed; or
(iv) amalgamate, consolidate or merge with any other person unless such amalgamation, merger or consolidation constitutes an Integrated Merger Event or an Unintegrated Merger Event.
(b) Prior to the occurrence of a Merger Event, Telewest UK shall not, and shall procure that the Ultimate Parent does not, incur, create or permit to subsist or have outstanding any Financial
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Indebtedness or enter into any agreement or arrangement whereby it is entitled to incur, create or permit to subsist any Financial Indebtedness unless Telewest UK can demonstrate by reference to the quarterly information for the Group most recently delivered pursuant to Clause 21.1 (Financial Statements) that Consolidated Group Net Borrowings (adjusted to take account of the Financial Indebtedness in question and any other Financial Indebtedness raised by the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group since the date of such quarterly information) is not more than 4.25 times Consolidated Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the period of four consecutive financial quarters ended on the last day of the financial quarter in respect of which such quarterly information was delivered; provided that the foregoing limitations shall not apply to:
(i) any Financial Indebtedness arising under or pursuant to the Finance Documents or the Transfer Agreement;
(ii) any Financial Indebtedness incurred by the Ultimate Parent or Telewest UK to refinance all or any part of any outstanding Financial Indebtedness of the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the TCN Group, including any Financial Indebtedness incurred for the purpose of the payment of all principal, interest, fees, expenses, commissions, make-whole and any other contractual premium payable in respect thereof, in respect of such outstanding Financial Indebtedness and any fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with such refinancing;
(iii) any Financial Indebtedness incurred (including any such Financial Indebtedness existing as at the date of this Agreement) by the Ultimate Parent or Telewest UK and owed to the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK or any member of the Group;
(iv) any Financial Indebtedness incurred by the Ultimate Parent or Telewest UK which, if it had been incurred by the Borrower at such time, would be permitted to be incurred pursuant to paragraph (g) and/or (m) of Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness);
(v) the Second Lien Facility and any Second Lien Refinancing; or
(vi) any Financial Indebtedness of the type referred to in paragraph (e), (h) and (i) of Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness).
For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood and agreed that nothing in this Agreement shall limit or prohibit the incurrence of Financial Indebtedness by any member of the Group other than the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK and the members of the TCN Group, and no Financial Indebtedness of any member of the Group other than the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK and the members of the TCN Group shall be taken into consideration in the calculation of Consolidated Group Net Borrowings for purposes of this paragraph (b). Upon the effectiveness of a Merger Event, paragraph (b) of this Clause 24.15 shall cease to be effective.
24.16 Following Integrated Merger Event
Following an Integrated Merger Event:
(a) the baskets set out in paragraph (p) of Clause 24.2 (Negative Pledge), paragraphs (e) and (o) of Clause 24.3 (Loans and Guarantees), paragraphs (g), (j) and (m) of Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness) and paragraphs (n), (o) and (r) of Clause 24.6 (Disposals) shall be adjusted so that the baskets after such Integrated Merger Event shall bear the same relation to the baskets prior to the Integrated Merger Event, as the combined Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the most recent Quarter Date of the TCN Group prior to the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event for which quarterly financial information is available for the TCN Group and Target Group Net
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Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the most recent Quarter Date prior to the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event for which quarterly financial information is available for the Target Group, bears to the Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the Semi-Annual Period ending on the most recent Quarter Date for the TCN Group prior to the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event; and
(b) notwithstanding any contrary provision of this Agreement, no transaction engaged in by any member of the Target Group which transaction is permitted pursuant to the terms of any then applicable Target Group Financial Indebtedness and/or Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness shall, or shall be deemed to, violate any undertaking set forth in this Clause 24 or any other provision of this Agreement or any other Finance Document, provided that if any such transaction is entered into (i) after the Integrated Merger Event but prior to the date that is six months after the date of the Integrated Merger Event (the “Long Stop Date”), then if such transaction does not comply with this Clause 24 as at the Long Stop Date, such transaction will constitute a breach of this Clause 24 on the Long Stop Date and (ii) after the Long Stop Date, then if it does not comply with this Clause 24 as at the date it is entered into it will constitute a breach of this Clause 24 as at such date. For the avoidance of doubt, no transaction referred to in (i) of this paragraph (b) shall constitute or be deemed to constitute a Default or an Event of Default prior to the Long Stop Date.
24.17 US Borrower
The US Borrower shall not:
(a) carry on trade or business other than as may be necessary in connection with the acquisition and ownership of the TCN Notes or with its voluntary winding-up;
(b) create or permit to subsist any Encumbrance over its rights under or title and interest in the TCN Notes, other than:
(A) pursuant to the Security;
(B) after an Integrated Merger Event, for the purposes of securing Target Group Financial Indebtedness, any Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness and any Post Merger Target Group Refinancing to the extent not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement; or
(C) as contemplated by any applicable TGD Intercreditor Agreement or the Principal Intercreditor Deed;
(c) dispose of any or all of its rights, title and interest in the TCN Notes other than pursuant to or as contemplated by the Security Documents or as contemplated by any applicable TGD Intercreditor Agreement or the Principal Intercreditor Deed; or
(d) amalgamate, consolidate or merge with any other person unless such amalgamation, merger or consolidation constitutes an Integrated Merger Event or an Unintegrated Merger Event.
25. ACCESSION; US BORROWER; ACCEDING GUARANTORS
25.1 The US Borrower
No later than the date of first Utilisation under this Agreement, TCN shall procure that there is delivered to the Facility Agent an Accession Notice duly executed by itself and Telewest Global Finance LLC together with the documents set out in Part 2 of Schedule 7 (Accession
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Documents) in relation to Telewest Global Finance LLC and the US Borrower Security Documents, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent, acting reasonably.
25.2 Acceding Guarantors
(a) TCN may, upon not less than 3 Business Days’ prior written notice to the Facility Agent, request that any member of the TCN Group (or, immediately prior to the effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, any member of the Target Group) becomes an Acceding Guarantor under this Agreement.
(b) TCN shall procure that there is delivered, for the purposes of paragraph (a) above, an Accession Notice duly executed by itself and the relevant member of the TCN Group or the Target Group together with the documents set out in Part 2 of Schedule 7 (Accession Documents) and such other documents (including any new Security Documents) as the Facility Agent may reasonably require, in relation to such member of the TCN Group or the Target Group all in form and substance satisfactory to the Facility Agent, acting reasonably.
25.3 Assumption of Rights and Obligations
Upon satisfactory delivery of a duly executed Accession Notice to the Facility Agent, together with the other documents required to be delivered under Clause 25.1 (The US Borrower), or paragraph (b) of Clause 25.2 (Acceding Guarantors) the US Borrower or the relevant member of the TCN Group (as the case may be), the Obligors and the Finance Parties, will assume such obligations towards one another and/or acquire such rights against each other as they would each have assumed or acquired had US Borrower or the such member of the TCN Group been an original party to this Agreement as a Borrower and/or an Original Guarantor (as the case may be), and the US Borrower or such member of the TCN Group shall become a party to this Agreement as a Borrower and/or an Acceding Guarantor (as the case may be).
26. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
26.1 Events of Default
Each of Clauses 26.2 (Non-Payment) to Clause 26.16 (Material Proceedings) describes the circumstances which constitute an Event of Default for the purposes of this Agreement.
26.2 Non-Payment
Any Obligor fails to pay any sum due from it under any Finance Document at the time, in the currency and in the manner specified in such Finance Document within (a) 1 Business Day of the due date, in the case of payments of principal where failure to pay was due solely to technical or administrative error in the transmission of funds, (b) 3 Business Days of the due date, in the case of payments of interest, or (c) 5 Business Days of the due date, in respect of payments of any other amounts.
26.3 Covenants
(a) Any TCN Group Obligor fails duly to perform or comply with any obligation expressed to be assumed by it in Clause 23.1 (Application of Advances), Clause 24.2 (Negative Pledge), Clause 24.3 (Loans and Guarantees), Clause 24.4 (Financial Indebtedness), Clause 24.5 (Dividends, Distributions and Share Capital), Clause 24.8 (Mergers), Clause 24.9 (Joint Ventures) or Clause 24.13 (Acquisitions and Investments).
(b) Telewest UK fails to duly perform or comply with any obligation expressed to be assumed by it in Clause 24.15 (Telewest UK Covenants).
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(c) Any Obligor fails duly to perform or comply with any obligation expressed to be assumed by it in Clause 21 (Financial Information), Clause 23.12 (Further Assurance) or Clause 23.9 (Hedging), and such failure, if capable of remedy is not so remedied within 10 Business Days of the earlier of such Obligor becoming aware of such failure to perform or comply and the Facility Agent having given notice of such failure to TCN.
(d) There is any breach of Clause 22.1 (Ratios) or Clause 22.2 (Permitted Capital Expenditure).
(e) There is any breach of Clause 24.6 (Disposals), provided that where the failure to comply with any obligation under Clause 24.6 (Disposals) relates to the obligation to deliver a certificate within a specified time period, no Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred unless TCN shall have failed to deliver the required certificate within such time period and upon request by the Facility Agent for a description of the transactions relating to such certificate which was not delivered, TCN fails to provide such details within 10 Business Days after such request.
26.4 Other Obligations
Any member of the Group fails duly to perform or comply with any of the obligations expressed to be assumed by it in any of the Finance Documents (other than any of those referred to in Clauses 26.2 (Non-Payment) and 26.3 (Covenants)) and such failure, if capable of remedy, is not so remedied within 30 days of the earlier of such Obligor becoming aware of such failure to perform or comply and the Facility Agent having given notice of such failure to TCN.
26.5 Misrepresentation
Any representation or statement made or repeated by any member of the Group (or, prior to its accession hereto, Telewest Global Finance LLC) in any Finance Document or in any notice or other document or certificate delivered by it pursuant to a Finance Document is or proves to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or repeated where the circumstances giving rise to such inaccuracy, if capable of remedy or change are not remedied or do not change within 30 days of the earlier of the relevant Obligor becoming aware of such circumstances and the Facility Agent having notified TCN of such misrepresentation having occurred.
26.6 Cross Default
(a) any Financial Indebtedness of any member of the TCN Group is not paid at its specified maturity or becomes due and payable prior to the date when it would otherwise have become due;
(b) any Financial Indebtedness of any member of the TCN Group is declared (or becomes capable of being declared) to be or otherwise becomes due and payable prior to its specified maturity as a result of an event of default (however described), after taking into account any applicable grace period;
(c) any commitment for any Financial Indebtedness of any member of the TCN Group is cancelled or suspended by a creditor of any member of the TCN Group as a result of an event of default (however defined); or
(d) there occurs under any Hedging Agreement (other than a Hedging Agreement the obligations under which constitute Financial Indebtedness), an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Hedging Agreement) resulting from (i) any event of default under such Hedging Agreement as to which any member of the TCN Group is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Hedging Agreement) or (ii) any Termination Event (as so defined) as to which any member of the TCN Group is an Affected Party (as so defined);
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provided that no Event of Default will occur under this Clause 26.6:
(i) if the aggregate amount of Financial Indebtedness, commitment for Financial Indebtedness and/or Derivatives Termination Value owed by a member of the TCN Group falling within paragraphs (a) to (d) above is less than £35,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies);
(ii) if the relevant Financial Indebtedness or Derivatives Termination Value is cash-collateralised and such cash is available for application in satisfaction of such Financial Indebtedness or Derivatives Termination Value; or
(iii) if such Financial Indebtedness or Derivatives Termination Value is owed by a member of the TCN Group to Telewest UK or another member of the TCN Group.
26.7 Insolvency
(a) The Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK, TCN or any other TCN Group Obligor that is a Material Subsidiary is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, ceases or suspends generally the payment of its debts or announces an intention to do so, or makes a general assignment for the benefit of or a composition with its creditors generally or a general moratorium is declared in respect of the Financial Indebtedness of the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK, TCN or such other TCN Group Obligor.
(b) At any time, one or more TCN Group Obligors whose contributions to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow in aggregate represent 5% or more of the Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow are unable to pay their debts as they fall due, cease or suspend generally the payment of their debts or announce an intention to do so, or make a general assignment for the benefit of or a composition with their creditors generally or a general moratorium is declared in respect of their Financial Indebtedness.
26.8 Winding-up
After the date of this Agreement, the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK, TCN, or any other TCN Group Obligor that is a Material Subsidiary, takes any corporate action or formal legal proceedings are started and served (not being actions or proceedings which can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Facility Agent by providing an opinion of a leading firm of London solicitors (within 30 days of any such action or proceedings having commenced) to that effect, as frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of the process of the court or related to a claim to which such Person has a good defence and which is being vigorously contested by such body) for its winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation or for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, conservator, custodian, trustee or similar officer of it or of any or all of its revenues and assets other than where any such legal proceedings in respect of the Ultimate Parent, Telewest UK, TCN or other TCN Group Obligor which is a Material Subsidiary (a)(i) do not relate to the appointment of an administrator and (ii) are stayed or discharged within 30 days from their commencement or (b) relate to a solvent liquidation or dissolution permitted under paragraph (d) of Clause 24.8 (Mergers).
26.9 Execution or Distress
Any execution, distress or diligence is levied against, or an encumbrancer takes possession of, the whole or any part of, the property, undertaking or assets having an aggregate value of more than £1,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) of Telewest UK or any TCN Group Obligor which is a Material Subsidiary and the same is not discharged within 30 days.
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26.10 Similar Events
Any event occurs which, under the laws of any jurisdiction, has a similar or analogous effect to any of those events mentioned in Clause 26.7 (Insolvency), 26.8 (Winding-up) or Clause 26.9 (Execution or Distress).
26.11 Repudiation
Any member of the Group repudiates any of the Finance Documents to which it is party.
26.12 Illegality
Save as provided in the Reservations, at any time it is or becomes unlawful for any member of the Group to perform or comply with any or all of its obligations under any of the Finance Documents to which it is party or any of the obligations of any member of the Group under any of the Finance Documents to which it is party are not or cease to be legal, valid and binding except as contemplated by the Reservations and, if capable of remedy, is not remedied within 10 Business Days of the earlier of such member of the Group becoming aware of the relevant illegality and the Facility Agent having given notice of the same to TCN.
26.13 Intercreditor Default
Any member of the Group which is party to the Principal Intercreditor Deed, any applicable TGD Intercreditor Agreement or the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement fails to comply with its obligations under it and such failure, if capable of remedy, is not remedied within 30 days of the earlier of such member of the Group becoming aware of the relevant failure to comply and the Facility Agent having given notice of the same to TCN.
26.14 Revocation of Necessary Authorisations
Any Necessary Authorisation is revoked and where such revocation is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, is not replaced within 10 Business Days.
26.15 Material Adverse Effect
Any event or circumstance occurs which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
26.16 Resignation of Auditors
The auditors resign their appointment as auditors of the Group or the TCN Group as a result of the investigation detailed in the Supplement under circumstances which, in the opinion of the Facility Agent, acting on the instructions of an Instructing Group are materially adverse to the credit of the Obligors (taken as a whole).
26.17 Material Proceedings
Any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding of or before any court, arbitral body, or agency is commenced against any member of the Group, which is reasonably likely to be adversely determined and which, if adversely determined, is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
26.18 Acceleration
Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and while the same is continuing at any time thereafter, the Facility Agent may (and, if so instructed by an Instructing Group, shall) by written notice to TCN:
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(a) declare all or any part of the Outstandings to be immediately due and payable (whereupon the same shall become so payable together with accrued interest thereon and any other sums then owed by any Obligor under the Finance Documents) or declare all or any part of the Outstandings to be due and payable on demand of the Facility Agent; and/or
(b) require TCN to procure that the Outstanding L/C Amount under each Documentary Credit is and all Ancillary Facility Outstandings are promptly reduced to zero and/or provide cash collateral therefor by deposit in such interest bearing account as the Facility Agent may specify for each Documentary Credit/Ancillary Facility in an amount specified by the Facility Agent and in the currency of such Documentary Credit/Ancillary Facility (whereupon TCN shall do so) but no greater than the amount outstanding under such Documentary Credit/Ancillary Facility; and/or
(c) declare that any unutilised portion of the Facilities shall be cancelled, whereupon the same shall be cancelled and the corresponding Commitments of each Lender shall be reduced to zero; and/or
(d) exercise or direct the Security Trustee to exercise any rights and remedies (including any right to demand cash collateral by deposit in such interest-bearing account as the Facility Agent may specify) to which the Facility Agent, the Security Trustee or the Lenders may be entitled.
26.19 Repayment on Demand
If, pursuant to paragraph (a) of Clause 26.18 (Acceleration), the Facility Agent declares all or any part of the Outstandings to be due and payable on demand of the Facility Agent, then, and at any time thereafter, the Facility Agent may (and, if so instructed by an Instructing Group, shall) by written notice to the relevant Borrowers:
(a) require repayment of all or the relevant part of the Outstandings on such date as it may specify in such notice (whereupon the same shall become due and payable on such date together with accrued interest thereon and any other sums then owed by any Obligor under the Finance Documents) or withdraw its declaration with effect from such date as it may specify in such notice; and/or
(b) select as the duration of any Interest Period or Term which begins whilst such declaration remains in effect a period of 6 months or less.
27. DEFAULT INTEREST
27.1 Consequences of Non-Payment
If any sum due and payable by any Obligor under this Agreement is not paid on the due date therefor in accordance with the provisions of Clause 32 (Payments) or if any sum due and payable by an Obligor pursuant to a judgment of any court in connection with this Agreement is not paid on the date of such judgment, the period beginning on such due date or, as the case may be, the date of such judgment and ending on the Business Day on which the obligation of such Obligor to pay the Unpaid Sum is discharged shall be divided into successive periods, each of which (other than the first) shall start on the last day of the preceding such period (which shall be a Business Day) and the duration of each of which shall (except as otherwise provided in this Clause 27) be selected by the Facility Agent.
27.2 Default Rate
During each such period relating thereto as is mentioned in Clause 27.1 (Consequences of Non-Payment) an Unpaid Sum shall bear interest at the rate per annum which is the sum from time to time of 1%, the Applicable Margin (provided that if any Unpaid Sum is not directly referable to a
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particular Facility the Applicable Margin shall be the Revolving Facility Margin), the Associated Costs Rate at such time and EURIBOR or LIBOR, as the case may be, on the Quotation Date therefor, provided that:
(a) if, for any such period, EURIBOR or LIBOR, as the case may be, cannot be determined, the rate of interest applicable to each Lender’s portion of such Unpaid Sum shall be the rate per annum which is the sum of 1%, the Applicable Margin, (as aforesaid), and the Associated Costs Rate at such time and the rate per annum that shall be notified to the Facility Agent by such Lender as soon as practicable after the beginning of such period as being that which expresses as a percentage rate per annum the cost to such Lender of funding from whatever sources it may reasonably select its portion of such Unpaid Sum during such period; and
(b) if such Unpaid Sum is all or part of an Advance which became due and payable on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period or Term relating thereto, the first Interest Period applicable to it shall be of a duration equal to the unexpired portion of that Interest Period or Term and the rate of interest applicable thereto from time to time during such Interest Period shall be that which exceeds by 1% the rate which would have been applicable to it had it not so fallen due.
27.3 Maturity of Default Interest
Any interest which shall have accrued under Clause 27.2 (Default Rate) in respect of an Unpaid Sum shall be due and payable and shall be paid by the Obligor owing such sum at the end of the period by reference to which it is calculated or on such other dates as the Facility Agent may specify by written notice to such Obligor.
27.4 Construction of Unpaid Sum
Any Unpaid Sum shall (for the purposes of this Clause 27 (Default Interest), Clause 17 (Increased Costs), Clause 30 (TCN’s Indemnities) and Schedule 6 (Associated Costs Rate)) be treated as an advance and accordingly in those provisions the term “Advance” includes any Unpaid Sum and the term “Interest Period” and “Term”, in relation to an Unpaid Sum, includes each such period relating thereto as is mentioned in Clause 27.1 (Consequences of Non-Payment).
28. GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY
28.1 Guarantee
With effect from the Closing Date or if later, the date on which it accedes to this Agreement in such capacity, each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees, jointly and severally, to each of the Finance Parties the due and punctual payment by each of the Borrowers of all sums payable by each of them under each of the Finance Documents and agrees that promptly on demand it will pay to the Facility Agent each and every sum of money which either of the Borrowers is at any time liable to pay to any Finance Party under or pursuant to any Finance Document and which has become due and payable but has not been paid at the time such demand is made.
28.2 Indemnity
With effect from the Closing Date, or if later, the date upon which it accedes to this Agreement in such capacity, each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally agrees, jointly and severally, as primary obligor and not only as surety, to indemnify and hold harmless each Finance Party on demand by the Facility Agent from and against any loss incurred by such Finance Party as a result of any of the obligations of the Borrowers or either of them under or pursuant to any Finance Document being or becoming void, voidable, unenforceable or ineffective as against the Borrowers for any reason whatsoever (whether or not known to that Finance Party or any other person) the amount of such loss
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being the amount which the Finance Party suffering it would otherwise have been entitled to recover from the Borrowers or either of them.
28.3 Continuing and Independent Obligations
The obligations of each Guarantor under this Agreement shall constitute and be continuing obligations which shall not be released or discharged by any intermediate payment or settlement of all or any of the obligations of the Borrowers under the Finance Documents, shall continue in full force and effect until the unconditional and irrevocable payment and discharge in full of all amounts owing by the Borrowers and either of them under each of the Finance Documents and are in addition to and independent of, and shall not prejudice or merge with, any other security (or right of set-off) which any Finance Party may at any time hold in respect of such obligations or any of them.
28.4 Avoidance of Payments
Where any release, discharge or other arrangement in respect of any obligation of either Borrower, or any Security held by any Finance Party therefor, is given or made in reliance on any payment or other disposition which is avoided or must be repaid (whether in whole or in part) in an insolvency, liquidation or otherwise and whether or not any Finance Party has conceded or compromised any claim that any such payment or other disposition will or should be avoided or repaid (in whole or in part), the provisions of this Clause 28 shall continue as if such release, discharge or other arrangement had not been given or made.
28.5 Immediate Recourse
None of the Finance Parties shall be obliged, before exercising or enforcing any of the rights conferred upon them in respect of the Guarantors by this Agreement or by Law, to seek to recover amounts due from either Borrower or to exercise or enforce any other rights or Security any of them may have or hold in respect of any of the obligations of the Borrowers or either of them under any of the Finance Documents.
28.6 Waiver of Defences
Neither the obligations of the Guarantors contained in this Agreement nor the rights, powers and remedies conferred on the Finance Parties in respect of the Guarantors by this Agreement or by Law shall be discharged, impaired or otherwise affected by:
(a) the winding-up, dissolution, administration or reorganisation of either Borrower or any other person or any change in the status, function, control or ownership of any Borrower or any such person;
(b) any of the obligations of either Borrower or any other person under any Finance Document or any Security held by any Finance Party therefor being or becoming illegal, invalid, unenforceable or ineffective in any respect;
(c) any time or other indulgence being granted to or agreed (i) to or with either Borrower or any other person in respect of its obligations or (ii) in respect of any security granted under any Finance Documents;
(d) unless otherwise agreed, any amendment to, or any variation, waiver or release of, any obligation of, or any Security granted by, either Borrower or any other person under any Finance Document;
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(e) any total or partial failure to take, or perfect, any Security proposed to be taken in respect of the obligations of the Borrowers or either of them or any other person under the Finance Documents;
(f) any total or partial failure to realise the value of, or any release, discharge, exchange or substitution of, any security held by any Finance Party in respect of any obligation of a Borrower under any Finance Document; or
(g) any other act, event or omission which might operate to discharge, impair or otherwise affect any of the obligations of any of the Guarantors under this Agreement or any of the rights, powers or remedies conferred upon the Finance Parties or any of them by this Agreement or by Law.
28.7 No Competition
Until all amounts which may become payable by the Borrowers and either of them under or in connection with the Finance Documents have been paid in full, any rights which any Guarantor may at any time have by way of contribution or indemnity in relation to any of the obligations of the Borrowers or either of them under any of the Finance Documents or to claim or prove as a creditor of the Borrowers or either of them or any other person or its estate in competition with the Finance Parties or any of them, shall be exercised by such Guarantor only if and to the extent that the Facility Agent so requires and in such manner and upon such terms as the Facility Agent may specify and each Guarantor shall hold any moneys, rights or security held or received by it as a result of the exercise of any such rights on trust for the Facility Agent for application in or towards payment of any sums at any time owed by the Borrowers or either of them under any of the Finance Documents as if such moneys, rights or security were held or received by the Facility Agent under this Agreement.
28.8 Appropriation
To the extent any Finance Party receives any sum from any Guarantor in respect of the obligations of any other Obligor under any of the Finance Documents which is insufficient to discharge all sums which are then due and payable in respect of such obligations of such other Obligor, such Finance Party shall not be obliged to apply any such sum in or towards payment of amounts owing by such other Obligor under any of the Finance Documents, and any such sum may, in the relevant Finance Party’s discretion, be credited to a suspense or impersonal account and held in such account pending the application from time to time (as the relevant Finance Party may think fit) of such sums in or towards the discharge of such liabilities owed to it by such other Obligor under the Finance Documents as such Finance Party may select provided that such Finance Party shall promptly make such application upon receiving sums sufficient to discharge all sums then due and payable to it by such other Obligor under the Finance Documents.
28.9 Limitation of Liabilities of United States Guarantors
Each Guarantor organised or established in the United States of America (a “US Guarantor”) and each of the Finance Parties (by its acceptance of the benefits of the guarantee under this Clause 28) hereby confirms its intention that this guarantee should not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for the purposes of any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law, the United States Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act or any similar Federal, state or foreign law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, each US Guarantor and each of the Finance Parties (by its acceptance of the benefits of the guarantee under this Clause 28) hereby irrevocably agrees that its obligations under this Clause 28 shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other (contingent or otherwise) liabilities of such US Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any rights to contribution pursuant to any agreement providing for an equitable contribution among such US Guarantor and the other Guarantors, result in the obligations of such US Guarantor in respect of such maximum amount not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.
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28.10 Droit de Discussion / Droit de Division
(a) Any right which at any time any Guarantor may have under the existing or future laws of Jersey whether by virtue of the droit de discussion or otherwise to require that recourse be had to the assets of any other person before any claim is enforced against such Guarantor in respect of the obligations assumed by such Guarantor under or in connection with any Finance Document is hereby waived.
(b) Any right which at any time any Guarantor may have under the existing or future laws of Jersey whether by virtue of the droit de division or otherwise to require that any liability under any guarantee or indemnity given in or in connection with any Finance Document be divided or apportioned with any other person or reduced in any manner whatsoever is hereby waived.
29. AGENTS
29.1 Appointment of the Agents
(a) Each of the other Finance Parties appoints the Facility Agent to act as its agent under and in connection with the Finance Documents and authorises the Facility Agent to exercise the rights, powers, authorities and discretions specifically delegated to it under or in connection with the Finance Documents together with any other incidental rights, powers, authorities and discretions.
(b) Each of the Lenders under the B Facility and the C Facility appoints the US Paying Agent and/or the Administrative Agent (as applicable) to act as its agent under and in connection with the Finance Documents.
29.2 Duties of the Facility Agent/US Paying Agent
(a) The Facility Agent and/or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, shall promptly inform each Lender of the contents of any notice or document received by it in its capacity as Agent from any of the Obligors under the Finance Documents.
(b) The Facility Agent shall promptly notify the Lenders of the occurrence of any Event of Default or any default by an Obligor in the due performance of or compliance with its obligations under any Finance Document upon becoming aware of the same.
(c) If so instructed by an Instructing Group, the Facility Agent shall refrain from exercising any power or discretion vested in it as agent under any Finance Document.
(d) The duties of the Facility Agent and the US Paying Agent, as the case may be, under the Finance Documents are, save to the extent otherwise expressly provided, solely mechanical and administrative in nature.
29.3 Role of the Mandated Lead Arrangers and Administrative Agent
Except as specifically provided in the Finance Documents, neither the Mandated Lead Arrangers nor the Administrative Agent shall have any obligations or duties of any kind to any other party under or in connection with any Finance Document.
29.4 No Fiduciary Duties
(a) Nothing in the Finance Documents constitutes any Agent or any Mandated Lead Arranger as a trustee or fiduciary of any other person.
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(b) No Agent or Mandated Lead Arranger shall be bound to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by it for its own account.
29.5 Business with the Group
The Agents and the Mandated Lead Arrangers may accept deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking or other business with any member of the Group.
29.6 Discretion of the Facility Agent/US Paying Agent
(a) Each Agent may rely on:
(i) any representation, notice or document believed by it to be genuine, correct and appropriately authorised; and
(ii) any statement made by a director, authorised signatory or employee of any person regarding any matters which may reasonably be assumed to be within his knowledge or within his power to verify.
(b) Each Agent may assume, unless it has received notice to the contrary in its capacity as agent for the Lenders, that:
(i) no Default has occurred;
(ii) any right, power, authority or discretion vested in this Agreement upon any party, the Lenders or an Instructing Group has not been exercised; and
(iii) any notice or request made by the Obligors’ Agent is made on behalf of and with the consent and knowledge of all the Obligors.
(c) The Agents may engage, pay for and rely on the advice or services of any lawyers, accountants, surveyors or other experts.
(d) The Agents may act in relation to the Finance Documents through their respective personnel and agents.
(e) The Facility Agent may execute on behalf of any L/C Bank any Documentary Credit issued under this Agreement.
29.7 Instructing Group’s Instructions
(a) Unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, the Facility Agent (or the US Paying Agent, as applicable) shall (i) act in accordance with any instructions given to it by an Instructing Group (or, if so instructed by an Instructing Group, refrain from acting or exercising any right, power, authority or discretion vested in it as Agent) and (ii) shall not be liable to any Finance Party for any act (or omission) if it acts (or refrains from taking any action) in accordance with such an instruction of an Instructing Group.
(b) Unless a contrary indication appears in a Finance Document, any instructions given by an Instructing Group will be binding on all the Finance Parties.
(c) The Facility Agent may refrain from acting in accordance with the instructions of an Instructing Group (or, if appropriate, the Lenders) until it has received such security or collateral as it may require for any cost, loss or liability which it may incur in complying with such instructions.
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(d) In the absence of instructions from an Instructing Group (or, if appropriate, the Lenders), the Facility Agent may act (or refrain from taking action) as it considers to be in the best interest of the Lenders.
(e) No Agent shall be authorised to act on behalf of a Lender in any legal or arbitration proceedings relating to any Finance Document without first obtaining the Lender’s consent to do so.
29.8 No Responsibility
No Agent or Mandated Lead Arranger shall be:
(a) responsible for the adequacy, accuracy and/or completeness of any information (whether oral or written) supplied by any Finance Party or an Obligor or any other person in or in connection with any Finance Document, including the Information Memorandum, the Long Range Plan and any Budget; or
(b) responsible for the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of or in connection with any Finance Document.
29.9 Exclusion of Liability
(a) Without limiting paragraph (b) of this Clause, no Agent will be liable to any Finance Party for any action taken by it under or in connection with any Finance Document, unless directly caused by its gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
(b) Each of the Lenders agrees that it will not take any proceedings, or assert or seek to assert any claim, against any officer, employee or agent of any of the Agents in respect of any claim it might have against any Agent or in respect of any act or omission of any kind by that officer, employee or agent in relation to any Finance Document and agrees that any officer, employee or agent of any Agent, may enforce this provision.
(c) No Agent will be liable for any failure to notify any person of any matter referred to in Clause 13.8 (Notification) or any delay (or any related consequences) in crediting an account with an amount required under the Finance Documents to be paid by it if it has taken all reasonable steps to comply with Clause 13.8 (Notification) and taken all necessary steps as soon as reasonably practicable to comply with the regulations or operating procedures of any recognised clearing or settlement system used by it for that purpose.
29.10 Lender’s Indemnity
Each Lender shall (in its relevant Proportion (as determined at all times for these purposes in accordance with paragraph (c) of the definition of “Proportion”) indemnify each Agent from time to time on demand by the relevant Agent against any cost, loss or liability incurred by the relevant Agent (otherwise than by reason of its gross negligence or wilful misconduct) in acting as an Agent under the Finance Documents (unless it has been reimbursed therefor by an Obligor pursuant to the terms of the Finance Documents).
29.11 Resignation
(a) The Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent may resign and appoint one of its respective Affiliates acting through an office in the United Kingdom (or, in the case of the US Paying Agent, acting through an office in the State of New York) as successor Agent by giving notice to the Lenders and TCN.
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(b) The Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent may resign without having designated a successor as agent under paragraph (a) above (and shall do so if so required by an Instructing Group) by giving notice to the Lenders and TCN, in which case an Instructing Group may appoint a successor Facility Agent (acting through an office in the United Kingdom), or a successor US Paying Agent (acting through an office in the State of New York) approved by TCN, acting reasonably. If an Instructing Group has not appointed a successor Agent in accordance with this paragraph (b) within 30 days after notice of resignation was given, the Facility Agent may appoint a successor Facility Agent (acting through an office in the United Kingdom) and the US Paying Agent may appoint a successor US Paying Agent (acting through an office in the State of New York) approved by TCN, acting reasonably.
(c) The retiring Agent shall, at TCN’s cost, make available to its successor such documents and records and provide such assistance as its successor may reasonably request for the purposes of performing its functions as Agent under the Finance Documents.
(d) The resignation notice of the Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent shall only take effect upon the appointment of a relevant successor Agent.
(e) Upon the appointment of a successor, the retiring Agent shall be discharged from any further obligation in respect of the Finance Documents but shall remain entitled to the benefit of this Clause 29. The Agent’s successor and each of the other parties to this Agreement shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have had if such successor Agent had been an original party as Facility Agent or as US Paying Agent, as the case may be.
(f) Unless otherwise agreed between the Administrative Agent and TCN, the Administrative Agent shall automatically resign (and no successor shall need to be appointed) on the day upon which it ceases to be a party to this Agreement in the capacity as a Lender.
29.12 Confidentiality
(a) The Facility Agent (in acting as agent for the Finance Parties) and each of the US Paying Agent and the Administrative Agent (in acting as US paying agent and administrative agent respectively for the Lenders under the B Facility and the C Facility) shall be regarded as acting through its agency division which shall be treated as a separate entity from any other of its divisions or departments.
(b) If information is received by another division or department of any Agent, it may be treated as confidential to that division or department and the relevant Agent shall not be deemed to have notice of it.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document to the contrary, the Finance Parties are not obliged to disclose to any other person (i) any confidential information or (ii) any other information if the disclosure would, or might in its reasonable opinion, constitute a breach of any Law.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of any Finance Document, the parties (and each employee, representative or other agent of the parties) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of the transaction, provided, however, that no party (and no employee, representative, or other agent thereof) shall disclose any other information that is not relevant to understanding the tax treatment and tax structure of the transaction (including the identity of any party and any information that could lead another to determine the identity of any party), or any other information to the extent that such disclosure could reasonably result in a violation of any applicable securities law.
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29.13 Facility Office
The Facility Agent and/or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, may treat each Lender as a Lender, entitled to payments under this Agreement and acting through its Facility Office unless it has received not less than 5 Business Days’ prior notice from that Lender to the contrary in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
29.14 Lenders’ Associated Costs Details
To the extent applicable, each Lender shall supply the Facility Agent and/or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, with any information required by such Agent in order to calculate the Associated Costs Rate in accordance with Schedule 6 (Associated Costs Rate).
29.15 Credit Appraisal by the Lenders
Without affecting the responsibility of any Obligor for information supplied by it or on its behalf in connection with any Finance Document, each Lender confirms to the Agents and the Mandated Lead Arrangers that it has been, and will continue to be, solely responsible for making its own independent appraisal and investigation of all risks arising under or in connection with any Finance Document including but not limited to:
(a) the financial condition, status and nature of each member of the Group;
(b) the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of any Finance Document and any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document;
(c) whether that Lender has recourse, and the nature and extent of that recourse, against any party or any of its respective assets under or in connection with any Finance Document, the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document; and
(d) the adequacy, accuracy and/or completeness of the Information Memorandum, the Long Range Plan and each Budget and any other information provided by the Facility Agent, the Mandated Lead Arrangers or by any other person under or in connection with any Finance Document, the transactions contemplated by the Finance Documents or any other agreement, arrangement or document entered into, made or executed in anticipation of, under or in connection with any Finance Document.
29.16 Deduction from Amounts Payable by the Agents
If any amount is due and payable by any party to the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent or the Administrative Agent under any Finance Document the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent or the Administrative Agent may, after giving notice to that party, deduct an amount not exceeding that amount from any payment to that party which the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent or the Administrative Agent would otherwise be obliged to make under the Finance Documents and apply the amount deducted in or towards satisfaction of the amount owed. For the purposes of the Finance Documents that party shall be regarded as having received such payment without any such deduction.
29.17 Obligors’ Agent
(a) Each Obligor (other than TCN) irrevocably authorises TCN to act on its behalf as its agent in relation to the Finance Documents and irrevocably authorises:
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(i) TCN on its behalf to supply all information concerning itself, its financial condition and otherwise to the relevant persons contemplated under this Agreement and to give all notices and instructions to execute on its behalf any Finance Document and to enter into any agreement in connection with the Finance Documents notwithstanding that the same may affect such Obligor, without further reference to or the consent of such Obligor; and
(ii) each Finance Party to give any notice, demand or other communication to be given to or served on such Obligor pursuant to the Finance Documents to TCN on its behalf,
and in each such case such Obligor will be bound thereby as though such Obligor itself had supplied such information, given such notice and instructions, executed such Finance Document and agreement or received any such notice, demand or other communication.
(b) Every act, omission, agreement, undertaking, settlement, waiver, notice or other communication given or made by the Obligors’ Agent under any Finance Document, or in connection with this Agreement (whether or not known to any other Obligor, as the case may be, and whether occurring before or after such person became party to this Agreement), shall be binding for all purposes on all other Obligors as if the other Obligors had expressly made, given or concurred with the same. In the event of any conflict between any notices or other communications of the Obligors’ Agent and any other Obligor, those of the Obligors’ Agent shall prevail.
29.18 Co-operation with the Facility Agent/US Paying Agent
Each Lender and each Obligor will co-operate with the Facility Agent and/or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, to complete any legal requirements imposed on the Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent in connection with the performance of its duties under this Agreement and shall supply any information requested by the relevant Agent in connection with the proper performance of those duties provided that no Obligor shall be under any obligation to provide any information the supply of which would be contrary to any confidentiality obligation binding on any member of the Group or prejudice the retention of legal privilege in such information and provided further that no Obligor shall (and TCN shall procure that no member of the TCN Group shall) be able to deny the Facility Agent any such information by reason of it having entered into a confidentiality undertaking which would prevent it from disclosing, or be able to claim any legal privilege in respect of, any financial information relating to itself or the Group.
29.19 “Know your client” checks
Nothing in this Agreement shall oblige any of the Agents or the Mandated Lead Arrangers to carry out any “know your client” or other applicable anti-money laundering checks in relation to the identity of any person on behalf of any Lender and each Lender confirms to the Agents and the Mandated Lead Arrangers that it is solely responsible for any such checks it is required to carry out and that it may not rely on any statement in relation to such checks made by any other person.
29.20 Facility Agent’s Management Time
Any amount payable to the Facility Agent under Clause 37 (Costs and Expenses) and Clause 29.10 (Lender’s Indemnity) shall include the reasonable cost of utilising the Facility Agent’s management time or other resources and will be calculated on the basis of such reasonable daily or hourly rates as the Facility Agent may notify to TCN and the Lenders and is in addition to any fee paid or payable to the Facility Agent under Clause 15 (Commissions and Fees).
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30. TCN’S INDEMNITIES
30.1 General Indemnities
With effect from the Closing Date, TCN undertakes to indemnify:
(a) each of the Finance Parties against any out-of-pocket cost, claim, loss, expense (including legal fees) or liability, which any of them may sustain or incur as a consequence of the occurrence of any Default; and
(b) each Lender against any out-of-pocket loss it may suffer or incur as a result of (i) its funding or making arrangements to fund its portion of an Advance or (ii) its issuing or making arrangements to issue a Documentary Credit or (iii) its funding or making arrangements to fund any Ancillary Facility made available by it, in each case requested by any Borrower (or, prior to its accession hereto, Telewest Global Finance LLC) under this Agreement but not made by reason of the operation of any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement (save as a result of such Lender’s own gross negligence or wilful default).
30.2 Break Costs
(a) Each Borrower shall, within 3 Business Days of demand by a Finance Party, pay to that Finance Party its Break Costs attributable to all or any part of any Advance or Unpaid Sum being paid by that Borrower on a day other than the last day of an Interest Period or Term for that Advance or Unpaid Sum.
(b) Each Lender shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after a demand by the Facility Agent, provide a certificate confirming the amount of its Break Costs for any Interest Period or Term in which they accrue.
31. CURRENCY OF ACCOUNT
31.1 Currency
Sterling is the currency of account and payment for each and every sum at any time due from any Obligor under this Agreement provided that:
(a) each repayment of any Outstandings or Unpaid Sum (or part of it) shall be made in the currency in which those Outstandings or Unpaid Sum are denominated on their due date;
(b) interest shall be payable in the currency in which the sum in respect of which such interest is payable was denominated when that interest accrued;
(c) each payment in respect of costs and expenses shall be made in the currency in which the same were incurred; and
(d) each payment pursuant to Clause 16.2 (Tax Indemnity) or Clause 17.1 (Increased Costs) shall be made in the currency specified by the Finance Party claiming under it, acting reasonably.
31.2 Currency Indemnity
If any sum due from any Obligor under this Agreement or any order or judgment given or made in relation to this Agreement has to be converted from the currency (the “first currency”) in which the same is payable under this Agreement or under such order or judgment into another currency (the “second currency”) for the purpose of (a) making or filing a claim or proof against such Obligor, (b) obtaining an order or judgment in any court or other tribunal or (c) enforcing any order or
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judgment given or made in relation to this Agreement, each Borrower agrees, with effect from the Closing Date, to indemnify and hold harmless each of the persons to whom such sum is due from and against any loss suffered or incurred as a result of any discrepancy between (x) the rate of exchange used for such purpose to convert the sum in question from the first currency into the second currency and (y) the rate or rates of exchange at which such person may in the ordinary course of business purchase the first currency with the second currency at the time of receipt of the sum paid to it in satisfaction, in whole or in part, of any such order, judgment, claim or proof.
32. PAYMENTS
32.1 Payment to the Facility Agent and the US Paying Agent
On each date on which this Agreement requires an amount to be paid by any Obligor or any of the Lenders under this Agreement, such Obligor or, as the case may be, such Lender shall make the same available to the Facility Agent or, in the case of payments by the US Borrower, the US Paying Agent by payment in same day funds (or such other funds as may for the time being be customary for the settlement of transactions in the relevant currency) to such account or bank as the Facility Agent or US Paying Agent, as applicable (acting reasonably), may have specified for this purpose and any such payment which is made for the account of another person shall be made in time to enable the Facility Agent or US Paying Agent, as applicable, to make available such person’s portion of it to such other person in accordance with Clause 32.2 (Same Day Funds).
32.2 Same Day Funds
Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each payment received by the Facility Agent or US Paying Agent, as applicable, for the account of another person shall be made available by the Facility Agent to such other person (in the case of a Lender, for the account of its Facility Office) for value the same day by transfer to such account of such person with such bank in a Participating Member State or London (or for payments in Dollars or Euro, in the applicable financial centre) as such person shall have previously notified to the Facility Agent or US Paying Agent, as applicable, for this purpose.
32.3 Clear Payments
Any payment required to be made by any Obligor under this Agreement shall be calculated without reference to any set-off or counterclaim and shall be made free and clear of, and without any deduction for or on account of, any set-off or counterclaim.
32.4 Partial Payments
If the Facility Agent or US Paying Agent, as applicable, receives a payment that is insufficient to discharge all the amounts then due and payable by any Obligor under this Agreement, the Facility Agent or US Paying Agent, as applicable, shall, unless otherwise instructed by an Instructing Group, apply that payment towards the obligations of that Obligor under this Agreement in the following order:
(a) first, in payment in or towards payment pro rata of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Facility Agent or US Paying Agent, as applicable, and the L/C Bank under this Agreement
(b) secondly, in or towards payment pro rata of any accrued interest or commission due but unpaid under this Agreement;
(c) thirdly, in or towards payment pro rata of any principal due but unpaid under any this Agreement; and
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(d) fourthly, in or towards payment pro rata of any other sum due but unpaid under this Agreement,
and such application shall override any appropriation made by an Obligor.
32.5 Indemnity
Where a sum is to be paid under the Finance Documents to the Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, for the account of another person, the Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, shall not be obliged to make the same available to that other person (or to enter into or perform any exchange contract in connection therewith) until it has been able to establish to its satisfaction that it has actually received such sum, but if it does so and it proves to be the case that it had not actually received such sum, then the person to whom such sum (or the proceeds of such exchange contract) was (or were) so made available shall on request refund the same to the Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, together with an amount sufficient to indemnify and hold harmless the Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, from and against any cost or loss it may have suffered or incurred by reason of its having paid out such sum (or the proceeds of such exchange contract) prior to its having received such sum. This indemnity shall only apply to the Obligors with effect from the Closing Date.
32.6 Notification of Payment
Without prejudice to the liability of each party to this Agreement to pay each amount owing by it under this Agreement on the due date therefor, whenever a payment is expected to be made by any of the Finance Parties, the Facility Agent or the US Paying Agent, as applicable, shall give notice prior to the expected date for such payment, notify all such Finance Parties of the amount, currency and timing of such payment.
32.7 Business Days
(a) Any payment which is due to be made on a day that is not a Business Day shall be made on the immediately succeeding Business Day in the same calendar month (if there is one) or the immediately preceding Business Day (if there is not).
(b) During any extension of the due date for payment of any principal or an Unpaid Sum under this Agreement, interest is payable on such amount at the rate payable on the original due date.
33. SET-OFF
33.1 Right to Set-off
With effect from the Closing Date, each of the Obligors authorises each Lender to apply any credit balance to which such Obligor is entitled on any account of such Obligor with that Lender in satisfaction of any sum due and payable from such Obligor to such Lender under this Agreement but unpaid; for this purpose, each Lender is authorised to purchase with the moneys standing to the credit of any such account such other currencies as may be necessary to effect such application.
33.2 No Obligation
No Lender shall be obliged to exercise any right given to it by Clause 33.1 (Right to Set-Off).
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34. SHARING AMONG THE FINANCE PARTIES
34.1 Payments to Finance Parties
If a Finance Party (a “Recovering Finance Party”) receives or recovers any amount from any Obligor other than in accordance with Clause 32 (Payments) and applies that amount to a payment due under the Finance Documents then:
(a) the Recovering Finance Party shall, within 3 Business Days, notify details of the receipt or recovery to the Facility Agent;
(b) the Facility Agent shall determine whether the receipt or recovery is in excess of the amount the Recovering Finance Party would have been paid had the receipt or recovery been received or made by the Facility Agent and distributed in accordance with Clause 32.4 (Partial Payments), without taking account of any tax which would be imposed on the Facility Agent in relation to the receipt, recovery or distribution; and
(c) the Recovering Finance Party shall, within 3 Business Days of demand by the Facility Agent, pay to the Facility Agent an amount (the “Sharing Payment”) equal to such receipt or recovery less any amount which the Facility Agent determines may be retained by the Recovering Finance Party as its share of any payment to be made, in accordance with Clause 32.4 (Partial Payments).
34.2 Redistribution of Payments
The Facility Agent shall treat the Sharing Payment as if it had been paid by the relevant Obligor and shall distribute it between the Finance Parties (other than the Recovering Finance Party) in accordance with Clause 32.4 (Partial Payments).
34.3 Recovering Finance Party’s Rights
(a) On a distribution by the Facility Agent under Clause 34.2 (Redistribution of Payments), the Recovering Finance Party will be subrogated to the rights of the Finance Parties which have shared in the redistribution.
(b) If and to the extent that the Recovering Finance Party is not able to rely on its rights under paragraph (a) above, the relevant Obligor shall be liable to the Recovering Finance Party for a debt equal to the Sharing Payment which is immediately due and payable.
34.4 Reversal of Redistribution
If any part of the Sharing Payment received or recovered by a Recovering Finance Party becomes repayable and is repaid by that Recovering Finance Party, then:
(a) each Finance Party which has received a share of the relevant Sharing Payment pursuant to Clause 34.2 (Redistribution of Payments) shall, upon the request of the Facility Agent, pay to the Facility Agent for account of that Recovering Finance Party an amount equal to its share of the Sharing Payment (together with an amount as is necessary to reimburse that Recovering Finance Party for its share of any interest on the Sharing Payment which that Recovering Finance Party is required to pay); and
(b) that Recovering Finance Party’s rights of subrogation in respect of any reimbursement shall be cancelled and the relevant Obligor will be liable to the reimbursing Finance Party for the amount so reimbursed.
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34.5 Exceptions
(a) This Clause 34 shall not apply to the extent that the Recovering Finance Party would not, after making any payment pursuant to this Clause, have a valid and enforceable claim against the relevant Obligor.
(b) A Recovering Finance Party is not obliged to share with any other Finance Party under this Clause 34, any amount which the Recovering Finance Party has received or recovered as a result of taking legal or arbitration proceedings, if:
(i) it notified such other Finance Party of the legal or arbitration proceedings; and
(ii) such other Finance Party had an opportunity to participate in those legal or arbitration proceedings but did not do so as soon as reasonably practicable having received notice of it or did not take separate legal or arbitration proceedings.
35. CALCULATIONS AND ACCOUNTS
35.1 Day Count Convention
Interest and commitment commission shall accrue from day to day and shall be calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days (in the case of amounts denominated in Sterling) or 360 days (in the case of amounts denominated in any other currency) (as appropriate or, in any case where market practice differs, in accordance with market practice) and the actual number of days elapsed.
35.2 Reference Banks
Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, on any occasion a Reference Bank or Lender fails to supply the Facility Agent with an interest rate quotation required of it under the foregoing provisions of this Agreement, the rate for which such quotation was required shall be determined from those quotations which are supplied to the Facility Agent.
35.3 Maintain Accounts
Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts evidencing the amounts from time to time lent by and owing to it under this Agreement.
35.4 Control Accounts
The Facility Agent shall maintain on its books a control account or accounts in which shall be recorded:
(a) the amount and the Sterling Amount of any Advance or Unpaid Sum and the face amount and the Sterling Amount of any Documentary Credit, and each Lender’s share in it;
(b) the Sterling Amount of the Ancillary Facility Commitment (if any) of each Lender and the amount and Sterling Amount of any Ancillary Facility Outstandings;
(c) the amount of all principal, interest and other sums due or to become due from each of the Obligors to any of the Lenders under the Finance Documents and each Lender’s share in it; and
(d) the amount of any sum received or recovered by the Facility Agent under this Agreement and each Lender’s share in it.
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35.5 Prima Facie Evidence
In any legal action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to Clause 35.3 (Maintain Accounts) and Clause 35.4 (Control Accounts) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the specified obligations of the Obligors.
35.6 Certificate of Finance Party
A certificate of a Finance Party as to the amount for the time being required to indemnify it against any Tax Liability pursuant to Clause 16.2 (Tax Indemnity) or any Increased Cost pursuant to Clause 17.1 (Increased Costs) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the specified obligations of any Borrower.
35.7 Certificate of the Facility Agent
A certificate of the Facility Agent as to the amount at any time due from any Borrower under this Agreement (or the amount which, but for any of the obligations of any Borrower under this Agreement being or becoming void, unenforceable or ineffective, at any time, would have been due from such Borrower under this Agreement) shall, in the absence of manifest error, be prima facie evidence for the purposes of Clause 28 (Guarantee and Indemnity).
35.8 Certificate of L/C Bank
A certificate of an L/C Bank as to the amount paid out or at any time due in respect of a Documentary Credit shall, absent manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the payment of such amounts or (as the case may be) of the amounts outstanding in any legal action or proceedings arising in connection therewith.
36. ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS
36.1 Successors and Assignees
This Agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of each party to this Agreement and its or any subsequent successors, permitted assignees and Transferees.
36.2 Assignment or Transfers by Obligors
None of the rights, benefits and obligations of an Obligor under this Agreement shall be capable of being assigned or transferred and each Obligor undertakes not to seek to assign or transfer any of its rights, benefits and obligations under this Agreement.
36.3 Assignments or Transfers by Lenders
(a) Any Lender may, at any time, assign all or any of its rights and benefits under the Finance Documents in accordance with Clause 36.4 (Assignments) or transfer all or any of its rights, benefits and obligations under the Finance Documents in accordance with Clause 36.5 (Transfer Deed) provided that:
(i) the prior consultation of TCN shall be required in respect of any assignment or transfer arising prior to the achievement of Successful Syndication;
(ii) the prior consent of TCN shall be required in respect of any assignment or transfer which becomes effective after the achievement of Successful Syndication (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) except where such assignment or
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transfer is to an Affiliate of the relevant Lender which is a Qualifying Lender provided that such consent shall be deemed to have been given if not declined, in writing, within 10 Business Days of a request by any Lender for such consent; and
(iii) if the proposed Transferee purports to be a UK Non-Bank Lender, it provides TCN with the information required under paragraph 9 of the Transfer Deed.
(b) No Lender shall be entitled to:
(i) effect any assignment or transfer:
(A) in respect of any portion of its Commitment and/or Outstandings under any individual Facility in an amount of less than £500,000 (or its equivalent in Euro or Dollars, as the case may be);
(B) which would result in it or the proposed assignee or transferee holding an aggregate participation of more than zero but less than £5,000,000 (or, in each case, its equivalent in Dollars or Euro as at the date of such assignment or transfer) in the Facilities, save that an assignment or transfer may be made to or by a trust, fund or other non-bank entity which customarily participates in the institutional market which would result in such entity holding an aggregate participation of at least £1,000,000, $1,000,000 or €1,000,000 (in the case of participations in Advances denominated in Sterling, Dollars or Euro respectively) in the Facilities; or
(C) in relation to its participation in the Revolving Facility other than to the extent such transfers and assignments are on a pro rata basis as between the relevant Lender’s Commitment under and participation in Outstandings under the Revolving Facility;
(ii) in relation to any sub-participation of its rights and obligations under the Facilities, relinquish some or all of its voting rights in respect of the Facilities to any person in respect of any such sub-participation other than voting rights in respect of the matters referred to in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) or (e) of Clause 42.2 (Consent).
(c) If:
(i) any sum payable to any Lender by an Obligor is required to be increased under Clause 16.1 (Tax Gross-up);
(ii) a Lender claims indemnification from either Borrower under the provisions of Clause 16.2 (Tax Indemnity) or Clause 17.1 (Increased Costs); or
(iii) in relation to any event or matter requiring unanimous consent of the Lenders under Clause 42 (Amendments), Lenders representing not less than 85% of the Outstandings consent to such event or matter,
TCN may within 90 days of such requirement or position being notified to TCN, request that such Lender assigns or transfers all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement at par (including any rights and obligations it may have in its capacity as a Hedge Counterparty) to any person selected by TCN that has agreed to accept such assignment or transfer, and such Lender shall effect such assignment or transfer within 10 Business Days of such request.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the consent of the L/C Bank shall be required (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) for any assignment or
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transfer of any Lender’s rights and/or obligations under the Revolving Facility provided that in relation to any assignment or transfer required by TCN under paragraph (c), the L/C Bank may not withhold such consent unless, acting reasonably, the reason for so doing relates to the creditworthiness of the proposed assignee or transferee.
(e) For the purposes of satisfying the minimum hold requirement set out in paragraph (b)(i) of this Clause 36.3, any amounts of participations in the B Facility or the C Facility (as applicable) held by funds advised and/or managed by a common entity may be aggregated.
36.4 Assignments
If any Lender wishes to assign all or any of its rights and benefits under the Finance Documents, unless and until the relevant assignee has agreed with the other Finance Parties that it shall be under the same obligations towards each of them as it would have been under if it had been an original party to the Finance Documents as a Lender, such assignment shall not become effective and the other Finance Parties shall not be obliged to recognise such assignee as having the rights against each of them which it would have had if it had been such a party to this Agreement.
36.5 Transfer Deed
(a) If any Lender wishes to transfer all or any of its rights, benefits and/or obligations under the Finance Documents, such transfer may be effected by novation through the delivery to the Facility Agent of a duly completed and duly executed Transfer Deed.
(b) The Facility Agent shall only be obliged to execute a Transfer Deed delivered to it pursuant to paragraph (a) above, upon its satisfaction with the results of all “know your client” or other applicable anti-money laundering checks relating to the identity of any person that it is required to carry out in relation to such Transferee.
(c) Upon its execution of the Transfer Deed pursuant to paragraph (b) above on the later of the Transfer Date specified in such Transfer Deed and the fifth Business Day after (or such earlier Business Day endorsed by the Facility Agent on such Transfer Deed falling on or after) the date of execution of such Transfer Deed by the Facility Agent:
(i) to the extent that in such Transfer Deed the Lender party to it seeks to transfer its rights, benefits and obligations under the Finance Documents, each of the Obligors and such Lender shall be released from further obligations towards one another under the Finance Documents to that extent and their respective rights against one another shall be cancelled to that extent (such rights and obligations being referred to in this Clause 36.5 as “discharged rights and obligations”);
(ii) each of the Obligors and the Transferee party to it shall assume obligations towards one another and/or acquire rights against one another which differ from the discharged rights and obligations only insofar as such Obligor and such Transferee have assumed and/or acquired the same in place of such Obligor and such Lender;
(iii) the other Finance Parties and the Transferee shall acquire the same rights and benefits and assume the same obligations between themselves as they would have acquired and assumed had such Transferee been an original party to the Finance Documents as a Lender with the rights, benefits and obligations acquired or assumed by it as a result of such transfer; and
(d) such Transferee shall become a party to this Agreement as a Lender.
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36.6 Transfer Fee
On the date upon which a transfer takes effect pursuant to Clause 36.5 (Transfer Deed) the Transferee in respect of such transfer shall pay to the Facility Agent for its own account a transfer fee of £1,500 provided that this fee shall not be payable by any Lender party to this Agreement on the date of this Agreement in respect of transfers made by such Lender prior to the earlier of the Syndication Date and the date that is three months after the date of launch of primary syndication.
36.7 Disclosure of Information
(a) Each of the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent, the Administrative Agent, the Security Trustee, the Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Lenders, the L/C Bank and any Ancillary Facility Lender agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all information received from the Ultimate Parent or any member of the Group relating to the Ultimate Parent or any member of the Group or its business other than any such information that:
(i) is or becomes public knowledge other than as a direct result of any breach of this Clause; or
(ii) is available to the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent, the Administrative Agent, the Security Trustee, the Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Lenders, the L/C Bank or such Ancillary Facility Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to receipt thereof from the relevant member of the Group; or
(iii) is lawfully obtained by any of Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent, the Security Trustee, the Administrative Agent, the Mandated Lead Arrangers, the Lenders, the L/C Bank and any Ancillary Facility Lender after that date of receipt other than from a source which is connected with the Group and which, as far as the relevant recipient thereof is aware, has not been obtained in violation of, and is not otherwise subject to, any obligation of confidentiality.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Clause 36.7, any Lender may disclose to any of its Affiliates, to any actual or potential assignee, Transferee or sub-participant to any person who may otherwise enter into contractual relations with such Lender in relation to credit derivatives transactions in relation to this Agreement or any person to whom, and to the extent that, information is required to be disclosed, by any applicable Law, such information about the Ultimate Parent, all or any of the Obligors or the Group as a whole as such Lender shall consider appropriate provided that any such Affiliate or actual or potential assignee, Transferee or sub-participant or other person who may otherwise enter into contractual relations in relation to credit derivatives transactions in relation to this Agreement shall first have entered into a confidentiality undertaking on substantially the same terms as this Clause 36.7.
36.8 No Increased Obligations
If:
(a) a Lender assigns or transfers any of its rights or obligations under the Finance Documents or changes its Facility Office; and
(b) as a result of circumstances existing at the date of the assignment, transfer or change of Facility Office, an Obligor would be obliged to make a payment to the assignee, Transferee or the Lender acting through its new Facility Office under Clause 16.1 (Tax Gross-Up), 16.2 (Tax Indemnity) or Clause 17 (Increased Costs),
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then the assignee, Transferee or the Lender acting through its new Facility Office shall only be entitled to receive payment under those Clauses to the same extent as the assignor, transferor or the Lender acting through its previous Facility Office would have been if the assignment, transfer or change had not occurred.
36.9 Notification
The Facility Agent shall, within 10 Business Days of receiving a Transfer Deed or a notice relating to an assignment pursuant to Clause 36.4 (Assignments), notify TCN of any such assignment or transfer.
37. COSTS AND EXPENSES
37.1 Transaction Costs
TCN shall, from time to time no later than 10 Business Days after demand from the Facility Agent (unless the relevant cost or expense is being queried by TCN in good faith), reimburse the Facility Agent, the Security Trustee and each of the Mandated Lead Arrangers for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable third party costs and expenses, legal fees and disbursements of legal counsel, and all travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses) incurred by them in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, printing and distribution of the Finance Documents and the completion of the transactions therein contemplated and the syndication of the Facilities prior to the Syndication Date (including publicity expenses) up to the levels agreed with TCN.
37.2 Preservation and Enforcement Costs
TCN shall, from time to time on demand of the Facility Agent, reimburse each Finance Party for all third party costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred in or in connection with the preservation and/or enforcement of any of the rights of such Finance Party under the Finance Documents provided that any such costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preservation of such rights are reasonable.
37.3 Stamp Taxes
TCN shall pay all stamp, registration, documentary and other taxes (including any penalties, additions, fines, surcharges or interest relating thereto) to which any of the Finance Documents (other than any Transfer Deed) or any judgment given in connection therewith is or at any time may be subject and shall with effect from the Closing Date and from time to time thereafter within 10 Business Days of demand from the Facility Agent, indemnify the Finance Parties against any liabilities, costs, claims and expenses resulting from any failure to pay or any delay in paying those taxes. The Facility Agent shall be entitled (but not obliged) to pay those taxes (whether or not they are its primary responsibility) and to the extent that it does so claim under this Clause 37.3.
37.4 Amendments, Consents and Waivers
If an Obligor requests any amendment, consent or waiver in accordance with Clause 42 (Amendments), the relevant Obligor shall, on demand of the Facility Agent, reimburse the Finance Parties for all third party costs and expenses (including legal fees) incurred by any of the Finance Parties in responding to or complying with such request.
37.5 Lenders’ Indemnity
If any Obligor fails to perform any of its obligations under this Clause 37, each Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless the Facility Agent, the Mandated Lead Arrangers and/or the Security Trustee from and against its Proportion (as determined at all times for these purposes in accordance
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with paragraph (c) of the definition of “Proportion”) of any loss incurred by any of them as a result of such failure and the relevant Obligor shall forthwith reimburse each Lender for any payment made by it pursuant to this Clause 37.
37.6 Value Added Tax
(a) All amounts expressed to be payable under any Finance Document by any Obligor to a Finance Party shall be exclusive of any VAT. If VAT is chargeable on any supply made by a Finance Party to any Obligor under any Finance Document (whether that supply is taxable pursuant to the exercise of an option or otherwise), the relevant Finance Party shall provide a VAT invoice to the Obligor and that Obligor shall pay to that Finance Party (in addition to and at the same time as paying that consideration) the VAT as further consideration.
(b) No payment or other consideration to be made or furnished to any Obligor pursuant to or in connection with any Finance Document may be increased or added to by reference to (or as a result of any increase in the rate of) any VAT which shall be or may become chargeable in respect of any taxable supply.
(c) Where a Finance Document requires any party to reimburse a Finance Party for any costs or expenses, that party shall also pay any amount of those costs or expenses incurred referable to VAT chargeable thereon.
38. REMEDIES AND WAIVERS
No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of the Finance Parties or any of them, any right or remedy under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy prevent any further or other exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
39. NOTICES AND DELIVERY OF INFORMATION
39.1 Writing
Each communication to be made under this Agreement shall be made in writing and, unless otherwise stated, shall be made by fax, telex or letter.
39.2 Giving of Notice
Any communication or document to be made or delivered by one person to another pursuant to this Agreement shall in the case of any person other than a Lender (unless that other person has by 10 Business Days’ written notice to the Facility Agent specified another address) be made or delivered to that other person at the address identified with its signature below or, in the case of a Lender, at the address from time to time designated by it to the Facility Agent for the purpose of this Agreement (or, in the case of a Transferee at the end of the Transfer Deed to which it is a party as Transferee) and shall be deemed to have been made or delivered when despatched (in the case of any communication made by fax) or (in the case of any communication made by letter) when left at the address or (as the case may be) 5 Business Days after being deposited in the post postage prepaid in an envelope addressed to it at that address provided that any communication or document to be made or delivered to the Facility Agent shall be effective only when received by the Facility Agent and then only if the same is expressly marked for the attention of the department or officer identified with the Facility Agent’ signature below (or such other department or officer as the relevant Agent shall from time to time specify by not less than 10 Business Days’ prior written notice to TCN for this purpose).
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39.3 Use of Websites/E-mail
(a) An Obligor may (and upon request by the Facility Agent, shall) satisfy its obligations under this Agreement to deliver any information in relation to those Lenders (the “Website Lenders”) who have not objected to the delivery of information electronically by posting this information onto an electronic website designated by TCN and the Facility Agent (the “Designated Website”) or by e-mailing such information to the Facility Agent, if:
(i) the Facility Agent expressly agrees that it will accept communication and delivery of any documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement by this method;
(ii) in the case of posting to the Designated Website, TCN and the Facility Agent is aware of the address of, and any relevant password specifications for, the Designated Website; and
(iii) the information is in a format previously agreed between TCN and the Facility Agent.
(b) If any Lender (a “Paper Form Lender”) objects to the delivery of information electronically then the Facility Agent shall notify TCN accordingly and TCN shall supply the information to the Facility Agent (in sufficient copies for each Paper Form Lender) in paper form.
(c) The Facility Agent shall supply each Website Lender with the address of, and any relevant password specifications for, the Designated Website following designation of that website by TCN and the Facility Agent.
(d) Any Website Lender may request, through the Facility Agent, one paper copy of any information required to be provided under this Agreement which is posted onto the Designated Website. TCN shall comply with any such request within 10 Business Days.
(e) Subject to the other provisions of this Clause 39.3, any Obligor may discharge its obligation to supply more than one copy of a document under this Agreement by posting one copy of such document to the Designated Website or e-mailing one copy of such document to the Facility Agent.
(f) For the purposes of paragraph (a) above, the Facility Agent hereby expressly agrees that:
(i) they will accept delivery of documents required to be delivered under Clause 21 (Financial Information) by the posting of such documents to the Designated Website or by email delivery to the Facility Agent; and
(ii) they have agreed to the format of the information required to be delivered under Clause 21 (Financial Information).
39.4 Electronic Communication
(a) Any communication to be made between the Facility Agent and any Lender under or in connection with the Finance Documents may be made by electronic mail or other electronic means, if the relevant Agent and the relevant Lender:
(i) agree that, unless and until notified to the contrary, this is to be an accepted form of communication;
(ii) notify each other in writing of their electronic mail address and/or any other information required to enable the sending and receipt of information by that means; and
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(iii) notify each other of any change to their address or any other such information supplied by them.
(b) Any electronic communication made between the Facility Agent and a Lender will be effective only when actually received in readable form and in the case of any electronic communication made by a Lender to an Agent only if it is addressed in such a manner as the Facility Agent shall specify for this purpose.
39.5 Certificates of Officers
All certificates of officers of any company hereunder may be given on behalf of the relevant company and in no event shall personal liability attach to such an officer.
40. ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Each communication and document made or delivered by one party to another pursuant to this Agreement shall be in the English language or accompanied by a translation of it into English certified (by an officer of the person making or delivering the same) as being a true and accurate translation of it.
41. PARTIAL INVALIDITY
If, at any time, any provision of this Agreement is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Law of any jurisdiction, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect:
(a) the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement; or
(b) the legality, validity or enforceability of such provision under the Law of any other jurisdiction.
42. AMENDMENTS
42.1 Amendments
Subject to the provisions of the Principal Intercreditor Deed, except as provided in Clauses 42.2 (Consent), 42.3 (Technical Amendments), 42.4 (Guarantees and Security) and 42.5 (Release of Guarantees and Security), the Facility Agent, if it has the prior written consent of an Instructing Group, and the Obligors affected thereby, may from time to time agree in writing to amend any Finance Document or to consent to or waive, prospectively or retrospectively, any of the requirements of any Finance Document and any amendments, consents or waivers so agreed shall be binding on all the Finance Parties and the Obligors. For the avoidance of doubt, any amendments relating to this Agreement shall only be made in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and any amendments relating to a Hedging Agreement shall only be made in accordance with the provisions of such Hedging Agreement, in each case notwithstanding any other provisions of the Finance Documents.
42.2 Consent
Subject to the Principal Intercreditor Deed, an amendment, consent or waiver relating to the following matters shall not be made without the prior written consent of each Lender affected thereby:
(a) any increase in the Commitment of such Lender;
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(b) a reduction in the proportion of any amount received or recovered (whether by way of set-off, combination of accounts or otherwise) in respect of any amount due from any Obligor under this Agreement to which such Lender is entitled;
(c) a decrease in any Applicable Margin for, or the principal amount of, any Advance, any Documentary Credit or any interest payment, fees or other amounts due under this Agreement to such Lender from any Obligor or any other party to this Agreement;
(d) any change in the currency of account (other than a change resulting from the United Kingdom becoming a Participating Member State);
(e) unless otherwise specified, the deferral of the date for payment of any principal, interest, fee or any other amount due under this Agreement to such Lender from any Obligor or any other party to this Agreement;
(f) the deferral of any Termination Date;
(g) any reduction to the percentage set forth in the definition of Instructing Group; or
(h) a change to Clause 42.4 (Guarantees and Security) or any provision which contemplates the need for the consent or approval of all the Lenders.
42.3 Technical Amendments
Notwithstanding Clause 42.1 (Amendments), the Facility Agent may determine administrative matters and make technical amendments arising out of manifest errors on the face of any Finance Document, where such amendments would not prejudice or otherwise be adverse to the position of any Lender, without further reference to the Lenders.
42.4 Guarantees and Security
A waiver of issuance or the release of all or substantially all of the Guarantors from any of their respective obligations under Clause 28 (Guarantee and Indemnity) or a release of all or substantially all of the Security under the Security Documents, in each case, other than in accordance with the terms of any Finance Document shall require the prior written consent of affected Lenders whose Available Commitments plus Outstandings amount in aggregate to more than 90 per cent. of the Available Facilities plus aggregate Outstandings.
42.5 Release of Guarantees and Security
(a) Subject to paragraph (b) below, at the time of completion of any disposal by any Obligor of any shares, assets or revenues the Security Trustee shall (and it is hereby authorised by the other Finance Parties to) at the request of and cost of TCN, execute such documents as may be required to:
(i) release those shares, assets or revenues from Security constituted by any relevant Security Document or certify that any floating charge constituted by any relevant Security Documents over such assets, revenues or rights has not crystallised; and
(ii) release any person which as a result of that disposal, ceases to be any Obligor, from any guarantee, indemnity or Security Document to which it is a party and its other obligations under any other Finance Document.
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(b) The Security Trustee shall only be required under paragraph (a) above to grant the release of any Security or to deliver a certificate of non-crystallisation on account of a disposal as described in that paragraph described in that paragraph if: -
(i) the disposal is permitted under Clause 24.6 (Disposals) or otherwise with the consent of an Instructing Group;
(ii) (to the extent that any proceeds of that disposal are to be applied in repayment of the Facilities) the Facility Agent has received (or is satisfied, acting reasonably, that it will receive immediately following the disposal) the appropriate amount of those proceeds; and
(iii) (to the extent that the disposal is to be in exchange for replacement assets) the Security Trustee has either received (or is satisfied, acting reasonably, that it will receive immediately following the disposal) one or more duly executed Security Documents granting Security over those replacement assets or is satisfied, acting reasonably, that the replacement assets will be subject to Security pursuant to any existing Security Documents.
(c) If at any time, a Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Clause 21.4(a) (Compliance Certificates) shows that the Obligors under this Agreement at the relevant time represent a percentage which is greater than that required to satisfy the 95% Security Test and TCN is able, at such time, to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Facility Agent (acting reasonably) that upon the release of one or more specified Obligors from its obligations under this Agreement the 95% Security Test would continue to be satisfied, the Security Trustee shall (and it is hereby authorised by the other Finance Parties to) at the request and cost of TCN, execute such documents as may be required to release such specified Obligors from any guarantees, indemnities and Security Documents to which it is a party and to release it from its other obligations under any Finance Document.
42.6 Amendments affecting the Facility Agent
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Facility Agent shall not be obliged to agree to any amendment, consent or waiver if the same would:
(a) amend or waive any provision of Clauses 29 (Agents), Clause 37 (Costs and Expenses) or this Clause 42; or
(b) otherwise amend or waive any of the Facility Agent’s rights under this Agreement or subject the Facility Agent to any additional obligations under this Agreement.
42.7 Amendments to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement
If at any time following receipt of the written notice referred to in Clause 23.19 (Notice of Integrated Merger Event) or at any time thereafter, TCN notifies the Security Trustee that the creditors in respect of the Target Group Financing Indebtedness and/or the proposed Target Group Refinancing Indebtedness and/or any proposed Post Merger Target Group Refinancing have requested an amendment to the form of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement set out in Schedule 13 (Pro Forma Xxxx Xxxxx Intercreditor Agreement) to properly address the intercreditor issues arising between the Finance Parties on the one hand and such creditors on the other hand, each of the Facility Agent and the Lenders hereby authorises the Security Trustee to negotiate on their behalf, such amendments as may be required to the form of the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and any other Finance Documents to give effect to such intercreditor arrangements as the Security Trustee shall agree with such creditors and TCN provided that the Security Trustee shall not be authorised by the provisions of this Clause 42.7 to agree any amendments which would, in the reasonable opinion of the Security
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Trustee, be adverse to the interests of the Finance Parties. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding the provisions of this Clause 42 (other than as provided in the foregoing sentence), no prior consent of the Facility Agent or any Lender shall be required to effect such amendments.
42.8 Deemed Consent
Where a request for a waiver of, or an amendment to, any provision of any Finance Document has been sent by the Facility Agent to the Lenders at the request of an Obligor, each Lender will be deemed to have consented to such waiver or amendment 30 days after receipt by it of such request save to the extent such consent is expressly refused by it prior to such date.
43. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
(a) A person which is not a party to this Agreement (a “third party”) shall have no right to enforce any of its provisions except that:
(i) a third party shall have those rights it would have had if the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Xxx 0000 had not come into effect; and
(ii) each of Clause 5.8 (Exclusion of Liability), Clause 16.2 (Tax Indemnity), Clause 17 (Increased Costs) and Clause 29.9(b) (Exclusion of Liability) shall be enforceable by any third party referred to in such clause as if such third party were a party to this Agreement.
(b) The parties to this Agreement may without the consent of any third party vary or rescind this Agreement.
44. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and all of such counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
45. GOVERNING LAW
45.1 Governing Law of Agreement
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English Law.
45.2 Governing Law of Claims Against US Borrower
Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 45.1 (Governing Law of Agreement), any proceedings in relation to a debt claim against the US Borrower shall be governed by the internal laws of the state of New York, provided always that no other Obligor may rely upon, or otherwise challenge any right of any Finance Party on the basis of this Clause 45.2.
46. JURISDICTION
46.1 Courts
(a) The US Borrower and each of the other parties to this Agreement irrevocably agrees for the benefit of the Finance Parties that the courts of the State of New York and/or the federal courts of the United States of America sitting in the State of New York in diversity jurisdiction shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceedings, and to settle any disputes which may arise out of or in connection with the rights or obligations of the US Borrower under the Finance Documents and, for such purposes, irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts.
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(b) Each of the parties to this Agreement irrevocably agrees for the benefit of each of the Finance Parties that, except as set forth in paragraph (a) above, the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceedings, and to settle any disputes, which may arise out of or in connection with this Agreement (respectively “Proceedings” and “Disputes”) and, for such purposes, irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts.
46.2 Waiver
Each of the Obligors other than the US Borrower irrevocably waives any objection which it might now or hereafter have to Proceedings being brought or Disputes settled in the courts of England and agrees not to claim that any such court is an inconvenient or inappropriate forum. The US Borrower and each of the Finance Parties irrevocably waives any objection which it might now or hereafter have to Proceedings being brought by or against the US Borrower or Disputes with the US Borrower being settled in the courts of the State of New York.
46.3 Service of Process
Each of the Obligors (other than the US Borrower) which is not incorporated in England agrees that the process by which any Proceedings are begun may be served on it by being delivered in connection with any Proceedings in England, to TCN at its registered office for the time being and TCN, by its signature to this Agreement, accepts its appointment as such in respect of each such Obligor. If the appointment of the person mentioned in this Clause ceases to be effective in respect of any of the Obligors the relevant Obligor shall immediately appoint a further person in England to accept service of process on its behalf in England and, failing such appointment within 15 days, the Facility Agent shall be entitled to appoint such person by notice to the relevant Obligor. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by Law.
46.4 Proceedings in Other Jurisdictions
Nothing in Clause 46.1(b) (Courts) shall (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of the Finance Parties or any of them to take Proceedings against any of the Obligors other than the US Borrower in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if and to the extent permitted by applicable Law.
46.5 General Consent
Each of the Obligors consents generally in respect of any Proceedings to the giving of any relief or the issue of any process in connection with such Proceedings including the making, enforcement or execution against any property whatsoever (irrespective of its use or intended use) of any order or judgment which may be made or given in such Proceedings.
46.6 Waiver of Immunity
To the extent that any Obligor may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets or revenues immunity from suit, execution, attachment (whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise) or other legal process and to the extent that in any such jurisdiction there may be attributed to itself, its assets or revenues such immunity (whether or not claimed), such Obligor irrevocably agrees not to claim, and irrevocably waives, such immunity to the full extent permitted by the laws of such jurisdiction.
This Agreement has been entered into on the date stated at the beginning of this Agreement.
159
SCHEDULE 1
PART 1 - LENDERS AND COMMITMENTS
|
Lender |
|
Revolving |
|
A Facility |
|
B Facility |
|
C Facility |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
(£) |
|
(£) |
|
B Facility |
|
B Facility |
|
B Facility |
|
C Facility |
|
C Facility |
|
C Facility |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barclays Bank PLC |
|
25,000,000.00 |
|
94,148,936.17 |
|
14,166,666.67 |
|
9,444,444.45 |
|
53,175,881.50 |
|
10,833,333.33 |
|
7,222,222.22 |
|
40,664,053.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BNP Paribas |
|
15,000,000.00 |
|
104,148,936.17 |
|
14,166,666.67 |
|
9,444,444.45 |
|
53,175,881.50 |
|
10,833,333.33 |
|
7,222,222.22 |
|
40,664,053.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citibank, N.A. |
|
15,000,000.00 |
|
104,148,936.17 |
|
14,166,666.67 |
|
9,444,444.45 |
|
53,175,881.50 |
|
10,833,333.33 |
|
7,222,222.22 |
|
40,664,053.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Suisse First Boston |
|
15,000,000.00 |
|
104,148,936.17 |
|
14,166,666.67 |
|
9,444,444.45 |
|
53,175,881.50 |
|
10,833,333.33 |
|
7,222,222.22 |
|
40,664,053.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deutsche Bank AG London |
|
15,000,000.00 |
|
104,148,936.17 |
|
14,166,666.67 |
|
9,444,444.45 |
|
53,175,881.50 |
|
10,833,333.33 |
|
7,222,222.22 |
|
40,664,053.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited |
|
0 |
|
85,106,382.98 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
22,606,382.98 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
17,287,234.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc |
|
15,000,000.00 |
|
104,148,936.17 |
|
14,166,666.67 |
|
9,444,444.45 |
|
53,175,881.50 |
|
10,833,333.33 |
|
7,222,222.22 |
|
40,664,053.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Commitments |
|
100,000,000.00 |
|
700,000,000.00 |
|
85,000,000.00 |
|
56,666,666.67 |
|
341,661,671.97 |
|
65,000,000.00 |
|
43,333,333.33 |
|
261,271,555.42 |
|
160
PART 2 - UK NON-BANK LENDERS
|
Lender |
|
Paragraph (a) or (b) of definition
of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paragraph [(a)/(b)] |
161
SCHEDULE 2
THE ORIGINAL GUARANTORS
|
English Obligors |
|
Company Number |
|
Birmingham Cable Corporation Limited |
|
2170379 |
|
Birmingham Cable Limited |
|
2244565 |
|
Cable Camden Limited |
|
01795642 |
|
Cable Enfield Limited |
|
02466511 |
|
Cable Xxxxxxx & Islington Limited |
|
01795641 |
|
Cable Haringey Limited |
|
01808589 |
|
Cable London Limited |
|
01794264 |
|
Central Cable Holdings Limited |
|
3008567 |
|
Crystal Palace Radio Limited |
|
01459745 |
|
Filegale Limited |
|
2804553 |
|
General Cable Group Limited |
|
2872852 |
|
General Cable Holdings Limited |
|
2798236 |
|
General Cable Limited |
|
2369824 |
|
Imminus Limited |
|
1785381 |
|
Middlesex Cable Limited |
|
2460325 |
|
Sheffield Cable Communications Limited |
|
2465953 |
|
Southwestern Xxxx International Holdings Limited |
|
2378768 |
|
Telewest Communications (Central Lancashire) Limited |
|
1737862 |
|
Telewest Communications (Cotswolds) Limited |
|
1743081 |
|
Telewest Communications (Liverpool) Limited |
|
1615567 |
|
Telewest Communications (London South) Limited |
|
1697437 |
|
Telewest Communications (Midlands and North West) Limited |
|
2795350 |
|
Telewest Communications (Midlands) Limited |
|
1882074 |
|
Telewest Communications (North East) Limited |
|
2378214 |
|
Telewest Communications (North West) Limited |
|
2321124 |
|
Telewest Communications (South East) Limited |
|
2270764 |
|
Telewest Communications (South Thames Estuary) Limited |
|
2270763 |
|
Telewest Communications (South West) Limited |
|
2271287 |
|
Telewest Communications (St. Helens & Knowsley) Limited |
|
2466599 |
162
|
English Obligors |
|
Company Number |
|
Telewest Communications (Tyneside) Limited |
|
2407676 |
|
Telewest Communications (Wigan) Limited |
|
2451112 |
|
Telewest Communications Cable Limited |
|
2883742 |
|
Telewest Communications Group Limited |
|
2514287 |
|
Telewest Communications Holdings Limited |
|
2982404 |
|
Telewest Communications (Nominees) Limited |
|
2318746 |
|
Telewest Limited |
|
03291383 |
|
Telewest Parliamentary Holdings Limited |
|
2514316 |
|
The Cable Corporation Limited |
|
2075227 |
|
Theseus No. 1 Limited |
|
2994027 |
|
Theseus No. 2 Limited |
|
2994061 |
|
Windsor Television Limited |
|
1745542 |
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Limited |
|
2490136 |
|
The Yorkshire Cable Group Limited |
|
2782818 |
|
Eurobell (Holdings) Limited |
|
29404215 |
|
Eurobell (Sussex) Limited |
|
2272340 |
|
Eurobell (South West) Limited |
|
1796131 |
|
Eurobell (Xxxx Xxxx) Limited |
|
2886001 |
|
Eurobell (XXX) Limited |
|
3373001 |
|
Eurobell Internet Services Limited |
|
3172207 |
|
Eurobell CPE Limited |
|
2742145 |
|
Eurobell Limited |
|
2983427 |
|
EMS Investments Limited |
|
3373057 |
|
Eurobell (No.2) Limited |
|
3405634 |
|
Eurobell (No.3) Limited |
|
3006948 |
|
Eurobell (No.4) Limited |
|
2983110 |
|
Scottish Obligors |
|
Company Number |
|
Telewest Communications (Dundee & Perth) Limited |
|
SC096816 |
|
Telewest Communications (Motherwell) Limited |
|
SC121617 |
|
Telewest Communications (Scotland Holdings) Limited |
|
SC150058 |
|
Telewest Communications (Scotland) Limited |
|
SC80891 |
163
|
Jersey Obligors |
|
Company Number |
|
Birmingham Cable Finance Limited |
|
60972 |
|
Partnership Obligors |
|
Principal Place of Business |
|
Avon Cable Joint Venture |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Avon Cable Limited Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Cotswolds Cable Limited Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Edinburgh Cable Limited Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Estuaries Cable Limited Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
London South Cable Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
TCI/US WEST Cable Communications Group |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Telewest Communications (London South) Joint Venture |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Telewest Communications (Cotswolds) Venture |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Telewest Communications (North East) Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Telewest Communications (Scotland) Venture |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Telewest Communications (South East) Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
Tyneside Cable Limited Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
|
United Cable (London South) Limited Partnership |
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxx |
164
SCHEDULE 3
FORM OF DEED OF TRANSFER AND ACCESSION
To: [•] as Facility Agent
This Deed is dated [•] and relates to:
(a) the facilities agreement dated [•] (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented, the “Facilities Agreement”) whereby certain facilities in a maximum aggregate amount of £1,550,000,000 were made available to Telewest Communications Networks Limited under the guarantee of the Guarantors, by a group of banks and other financial institutions on whose behalf [ ] acts as Facility Agent in connection therewith;
(b) the Principal Intercreditor Deed;
(c) the TGD Intercreditor Agreement; [; and]
[(d) the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement.](1).
1. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement shall, subject to any contrary indication, have the same meanings in this Deed. The terms “Lender”, “Transferee”, “Lender’s Participation” and “Portion Transferred” are defined in the Schedule to this Deed.
2. The Lender:
(a) confirms that the details in the Schedule to this Deed are an accurate summary of the Lender’s Participation in the Facilities Agreement and the Interest Periods or Terms (as the case may be) for existing Advances as at the date of this Deed; and
(b) requests the Transferee to accept and procure the transfer by novation to the Transferee of the Portion Transferred by countersigning and delivering this Deed to the Facility Agent at its address for the service of notices designated to the Facility Agent in accordance with the Facilities Agreement.
3. The Transferee requests the Facility Agent to accept this Deed as being delivered to the Facility Agent pursuant to and for the purposes of Clause 36.5 (Transfer Deed) of the Facilities Agreement so as to take effect in accordance with the terms of it on the Transfer Date or on such later date as may be determined in accordance with the terms of it.
4. The Transferee confirms that it has received a copy of the Facilities Agreement and each of the Intercreditor Deeds listed above together with such other information as it has required in connection with this transaction and that it has not relied and will not rely on the Lender to check or enquire on its behalf into the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any such information and further agrees that it has not relied and will not rely on the Lender to assess or keep under review on its behalf the financial condition, creditworthiness, condition, affairs, status or nature of any Obligor.
5. The Transferee undertakes with the Lender and each of the other parties to the Facilities Agreement that it will perform in accordance with their terms all those obligations which by
(1) Delete if inapplicable.
165
the terms of the Finance Documents will be assumed by it after delivery of this Deed to the Facility Agent and satisfaction of the conditions (if any) subject to which this Deed is expressed to take effect.
6. The Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of the Facilities Agreement, any other Finance Document or other document relating to it and assumes no responsibility for the financial condition of any Obligor or for the performance and observance by any Obligor of any of its obligations under the Facilities Agreement, any Finance Document or any other document relating to it and any and all such conditions and warranties, whether express or implied by Law or otherwise, are excluded.
7. The Lender gives notice that nothing in this Deed or in the Facilities Agreement (or any Finance Document or other document relating to it) shall oblige the Lender (a) to accept a re-transfer from the Transferee of the whole or any part of its rights, benefits and/or obligations under the Finance Documents transferred pursuant to this Deed or (b) to support any losses directly or indirectly sustained or incurred by the Transferee for any reason whatsoever (including the failure by any Obligor or any other party to the Finance Documents (or any document relating to them) to perform its obligations under any such document) and the Transferee acknowledges the absence of any such obligation as is referred to in (a) and (b) above.
8. [The Transferee is a UK Non-Bank Lender and falls within paragraph [(a)/(b)]* of the definition thereof.].
OR
[The Transferee is a UK Bank Lender.]
OR
[The Transferee is a UK Treaty Lender.]
9. [Any Transferee which is a UK Non-Bank Lender will provide evidence reasonably satisfactory to TCN that it is a UK Non-Bank Lender, assuming, for this purpose, that no direction under section 349C of the Taxes Act will be given by the Inland Revenue in relation to interest payments on any Advance by that Transferee.]
ACCESSION TO THE PRINCIPAL INTERCREDITOR DEED
The Transferee hereby agrees with each other person who is or becomes party to the Principal Intercreditor Deed in accordance with the terms thereof that with effect on and from the date hereof, it will be bound by the Principal Intercreditor Deed as a Senior TCN Group Lender as if it had been an original party thereto in such capacity.
[ACCESSION TO THE TGD INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
The Transferee hereby agrees with each other person who is or becomes party to the TGD Intercreditor Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof that with effect on and from the date hereof, it will be bound by the TGD Intercreditor Agreement as a [TGD Creditor] as if it had been an original party thereto in such capacity.](2)
* delete as appropriate.
(2) Delete if inapplicable.
166
[ACCESSION TO THE PARI PASSU INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
The Transferee hereby agrees with each other person who is or becomes party to the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof that with effect on and from the date hereof, it will be bound by the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement as a TCN Group Lender as if it had been an original party thereto in such capacity.](3)
This Deed and the rights, benefits and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Deed has been executed as a deed by the parties hereto and is delivered on the date written above.
(3) Delete if inapplicable.
167
THE SCHEDULE
|
1. |
|
Lender: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
|
Transferee: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
|
Transfer Date: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. |
|
Lender’s Participation in Term Facilities |
Portion Transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Lender’s Available A
Facility |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Lender’s Available B
Facility
(i) US Borrower
1 B Facility $ Tranche
2 B Facility € Tranche
3 B Facility £ Tranche
(ii) TCN
1 B Facility $ Tranche
2 B Facility € Tranche
3 B Facility £ Tranche |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
Lender’s Available C
Facility
(i) US Borrower
1 C Facility $ Tranche
2 C Facility € Tranche
3 C Facility £ Tranche
(ii) TCN
1 C Facility $ Tranche
2 C Facility € Tranche
3 C Facility £ Tranche |
|
* Details of the Lender’s Available Commitment should not be completed after the applicable Termination Date.
168
|
5. |
|
Lender’s
Participation in Term Facility |
|
Interest Period |
|
Portion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
(a) |
A Facility Advances |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
(b) |
B Facility Advances
(i) US Borrower
1 B Facility $ Tranche
2 B Facility € Tranche
3 B Facility £ Tranche
(ii) TCN B Facility Tranche
1 B Facility $ Tranche
2 B Facility € Tranche
3 B Facility £ Tranche |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
(c) |
C Facility Advances
(i) US Borrower
1 C Facility $ Tranche
2 C Facility € Tranche
3 C Facility £ Tranche
(ii) TCN
1 C Facility $ Tranche
2 C Facility € Tranche
3 C Facility £ Tranche |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
6. |
[(a)] |
Lender’s Revolving Facility Commitment |
Portion Transferred** |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
[(b) |
Lender’s Ancillary Facility Commitment |
Portion Transferred 100%] |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
7. |
[(a)] |
Lender’s Participation in
Revolving |
Term |
Portion Transferred** |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
[(b) |
Lender’s Participation in
Ancillary |
|
Portion Transferred 100%] |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
[8. |
|
Documentary Credits Issued |
Term and Expiry |
Portion |
||
** Transfers of Commitments under and participations in the Revolving Facility must be on a pro rata basis.
169
|
The Lender |
|
The Transferee |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
|
|
|
|
|
[ ] for and on |
|
[ ] for and on |
|
|
|
|
|
behalf of [ ] |
|
behalf of [ ] |
Administrative Details of Transferee and its Facility Office
Facility Office Address:
Contact Name:
Account for Payments:
Fax:
Telephone:
Email address:
Registered address of the office having the beneficial ownership of the Participation (if different from the address for the Facility Office):
170
SCHEDULE 4
PART 1 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO FIRST UTILISATION
1. Corporate Documents
In relation to each Original Obligor:
(a) a copy of its up to date constitutional documents (including, in the case of those Original Obligors that are partnerships, the Partnership Agreements), together with a copy of any written resolution requested by the Facility Agent prior to the date of this Agreement relating to any amendments to such constitutional documents;
(b) a copy of a board resolution or a manager’s or partner’s resolution of such person approving the execution, delivery and performance of the Finance Documents to which it is party and the terms and conditions of such Finance Documents and authorising a person or persons identified by name or office to sign the Finance Documents to which it is party and any documents to be delivered by such person pursuant to it;
(c) a duly completed certificate of a duly authorised officer of such person in the form attached in Part 2 of Schedule 4 (Form of Certificate of Obligor); and
(d) copy resolutions signed by all the holders of the issued shares of each of the Jersey Obligors and the Scottish Obligors approving the terms of, and the transactions contemplated by, the Finance Documents to which each such Obligor is a party.
2. Authorisations and Clearances
A copy of each Necessary Authorisation as is, in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Lenders, necessary to render the Finance Documents to which each Original Obligor is party legal, valid, binding and enforceable, to make the Finance Documents to which each Original Obligor is party admissible in evidence in such Original Obligor’s jurisdiction of incorporation and in England and to enable such Original Obligor to perform its obligations thereunder, save in each case, for any registration or recording required for the perfection of the Security Documents and subject to the Reservations (to the extent applicable).
3. Financial Statements
A copy of the Original Financial Statements.
4. Fees
Original duly executed copies of the Fee Letters and evidence that all fees and expenses (excluding legal fees) due and payable under this Agreement or in connection with this Agreement as at the date of first Utilisation, the quantum of which have been notified to TCN in writing no less than two Business Days prior to the Closing Date, have been or, simultaneously with the first Utilisation, will be paid.
171
5. Finance Documents
Original duly executed copies of:
(a) this Agreement;
(b) the Second Lien Facility Agreement;
(c) the Principal Intercreditor Deed;
(d) the Initial Security Documents; and
(e) the Barclays Intercreditor Agreement.
6. Group Structure Chart
A copy of a chart showing the structure of the TCN Group (including any Joint Ventures) and the Holding Companies of TCN evidencing all material ownership interests (including the matters set forth in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of Clause 20.18 (Structure)) thereof as at the Closing Date.
7. Existing Encumbrances and Indebtedness
Evidence satisfactory to the Facility Agent that:
(a) unless otherwise agreed with the facility agent in respect of the Existing Credit Facility, a notice of prepayment in full has been delivered by TCN to such facility agent and that all amounts of principal, interest, fees, commissions and any other amounts due and outstanding under the Existing Credit Facility and any other agreements entered into in connection therewith have been or will be repaid in full and all commitments thereunder have been or will be cancelled and reduced to zero, in each case, on the Closing Date; and
(b) all Existing Encumbrances set out in Part 1A of Schedule 10 (Existing Encumbrances) will within 10 days of the Closing Date be, released or discharged.
8. Legal Opinions
An opinion of:
(a) White & Case, London, legal advisers to the Facility Agent and the Mandated Lead Arrangers on matters of English law;
(b) White & Case, New York, legal advisers to the Facility Agent and the Mandated Lead Arrangers on matters of New York law;
(c) Fried, Frank, Harris, Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx (London) LLP, legal advisers to the US Borrower on matters of New York law;
(d) Dundas & Xxxxxx XX legal advisers to the Facility Agent and the Mandated Lead Arrangers on matters of Scots law;
(e) Mourant du Feu & Jeune legal advisers to the Facility Agent and the Mandated Lead Arrangers on matters of Jersey law; and
(f) Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx LLP legal advisers to the Facility Agent and the Mandated Lead Arrangers on matters of Colorado law,
172
in each case addressed to the Finance Parties and in substantially the form agreed prior to the date of this Agreement.
9. Existing Hedging Agreements
Copies of each of the Existing Hedging Agreements.
10. TCN Short Term Notes
A copy of the TCN Short Term Notes.
173
PART 2 - FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF OBLIGOR
To: [ ] (as Facility Agent)
We refer to the facilities agreement dated [•] (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented, the “Facilities Agreement”) and made between Telewest UK Limited, Telewest Communications Networks Limited, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Credit Suisse First Boston, Deutsche Bank AG London, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Barclays Bank PLC as Facility Agent, US Paying Agent and Security Trustee, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited as Administrative Agent and the financial and other institutions named in it as Lenders. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement shall have the same meanings in this Certificate.
I, [name], a [Director/Partner/Officer] of [name of Obligor] of [address] (the “Company”/the “Partnership”(1))
CERTIFY without personal liability, that:
(a) attached to this Certificate marked “A” are true, correct, complete and up-to-date copies of all documents which contain or establish or relate to the [constitution of the Company]/[due formation of the Partnership];
(b) attached to this Certificate marked “B” is a true, correct and complete copy of resolutions duly passed [at a meeting of the [Board of Directors] [managers] [partners] or the equivalent thereof duly convened and held on [ ] [by a written resolution of the [Company/Partnership] approving the Finance Documents to which the [Company/Partnership] is a party and authorising their execution, signature, delivery and performance and such resolutions have not been amended, modified or revoked and are in full force and effect;
(c) [attached to this Certificate and marked “C” is a true, correct and complete copy of all the Necessary Authorisations referred to in paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 4 (Conditions Precedent to first Utilisation) / paragraph 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 7 (Accession Documents)](1);
(d) [attached to this Certificate marked “D” is a true, complete and correct copy of the acceptance by the agent in England of its appointment as agent of the [Company/Partnership] for the purpose of accepting service of process. I confirm that such agent’s appointment remains in force as at the date of this Certificate;](2)
(e) the entry into and performance of the Finance Documents by the [Company/Partnership] will not breach any borrowing or other Indebtedness limit to which the [Company/Partnership] is subject other than any such limit imposed by the Existing Credit Facility; and
(g) subject to the Reservations, the execution, delivery and performance of the Accession Notice and the performance by the [Company/Partnership] of its obligations under the Finance Documents and any other agreement or document executed pursuant thereto does not breach any agreement binding on the [Company/Partnership] in any manner that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and all Necessary Authorisations in connection
(1) delete as appropriate
(2) To be given by any Obligor which is not incorporated or established in England.
174
therewith have been obtained and are current, except where any failure to maintain any Necessary Authorisations in full force and effect, any non-compliance or any proceedings or revocations in respect thereof could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
The following signatures are the true signatures of the persons who have been authorised to sign the relevant Finance Documents on behalf of the [Company/Partnership] and to give notices and communications, (including Utilisation Requests), under or in connection with the Finance Documents on behalf of the [Company/Partnership].
175
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Name |
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Position |
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Signature |
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[•] |
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[•] |
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[•] |
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Signed: |
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Director/Partner/Officer |
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Date: [•]
I, [name], a [Director/Secretary/Partner] of [name of Obligor] (the “Company”/the “Partnership”(1)), certify that the persons whose names and signatures are set out above are duly appointed [directors/partners/officers] of the [Company/Partnership] and that the signatures of each of them above are their respective signatures.
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Signed: |
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[Director/Secretary]/[Partner] |
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Date: [•]
(1) delete as appropriate
176
PART 3 - INITIAL SECURITY DOCUMENTS
1. Composite Debenture granted by each of the Obligors incorporated in England and Wales, Scotland and Jersey in favour of the Security Trustee.
2. Share Charge Agreement granted by Telewest UK in favour of the Security Trustee in respect of all of its shares in TCN.
3. Assignment of Loans granted by Telewest UK in favour of the Security Trustee in respect of receivables arising under any Financial Indebtedness owed to it by members of the TCN Group.
4. US Pledge Agreement granted by the US Borrower in favour of the Security Trustee in respect of all its rights, title and interest in and under the TCN Notes.
5. Charge over Bank Account granted by the TCN in respect of the Blocked Account.
6. US Share Pledge Agreement granted by TCN in favour of the Security Trustee in respect of all of its shares in US Borrower.
7. US Reimbursement and Contribution Agreement between TCN and each of the Partnership Obligors formed in the State of Colorado.
8. Scottish Bond and Floating Charges entered into by each Obligor incorporated in Scotland in favour of the Security Trustee.
9. Scottish Share Pledges entered into by each of Telewest Limited and Telewest Communications (Scotland Holdings) Limited as pledgors in respect of their rights and interests in the shares in those TCN Group Obligors incorporated in Scotland.
10. Jersey Share Pledge entered into by Birmingham Cable Limited in respect of its rights and interests in the shares in Birmingham Cable Finance Limited, together with (a) original share certificates, (b) signed, undated transfer forms, (c) signed, undated notices of assignment and (d) certified copies of the registers of members in respect of Birmingham Cable Limited.
11. US Pledge and Security Agreements entered into in favour of the Security Trustee by each of the partners in each of the Partnership Obligors formed in the State of Colorado.
177
SCHEDULE 5
PART 1 - FORM OF UTILISATION REQUEST (ADVANCES)
From: Telewest Communications Networks Limited (“TCN”)/ Telewest Global Finance LLC (“TGF”)
To: [ ]
as Facility Agent
Date:
Dear Sirs
We refer to the facilities agreement dated [•] (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented, the “Facilities Agreement”) and made between Telewest UK Limited, Telewest Communications Networks Limited, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Credit Suisse First Boston, Deutsche Bank AG London, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Barclays Bank PLC as Facility Agent, US Paying Agent and Security Trustee, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited as Administrative Agent and the financial and other institutions named in it as Lenders. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement shall have the same meanings in this Utilisation Request.
We, [•] and [•], being authorised signatories of [TCN/TGF], give you notice that, pursuant to the Facilities Agreement, we wish the Lenders to make an Advance to us on the following terms:
(a) Facility to be used: [A/B/C Revolving Facility]
(b) Amount [ $ [•]/€[•]/£[•]
(c) Currency: [•]
(d) Interest Period/Term: [•] month[s]
(e) Proposed date of Advance: [•] (or if that day is not a Business Day, the next Business Day)
[We hereby inform you that as of the date of this Utilisation Request, the following Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the making of this Utilisation [insert details].](4)
[We confirm that, at the date of this Utilisation Request, the Repeating Representations are true in all material respects and no Default is continuing or would result from the Advance to which this Utilisation Request relates.](5)
(4) Applicable for Rollover Advances only. Insert details of relevant Event of Default, if any.
(5) Applicable for any Advance other than a Rollover Advance.
178
The proceeds of this Utilisation should be credited to [insert account details].
Yours faithfully,
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Authorised Signatory for |
Authorised Signatory |
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Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
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Authorised Signatory |
Authorised Signatory |
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for and on behalf of |
for and on behalf of |
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Telewest Global Finance LLC |
Telewest Global Finance LLC |
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179
PART 2 - FORM OF UTILISATION REQUEST (DOCUMENTARY CREDITS)
From: Telewest Communications Networks Limited
To: [ ]
as Facility Agent
and
[•]
as the L/C Bank
Date:
Dear Sirs
We refer to the facilities agreement dated [•] (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented, the “Facilities Agreement”) and made between Telewest UK Limited as Parent, Telewest Communications Networks Limited, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Credit Suisse First Boston, Deutsche Bank AG London, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Barclays Bank PLC as Facility Agent, US Paying Agent and Security Trustee, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited as Administrative Agent and the financial and other institutions named in it as Lenders. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement shall have the same meanings in this Utilisation Request.
We, [•] and [•], being authorised signatories of TCN, give you notice that, pursuant to the Facilities Agreement, we wish [name of L/C Bank] to issue a Documentary Credit on the following terms:
(a) Name of Beneficiary: [•]
(b) Address of Beneficiary: [•]
(c) Purpose of/Liabilities to be assured by the Documentary Credit: [insert details]
(d) Sterling Amount: £[•]
(e) Currency: [•]
(f) Expiry Date: [•] month[s]
(g) Proposed date of issue of Documentary Credit: [•] (or if that day is not a Business Day, the next Business Day)
* Please issue a Documentary Credit in the form set out in Schedule 12 (Form of Documentary Credit) to the Facilities Agreement/[in the form attached].
* Complete as appropriate.
180
[We hereby inform you that as of the date of this Renewal Request, the following Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the issuance of the Documentary Credit requested hereunder [insert details].](6)
[We confirm that, at the date of this Utilisation Request, the Repeating Representations are true in all material respects and no Default is continuing or would result from the issuance of the Documentary Credit to which this Utilisation Request relates.](7)
Upon issuance of the Documentary Credit requested hereunder, please send the Documentary Credit to the Beneficiary at the address shown above, with a copy to [insert details of relevant contact at TCN].
Yours faithfully
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Authorised Signatory |
Authorised Signatory |
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Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
||
(6) Applicable for Renewal Requests only. Insert details of the relevant Event of Default. If any.
(7) Applicable to all Utilisation Requests in respect of a Documentary Credit (other than a Renewal Request).
181
SCHEDULE 6
ASSOCIATED COSTS RATE
1. On the first day of each Interest Period or Term (or as soon as possible thereafter) the Lender shall determine the percentage rate per annum for such Interest Period or Term which is the applicable “Associated Costs Rate” (as calculated in paragraph 2 or 3 below).
2. The Associated Costs Rate if the Lender is lending from a Facility Office in a Participating Member State shall be the percentage certified by the Lender to the Borrowers as being its reasonable determination of the cost (expressed as a percentage of the Lender’s participation in all Advances made from that Facility Office) to the Lender of complying with the minimum reserve requirements of the European Central Bank in respect of Advances made from that Facility Office.
3. The Associated Costs Rate if the Lender is lending from a Facility Office in the United Kingdom shall be calculated as follows:
(a) In relation to an Advance denominated in sterling:
|
AB + C(B - D) + E x 0.01 |
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per cent per annum |
|
100 - (A + C) |
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(b) In relation to an Advance denominated in euro or in an Optional Currency
|
E x 0.01 |
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per cent per annum |
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300 |
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where:
A is the percentage of Eligible Liabilities (assuming these to be in excess of any stated minimum) which the Lender is from time to time required to maintain as an interest free cash ratio deposit with the Bank of England to comply with cash ratio requirements.
B is the percentage rate of interest (excluding the Margin and the Associated Costs Rate and, if the relevant amount is an Unpaid Sum, the additional rate of interest specified in Clause 27.2 (Default Rate)), payable for the relevant Interest Period or Term in respect of the relevant Advance.
C is the percentage (if any) of Eligible Liabilities which the Lender is required from time to time to maintain as interest bearing Special Deposits with the Bank of England.
D is the percentage rate per annum payable by the Bank of England to the Lender on interest bearing Special Deposits.
E is designed to compensate the Lender in relation to the rate of charge payable by the Lender to the Financial Services Authority pursuant to the Fees Rules and expressed in pounds per £1,000,000 of the Tariff Base of the Lender.
4. For the purposes of paragraph 3 of this Schedule:
182
(a) “Eligible Liabilities” and “Special Deposits” have the meanings given to them from time to time under or pursuant to the Bank of England Act 1998 or (as may be appropriate) by the Bank of England; and
(b) “Fees Rules” means the rules on periodic fees contained in the FSA Supervision Manual or such other law or regulation as may be in force from time to time in respect of the payment of fees for the acceptance of deposits.
5. In application of the above formulae, A, B, C and D will be included in the formulae as percentages (i.e. 5% will be included in the formula as 5 and not as 0.05). A negative result obtained by subtracting D from B shall be taken as zero. The resulting figures shall be rounded to 4 decimal places.
6. For the purposes of paragraph 3 of this Schedule:
(a) “Fee Tariffs” means the fee tariffs specified in the Fees Rules under the activity group A.1 Deposit acceptors (ignoring any minimum fee or zero rated fee required pursuant to the Fees Rules but taking into account any applicable discount rate); and
(b) “Tariff Base” has the meaning given to it, and will be calculated in accordance with, the Fees Rules.
7. Any determination by the Lender pursuant to this Schedule in relation to a formula, an Associated Costs Rate or any amount payable to the Lender shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on the Borrowers and the Lender.
8. The Lender may from time to time, after consultation with the Borrowers specify any amendments which are required to be made to this Schedule in order to comply with any change in Law, regulation or any requirements from time to time imposed by the Bank of England, the Financial Services Authority or the European Central Bank (or, in any case, any other authority which replaces all or any of its functions) and any such determination shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on all the parties to this Agreement..
183
SCHEDULE 7
PART 1 - FORM OF ACCESSION NOTICE
THIS ACCESSION NOTICE is entered into on [•] by [Telewest Global Finance LLC/insert name of Subsidiary/Partnership] ([“Telewest LLC”/the “Proposed Guarantor”]) and Telewest Communications Networks Limited by way of a deed in favour of the Facility Agent, the US Paying Agent the Security Trustee, the Mandated Lead Arrangers and the Lenders (each as defined in the Facilities Agreement referred to below).
BACKGROUND
A By a facilities agreement dated [•] (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented, the “Facilities Agreement”) and made between Telewest UK Limited as Parent, Telewest Communications Networks Limited, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Credit Suisse First Boston, Deutsche Bank AG London, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Barclays Bank PLC as Facility Agent, US Paying Agent and Security Trustee, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited as Administrative Agent and the financial and other institutions named in it as Lenders, the Lenders agreed to make certain facilities available to the Borrowers.
[B Telewest LLC is required to accede to the Facilities Agreement as a Borrower and Guarantor pursuant to Clause 25.1 (The US Borrower) of the Facilities Agreement and to the Principal Intercreditor Deed as if had been originally party thereto as a Chargor.]
or
[B TCN has requested that the Proposed Guarantor become an Acceding Guarantor pursuant to Clause 25.2 (Acceding Guarantors) of the Facilities Agreement and that it accedes to the Principal Intercreditor Deed as if had been originally party thereto as an Original Guarantor.]
NOW THIS DEED WITNESS AS FOLLOWS:
1. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement have the same meanings in this Accession Notice.
2. The Proposed Guarantor] is a company [or specify other type of entity] duly incorporated, established or organised under the laws of [insert relevant jurisdiction].
3. [Telewest LLC/The Proposed Guarantor] confirms that it has received from TCN a true and up-to-date copy of the Facilities Agreement and the other Finance Documents.
4. [Telewest LLC/The Proposed Guarantor] undertakes, upon its becoming a party to the Facilities Agreement and the Principal Intercreditor Deed, to perform all the obligations expressed to be undertaken under the Facilities Agreement, the Principal Intercreditor Deed, [the Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement](8) and the other Finance Documents by a [Borrower and a] Guarantor and agrees that it shall be bound by the Facilities Agreement, the Principal Intercreditor Deed and the other Finance Documents in all respects as if it had been an original party to them as [the US Borrower and] an Original Guarantor.
(8) Delete if inapplicable
184
5. TCN:
(a) repeats the Repeating Representations identified as being made by it under Clause 20 (Representations and Warranties) upon the date [Telewest LLC/the Proposed Guarantor] accedes to the Facilities Agreement; and
(b) confirms that no Default [(other than any Default which will be remedied by the accession of the Acceding Guarantor and each other person acceding as a Guarantor on or about the date of this Accession Notice)] is continuing or will occur as a result of [Telewest LLC/the Proposed Guarantor] becoming [a Borrower and] an Acceding Guarantor.
6. Telewest LLC/the Proposed Guarantor] makes, in relation to itself, the representations and warranties expressed to be made by [the US Borrower/a Guarantor] in Clause 20 (Representations and Warranties) of the Facilities Agreement.
7. The Proposed Guarantor confirms that it has appointed (and TCN confirms by its signature below its acceptance of such appointment) Telewest Communications Networks Limited to be its process agent for the purposes of accepting service of Proceedings on it.](9)
8. [Telewest LLC/the Proposed Guarantor’s] administrative details for the purposes of the Facilities Agreement are as follows:
Address:
Contact:
Telephone No:
Fax No:
9. This Accession Notice and the rights, benefits and obligations of the parties under this Accession Notice shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law.
ACCESSION TO THE PRINCIPAL INTERCREDITOR DEED
[Telewest LLC/the Proposed Guarantor] agrees with each other person who is or becomes party to the Principal Intercreditor Deed in accordance with the terms thereof that with effect on and from the date hereof, it will be bound by the Principal Intercreditor Deed as if it had been originally party thereto as an Original Guarantor.
This Accession Notice has been executed as a Deed by TCN and [Telewest LLC/the Proposed Guarantor] and signed by the Facility Agent on the date written at the beginning of this Accession Notice.
(9) Non-English Acceding Guarantors only
185
[TELEWEST LLC/PROPOSED GUARANTOR]
EXECUTED as a DEED by
[Telewest Global Finance LLC/Name of Proposed Guarantor]
acting by
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Director) |
) |
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[insert name of director] |
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Director/Secretary) |
) |
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[insert name of director/secretary]] |
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TCN
EXECUTED as a DEED by
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS LIMITED
acting by
|
Director) |
) |
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[insert name of director] |
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Director/Secretary) |
) |
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[insert name of director/secretary] |
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THE FACILITY AGENT
[ ]
By:
186
PART 2 - ACCESSION DOCUMENTS
1. Corporate Documents
(a) A copy of its up-to-date constitutional documents.
(b) A board resolution or a manager’s resolution or a partner’s resolution of such person approving the execution and delivery of the relevant Accession Notice, its accession to the Facilities Agreement as the US Borrower and/or an Acceding Guarantor and the performance of its obligations under the Finance Documents and authorising a person or persons identified by name or office to sign such Accession Notice and any other documents to be delivered by it pursuant thereto.
(c) To the extent legally necessary, a copy of a shareholders’ resolution of all the shareholders of such person approving the execution, delivery and performance of the Finance Documents to which it is a party and the terms and conditions to it.
(d) A duly completed certificate, of a duly authorised officer of such person in the form of Part 2 of Schedule 4 (Form of Certificate of Obligor).
2. Legal Opinions
Such legal opinions as the Facility Agent may reasonably require of such legal advisers as may be acceptable to the Facility Agent, as to:
(a) the due incorporation, capacity and authorisation of Telewest LLC or the relevant Acceding Guarantor; and
(b) the relevant obligations to be assumed by the US Borrower or Acceding Guarantor under the Finance Documents to which it is a party being legal, valid, binding and enforceable against it,
in each case, under the relevant laws of the jurisdiction of organisation or establishment of Telewest LLC or such Acceding Guarantor.
3. Necessary Authorisations
A copy of any Necessary Authorisation as is in, the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Lenders necessary to render the Finance Documents to which Telewest LLC or the Acceding Guarantor, is or is to be party legal, valid, binding and enforceable to make the Finance Documents to which Telewest LLC or the Acceding Guarantor is or is to be party admissible in evidence in Telewest LLC or such Acceding Guarantor’s jurisdiction of incorporation and (if different) in England and to enable Telewest LLC or such Acceding Guarantor to perform its obligations thereunder, as a matter of law save, in the case of Telewest LLC or any Acceding Guarantor, for any registrations or recordings required for the perfection of the Security Documents and subject to the Reservations (to the extent applicable).
4. Security Documents
At least 2 original copies of the US Borrower Security Documents in the case of Telewest LLC and in the case of a proposed Acceding Guarantor any Security Documents required by the Facility Agent, acting reasonably in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in each case, duly executed by Telewest LLC or the proposed Acceding Guarantor together with all documents required to be
187
delivered pursuant to such Security Documents provided the Acceding Guarantor shall be under no obligation to procure the granting of Security over any shares, in receivables owed by, or any other interest in any Excluded Subsidiary or Project Company.
188
SCHEDULE 8
PART 1 - FORM OF QUARTERLY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
To: [ ]
[Date]
Dear Sirs
Certificate in respect of the [insert details of relevant testing period] ended [insert relevant Quarter Date] (the “Certification Date”)
We refer to the facilities agreement dated [•] (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented, the “Facilities Agreement”) and made between Telewest UK Limited, Telewest Communications Networks Limited, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Credit Suisse First Boston, Deutsche Bank AG London, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Barclays Bank PLC as Facility Agent, US Paying Agent and Security Trustee, GE Structured Capital Finance Group Limited as Administrative Agent and the financial and other institutions named in it as Lenders. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement shall have the same meanings in this Compliance Certificate.
1. This Compliance Certificate is provided in accordance with paragraph (a) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) of the Facilities Agreement.
2. We, [•] and [•](1), being duly authorised signatories of TCN as at the date of this Compliance Certificate, confirm that the financial covenants contained in Clause 22 (Financial Condition) of the Facilities Agreement have been complied with as at the Certification Date. This confirmation is based on the following (applying the rules for calculation set out in Clause 22 (Financial Condition)):
(a) The ratio of Consolidated Net Borrowings to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow for the period ending on the Certification Date was [•].
(b) The ratio of Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow to Total Interest Charges for the period ending on the Certification Date was [•].
(c) The ratio of Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow to Consolidated Debt Service for the period ending on the Certification Date was [•].
(d) The amount of Capital Expenditure of the TCN Group during the period to which this Compliance Certificate relates was £[•].
3. The information contained in the Attached Working Paper has been prepared on the basis of the same information and methodology used to prepare the appropriate financial information.
(1) At least one of whom shall be a Financial Officer
189
4. [The Obligors party to the Agreement as at the Certification Date represent not less than 95% of the Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow calculated as at the Certification Date and accordingly the 95% Security Test was satisfied as at that date.]
OR
[The Obligors party to the Agreement as at the Certification Date represent not less than 90% of the Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow calculated as at the Certification Date and TCN is unable to procure that additional members of the TCN Group accede to the Agreement as Obligors by reason of one or more legal restrictions preventing such member of the TCN Group from becoming an Obligor.]
5. We further confirm that no Default is continuing as at the Certification Date.
6. This Compliance Certificate is given by the authorised signatories of TCN named below and is given without personal liability.
Yours faithfully,
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Authorised Signatory |
Authorised Signatory |
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Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
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190
PART 2 - FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE FOLLOWING INTEGRATED MERGER EVENT
To: [ ]
[Date]
Dear Sirs
Certificate in respect of an Integrated Merger Event
We refer to the facilities agreement dated [•] (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented, the “Facilities Agreement”) and made between Telewest UK Limited, Telewest Communications Networks Limited, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Credit Suisse First Boston, Deutsche Bank AG London, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Barclays Bank PLC as Facility Agent, US Paying Agent and Security Trustee, GE Structured Capital Finance Group Limited as Administrative Agent and the financial and other institutions named in it as Lenders. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement shall have the same meanings in this Compliance Certificate.
1. This Compliance Certificate is provided in accordance with paragraph (b) of Clause 21.4 (Compliance Certificates) of the Facilities Agreement.
2. We, [•] and [•](10), being authorised signatories of TCN confirm that:
(a) the Integrated Merger Event became effective on [•] (the “Effective Date”);
(b) such members of the Target Group as are necessary to ensure that paragraph (b) of the Merger Event Conditions is satisfied have acceded to the Facilities Agreement as Acceding Guarantors pursuant to Clause 25.1 (Acceding Guarantors) of the Facilities Agreement;
(c) the Integrated Merger Senior Leverage Ratio as at the Effective Date did not exceed 2.95:1;
(d) the Integrated Merger Trailing Debt Coverage Ratio, calculated in accordance with paragraph (d)(i) of the definition of “Merger Event Integration Tests” was not less than [•];
(e) the Integrated Merger Projected Debt Coverage Ratio as at (i) the Quarter Date ending on the first full Financial Quarter after the Effective Date is projected in the combined business plan of the TCN Group and Target Group to be not less than [•] and (ii) as at the end of each subsequent Financial Quarter is projected in the enclosed combined business plan of the TCN Group and Target Group to be not less than each of the ratios set out in paragraph (d)(ii) of the definition of “Merger Event Integration Tests”), in each case, calculated in accordance with paragraph (d)(ii) of the definition of “Merger Event Integration Tests”;
(f) [the ratio of projected Consolidated Net Borrowings and Pro Forma Target Group Debt to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow and Target
(10) At least of whom shall be a Financial Officer
191
Group Net Operating Cash Flow, calculated in accordance with paragraph (e) of the definition of “Merger Event Integration Tests”, as at the most recent Quarter Date prior to the Effective Date, was not less than [•];]
OR
[pursuant to our written notice to you dated [•], we have designated Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount of £[•] as Serviceable Non-TCN Group Debt and accordingly, we confirm that the ratio of projected Consolidated Net Borrowings (calculated on a pro forma basis to include such Target Group Acquisition Indebtedness) plus Pro Forma Target Group Debt to Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow plus Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow, calculated in accordance with paragraph (f) of the definition of “Merger Event Integration Tests”, as at the most recent Quarter Date prior to the Effective Date, was not less than [•];] [and/or]
AND/OR
[(A) the amount of Target Group Interim Indebtedness plus Target Group Financial Indebtedness included for the purposes of the Merger Event Integration Tests exceeds the amount of Target Group Financial Indebtedness as of the date of the Unintegrated Merger Event; and (B) during the period between the effective date of the Unintegrated Merger Event and the proposed effective date of the Integrated Merger Event, the Target Group entered into or made acquisitions of businesses or investments in joint ventures outside the ordinary course of business (in each case excluding businesses or joint ventures acquired from or entered into with other members of the Group and excluding acquisitions of assets made in exchange for similar assets) or paid any dividends or distributions to any member of the Group other than to another member of the Target Group or to a member of the TCN Group where the consideration paid, the investments contractually committed and the dividends or distributions paid in aggregate exceeded £250,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies)] [and]
(g) the ratio of Consolidated Annualised TCN Group Net Operating Cash Flow plus Target Group Net Operating Cash Flow to Total Interest Charges plus Pro Forma Target Group Total Interest Charges, calculated in accordance with paragraph (g) of the definition of “Merger Event Integration Tests”, as at the most recent Quarter Date prior to the Effective Date, was not less than [•].
[Set out confirmations of each element required to determine each ratio]
3. We attach a copy of the combined business plan of the TCN Group and the Target Group for the period up to the Final Maturity Date in respect of Facility B.
4. This Compliance Certificate is given by the authorised signatories of TCN named below and is given without personal liability.
Yours faithfully,
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Authorised Signatory |
Authorised Signatory |
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for and on behalf of |
for and on behalf of |
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Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
193
SCHEDULE 9
PART 1 - MEMBERS OF THE TCN GROUP
|
Name |
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Jurisdiction of |
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Company number |
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Avon Cable Investments Limited |
|
ENG |
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02487110 |
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Avon Cable Joint Venture |
|
ENG |
|
— |
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Avon Cable Limited Partnership |
|
US |
|
— |
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Barnsley Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2466594 |
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Birmingham Cable Corporation Limited |
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ENG |
|
2170379 |
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Birmingham Cable Finance Limited |
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JERSEY |
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60972 |
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Birmingham Cable Limited |
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ENG |
|
2244565 |
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Blue Yonder Workwise Limited |
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ENG |
|
4055742 |
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Bradford Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2664803 |
|
Cable Adnet Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3283202 |
|
Cable Camden Limited |
|
ENG |
|
01795642 |
|
Cable Communications (Telecom) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02423585 |
|
Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
01860121 |
|
Cable Enfield Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02466511 |
|
Cable Finance Limited |
|
JERSEY |
|
FC61656 |
|
Cable Guide Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2025654 |
|
Cable Xxxxxxx & Islington Limited |
|
ENG |
|
01795641 |
|
Cable Haringey Limited |
|
ENG |
|
01808589 |
|
Cable Interactive Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03006851 |
|
Cable Internet Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3085918 |
|
Cable London Limited |
|
ENG |
|
01794264 |
|
Cable on Demand Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03039816 |
|
Capital City Cablevision Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC80665 |
|
Central Cable Holdings Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3008567 |
|
Central Cable Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3008681 |
|
Central Cable Sales Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2985669 |
|
Chariot Collection Services Limited (dormant) |
|
ENG |
|
3155349 |
|
Cobweb Business Solutions Limited |
|
ENG |
|
04523555 |
|
Cotswolds Cable Limited Partnership |
|
US |
|
— |
194
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
Company number |
|
Crystal Palace Radio Limited |
|
ENG |
|
01459745 |
|
Crystalvision Productions Limited |
|
ENG |
|
01947225 |
|
Doncaster Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2407940 |
|
Dundee Cable & Satellite |
|
ENG |
|
SC093114 |
|
Edinburgh Cable Limited Partnership |
|
US |
|
— |
|
Edinburgh Cablevision Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC078895 |
|
EMS Investments Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3373057 |
|
Estuaries Cable Limited Partnership |
|
US |
|
— |
|
Eurobell (Holdings) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2904215 |
|
Eurobell (XXX) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3373001 |
|
Eurobell (No.2) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3405634 |
|
Eurobell (No.3) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3006948 |
|
Eurobell (No.4) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2983110 |
|
Eurobell (South West) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1796131 |
|
Eurobell (Sussex) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2272340 |
|
Eurobell (Xxxx Xxxx) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2886001 |
|
Eurobell CPE Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2742145 |
|
Eurobell Internet Services Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3172207 |
|
Eurobell Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2983427 |
|
European Business Network Limited (dormant) |
|
ENG |
|
2146363 |
|
Fastrak Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1804294 |
|
Filegale Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2804553 |
|
Front Row Television Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3261331 |
|
General Cable Group Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2872852 |
|
General Cable Holdings Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2798236 |
|
General Cable Investments Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2885920 |
|
General Cable Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2369824 |
|
General Cable Programming Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2906200 |
|
Halifax Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2459173 |
|
Hieronymous Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC80135 |
|
Imminus (Ireland) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
267096 |
|
Imminus Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1785381 |
|
Xxxxx Xxxx Debt Recovery Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3008683 |
|
London South Cable Partnership |
|
US |
|
— |
195
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
Company number |
|
Matchco Directors Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3840851 |
|
MatchCo Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3405630 |
|
Matchco Secretaries Limited |
|
ENG |
|
4038220 |
|
Mayfair Way Management Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2681702 |
|
Middlesex Cable Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2460325 |
|
Northern Credit Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2743896 |
|
Perth Cable Television Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC032627 |
|
Rapture TV Limited Joint Venture (in liquidation) |
|
ENG |
|
3196831 |
|
Rotherham Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2455726 |
|
Sheffield Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2465953 |
|
Silverlink Business Management Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03535390 |
|
Southwestern Xxxx International Holdings Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2378768 |
|
TCI US West Cable Communications Group |
|
US |
|
— |
|
Telewest Carrier Services Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2475098 |
|
Telewest Communications (Central Lancashire) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1737862 |
|
Telewest Communications (Cotswold) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1743081 |
|
Telewest Communications (Cotwolds) Venture |
|
ENG |
|
— |
|
Telewest Communications (Cumbenauld) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC121614 |
|
Telewest Communications (Dumbarton) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC121700 |
|
Telewest Communications (Dundee and Perth) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC096816 |
|
Telewest Communications (East Lothian and Fife) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC150057 |
|
Telewest Communications (Falkirk) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC122481 |
|
Telewest Communications (Fylde & Wyre) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02935056 |
|
Telewest Communications (Glenrothes) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC119523 |
|
Telewest Communications (Internet) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03141035 |
|
Telewest Communications (Liverpool) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1615567 |
|
Telewest Communications (London South) Joint Venture |
|
ENG |
|
— |
|
Telewest Communications (London South) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1697437 |
|
Telewest Communications (Midlands & North West) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2795350 |
|
Telewest Communications (Midlands) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1882074 |
|
Telewest Communications (Motherwell) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC121617 |
|
Telewest Communications (Nominees) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2318746 |
196
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
Company number |
|
Telewest Communications (North East) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2378214 |
|
Telewest Communications (North East) Partnership |
|
ENG |
|
— |
|
Telewest Communications (North West) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2321124 |
|
Telewest Communications (Publications) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03860829 |
|
Telewest Communications (Scotland) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC80891 |
|
Telewest Communications (Scotland Holdings) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
SC150058 |
|
Telewest Communications (Scotland) Venture |
|
ENG |
|
— |
|
Telewest Communications (South East) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2270764 |
|
Telewest Communications (South East) Partnership |
|
ENG |
|
— |
|
Telewest Communications (South Thames Estuary) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2270763 |
|
Telewest Communications (South West) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2271287 |
|
Telewest Communications (Southport) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03085912 |
|
Telewest Communications (St Helens & Knowsley) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2466599 |
|
Telewest Communications (Taunton & Bridgewater) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3184760 |
|
Telewest Communications (Telford) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2389377 |
|
Telewest Communications (Tyneside) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2407676 |
|
Telewest Communications (Wigan) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2451112 |
|
Telewest Communications Cable Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2883742 |
|
Telewest Communications Group Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2514287 |
|
Telewest Communications Holdings Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2982404 |
|
Telewest Communications Networks Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3071086 |
|
Telewest Communications Services Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2415291 |
|
Telewest Health Trustees Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3936764 |
|
Telewest Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03291383 |
|
Telewest Parliamentary Holdings Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2514316 |
|
Telewest Share Trust Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02472760 |
|
Telewest Trustees Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03071066 |
|
Telewest Workwise Limited |
|
ENG |
|
4055744 |
|
The Cable Corporation Equipment Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2116958 |
|
The Cable Corporation Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2075227 |
|
The Cable Equipment Store Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2693805 |
|
The North London Channel Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02527764 |
197
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
Company number |
|
The Yorkshire Cable Group Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2782818 |
|
Theseus No.1 Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02994027 |
|
Theseus No.2 Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02994061 |
|
Tyneside Cable Limited Partnership |
|
US |
|
— |
|
United Cable (London South) Limited Partnership |
|
US |
|
— |
|
Wakefield Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2400909 |
|
West Midlands Credit Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2989858 |
|
Windsor Television Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1745542 |
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2490136 |
|
Yorkshire Cable Finance Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2993376 |
|
Yorkshire Cable Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02792601 |
|
Yorkshire Cable Properties Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02951884 |
|
Yorkshire Cable Telecom Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2743897 |
198
PART 2 - MEMBERS OF THE FLEXTECH GROUP
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
Company |
|
Flextech Broadcasting Limited |
|
ENG |
|
04125325 |
|
UK Living Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02802598 |
|
Starstream Limited |
|
ENG |
|
01733724 |
|
Maidstone Broadcasting |
|
ENG |
|
02721189 |
|
Bravo TV Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02342064 |
|
Xx Xxxxx Limited |
|
ENG |
|
4170969 |
|
Flextech Broadband Limited |
|
ENG |
|
04125315 |
|
UKTV Interactive Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3950210 |
|
UKTV New Ventures Limited |
|
ENG |
|
04266373 |
|
UKTV New Ventures Joint Venture |
|
ENG |
|
partnership |
|
United Artists Investments Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2761569 |
|
Flextech Business News Limited |
|
ENG |
|
02954531 |
|
Continental Shelf 16 Limited |
|
ENG |
|
03005499 |
|
UK Channel Management Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3322468 |
|
UK Gold Holdings Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3298738 |
|
TVS Television Limited |
|
ENG |
|
591652 |
|
TVS Pension Fund Trustees Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1539051 |
|
Telso Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2067186 |
|
Screenshop Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3529106 |
|
Flextech Rights Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2981104 |
|
Minotaur International Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3059563 |
|
Flextech Television Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2294553 |
|
Vis ITV Limited (Joint Venture of FTL) |
|
ENG |
|
4000147 |
|
Flextech Interactive Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3184754 |
|
Interactive Digital Sales Limited |
|
ENG |
|
4257717 |
|
Flextech Satellite Investments Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2710978 |
|
UK Gold Services Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2702737 |
|
UK Gold Television Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2702652 |
|
UK Gold Broadcasting Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2702650 |
|
IVS Cable Holdings Limited |
|
JER |
|
41688 |
|
Flextech Music Publishing Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3673917 |
199
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
Company |
|
Flextech (1992) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1190025 |
|
Flextech Media Holdings Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2678886 |
|
Flextech (Kindernet Investment) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1260228 |
|
Flextech-Flexinvest Limited |
|
ENG |
|
1192945 |
|
Flextech IVS Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2678882 |
|
Flextech Family Channel Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2856303 |
|
Flextech Distribution Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2678883 |
|
Flextech Childrens Channel Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2678881 |
|
Flextech Communications Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2588902 |
|
Flextech (Travel Channel) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3427763 |
|
Flextech Digital Broadcasting Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3298737 |
|
Flextech Living Health Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3673915 |
|
Flextech Video Games Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2670829 |
|
Action Stations (2000) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2851455 |
|
Action Stations (Lakeside) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2870844 |
|
Action Stations (Millennium) Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3450308 |
|
Supporthaven Plc |
|
ENG |
|
2792466 |
|
Flextech Limited |
|
ENG |
|
2688411 |
|
Flexmedia Limited |
|
ENG |
|
5217460 |
|
Flextech Investments (Jersey) Limited |
|
JER |
|
66951 |
|
Flextech Broadband Holdings Limited |
|
ENG |
|
4197227 |
|
Flextech Homeshopping Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3156792 |
|
Multimedia Mapping Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3059563 |
|
Recommend Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3692064 |
|
Sit-up Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3877786 |
|
UK Programme Distribution Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3323782 |
|
Xxxxxx.xxx Limited |
|
ENG |
|
3840990 |
200
PART 3 - EXCLUDED SUBSIDIARIES
|
Name |
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
Company |
|
Telewest Finance Corporation |
|
Delaware |
|
|
201
SCHEDULE 10
PART 1 - EXISTING ENCUMBRANCES
|
A: |
Existing Encumbrances to be discharged in full within 10 days of the Closing Date: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I. |
July 2004 Documents |
|
|
|
|
1. |
New Composite Guarantee and Debenture dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCN and certain of its subsidiaries and associated partnerships in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee to the extent representing the obligations of those chargors that are not Original Guarantors. |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Composite Guarantee and Debenture dated 14 July 2004 granted by Flextech Limited, Fleximedia Limited and Telewest Communications Holdco Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Security Account Charge dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCN in in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Charge Over Shares dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Global, Inc. in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee in respect of the shares of Telewest UK. |
|
|
|
|
5. |
New Charge Over Shares dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Communications plc in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
6. |
Assignment of Loans dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Global, Inc. in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
7. |
New Assignment of Loans dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Communications plc in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
8. |
Security Agreement dated 14 July 2004 granted by Birmingham Cable Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
9. |
Security Agreement (Jersey) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Birmingham Cable Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
10. |
Security Agreement (Jersey) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Flextech Broadband Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
11. |
Security Agreement (Jersey) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Flextech (1992) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
12. |
Share Pledge (Scotland) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
13. |
Share Pledge (Scotland) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Communications (Scotland Holdings) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
14. |
Deed of Subordination dated 14 July 2004 between Telewest Global Inc. and CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
202
|
15. |
Deed of Subordination dated 14 July 2004 between Telewest UK and CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
16. |
Deed of Subordination dated 14 July 2004 between Flextech Limited, Fleximedia Limited and Telewest Communications Holdco Limited and CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
17. |
New Deed of Subordination dated 14 July 2004 between Telewest Communications plc and CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
II. |
March 2001 Documents |
|
|
|
|
1. |
Composite Guarantee and Debenture dated 16 March 2001 granted by TCN, Telewest Finance Corporation and certain Subsidiaries and associated partnerships of TCN in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee, to the extent representing the obligations of those chargors that are not Original Guarantors. |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Assignment of Loans dated 16 March 2001 granted by Telewest Communications Plc in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Share Charge dated 16 March 2001 granted by Telewest Communications Plc in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee in relation to its shares in TCN. |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Share Pledge (Scotland) dated 16 March 2001granted by Telewest Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
5. |
Share Pledge (Scotland) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Telewest Communications (Scotland Holdings) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
6. |
Security Agreement (Jersey) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Birmingham Cable Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
7. |
Security Agreement (Jersey) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Flextech Broadband Limited (formerly Cheltrading 283 Limited) in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
8. |
Security Agreement (Jersey) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Flextech (1992) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
9. |
Charge over Deposit Account dated 27 September 2002 granted by TCN in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
10. |
Deed of Subordination dated 16 March 2001 between Telewest Communications plc and CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
203
|
B: |
Existing Encumbrances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I. |
July 2004 Documents |
|
|
|
|
1. |
New Composite Guarantee and Debenture dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCN and certain Subsidiaries and associated partnerships of TCN in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee to the extent representing the obligations of those chargors that are Original Guarantors |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Bond and Floating Charge (Scotland) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Communications (Scotland Holdings) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Bond and Floating Charge (Scotland) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Communications (Scotland) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Bond and Floating Charge (Scotland) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Communications (Dundee & Perth) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
5. |
Bond and Floating Charge (Scotland) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Telewest Communications (Motherwell) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
|
|
|
|
6. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Avon Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
7. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Cotswolds Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
8. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Edinburgh Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
9. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Estuaries Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
10 |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Tyneside Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
11. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 14 July 2004 granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in United Cable (London South) Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
12. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 14 July 2004 granted by Theseus No.1 and Theseus No.2 in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in TCI/US West Cable Communications Group. |
204
|
13. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 14 July 2004 granted by United Cable (London South) Limited Partnership and Crystal Palace Radio Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in London South Cable Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
14. |
Amended and Restated Reimbursement and Contribution Agreement dated 14 July 2004 and made between TCN, Avon Cable Limited Partnership, Cotswolds Cable Limited Partnership, Edinburgh Cable Limited Partnership, Estuaries Cable Limited Partnership, TCI/US West Cable Communications Group, Tyneside Cable Limited Partnership, United Cable (London South) Limited Partnership and London South Cable Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
II. |
March 2001 Documents |
|
|
|
|
1. |
Composite Guarantee and Debenture dated 16 March 2001 granted by TCN, Telewest Finance Corporation and certain Subsidiaries and associated partnerships of TCN in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee, to the extent representing the obligations of those chargors that are Original Guarantors. |
|
|
|
|
2. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 16 March 2001, as amended by a first amendment dated 14 July 2001, granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Avon Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 16 March 2001, as amended by a first amendment dated 14 July 2001, granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Cotswolds Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
4. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 16 March 2001, as amended by a first amendment dated 14 July 2001, granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Edinburgh Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
5. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 16 March 2001, as amended by a first amendment dated 14 July 2001, granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Estuaries Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
6. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 16 March 2001, as amended by a first amendment dated 14 July 2001, granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in Tyneside Cable Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
7. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 16 March 2001, as amended by a first amendment dated 14 July 2001, granted by TCI/US West Cable Communications Group and others in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in United Cable (London South) Limited Partnership. |
|
|
|
|
8. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Theseus No.1 and Theseus No.2 in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in TCI/US West Cable Communications Group. |
205
|
9. |
Pledge and Security Agreement (US) dated 16 March 2001, as amended by a first amendment dated 14 July 2001, granted by United Cable (London South) Limited Partnership and Crystal Palace Radio Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee regarding interests in London South Cable Partnership. |
||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
10. |
Bond and Floating Charge (Scotland) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Telewest Communications (Scotland Holdings) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
11. |
Bond and Floating Charge (Scotland) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Telewest Communications (Scotland) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
12. |
Bond and Floating Charge (Scotland) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Telewest Communications (Dundee & Perth) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
13. |
Bond and Floating Charge (Scotland) dated 16 March 2001 granted by Telewest Communications (Motherwell) Limited in favour of CIBC World Markets PLC as security trustee. |
||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
III. |
Other |
||||||
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
Charge |
|
Chargor |
|
Details of Encumbrance |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. |
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Limited |
|
Cable Corporation Limited (The) |
|
Collateral Account
Security Assignment in favour of Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Limited
created 18/05/1999 |
|
18/05/99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Cable London Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 27/07/1990 |
|
27/07/90 |
206
|
3. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Cable London Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 22/10/1992 |
|
22/10/92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Cable London Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 22/10/1992 |
|
22/10/92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Cable London Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 03/01/1995 |
|
03/01/95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. |
Deposit Agreement to Secure own Liabilities in favour of Lloyds TSB Bank plc |
|
Eurobell (Holdings) Limited |
|
Deposit Agreement to Secure own Liabilities in favour of Lloyds TSB
Bank Plc created 01/11/1999 |
|
01/11/99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. |
Deposit Agreement to Secure own Liabilities in favour of Lloyds Bank plc |
|
Eurobell (South West) Limited |
|
Deposit Agreement to Secure own Liabilities in favour of Lloyds TSB
Bank Plc created 29/05/1997 |
|
29/05/97 |
207
|
8. |
Deposit Agreement to secure own liabilities in favour of Lloyds Bank plc |
|
Eurobell (Sussex) Limited |
|
Deposit Agreement to secure own liabilities in favour of Lloyds Bank
plc created 29/05/1997 |
|
29/05/97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. |
Deposit Agreement to secure own liabilities in favour of Lloyds Bank plc |
|
Eurobell (Xxxx Xxxx) Limited |
|
Deposit Agreement to secure own liabilities in favour of Lloyds Bank
plc created 29/05/1997 |
|
29/05/97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. |
Charge on cash deposit in favour of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Limited |
|
General Cable Limited |
|
Charge on cash deposit in favour of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Limited created
25/05/1995 |
|
25/05/95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Sheffield Cable Communications Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 24/12/1996 |
|
24/12/96 |
208
|
12. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Sheffield Cable Communications Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 12/11/1999 |
|
12/11/99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. |
Deed of Charge over Credit Balances in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
TCN |
|
Deed of Charge over Credit Balances in favour of Barclays Bank PLC
created 15/10/2004 |
|
15/10/04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14. |
Deed of Charge in favour of The Toronto Dominion Bank |
|
Telewest Communications (London South) Limited |
|
Deed of Charge in favour of The Toronto Dominion Bank created 12/11/1985 |
|
12/11/85 |
209
|
15. |
Supplemental Deed in favour of The Toronto Dominion Bank (and its successors and permitted assigns) |
|
Telewest Communications (London South) Limited |
|
Supplemental Deed in favour of The Toronto Dominion Bank (and its
successors and permitted assigns) created 13/09/1989 |
|
13/09/89 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16. |
Mortgage of Deposited Monies in favour of Electricity Supply Nominees Limited |
|
Telewest Communications (South East) Limited |
|
Mortgage of Deposited Monies in favour of Electricity Supply Nominees
Limited created 21/01/1994 |
|
21/01/94 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. |
Deed of Variation and Further Charge in favour of Electricity Supply Nominees Limited |
|
Telewest Communications (South East) Limited |
|
Deed of Variation and Further Charge in favour of Electricity Supply
Nominees Limited created 26/06/1995 |
|
26/06/95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18. |
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Leasing (Number 4) Limited |
|
The Yorkshire Cable Group Limited |
|
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Leasing (Number 4) Limited created 18/05/1999 |
|
18/05/99 |
210
|
19. |
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Leasing (Number 4) Limited |
|
The Yorkshire Cable Group Limited |
|
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Leasing (Number 4) Limited created 16/03/2001 |
|
16/03/01 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20. |
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Limited |
|
The Yorkshire Cable Group Limited |
|
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Lloyds (Nimrod)
Specialist Finance Limited created 18/05/1999 |
|
18/05/99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21. |
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Lombard Commercial Limited |
|
The Yorkshire Cable Group Limited |
|
Collateral Account Security Assignment in favour of Lombard Commercial
Limited created 18/05/1999 |
|
18/05/99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22. |
Deed as to Deposit Monies in favour of Langley Quay Investments Limited |
|
Windsor Television Limited |
|
Deed as to Deposit Monies in favour of Langley Quay Investments
Limited created 09/07/1999 |
|
09/07/99 |
211
|
23. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Yorkshire Cable Properties Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 24/12/1996 |
|
24/12/96 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 16/06/1992 |
|
16/06/92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 24/12/1996 |
|
24/12/96 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 24/12/1996 |
|
24/12/96 |
212
|
27. |
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC |
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Limited |
|
Legal Charge in favour of Barclays Bank PLC created 24/12/1996 |
|
24/12/96 |
213
PART 2 - EXISTING LOANS
|
Closing balance in GBP |
|
31 October 04 |
|
|
|
|
(UK GAAP) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debtor |
|
Amount |
|
|
Flextech 1992 Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd. |
|
2,475,596 |
|
|
Flextech Digital Broadcasting Limited owing to Telewest Communications Group Ltd |
|
500 |
|
|
Flextech Interactive Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
2,636,998 |
|
|
Flextech Rights Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
125,438,385 |
|
|
Flextech Television Limited owing to Telewest Communications Networks Ltd |
|
193,125,916 |
|
|
Flextech Television Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
63,860,409 |
|
|
HSN Direct International Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
12,280 |
|
|
Interactive Digital Sales Limited owing to Telewest Communications Group Ltd |
|
862,805 |
|
|
Minotaur International Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
3,390 |
|
|
Screenshop Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
12,751 |
|
|
Smashedatom Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
50 |
|
|
Telewest Communications Holdco Ltd owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
1,545,208 |
|
|
Telewest UK Ltd owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
2,108,121 |
|
|
Telewest Global Inc owing to Telewest Communications Networks Ltd |
|
545,108 |
|
|
Network Gaming Consultancy owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
67,521 |
|
|
TVS Television Limited owing to Telewest Communications Group Ltd |
|
3,000 |
|
|
TVS Television Limited owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd |
|
765,497 |
|
|
Blue Yonder Workwise owing to Avon Cable Joint Venture |
|
469,198 |
|
|
Blue Yonder Workwise owing to Telewest Communications Group Ltd |
|
219,406 |
|
|
Blue Yonder Workwise owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications |
|
1,379132 |
|
|
Cable Adnet Ltd owing to Telewest Communications Group Ltd |
|
3,755,437 |
|
|
Cable Finance Ltd owing to Telewest Communications Group Ltd |
|
369 |
|
|
Cable Guide Ltd owing to Cable London Ltd |
|
394 |
|
|
General Cable Programming owing to Yorkshire Cable Communications |
|
23 |
|
|
Imminus (Ireland) Ltd owing to Telewest Communications Group Ltd |
|
98 |
|
|
General Cable Programming Ltd owing to Telewest Communications Networks Ltd |
|
23,400 |
|
|
General Cable Programming Ltd. owing to General Cable Ltd. |
|
160,001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
399,470,993 |
|
214
PART 3 - EXISTING FINANCIAL INDEBTEDNESS
|
Closing balance in GBP |
|
31 October 04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A: |
Existing Financial Indebtedness to be repaid in full on the Closing Date: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Indebtedness under the Existing Credit Facility |
|
1,840,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B: |
Existing Financial Indebtedness: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property mortgages |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd Treasury Loan with Barclays Bank |
|
802,549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sheffield Cable Communications Ltd Treasury Loan with Barclays Bank |
|
3,075,268 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sheffield Cable Communications Ltd Treasury Loan with Barclays Bank |
|
1,058,466 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd Commercial Mortgage with Barclays Bank |
|
528,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cable London Ltd Medium Term Loan with Barclays Bank |
|
515,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Teleinvest loan |
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease creditors (details set out in Schedule 15) |
|
127,506,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flextech loan stock |
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intercompany Indebtedness |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Ltd owing to Bravo TV Limited |
|
176,193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd owing to Bravo TV Limited |
|
30,102,631 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd owing to Continental Shelf 16 Limited |
|
860,153 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd owing to Xx Xxxxx Limited |
|
4,319 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Networks Limited owing to Flextech (Travel Channel) Limited |
|
19,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Ltd owing to Flextech 1992 Limited |
|
1,013,798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Networks Limited owing to Flextech Communications Limited |
|
147,330,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Networks Limited owing to Flextech Digital Broadcasting Limited |
|
363,400,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd owing to Flextech Digital Broadcasting Limited |
|
6,671,719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Networks Limited owing to Flextech Family Channel Limited |
|
197,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Limited owing to Flextech Interactive Limited |
|
673,721 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Limited owing to Flextech Living Health Limited |
|
8,983 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd owing to Flextech Living Health Limited |
|
1,225,556 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Ltd owing to Flextech Rights Limited |
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Ltd owing to Flextech Television Limited |
|
29,118,569 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Networks Limited owing to Flextech Video Games Limited |
|
261,800,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd owing to Interactive Digital Sales Limited |
|
114,768,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Ltd owing to Maidstone Broadcasting |
|
70,673 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Communications Group Ltd owing to Maidstone Broadcasting |
|
23,754,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Ltd owing to Starstream Limited |
|
63,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd owing to Starstream Limited |
|
25,621,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Group Ltd owing to UK Living Limited |
|
6,051,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yorkshire Cable Communications Ltd owing to UK Living Limited |
|
68,003,152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Communications Networks Limited owing to United Artists Investments Limited |
|
856,830,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telewest Workwise Limited owing to Telewest Communications Holdco Ltd |
|
2,694,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,134,756,219 |
|
|
215
PART 4 - EXISTING PERFORMANCE BONDS
|
Beneficiary/ |
|
Date Issued |
|
Expiry Date |
|
Amount |
|
Bank |
|
Secured with |
|
ACE Insurance S.A. – N.V. |
|
29/09/2004 |
|
29/09/2005 |
|
700,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
Yes in full |
|
Basildon Council + others |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
103,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Birmingham City Council |
|
30/11/2000 |
|
|
|
75,000.00 |
|
The Royal Bank of Scotland |
|
No |
|
Blackpool Borough Council |
|
04/03/1998 |
|
|
|
112,406.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Borough of Croydon |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Borough of Kingston & Richmond |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Boroughs of Merton & Xxxxxx |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Carmock Council & Others (#3) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
100,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Cheltenham Borough Council |
|
26/06/1997 |
|
25/06/2001 |
|
225,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Council + 5 |
|
17/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
104,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Xxxxxx Council & Others (#3) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
103,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Edinburgh + Lothian Councils |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
100,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Essex County Council |
|
17/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
103,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Fife Council + others (#2) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
100,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Fylde Council |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
100,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Gloucestershire County Council |
|
17/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
HM Customs and Excise |
|
13/11/2000 |
|
continuous |
|
20,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Islington Council |
|
27/10/2000 |
|
30/04/2004 |
|
50,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Liverpool & Sefton Councils |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Liverpool City Council |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Local authority |
|
|
|
|
|
154,498.00 |
|
Lloyds |
|
Yes in full |
216
|
Beneficiary/ |
|
Date Issued |
|
Expiry Date |
|
Amount |
|
Bank |
|
Secured with |
|
Local authority |
|
|
|
|
|
194,643.00 |
|
Lloyds |
|
Yes in full |
|
Local authority |
|
|
|
|
|
143,549.00 |
|
Lloyds |
|
Yes in full |
|
Lothian Council + others (#3) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
102,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Rent guarantee |
|
|
|
|
|
103,483.10 |
|
Lloyds |
|
Yes in full |
|
Sefton Council |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Slough Borough Council |
|
05/07/2002 |
|
July-05 |
|
35,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
South Glous + North Somerset Council |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
102,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
St Helens & Knowsley Council |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
102,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Staffordshire Council & Others (#2) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Strathclyde Council + others (#2) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Strathclyde Council + others (#4) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
100,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Tayside Council + others (#1) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Tayside Council + others (#2) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
The appropriate authorities – Telecoms Act 84/ Licence |
|
01/06/2002 |
|
25/07/2005 |
|
1,500,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
W. Dunbartonshire Council |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
West Lancs Council & others (#3) |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
West Midlands Police Authority |
|
31/08/2001 |
|
30/09/2005 |
|
250,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
|
Wigan Council |
|
02/04/1997 |
|
01/04/2001 |
|
101,000.00 |
|
Barclays |
|
No |
217
PART 5 - EXISTING LOAN STOCK
1. The variable rate unsecured loan stock in a principal amount of £97,000,000 issued to Flextech Digital Broadcasting Limited by the BBC Joint Venture (UK Channel Management Limited).
2. The floating rate redeemable unsecured loan stock issued by UK Gold in a principal amount of £12,517,000 to Cox Programming Limited ((now Flextech Satellite Investments Limited) and transferred to Flextech IVS Limited and then subsequently transferred to United Artists Investments Limited) and in a principal amount of £8,942,653 to United Artists Investments Limited.
3. The floating rate redeemable unsecured loan stock issued by UK Living in a principal amount of £8,271,047 to United Artists Investments Limited and in a principal amount of £11,579,556.00 to Cox Programming Limited ((now Flextech Satellite Investments Limited) and transferred to Flextech IVS Limited and then subsequently transferred to United Artists Investments Limited).
4. The non-interest bearing unsecured loan stock in a principal amount of £18,000,000 issued by the UK Gold Joint Venture (UK Gold Holdings Limited) to Flextech Limited (formerly Flextech plc) (and transferred to United Artists Investments Limited).
5. The variable rate first call option unsecured loan stock in a principal amount of £32,208,000 and the split rate second call option unsecured loan stock in a principal amount of £20,300,000 in each case issued by the UK Gold Joint Venture (UK Gold Holdings Limited) to Flextech Limited (formerly Flextech plc) (and, in each case, transferred to United Artists Investments Limited).
6. The variable rate unsecured loan stock of a principal amount of £36,000,000 issued by the UK Gold Joint Venture (UK Gold Holdings Limited) to Flextech Limited (formerly Flextech plc) (and transferred to United Artists Investments Limited).
7. The variable rate unsecured loan stock issued, or to be issued, to United Artists Investments Limited by the UK Gold Joint Venture (UK Gold Holdings Limited) in connection with the funding from time to time of the UK Gold Joint Venture.
8. The £50 million unsecured variable rate loan stock to be issued to Flextech Broadband Limited pursuant to the loan stock instrument constituted in respect of UKTV New Ventures dated 15 July 2004.
9. The £21 million loan stock contemplated by the 15 July 2004 letter agreement between Flextech Broadband Limited and BBC Worldwide Limited to be issued to Flextech Broadband Limited by UKTV Interactive Limited.
10. £20 million Cumulative and £13.75 million non-cumulative, non-voting preference shares issued by UK Gold Holdings Limited.
218
SCHEDULE 11
FORM OF L/C BANK ACCESSION CERTIFICATE
To: [ ]
cc: Telewest Communications Networks Limited
From: [L/C Bank]
Date:
Dear Sirs
1. We refer to the facilities agreement dated [•] (as from time to time amended, varied, novated or supplemented, the “Facilities Agreement”) and made between Telewest UK Limited, Telewest Communications Networks Limited, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Bank AG London, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Barclays Bank PLC as Facility Agent, US Paying Agent and Security Trustee, GE Capital Structured Finance Group Limited as Administrative Agent and the financial and other institutions named in it as Lenders. Terms defined in the Facilities Agreement shall have the same meanings in this Agreement.
2. This L/C Bank Accession Certificate is delivered pursuant to Clause 5.10 (Appointment and Change of L/C Bank) of the Facilities Agreement.
3. [Name of L/C Bank] undertakes, upon its becoming an L/C Bank, to perform all the obligations expressed to be undertaken under the Facility Agreement and the Finance Documents by an L/C Bank and agrees that it shall be bound by the Facilities Agreement and the other Finance Documents in all respects as if it had been an original party to it as an L/C Bank.
4. [Name of L/C Bank]’s administrative details are as follows:
Address:
Fax No:
Contact:
[and the address of the office having the beneficial ownership of our participation in the Facilities Agreement (if different from the above) is:
Address:
Fax No:
Contact: ]
219
5. This L/C Bank Accession Certificate shall be governed by English law.
For and on behalf of
[Name of L/C Bank]
220
SCHEDULE 12
FORM OF DOCUMENTARY CREDIT
[L/C Bank’s Letterhead]
To: [Beneficiary]
(the “Beneficiary”)
Non-transferable Irrevocable Documentary Credit No. [•]
At the request of Telewest Communications Networks Limited, [L/C Bank] (the “L/C Bank”) issues this irrevocable non-transferable documentary credit (“Documentary Credit”) in your favour on the following terms and conditions:
1. Definitions
In this Documentary Credit:
“Business Day” means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for general business in [London]. (11)
“Demand” means a demand for payment under this Documentary Credit in the form of the schedule to this Documentary Credit.
“Expiry Date” means [•].
“Total L/C Amount” means £[•].
2. L/C Bank’s Agreement
(a) The Beneficiary may request a drawing or drawings under this Documentary Credit by giving to the L/C Bank a duly completed Demand. A Demand must be received by the L/C Bank on or before [•] p.m. ([London] time) on the Expiry Date.
(b) Subject to the terms of this Documentary Credit, the L/C Bank unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to the Beneficiary that, within [10] Business Days of receipt by it of a Demand, it will pay to the Beneficiary the amount demanded in that Demand.
(c) The L/C Bank will not be obliged to make a payment under this Documentary Credit if as a result the aggregate of all payments made by it under this Documentary Credit would exceed the Total L/C Amount.
3. Expiry
(a) The L/C Bank will be released from its obligations under this Documentary Credit on the date (if any) notified by the Beneficiary to the L/C Bank as the date upon which the obligations of the L/C Bank under this Documentary Credit are released.
(b) Unless previously released under paragraph (a) above, at [•] p.m. ([London] time) on the Expiry Date the obligations of the L/C Bank under this Documentary Credit will cease with
(11) This may need to be amended depending on the currency of payment under the Documentary Credit.
221
no further liability on the part of the L/C Bank except for any Demand validly presented under the Documentary Credit before that time that remains unpaid.
(c) When the L/C Bank is no longer under any further Obligations under this Documentary Credit, the Beneficiary must promptly return the original of this Documentary Credit to the L/C Bank.
4. Payments
All payments under this Documentary Credit shall be made in Sterling and for value on the due date to the account of the Beneficiary specified in the Demand.
5. Delivery of Demand
Each Demand shall be in writing, and, unless otherwise stated, may be made by letter, fax or telex and must be received in legible form by the L/C Bank at its address and by the particular department or officer (if any) as follows:
[•]
6. Assignment
The Beneficiary’s rights under this Documentary Credit may not be assigned or transferred.
7. UCP
Except to the extent it is inconsistent with the express terms of this Documentary Credit, this Documentary Credit is subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 500.
8. Governing Law
This Documentary Credit is governed by English law.
9. Jurisdiction
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Documentary Credit.
Yours faithfully,
[L/C Bank]
By:
222
FORM OF DEMAND
To: [L/C Bank]
Dear Sirs,
Non-transferable Irrevocable Documentary Credit No. [•] issued in favour of [name of beneficiary] (the “Documentary Credit”)
We refer to the Documentary Credit. Terms defined in the Documentary Credit have the same meaning when used in this Demand.
1. We certify that the sum of [•] is due [and has remained unpaid for at least [•] Business Days] [under [set out underlying contract or agreement]]. We therefore demand payment of the sum of [•].
2. Payment should be made to the following account:
Name:
Account Number:
Bank:
3. The date of this Demand is not later than the Expiry Date.
Yours faithfully,
|
(Authorised Signatory) |
(Authorised Signatory) |
For
[Beneficiary]
223
SCHEDULE 13
PRO FORMA PARI PASSU INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
[Signing Date]
(1) THE TCN GROUP LENDERS
(2) THE TCN GROUP HEDGE COUNTERPARTIES
(3) THE TCN GROUP AGENT
(4) THE TCN GROUP SECURITY TRUSTEE
(5) THE TARGET GROUP LENDERS
(6) THE TARGET GROUP HEDGE COUNTERPARTIES
(7) THE TARGET GROUP AGENT
(8) THE TARGET GROUP SECURITY TRUSTEE
(9) THE MEMBERS OF THE TCN GROUP
(10) THE MEMBERS OF THE TARGET GROUP
PARI PASSU
EXISTING CREDITORS INTERCREDITOR DEED
0 Xxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX
224
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225
THIS DEED is made on [ ]
BETWEEN:
(1) THE TCN GROUP LENDERS (as defined herein);
(2) THE TCN GROUP HEDGE COUNTERPARTIES (as defined herein);
(3) [ ] (as facility agent for and on behalf of the TCN Group Senior Lenders, the “TCN Group Senior Agent”);
(4) [ ] (as security trustee for and on behalf of the TCN Group Lenders, the “TCN Group Security Trustee”);
(5) THE TARGET GROUP LENDERS (as defined herein);
(6) THE TARGET GROUP HEDGE COUNTERPARTIES (as defined herein);
(7) [ ] (as facility agent for and on behalf of the Target Group Lenders, the “Target Group Agent”);
(8) [ ] (as security trustee for and on behalf of the Target Group Lenders, the “Target Group Security Trustee”);
(9) THE TCN GROUP OBLIGORS (as defined herein);
(10) THE TARGET GROUP OBLIGORS (as defined herein); and
(11) The other parties signatories hereto.
IT IS AGREED as follows:-
1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions
In this Deed the following words and expressions shall have the following meanings:
“Accession Deed” means a deed of accession substantially in the form set out in Schedule 4 or in such other form as the TCN Group Senior Agent, the Target Group Agent, TCN and the Target shall agree.
“Calculation Date” means any date upon which any calculation of Pari Passu Basis is required to be made under this Deed.
“Credit Agreements” means the TCN Group Credit Agreements and the Target Group Credit Agreement.
“Encumbrance” means a mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, encumbrance or other security interest securing any obligation of any person.
“Enforcement Action” means:
(a) the acceleration of any Liabilities or any declaration that any Liabilities are prematurely due and payable (other than as a result of it becoming unlawful for a Lender to perform its obligations under, or of any mandatory prepayment arising
226
under the Finance Documents) or any declaration that any Liabilities are payable on demand (save where such declaration is capable of being made and is made in circumstances where there is no default by any member of the Group);
(b) the taking of any steps to enforce or require the enforcement of any Security;
(c) the making of any demand against any member of the Group in relation to any guarantee, indemnity or other assurance against loss in respect of any Liabilities or exercising any right to require any member of the Group to acquire any Liability;
(d) the exercise of any right of set-off against any member of the Group in respect of any Liabilities (save where such right is capable of being exercised and is exercised in circumstances where there is no default by any member of the Group );
(e) the suing for, commencing or joining of any legal or arbitration proceedings against any member of the Group to recover any Liabilities;
(f) the entering into of any composition, assignment or similar or analogous arrangement with any member of the Group with respect to any Liability, or any analogous procedure or step in any jurisdiction; or
(g) the petitioning, applying or voting for, or the taking of any steps by any Finance Party in its capacity as such (including, without limitation, corporate action, procedural or formal steps or legal proceedings, or the appointment of any liquidator, receiver, administrator or similar officer) in relation to, the winding up, dissolution or administration or bankruptcy of any member of the Group or any analogous procedure or step in any jurisdiction.
“Enforcement Date” means the first date on which an Enforcement Action is taken by any of the Finance Parties.
“Excluded Subsidiary” shall have the meaning given to it in the TCN Group Senior Credit Agreement.
“Facilities” means the TCN Group Facilities and the Target Group Facilities.
“Facility Agents” means the TCN Group Agent and the Target Group Agent.
“Finance Documents” means the TCN Group Finance Documents and the Target Group Finance Documents.
“Finance Parties” means the TCN Group Finance Parties and the Target Group Finance Parties.
“Group” means [name of ultimate holding company of TCN Group and Target Group] and its Subsidiaries from time to time.
“Guarantees” means the TCN Group Guarantees and the Target Group Guarantees.
“Hedge Counterparties” means the TCN Group Hedge Counterparties and the Target Group Hedge Counterparties.
“Lenders” means the TCN Group Lenders and the Target Group Lenders.
“Liabilities” means the TCN Group Liabilities and the Target Group Liabilities.
227
“Pari Passu Basis” means:
(a) in relation to priority of liabilities, such liabilities shall be equal and rateable with no liability having any priority over the other,
(b) in relation to a calculation of a repayment to be made by reference to TCN Group Pari Passu Debt and Target Group Pari Passu Debt or the TCN Group Facilities and the Target Group Facilities on or after the Enforcement Date, that such repayment shall be made pro rata in the proportion which the amount of each such debt at the Enforcement Date bears to the aggregate Pari Passu Debt at the Enforcement Date, and
(c) in relation to a calculation of a payment or repayment to be made by reference to the TCN Group Facilities and the Target Group Facilities before the Enforcement Date, that such payment or repayment shall be made pro rata in the proportion which the amount of each such debt at the Calculation Date bears to the aggregate Pari Passu Debt at such Calculation Date;
(d) in relation to any calculations made by reference to commitments, drawings or repayments under any revolving or similar facility in the TCN Group Credit Agreement or the Target Group Credit Agreements on a Calculation Date, the calculation thereof shall be made pro rata in the proportion that the maximum amount of credit which may be utilised under each such facility at such Calculation Date bears to the aggregate amount available to be utilised under such facilities in all Credit Agreements.
“Pari Passu Debt” means the TCN Group Pari Passu Debt and the Target Group Pari Passu Debt.
“Principal Intercreditor Deed” means the intercreditor agreement dated on or about the date of the TCN Group Senior Credit Agreement between certain of the TCN Group Obligors, the TCN Group Finance Parties and others.
“Security” means the TCN Group Security and the Target Group Security.
“Security Trustees” means the TCN Group Security Trustee and the Target Group Security Trustee.
“Subsidiary” of a company shall mean (i) in relation to any member of the TCN Group, a “Subsidiary” of such company as defined in the TCN Group Senior Credit Agreement and (ii) in relation to any member of the Target Group, a “Subsidiary” of such company as defined in the Target Group Credit Agreement.
“Target” means [ ].
“Target Group” means [to identify those companies which are designated as members of the Target Group at the date of execution of this Deed and thereafter].
“Target Group Credit Agreement” means the credit agreement dated [ ] whereby certain facilities were made available to [specify members of the Target Group] by a group of banks and other financial institutions on whose behalf the Target Group Agent acts as facility agent.
“Target Group Debt” means all present and future obligations and liabilities (whether actual or contingent and whether owed jointly or severally or in any other capacity whatsoever) of
228
any member of the Target Group to any of the Target Group Finance Parties in respect of Target Group Liabilities.
“Target Group Facilities” means the facilities provided by the Target Group Lenders under the Target Group Credit Agreement.
“Target Group Finance Documents” means the Target Group Credit Agreement, the Target Group Security, the Target Group Guarantees and each of the other [Finance Documents] (as defined in the Target Group Credit Agreement).
“Target Group Finance Parties” means the Target Group Agent, the Target Group Security Trustee, the Target Group Lenders, the Target Group Hedge Counterparties and any other [Finance Parties] (as defined in the Target Group Credit Agreement).
“Target Group Guarantees” means the guarantees granted in favour of any of the Target Group Finance Parties by any member of the Group in respect of all or any part of the Target Group Liabilities.
“Target Group Hedge Counterparties” means any counterparty which has entered into a hedging agreement with any member of the Target Group and has executed or acceded to this Deed in such capacity.
“Target Group Instructing Group” means an [Instructing Group] (as defined in the Target Group Credit Agreement).
“Target Group Lender” means:
(a) a bank or financial institution or other person named in Part II of Schedule 1 (unless it has ceased to be a party hereto in accordance with the terms hereof); or
(b) a bank or financial institution or other person which has become (and remains) a party hereto as a Target Group Lender in accordance with the provisions of Clause 11.5 hereof and in accordance with the provisions of the Target Group Credit Agreement.
“Target Group Liabilities” means all present and future liabilities and obligations at any time of any member of the Group to any Target Group Finance Party under or in connection with the Target Group Finance Documents, both actual and contingent and whether incurred solely or jointly or in any other capacity together with any of the following matters relating to or arising in respect of those liabilities and obligations:
(a) any refinancing, novation, deferral or extension;
(b) any claim for damages or restitution; and
(c) any claim as a result of any recovery by any member of the Group of a payment or discharge on the grounds of preference,
and any amounts which would be included in any of the above but for any discharge, non-provability or unenforceability of those amounts in any insolvency or other proceedings.
“Target Group Obligors” means all of the companies specified in Part II of Schedule 2 and any company which has become a party hereto (for as long as such company remains party hereto) in such capacity in accordance with the provisions of Clause 11.6 hereof.
“Target Group Pari Passu Debt” means the aggregate principal amount of the Target Group Debt not exceeding £2,425,000,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) (or such greater
229
amount as shall be agreed in writing by the TCN Group Instructing Group) together with any interest (including default interest) accruing on such amount and commitment commission, fees, charges and any costs and expenses, in each case, payable under the terms of the Target Group Finance Documents.
“Target Group Security” means the Encumbrances constituted by each document listed in Part II of Schedule 3 together with all collateral, additional or substituted Encumbrance which is granted in favour of any of the Target Group Finance Parties by any member of the Group after the date of this Deed in respect of all or any part of the Target Group Debt.
“TCN” means Telewest Communications Networks Limited.
“TCN Group” has the meaning set out in the TCN Group Senior Credit Agreement, provided that for the purposes of this definition, “Subsidiaries” shall exclude any member of the Target Group which would otherwise be a member of the TCN Group.
“TCN Group Credit Agreements” means the TCN Group Senior Credit Agreement and each other credit facility listed in Schedule 6 hereto.
“TCN Group Debt” means all present and future obligations and liabilities (whether actual or contingent and whether owed jointly or severally or in any other capacity whatsoever) of any member of the TCN Group to any of the TCN Group Finance Parties in respect of TCN Group Liabilities.
“TCN Group Facilities” means the facilities provided by the TCN Group Lenders under the TCN Group Credit Agreement.
“TCN Group Finance Documents” means the TCN Group Credit Agreement, the TCN Group Security, the TCN Group Guarantees and each of the other Finance Documents (as defined in the TCN Group Credit Agreement).
“TCN Group Finance Parties” means the TCN Group Agent, the TCN Group Security Trustee, the TCN Group Lenders and the TCN Group Hedge Counterparties.
“TCN Group Guarantees” means the guarantees granted in favour of any of the TCN Group Finance Parties by any member of the Group in respect of all or any part of the TCN Group Liabilities.
“TCN Group Hedge Counterparties” means any counterparty which has entered into a hedging agreement with any member of the TCN Group and has executed or acceded to (and remains a party to) this Deed in such capacity.
“TCN Group Instructing Group” means an Instructing Group (as defined in the TCN Group Senior Credit Agreement, subject to the terms of any applicable intercreditor agreement).
“TCN Group Lender” means the parties from time to time party to the TCN Group Credit Agreement as Lenders which have acceded to (and remain party to) this Deed in accordance with the provisions of the TCN Group Credit Agreement.
“TCN Group Liabilities” means all present and future liabilities and obligations at any time of any member of the Group to any TCN Group Finance Party under or in connection with the TCN Group Finance Documents, both actual and contingent and whether incurred solely or jointly or in any other capacity together with any of the following matters relating to or arising in respect of those liabilities and obligations:
230
(a) any refinancing, novation, deferral or extension;
(b) any claim for damages or restitution; and
(c) any claim as a result of any recovery by any member of the Group of a payment or discharge on the grounds of preference,
and any amounts which would be included in any of the above but for any discharge, non-provability or unenforceability of those amounts in any insolvency or other proceedings.
“TCN Group Obligors” means all of the companies specified in Part I of Schedule 2 and any company which has become a party hereto (for as long as such company remains party hereto) in such capacity in accordance with the provisions of Clause 11.6 hereof.
“TCN Group Pari Passu Debt” means the aggregate principal amount of the TCN Group Debt not exceeding £[principal amount committed under the TCN Group Credit Agreement upon execution of this Deed] (or its equivalent in other currencies) in aggregate principal amount (or such greater amount as shall be agreed in writing by the Target Group Instructing Group) together with any interest (including default interest) accruing on such amount and commitment commission, fees, charges and any costs and expenses, in each case, payable under the terms of the TCN Group Finance Documents.
“TCN Group Security” means the Encumbrances constituted by each document listed in Part I of Schedule 3 together with all collateral, additional or substituted Encumbrance which is granted in favour of any of the TCN Group Finance Parties by any member of the Group after the date of this Deed in respect of all or any part of the TCN Group Debt.
“TCN Group Senior Credit Agreement” means the credit agreement dated [ ] whereby certain facilities are made available to TCN and the US Borrower by a group of banks and other financial institutions on whose behalf the TCN Group Senior Agent acts as facility agent.
“US Borrower” means Telewest Global Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
1.2 Interpretation
(a) For the purpose of this Deed any amount of Pari Passu Debt denominated in a currency other than sterling shall be notionally converted into sterling by reference to the amount of sterling which could be purchased with the relevant currency using the TCN Group Agent’s spot rate of exchange at 11 a.m. (London time) on each relevant Calculation Date or, if such market is then closed, at 11 a.m. (London time) on the day such market was then last open.
(b) The headings in this Deed are inserted for convenience only and shall be ignored in construing this Deed.
(c) References to Clauses, paragraphs or Schedules are to paragraphs of Clauses and Clauses of or Schedules to this Deed unless otherwise stated.
(d) Any reference in this Deed to (or to any provisions of or definition contained in) any other document shall be construed as a reference to this Deed or that provision, definition or document as in force for the time being and as amended, supplemented, varied and/or novated from time to time but only to the extent that any such amendment, supplement, variation or novation has been made in accordance with the terms of this Deed.
231
(e) Any reference in this Deed to any party to this Deed shall be construed so as to include such party’s and any subsequent successors, transferees and assigns in accordance with their respective interests.
(f) Any reference in this Deed to the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
2. RECIPROCITY
2.1 Reciprocal Security
Each of the Finance Parties and each member of the Group which is party to this Deed agrees that it is intended that the TCN Group Finance Parties and the Target Group Finance Parties shall share the benefits of all security arrangements and guarantees granted by members of the TCN Group and Target Group in relation to the Liabilities so as to guarantee and secure the Liabilities in such a manner as shall ensure that the TCN Group Liabilities and the Target Group Liabilities shall rank on a Pari Passu Basis provided that, at TCN’s discretion, this intention shall be effected by either:
(a) (i) members of the TCN Group granting guarantees and Encumbrances in favour of the Target Group Finance Parties (or the Target Group Security Trustee on their behalf) in substantially similar form to the guarantees and Encumbrances granted to the TCN Group Finance Parties in respect of the TCN Group Liabilities to guarantee and secure the Target Group Liabilities; and
(ii) members of the Target Group granting guarantees and Encumbrances in favour of the TCN Group Finance Parties (or the TCN Group Security Trustee on their behalf) in substantially similar form to the guarantees and Encumbrances granted to the Target Group Finance Parties in respect of the Target Group Liabilities to guarantee and secure the TCN Group Liabilities; or
(b) (i) each of the TCN Group Finance Parties which has been granted a guarantee or an Encumbrance by a member of the TCN Group in respect of the TCN Group Liabilities prior to the date of this Deed entering into such amendments to such guarantees or the security documents effecting such Encumbrances or the security trust arrangements under which they or the TCN Group Security Trustee holds the benefit of any such guarantees or Encumbrances with, in each case, the members of the Group which are party to such documents and arrangements so as to procure (insofar as legally possible) that the Target Group Liabilities are guaranteed and secured by such documents in the same manner as the TCN Group Liabilities; and
(ii) each of the Target Group Finance Parties which has been granted a guarantee or an Encumbrance by a member of the Target Group in respect of the Target Group Liabilities prior to the date of this Deed entering into such amendments to such guarantees or the security documents effecting such Encumbrances or the security trust arrangements under which they or the Target Group Security Trustee holds the benefit of any such guarantees or Encumbrances with, in each case, the members of the Group which are party to such documents and arrangements so as to procure (insofar as legally possible) that the TCN Group Liabilities are guaranteed and secured by such documents in the same manner as the Target Group Liabilities; and
232
(whether TCN exercises its discretion to select the option in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) above):
(i) each of the TCN Group Finance Parties which has been granted a guarantee or an Encumbrance by a member of the TCN Group to guarantee/secure the TCN Group Liabilities shall enter into this Deed and the Principal Intercreditor Deed in the appropriate capacity in order to share the proceeds of enforcement of such guarantees and Encumbrances with the Target Group Finance Parties in the manner set forth herein or therein; and
(ii) each of the Target Group Finance Parties which has been granted a guarantee or an Encumbrance by a member of the Target Group to guarantee/secure the Target Group Liabilities shall enter into this Deed and the Principal Intercreditor Deed in the appropriate capacity in order to share the proceeds of enforcement of such guarantees and Encumbrances with the TCN Group Finance Parties in the manner set forth herein or therein; and
(iii) each of the Finance Parties and each member of the Group which is party to this Deed agrees to execute and deliver any such accession deeds or other instruments and do all such acts or things as may be required to ensure that the option selected by the TCN is effected.
2.2 Reciprocal subordination
Each of the Finance Parties and each member of the Group which is party to this Deed agrees that (i) it is intended that the Target Group Finance Parties and the TCN Group Finance Parties are to benefit equally (or to the extent that any proceeds are realised from such subordination or similar arrangements on a Pari Passu Basis) from any subordination or similar arrangements which they benefit from in relation to the Liabilities and (ii) it shall execute and deliver any such accession deeds or other instruments and do all such acts or things as may be required in order that:
(a) the Target Group Finance Parties receive the benefit of any existing subordination provisions of any intercreditor agreements or other existing subordination arrangements to which the TCN Group Finance Parties are party or as to which they receive the benefit in each case in relation to the TCN Group Liabilities;
(b) the TCN Group Finance Parties receive the benefit of any existing subordination provisions of any intercreditor agreements or other existing subordination arrangements to which the Target Group Finance Parties are party or as to which they receive the benefit in each case in relation to the Target Group Liabilities;
(c) the Target Group Obligors confer (to the extent they are able) to the TCN Group Finance Parties the benefit of any existing subordination provisions of any intercreditor agreements or other existing subordination arrangements to which the Target Group Obligors are party in each case in relation to the Target Group Liabilities; and
(d) the TCN Group Obligors confer (to the extent they are able) to the Target Group Finance Parties the benefit of any existing subordination provisions of any intercreditor agreements or other existing subordination arrangements to which the Target Group Obligors are party in each case in relation to the TCN Group Liabilities,
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in each case so as to ensure that the TCN Group Finance Parties have the same ranking in respect of the TCN Group Liabilities as the Target Group Finance Parties have in respect of the Target Group Liabilities and vice versa.
2.3 Authorisation of Facility Agents and Security Trustees
Each of the Facility Agents and Security Trustees acting on behalf of the Target Group Finance Parties and TCN Group Finance Parties are hereby authorised and empowered to take all actions necessary or advisable in their opinions (including signing any documents on behalf of such Finance Parties) to effectuate the foregoing clauses 2.1 and 2.2
3.1 Priorities
Each of the parties to this Deed hereby agrees that for the purpose of this Deed the following order of priorities shall apply to the Liabilities and (save as agreed to the contrary in the Principal Intercreditor Deed) the Finance Parties shall apply any monies received by them on account of the Liabilities on or after the Enforcement Date in such order, including without limitation all moneys derived from the Guarantees or the Security on or after the Enforcement Date however realised:-
FIRST in or towards payment pari passu to:
(i) the TCN Group Security Trustee in respect of any amounts payable to it in its personal capacity (and all interest thereon as provided for in the TCN Group Finance Documents) and any Receiver, attorney or agent under or in connection with this Deed or any of the TCN Group Security Documents (including without limitation, in connection with the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the Security); and
(ii) the Target Group Security Trustee in respect of any amounts payable to it in its personal capacity (and all interest thereon as provided for in the Target Group Finance Documents) and any Receiver, attorney or agent under or in connection with this Deed or any of the Target Group Security Documents (including without limitation, in connection with the perfection, preservation or enforcement of the Security);
SECOND in payment and discharge of the TCN Group Pari Passu Debt and the Target Group Pari Passu Debt on a Pari Passu Basis;
THIRD in payment and discharge of any TCN Group Debt and/or Target Group Debt not repaid and discharged in full pursuant to the FIRST paragraph; and
FOURTH the balance thereof to the person next entitled under the Principal Intercreditor Deed or otherwise.
3.2 Priorities not affected
The order of priorities set out in Clause 3.1 shall apply irrespective of (a) the date on which this Deed or any of the Finance Documents was executed, registered or notice thereof was given to any person and (b) except where such reduction, increase, amendment or variation is undertaken in breach of this Deed, any reduction or increase in any of the TCN Group Debt or the Target Group Debt or any amendment or variation of any of the TCN Group Finance Documents or the Target Group Finance Documents.
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3.3 Liabilities not affected
Each of the parties to this Deed hereby agrees that notwithstanding any term of this Deed, the TCN Group Debt and the Target Group Debt shall, as between the member of the Group by whom it is owed and the Finance Party to whom it is owed, remain owing in accordance with the terms of the TCN Group Finance Documents or the Target Group Finance Documents, as the case may be, and interest and default interest will accrue accordingly.
3.4 Sharing
Each of the Finance Parties agrees to ensure that the order of application referred to in Clause 3.1 is observed by making payments in accordance with Clause 4.1 and, with respect to any such payment, as between the party making such payment and the relevant member of the Group such payment shall be treated as not having been received by the party making such payment.
3.5 Refunds
For the purposes of this Xxxxxx 0, xxxx of the Finance Parties shall be treated as having received an amount if it is required to repay such amount because of any law or provision relating to insolvency or liquidation.
3.6 Receipts by insolvency practitioners
Monies received by an administrator, receiver, administrative receiver, examiner or similar officer (however appointed) of any member of the Group (after payment of his remuneration and receivership expenses and after providing for all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities and other payments ranking in priority to the Finance Parties) whether under any of the Security or otherwise shall be applied in accordance with the terms of this Clause 3.
4. TURNOVER
4.1 Turnover
Each Finance Party (other than the TCN Group Security Trustee) agrees to make any payments required to be made by it to comply with Clause 3.1 to the TCN Group Security Trustee who shall distribute any payments made to it in accordance with the terms of this Deed and due to any of the TCN Group Finance Parties in accordance with the TCN Group Finance Documents and who shall distribute any payments due to any of the Target Group Finance Parties to the Target Group Security Trustee.
4.2 Undertaking to the TCN Group Security Trustee
Each Finance Party and each member of the Group party to this Deed gives the following undertakings to the TCN Group Security Trustee:
(a) it shall provide the TCN Group Security Trustee with all directions and information as the TCN Group Security Trustee may reasonably require for the purposes of carrying out its duties and obligations under this Clause 4; and
(b) it shall not take any proceedings or seek to assert any claim against any director, officer, employee or agent of the TCN Group Security Trustee in respect of any claim it might have against the TCN Group Security Trustee or in respect of any act or omission of any kind (including gross negligence or wilful misconduct) by that director, officer, employee or agent in relation to any Finance Document,
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and acknowledges that the TCN Group Security Trustee has entered into this Deed in reliance on the undertakings set out in this Clause 4.2.
5.1 Enforcement of Security
Except as expressly agreed in the deeds and instruments referred to Clause 2, or in any other agreement entered into by or for the benefit of the TCN Group Finance Parties and the Target Group Finance Parties, none of the TCN Group Finance Parties shall, without the prior written consent of the Target Group Agent and none of the Target Group Finance Parties shall, without the prior written consent of the TCN Group Agent, exercise its power of sale or any other power over any part of the undertaking, property, assets or revenues of any member of the Group subject to the Security or otherwise have recourse to the same except through an administrator, receiver, administrative receiver, examiner or similar officer appointed pursuant to Clause 5.2 below.
5.2 Consultation
Subject to Clause 5.3, if any TCN Group Finance Party wishes to appoint an administrator, receiver, administrative receiver, examiner or similar officer to any member of the Group or to exercise its power of sale or otherwise enforce any of the Security, it shall promptly inform the Target Group Agent of its intention and if any Target Group Finance Party wishes to appoint any such officer to any member of the Group or to exercise its power of sale or otherwise enforce any of the Security, it shall promptly inform the TCN Group Agent of its intention. The Finance Parties shall endeavour to agree on the method by which the Security shall be enforced, and where appropriate, upon a suitable person to be appointed as such officer and shall co-operate with each other in realising the assets secured in their favour and in ensuring that the net proceeds, after deduction of the expenses of realisation, are paid in accordance with the provisions of this Deed. No member of the Group shall have any right to be consulted in relation to any enforcement or other action by any of the Finance Parties in relation to the Finance Documents.
5.3 Appointment of Insolvency Practitioner
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 5.2 any Finance Party may appoint an administrator, receiver, administrative receiver, examiner or similar officer to any member of the Group without notice to the relevant Facility Agent where the appointor reasonably believes that the immediate appointment of such officer is necessary to protect the interests of the Finance Parties in respect of the Security. As soon as practicable thereafter the appointor shall inform the relevant Facility Agent of such appointment and shall consult with the relevant Facility Agent with a view to the retention in office of such officer or (if not agreed) to the appointment of others to act jointly with him.
(b) To the extent permitted under applicable law, each of the members of the Group which are party to this Deed waives all rights it may otherwise have to require that any Guarantee or Security be enforced in any particular order or manner or at any particular time or that any sum received or recovered from any person, or by virtue of the enforcement of any of any Guarantee or Security or of any other security interest, which is capable of being applied in or towards discharge of any of the Liabilities is so applied.
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6.1 Disposal after Enforcement Action
If any assets are properly sold or otherwise disposed of in compliance with the provisions of this Deed and the relevant Security by a Finance Party (or by a member of the Group at the request of a Finance Party) either as a result of the enforcement of the Security or a disposal by a member of the Group after any Enforcement Action, to the extent necessary to enable such assets to be disposed of free of the Security, each Security Trustee shall release those assets from the Security and shall execute or enter into, on behalf of and, without the need for any further authority from any of the Finance Parties:
(a) any release of the Security or any other claim over that asset; and
(b) if the asset which is disposed of consists of all of the shares (which are held by a member of the Group) in the capital of a member of the Group or any holding company of a member of the Group, any release of such member of the Group or holding company and any subsidiary of such member of the Group or holding company from all liabilities it may have to any Finance Party, both actual and contingent in its capacity as a guarantor or borrower (including any guarantee or liability arising under or in respect of any Finance Document) and a release of any Security granted by such member of the Group or holding company and any subsidiary of such member of the Group or holding company over any of its assets under any of the Security.
6.2 Releases
The Finance Parties shall execute any assignments, transfers, releases or other documents that each Security Trustee may consider to be necessary to give effect to these releases or disposals provided that the proceeds of those disposals or claims are applied as if they were the proceeds of enforcement of the Security.
7.1 Revolving Facilities
Any revolving or similar facility comprising a portion of the TCN Group Facilities or Target Group Facilities shall be repaid and utilised so that:
(a) on the date of this Deed, there shall be borrowings and repayments of outstandings under all such revolving facilities such that the amounts thereunder shall be outstanding on a Pari Passu Basis; and
(b) all borrowings and repayments shall be effected across all such revolving facilities such that the amounts thereunder shall always remain outstanding on a Pari Passu Basis;
and provided further that:
(c) no member of the TCN Group shall voluntarily cancel any commitments under any revolving or similar facility made available as part of the TCN Group Facilities unless a corresponding voluntary cancellation calculated on a Pari Passu Basis is made by a member of the Target Group to any revolving or similar facility made available as part of the Target Group Facilities in accordance with paragraph (f) below;
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(d) no member of the Target Group shall voluntarily cancel any commitments under any revolving or similar facility made available as part of the Target Group Facilities unless a corresponding voluntary cancellation calculated on a Pari Passu Basis is made by a member of the TCN Group to any revolving or similar facility made available as part of the TCN Group Facilities in accordance with paragraph (f) below;
(e) any cancellations required to be made under paragraphs (c) or (d) above shall be made in the manner determined by the relevant Credit Agreement or, if the relevant Group member is permitted a discretion in determining when such cancellation is made, such cancellation shall be made within 10 Business Days of the corresponding cancellation;
(f) in the event any mandatory reductions to unutilised commitment are required to be made under any revolving or similar facility under one of the Facilities, the borrowers of any revolving or similar facility under the other Facilities shall make a voluntary reduction to the commitment under any revolving or similar facility under the other Facilities such that the commitments under both facilities are on a Pari Passu Basis.
7.2 Voluntary Prepayments of Term Facilities
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the Principal Intercreditor Deed, no member of the TCN Group shall make any voluntary prepayment of the TCN Group Facilities unless a corresponding amount calculated on a Pari Passu Basis is applied by a member of the Target Group in voluntary prepayment of the Target Group Facilities in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) below.
(b) No member of the Target Group shall make any voluntary prepayment of the Target Group Facilities unless a corresponding amount calculated on a Pari Passu Basis is applied by a member of the TCN Group in voluntary prepayment of the TCN Group Facilities in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) below.
(c) Any prepayment required to be made under paragraph (a) or (b) above shall be applied in repayment of the relevant tranches of the Facilities in the manner determined by the relevant Credit Agreement, or if the relevant Group member is permitted a discretion in determining which of such tranches is repaid by such payment, in accordance with that Group member’s discretion.
(d) Any prepayment required to be made under paragraph (a) or (b) above shall be applied upon the dates determined by the relevant Credit Agreement, or if the relevant Group member is permitted a discretion in determining the date upon which such Facilities are repaid, shall be applied on such date or dates immediately after the corresponding prepayment as will minimise any break costs payable under the relevant Facilities.
7.3 Certain Mandatory Prepayments of Facilities
The following proceeds required to be applied in mandatory prepayments under the Facilities shall be applied as follows:
(a) to the extent any specified percentage of the proceeds of equity raised by any member of the Group (which is not a member of the TCN Group or Target Group) is required to be applied to repay the Facilities under the Credit Agreements an amount calculated by applying the higher of the applicable percentages specified in the Credit Agreements (if such percentages differ) to the proceeds of equity raised by such member of the Group shall be applied to prepay outstandings under the TCN Group
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Facilities on one hand and the Target Group Facilities on the other hand on a Pari Passu Basis,
(b) to the extent any specified percentage of the proceeds of financial indebtedness incurred by members of the Group which are not members of the TCN Group or Target Group is required to be applied to repay Facilities under the Credit Agreements an amount calculated by applying the higher of the applicable percentages specified in the Credit Agreements (if such percentages differ) to the proceeds of financial indebtedness incurred by such member of the Group shall be applied to prepay outstandings under the TCN Group Facilities on one hand and the Target Group Facilities on the other hand on a Pari Passu Basis,
(c) any proceeds of disposals or insurance recoveries or similar transactions made by any member of the Group and which are required to be applied to repay the Facilities under the Credit Agreements shall be applied only in repayment of the Facilities made available to members of the part of the Group to which the Group member receiving those proceeds or recoveries belonged immediately prior to the Integrated Merger Event (or, if such person was not a member of any part of the Group at the date of the Integrated Merger Event, in repayment of the Facilities made available to that part of the Group to which such person would have belonged had the Integrated Merger Event not occurred), and
(d) any proceeds constituted by excess cash flow generated by any member of the TCN Group or the Target Group or book debts subject to any securitisation or factoring transaction and required to be repaid under, or in cancellation of, the TCN Group Facilities or the Target Group Facilities under the relevant Credit Agreement, as the case may be shall be applied only in repayment or cancellation of the Facilities made available to members of the part of the Group to which the Group member generating such book debts belonged immediately prior to the Integrated Merger Event (or, if such person was not a member of any part of the Group at the date of the Integrated Merger Event, in repayment of the Facilities made available to that part of the Group to which such person would have belonged had the Integrated Merger Event not occurred).
7.4 Conflict
To the extent any member of the Group complies with the provisions of this Clause 7 it shall be deemed to be in compliance with any provisions relating to mandatory prepayments of any proceeds referred to in this Clause 7 under the TCN Group Credit Agreements or Target Group Credit Agreement and related finance documents and, for the avoidance of doubt, any cashflow generated by any member of the Target Group shall not count in the calculation of Consolidated TCN Group Cash Flow under any TCN Group Credit Agreement (as defined therein) for the purposes of any provisions therein relating to mandatory repayment from excess cash flow.
8. CHANGES TO FINANCE DOCUMENTS
Irrespective of the terms of the Finance Documents, no Finance Party shall:
(a) increase the principal amount of the Facilities, other than by the rolling-up or capitalisation of interest (if relevant) (by reference to the amount thereof as at the date of the Deed);
(b) increase the rate of interest, fees or commission applicable to the Facilities (save for any increase in interest or commission happening automatically under the terms of the
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Credit Agreements as in place on the date of this Deed or any waiver or amendment fee provided that any such fee is applied on a Pari Passu Basis between the Facilities),
unless in the case of any such increase in respect of the TCN Group Facilities or the TCN Group Finance Documents, the consent of a Target Group Instructing Group has been obtained and unless such consent has been confirmed in writing by the Target Group Agent to the TCN Group Agent, and, in the case of any such increase in respect of the Target Group Facilities or the Target Group Finance Documents, unless the consent of a TCN Group Instructing Group has been obtained and unless such consent has been confirmed in writing by the TCN Group Agent to the Target Group Agent.
9.1 Waiver of defences
Without prejudice to Clause 8 of this Deed, the provisions of this Deed will not be affected by an act, omission, matter or thing which, but for this Clause, would reduce, release or prejudice the subordination and priorities in this Deed including:
(a) any time, waiver or consent granted to, or composition with any person;
(b) the taking, variation, compromise, exchange, renewal or release of, or refusal or neglect to perfect, take up or enforce, any rights against, or security over assets of, any member of the Group or any non-presentation or non-observance of any formality or other requirement in respect of any instrument or any failure to realise the full value of any Security in each case prior to the Enforcement Date;
(c) any incapacity or lack of power, authority or legal personality of or dissolution or change in the members or status of any person;
(d) any amendment (however fundamental) or replacement of a Finance Document or any other document or security;
(e) any unenforceability, illegality or invalidity of any obligation of any person under any Finance Document or any other document or security; or
(f) any intermediate payment or discharge of any of the Liabilities in whole or in part.
9.2 Priorities not affected
Except as otherwise provided in this Deed the priorities referred to in Clause 3 will:
(a) not be affected by any amendment or variation to any of the Finance Documents, or by any variation or satisfaction of, any of the Liabilities;
(b) apply regardless of the order in which or dates upon which the Finance Documents and this Deed are executed or registered or notice of them is given to any person;
(c) secure the Liabilities in the order specified, regardless of the date upon which any of the Liabilities arise or of any fluctuations in the amount of any of the Liabilities outstanding; and
(d) not postpone or subordinate the Liabilities (or any part thereof) to any other liabilities of any member of the Group.
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9.3 Dealing with Purchaser
No purchaser dealing with any Finance Party or any administrator, receiver, administrative receiver, examiner or similar officer appointed by any Finance Party shall be concerned in any way with the provisions of this Deed but shall assume that, the relevant Finance Party or any such administrator, receiver, administrative receiver, examiner or similar officer as the case may be are acting in accordance with the provisions of this Deed.
9.4 No effect
Nothing contained in this Deed shall prejudice or affect the rights of any Finance Party under any guarantee, xxxx, xxxx, note, charge or other security from any party other than any member of the Group now or hereafter held by it in respect of any Liabilities. Each Finance Party may (without limitation) apply any moneys recovered under such guarantee, xxxx, xxxx, note, charge or other security in or towards payment of any Liabilities or may hold such moneys in a suspense account for such period as it may in its absolute discretion think fit.
9.5 Noting
The parties to this Deed apply to the Registrar to note, in the appropriate manner, at H.M. Land Registry the priority arrangements agreed in this Deed in so far as the same affect any registered land subject to the Security.
9.6 Appropriation
If the total liability of members of the Group to the TCN Group Finance Parties or the Target Group Finance Parties exceeds the TCN Group Pari Passu Debt or the Target Group Pari Passu Debt respectively, the TCN Group Finance Parties and the Target Group Finance Parties shall be entitled to determine conclusively what part of such total liability shall be comprised in their own Pari Passu Debt and what part shall be deemed not to be so comprised.
9.7 Consent
The TCN Group Finance Parties and the Target Group Finance Parties hereby consent to the creation of the Guarantees and Security granted in each others favour.
9.8 Conflicts
To the extent the TCN Group Security and the Target Group Security empowers any TCN Group Finance Party and any Target Group Finance Party to exercise a discretion in relation to the subject matter of such Security, the TCN Group Finance Party may exercise such discretion in relation to any Security granted by a member of the TCN Group which is not a member of the Target Group and the Target Group Finance Party may exercise such discretion in relation to any Security granted by a member of the Target Group which is not a member of the TCN Group.
10. LOSS SHARING
10.1 If for any reason after the distribution of the monies referred to in Clause 3.1 any of the TCN Group Liabilities remain undischarged and any resulting losses are not being borne by the TCN Group Finance Parties pro rata to the amount which their respective commitments bore to the total commitments as at the Enforcement Date, the TCN Group Finance Parties shall make such payments between themselves as the TCN Group Agent shall require to ensure that
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after taking into account such payments such losses are borne by the TCN Group Finance Parties pro rata to their commitments under the TCN Group Credit Agreements.
10.2 For the purpose of this Clause 10, (i) the total commitments under the TCN Group Credit Agreements will be notionally increased by an aggregate amount calculated in accordance with Schedule 5 (Notional Amount of Hedging Liabilities) with respect to any Hedging Counterparty’s interest in the Hedging Liabilities on the Enforcement Date and (ii) each Hedge Counterparty (if also a TCN Group Lender) shall be deemed to have the aggregate amount of its commitments increased by, or (if it is not a TCN Group Lender), to have a commitment in, the amount calculated in accordance with Schedule 5 (Notional Amount of Hedging Liabilities) with respect to the Hedging Liabilities owed to it.
10.3 If for any reason after the distribution of the monies referred to in Clause 3.1 any of the Target Group Liabilities remain undischarged and any resulting losses are not being borne by the Target Group Finance Parties pro rata to the amount which their respective commitments bore to the total commitments as at the Enforcement Date, the Target Group Finance Parties shall make such payments between themselves as the Target Group Agent shall require to ensure that after taking into account such payments such losses are borne by the Target Group Finance Parties pro rata to their commitments under the Target Group Credit Agreement.
10.4 For the purpose of this Clause 10, (i) the total commitments under the Target Group Credit Agreement will be notionally increased by an aggregate amount calculated in accordance with Schedule 5 (Notional Amount of Hedging Liabilities) with respect to any Hedging Counterparty’s interest in the hedging liabilities on the Enforcement Date and (ii) each Hedge Counterparty (if also a Target Group Lender) shall be deemed to have the aggregate amount of its commitments increased by, or (if it is not a Target Group Lender), to have a commitment in, the amount calculated in accordance with Schedule 5 (Notional Amount of Hedging Liabilities) with respect to the hedging liabilities owed to it.
11. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Each of the member of the Group joins in this Deed for the purpose of acknowledging the priorities recorded in this Deed and undertakes with each Lender, each Facility Agent and each Security Trustee to observe the provisions of this Deed at all times.
12. CHANGE OF PARTY
12.1 Change of Party
No party to this Deed may assign any of its rights and benefits or transfer any of its rights, benefits and obligations in respect of any Finance Documents or the Liabilities except as permitted by this Clause 11.
12.2 Change of Lender
A TCN Group Lender or Target Group Lender may assign any of its rights and benefits or transfer any of its rights, benefits and obligations in respect of any Finance Documents or the Liabilities if that assignment or transfer is in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement to which it is a party and any assignee or transferee has executed and delivered to each Facility Agent an Accession Deed.
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12.3 Change of Facility Agent
Any person which becomes a Facility Agent in accordance with the terms of the relevant Credit Agreement, shall at the same time accede to this Deed by executing and delivering to the other Facility Agent an Accession Deed.
12.4 Change of Security Trustee
Any person which becomes a Security Trustee in accordance with the terms of the relevant Finance Documents shall at the same time accede to this Deed by executing and delivering to the TCN Group Agent (in the case of a new Target Group Security Trustee) or to the Target Group Agent (in the case of a new TCN Group Security Trustee) an Accession Deed.
12.5 Bank Accession Undertaking
With effect from the date of acceptance by the Facility Agents or relevant Facility Agent (as the case may be) of an Accession Deed (which shall in each case be accepted as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt by it of a duly completed an Accession Deed) or, if later the date specified in that Accession Deed:
(a) any party ceasing entirely to be a Lender or Facility Agent or Security Trustee or other Finance Party shall be discharged from further obligations towards the other parties under this Deed and their respective rights against one another shall be cancelled (except in each case for those rights which arose prior to that date); and
(b) as from that date, the replacement or new Lender or Facility Agent or Security Trustee or other Finance Party shall assume the same obligations, and become entitled to the same rights, as if it had been an original party to this Deed in such capacity.
12.6 New member of the Group
(a) If any subsidiary of any member of the TCN Group (which is not also a member of the Target Group) or any member of the Target Group gives any security, guarantee, indemnity or other assurance against loss in respect of any of the Liabilities or otherwise becomes liable in respect of any Liabilities, the other members of the Group party to this Deed will procure that the person giving that assurance or becomes so liable becomes a party to this Deed as a TCN Group Obligor or Target Group Obligor (as the case may be) by executing and delivering to each Facility Agent an Accession Deed.
(b) With effect from the date of acceptance by each Facility Agent of an Accession Deed (which shall in each case be accepted as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt thereof) or, if later the date specified in the Accession Deed, the relevant member of the TCN Group or Target Group (as the case may be) shall assume the same obligations and become entitled to the same rights as if it had been an original party to this Deed as a TCN Group Obligor or Target Group Obligor (as the case may be).
12.7 Refinancing
If the facilities made available under the TCN Group Credit Agreement or the Target Group Credit Agreement are refinanced the Borrower may designate any credit agreement under which facilities are made available to refinance such Credit Agreement as a new TCN Group Credit Agreement or Target Group Credit Agreement (as the case may be) and the parties to this Deed shall accept any Accession Deeds necessary to allow the finance parties party to
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such new Credit Agreement to assume the same rights and obligations as the Finance Parties party to the Credit Agreement being refinanced have under this Deed.
13. NOTICES
13.1 Communication of Notices
Each communication to be made hereunder shall be made in writing and unless otherwise stated shall be made by fax or letter.
13.2 Delivery of Notices
Any communication or document to be made or delivered by one person to another pursuant to this Deed shall (unless that other person has by 10 Business Days’ prior written notice to the TCN Group Agent and the Target Group Agent specified another address) be made or delivered to that other person at the address specified in respect of such person on the signing pages of this Deed or, in the case of any other person becoming party hereto after the date hereof, in the Deed of Accession or other acceding or amendment and restatement document executed by it and shall be deemed to have been made or delivered when dispatched (in the case of any communication made by fax) or (in the case of any communication made by letter) when left at that address or (as the case may be) five Business Days after being deposited in the post, postage prepaid, in an envelope addressed to it at that address provided that any communication or document to be made or delivered to the TCN Group Senior Agent or the Target Group Agent shall be effective only when received by the TCN Group Senior Agent or the Target Group Agent, as the case may be, and then only if the same is expressly marked for the attention of the department or officer identified with its signature below (or such other department or officer as the TCN Group Senior Agent or the Target Group Agent, as the case may be, shall from time to time specify for this purpose).
14. REMEDIES, WAIVERS & AMENDMENTS
14.1 No Waiver
No failure to exercise, nor any delay in exercising, on the part of any Finance Party any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy prevent any further or other exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
14.2 Partial Invalidity
If at any time any provision hereof is or becomes illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the law of any jurisdiction, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect or impair the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof or the legality, validity or enforceability of such provision under the law of any other jurisdiction.
14.3 Amendments
The TCN Group Agents and the Target Group Agent may, from time to time, agree to amend this Deed and any amendments so made shall be binding on all the parties hereto, provided that any amendment which would:
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(a) materially and adversely affect any rights of the TCN Group Finance Parties or impose or vary any obligation on the TCN Group Finance Parties may not be made without the prior written consent of a TCN Group Instructing Group;
(b) materially and adversely affect the rights of the Target Group Finance Parties or impose or vary any obligation on the Target Group Finance Parties, may not be made without the prior written consent of a Target Group Instructing Group;
(c) adversely affect any right, or impose or vary any obligation, of any other party hereto may not be made without the consent of that party.
15. ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Each communication and document made or delivered by one person to another pursuant to this Deed shall be in the English language or accompanied by a translation thereof into English certified (by an officer of the person making or delivering the same) as being a true and accurate translation thereof.
16. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
It is agreed that otherwise than in circumstances where the requirements of this Deed with regard to assignments and transfers are satisfied, a person who is not a party to this Deed shall have no rights to enforce any of the terms or provisions of this Deed other than those it would have had if the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Xxx 0000 had not come into force.
17. COUNTERPARTS
This Deed may be executed in any number of counterparts and all of such counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
18. GOVERNING LAW
This Deed is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.
19. JURISDICTION
19.1 Courts of England
Each of the members of the Group party to this Deed and the Finance Parties irrevocably agrees for the benefit of each of the Finance Parties that the courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceedings, and to settle any disputes, which may arise out of or in connection with this Deed (respectively “Proceedings” and “Disputes”) and, for such purposes, irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts.
19.2 Waiver of Indemnity
Each of the members of the Group party to this Deed and the Finance Parties irrevocably waives any objection which it might now or hereafter have to Proceedings being brought or Disputes being settled in the courts of England and agrees not to claim that any such court is an inconvenient or appropriate forum.
19.3 Proceedings in Other Jurisdictions
The submissions to the jurisdiction of the courts of England shall not (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the right of any of the Finance Parties to take Proceedings against any of the members of the Group or any Finance Party in any other court of competent
245
jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not) if and to the extent permitted by applicable law.
19.4 General Consent
Each of the members of the Group and the Finance Parties hereby consents generally in respect of any Proceedings to the giving of any relief or the issue of any process in connection with such Proceedings including the making, enforcement or execution against any property whatsoever (irrespective of its use or intended use) of any order or judgement which may be made or given in such Proceedings.
19.5 Waiver of Immunity
To the extent that any member of the Group or Finance Party may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets immunity from suit, execution, attachment (whether in aid of execution, before judgement or otherwise) or other legal process and to the extent that in any such jurisdiction there may be attributed to itself or its assets such immunity (whether or not claimed), such member of the Group or Finance Party hereby irrevocably agrees not to claim and hereby irrevocably waives such immunity to the full extent permitted by the laws of such jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed has been entered into the day and year first above written and executed in the manner hereinafter appearing.
246
DEED OF ACCESSION
This Deed of Accession dated [ ] is supplemental to an intercreditor deed (the “Intercreditor Deed”) dated [ ] 2004 between the TCN Group Lenders, the TCN Group Hedge Counterparties, the TCN Group Agent, the TCN Group Security Trustee, the Target Group Lenders, the Target Group Hedge Counterparties, the Target Group Agent, the Target Group Security Trustee and members of the Group (as each such term is defined therein) (as may be further amended, supplemented, varied or novated from time to time).
Terms defined in the Intercreditor Deed shall have the same meaning when used in this Deed.
[Name of new member of the Group/new Lender/new Hedge Counterparty/new Facility Agent/new Security Trustee] of [address] hereby agrees with each other person who is or who becomes a party to the Intercreditor Deed in accordance with the terms thereof that with effect on and from the date hereof or on [ ] it will be bound by the Intercreditor Deed as [a member of the TCN Group/Target Group/TCN Group Lender/Target Group Lender/TCN Group Hedge Counterparty/Target Group Hedge Counterparty/TCN Group Agent/Target Group Agent/TCN Group Security Trustee/Target Group Security Trustee] as if it had been an original party to the Intercreditor Deed in such capacity.
Address for notices of [name of new member of the Group etc.] for the purposes of Clause [ ] of the Intercreditor Deed is:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Facsimile Number:
This Deed is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with English law.
IN WITNESS whereof this Deed of Accession has been executed as a deed by the party hereto, and is delivered on the date written above.
EXECUTED
AND DELIVERED AS A DEED by
[Name of Party]
|
Agreed and Accepted by: |
|
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|
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|
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For and on behalf of |
|
|
[TCN Group Agent] |
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|
|
|
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|
For and on behalf of |
|
|
[Target Group Agent] |
|
250
NOTIONAL AMOUNT OF HEDGING LIABILITIES
For hedging transactions, the notional amount of the Liabilities in relation to such transactions shall be the xxxx-to-market calculation of such Liabilities as determined in accordance with the International Swap Derivatives Association Inc. 1992 or 2002 Master Agreement (Multicurrency-Cross Border).
251
SCHEDULE 6
EXISTING TCN GROUP CREDIT FACILITIES
|
TCN GROUP LENDERS |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
|
[ ] |
) |
|
acting by: |
) |
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|
Authorised Signatory |
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|
Authorised Signatory |
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Address: |
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Fax No. |
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Attention of: |
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EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
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[ ] |
) |
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acting by: |
) |
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Authorised Signatory |
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Authorised Signatory |
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Address: |
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Fax No. |
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Attention of: |
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TCN GROUP HEDGE COUNTERPARTY |
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EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
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[ ] |
) |
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acting by: |
) |
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|
Authorised Signatory |
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Authorised Signatory |
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Address: |
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Fax No. |
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Attention of: |
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252
|
TCN GROUP AGENT |
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EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
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[ ] |
) |
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acting by: |
) |
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|
Authorised Signatory |
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|
Authorised Signatory |
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Address: |
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Fax No. |
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Attention of: |
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TCN GROUP SECURITY TRUSTEE |
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|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
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[ ] |
) |
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acting by: |
) |
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|
Authorised Signatory |
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|
Authorised Signatory |
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Address: |
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Fax No. |
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Attention of: |
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|
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|
TARGET GROUP LENDERS |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
|
[ ] |
) |
|
acting by: |
) |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director/Secretary |
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|
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|
Address: |
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|
Fax No. |
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|
Attention of: |
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|
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|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
|
[ ] |
) |
|
acting by: |
) |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director/Secretary |
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|
Address: |
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|
Fax No. |
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|
Attention of: |
|
253
|
TARGET GROUP HEDGE COUNTERPARTY |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
|
[ ] |
) |
|
acting by: |
) |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director/Secretary |
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|
Address: |
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|
Fax No. |
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|
Attention of: |
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|
TARGET GROUP AGENT |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
|
[ ] |
) |
|
acting by: |
) |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director/Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
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|
Fax No. |
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|
Attention of: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TARGET GROUP SECURITY TRUSTEE |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
|
[ ] |
) |
|
acting by: |
) |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director/Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
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|
Fax No. |
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|
Attention of: |
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|
|
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|
|
TCN GROUP |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
|
[ ] |
) |
|
acting by: |
) |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director/Secretary |
|
|
|
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|
Address: |
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|
Fax No. |
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|
Attention of: |
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254
|
TARGET GROUP |
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTED as a DEED by |
) |
|
[ ] |
) |
|
acting by: |
) |
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Director/Secretary |
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
|
|
Fax No. |
|
|
Attention of: |
|
255
SCHEDULE 14
HEDGING AGREEMENTS
|
Existing Hedge Counterparty/Contact Details |
|
Existing Hedge Agreements |
|
JPMorgan Chase Bank |
|
• ISDA Master Agreement dated 15 July 2004 made
between XX Xxxxxx Chase Bank and TCN. • Confirmation with trade date 20 July 2004 relating to a fixed for floating rate swap with a notional amount of £256 million. |
|
|
|
|
|
Calyon Tel: x00(0)000 000 0000
Fax: x00(0)000 000 0000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxx |
|
• ISDA Master Agreement dated 15 July 2004 made
between Calyon and TCN • Confirmation with trade date 21 July 2004 relating to a fixed for floating rate swap with a notional amount of £322 million. |
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Tel: 0000 000 0000/0000 000 0000 Fax: 0207 672 0324 Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxx / Xxxx Xxxxx |
|
• ISDA Master Agreement dated 15 July 2004 made
between The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and TCN. • Confirmation with trade date 19 July 2004
relating to a fixed for floating rate swap with a notional amount of £355
million. • Confirmation with trade date 7 March 2002 relating to a fixed for floating rate swap with a notional amount of £100 million. |
|
|
|
|
|
The Bank of New York Tel: x00(0)000 000 0000 Tel: x00(0)000 000 0000 Fax: x00(0)000 000 0000 Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
With copy to: The Bank of New York Derivatives Desk Global Markets Division |
|
• ISDA Master Agreement dated 15 July 2004 made between The Bank of New York and TCN. • Confirmation with trade date 19 July 2004 relating to a fixed for floating rate swap with a notional amount of £66 million. |
256
|
Existing Hedge Counterparty/Contact Details |
|
Existing Hedge Agreements |
|
00 Xxx Xxxx Fax: x0 (000) 000 0000 Attention: Xxxxx X. XxXxxxxxx The Bank of New York Legal Department Xxx Xxxx Xxxxxx 00xx XxxxxXX 00000 Tel: x0 (000) 000 0000 Fax: x0 (000) 000 0000 Attention: General Counsel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale Tel: x00 (0)000 000 0000 Fax: x00 (0)000 000 0000 Attention: Loans Administration |
|
• ISDA Master Agreement dated June 11, 2001 made between Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale and TCN. • Confirmation with trade date 11 June 2001 relating to a fixed for floating rate swap with a notional amount of £150 million. |
|
|
|
|
|
Barclays Bank PLC Xxxxxx Xxxxx 0 Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX Tel: x00 (0)000 000 0000 Fax: x00 (0) 000 000 0000 Attention: Operations BZW Debt Capital Markets |
|
• ISDA Master Agreement dated September 3, 1996 made between Barclays Bank PLC and TCN. • Confirmation with trade date 11 June 2001 relating to a fixed for floating rate swap with a notional amount of £50 million. • Confirmation with trade date 11 June 2001 relating to a fixed for floating rate swap with a notional amount of £100 million. |
257
SCHEDULE 15
VENDOR FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
|
Lessor |
|
Type of Vendor |
|
Closing Balance in GBP |
|
|
HBOS – Bank of Scotland |
|
Switches |
|
(1,975,941 |
) |
|
Capital Asset Finance |
|
Vehicles |
|
(5,739 |
) |
|
Cisco |
|
Network Hardware |
|
(7,457,515 |
) |
|
GE Capital |
|
IT |
|
(1,190,623 |
) |
|
Hewlett Packard |
|
IT |
|
(42,718 |
) |
|
IBM |
|
Switches |
|
(4,230,611 |
) |
|
IBM |
|
IT |
|
(295,671 |
) |
|
Ing Car Lease |
|
Vehicles |
|
(937,341 |
) |
|
Interleasing |
|
Vehicles |
|
2,587 |
|
|
Lombard |
|
Vehicles |
|
(970,404 |
) |
|
Xxxxxxxx |
|
Vehicles |
|
(10,433 |
) |
|
RBC-Royal Bank |
|
Switches |
|
(42,306,051 |
) |
|
The Royal Bank of Scotland |
|
Switches |
|
(28,286,706 |
) |
|
Capital Bank |
|
Vehicles |
|
(2,344,695 |
) |
|
Societe Europeenne des Satellites |
|
Transponders |
|
(21,068,814 |
) |
|
Crown Castle UK Limited |
|
Spectrum |
|
(16,385,440 |
) |
258
SIGNATORIES
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS LIMITED
|
By: |
/s/ |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
/s/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
X0X 0XX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention: |
Group Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fax: |
x00(0) 00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
With a copy to: |
Group Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telefax: |
x00(0) 00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE PARENT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TELEWEST UK LIMITED |
||
|
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|
By: |
/s/ |
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|
/s/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
X0X 0XX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention: |
Group Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fax: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
With a copy to: |
Group Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telefax: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
|
THE MANDATED LEAD ARRANGERS
|
BARCLAYS CAPITAL |
||
|
|
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|
By: |
/s/ |
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|
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|
|
|
Address: |
5 Xxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx X00 0XX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention: |
Xxxx XxXxxxxx |
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|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tel: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BNP PARIBAS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ François Artignan /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx XX0 0XX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention: |
Xxxxx Xxxxx / Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
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|
|
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|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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|
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|
|
|
Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 / 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS LIMITED |
||
|
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|
By: |
/s/ |
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|
Address: |
Citigroup Centre |
|
|
|
33 Canada Square |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx |
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|
Xxxxxx X00 0XX |
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Attention: |
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx - Xxxxx |
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|
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|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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|
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|
Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON |
||
|
|
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|
By: |
/s/ /s/ Xxx Xxxxx |
|
|
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|
|
|
Address: |
0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx X00 0XX |
|
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|
|
|
Attention: |
Xxxxxxx Xxxx (xxxxxxx.xxxx@xxxx.xxx) |
|
|
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|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
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|
Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
DEUTSCHE BANK AG LONDON |
||
|
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By: |
/s/ |
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|
Address: |
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
|
|
0 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
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|
Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX |
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Attention: |
Xxxx Xxxxxx |
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Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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|
|
GE CAPITAL STRUCTURED FINANCE GROUP LIMITED |
||
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By: |
/s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
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|
Address: |
0-00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
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|
Xxxxxx X0X0XX |
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Attention: |
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
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|
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|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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|
|
|
Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC |
||
|
|
|
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|
By: |
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx |
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|
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|
|
Address: |
000 Xxxxxxxxxxx |
|
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|
Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX |
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|
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|
|
Attention: |
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx |
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|
Fax: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
|
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|
Tel: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
|
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|
|
THE FACILITY AGENT AND SECURITY TRUSTEE |
||
|
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|
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|
BARCLAYS BANK PLC |
||
|
|
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|
By: |
/s/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
5 Xxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx X00 0XX |
|
|
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|
|
Attention: |
Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
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|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
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Tel: |
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|
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|
|
THE US PAYING AGENT |
||
|
|
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|
|
|
|
BARCLAYS BANK PLC |
||
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
5 Xxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx X00 0XX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention: |
Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tel: |
|
|
|
THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GE CAPITAL STRUCTURED FINANCE GROUP LIMITED |
||
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
0-00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx X0X0XX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention: |
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE LENDERS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BARCLAYS BANK PLC |
||
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
5 Xxx Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx Xxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx X00 0XX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention: |
Xxxx Xxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tel: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BNP PARIBAS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ François Artignan /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Address: |
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
|
|
|
Xxxxxx XX0 0XX |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attention: |
Xxxxx Xxxxx / Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 / 7595 4381 |
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CITIBANK, N.A. |
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By: |
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Address: |
Citigroup Centre |
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33 Canada Square |
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London E14 5LB |
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Attention: |
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
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Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON |
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By: |
/s/ /s/ Xxx Xxxxx |
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Address: |
0 Xxxxx Xxxxxx |
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Xxxxxx X00 0XX |
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Attention: |
Xxxxxxx Xxxx (xxxxxxx.xxxx@xxxx.xxx) |
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Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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DEUTSCHE BANK AG LONDON |
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By: |
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Address: |
Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx |
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0 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
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Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX |
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Attention: |
Xxxx Xxxxxx |
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Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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GE CAPITAL STRUCTURED FINANCE GROUP LIMITED |
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By: |
/s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
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Address: |
0-00 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
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Xxxxxx X0X0XX |
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Attention: |
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx |
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Fax: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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Tel: |
x00 (0)00 0000 0000 |
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THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC |
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By: |
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx |
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Address: |
Xxxxx 0 |
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000 Xxxxxxxxxxx |
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Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX |
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Attention: |
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx/Xxxxxx XxXxxx |
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Fax: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
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Tel: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
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THE L/C BANK |
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THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC |
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By: |
/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx |
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Address: |
000 Xxxxxxxxxxx |
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Xxxxxx XX0X 0XX |
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Attention: |
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx |
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Fax: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
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Tel: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
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THE ORIGINAL GUARANTORS |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS LIMITED |
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By: |
/s/ |
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/s/ |
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Address: |
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
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Xxxxxx |
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X0X 0XX |
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Attention: |
Group Treasurer |
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Fax: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
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With a copy to: |
Group Treasurer |
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Telefax: |
x00(0)00 0000 0000 |
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By: |
/s/ |
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/s/ |
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For an on behalf of
BIRMINGHAM CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED
BIRMINGHAM CABLE FINANCE LIMITED
BIRMINGHAM CABLE LIMITED
CABLE CAMDEN LIMITED
CABLE ENFIELD LIMITED
CABLE XXXXXXX & ISLINGTON LIMITED
CABLE HARINGEY LIMITED
CABLE LONDON LIMITED
CENTRAL CABLE HOLDINGS LIMITED
CRYSTAL PALACE RADIO LIMITED
FILEGALE LIMITED
GENERAL CABLE GROUP LIMITED
GENERAL CABLE HOLDINGS LIMITED
GENERAL CABLE LIMITED
IMMINUS LIMITED
MIDDLESEX CABLE LIMITED
SHEFFIELD CABLE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
SOUTHWESTERN XXXX INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (CENTRAL LANCASHIRE) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (COTSWOLDS) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (DUNDEE & PERTH) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (LIVERPOOL) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON SOUTH) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (MIDLANDS AND NORTH WEST) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (MIDLANDS) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (MOTHERWELL) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (NORTH EAST) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (NORTH WEST) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (SCOTLAND HOLDINGS) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (SCOTLAND) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (SOUTH EAST) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (SOUTH THAMES ESTUARY) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (SOUTH WEST) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (ST. HELENS & KNOWSLEY) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (TYNESIDE) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (WIGAN) LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS CABLE LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS GROUP LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS LIMITED
TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS (NOMINEES) LIMITED
TELEWEST LIMITED
TELEWEST PARLIAMENTARY HOLDINGS LIMITED
THE CABLE CORPORATION LIMITED
THESEUS NO. 1 LIMITED
THESEUS NO. 2 LIMITED
WINDSOR TELEVISION LIMITED
YORKSHIRE CABLE COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
THE YORKSHIRE CABLE GROUP LIMITED
EUROBELL (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
EUROBELL (SUSSEX) LIMITED
EUROBELL (SOUTH WEST) LIMITED
EUROBELL (XXXX XXXX) LIMITED
EUROBELL (XXX) LIMITED
EUROBELL INTERNET SERVICES LIMITED
EUROBELL CPE LIMITED
EUROBELL LIMITED
EMS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
EUROBELL (NO.2) LIMITED
EUROBELL (NO.3) LIMITED
EUROBELL (NO.4) LIMITED
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The Colorado Limited Partnerships |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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AVON CABLE |
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LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
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by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.1 LIMITED |
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and by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.2 LIMITED |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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COTSWOLDS CABLE |
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LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
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by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.1 LIMITED |
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and by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.2 LIMITED |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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EDINBURGH CABLE |
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LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
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by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.1 LIMITED |
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and by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.2 LIMITED |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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ESTUARIES CABLE |
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LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
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by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.1 LIMITED |
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and by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.2 LIMITED |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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TYNESIDE CABLE |
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LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
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by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.1 LIMITED |
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and by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.2 LIMITED |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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TYNESIDE CABLE |
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LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
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by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.1 LIMITED |
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and by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.2 LIMITED |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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UNITED CABLE (LONDON |
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SOUTH) LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
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by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.1 LIMITED |
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and by its general partner |
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THESEUS NO.2 LIMITED |
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Colorado General Partnerships |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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LONDON SOUTH CABLE |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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by |
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/s/ |
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CRYSTAL PALACE RADIO LIMITED |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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TCI/US WEST CABLE |
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English Partnerships |
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The Partners of Avon Cable Joint Venture |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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AVON CABLE |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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by |
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/s/ |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS |
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The Partners of Telewest Communications |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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LONDON SOUTH CABLE |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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by |
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/s/ |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS |
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The Partners of Telewest Communications
(Scotland) |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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EDINBURGH CABLE |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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by |
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/s/ |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS |
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The Partners of Telewest Communications
(Cotswolds) |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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COTSWOLDS CABLE |
) |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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by |
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/s/ |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS |
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The Partners of Telewest
Communications |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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ESTUARIES CABLE |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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by |
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/s/ |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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by |
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/s/ |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS |
) |
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The Partners of Telewest
Communications |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
) |
/s/ |
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for and on behalf of |
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/s/ |
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TYNESIDE CABLE |
) |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
) |
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by |
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/s/ |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS |
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/s/ |
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(NORTH EAST) LIMITED |
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EXECUTED and DELIVERED as a DEED |
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/s/ |
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by |
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/s/ |
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TELEWEST COMMUNICATIONS |
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