Contract
Ex
10.25
among
VECTREN
CAPITAL, CORP.,
as
Borrower,
VECTREN
CORPORATION,
as
Guarantor,
THE
LENDERS SIGNATORY HERETO,
FIFTH
THIRD BANK,
U.S.
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and
WACHOVIA
BANK, N.A.,
as
Co-Documentation Agents
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Syndication Agent,
and
LASALLE
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as
Administrative Agent and LC Issuer
Dated
as of November 10, 2005
X.X.
XXXXXX SECURITIES, INC.
and
LASALLE
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
JOINT
LEAD ARRANGERS AND BOOK RUNNERS
|
13284408
01712640
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1. |
ARTICLE
IDEFINITIONS1
|
2. |
ARTICLE
IITHE
CREDITS12
|
1. |
2.1.Commitments12
|
2. |
2.2.Required
Payments; Termination13
|
3. |
2.3.Ratable
Loans13
|
4. |
2.4.Types
of Advances14
|
5. |
2.5.Facility
Fee; Reductions in Aggregate Commitment14
|
6. |
2.6.Minimum
Amount of Each Advance14
|
7. |
2.7.Optional
Principal Payments14
|
8. |
2.8.Method
of Selecting Types and Interest Periods for New Advances15
|
9. |
2.9.Conversion
and Continuation of Outstanding Advances16
|
10. |
2.10.Changes
in Interest Rate, etc16
|
11. |
2.11.Rates
Applicable After Default17
|
12. |
2.12.Method
of Payment17
|
13. |
2.13.Notes;
Telephonic Notices17
|
14. |
2.14.Interest
Payment Dates; Interest and Fee Basis18
|
15. |
2.15.Notification
of Advances, Interest Rates, Prepayments and Commitment
Reductions18
|
16. |
2.16.Lending
Installations18
|
17. |
2.17.Non-Receipt
of Funds by the Administrative Agent19
|
18. |
2.18.Issuance
of Letters of Credit19
|
19. |
2.19.Letters
of Credit Participation20
|
20. |
2.20.Compensation
for Letters of Credit21
|
21. |
2.21.Reimbursement
of Letters of Credit22
|
22. |
2.22.Use
of Proceeds23
|
23. |
2.23.Increases
in Aggregate Commitment23
|
24. |
2.24.Extension
of Commitment Termination Date24
|
3. |
ARTICLE
IIIYIELD
PROTECTION; TAXES25
|
25. |
3.1.Yield
Protection25
|
26. |
3.2.Changes
in Capital Adequacy Regulations26
|
27. |
3.3.Availability
of Types of Advances26
|
28. |
3.4.Funding
Indemnification26
|
29. |
3.5.Taxes26
|
30. |
3.6.Lender
Statements; Survival of Indemnity29
|
31. |
3.7.Replacement
of Lenders29
|
4. |
ARTICLE
IVCONDITIONS
PRECEDENT30
|
32. |
4.1.Initial
Credit Extension30
|
33. |
4.2.Each
Credit Extension31
|
5. |
ARTICLE
VREPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES32
|
34. |
5.1.Existence
and Standing32
|
35. |
5.2.Authorization
and Validity32
|
36. |
0.0.Xx
Conflict; Government Consent32
|
37. |
0.0.Xxxxxxxxx
Statements32
|
38. |
5.5.Material
Adverse Change33
|
39. |
5.6.Taxes33
|
40. |
5.7.Litigation
and Contingent Obligations33
|
41. |
5.8.Subsidiaries33
|
42. |
5.9.ERISA33
|
43. |
5.10.Accuracy
of Information34
|
44. |
5.11.Regulation
U34
|
45. |
5.12.Material
Agreements34
|
46. |
5.13.Compliance
With Laws34
|
47. |
5.14.Ownership
of Properties34
|
48. |
5.15.Plan
Assets; Prohibited Transactions34
|
49. |
5.16.Environmental
Matters34
|
50. |
5.17.Investment
Company Act35
|
51. |
5.18.Insurance35
|
52. |
5.19.Solvency35
|
53. |
5.20.Public
Utility Holding Company Act35
|
54. |
5.21.Reportable
Transaction36
|
55. |
5.22.Existing
Credit Agreement36
|
6. |
ARTICLE
VICOVENANTS36
|
56. |
0.0.Xxxxxxxxx
Reporting36
|
57. |
6.2.Use
of Proceeds38
|
58. |
6.3.Notice
of Default38
|
59. |
6.4.Conduct
of Business38
|
60. |
6.5.Taxes38
|
61. |
6.6.Insurance38
|
62. |
6.7.Compliance
with Laws38
|
63. |
6.8.Maintenance
of Properties39
|
64. |
6.9.Inspection39
|
65. |
6.10.Dividends39
|
66. |
6.11.Indebtedness39
|
67. |
6.12.Merger41
|
68. |
0.00.Xxxx
of Assets41
|
69. |
0.00.Xxxxxxxxxxx
and Acquisitions41
|
70. |
6.15.Liens42
|
71. |
6.16.Affiliates43
|
72. |
6.17.Leverage
Ratio43
|
73. |
6.18.Certain
Restrictions43
|
7. |
ARTICLE
VIIDEFAULTS44
|
8. |
ARTICLE
VIIIACCELERATION,
WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES46
|
74. |
8.1.Acceleration46
|
75. |
8.2.Remedies
Not Exclusive46
|
76. |
8.3.Deposit
to Secure Reimbursement Obligations47
|
77. |
8.4.Subrogation47
|
78. |
8.5.Amendments47
|
79. |
8.6.Preservation
of Rights48
|
9. |
ARTICLE
IXGENERAL
PROVISIONS49
|
80. |
9.1.Survival
of Representations49
|
81. |
9.2.Governmental
Regulation49
|
82. |
9.3.Headings49
|
83. |
9.4.Entire
Agreement49
|
84. |
9.5.Several
Obligations; Benefits of this Agreement49
|
85. |
9.6.Expenses;
Indemnification49
|
86. |
9.7.Numbers
of Documents50
|
87. |
9.8.Accounting50
|
88. |
9.9.Severability
of Provisions50
|
89. |
9.10.Nonliability
of Lenders50
|
90. |
9.11.Confidentiality51
|
91. |
9.12.Nonreliance51
|
92. |
9.13.Disclosure51
|
93. |
9.14.Patriot
Act Notification51
|
10. |
ARTICLE
XTHE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT51
|
94. |
10.1.Appointment;
Nature of Relationship51
|
95. |
10.2.Powers52
|
96. |
10.3.General
Immunity52
|
97. |
00.0.Xx
Responsibility for Loans, Recitals, etc52
|
98. |
10.5.Action
on Instructions of Lenders53
|
99. |
10.6.Employment
of Agents and Counsel53
|
100. |
00.0.Xxxxxxxx
on Documents; Counsel53
|
101. |
10.8.Agent’s
Reimbursement and Indemnification53
|
102. |
10.9.Notice
of Default54
|
103. |
10.10.Rights
as a Lender54
|
104. |
10.11.Lender
Credit Decision54
|
105. |
10.12.Successor
Administrative Agent54
|
106. |
10.13.Administrative
Agent’s and Arrangers’ Fees55
|
107. |
10.14.Delegation
to Affiliates55
|
108. |
10.15.Agent
May File Proofs of Claim55
|
109. |
10.16.Other
Agents56
|
11. |
ARTICLE
XISETOFF;
RATABLE PAYMENTS56
|
110. |
11.1.Setoff56
|
111. |
11.2.Ratable
Payments56
|
12. |
ARTICLE
XIIBENEFIT
OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS57
|
112. |
12.1.Successors
and Assigns57
|
113. |
12.2.Participations57
|
114. |
12.3.Assignments58
|
115. |
12.4.Dissemination
of Information59
|
116. |
00.0.Xxx
Treatment59
|
13. |
ARTICLE
XIIIGUARANTY59
|
117. |
13.1.Guaranty59
|
118. |
13.2.Waivers60
|
119. |
13.3.Guaranty
Absolute60
|
120. |
13.4.Acceleration61
|
121. |
13.5.Marshaling;
Reinstatement61
|
122. |
13.6.Delay
of Subrogation61
|
14. |
ARTICLE
XIVNOTICES62
|
123. |
14.1.Notices62
|
124. |
14.2.Change
of Address63
|
15. |
ARTICLE
XVCOUNTERPARTS63
|
16. |
ARTICLE
XVICHOICE
OF LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL63
|
125. |
16.1.CHOICE
OF LAW63
|
126. |
16.2.CONSENT
TO JURISDICTION63
|
127. |
16.3.WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL64
|
13284408
01712640
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|
This
Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2005, is among VECTREN CAPITAL, CORP.,
VECTREN CORPORATION, the Lenders party hereto, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as
Syndication Agent, and LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as LC Issuer and
as
Administrative Agent. The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
As
used
in this Agreement:
“Acquisition”
means
any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on or after
the date of this Agreement, by which Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (i)
acquires any going business or all or substantially all of the assets of any
firm, corporation or limited liability company, or division thereof, whether
through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (ii) directly or indirectly
acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series
of
transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the securities of
a
corporation which have ordinary voting power for the election of directors
(other than securities having such power only by reason of the happening of
a
contingency) or a majority (by percentage or voting power) of the outstanding
ownership interests of a partnership or limited liability company.
“Administrative
Agent”
means
LaSalle Bank National Association in its capacity as contractual representative
of the Lenders pursuant to Article
X,
and not
in its individual capacity as a Lender, and any successor Administrative Agent
appointed pursuant to Article
X.
“Advance”
means
a
borrowing hereunder (or conversion or continuation thereof) consisting of the
aggregate amount of the several Loans made on the same Borrowing Date (or date
of conversion or continuation) by the Lenders to Borrower of the same Type
and,
in the case of Eurodollar Advances, for the same Interest Period. The term
“Advance” shall include Advances under the Swingline unless otherwise expressly
provided.
“Affiliate”
of
any
Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled
by
or under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed to control
another Person if the controlling Person owns 10% or more of any class of voting
securities (or other ownership interests) of the controlled Person or possesses,
directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the
management or policies of the controlled Person, whether through ownership
of
stock, by contract or otherwise.
“Aggregate
Commitment”
means
the aggregate of the Commitments of all the Lenders, as changed from time to
time pursuant to the terms hereof. On the date hereof, the amount of the
Aggregate Commitment is $255,000,000.
“Aggregate
Outstanding Credit Exposure”
means,
at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Advances
at
such time plus (ii) the LC Obligations at such time.
“Agreement”
means
this Credit Agreement, as it may be amended or modified and in effect from
time
to time.
“Agreement
Accounting Principles”
means
generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time, applied
in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the financial statements
referred to in Section 5.4.
“Alternate
Base Rate”
means,
for any day, a rate of interest per annum equal to the higher of (i) the Prime
Rate for such day and (ii) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate for
such
day plus
1/2% per
annum.
“Applicable
Fee Rate”
means,
at any time, the percentage rate per annum at which facility fees are accruing
on the Aggregate Commitment (without regard to usage) and Letter of Credit
fees
at such time as set forth in the Pricing Schedule.
“Applicable
Margin”
means,
at any time, with respect to Advances of any Type at any time, the percentage
rate per annum which is applicable at such time with respect to Advances of
such
Type, as set forth in the Pricing Schedule.
“Arrangers”
means
each of JPMorgan Securities, Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association, in
their capacities as Joint Lead Arrangers and Book Runners.
“Article”
means
an article of this Agreement unless another document is specifically
referenced.
“Authorized
Officer”
means
any Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Assistant Secretary and
Assistant Treasurer of Borrower, acting singly.
“Borrower”
means
Vectren Capital, Corp., an Indiana corporation, and its successors and
assigns.
“Borrowing
Date”
means
a
date on which a Credit Extension is made hereunder.
“Borrowing
Notice”
—
see
Section 2.8.
“BSA”
—
see
Section
6.7.
“Business
Day”
means
(i) with respect to any borrowing, payment or rate selection of Eurodollar
Advances, a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks generally
are
open in Chicago, New York and Indianapolis for the conduct of substantially
all
of their commercial lending activities and on which dealings in United States
dollars are carried on in the London interbank market and (ii) for all other
purposes, a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks generally
are
open in Chicago and Indianapolis for the conduct of substantially all of their
commercial lending activities.
“Capitalized
Lease”
of
a
Person means any lease of Property by such Person as lessee which would be
capitalized on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with
Agreement Accounting Principles.
“Capitalized
Lease Obligations”
of
a
Person means the amount of the obligations of such Person under Capitalized
Leases which would be shown as a liability on a balance sheet of such Person
prepared in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles.
“Cash
Equivalent Investments”
means
(i) short-term obligations of, or fully guaranteed by, the United States of
America, (ii) commercial paper rated A-1 or better by S&P or P-1 or better
by Moody’s, (iii) demand deposit accounts maintained in the ordinary course of
business, and (iv) certificates of deposit issued by and time deposits with
commercial banks (whether domestic or foreign) having capital and surplus in
excess of $100,000,000; provided
in each
case that the same provides for payment of both principal and interest (and
not
principal alone or interest alone) and is not subject to any contingency
regarding the payment of principal or interest.
“Change
in Control”
means
(i) the acquisition by any Person, or two or more Persons acting in concert,
of
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of 30% or more
of
the outstanding shares of voting stock of Guarantor, (ii) the occurrence during
any period of twelve (12) consecutive months, commencing before or after the
date of this Agreement, pursuant to which individuals who on the first day
of
such period were directors of Guarantor (together with any replacement or
additional directors who were nominated or elected by a majority of directors
then in office) cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of
Guarantor or (iii) Guarantor shall cease to own, free and clear of any Lien,
100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Borrower.
“Code”
means
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, reformed or otherwise modified
from time to time.
“Commitment”
means,
for each Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make Loans to, and participate
in Letters of Credit issued upon the application of, Borrower in an aggregate
amount not exceeding the amount set forth opposite its name on Schedule
I
or as
set forth in any Notice of Assignment relating to any assignment that has become
effective pursuant to Section 12.3.2,
as such
amount may be modified from time to time pursuant to the terms
hereof.
“Commitment
Termination Date”
means
November 10, 2010, any later date as may be established pursuant to Section
2.24
or any
earlier date on which the Aggregate Commitment is reduced to zero or otherwise
terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.
“Consolidated
Indebtedness”
means
at any time the Indebtedness of a Person and its Subsidiaries calculated on
a
consolidated basis as of such time.
“Consolidated
Net Worth”
means
at any time the consolidated stockholders’ equity of a Person and its
Subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis as of such time.
“Contingent
Obligation”
of
a
Person means any agreement, undertaking or arrangement by which such Person
assumes, guarantees, endorses, contingently agrees to purchase or provide funds
for the payment of, or otherwise becomes or is contingently liable upon, the
obligation or liability of any other Person (other than accounts payable of
such
Person’s Subsidiary arising in the ordinary course of such Subsidiary’s business
payable on terms customary in the trade), or agrees to maintain the net worth
or
working capital or other financial condition of any other Person, or otherwise
assures any creditor of such other Person against loss, including, without
limitation, any comfort letter, operating agreement or take-or-pay
contract.
“Conversion/Continuation
Notice”
—
see
Section 2.9.
“Controlled
Group”
means
all members of a controlled group of corporations or other business entities
and
all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control
which, together with Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries, are treated as a
single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
“Credit
Extension”
means
the making of an Advance or the issuance of or participation in a Letter of
Credit hereunder.
“Credit
Note”
means
the Credit Note (Swingline), in substantially the form of Exhibit
B hereto,
duly executed by Borrower to LaSalle to evidence Advances under the Swingline,
including any amendment, modification, renewal, extension or replacement
thereof.
“Default”
means
an event described in Article
VII.
“Environmental
Laws”
means
any and all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, judicial
decisions, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, plans,
injunctions, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements
and
other governmental restrictions relating to (i) the protection of the
environment, (ii) the effect of the environment on human health, (iii)
emissions, discharges or releases of pollutants, contaminants, hazardous
substances or wastes into surface water, ground water or land, or (iv) the
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants, hazardous substances or
wastes or the clean-up or other remediation thereof.
“ERISA”
means
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to
time, and any rule or regulation issued thereunder.
“Eurodollar
Advance”
means
an Advance which bears interest at the applicable Eurodollar Rate.
“Eurodollar
Base Rate”
means,
a rate of interest equal to (a) the per annum rate of interest at which United
States dollar deposits in an amount comparable to the amount of the relevant
Eurodollar Advance and for a period equal to the relevant Interest Period are
offered in the London Interbank Eurodollar market at 11:00 A.M. (London time)
two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period (or three
Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period if banks in
London, England were not open and dealing in offshore United States dollars
on
such second preceding Business Day), as displayed in the Bloomberg
Financial Markets
system
(or other authoritative source selected by the Administrative Agent in its
sole
discretion) or, if the Bloomberg
Financial Markets
system
or another authoritative source is not available, as the Eurodollar Base Rate
is
otherwise determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole and absolute
discretion, divided by (b) a number determined by subtracting from 1.00 the
then
stated maximum reserve percentage for determining reserves to be maintained
by
member banks of the Federal Reserve System for Eurocurrency funding or
liabilities as defined in Regulation D (or any successor category of liabilities
under Regulation D), such rate to remain fixed for such Interest Period. The
Administrative Agent’s determination of the Eurodollar Base Rate shall be
conclusive, absent manifest error.
“Eurodollar
Loan”
means
a
Loan which bears interest at the applicable Eurodollar Rate.
“Eurodollar
Rate”
means,
with respect to a Eurodollar Advance for the relevant Interest Period, the
sum
of (i) the Eurodollar Base Rate applicable to such Interest Period, plus
(ii) the
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Advances.
“Excluded
Taxes”
means,
in the case of each Lender or applicable Lending Installation and the
Administrative Agent, taxes imposed on its overall net income, and franchise
taxes imposed on it, by (i) the jurisdiction under the laws of which such Lender
or the Administrative Agent is incorporated or organized or (ii) the
jurisdiction in which the Administrative Agent’s or such Lender’s principal
executive office or such Lender’s applicable Lending Installation is
located.
“Exhibit”
refers
to an exhibit to this Agreement, unless another document is specifically
referenced.
“Existing
Credit Agreement”
means
the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2004, among Borrower, the
Guarantor, various financial institutions and LaSalle, as agent.
“Existing
Indebtedness”
-
see
Section
6.11.
“Federal
Funds Effective Rate”
means,
for any day, a fluctuating interest rate equal for each day during such period
to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions
with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers,
as
published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next
preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such
rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of
the
quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative
Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the
Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent’s determination of such rate
shall be binding and conclusive absent manifest error.
“Fee
Letters”
means
each of (i) that certain letter agreement dated as of October 17, 2005 among
Borrower, Vectren Utility Holdings, Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association
and (ii) that certain letter agreement dated as of October 17, 2005 among
Borrower, Vectren Utility Holdings, Inc., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and JPMorgan
Securities, Inc.
“Financial
Contract”
of
a
Person means (i) any exchange-traded or over-the-counter futures, forward,
swap
or option contract or other financial instrument with similar characteristics,
(ii) any agreements, devices or arrangements providing for payments related
to
fluctuations of interest rates, exchange rates or forward rates, including,
but
not limited to, interest rate exchange agreements, forward currency exchange
agreements, interest rate cap or collar protection agreements, forward rate
currency or interest rate options or (iii) to the extent not otherwise included
in the foregoing, any Rate Hedging Agreement.
“Floating
Rate”
means,
for any day, a rate per annum equal to (i) the Alternate Base Rate for such
day
plus
(ii) the
Applicable Margin for Floating Rate Advances, in each case changing when and
as
the Alternate Base Rate changes.
“Floating
Rate Advance”
means
an Advance which bears interest at the Floating Rate.
“Floating
Rate Loan”
means
a
Loan which bears interest at the Floating Rate.
“Guaranteed
Obligations”
-
see
Section
13.1.
“Guarantor”
means
Vectren Corporation, and its successors and assigns.
“Indebtedness”
of
a
Person means such Person’s (i) obligations for borrowed money, (ii) obligations
representing the deferred purchase price of Property or services (other than
accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of such Person’s business
payable on terms customary in the trade), (iii) obligations, whether or not
assumed, secured by Liens or payable out of the proceeds or production from
property now or hereafter owned or acquired by such Person, (iv) obligations
which are evidenced by notes, acceptances or other instruments, (v) obligations
of such Person to purchase securities or other property arising out of or in
connection with the sale of the same or substantially similar securities or
property, (vi) Capitalized Lease Obligations, (vii) Contingent Obligations
(other than Contingent Obligations with respect to primary obligations (other
than Indebtedness) of Subsidiaries, which primary obligations are not prohibited
by this Agreement), (viii) reimbursement and other obligations in connection
with letters of credit, (ix) Net Xxxx-to-Market Exposure of Rate Hedging
Agreements and other Financial Contracts, (x) Synthetic Lease Obligations and
(xi) any other obligation for borrowed money or other financial accommodation
which in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles would be shown as
a
liability on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person.
“Intercompany
Indebtedness”
-
see
Section
6.11(iv).
“Interest
Period”
means,
with respect to any Eurodollar Advance, a period of one, two, three or six
months commencing on a Business Day selected by Borrower pursuant to this
Agreement. Such Interest Period shall end on the day which corresponds
numerically to such date one, two, three or six months thereafter, provided,
however,
that
if
there is no such numerically corresponding day in such next, second, third
or
sixth succeeding month, such Interest Period shall end on the last Business
Day
of such next, second, third or sixth succeeding month. If an Interest Period
would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, such Interest Period
shall end on the next succeeding Business Day, provided,
however, that if said next succeeding Business Day falls in a new calendar
month, such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business
Day.
“Investment”
of
a
Person means any loan, advance (other than commission, travel and similar
advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business),
extension of credit (other than accounts receivable arising in the ordinary
course of business on terms customary in the trade) or contribution of capital
by such Person; stocks, bonds, mutual funds, partnership interests, notes,
debentures or other securities owned by such Person; any deposit accounts and
certificate of deposit owned by such Person; and structured notes, derivative
financial instruments and other similar instruments or contracts owned by such
Person.
“LaSalle”
means
LaSalle Bank National Association, its successors and assigns.
“LC
Issuer”
means
LaSalle in its capacity as issuer of Letter of Credit hereunder.
“LC
Obligations”
means,
at any time, the sum, without duplication, of (i) the aggregate undrawn stated
amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding at such time plus (ii) the aggregate
unpaid amount at such time of all reimbursement obligations in respect of the
Letters of Credit.
“Lenders”
means
the lending institutions listed on the signature pages of this Agreement and
their respective successors and assigns. Unless otherwise specified, the term
“Lenders” includes LaSalle in its capacity as the provider of the
Swingline.
“Lending
Installation”
means,
with respect to a Lender or the Administrative Agent, the office, branch,
subsidiary or affiliate of such Lender or the Administrative Agent listed on
Schedule
14.1
hereof
or otherwise selected by such Lender or the Administrative Agent pursuant to
Section 2.16.
“Letter
of Credit Application”
or
“Application”
means,
collectively, each Application for Standby Letter of Credit and each Application
and Agreement for Irrevocable Letter of Credit, in the forms prescribed by
the
LC Issuer, duly executed by Borrower in favor of the LC Issuer, from time to
time, to govern a Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement, as any
such Application may be amended from time to time.
“Letters
of Credit”
means
standby and commercial letters of credit now or hereafter issued by the LC
Issuer from time to time at the request of, and for the account of, Borrower
issued pursuant to this Agreement.
“Lien”
means
any lien (statutory or other), security interest, mortgage, pledge,
hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance or preference,
priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind
or
nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, the interest of a vendor
or
lessor under any conditional sale, Capitalized Lease or other title retention
agreement).
“Loan”
means,
with respect to a Lender, such Lender’s loan made pursuant to Article
II
(or any
conversion or continuation thereof). The term “Loan” shall include Advances
under the Swingline unless otherwise expressly provided.
“Loan
Documents”
means
this Agreement, the Fee Letters, the Notes, any Letter of Credit Application,
the Master Letter of Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments
now
or hereafter executed and delivered by or on behalf of Borrower to the
Administrative Agent or the Lenders to further evidence or govern the
Obligations.
“Mandatory
Funding”
-
see
Section
2.3.
“Master
Letter of Credit Agreement”
means,
at any time, with respect to the issuance of Letters of Credit, a master letter
of credit agreement or reimbursement agreement in the form, if any, being used
by the LC Issuer at such time.
“Material
Adverse Effect”
means
a
material adverse effect on (i) the business, Property, condition (financial
or
otherwise) or results of operations of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries taken
as a
whole, (ii) the ability of Borrower or Guarantor to perform its obligations
under the Loan Documents, or (iii) the validity or enforceability of any of
the
Loan Documents or the rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent, the LC
Issuer or the Lenders thereunder.
“Material
Indebtedness”
—
see
Section 7.5.
“Moody’s”
means
Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc.
“Mortgage
Indenture”
means
the Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of April 1, 1932, between Southern
Indiana Gas and Electric Company and Bankers Trust Company (as supplemented
from
time to time before or after the date hereof by various supplemental indentures
thereto).
“Multiemployer
Plan”
means
a
Plan maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any other
arrangement to which Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group is a party
to which more than one employer is obligated to make contributions.
“Negotiated
Rate”
shall
mean, with respect to Advances under the Swingline not constituting Floating
Rate Advances, the interest rate mutually agreed upon between LaSalle and
Borrower to be applicable to Negotiated Rate Advances pursuant to Section 2.4.2.
“Negotiated
Rate Advance”
means
an Advance which bears interest by reference to a Negotiated Rate.
“Negotiated
Rate Interest Period”
shall
mean, with respect to any Negotiated Rate Advance, the period commencing on
the
day such Negotiated Rate Advance is made and ending on such day thereafter,
as
mutually agreed upon between Borrower and LaSalle, provided
that (a)
no Negotiated Rate Interest Period shall exceed thirty (30) days; (b) each
Negotiated Rate Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
not
a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day,
provided,
however, if the next succeeding Business Day would extend the Negotiated Rate
Interest Period beyond thirty (30) days, then the next preceding Business Day;
and (c) no Negotiated Rate Interest Period may be agreed upon that extends
beyond the Commitment Termination Date.
“Net
Xxxx-to-Market Exposure”
of
a
Person means, as of any date of determination, the excess (if any) of all
unrealized losses over all unrealized profits of such Person arising from Rate
Hedging Agreements or other Financial Contracts. “Unrealized losses” means the
fair market value of the cost to such Person of replacing such Rate Hedging
Agreement or other Financial Contract as of the date of determination (assuming
the Rate Hedging Agreement or other Financial Contract were to be terminated
as
of that date), and “unrealized profits” means the fair market value of the gain
to such Person of replacing such Rate Hedging Agreement or other Financial
Contract as of the date of determination (assuming such Rate Hedging Agreement
or other Financial Contract were to be terminated as of that date).
“Non-U.S.
Lender”
—
see
Section 3.5(iv).
“Notes”
means,
collectively, the Revolving Credit Notes and the Credit Note.
“Notice
of Assignment”
—
see
Section 12.3.2.
“Obligations”
means
all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans,
reimbursement obligations under the Letters of Credit, all accrued and unpaid
fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations of
Borrower to the Lenders or to any Lender, the LC Issuer, the Administrative
Agent or any indemnified party arising under the Loan Documents.
“OFAC”
—
see
Section
6.7.
“Other
Taxes”
—
see
Section 3.5(ii).
“Participants”
—
see
Section 12.2.1.
“Payment
Date”
means
the last Business Day of each month.
“PBGC”
means
the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or any successor thereto.
“Person”
means
any natural person, corporation, firm, joint venture, partnership, limited
liability company, association, enterprise, trust or other entity or
organization, or any government or political subdivision or any agency,
department or instrumentality thereof.
“Plan”
means
an employee pension benefit plan which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or
subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code as
to which Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group may have any
liability.
“Prime
Rate”
means,
for any day, the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced
from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate (whether or
not
such rate is actually charged by the Administrative Agent), which is not
intended to be the Administrative Agent’s lowest or most favorable rate of
interest at any one time. Any change in the Prime Rate announced by the
Administrative Agent shall take effect at the opening of business on the day
specified in the public announcement of such change; provided
that the
Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to give notice of any change in
the
Prime Rate.
“Pro
Rata Share”
means,
as to any Lender, when used with reference to an aggregate or total amount,
an
amount equal to the product of (a) such aggregate or total amount, multiplied
by (b) a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum of such Lender’s Commitment
(or, if the Commitments have been terminated, the sum of such Lender’s
outstanding Revolving Loans and participations in outstanding Letters of Credit)
and the denominator of which shall be the Aggregate Commitment (or, if the
Commitments have been terminated, the sum of the total outstanding Revolving
Loan Advances and the aggregate face amount of outstanding Letters of
Credit).
“Property”
of
a
Person means any and all property, whether real, personal, tangible, intangible,
or mixed, of such Person, or other assets owned, leased or operated by such
Person.
“Purchasers”
—
see
Section 12.3.1.
“Rate
Hedging Agreement”
means
an agreement, device or arrangement providing for payments which are related
to
fluctuations of interest rates, exchange rates or forward rates, including,
but
not limited to, dollar-denominated or cross-currency interest rate exchange
agreements, forward currency exchange agreements, interest rate cap or collar
protection agreements, forward rate currency or interest rate options, puts
and
warrants.
“Rate
Hedging Obligations”
of
a
Person means any and all obligations of such Person, whether absolute or
contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired
(including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions
therefor), under (i) any and all Rate Hedging Agreements, and (ii) any and
all
cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Rate
Hedging Agreement.
“Register”
—
see
Section 12.3.4.
“Regulation
D”
means
Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from
time to time in effect and any successor thereto or other regulation or official
interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to reserve requirements
applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve System.
“Regulation
U”
means
Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as from
time to time in effect and any successor or other regulation or official
interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the extension of credit
by
banks for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stocks applicable to
member banks of the Federal Reserve System.
“Reportable
Event”
means
a
reportable event as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations
issued under such section, with respect to a Plan, excluding, however, such
events as to which the PBGC has by regulation waived the requirement of
Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified within 30 days of the
occurrence of such event, provided,
however, that
a
failure to meet the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code and
of Section 302 of ERISA shall be a Reportable Event regardless of the
issuance of any such waiver of the notice requirement in accordance with either
Section 4043(a) of ERISA or Section 412(d) of the Code.
“Reports”
—
see
Section 9.6.
“Required
Lenders”
means
Lenders in the aggregate having more than 50% of the Aggregate Commitment or,
if
the Aggregate Commitment has been terminated, Lenders in the aggregate holding
more than 50% of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the outstanding
Advances and participations in outstanding Letters of Credit.
“Revolving
Credit Notes”
means
the Revolving Credit Notes, each substantially in the form of Exhibit
A
hereto,
duly executed by Borrower to the respective Lenders to evidence the Revolving
Loans, including any and all renewals, extensions, replacements and
modifications thereof.
“Revolving
Loan”
-
see
Section
2.1.1.
“Revolving
Loan Advance”
means
an Advance under the Commitments (other than an Advance under the
Swingline).
“S&P”
means
Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw Hill Companies,
Inc.
“Schedule”
refers
to a specific schedule to this Agreement, unless another document is
specifically referenced.
“Section”
means
a
numbered section of this Agreement, unless another document is specifically
referenced.
“Single
Employer Plan”
means
a
Plan maintained by Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group for employees
of Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group.
“Subsidiary”
of
a
Person means (i) any corporation more than 50% of the outstanding securities
having ordinary voting power of which shall at the time be owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more of its Subsidiaries
or
by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any partnership,
limited liability company, association, joint venture or similar business
organization more than 50% of the ownership interests having ordinary voting
power of which shall at the time be so owned or controlled. Unless otherwise
expressly provided, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” shall mean a
Subsidiary of Borrower.
“Subsidiary
Existing Indebtedness”
-
see
Section
6.11(vi).
“Substantial
Portion”
means,
with respect to the Property of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, Property which
(i) represents more than 10% of the consolidated assets of Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as would be shown in the consolidated financial statements of
Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the beginning of the twelve-month period
ending with the month in which such determination is made or (ii) is responsible
for more than 10% of the consolidated net sales or of the consolidated net
income of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as reflected in the financial statements
referred to in clause
(i)
above.
“Swingline”
means
the unsecured cash management line of credit in the maximum principal amount
of
$40,000,000 provided by LaSalle to Borrower, governed by this Agreement,
including any renewal or extension thereof.
“Synthetic
Lease Obligation”
means
the monetary obligation of a Person under (i) a so-called synthetic or
off-balance sheet or tax retention lease or (ii) an agreement for the use or
possession of property creating obligations that do not appear on the balance
sheet of such Person but which, upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of such
Person, would be characterized as indebtedness of such Person (without regard
to
accounting treatment). The amount of Synthetic Lease Obligations of any Person
under any such lease or agreement shall be the amount which would be shown
as a
liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with
Agreement Accounting Principles if such lease or agreement were accounted for
as
a Capitalized Lease.
“Taxes”
means
any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions,
charges or withholdings, and any and all liabilities with respect to the
foregoing, but excluding
Excluded
Taxes.
“Transferee”
—
see
Section 12.4.
“Type”
means,
with respect to any Revolving Loan Advance, its nature as a Floating Rate
Advance or a Eurodollar Advance.
“Unfunded
Liabilities”
means
the amount (if any) by which the present value of all vested and unvested
accrued benefits under all Single Employer Plans exceeds the fair market value
of all such Plan assets allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the
then most recent valuation date for such Plans using PBGC actuarial assumptions
for single employer plan terminations.
“Unmatured
Default”
means
an event which but for the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both,
would
constitute a Default.
“Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary”
of
a
Person means (i) any Subsidiary all of the outstanding voting securities of
which shall at the time be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by
such
Person or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person, or by such
Person and one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of such Person, or (ii) any
partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or similar
business organization 100% of the ownership interests having ordinary voting
power of which shall at the time be so owned or controlled.
“Withholding
Certificate”
—
see
Section 3.5(iv).
The
foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and
plural forms of the defined terms.
ARTICLE
II
THE
CREDITS
2.1. Commitments.
2.1.1. Revolving
Loans.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and prior to the Commitment
Termination Date, each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions
set
forth in this Agreement, to make loans (“Revolving
Loans”)
to
Borrower and participate in Letters of Credit issued upon the request of
Borrower from time to time in amounts not to exceed in the aggregate at any
one
time outstanding the amount of its Commitment. No requested Revolving Loan
Advance shall cause the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving
Loan Advances plus the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Swingline
Advances plus the outstanding LC Obligations to exceed the Aggregate Commitment.
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Borrower may borrow, repay and reborrow
such available amount under the Commitments at any time prior to the Commitment
Termination Date. The Commitments to lend hereunder shall expire on the
Commitment Termination Date. The Revolving Loans made by the Lenders pursuant
hereto shall be evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes.
2.1.2. Swingline
Loans.
Subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and prior to the Commitment
Termination Date, LaSalle shall make advances under the Swingline available
to
Borrower in a maximum principal amount equal to the lesser of (a) the unborrowed
portion of the Aggregate Commitment, or (b) $40,000,000. No requested Advance
shall cause the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Swingline
Advances to exceed $40,000,000 and no requested Advance shall cause the
aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Swingline Advances plus
the
aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Loan Advances
plus
the LC
Obligations to exceed the Aggregate Commitment. Subject to the terms of this
Agreement, Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow such available amount under
the Swingline at any time prior to the Commitment Termination Date. LaSalle’s
commitment to make Swingline Advances hereunder shall expire on the Commitment
Termination Date. Advances under the Swingline shall be evidenced by the Credit
Note.
2.2. Required
Payments; Termination.
Any
outstanding Advances and all other unpaid Obligations shall be paid in full
by
Borrower on the Commitment Termination Date.
2.3. Ratable
Loans.
With
respect to the Commitments, each Advance thereunder (other than any Advance
under the Swingline) shall consist of Revolving Loans made from the several
Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares. On any Business
Day, LaSalle may, in its sole discretion, give notice to the Lenders that the
outstanding principal balance of the Swingline shall be funded with a Revolving
Loan Advance (provided that such notice shall be deemed to have been
automatically given upon the occurrence of a Default under Section 7.6
or
7.7),
in
which case a Revolving Loan Advance under the Commitments constituting a
Floating Rate Advance (each such Advance being referred to herein as a
“Mandatory
Funding”)
shall
be made on the immediately succeeding Business Day by all Lenders according
to
each Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the Commitments, and the proceeds thereof shall
be applied directly to LaSalle to repay such outstanding Swingline Advances.
Each Lender hereby irrevocably agrees to make such Revolving Loans, pursuant
to
each Mandatory Funding in the amount and in the manner specified in the
preceding sentence and on the date specified to it by LaSalle notwithstanding:
(a) that the amount of the Mandatory Funding may not comply with the minimum
amount for a borrowing specified in Section 2.6;
(b)
whether any conditions specified in Article
IV
are then
satisfied; (c) the date of such Mandatory Funding; and (d) any reduction in
the
Aggregate Commitment after any such Advances under the Swingline were made.
In
the event that any Mandatory Funding cannot for any reason be made on the date
otherwise required above (including, without limitation, as a result of the
commencement of a proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code in respect of Borrower),
each Lender hereby agrees that it shall forthwith purchase from LaSalle (without
recourse or warranty) such assignment of the outstanding Advances under the
Swingline as shall be necessary to cause such Lenders to share in such Advances
ratably based upon their respective Commitments, provided
that all
interest payable on such Advances shall be for the account of LaSalle until
the
date the respective assignment is purchased and, to the extent attributable
to
the purchased assignment, shall be payable to the Lender purchasing same from
and after such date of purchase.
2.4. Types
of Advances.
2.4.1. Revolving
Advances.
The
Revolving Loan Advances may be Floating Rate Advances or Eurodollar Advances,
or
a combination thereof, selected by Borrower in accordance with Sections
2.8.1
and
2.9.
2.4.2. Swingline
Advances.
The
Advances under the Swingline may be Floating Rate Advances or Negotiated Rate
Advances, or a combination thereof, selected by Borrower in accordance with
Section 2.8.2.
2.5. Facility
Fee; Reductions in Aggregate Commitment.
2.5.1. Borrower
agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender
according to its Pro Rata Share a facility fee at a per annum rate equal to
the
Applicable Fee Rate from and after the date hereof to and including the
Commitment Termination Date on such Lender’s Commitment (regardless of usage) in
effect from time to time. Such facility fees shall be payable in arrears on
the
last Business Day of each quarter and on the Commitment Termination
Date.
2.5.2. Borrower
may permanently reduce the Aggregate Commitment in whole, or in part ratably
among the Lenders in integral multiples of $5,000,000, upon at least three
Business Days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, which notice
shall specify the amount of any such reduction, provided,
however, that
the
amount of the Aggregate Commitment may not be reduced below the Aggregate
Outstanding Credit Exposure. All accrued facility fees shall be payable on
the
effective date of any termination of the obligations of the Lenders to make
Credit Extensions hereunder.
2.6. Minimum
Amount of Each Advance.
2.6.1. Revolving
Advances.
Except
for a Mandatory Funding, each Eurodollar Advance shall be in the minimum amount
of $5,000,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000,000 (if in excess thereof),
and each Floating Rate Advance (other than an Advance under the Swingline)
may
be in the amount of $1,000,000 or an integral multiple thereof. Borrower shall
not request a Eurodollar Advance if, after giving effect thereto, more than
twelve separate Eurodollar Advances would be outstanding.
2.6.2. Swingline.
Each
Swingline Advance shall be in the minimum amount of $100,000 and in integral
multiples of $100,000 (if in excess thereof).
2.7. Optional
Principal Payments.
2.7.1. Revolving
Advances.
Borrower may from time to time pay, without penalty or premium, all outstanding
Floating Rate Advances (other than an Advance under the Swingline), or, in
a
minimum aggregate amount of $1,000,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000,000
in
excess thereof, any portion of the outstanding Floating Rate Advances (other
than an Advance under the Swingline) upon one Business Day’s prior notice to the
Administrative Agent. Borrower may from time to time pay, subject to the payment
of any funding indemnification amounts required by Section 3.4
but
without penalty or premium, all outstanding Eurodollar Advances, or, in a
minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000,000
in
excess thereof, any portion of the outstanding Eurodollar Advances upon three
Business Days’ prior notice to the Administrative Agent. Each prepayment
pursuant to this Section shall be made together with accrued and unpaid interest
to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount paid.
2.7.2. Swingline.
Borrower may from time to time pay, without penalty or premium, all outstanding
Floating Rate Advances under the Swingline, or, in the minimum amount of
$100,000 or any integral multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof, any portion
of
the outstanding Floating Rate Advances under the Swingline with notice to the
Administrative Agent and LaSalle by 10:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on the date of
repayment. A Negotiated Rate Advance may not be prepaid prior to the last day
of
the applicable Negotiated Rate Interest Period except for a prepayment funded
by
a Mandatory Funding. Each prepayment pursuant to this Section shall be made
together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of such prepayment on
the
principal amount paid.
2.8. Method
of Selecting Types and Interest Periods for New Advances.
2.8.1. Revolving
Advances.
Borrower shall select the Type of Advance and, in the case of each Eurodollar
Advance, the Interest Period applicable thereto from time to time. Borrower
shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable notice (a “Borrowing
Notice”)
not
later than 10:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on the proposed Borrowing Date of each
Floating Rate Advance and three Business Days before the Borrowing Date for
each
Eurodollar Advance, specifying:
(i) |
the
Borrowing Date, which shall be a Business Day, of such
Advance,
|
(ii) |
the
aggregate amount of such Advance,
|
(iii) |
the
Type of Advance selected, and
|
(iv) |
in
the case of each Eurodollar Advance, the Interest Period applicable
thereto.
|
Any
notice received later than 10:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on any day shall be deemed
to be received on the following Business Day. The Administrative Agent shall
notify the Lenders of Borrower’s intent to borrow by 12:00 p.m. (Chicago time)
on the date it receives a timely Borrowing Notice from Borrower. Not later
than
2:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on each Borrowing Date, each Lender shall make
available its Loan or Loans in immediately available funds to the Administrative
Agent at its address specified pursuant to Article
XIV.
The
Administrative Agent will make the funds so received from the Lenders available
to Borrower at the Administrative Agent’s aforesaid address.
2.8.2. Swingline.
As
Borrower desires to obtain Advances under the Swingline hereunder, Borrower
shall give the Administrative Agent and LaSalle a Borrowing Notice by not later
than 12:00 p.m. (Chicago time), on the Borrowing Date, specifying: (a) the
Borrowing Date, which shall be a Business Day, of such Advance, and (b) the
aggregate amount of such Advance. Each Advance under the Swingline shall bear
interest at the Floating Rate, unless Borrower and LaSalle agree to a Negotiated
Rate for a Negotiated Rate Interest Period. Subject to the borrowing limitations
set forth in Section 2.1.2,
by 2:00
p.m. (Chicago time) on each such Borrowing Date, LaSalle agrees to make its
Advance under the Swingline to Borrower by deposit to the account of Borrower
with LaSalle.
2.9. Conversion
and Continuation of Outstanding Advances.
Floating Rate Advances (other than an Advance under the Swingline) shall
continue as Floating Rate Advances unless and until such Floating Rate Advances
are converted into Eurodollar Advances pursuant to this Section 2.9
or are
repaid in accordance with Section 2.7.
Each
Eurodollar Advance shall continue as a Eurodollar Advance until the end of
the
then applicable Interest Period therefor, at which time such Eurodollar Advance
shall be automatically converted into a Floating Rate Advance unless (x) such
Eurodollar Advance is or was repaid in accordance with Section
2.7
or (y)
Borrower shall have given the Administrative Agent a Conversion/Continuation
Notice (as defined below) requesting that, at the end of such Interest Period,
such Eurodollar Advance continue as a Eurodollar Advance for the same or another
Interest Period. Subject to the terms of Section 2.6,
Borrower may elect from time to time to convert all or any part of a Floating
Rate Advance (other than an Advance under the Swingline) into a Eurodollar
Advance. Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent irrevocable notice (a
“Conversion/Continuation
Notice”)
of
each conversion of a Floating Rate Advance (other than an Advance under the
Swingline) into a Eurodollar Advance or continuation of a Eurodollar Advance
not
later than 10:00 a.m. (Chicago time) at least three Business Days prior to
the date of the requested conversion or continuation, specifying:
(i) |
the
requested date, which shall be a Business Day, of such conversion
or
continuation,
|
(ii) |
the
aggregate amount and Type of the Advance which is to be converted
or
continued, and
|
(iii) |
the
amount of such Advance which is to be converted into or continued
as a
Eurodollar Advance and the duration of the Interest Period applicable
thereto.
|
2.10. Changes
in Interest Rate, etc.
Each
Floating Rate Advance shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount
thereof, for each day from and including the date such Advance is made or is
automatically converted from a Eurodollar Advance into a Floating Rate Advance
pursuant to Section
2.9,
to but
excluding the date it is paid or is converted into a Eurodollar Advance pursuant
to Section
2.9,
at a
rate per annum equal to the Floating Rate for such day. Changes in the rate
of
interest on that portion of any Advance maintained as a Floating Rate Advance
will take effect simultaneously with each change in the Alternate Base Rate.
Each Eurodollar Advance shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount
thereof from and including the first day of each Interest Period applicable
thereto to (but not including) the last day of such Interest Period at the
interest rate determined by the Administrative Agent as applicable to such
Eurodollar Advance based upon Borrower’s selections under Sections
2.8
and
2.9
and
otherwise in accordance with the terms hereof. No Interest Period may end after
the Commitment Termination Date.
2.11. Rates
Applicable After Default.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section
2.8
or
2.9,
during
the continuance of a Default or Unmatured Default the Required Lenders may,
at
their option, by notice to Borrower (which notice may be revoked at the option
of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section
8.5
requiring unanimous consent of the Lenders to changes in interest rates),
declare that no Advance may be made as, converted into or continued as a
Eurodollar Advance. During the continuance of a Default the Required Lenders
may, at their option, by notice to Borrower (which notice may be revoked at
the
option of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of Section
8.5
requiring unanimous consent of the Lenders to changes in interest rates),
declare that (i) each Eurodollar Advance shall bear interest for the remainder
of the applicable Interest Period at the rate otherwise applicable to such
Interest Period plus 2% per annum and (ii) each Floating Rate Advance (other
than an Advance under the Swingline) shall bear interest at a rate per annum
equal to the Floating Rate in effect from time to time plus 2% per annum and
(iii) each of the Letter of Credit fees described in Section
2.20.1
shall be
increased by 2% per annum, provided
that,
during the continuance of a Default under Section
7.6
or
7.7,
the
interest rates set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above and the increase in
the
Letter of Credit fees set forth in clause
(iii)
above
shall be applicable to all Advances (other than an Advance under the Swingline)
without any election or action on the part of the Administrative Agent or any
Lender. If any Advance under the Swingline is not paid at maturity, whether
by
acceleration or otherwise, or during the continuance of a Default, LaSalle
may,
at its option, by written notice to Borrower and the Administrative Agent (which
notice may be revoked at LaSalle’s option notwithstanding any provision of
Section
8.5
requiring unanimous consent of the Lenders to changes in interest rates),
declare that each Swingline Advance shall bear interest at a rate per annum
equal to the otherwise applicable rate plus 2% per annum; provided
that
during the continuance of a Default under Section
7.6
or
7.7,
the
interest rate for all Swingline Advances shall be the rate per annum equal
to
the otherwise applicable rate plus 2% per annum without any election or action
on the part of LaSalle.
2.12. Method
of Payment.
All
payments of the Obligations hereunder shall be made, without setoff, deduction,
or counterclaim, and without relief from valuation and appraisement laws, in
immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative
Agent’s address specified pursuant to Article
XIV,
or at
any other Lending Installation of the Administrative Agent specified in writing
by the Administrative Agent to Borrower, by noon (Chicago time) on the date
when
due and shall (except in the case of (a) repayments of Swingline Advances and
(b) reimbursement obligations in respect of Letters of Credit for which the
LC
Issuer has not been fully indemnified by the Lenders, or as otherwise
specifically required hereunder) be applied ratably by the Administrative Agent
among the Lenders. Each payment delivered to the Administrative Agent for the
account of any Lender shall be delivered promptly by the Administrative Agent
to
such Lender in the same type of funds that the Administrative Agent received
at
its address specified pursuant to Article
XIV
or at
any Lending Installation specified in a notice received by the Administrative
Agent from such Lender. The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to charge
the account of Borrower maintained with LaSalle for each payment of principal,
interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder.
2.13. Notes;
Telephonic Notices.
Each
Lender is hereby authorized to record the principal amount of each of its Loans
and each repayment on any schedule attached to its Note, provided,
however, that neither the failure to so record nor any error in such recordation
shall affect Borrower’s obligations under such Note. Borrower hereby authorizes
the Lenders and the Administrative Agent to extend, convert or continue
Advances, effect selections of Types of Advances and to transfer funds based
on
telephonic notices made by an Authorized Officer. The Administrative Agent
and
any Lender may rely, without further inquiry, on all such requests which shall
have been received by it in good faith by anyone reasonably believed to be
an
Authorized Officer. Borrower agrees to deliver promptly to the Administrative
Agent a written confirmation, if such confirmation is requested by the
Administrative Agent or any Lender, of each telephonic notice signed by an
Authorized Officer. If the written confirmation differs in any material respect
from the action taken by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, the records
of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall govern absent manifest
error.
2.14. Interest
Payment Dates; Interest and Fee Basis.
Interest accrued on each Floating Rate Advance constituting a Revolving Loan
Advance shall be payable on each Payment Date, commencing with the first such
date to occur after the date hereof, on any date on which such Advance is
prepaid, whether due to acceleration or otherwise, and at maturity. Interest
accrued on each Eurodollar Advance shall be payable on the last day of its
applicable Interest Period, or any date on which the Eurodollar Advance is
prepaid, whether by acceleration or otherwise, and on the Commitment Termination
Date. Interest accrued on each Eurodollar Advance having an Interest Period
longer than three months shall also be payable on the last day of each three
month interval during such Interest Period. Interest and facility fees shall
be
calculated for actual days elapsed on the basis of a 360-day year. Interest
accrued on each Swingline Advance shall be payable on the last day of each
calendar month, commencing with the first such date to occur after the date
hereof, on any date on which the Swingline Advance is prepaid, whether by
acceleration or otherwise, and on the Commitment Termination Date. Interest
shall be payable for the day an Advance is made but not for the day of any
payment on the amount paid if payment is received prior to noon (local time)
at
the place of payment. If any payment of principal of or interest on an Advance
shall become due on a day which is not a Business Day, then (subject to the
second proviso
of the
definition of “Interest Period”) such payment shall be made on the next
succeeding Business Day and, in the case of a principal payment, such extension
of time shall be included in computing interest in connection with such
payment.
2.15. Notification
of Advances, Interest Rates, Prepayments and Commitment
Reductions.
Promptly after receipt thereof, the Administrative Agent will notify each Lender
of the contents of each Aggregate Commitment reduction notice, Borrowing Notice,
Conversion/Continuation Notice, and repayment notice received by it hereunder.
The Administrative Agent will notify each Lender of the interest rate applicable
to each Eurodollar Advance promptly upon determination of such interest rate
and
will give each Lender prompt notice of each change in the Alternate Base Rate.
Each determination by the Administrative Agent of the applicable interest rate
shall be binding and conclusive absent manifest error.
2.16. Lending
Installations.
Each
Lender may book its Loans and its participation in any LC Obligations and the
LC
Issuer may book the Letters of Credit at any Lending Installation selected
by
such Lender or the LC Issuer, as the case may be, and may change its Lending
Installation from time to time. All terms of this Agreement shall apply to
any
such Lending Installation and the Loans, Letters of Credit, participations
in LC
Obligations and any Notes issued hereunder shall be deemed held by each Lender
or the LC Issuer, as the case may be, for the benefit of such Lending
Installation. Each Lender and the LC Issuer may, by written notice to the
Administrative Agent and Borrower in accordance with Article
XIV,
designate replacement or additional Lending Installations through which Loans
will be made by it and its participation in any LC Obligations and the LC Issuer
may book the Letters of Credit or Letters of Credit will be issued by it and
for
whose account Loan payments or payments with respect to Letters of Credit are
to
be made.
2.17. Non-Receipt
of Funds by the Administrative Agent.
Unless
Borrower or a Lender, as the case may be, notifies the Administrative Agent
prior to the date on which it is scheduled to make payment to the Administrative
Agent of (i) in the case of a Lender, the proceeds of a Loan or (ii) in the
case
of Borrower, a payment of principal, interest or fees to the Administrative
Agent for the account of the Lenders, that it does not intend to make such
payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that such payment has been made.
The Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the amount
of
such payment available to the intended recipient in reliance upon such
assumption. If such Lender or Borrower, as the case may be, has not in fact
made
such payment to the Administrative Agent, the recipient of such payment shall,
on demand by the Administrative Agent, repay to the Administrative Agent the
amount so made available together with interest thereon in respect of each
day
during the period commencing on the date such amount was so made available
by
the Administrative Agent until the date the Administrative Agent recovers such
amount at a rate per annum equal to (x) in the case of payment by a Lender,
the
Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day or (y) in the case of payment by
Borrower, the interest rate applicable to the relevant Loan.
2.18. Issuance
of Letters of Credit.
Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof, the LC Issuer agrees, upon proper submission
of a Letter of Credit Application by Borrower, to issue on behalf of the Lenders
from time to time prior to the Commitment Termination Date, Letters of Credit
for the account of Borrower. The Letters of Credit shall have an expiration
date
not later than the earlier of (i) one year after the date of issuance or (ii)
five Business Days prior to the Commitment Termination Date. The LC Obligations
at any time outstanding shall not exceed the lesser of (a) $50,000,000, or
(b)
the Aggregate Commitment less outstanding Revolving Loan Advances less
outstanding Swingline Advances. The amount of any Letter of Credit outstanding
at any time for all purposes hereof shall be the maximum amount which could
be
drawn thereunder under any circumstances from and after the date of
determination. Each Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement and
each
unreimbursed drawing thereunder shall count as usage of the Commitments by
the
amount of such Letter of Credit outstanding and each unreimbursed drawing
thereunder unless and until such Letter of Credit expires by its terms or
otherwise terminates or the amount of a drawing thereunder is reimbursed. Each
such Letter of Credit shall be issued pursuant to a Letter of Credit Application
and the Master Letter of Credit Agreement and shall conform to the general
requirements of the LC Issuer for the issuance of such credits, as to form
and
substance, shall be subject to the Uniform Customs and Practices for Documentary
Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce Publication No.
500,
or the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce
Publication No. 590, as applicable, and shall be a letter of credit which the
LC
Issuer may lawfully issue. If and to the extent a drawing is at any time made
under any Letter of Credit, the LC Issuer shall give notice on the day of such
drawing to Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders of such
drawing and Borrower agrees to pay to the LC Issuer immediately and
unconditionally upon demand for reimbursement, in lawful money of the United
States, an amount equal to each amount which shall be so drawn, together with
interest from the date of such drawing to and including the date such payment
is
reimbursed to the LC Issuer or converted to Revolving Loans as provided herein
at a variable rate per annum equal to the Floating Rate. All such interest
shall
be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 360-day
year. In the event that a drawing under any Letter of Credit is not reimbursed
by Borrower by 11:00 A.M. (Chicago time) on the first Business Day after such
notice to Borrower, the LC Issuer shall promptly notify the Administrative
Agent
and the Lenders by 12:00 noon (Chicago time) that Advances under the Commitments
are required to reimburse the LC Issuer. Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes
the Lenders to refinance, without notice to Borrower, the reimbursement
obligation of Borrower arising out of any such drawing under any Letter of
Credit into Revolving Loans (as long as notice to the Lenders that Advances
under the Commitments are required to reimburse the LC Issuer for draws under
the Letters of Credit is received prior to the Commitment Termination Date),
evidenced by the Revolving Credit Notes and for all purposes under, on and
subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, but without regard to
the
conditions precedent to making an Advance under the Commitments or to any
requirement of this Agreement that each Revolving Advance be in a minimum amount
or multiple, provided,
however, that an Advance under the Commitments in spite of Borrower’s failure to
satisfy any conditions precedent to making an Advance shall not constitute
a
waiver of any Default or Unmatured Default by the Lenders. This Agreement and
the other Loan Documents shall supersede any terms of any Letter of Credit
Application, the Master Letter of Credit Agreement or other documents which
are
inconsistent with the terms hereof or thereof. By 2:00 P.M. (Chicago time)
on
the date the Lenders have received notice that Advances under the Commitments
are required to reimburse the LC Issuer for draws under the Letters of Credit,
each Lender severally agrees to make its portion of the Revolving Loan then
being made by making available to the Administrative Agent, by wire transfer
to
the Administrative Agent’s main office in Chicago, Illinois, the amount to be
advanced by such Lender. By 2:30 P.M. (Chicago time) on such date, the
Administrative Agent shall reimburse the LC Issuer, but only from funds received
by the Administrative Agent, the amount paid on Letters of Credit that date,
by
wire transfer.
2.19. Letters
of Credit Participation.
For
administrative convenience, the LC Issuer shall issue the Letters of Credit
for
the account of Borrower pursuant to the arrangements set forth herein, and,
the
outstanding portion of each Letter of Credit shall be deemed to utilize a Pro
Rata Share of the Commitment of each Lender. Upon the issuance by the LC Issuer
of a Letter of Credit in accordance with Section
2.18,
the LC
Issuer shall be deemed, without any further action by any party hereto, to
have
unconditionally and irrevocably sold to each Lender, and each Lender shall
be
deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally
and
irrevocably purchased from the LC Issuer, a participation in such Letter of
Credit and the related LC Obligations in proportion to its Pro Rata Share,
which
participation shall be funded by each Lender funding its Pro Rata Share of
the
Commitments upon any drawing under any Letter of Credit not immediately
reimbursed by Borrower in accordance with Section 2.18
by
making such funds available to the Administrative Agent in accordance with
Sections
2.8.1
and
2.18;
and
thereafter, each such Lender shall be entitled to, and the LC Issuer or the
Administrative Agent, as applicable, shall remit to each such Lender, its
respective Pro Rata Share of any amount (including any interest thereon)
received by the LC Issuer or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, in
reimbursement of such drawing. The LC Issuer shall furnish to such Lenders,
each
time any Letter of Credit either is issued or drawn under (whether in whole
or
in part), such information with respect to the Letters of Credit as any Lender
may reasonably request from time to time. The obligations of the Lenders to
fund
their respective Pro Rata Share of a Revolving Advance for reimbursement of
a
draw under a Letter of Credit shall be irrevocable and not subject to
counterclaim, set-off or other defense or any other qualification or exception
whatsoever and shall be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of
this
Agreement under all circumstances, including, without limitation, any of the
following circumstances (other than in the case of gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the LC Issuer):
(a) Any
lack
of validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents;
(b) The
existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which Borrower may
have
at any time against a beneficiary named in such Letter of Credit, any transferee
of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such transferee may be
acting), the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer, any Lender, or other Person,
whether in connection with this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, the
transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transactions (including any
underlying transaction between Borrower and the beneficiary named in any such
Letter of Credit);
(c) Any
draft, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit
proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or
any
statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;
(d) The
surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of
any
of the terms of any of the Loan Documents; or
(e) The
occurrence of any Default or Unmatured Default.
2.20. Compensation
for Letters of Credit.
2.20.1. Letter
of Credit Fees.
Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of
the
Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares (i) Letter of Credit fees
equal
to the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Advances per annum of the undrawn stated
amount of each standby Letter of Credit, payable in arrears and (ii) Letter
of
Credit fees on the face amount of each commercial Letter of Credit based on
the
LC Issuer’s then current standard fee schedule, payable at the time of issuance.
The Letter of Credit fees will be allocated among the Lenders in accordance
with
their respective Pro Rata Shares and will be remitted to the other Lenders
by
the Administrative Agent on the first day of each calendar quarter with respect
to Letters of Credit issued during the preceding calendar quarter. In addition,
the LC Issuer shall be entitled to charge Borrower and retain for its own
account a servicing fee of one-eighth percent (1/8%) per annum of each standby
Letter of Credit and the LC Issuer’s standard servicing fee for each commercial
Letter of Credit and a negotiating fee of one-eighth percent (1/8%) for drafts
of Letters of Credit presented for payment. The Applicable Margin for Eurodollar
Advances and the other per annum fees payable under this Section
2.20
shall be
calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed and a 360-day
year.
Borrower authorizes the LC Issuer to collect such fees by deducting the amount
thereof from the deposit account of Borrower.
2.20.2. Additional
Letter of Credit Fees.
In
addition to the foregoing Letter of Credit fees, Borrower shall pay to the
LC
Issuer, for the LC Issuer’s own account, the LC Issuer’s reasonable and
customary costs of issuing, servicing and negotiating draws under letters of
credit.
2.21. Reimbursement
of Letters of Credit.
The
obligation of Borrower to reimburse any drawing under any Letter of Credit
shall
be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid and performed
strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances,
other than in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct of the
Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer or a Lender, including, without limitation,
the following:
(a) Any
lack
of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, or any Loan
Document;
(b) Any
amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from the terms of any Letter
of
Credit, or any Loan Document;
(c) The
existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which Borrower may
have
at any time against the beneficiary or any Letter of Credit, any transferee
of
any Letter of Credit, the Lenders, the LC Issuer, the Administrative Agent
or
any other Person, whether in connection with the Loan Documents, such Letter
of
Credit, or any unrelated transaction;
(d) Any
statement, draft or other document presented under any Letter of Credit proving
to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any
statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect
whatsoever;
(e) The
surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of
the
terms of the Loan Documents or such Letter of Credit; or
(f) Any
circumstance, happening or admission whatsoever, whether or not similar to
any
of the foregoing, including, without limitation, those matters described
below.
The
beneficiaries of each Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the agents of
Borrower, and except as expressly set forth herein, Borrower assumes all risks
for their acts, omissions, or misrepresentations. Neither the LC Issuer nor
any
of its Affiliates or correspondents shall be responsible for (a) the validity,
sufficiency, truthfulness or genuineness of any document required to draw under
the Letters of Credit even if such document should in fact prove to be in any
or
all respects invalid, insufficient, fraudulent or forged, (b) the failure of
any
draft to bear reference or adequate reference to such Letter of Credit or
failure of any Person to note the amount of any draft on such Letter of Credit
or to surrender or take up such Letter of Credit or (c) errors, omissions,
interruptions, or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages or
documents, provided,
however, that Borrower shall have a claim against the LC Issuer, and the LC
Issuer shall be liable to Borrower, to the extent of any compensatory, as
opposed to consequential, damages suffered by Borrower which Borrower proves
were caused by (i) the LC Issuer’s failure to act in good faith or to observe
general banking usage in connection with the Letter of Credit or failure to
examine documents presented under such Letter of Credit with care to determine
whether they comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit (it being understood
that the LC Issuer assumes no liability or responsibility for the genuineness,
falsification or effect of any document which appears on such examination to
be
regular on its face) or (ii) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of
the
LC Issuer. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Borrower agrees
that any action taken by the LC Issuer or any of its Affiliates or
correspondents under or in connection with any Letter of Credit, if taken in
good faith and without gross negligence, shall be binding upon Borrower and
shall not put the LC Issuer or any such Affiliates or correspondents under
any
such resulting liability to Borrower. The LC Issuer shall not be liable for
action or failure to take action under or in connection with any Letter of
Credit except for any such action or failure to take action which constitutes
gross negligence or willful misconduct. The LC Issuer shall not be liable for
consequential damages in connection with any Letter of Credit. The LC Issuer
is
expressly hereby authorized to honor any request for payment which is made
under
or in compliance with the terms of any Letter of Credit without regard to,
and
without any duty on its part to inquire into, the existence of any disputes
or
controversies between Borrower and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit
or
any other Person or into respective rights, duties or liabilities of any of
them
or whether any facts or occurrences represented in any of the documents
presented under any Letter of Credit are true and correct. No Person, other
than
the parties hereto, shall have any rights of any nature under this Agreement
or
by reason hereof. In no event shall the LC Issuer’s reliance and payment against
documents presented under a Letter of Credit appearing on its face to
substantially comply with the terms thereof be deemed to constitute gross
negligence or willful misconduct.
2.22. Use
of
Proceeds.
The
proceeds of Advances under the Revolving Loans shall be used for general
corporate purposes not prohibited by this Agreement. The proceeds of Advances
under the Swingline shall be used for general corporate purposes not prohibited
by this Agreement.
2.23. Increases
in Aggregate Commitment.
So long
as no Default or Unmatured Default exists or would result therefrom, Borrower
may, from time to time, by means of a letter delivered to the Administrative
Agent substantially in the form of Exhibit
F,
and
acknowledged by Guarantor, request that the Aggregate Commitment be increased
to
up to $330,000,000 (less the amount of any previous reductions of the Aggregate
Commitment pursuant to Section
2.5
above)
by (a) increasing the Commitment of one or more Lenders that have agreed to
such
increase and/or (b) adding one or more commercial banks or other Persons as
a
party hereto (each an “Additional
Lender”)
with a
Commitment in an amount agreed to by any such Additional Lender; provided
that no
Additional Lender shall be added as a party hereto without the written consent
of the Administrative Agent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld). Any
increase in the Aggregate Commitment pursuant to this Section
2.23
shall,
subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent referred to below,
be
effective three Business Days after the date on which the Administrative Agent
has received and accepted the applicable increase letter in the form of
Annex
1
to
Exhibit
F
(in the
case of an increase in the Commitment of an existing Lender) or assumption
letter in the form of Annex
2
to
Exhibit
F
(in the
case of the addition of an Additional Lender). The effectiveness of each such
increase to the Aggregate Commitment shall be subject to the conditions
precedent that the Administrative Agent shall have received each of the
following documents, each dated the effective date of such increase (or such
other date as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent):
(a)
certified copies of resolutions of the board of directors of Borrower approving
such increase to the Aggregate Commitment, in form and substance reasonably
acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and (b) such other documents, opinions
of counsel and certificates as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request,
each in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify Borrower and the Lenders of
the
effectiveness of any increase in the amount of the Aggregate Commitment pursuant
to this Section
2.23
and of
the Commitment of each Lender after giving effect thereto. Borrower acknowledges
that, in order to maintain Advances in accordance with each Lender’s pro rata
share of all outstanding Advances prior to any increase in the Aggregate
Commitment pursuant to this Section
2.23,
a
reallocation of the Commitments as a result of a non-pro-rata increase in the
Aggregate Commitment may require prepayment of all or portions of certain
Advances on the date of such increase (and any such prepayment shall be subject
to the provisions of Section
3.4).
2.24. Extension
of Commitment Termination Date.
2.24.1. Borrower
may request a one year extension of the then-scheduled Commitment Termination
Date by submitting a request for an extension to the Administrative Agent (an
“Extension
Request”)
no
more than 90 days prior to any anniversary of the date of this Agreement;
provided
that
Borrower may make no more than two such requests. Any Extension Request shall
specify the date (which must be at least 30 days after the Extension Request
is
delivered to the Administrative Agent) as of which the Lenders must respond
to
such Extension Request (the “Response
Date”).
Promptly upon receipt of an Extension Request, the Administrative Agent shall
notify each Lender of the contents thereof. Each Lender shall, not later than
the Response Date for any Extension Request, deliver a written response to
the
Administrative Agent approving or rejecting such Extension Request (and any
Lender that fails to deliver such a response by the Response Date shall be
deemed to have rejected such Extension Request). If Lenders that have Pro Rata
Shares of more than 50% approve an Extension Request (which approval shall
be at
the sole discretion of each Lender), then the scheduled Commitment Termination
Date for each such approving Lender shall be extended to the date that is one
year after the previously scheduled Commitment Termination Date (but the
scheduled Commitment Termination Date for each other Lender shall remain
unchanged). If Lenders that have Pro Rata Shares of 50% or more reject an
Extension Request, then the Commitment Termination Date for all Lenders shall
remain unchanged.
2.24.2. If
a
Lender does not approve an Extension Request (any such Lender, a “Non-Consenting
Lender”),
Borrower may elect to replace such Non-Consenting
Lender
as
a Lender party to this Agreement, provided
that no
Default or Unmatured Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time
of such replacement, and provided further
that,
concurrently with such replacement, another bank or other entity reasonably
satisfactory to Borrower, the LC Issuer and the Administrative Agent shall
enter
into an assignment agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit
E
in
compliance with the requirements of Section
12.3.
2.24.3. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no extension of the Commitment Termination Date pursuant to
this
Section
2.24
shall
become effective as to any Lender unless (a) no Default or Unmatured Default
shall have occurred and be continuing as of the date of such extension; and
(b)
the representations and warranties in Article
V
shall be
true and correct as of the date of such extension (except to the extent that
any
such representation or warranty is expressly stated to have been made as of
a
specific date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true
and
correct as of such specific date).
ARTICLE
III
YIELD
PROTECTION; TAXES
3.1. Yield
Protection.
If, on
or after the date of this Agreement, the adoption of any law or any governmental
or quasi-governmental rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether
or not having the force of law), or any change in the interpretation or
administration thereof by any governmental or quasi-governmental authority,
central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance by any Lender or the LC Issuer or
applicable Lending Installation with any request or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable
agency:
(i) |
subjects
any Lender or any applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer
to any
Taxes, or changes the basis of taxation of payments (other than with
respect to Excluded Taxes) to any Lender or the LC Issuer in respect
of
its Eurodollar Loans, Letters of Credit or participations therein,
or
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(ii) |
imposes
or increases or deems applicable any reserve, assessment, insurance
charge, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of,
deposits
with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender or
any
applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer (other than reserves
and
assessments taken into account in determining the interest rate applicable
to Eurodollar Advances), or
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(iii) |
imposes
any other condition the result of which is to increase the cost to
any
Lender or any applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer of
making,
funding or maintaining its Eurodollar Loans, or of issuing or
participating in Letters of Credit, or reduces any amount receivable
by
any Lender or any applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer
in
connection with its Eurodollar Loans, Letters of Credit or participations
therein, or requires any Lender or any applicable Lending Installation
or
the LC Issuer to make any payment calculated by reference to the
amount of
Eurodollar Loans, Letters of Credit or participations therein held
or
interest or fees received by it, by an amount deemed material by
such
Lender, or the LC Issuer, as the case may
be,
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and
the
result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Lender or
applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer, as the case may be, of making
or maintaining its Eurodollar Loans or Commitment, or of issuing or
participating in Letters of Credit, or to reduce the return received by such
Lender or applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer, as the case may
be,
in connection with such Eurodollar Loans, Commitment or Letters of Credit or
participations therein, then, within 15 days of demand by such Lender or the
LC
Issuer, as the case may be, Borrower shall pay such Lender or the LC Issuer,
as
the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such
Lender or the LC Issuer, as the case may be, for such increased cost or
reduction in amount received.
3.2. Changes
in Capital Adequacy Regulations.
If a
Lender or the LC Issuer determines the amount of capital required or expected
to
be maintained by such Lender or the LC Issuer, any Lending Installation of
such
Lender or the LC Issuer or any corporation controlling such Lender or the LC
Issuer is increased as a result of a Change, then, within 15 days of demand
by
such Lender or the LC Issuer, Borrower shall pay such Lender or the LC Issuer
the amount necessary to compensate for any shortfall in the rate of return
on
the portion of such increased capital which such Lender or the LC Issuer
determines is attributable to this Agreement, its Loans, Letters of Credit
(or
participations therein) or its Commitment to make Loans and issue or participate
in Letters of Credit, as the case may be, hereunder (after taking into account
such Lender’s or the LC Issuer’s policies as to capital adequacy). “Change”
means
(i) any change after the date of this Agreement in the Risk-Based Capital
Guidelines or (ii) any adoption of or change in any other law, governmental
or
quasi-governmental rule, regulation, policy, guideline, interpretation or
directive (whether or not having the force of law) after the date of this
Agreement which affects the amount of capital required or expected to be
maintained by any Lender or the LC Issuer or any Lending Installation or any
corporation controlling any Lender or the LC Issuer. “Risk-Based
Capital Guidelines”
means
(i) the risk-based capital guidelines in effect in the United States on the
date
of this Agreement, including transition rules, and (ii) the corresponding
capital regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities outside the United
States implementing the July 1988 report of the Basle Committee on Banking
Regulation and Supervisory Practices entitled “International Convergence of
Capital Measurements and Capital Standards,” including transition rules, and any
amendments to such regulations adopted prior to the date of this
Agreement.
3.3. Availability
of Types of Advances.
If (i)
any Lender determines that maintenance of its Eurodollar Loans at a suitable
Lending Installation would violate any applicable law, rule, regulation, or
directive, whether or not having the force of law, or (ii) the Required Lenders
determine that (a) deposits of a type and maturity appropriate to match fund
Eurodollar Advances are not available or (b) the interest rate applicable to
a
Type of Advance does not accurately reflect the cost of making or maintaining
such Advance, then the Administrative Agent shall suspend the availability
of
the affected Type of Advance and, in the case of clause (i), require any
affected Eurodollar Advances to be repaid or converted to Floating Rate
Advances, subject to the payment of any funding indemnification amounts required
by Section 3.4.
3.4. Funding
Indemnification.
If any
payment of a Eurodollar Advance occurs on a date which is not the last day
of
the applicable Interest Period, whether because of acceleration, prepayment
or
otherwise, or a Eurodollar Advance is not made on the date specified by Borrower
for any reason other than default by the Lenders, Borrower will indemnify each
Lender for any loss or cost incurred by it resulting therefrom, including,
without limitation, any loss or cost in liquidating or employing deposits
acquired to fund or maintain such Eurodollar Advance.
3.5. Taxes.
(i) |
All
payments by Borrower to or for the account of any Lender, the LC
Issuer or
the Administrative Agent hereunder or under any Note or Letter of
Credit
Application shall be made free and clear of and without deduction
for any
and all Taxes. If Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any
Taxes
from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder to any Lender, the
LC
Issuer or the Administrative Agent, (a) the sum payable shall be
increased
as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including
deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.5)
such Lender, the LC Issuer or the Administrative Agent (as the case
may
be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had
no such
deductions been made, (b) Borrower shall make such deductions, (c)
Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant authority
in
accordance with applicable law and (d) Borrower shall furnish to
the
Administrative Agent the original copy of a receipt evidencing payment
thereof within 30 days after such payment is
made.
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(ii) |
In
addition, Borrower hereby agrees to pay any present or future stamp
or
documentary taxes and any other excise or property taxes, charges
or
similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under
any
Note or Letter of Credit Application or from the execution or delivery
of,
or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any Note or Letter
of
Credit Application (“Other
Taxes”).
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(iii) |
Borrower
hereby agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer
and
each Lender for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including,
without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed on amounts payable
under this Section 3.5)
paid by the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer or such Lender and
any
liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom
or with respect thereto. Payments due under this indemnification
shall be
made within 30 days of the date the Administrative Agent, the LC
Issuer or
such Lender makes demand therefor pursuant to Section 3.6.
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(iv) |
To
the extent permitted by applicable law, each Lender that is not a
United
States person within the meaning of Code section 7701(a)(30) (a
“Non-U.S.
Lender”)
shall deliver to Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior
to the
date hereof (or in the case of a Lender that is a Purchaser, on the
date
of such assignment to such Lender) two accurate and complete original
signed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8ECI, or W-8IMY (or any successor
or
other applicable form prescribed by the IRS) certifying to such Lender’s
entitlement to a complete exemption from, or a reduced rate in, United
States withholding tax on interest payments to be made hereunder
or any
Loan. If a Lender that is a Non-U.S. Lender is claiming a complete
exemption from withholding on interest pursuant to Sections 871(h)
or
881(c) of the Code, the Lender shall deliver (along with two accurate
and
complete original signed copies of IRS Form W-8BEN) a certificate
in form
and substance reasonably acceptable to Agent (any such certificate,
a
“Withholding
Certificate”).
In addition, each Lender that is a Non-U.S. Lender agrees that from
time
to time after the date hereof, (or in the case of a Lender that is
a
Purchaser, after the date of the assignment to such Lender), when
a lapse
in time (or change in circumstances occurs) renders the prior certificates
hereunder obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, such Lender
shall, to the extent permitted under applicable law, deliver to Borrower
and the Administrative Agent two new and accurate and complete original
signed copies of an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8ECI, or W-8IMY (or any successor
or other applicable forms prescribed by the IRS), and if applicable,
a new
Withholding Certificate, to confirm or establish the entitlement
of such
Lender or the Administrative Agent to an exemption from, or reduction
in,
United States withholding tax on interest payments to be made hereunder
or
any Loan.
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(v) |
Each
Lender that is not a Non-U.S. Lender (other than any such Lender
which is
taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) shall
provide
two properly completed and duly executed copies of IRS Form W-9 (or
any
successor or other applicable form) to Borrower and the Administrative
Agent certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States backup
withholding tax. To the extent that a form provided pursuant to this
Section
3.5(v)
is
rendered obsolete or inaccurate in any material respects as result
of
change in circumstances with respect to the status of a Lender, such
Lender shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, deliver
to
Borrower and the Administrative Agent revised forms necessary to
confirm
or establish the entitlement to such Lender’s or Agent’s exemption from
United States backup withholding
tax.
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(vi) |
For
any period during which a Lender has failed to provide Borrower with
an
appropriate form pursuant to clause
(iv)
or
(v),
above (unless such failure is due to a change in treaty, law or
regulation, or any change in the interpretation or administration
thereof
by any governmental authority, occurring subsequent to the date on
which a
form originally was required to be provided), such Lender shall not
be
entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5
with respect to Taxes imposed by the United States; provided that,
should a Lender which is otherwise exempt from or subject to a reduced
rate of withholding tax become subject to Taxes because of its failure
to
deliver a form required under clause
(iv)
or
(v),
above, Borrower shall take such steps as such Lender shall reasonably
request to assist such Lender to recover such
Taxes.
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(vii) |
Any
Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding
tax with respect to payments under this Agreement or any Note pursuant
to
the law of any relevant jurisdiction or any treaty shall deliver
to
Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at the time or
times
prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed
documentation prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments
to
be made without withholding or at a reduced
rate.
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(viii) |
Each
Lender agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent and hold the
Administrative Agent harmless for the full amount of any and all
present
or future Taxes and related liabilities (including penalties, interest,
additions to tax and expenses, and any Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction
on amounts payable to the Administrative Agent under this Section
3.5)
which are imposed on or with respect to principal, interest or fees
payable to such Lender hereunder and which are not paid by Borrower
pursuant to this Section
3.5,
whether or not such Taxes or related liabilities were correctly or
legally
asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from
the date
the Administrative Agent makes written demand
therefor.
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(ix) |
If
the IRS or any other governmental authority of the United States
or any
other country or any political subdivision thereof asserts a claim
that
the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold tax from amounts
paid
to or for the account of any Lender (because the appropriate form
was not
delivered or properly completed, because such Lender failed to notify
the
Administrative Agent of a change in circumstances which rendered
its
exemption from withholding ineffective, or for any other reason),
such
Lender shall indemnify the Administrative Agent fully for all amounts
paid, directly or indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as tax,
withholding therefor, or otherwise, including penalties and interest,
and
including taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable to
the
Administrative Agent under this subsection, together with all costs
and
expenses related thereto (including attorneys’ fees and time charges of
attorneys for the Administrative Agent, which attorneys may be employees
of the Administrative Agent). The obligations of the Lenders under
this
Section
3.5(ix)
shall survive the payment of the Obligations and termination of this
Agreement.
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3.6. Lender
Statements; Survival of Indemnity.
To the
extent reasonably possible and upon the request of Borrower, each Lender shall
designate an alternate Lending Installation with respect to its Eurodollar
Loans
to reduce any liability of Borrower to such Lender under Sections
3.1,
3.2
and
3.5
or
to
avoid the unavailability of Eurodollar Advances under Section 3.3,
so long
as such designation is not, in the judgment of such Lender, disadvantageous
to
such Lender. Each Lender shall deliver a written statement of such Lender to
Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) as to the amount due, if
any,
under Section 3.1,
3.2,
3.4
or
3.5.
Such
written statement shall set forth in reasonable detail the calculations upon
which such Lender determined such amount and shall be final, conclusive and
binding on Borrower in the absence of manifest error. Determination of amounts
payable under such Sections in connection with a Eurodollar Loan shall be
calculated as though each Lender funded its Eurodollar Loan through the purchase
of a deposit of the type and maturity corresponding to the deposit used as
a
reference in determining the Eurodollar Rate applicable to such Loan, whether
in
fact that is the case or not. Unless otherwise provided herein, the amount
specified in the written statement of any Lender shall be payable on demand
after receipt by Borrower of such written statement. The obligations of Borrower
under Sections
3.1,
3.2,
3.4
and
3.5
shall
survive payment of the Obligations and termination of this
Agreement.
3.7. Replacement
of Lenders.
If the
Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any
governmental authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.5,
then
the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender
and
the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without
recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in
Section 12.3),
all
its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that
shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender
accepts such assignment); provided
that (i)
the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative
Agent and the LC Issuer, which consents shall not unrea-sonably be withheld
or
delayed, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to
the
outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in Letters of Credit,
LC
Obligations and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and
all
other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of
such
outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the
case of all other amounts) and (iii) such assignment will result in a
reduction in payments made under Section
3.5.
A
Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if,
prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the
circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation
cease to apply.
ARTICLE
IV
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
4.1. Initial
Credit Extension.
The
Lenders and the LC Issuer shall not be required to make the initial Credit
Extension hereunder unless Borrower has furnished to the Administrative Agent
(with sufficient copies for the Lenders, in the case of all
documents):
(i) |
Copies
of the articles or certificate of incorporation of Borrower and Guarantor,
together with all amendments, and a certificate of existence, each
certified by the appropriate governmental officer in its jurisdiction
of
incorporation.
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(ii) |
Copies,
certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of Borrower and
Guarantor, of its by-laws and of its Board of Directors’ resolutions and
of resolutions or actions of any other body authorizing the execution
of
the Loan Documents.
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(iii) |
An
incumbency certificate, executed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary
of Borrower and Guarantor, which shall identify by name and title
and bear
the signatures of the Authorized Officers and any other officers
of
Borrower and Guarantor authorized to sign the Loan Documents, upon
which
certificate the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled
to
rely until informed of any change in writing by Borrower or
Guarantor.
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(iv) |
A
certificate, signed by the chief financial officer or treasurer of
Borrower, stating that on the initial Borrowing Date no Default or
Unmatured Default has occurred and is
continuing.
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(v) |
A
written opinion of Borrower’s and Guarantor’s counsel, addressed to the
Administrative Agent, the Lenders and LC Issuer in the form approved
by
the Administrative Agent.
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(vi) |
Revolving
Credit Notes payable to the order of each of the Lenders and the
Credit
Note payable to the order of
LaSalle.
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(vii) |
Written
money transfer instructions, in substantially the form of Exhibit
D,
addressed to the Administrative Agent and signed by an Authorized
Officer,
together with such other related money transfer authorizations as
the
Administrative Agent may have reasonably
requested.
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(viii) |
The
insurance certificate described in Section 5.18.
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(ix) |
The
fees due and payable in accordance with the Fee
Letters.
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(x) |
Evidence
that the Existing Credit Agreement has been terminated, and that
all
amounts outstanding thereunder have been paid in
full.
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(xi) |
Such
other documents as any Lender or its counsel may have reasonably
requested.
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4.2. Each
Credit Extension.
The
Lenders and the LC Issuer shall not (except as otherwise set forth in
Section
2.3
with
respect to Revolving Loan Advances for the purpose of repaying Swingline
Advances) be required to make any Credit Extension, unless on the applicable
Borrowing Date:
(i) |
There
exists no Default or Unmatured
Default.
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(ii) |
The
representations and warranties contained in Article
V
are true and correct as of such Borrowing Date except to the extent
any
such representation or warranty is stated to relate solely to an
earlier
date, in which case such representation or warranty shall have been
true
and correct on and as of such earlier date; provided
that this Section
4.2(ii)
shall not apply to the representations and warranties set forth in
Section
5.5,
clause
(i)
of
the first sentence of Section
5.7,
the second sentence of Section
5.7
and Section
5.16.
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Each
Borrowing Notice or Letter of Credit Application with respect to each such
Credit Extension shall constitute a representation and warranty by Borrower
that
the conditions contained in Sections
4.2(i)
and
(ii)
have
been satisfied. Any Lender or the LC Issuer may require a duly completed
compliance certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit
C
as a
condition to making a Credit Extension.
ARTICLE
V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
Each
of
Borrower and Guarantor represents and warrants to the Lenders that:
5.1. Existence
and Standing.
Each of
Guarantor, Borrower and each Subsidiary of Borrower is a corporation,
partnership (in the case of Subsidiaries only) or limited liability company
duly
incorporated or organized, as the case may be, validly existing and (to the
extent such concept applies to such entity) in good standing under the laws
of
its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and has all requisite
authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business
is
conducted.
5.2. Authorization
and Validity.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor has the power and authority and legal right to execute
and deliver the Loan Documents to which it is a party and to perform its
obligations thereunder. The execution and delivery by each of Borrower and
Guarantor of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and the performance
of
its obligations thereunder have been duly authorized by proper corporate
proceedings, and the Loan Documents to which each of Borrower and Guarantor
is a
party constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower and Guarantor
enforceable against Borrower and Guarantor in accordance with their terms,
except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.
5.3. No
Conflict; Government Consent.
Neither
the execution or delivery by Borrower and Guarantor of the Loan Documents to
which it is a party, nor the consummation of the transactions therein
contemplated, nor compliance with the provisions thereof will violate (i) any
law, rule, regulation, order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree or award
binding on Borrower, Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries, (ii) Borrower’s,
Guarantor’s or any of their Subsidiary’s articles or certificate of
incorporation, partnership agreement, certificate of partnership, articles
or
certificate of organization, by-laws, or operating or other management
agreement, as the case may be, or (iii) the provisions of any indenture,
instrument or agreement to which Borrower, Guarantor or any of their
Subsidiaries is a party or is subject, or by which it, or its Property, is
bound, or conflict with or constitute a default thereunder, or result in, or
require, the creation or imposition of any Lien in, of or on the Property of
Borrower, Guarantor or a Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of any such indenture,
instrument or agreement. No order, consent, adjudication, approval, license,
authorization, or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with,
or
exemption by, or other action in respect of any governmental or public body
or
authority, or any subdivision thereof, which has not been obtained by Borrower,
Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries, is required to be obtained by Borrower,
Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and
delivery of the Loan Documents, the borrowings under this Agreement, the payment
and performance by Borrower of the Obligations or the legality, validity,
binding effect or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents.
5.4. Financial
Statements.
The
December 31, 2004 consolidated financial statements of Guarantor and its
Subsidiaries heretofore delivered to the Lenders were prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in effect on the date such
statements were prepared and fairly present the consolidated financial condition
and operations of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries at such date and the
consolidated results of their operations for the period then ended.
5.5. Material
Adverse Change.
Since
December 31, 2004 there has been no change in the business, Property, prospects,
condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of Guarantor and
its
Subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
5.6. Taxes.
Guarantor and its Subsidiaries have filed all United States federal tax returns
and all other tax returns which are required to be filed and have paid all
taxes
due pursuant to said returns or pursuant to any assessment received by Guarantor
or any of its Subsidiaries, except such taxes, if any, as are being contested
in
good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance
with Agreement Accounting Principles and as to which no Lien exists. The Federal
income tax liabilities of Indiana Energy, Inc., and its Subsidiaries, a
predecessor of Guarantor, and SIGCORP, Inc., and its Subsidiaries, a predecessor
of Guarantor, have been finally determined (whether by reason of completed
audits or the statute of limitations having run) for all fiscal years up to
and
including the fiscal years ended March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999,
respectively. No tax Liens have been filed and no claims are being asserted
with
respect to any such taxes. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books
of
Guarantor and its Subsidiaries in respect of any taxes or other governmental
charges are adequate.
5.7. Litigation
and Contingent Obligations.
Except
as set forth on Schedule
5.7,
there
is no litigation, arbitration, governmental investigation, proceeding or inquiry
pending or, to the knowledge of any of their officers, threatened against or
affecting Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries which (i) could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) seeks to prevent, enjoin
or
delay the making of any Credit Extensions. Other than any liability incident
to
any litigation, arbitration or proceeding which (i) could not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,
(ii) is
disclosed in the Form 10-K of Guarantor for the fiscal year ended December
31,
2004 or
(iii)
is permitted by Section
6.11
or (iv)
is set forth on Schedule
5.7
or
Schedule
5.14,
Guarantor has no material Contingent Obligations (other than guarantees of
obligations (other than Indebtedness) of Subsidiaries, which obligations are
not
prohibited by this Agreement).
5.8. Subsidiaries.
Schedule
5.8
contains
an accurate list of all Subsidiaries of Borrower as of the date of this
Agreement, setting forth their respective jurisdictions of organization and
the
percentage of their respective capital stock or other ownership interests owned
by Borrower or other Subsidiaries. All of the issued and outstanding shares
of
capital stock or other ownership interests of such Subsidiaries have been (to
the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests)
duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.
5.9. ERISA.
Neither
Guarantor nor any other member of the Controlled Group has incurred, or is
reasonably expected to incur, any withdrawal liability to Multiemployer Plans
that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Plan
complies in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law and
regulations, no Reportable Event has occurred with respect to any Plan, neither
Guarantor nor any other member of the Controlled Group has withdrawn from any
Plan or initiated steps to do so, and no steps have been taken to reorganize
or
terminate any Plan.
5.10. Accuracy
of Information.
No
information, exhibit or report furnished by Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries
to the Administrative Agent or to any Lender in connection with the negotiation
of, or compliance with, the Loan Documents contained any material misstatement
of fact or omitted to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the
statements contained therein not misleading.
5.11. Regulation
U.
Margin
stock (as defined in Regulation U) constitutes less than 25% of the value of
those assets of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries which are subject to any
limitation on sale, pledge, or other restriction hereunder.
5.12. Material
Agreements.
Neither
Guarantor nor any Subsidiary is a party to any agreement or instrument or
subject to any charter or other corporate restriction which could reasonably
be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither Guarantor nor any Subsidiary
thereof is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any
of
the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (i) any agreement to
which
it is a party, which default could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect or (ii) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing
Indebtedness.
5.13. Compliance
With Laws.
Guarantor and its Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable statutes,
rules, regulations, orders and restrictions of any domestic or foreign
government or any instrumentality or agency thereof having jurisdiction over
the
conduct of their respective businesses or the ownership of their respective
Property except for any failure to comply with any of the foregoing which could
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.14. Ownership
of Properties.
Except
as set forth on Schedule
5.14,
on the
date of this Agreement, Guarantor and its Subsidiaries will have good title,
free of all Liens other than those permitted by Section 6.15,
to all
of the Property and assets reflected in Guarantor’s most recent consolidated
financial statements provided to the Administrative Agent as owned by Guarantor
and its Subsidiaries.
5.15. Plan
Assets; Prohibited Transactions.
Borrower is not an entity deemed to hold “plan assets” within the meaning of 29
C.F.R. § 2510.3-101 of an employee benefit plan (as defined in
Section 3(3) of ERISA) which is subject to Title I of ERISA or any plan
(within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code), and neither the execution
of this Agreement nor the making of Credit Extensions hereunder gives rise
to a
prohibited transaction within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code.
5.16. Environmental
Matters.
In the
ordinary course of its business, the officers of Guarantor consider the effect
of Environmental Laws on the business of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries, in
the
course of which they identify and evaluate potential risks and liabilities
accruing to Guarantor due to Environmental Laws. On the basis of this
consideration, Guarantor has concluded that, except as set forth on Schedule
5.16,
Environmental Laws cannot reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect. Except as set forth on Schedule
5.16,
neither
Guarantor nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any notice to the effect
that
its operations are not in material compliance with any of the requirements
of
applicable Environmental Laws or are the subject of any federal or state
investigation evaluating whether any remedial action is needed to respond to
a
release of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment,
which
non-compliance or remedial action could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.
5.17. Investment
Company Act.
Neither
Guarantor nor any Subsidiary is an “investment company” or a company
“controlled” by an “investment company”, within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.
5.18. Insurance.
The
certificate signed by the President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary or
Treasurer of Borrower, that attests to the existence and adequacy of, and
summarizes, the property and casualty insurance program carried by Borrower
with
respect to itself and its Subsidiaries and that has been furnished by Borrower
to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, is complete and accurate. This
summary includes the insurer’s or insurers’ name(s), policy number(s),
expiration date(s), amount(s) of coverage, type(s) of coverage, exclusion(s),
and deductibles. This summary also includes similar information, and describes
any reserves, relating to any self-insurance program that is in
effect.
5.19. Solvency.
(a) Immediately
after the consummation of the transactions to occur on the date hereof and
immediately following the making of each Loan, if any, made on the date hereof
and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Loans, (a)
the fair value of the assets of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis, at a fair valuation, will exceed the debts and liabilities, subordinated,
contingent or otherwise, of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis; (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of Guarantor and
its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will be greater than the amount that will
be required to pay the probable liability of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries
on a
consolidated basis on their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, continent
or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured;
(c) Guarantor and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will be able to
pay
their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such
debts and liabilities become absolute and matured; and (d) Guarantor and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will not have unreasonably small capital
with which to conduct the businesses in which they are engaged as such
businesses are now conducted and are proposed to be conducted after the date
hereof.
(b) Guarantor
does not intend to, or to permit any of its Subsidiaries to, and does not
believe that it or any of its Subsidiaries will, incur debts beyond its ability
to pay such debts as they mature, taking into account the timing of and amounts
of cash to be received by it or any such Subsidiary and the timing of the
amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its Indebtedness or the
Indebtedness of any such Subsidiary.
5.20. Public
Utility Holding Company Act.
Neither
Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a “holding company” or a “subsidiary company” of
a “holding company”, or an “affiliate” of a “holding company” or of a
“subsidiary company” of a “holding company”, within the meaning of the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, and the Form U-3A-2/A of
Guarantor filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 23, 2004
was filed in good faith.
5.21. Reportable
Transaction.
Borrower does not intend to treat the Advances and related transactions as
being
a “reportable transaction” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section
1.6011-4). In the event Borrower determines to take any action inconsistent
with
such intention, it will promptly notify the Administrative Agent
thereof.
5.22. Existing
Credit Agreement.
All
indebtedness under the Existing Credit Agreement has been repaid in full, all
commitments thereunder have been terminated and such agreement and other related
loan documents have been terminated.
ARTICLE
VI
COVENANTS
Until
the
Obligations are paid in full, and so long as any Commitment is outstanding,
unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing:
6.1. Financial
Reporting.
Guarantor will maintain, for itself and each Subsidiary, a system of accounting
established and administered in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and Guarantor and/or Borrower will furnish to the
Lenders:
(i) |
Within
90 days after the close of each of its fiscal years, (a) an unqualified
audit report certified by independent certified public accountants
acceptable to the Lenders, prepared in accordance with Agreement
Accounting Principles on a consolidated basis for Guarantor and its
Subsidiaries, including balance sheets as of the end of such period,
related statements of income and retained earnings, and a statement
of
cash flows, accompanied by any management letter prepared by said
accountants and (b) unaudited financial statements for Borrower and
its
Subsidiaries, prepared in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles
on a consolidated basis for Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including
balance sheets as of the end of such period, related profit and loss
and
reconciliation of surplus statements and a statement of cash
flows.
|
(ii) |
Within
45 days after the close of the first three quarterly periods of each
of
its fiscal years, for Guarantor and its Subsidiaries either (i) a
consolidated unaudited balance sheet as at the close of each such
period
and consolidated statements of income and retained earnings and a
statement of cash flows for the period from the beginning of such
fiscal
year to the end of such quarter, all certified by Guarantor’s chief
financial officer or (ii) if Guarantor is then a “registrant” within the
meaning of Rule 1-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and required to file a report on Form 10-Q with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, a copy of Guarantor’s report on Form 10-Q for
such quarterly period.
|
(iii) |
Together
with the financial statements required under Sections
6.1(i)
and (ii),
a
compliance certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit
C
signed by its Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer showing the
calculations necessary to determine compliance with this Agreement
and
stating that No Default or Unmatured Default exists, or if any Default
or
Unmatured Default exists, stating the nature and status
thereof.
|
(iv) |
As
soon as possible and in any event within 10 days after Borrower knows
that
any Reportable Event has occurred with respect to any Plan, a statement,
signed by the chief financial officer of Borrower, describing said
Reportable Event and the action which Borrower proposes to take with
respect thereto.
|
(v) |
As
soon as possible and in any event within 10 days after receipt by
Borrower, a copy of (a) any notice or claim to the effect that Borrower
or
any of its Subsidiaries is or may be liable to any Person as a result
of
the release by Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any other Person
of
any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment, and
(b)
any notice alleging any violation of any federal, state or local
environmental, health or safety law or regulation by Borrower or
any of
its Subsidiaries, which, in either case, could reasonably be expected
to
have a Material Adverse Effect.
|
(vi) |
Promptly
upon the furnishing thereof to the shareholders of Guarantor, copies
of
all financial statements, reports and proxy statements so
furnished.
|
(vii) |
Promptly
upon the filing thereof, copies of all registration statements (other
than
registration statements on Form S-8 or any successor form thereto
and
other than registration statements relating to shares to be issued
under a
dividend reinvestment plan) and annual, quarterly, monthly or other
regular reports which Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries files
with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
|
(viii) |
Such
other information (including non-financial information) as the
Administrative Agent or any Lender may from time to time reasonably
request.
|
Documents
required to be delivered pursuant to clause
(i),
(ii),
(vi)
or
(vii)
above
may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have
been delivered on the date (i) on which Borrower posts such documents, or
provides a link thereto, on a website on the internet at a website address
previously specified to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders; or (ii) on
which such documents are posted on Borrower’s behalf on IntraLinks or another
relevant website, if any, to which each of the Administrative Agent and each
Lender has access; provided
that (x)
upon request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, Borrower shall deliver
paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent or such Lender (until
a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the
Administrative Agent or such Lender) and (y) Borrower shall notify (which may
be
by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent and each Lender of
the
posting of any documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation
to
request the delivery of, or to maintain copies of, the documents referred to
above or to monitor compliance by Borrower with any such request for delivery,
and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or
maintaining its copies of such documents.
6.2. Use
of
Proceeds.
Use the
proceeds of the Advances solely for the purposes herein described. Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, use
any
of the proceeds of the Credit Extensions to purchase or carry any “margin stock”
(as defined in Regulation U) which is subject to any limitation on sale, pledge,
or other restriction hereunder.
6.3. Notice
of Default.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, give notice
in
writing to the Lenders of the occurrence of any Default or Unmatured Default
and
of any other development, financial or otherwise, which could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, in each case promptly after any
officer of Borrower or Guarantor obtains knowledge thereof.
6.4. Conduct
of Business.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, carry on and
conduct its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially
the
same or reasonably related fields of enterprise as it is presently conducted
and
do all things necessary to remain duly incorporated or organized, validly
existing and (to the extent such concept applies to such entity) in good
standing as a domestic corporation, partnership or limited liability company
in
its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, as the case may be, and
maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction
in
which its business is conducted.
6.5. Taxes.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, timely file
complete and correct United States federal and applicable foreign, state and
local tax returns required by law and pay when due all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges and levies upon it or its income, profits or Property,
except those which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside in accordance
with Agreement Accounting Principles.
6.6. Insurance.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain with
financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance on all their
Property in such amounts and covering such risks as is consistent with sound
business practice, and Borrower will furnish to any Lender upon request full
information as to the insurance carried.
6.7. Compliance
with Laws.
(a) Each
of
Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, comply with
all
laws, rules, regulations, orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, decrees or
awards to which it may be subject including, without limitation, all
Environmental Laws, except where such noncompliance, singly or in the aggregate,
could not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Without
limiting clause
(a)
above,
each of Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, ensure
that no person who owns a controlling interest in or otherwise controls
Borrower, Guarantor or a Subsidiary is or shall be (i) listed on the Specially
Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List maintained by the Office of Foreign
Assets Control (“OFAC”),
Department of the Treasury, and/or any other similar lists maintained by OFAC
pursuant to any authorizing statute, Executive Order or regulation or (ii)
a
person designated under Section 1(b), (c) or (d) of Executive Order No. 13224
(September 23, 2001), any related enabling legislation or any other similar
Executive Orders.
(c) Without
limiting clause
(a)
above,
each of Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, comply
with the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”)
and
all other applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations.
6.8. Maintenance
of Properties.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, do all things
necessary to maintain, preserve, protect and keep its Property in good repair,
working order and condition, and make all necessary and proper repairs, renewals
and replacements so that its business carried on in connection therewith may
be
properly conducted at all times, except where such failure, to maintain, singly
or in the aggregate, could not have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.9. Inspection.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will, and will cause each of their respective
Subsidiaries to, permit the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, by their
respective representatives and agents, to inspect any of the Property, books
and
financial records of Borrower, Guarantor and each Subsidiary, to examine and
make copies of the books of accounts and other financial records of Borrower,
Guarantor and each Subsidiary, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts
of Borrower, Guarantor and each Subsidiary with, and to be advised as to the
same by, their respective officers at such reasonable times and intervals as
the
Administrative Agent or any Lender may designate.
6.10. Dividends.
Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or pay any
dividends or make any distributions on its capital stock (other than dividends
payable in its own capital stock) or redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire
or
retire any of its capital stock at any time outstanding; except that any
Subsidiary may declare and pay dividends or make distributions to Borrower
or to
a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Borrower.
6.11. Indebtedness.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary (excluding
Vectren Utility Holdings, Inc. and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof) to,
create, incur or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(i) |
The
Obligations.
|
(ii) |
Indebtedness
existing on the date hereof and (A) disclosed in the Form 10-K of
Guarantor for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 or (B) described
on
Schedule
5.14
(including, but not limited to, amounts available under commitments
related thereto but not yet drawn upon) (the “Existing
Indebtedness”)
and any Indebtedness extending the maturity of, or refunding or
refinancing, such Existing Indebtedness, provided
that the principal amount of such Existing Indebtedness shall not
be
increased above the amount thereof immediately prior to such extension,
refunding or refinancing (including, but not limited to, amounts
available
under commitments related thereto but not yet drawn upon), and the
direct
and contingent obligors therefor shall not be changed, as a result
of or
in connection with such extension, refunding or
refinancing.
|
(iii) |
Indebtedness
not exceeding $300,000,000 in the aggregate outstanding at any
time.
|
(iv) |
Indebtedness
of (a) Guarantor or Borrower owing to any Subsidiary of Guarantor
or
Subsidiary of Borrower or (b) any Subsidiary of Guarantor or Borrower
owing to Guarantor or Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries (collectively,
“Intercompany
Indebtedness”).
|
(v) |
Indebtedness
incurred with respect to Financial Contracts that are (A) entered
into by
Borrower, Guarantor or a Subsidiary of Borrower or Guarantor consistent
with such Person’s past practices and in the ordinary course of such
Person’s business and (B) not entered into for speculative
purposes.
|
(vi) |
Indebtedness
of a Person existing on the date the Person becomes a Subsidiary
of
Guarantor or Borrower, provided
such Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation of such Person
becoming a Subsidiary (“Subsidiary
Existing Indebtedness”)
and any Indebtedness extending the maturity of, or refunding or
refinancing, such Subsidiary Existing Indebtedness, provided
that the principal amount of such extension, refunding or refinancing
Indebtedness shall not be increased above the amount thereof immediately
prior to such extension, refunding or refinancing and there shall
not be
any change in the direct and indirect obligors
thereunder.
|
(vii) |
Indebtedness
assumed by a new Subsidiary of Guarantor (which Indebtedness is
non-recourse to Guarantor and its other Subsidiaries), in connection
with
the Acquisition of assets of a Person that had theretofore been obligated
on such Indebtedness, provided
such Indebtedness was not incurred by such other Person in contemplation
of such Acquisition and any Indebtedness extending the maturity of,
or
refunding or refinancing, such Indebtedness, provided
that the principal amount of such extension, refunding or refinancing
Indebtedness shall not be increased above the amount thereof immediately
prior to such extension, refunding or refinancing and there shall
not be
any change in the direct and indirect obligors
thereunder.
|
(viii) |
Indebtedness
of
any Subsidiary of Guarantor (other than Borrower) which Indebtedness
is
non-recourse to Guarantor and its other
Subsidiaries.
|
(ix) |
Up
to $125,000,000 of Indebtedness of Borrower (and guaranteed by Guarantor)
to be issued under the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October
11,
2005 among Borrower, Guarantor and the purchasers named therein,
and any
Indebtedness extending the maturity of, or refunding or refinancing,
such
Indebtedness, provided
that the principal amount of such extension, refunding or refinancing
Indebtedness shall not be increased above the amount thereof immediately
prior to such extension, refunding or refinancing and there shall
not be
any change in the direct and indirect obligors
thereunder.
|
6.12. Merger.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, merge
or
consolidate with or into any other Person, except (i) a Subsidiary of Guarantor
may merge into Guarantor or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Guarantor and (ii)
provided
that,
both prior to and immediately after giving effect to such merger or
consolidation, no Default or Unmatured Default exists, Borrower and Guarantor
may enter into mergers (provided
that (a)
Borrower, or Guarantor, as the case may be, is the surviving corporation of
any
such merger or consolidation to which such Person is a party or (b) if Borrower
or Guarantor is not the surviving entity of such merger or consolidation, (x)
the Person into which Borrower or Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be merged
or formed by any such consolidation (1) shall be a corporation organized and
validly existing under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or
the
District of Columbia and (2) shall assume Borrower’s or Guarantor’s, as
applicable, obligations hereunder and under the Notes in an agreement or
instrument satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent and
(y) the Xxxxx’x Rating and the S&P Rating (each as defined in the Pricing
Schedule) of the surviving corporation in effect immediately after giving effect
to such merger or consolidation shall not be less than “Baa3” (in the case of
the Xxxxx’x Rating) and “BBB-” (in the case of the S&P
Rating)).
6.13. Sale
of Assets.
Guarantor will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary of Guarantor to, lease,
sell or otherwise dispose of its Property to any other Person,
except:
(i) |
Sales
of inventory in the ordinary course of
business.
|
(ii) |
Leases,
sales or other dispositions of its Property that, together with all
other
Property of Guarantor and its Subsidiaries previously leased, sold
or
disposed of (other than inventory in the ordinary course of business)
as
permitted by this Section during the twelve-month period ending with
the
month in which any such lease, sale or other disposition occurs,
do not
constitute all or substantially all of the Property of Guarantor
and its
Subsidiaries.
|
6.14. Investments
and Acquisitions.
Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, make or suffer to
exist
any Investments (including without limitation, loans and advances to, and other
Investments in, Subsidiaries), or commitments therefor, or to create any
Subsidiary or to become or remain a partner in any partnership or joint venture,
or to make any Acquisition of any Person, except:
(i) |
Cash
Equivalent Investments.
|
(ii) |
Investments
in Subsidiaries and other Investments, in each case in existence
on the
date hereof and described in Schedule
5.8.
|
(iii) |
Loans
and advances by Borrower to Guarantor and Guarantor’s
Subsidiaries.
|
6.15. Liens.
Each of
Borrower and Guarantor will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, create,
incur, or suffer to exist any Lien in, of or on the Property of Borrower,
Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries, except:
(i) |
Liens
for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies on its Property
if the same shall not at the time be delinquent or thereafter can
be paid
without penalty, or are being contested in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings and for which adequate reserves in accordance with Agreement
Accounting Principles shall have been set aside on its
books.
|
(ii) |
Liens
imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ liens and
other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business which
secure payment of obligations not more than 60 days past due, and
such
other carriers’ warehousemen’s and mechanics’ liens that are being
contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and for which
adequate reserves in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles
shall
have been set aside on its books.
|
(iii) |
Liens
arising out of pledges or deposits under worker’s compensation laws,
unemployment insurance, old age pensions, or other social security
or
retirement benefits, or similar
legislation.
|
(iv) |
Utility
easements, building restrictions and such other encumbrances or charges
against real property as are of a nature generally existing with
respect
to properties of a similar character and which do not in any material
way
affect the marketability of the same or interfere with the use thereof
in
the business of Guarantor or its
Subsidiaries.
|
(v) |
Liens
existing on the date hereof and described in Schedule
5.14,
including extensions, renewals or replacements of any such Liens
in
connection with the extension, renewal or replacement of any related
Existing Indebtedness (without any increase in the amount thereof
or any
change in the direct and contingent obligors thereof); provided
that in connection with the refinancing of any such Existing Indebtedness
such Liens shall extend only to the property covered by such Liens
immediately prior to such extension, renewal or
replacement.
|
(vi) |
Liens
securing Indebtedness of a Person existing on the date the Person
becomes
a Subsidiary of the Guarantor or Liens on assets securing Indebtedness
assumed by the Guarantor or a Subsidiary of the Guarantor when such
assets
are acquired by the Guarantor or a Subsidiary of the Guarantor, including
extensions, renewals or replacements of any such Liens, provided,
however,
that (i) such Liens were not created in contemplation of such Person
becoming a Subsidiary or the acquisition of such assets and (ii)
such
Liens may not extend to any other Property owned by the Guarantor
or any
of its Subsidiaries.
|
(vii) |
Liens
under the Mortgage Indenture on the property of Southern Indiana
Gas and
Electric Company that is subject to the Mortgage Indenture (without
giving
effect to any amendments thereto after the date hereof that would
expand
the description of the collateral subject to the lien
thereof).
|
(viii) |
Liens
securing Intercompany Indebtedness owing to
Borrower.
|
(ix) |
Liens
securing Indebtedness not exceeding 10% of Guarantor’s Consolidated Net
Worth in the aggregate outstanding at any
time.
|
6.16. Affiliates.
Except
as permitted by Section
6.14(iii),
Borrower will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any
transaction (including, without limitation, the purchase or sale of any Property
or service) with, or make any payment or transfer to, any Affiliate except
in
the ordinary course of business and pursuant to the reasonable requirements
of
Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms no
less favorable to Borrower or such Subsidiary than Borrower or such Subsidiary
would obtain in a comparable arms’-length transaction; provided
that in
a transaction between Borrower and a Subsidiary, the transaction need only
be
arm’s length with respect to Borrower.
6.17. Leverage
Ratio.
Guarantor will not permit the ratio, determined as of the end of each of its
fiscal quarters, of (i) Guarantor’s Consolidated Indebtedness to (ii)
Guarantor’s Consolidated Indebtedness plus Guarantor’s Consolidated Net Worth to
be greater than .65 to 1.0.
6.18. Certain
Restrictions.
Guarantor shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance
or restriction on the ability of any Subsidiary to (a) pay dividends or make
other distributions on its capital stock owned by Guarantor or any Subsidiary,
or pay any Indebtedness owed to Guarantor or any Subsidiary (other than as
described on Schedule
6.18
and
other customary limits imposed by corporate law and fraudulent conveyance
statutes and applicable restrictions contained in section 305(a) of the Federal
Power Act, as amended), (b) make loans or advances to Guarantor or Borrower
or
(c) transfer any of its assets or properties to Guarantor or Borrower, except
for such encumbrances or restrictions existing by reason of or under (i)
applicable law, (ii) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (iii)
customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement
that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially
all of the capital stock of such Subsidiaries, (iv) restrictions binding on
any
Subsidiary on the date it becomes a Subsidiary, provided
such
restrictions were not created in contemplation of such Person becoming a
Subsidiary or (v) restrictions set forth on Schedule
6.18.
ARTICLE
VII
DEFAULTS
The
occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a
Default:
7.1. Any
representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of Borrower,
Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries to the Lenders or the Administrative Agent
under or in connection with this Agreement, any Credit Extension, any other
Loan
Document or any certificate or information delivered in connection with this
Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be materially false on the date
as of
which made.
7.2. Nonpayment
of principal of any Loan or reimbursement obligation in respect of any Letter
of
Credit when due, or nonpayment of interest upon any Loan or of any facility
fee,
Letter of Credit fee or other obligation under any of the Loan Documents within
five days after the same becomes due.
7.3. The
breach by Borrower or Guarantor of any of the terms or provisions of
Section
6.2,
6.3,
6.10,
6.11,
6.12,
6.13,
6.14,
6.15,
6.16,
6.17
or
6.18.
7.4. The
breach by Borrower or Guarantor (other than a breach which constitutes a Default
under another Section of this Article
VII)
of any
of the terms or provisions of this Agreement which is not remedied within thirty
days.
7.5. Failure
of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Guarantor to pay when due (whether
at
stated maturity, on the date fixed for prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise)
any Indebtedness aggregating in excess of $50,000,000 (“Material
Indebtedness”);
or
the default by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Guarantor in the
performance (beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any)
of
any term, provision or condition contained in any agreement under which any
such
Material Indebtedness was created or is governed, or any other event shall
occur
or condition exist, the effect of which default or event is to cause, or to
permit the holder or holders of such Material Indebtedness to cause, such
Material Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated maturity; or any
Material Indebtedness of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Guarantor shall
be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid or repurchased
(other than by a regularly scheduled payment) prior to the stated maturity
thereof; or Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Guarantor shall not pay,
or
admit in writing its inability to pay, its debts generally as they become
due.
7.6. Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries or Guarantor shall (i) have an order for relief
entered with respect to it under the Federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter
in effect, (ii) make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iii) apply
for, seek, consent to, or acquiesce in, the appointment of a receiver,
custodian, trustee, examiner, liquidator or similar official for it or any
Substantial Portion of its Property, (iv) institute any proceeding seeking
an
order for relief under the Federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect
or seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking dissolution,
winding up, liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition
of it or its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization or relief of debtors or fail to file an answer or other pleading
denying the material allegations of any such proceeding filed against it, (v)
take any corporate or other organizational action to authorize or effect any
of
the foregoing actions set forth in this Section 7.6
or (vi)
fail to contest in good faith any appointment or proceeding described in
Section 7.7.
7.7. Without
the application, approval or consent of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,
or
Guarantor, a receiver, trustee, examiner, liquidator or similar official shall
be appointed for Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Guarantor or any
Substantial Portion of its Property, or a proceeding described in Section 7.6(iv)
shall be
instituted against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or Guarantor and such
appointment continues undischarged or such proceeding continues undismissed
or
unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days.
7.8. Any
court, government or governmental agency shall condemn, seize or otherwise
appropriate, or take custody or control of, all or any portion of the Property
of Borrower and its Subsidiaries or Guarantor which, when taken together with
all other Property of Borrower and its Subsidiaries or Guarantor so condemned,
seized, appropriated, or taken custody or control of, during the twelve-month
period ending with the month in which any such action occurs, constitutes a
Substantial Portion.
7.9. Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries or any Guarantor shall fail within 30 days to pay,
bond or otherwise discharge any judgment or order for the payment of money
in
excess of $50,000,000, which is not stayed on appeal or otherwise being
appropriately contested in good faith.
7.10. The
Unfunded Liabilities of all Single Employer Plans shall have a Material Adverse
Effect or be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect or any
Reportable Event shall occur in connection with any Plan.
7.11. Borrower
or any other member of the Controlled Group shall have been notified by the
sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that it has incurred withdrawal liability to
such Multiemployer Plan in an amount which, when aggregated with all other
amounts required to be paid to Multiemployer Plans by Borrower or any other
member of the Controlled Group as withdrawal liability (determined as of the
date of such notification), shall have a Material Adverse Effect or be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
7.12. Borrower
or any other member of the Controlled Group shall have been notified by the
sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan is in
reorganization or is being terminated, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA,
if such reorganization or termination shall have a Material Adverse Effect
or be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
7.13. Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) be the subject of any proceeding or
investigation pertaining to the release by Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries
or
any other Person of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the
environment, or (ii) violate any Environmental Law, which, in the case of an
event described in clause
(i)
or
clause (ii), has a Material Adverse Effect.
7.14. Any
Change in Control shall occur.
7.15. The
occurrence of any “default”, as defined in any Loan Document (other than this
Agreement) or the breach of any of the terms or provisions of any Loan Document
(other than this Agreement), which default or breach continues beyond any period
of grace therein provided.
7.16. The
obligations of Guarantor under Article
XIII
hereof
shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to
discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any of such
obligations, or Guarantor shall deny that it has any further liability under
such Article
XIII,
or
shall give notice to such effect.
ARTICLE
VIII
ACCELERATION,
WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES
8.1. Acceleration.
If any
Default described in Section 7.6
or
7.7
occurs
with respect to Borrower, Guarantor or any of Borrower’s Subsidiaries, the
commitments of the Lenders to make, renew or convert Advances and to participate
in Letters of Credit, and the obligation and power of the LC Issuer to issue
Letters of Credit hereunder shall automatically terminate and the Obligations
(including, without limitation, the obligation to deposit with the
Administrative Agent a sum equal to the aggregate face amount of the outstanding
Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 8.3
hereof)
shall immediately become due and payable without any election or action on
the
part of the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer or any Lender. If any other
Default occurs, then upon the declaration of the Required Lenders or the
Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders, the obligations
of the Lenders to make, renew or convert Advances and to participate in Letters
of Credit, and the obligation and power of the LC Issuer to issue Letters of
Credit under this Agreement shall terminate and the Obligations (including,
without limitation, the obligation to deposit with the Administrative Agent
a
sum equal to the aggregate face amount of the outstanding Letters of Credit
pursuant to Section 8.3
hereof)
shall immediately become due and payable. In either event, the Obligations
shall
become immediately due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or
notice of any kind, all of which Borrower hereby expressly waives.
If,
within 30 days after acceleration of the maturity of the Obligations or
termination of the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and to participate
in Letters of Credit and the obligation and power of the LC Issuer to issue
Letters of Credit hereunder as a result of any Default (other than any Default
as described in Section 7.6
or
7.7
with
respect to Borrower, Guarantor or any of Borrower’s Subsidiaries) and before any
judgment or decree for the payment of the Obligations due shall have been
obtained or entered, the Required Lenders (in their sole discretion) shall
so
direct, the Administrative Agent shall, by notice to Borrower, rescind and
annul
such acceleration and/or termination.
8.2. Remedies
Not Exclusive.
The
remedies of the Lenders specified in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
shall not be exclusive and the Lenders may avail themselves of any of the
remedies provided by law as well as any equitable remedies available to the
Lenders, and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and concurrent and shall
be in addition to every other remedy now or hereafter existing at law or in
equity.
8.3. Deposit
to Secure Reimbursement Obligations.
When
any Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing, the Required
Lenders or the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders
may
demand that Borrower immediately pay to the Administrative Agent an amount
equal
to the aggregate outstanding amount of the Letters of Credit and Borrower shall
immediately upon any such demand make such payment. Borrower hereby irrevocably
grants to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders a security
interest in all funds deposited to the credit of or in transit to any deposit
account or fund established pursuant to this Section 8.3
(the
“LC
Collateral Account”),
including, without limitation, any investment of such fund. Borrower hereby
acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and the LC Issuer would
not have an adequate remedy at law for failure by Borrower to honor any demand
made under this Section 8.3
and that
the Administrative Agent and the LC Issuer shall have the right to require
Borrower specifically to perform its undertakings in this Section 8.3
whether
or not any draws have been made under any Letter of Credit. In the event the
Administrative Agent or the LC Issuer makes a demand pursuant to this
Section 8.3,
and
Borrower makes the payment demanded, the Administrative Agent agrees to invest
the amount of such payment for the account of Borrower and at Borrower’s risk
and direction in short-term Investments acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
The Administrative Agent may at any time or from time to time after funds are
deposited in the LC Collateral Account, apply such funds to the payment of
Obligations and any other amounts as shall from time to time have become due
and
payable by Borrower to the Lenders or the LC Issuer under the Loan Documents.
At
any time while any Default is continuing, neither Borrower nor any Person
claiming on behalf of or through Borrower shall have a right to withdraw any
of
the funds held in the LC Collateral Account. After all of the Obligations have
been indefeasibly paid in full and the Commitments have been terminated, any
funds remaining on the LC Collateral Account shall be returned by the
Administrative Agent to Borrower or paid to whomever may be legally entitled
thereto at such time.
8.4. Subrogation.
The LC
Issuer shall, to the extent of any payments made by the LC Issuer under any
Letter of Credit, be subrogated to all rights of the beneficiary of such Letter
of Credit as to all obligations of Borrower and its Subsidiaries with respect
to
which such payment shall have been made by the LC Issuer.
8.5. Amendments.
Subject
to the provisions of this Article
VIII,
the
Required Lenders (or the Administrative Agent with the consent in writing of
the
Required Lenders) and Borrower may enter into agreements supplemental hereto
for
the purpose of adding or modifying any provisions to the Loan Documents or
changing in any manner the rights of the Lenders or Borrower hereunder or
waiving any Default or failure to fulfill any condition under Article
IV
hereunder; provided,
however, that no such supplemental agreement shall, without the consent of
each
Lender:
(i) |
Other
than as provided in Section
2.24,
extend the final maturity of any Loan, or extend the expiry date
of any
Letter of Credit to a date after the Commitment Termination Date
or
postpone any regularly scheduled payment of principal of any Loan
or
forgive all or any portion of the principal amount thereof or any
reimbursement obligation in respect of any Letter of Credit, or reduce
the
rate or extend the time of payment of interest or fees thereon or
any
reimbursement obligation in respect of any Letter of
Credit.
|
(ii) |
Reduce
the percentage specified in the definition of Required
Lenders.
|
(iii) |
Other
than as provided in Section
2.24,
extend the Commitment Termination Date, or reduce the amount or extend
the
payment date for, the mandatory payments required under Section 2.2,
or increase the amount of the Commitment of any Lender hereunder
or the
commitment of the LC Issuer to issue Letters of Credit or permit
Borrower
to assign its rights under this
Agreement.
|
(iv) |
Amend
this Section 8.5.
|
(v) |
Amend,
modify or waive Article
XIII
or
release Guarantor from its obligations
thereunder.
|
(vi) |
Waive
compliance with the conditions set forth in Section
4.1.
|
No
amendment of any provision of this Agreement relating to the Administrative
Agent shall be effective without the written consent of the Administrative
Agent. No amendment to any provision relating to the LC Issuer shall be
effective without the written consent of the LC Issuer. No amendment of any
provision of this Agreement relating to LaSalle (as the Swingline Lender) or
any
Swingline Advances shall be effective without the written consent of LaSalle.
The Administrative Agent may waive payment of the fee required under
Section 12.3.2
without
obtaining the consent of any other party to this Agreement. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, the Fee Letters may be amended or otherwise
modified with the consent of the parties thereto, without requiring the consent
of any other Lender.
8.6. Preservation
of Rights.
No
delay or omission of the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer or any Lender
to
exercise any power or right under the Loan Documents shall impair such power
or
right or be construed to be a waiver of any Default or an acquiescence therein,
and any single or partial exercise of any power or right shall not preclude
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other power or right.
No Credit Extension hereunder shall constitute a waiver of any of the conditions
of any Lender’s or the LC Issuer’s obligation to make further Credit Extensions,
nor, in the event Borrower is unable to satisfy any such condition, shall a
waiver of such condition in any one instance have the effect of precluding
any
Lender or the LC Issuer from thereafter declaring such inability to be a Default
hereunder. No course of dealing shall be binding upon the Administrative Agent,
the LC Issuer or any Lender. No waiver, amendment or other variation of the
terms, conditions or provisions of the Loan Documents shall be valid unless
in
writing and signed by the Persons required pursuant to Section
8.5,
and
then only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth.
ARTICLE
IX
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
9.1. Survival
of Representations.
All
representations and warranties of Borrower and Guarantor contained in this
Agreement shall survive the making of the Credit Extensions herein
contemplated.
9.2. Governmental
Regulation.
Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither
the LC Issuer nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to Borrower
in
violation of any limitation or prohibition provided by any applicable statute
or
regulation.
9.3. Headings.
Section
headings in the Loan Documents are for convenience of reference only, and shall
not govern the interpretation of any of the provisions of the Loan
Documents.
9.4. Entire
Agreement.
The
Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding among Borrower,
Guarantor, the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and the Lenders and supersede
all prior agreements and understandings among Borrower, Guarantor, the
Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and the Lenders relating to the subject
matter thereof other than the Fee Letters.
9.5. Several
Obligations; Benefits of this Agreement.
The
respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and
no
Lender shall be the partner or agent of any other (except to the extent to
which
the Administrative Agent is authorized to act as such). The failure of any
Lender to perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other
Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement shall not be
construed so as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the
parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and assigns;
provided,
however,
that
the parties hereto expressly agree that the Arrangers shall enjoy the benefits
of Sections
9.6,
9.10
and
10.11
to the
extent specifically set forth therein and each Arranger shall have the right
to
enforce such provisions on its own behalf and in its own name to the same extent
as if it were a party to this Agreement.
9.6. Expenses;
Indemnification.
(a) Borrower
shall reimburse the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers for any costs,
internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys’ fees and time
charges of attorneys for the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers, which
attorneys may be employees of the Administrative Agent or the Arrangers) paid
or
incurred by the Administrative Agent or the Arrangers in connection with the
preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery, syndication, review, amendment,
modification, and administration of the Loan Documents. Borrower also agrees
to
reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers the LC Issuer and the Lenders
for any costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys’
fees and time charges of attorneys for the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers,
the LC Issuer and the Lenders, which attorneys may be employees of the
Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the LC Issuer or the Lenders) paid or
incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the LC Issuer or any Lender
in connection with the collection and enforcement of the Loan Documents or
the
preservation of its rights thereunder. Expenses being reimbursed by Borrower
under this Section include, without limitation, costs and expenses incurred
in connection with the Reports described in the following sentence. Borrower
acknowledges that from time to time the Administrative Agent may prepare and
may
distribute to the Lenders (but shall have no obligation or duty to prepare
or to
distribute to the Lenders) certain audit reports (the “Reports”)
pertaining to Borrower’s assets for internal use by the Administrative Agent
from information furnished to it by or on behalf of Borrower, after the
Administrative Agent has exercised its rights of inspection pursuant to this
Agreement.
(b) Borrower
hereby further agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers,
the
LC Issuer and each Lender, its directors, officers and employees against all
losses, claims, damages, penalties, judgments, liabilities and expenses
(including, without limitation, all expenses of litigation or preparation
therefor whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the LC Issuer
or any Lender is a party thereto) which any of them may pay or incur arising
out
of or relating to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the transactions
contemplated hereby or the direct or indirect application or proposed
application of the proceeds of any Credit Extension hereunder except to the
extent that they are determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a court
of
competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the party seeking indemnification. The obligations of Borrower
under this Section 9.6
shall
survive the payment of the Obligations and the termination of this
Agreement.
9.7. Numbers
of Documents.
All
statements, notices, closing documents, and requests hereunder shall be
furnished to the Administrative Agent with sufficient counterparts so that
the
Administrative Agent may furnish one to each of the Lenders.
9.8. Accounting.
Except
as provided to the contrary herein, all accounting terms used herein shall
be
interpreted and all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made in
accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles.
9.9. Severability
of Provisions.
Any
provision in any Loan Document that is held to be inoperative, unenforceable
or
invalid in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be inoperative,
unenforceable or invalid without affecting the remaining provisions in that
jurisdiction or the operation, enforceability or validity of that provision
in
any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of all Loan Documents
are
declared to be severable.
9.10. Nonliability
of Lenders.
The
relationship between Borrower on the one hand and the Lenders, the LC Issuer
and
the Administrative Agent on the other hand shall be solely that of borrower
and
lender. Neither the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the LC Issuer nor any
Lender shall have any fiduciary responsibility to Borrower. Neither the
Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the LC Issuer nor any Lender undertakes
any
responsibility to Borrower to review or inform Borrower of any matter in
connection with any phase of Borrower’s business or operations. Borrower agrees
that neither the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the LC Issuer nor any
Lender shall have liability to Borrower (whether sounding in tort, contract
or
otherwise) for losses suffered by Borrower in connection with, arising out
of,
or in any way related to, the transactions contemplated and the relationship
established by the Loan Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring
in
connection therewith, unless it is determined in a final non-appealable judgment
by a court of competent jurisdiction that such losses resulted from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the party from which recovery is sought.
Neither the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the LC Issuer nor any Lender
shall have any liability with respect to, and Borrower hereby waives, releases
and agrees not to xxx for, any special, indirect or consequential damages
suffered by Borrower in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related
to the Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby.
9.11. Confidentiality.
Each
Lender agrees to hold any confidential information which it may receive from
Borrower pursuant to this Agreement in confidence, except for disclosure (i)
for
purposes related to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
to
its Affiliates and to other Lenders and their respective Affiliates, (ii) for
purposes related to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
to
legal counsel, accountants, and other professional advisors to that Lender
or to
a Transferee, (iii) to regulatory officials, (iv) to any Person as requested
pursuant to or as required by law, regulation, or legal process, (v) to any
Person in connection with any legal proceeding to which that Lender is a party
(vi) to such Lender’s direct or indirect contractual counterparties in swap
agreements or to legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors
to
such counterparties, (vii) permitted by Section 12.4
and
(viii) to rating agencies if requested or required in connection with a rating
relating to the Advances hereunder.
9.12. Nonreliance.
Each
Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin
stock (as defined in Regulation U) for the repayment of the Credit Extensions
provided for herein.
9.13. Disclosure.
The
Lenders hereby (i) acknowledge and agree that LaSalle and/or its Affiliates
from
time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other
relationships with Borrower and its Affiliates, and (ii) waive any liability
of
LaSalle or such Affiliate of LaSalle to Borrower or any Lender, respectively,
arising out of or resulting from such investments, loans or relationships other
than liabilities arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct
of
LaSalle or its Affiliates.
9.14. Patriot
Act Notification.
As
required by federal law and LaSalle’s policies and practices, LaSalle may need
to collect certain customer identification information and documentation in
connection with opening or maintaining accounts, or establishing or continuing
to provide services.
ARTICLE
X
THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
10.1. Appointment;
Nature of Relationship.
LaSalle
is hereby appointed by each of the Lenders as its contractual representative
(herein referred to as the “Administrative
Agent”)
hereunder and under each other Loan Document, and each of the Lenders
irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the contractual
representative of such Lender with the rights and duties expressly set forth
herein and in the other Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent agrees to
act
as such contractual representative upon the express conditions contained in
this
Article
X.
Notwithstanding the use of the defined term “Agent,” it is expressly understood
and agreed that the Administrative Agent shall not have any fiduciary
responsibility to any Lender by reason of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document and that the Administrative Agent is merely acting as the contractual
representative of the Lenders with only those duties as are expressly set forth
in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In its capacity as the Lenders’
contractual representative, the Administrative Agent (i) does not hereby assume
any fiduciary duty to any of the Lenders, (ii) is a “representative” of the
Lenders within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in
Section 9-102 of the Uniform Commercial Code and (iii) is acting as an
independent contractor, the rights and duties of which are limited to those
expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Each of
the
Lenders hereby agrees to assert no claim against the Administrative Agent on
any
agency theory or any other theory of liability for breach of fiduciary duty,
all
of which claims each Lender hereby waives.
10.2. Powers.
The
Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise such powers under the Loan
Documents as are specifically delegated to the Administrative Agent by the
terms
of each thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
The Administrative Agent shall have no implied duties to the Lenders, or any
obligation to the Lenders to take any action thereunder except any action
specifically provided by the Loan Documents to be taken by the Administrative
Agent.
10.3. General
Immunity.
Neither
the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees
shall be liable to Borrower or any Lender for any action taken or omitted to
be
taken by it or them hereunder or under any other Loan Document or in connection
herewith or therewith except to the extent such action or inaction is determined
in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to
have
arisen from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such
Person.
10.4. No
Responsibility for Loans, Recitals, etc.
Neither
the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees
shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, or verify
(a) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with any Loan
Document or any borrowing hereunder; (b) the performance or observance of any
of
the covenants or agreements of any obligor under any Loan Document, including,
without limitation, any agreement by an obligor to furnish information directly
to each Lender; (c) the satisfaction of any condition specified in Article
IV,
except
receipt of items required to be delivered solely to the Administrative Agent;
(d) the existence or possible existence of any Default or Unmatured Default;
(e)
the validity, enforceability, effectiveness, sufficiency or genuineness of
any
Loan Document or any other instrument or writing furnished in connection
therewith; (f) the value, sufficiency, creation, perfection or priority of
any
Lien in any collateral security; or (g) the financial condition of Borrower
or
any guarantor of any of the Obligations or of any of Borrower’s or any such
guarantor’s respective Subsidiaries. The Administrative Agent shall have no duty
to disclose to the Lenders information that is not required to be furnished
by
Borrower to the Administrative Agent at such time, but is voluntarily furnished
by Borrower to LaSalle (either in its capacity as Administrative Agent or in
its
individual capacity).
10.5. Action
on Instructions of Lenders.
The
Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in
refraining from acting, hereunder and under any other Loan Document in
accordance with written instructions signed by the Required Lenders, and such
instructions and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall
be
binding on all of the Lenders. The Lenders hereby acknowledge that the
Administrative Agent shall be under no duty to take any discretionary action
permitted to be taken by it pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or
any
other Loan Document unless it shall be requested in writing to do so by the
Required Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing
or refusing to take any action hereunder and under any other Loan Document
unless it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders
pro
rata
against
any and all liability, cost and expense that it may incur by reason of taking
or
continuing to take any such action.
10.6. Employment
of Agents and Counsel.
The
Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties as Administrative Agent
hereunder and under any other Loan Document by or through employees, agents,
and
attorneys-in-fact and shall not be answerable to the Lenders, except as to
money
or securities received by it or its authorized agents, for the default or
misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with
reasonable care. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to advice of counsel
concerning the contractual arrangement between the Administrative Agent and
the
Lenders and all matters pertaining to the Administrative Agent’s duties
hereunder and under any other Loan Document.
10.7. Reliance
on Documents; Counsel.
The
Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any Note, notice, consent,
certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, statement, paper or document believed
by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper
person or persons, and, in respect to legal matters, upon the opinion of counsel
selected by the Administrative Agent, which counsel may be employees of the
Administrative Agent.
10.8. Agent’s
Reimbursement and Indemnification.
The
Lenders agree to reimburse and indemnify the Administrative Agent ratably in
proportion to their respective Commitments (or, if the Commitments have been
terminated, in proportion to their Commitments immediately prior to such
termination) (i) for any amounts not reimbursed by Borrower for which the
Administrative Agent is entitled to reimbursement by Borrower under the Loan
Documents, (ii) for any other expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent
on
behalf of the Lenders, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery,
administration and enforcement of the Loan Documents (including, without
limitation, for any expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection
with any dispute between the Administrative Agent and any Lender or between
two
or more of the Lenders) and (iii) for any liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements
of any kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or
asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising
out
of the Loan Documents or any other document delivered in connection therewith
or
the transactions contemplated thereby (including, without limitation, for any
such amounts incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent in
connection with any dispute between the Administrative Agent and any Lender
or
between two or more of the Lenders), or the enforcement of any of the terms
of
the Loan Documents or of any such other documents, provided that
(i)
no Lender shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent any of the
foregoing is found in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of competent
jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct
of
the Administrative Agent and (ii) any indemnification required pursuant to
Section
3.5(viii)
shall,
notwithstanding the provisions of this Section
10.8,
be paid
by the relevant Lender in accordance with the provisions thereof. The
obligations of the Lenders under this Section 10.8
shall
survive payment of the Obligations and termination of this
Agreement.
10.9. Notice
of Default.
The
Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the
occurrence of any Default or Unmatured Default hereunder unless the
Administrative Agent has received written notice from a Lender or Borrower
referring to this Agreement describing such Default or Unmatured Default and
stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that the
Administrative Agent receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall
give
prompt notice thereof to the Lenders.
10.10. Rights
as a Lender.
In the
event the Administrative Agent is a Lender, the Administrative Agent shall
have
the same rights and powers hereunder and under any other Loan Document with
respect to its Commitment and its Loans as any Lender and may exercise the
same
as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and the term “Lender” or
“Lenders” shall, at any time when the Administrative Agent is a Lender, unless
the context otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its
individual capacity. The Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept
deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of trust, debt,
equity or other transaction, in addition to those contemplated by this Agreement
or any other Loan Document, with Borrower, Guarantor or any of their
Subsidiaries in which Borrower, Guarantor or such Subsidiary is not restricted
hereby from engaging with any other Person. The Administrative Agent, in its
individual capacity, is not obligated to remain a Lender.
10.11. Lender
Credit Decision.
Each
Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the
Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any other Lender and based on the
financial statements prepared by Borrower and such other documents and
information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and
decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Each Lender
also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the
Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any other Lender and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue
to
make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
10.12. Successor
Administrative Agent.
The
Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof
to
the Lenders and Borrower, such resignation to be effective upon the appointment
of a successor Administrative Agent or, if no successor Administrative Agent
has
been appointed, forty-five days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its
intention to resign. The Administrative Agent may be removed at any time with
or
without cause by written notice received by the Administrative Agent from the
Required Lenders, such removal to be effective on the date specified by the
Required Lenders. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Required Lenders
shall have the right to appoint, on behalf of Borrower and the Lenders, a
successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall
have
been so appointed by the Required Lenders within thirty days after the resigning
Agent’s giving notice of its intention to resign, then the resigning Agent may
appoint, on behalf of Borrower and the Lenders, a successor Administrative
Agent. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the Administrative Agent may
at
any time without the consent of Borrower or any Lender, appoint any of its
Affiliates which is a commercial bank as a successor Administrative Agent
hereunder. If the Administrative Agent has resigned or been removed and no
successor Administrative Agent has been appointed, the Lenders may perform
all
the duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder and Borrower shall make all
payments in respect of the Obligations to the applicable Lender and for all
other purposes shall deal directly with the Lenders. No successor Administrative
Agent shall be deemed to be appointed hereunder until such successor
Administrative Agent has accepted the appointment. Any such successor
Administrative Agent shall be a commercial bank having capital and retained
earnings of at least $100,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as
Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such
successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested
with
all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the resigning or removed Agent.
Upon the effectiveness of the resignation or removal of the Administrative
Agent, the resigning or removed Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations hereunder and under the Loan Documents. After the effectiveness
of
the resignation or removal of an Agent, the provisions of this Article
X
shall
continue in effect for the benefit of such Agent in respect of any actions
taken
or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent
hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. In the event that there is a
successor to the Administrative Agent by merger, or the Administrative Agent
assigns its duties and obligations to an Affiliate pursuant to this Section
10.12,
then
the term “Prime Rate” as used in this Agreement shall mean the prime rate, base
rate or other analogous rate of the new Agent.
10.13. Administrative
Agent’s and Arrangers’ Fees.
Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers, for their
own respective accounts, the fees agreed to by Borrower, the Administrative
Agent and the Arrangers pursuant to the Fee Letters.
10.14. Delegation
to Affiliates.
Borrower and the Lenders agree that the Administrative Agent may delegate any
of
its duties under this Agreement to any of its Affiliates. Any such Affiliate
(and such Affiliate’s directors, officers, agents and employees) which performs
duties in connection with this Agreement shall be entitled to the same benefits
of the indemnification, waiver and other protective provisions to which the
Administrative Agent is entitled under Articles
IX
and
X.
10.15. Agent
May File Proofs of Claim.
In case
of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial
proceeding relative to Borrower, Guarantor or any Subsidiary, the Administrative
Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due
and
payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective
of
whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on Borrower) shall
be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or
otherwise:
(a) to
file
and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing
and
unpaid in respect of the Loans, and all other Obligations that are owing and
unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in
order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including
any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances
of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and
counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent
under
Sections
2.5,
2.20
and
9.6)
allowed
in such judicial proceedings; and
(b) to
collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on
any
such claims and to distribute the same;
and
any
custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other
similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each
Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event
that
the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly
to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due
the
Administrative Agent under Sections
2.5,
2.20
and
9.6.
Nothing
contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan
of
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations
or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote
in
respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.
10.16. Other
Agents.
No
Lender identified on the cover page, the signature pages or otherwise in this
Agreement, or in any document related hereto, as being the “Syndication Agent”
or a “Co-Documentation Agent” shall have any right, power, obligation,
liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement in such capacity other
than those applicable to all Lenders. Each Lender acknowledges that it has
not
relied, and will not rely, on any Person so identified in deciding to enter
into
this Agreement or in taking or refraining from taking any action hereunder
or
pursuant hereto.
ARTICLE
XI
SETOFF;
RATABLE PAYMENTS
11.1. Setoff.
In
addition to, and without limitation of, any rights of the Lenders under
applicable law, if Borrower becomes insolvent, however evidenced, or any Default
occurs, any and all deposits (including all account balances, whether
provisional or final and whether or not collected or available) and any other
Indebtedness at any time held or owing by any Lender or any Affiliate of any
Lender to or for the credit or account of Borrower may be offset and applied
toward the payment of the Obligations owing to such Lender, whether or not
the
Obligations, or any part hereof, shall then be due.
11.2. Ratable
Payments.
If any
Lender, whether by setoff or otherwise, has payment made to it upon its Loans
and other credit exposure hereunder (other than payments received pursuant
to
Section 3.1,
3.2,
3.4
or
3.5)
in a
greater proportion than that received by any other Lender, such Lender agrees,
promptly upon demand, to purchase a portion of the Aggregate Outstanding Credit
Exposure held by the other Lenders so that after such purchase each Lender
will
hold its Pro Rata Share of the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure. If any
Lender, whether in connection with setoff or amounts which might be subject
to
setoff or otherwise, receives collateral or other protection for its Obligations
or such amounts which may be subject to setoff, such Lender agrees, promptly
upon demand, to take such action necessary such that all Lenders share in the
benefits of such collateral ratably in proportion to their respective Pro Rata
Shares of the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure. In case any such payment
is
disturbed by legal process, or otherwise, appropriate further adjustments shall
be made.
ARTICLE
XII
BENEFIT
OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS
12.1. Successors
and Assigns.
The
terms and provisions of the Loan Documents shall be binding upon and inure
to
the benefit of Borrower and the Lenders and their respective successors and
assigns, except that (i) Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights
or obligations under the Loan Documents and (ii) any assignment by any Lender
must be made in compliance with Section
12.3.
The
Administrative Agent may treat the Person which made any Loan or which holds
any
Note as the owner thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until such Person
complies with Section 12.3
in the
case of an assignment thereof or, in the case of any other transfer, a written
notice of the transfer is filed with the Administrative Agent. Any assignee
or
transferee of the rights to any Loan or any Note agrees by acceptance of such
transfer or assignment to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Loan
Documents. Any request, authority or consent of any Person, who at the time
of
making such request or giving such authority or consent is the owner of the
rights to any Loan (whether or not a Note has been issued in evidence thereof),
shall be conclusive and binding on any subsequent holder, transferee or assignee
of the rights to such Loan.
12.2. Participations.
12.2.1. Permitted
Participants; Effect.
Any
Lender may, in the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with
applicable law, at any time sell to one or more banks or other entities
(“Participants”)
participating interests in any Loan owing to, and other credit exposure
hereunder of, such Lender, any Note held by such Lender, any Commitment of
such
Lender or any other interest of such Lender under the Loan Documents. In the
event of any such sale by a Lender of participating interests to a Participant,
such Lender’s obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, such
Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the
performance of such obligations, such Lender shall remain the owner of its
Loans
and other credit exposure hereunder and the holder of any Note issued to it
in
evidence thereof for all purposes under the Loan Documents, all amounts payable
by Borrower under this Agreement shall be determined as if such Lender had
not
sold such participating interests, and Borrower and the Administrative Agent
shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with
such Lender’s rights and obligations under the Loan Documents.
12.2.2. Voting
Rights.
Each
Lender shall retain the sole right to approve, without the consent of any
Participant, any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the
Loan
Documents other than any amendment, modification or waiver with respect to
any
Credit Extension or Commitment in which such Participant has an interest which
is of the type specified in the proviso
to
Section
8.5.
12.2.3. Benefit
of Setoff.
Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of
setoff provided in Section 11.1
in
respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under the Loan Documents
to the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest were owing
directly to it as a Lender under the Loan Documents, provided that
each
Lender shall retain the right of setoff provided in Section 11.1
with
respect to the amount of participating interests sold to each Participant.
The
Lenders agree to share with each Participant, and each Participant, by
exercising the right of setoff provided in Section 11.1,
agrees
to share with each Lender, any amount received pursuant to the exercise of
its
right of setoff, such amounts to be shared in accordance with Section 11.2
as if
each Participant were a Lender.
12.3. Assignments.
12.3.1. Permitted
Assignments.
Any
Lender may, in the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with
applicable law, at any time assign to one or more banks or other entities
(“Purchasers”)
all or
any part of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents. Such assignment
shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit
E
or in
such other form as may be agreed to by the parties thereto. The consent of
Borrower, the LC Issuer and the Administrative Agent shall be required prior
to
an assignment becoming effective with respect to a Purchaser which is not a
Lender or an Affiliate thereof; provided,
however, that if a Default has occurred and is continuing, the consent of
Borrower shall not be required. Such consents shall not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed. Each such assignment shall (unless each of Borrower and the
Administrative Agent otherwise consents) be in an amount not less than the
lesser of (i) $5,000,000 or (ii) the remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s
Commitment (calculated as at the date of such assignment).
12.3.2. Effect;
Effective Date.
Upon
(i) delivery to the Administrative Agent of a notice of assignment,
substantially in the form of Exhibit I attached to Exhibit
E
(a
“Notice
of Assignment”),
together with any consents required by Section 12.3.1,
and
(ii) payment of a $3,500 fee to the Administrative Agent for processing such
assignment, such assignment shall become effective on the effective date
specified in such Notice of Assignment. The Notice of Assignment shall contain
a
representation by the Purchaser to the effect that none of the consideration
used to make the purchase of the Commitment, Loans and other credit exposure
under the applicable assignment agreement are “plan assets” as defined under
ERISA and that the rights and interests of the Purchaser in and under the Loan
Documents will not be “plan assets” under ERISA. On and after the effective date
of such assignment, such Purchaser shall for all purposes be a Lender party
to
this Agreement and any other Loan Document executed by or on behalf of the
Lenders and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Lender under the
Loan
Documents, to the same extent as if it were an original party hereto, and no
further consent or action by Borrower, the LC Issuer, the Lenders or the
Administrative Agent shall be required to release the transferor Lender with
respect to the percentage of the Aggregate Commitment, Loans and other credit
exposure assigned to such Purchaser. Upon the consummation of any assignment
to
a Purchaser pursuant to this Section 12.3.2,
the
transferor Lender, the Administrative Agent and Borrower shall, if the
transferor Lender or the Purchaser desires that its Loans be evidenced by Notes,
make appropriate arrangements so that new Notes or, as appropriate, replacement
Notes are issued to such transferor Lender and new Notes or, as appropriate,
replacement Notes, are issued to such Purchaser, in each case in principal
amounts reflecting their respective Commitments, as adjusted pursuant to such
assignment.
12.3.3. Security
Interest.
Any
Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any
portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender,
including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve
Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of
a
security interest; provided
that no
such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from
any
of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for
such
Lender as a party hereto.
12.3.4. Register.
The
Administrative Agent shall maintain a copy of each Notice of Assignment
delivered and accepted by it and register (the “Register”)
for
the recordation of names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of
each
Lender from time to time and whether such Lender is the original Lender or
the
Purchaser. No assignment shall be effective unless and until the Notice of
Assignment is accepted and registered in the Register. All records of transfer
of a Lender’s interest in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest
error, as to the ownership of the interests in the Loans. The Administrative
Agent shall not incur any liability of any kind with respect to any Lender
with
respect to the maintenance of the Register.
12.4. Dissemination
of Information.
Borrower authorizes each Lender to disclose to any Participant or Purchaser
or
any other Person acquiring an interest in the Loan Documents by operation of
law
(each a “Transferee”)
and
any prospective Transferee any and all information in such Lender’s possession
concerning the creditworthiness of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including
without limitation any information contained in any Reports; provided that
each
Transferee and prospective Transferee agrees to be bound by Section 9.11
of this
Agreement.
12.5. Tax
Treatment.
If any
interest in any Loan Document is transferred to any Transferee which is
organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States or
any
State thereof, the transferor Lender shall cause such Transferee, concurrently
with the effectiveness of such transfer, to comply with the provisions of
Section 3.5(iv).
ARTICLE
XIII
GUARANTY
13.1. Guaranty.
For
valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and to
induce the Lenders to make advances to Borrower and to participate in Letters
of
Credit and Swingline Advances and to induce the LC Issuer to issue Letters
of
Credit, Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees prompt
payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise,
and at all times thereafter, of any and all Obligations of Borrower to the
Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the LC Issuer and any holder of a Note,
or
any of them, under or with respect to the Loan Documents, whether for principal,
interest, fees, expenses or otherwise, in each case howsoever created, arising
or evidenced, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, now or
hereafter existing, or due or to become due (collectively, the “Guaranteed
Obligations”).
Additionally, Guarantor agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent, the
Lenders and the LC Issuer for any costs incurred in enforcing this Article
XIII
against
Guarantor. Any term or provision of this Article
XIII
to the
contrary notwithstanding, the aggregate maximum amount of the Guaranteed
Obligations for which Guarantor shall be liable shall not exceed the maximum
amount for which Guarantor can be liable without rendering this Agreement or
any
other Loan Document as it relates to Guarantor, voidable under applicable law
relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer.
13.2. Waivers.
Guarantor waives notice of the acceptance of this guaranty and of the extension
or continuation of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof. Guarantor
further waives presentment, protest, notice of notices delivered or demand
made
on Borrower or action or delinquency in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations
or
any part thereof, including any right to require the Administrative Agent and
the Lenders to xxx Borrower, any other guarantor or any other Person obligated
with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof, or otherwise
to
enforce payment thereof against any collateral securing the Guaranteed
Obligations or any part thereof, and provided
further
that if at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations
is
rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency,
bankruptcy or reorganization of Borrower or otherwise, Guarantor’s obligations
hereunder with respect to such payment shall be reinstated at such time as
though such payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative
Agent or the Lenders are in possession of this guaranty. The Administrative
Agent, the LC Issuer and the Lenders shall have no obligation to disclose or
discuss with Guarantor their assessments of the financial condition of
Borrower.
13.3. Guaranty
Absolute.
This
guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection, is a primary obligation
of Guarantor and not merely one of surety, and the validity and enforceability
of this guaranty shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of, and shall
not be impaired or affected by any of the following: (a) any extension,
modification or renewal of, or indulgence with respect to, or substitutions
for,
the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof or any agreement relating thereto
at any time; (b) any failure or omission to enforce any right, power or remedy
with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof or any agreement
relating thereto, or any collateral; (c) any waiver of any right, power or
remedy with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof or any
agreement relating thereto or with respect to any collateral; (d) any release,
surrender, compromise, settlement, waiver, subordination or modification, with
or without consideration, of any collateral, any other guaranties with respect
to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof, or any other obligation
of
any Person with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof;
(e)
the enforceability or validity of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof
or the genuineness, enforceability or validity of any agreement relating thereto
or with respect to any collateral; (f) the application of payments received
from
any source to the payment of obligations other than the Guaranteed Obligations,
any part thereof or amounts which are not covered by this guaranty even though
the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and the Lenders might lawfully have
elected to apply such payments to any part or all of the Guaranteed Obligations
or to amounts which are not covered by this guaranty; (g) any change in the
ownership of Borrower or the insolvency, bankruptcy or any other change in
the
legal status of Borrower; (h) the change in or the imposition of any law,
decree, regulation or other governmental act which does or might impair, delay
or in any way affect the validity, enforceability or the payment when due of
the
Guaranteed Obligations; (i) the failure of Guarantor or Borrower to maintain
in
full force, validity or effect or to obtain or renew when required all
governmental and other approvals, licenses or consents required in connection
with the Guaranteed Obligations or this guaranty, or to take any other action
required in connection with the performance of all obligations pursuant to
the
Guaranteed Obligations or this guaranty; (j) the existence of any claim, setoff
or other rights which Guarantor may have at any time against Borrower or any
other Person in connection herewith or an unrelated transaction; or (k) any
other circumstance, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, which could
constitute a defense to a guarantor, including without limitation all defenses
based on suretyship or impairment of collateral; all whether or not Guarantor
shall have had notice or knowledge of any act or omission referred to in the
foregoing clauses
(a)
through
(k)
of this
Section. It is agreed that Guarantor’s liability hereunder is several and
independent of any other guaranties or other obligations at any time in effect
with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof and that
Guarantor’s liability hereunder may be enforced regardless of the existence,
validity, enforcement or non-enforcement of any such other guaranties or other
obligations or any provision of any applicable law or regulation purporting
to
prohibit payment by Borrower of the Guaranteed Obligations in the manner agreed
upon by Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and the
Lenders.
13.4. Acceleration.
Guarantor agrees that, as between Guarantor on the one hand, and the Lenders,
the LC Issuer and the Administrative Agent, on the other hand, the obligations
of Borrower guaranteed under this Article
XIII
may be
declared to be forthwith due and payable, or may be deemed automatically to
have
been accelerated, as provided in Section
8.1
hereof
for purposes of this Article XIII,
notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition (whether in a
bankruptcy proceeding affecting Borrower or otherwise) preventing such
declaration as against Borrower and that, in the event of such declaration
or
automatic acceleration, such obligations (whether or not due and payable by
Borrower) shall forthwith become due and payable by Guarantor for purposes
of
this Article
XIII.
13.5. Marshaling;
Reinstatement.
None of
the Lenders nor the LC Issuer nor the Administrative Agent nor any Person acting
for or on behalf of the Lenders, the LC Issuer or the Administrative Agent
shall
have any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of Guarantor or against
or in
payment of any or all of the Guaranteed Obligations. If Guarantor, Borrower
or
any other guarantor of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations makes
a
payment or payments to any Lender, the LC Issuer or the Administrative Agent,
or
any Lender, the LC Issuer or the Administrative Agent receives any proceeds
of
collateral, which payment or payments or any part thereof are subsequently
invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or
required to be repaid to Borrower, Guarantor, such other guarantor or any other
Person, or their respective estates, trustees, receivers or any other party,
including, without limitation, Guarantor, under any bankruptcy law, state or
federal law, common law or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment
or repayment, the part of the Guaranteed Obligations which has been paid,
reduced or satisfied by such amount shall be reinstated and continued in full
force and effect as of the time immediately preceding such initial payment,
reduction or satisfaction.
13.6. Delay
of Subrogation.
Notwithstanding any payment made by or for the account of Guarantor pursuant
to
this Article
XIII,
Guarantor shall not be subrogated to any right of the Administrative Agent
or
any Lender, or have any right to obtain reimbursement from Borrower, until
such
time as the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall have received final
payment in cash of the full amount of the Guaranteed Obligations.
ARTICLE
XIV
NOTICES
14.1. Notices.
(a) Except
as
otherwise permitted by Section 2.13
with
respect to borrowing notices, all notices, requests and other communications
to
any party hereunder shall be in writing (including electronic transmission,
facsimile transmission or similar writing) and shall be given to such party:
(x)
in the case of Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at its address or facsimile
number set forth on Schedule
14.1,
(y) in
the case of any Lender or the LC Issuer, at its address or facsimile number
set
forth on Schedule
14.1
or (z)
in the case of any party, at such other address or facsimile number as such
party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the Administrative
Agent and Borrower in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14.1.
Each
such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given
by
facsimile transmission, when transmitted to the facsimile number specified
in
this Section and confirmation of receipt is received, (ii) if given by
mail, 72 hours after such communication is deposited in the mails with first
class postage prepaid, addressed as aforesaid, or (iii) if given by any other
means, when delivered at the address specified in this Section; provided that
notices to the Administrative Agent under Article
II
shall
not be effective until received. Notices delivered through electronic
communications to the extent provided in paragraph
(b)
below,
shall be effective as provided in said paragraph
(b).
(b) Notices
and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished
by electronic communication (including e-mail and internet or intranet websites)
pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent or as otherwise
determined by the Administrative Agent, provided
that the
foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article
II
if such
Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving
notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative
Agent
or Borrower may, in its respective discretion, agree to accept notices and
other
communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to
procedures approved by it or as it otherwise determines, provided
that
such determination or approval may be limited to particular notices or
communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i)
notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed
received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended
recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available,
return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided
that if
such notice or other communication is not given during the normal business
hours
of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been
given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient,
and
(ii) notices or communications posted to an internet or intranet website shall
be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its
e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that
such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address
therefor.
14.2. Change
of Address.
Borrower, the Administrative Agent and any Lender may each change the address
for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the other parties
hereto.
ARTICLE
XV
COUNTERPARTS
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken
together shall constitute one agreement, and any of the parties hereto may
execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart. This Agreement shall
be
effective when it has been executed by Borrower, Guarantor, the Administrative
Agent, the LC Issuer and the Lenders and each party has notified the
Administrative Agent by facsimile transmission or telephone that it has taken
such action. Electronic records of executed Loan Documents maintained by the
Lenders shall deemed to be originals.
ARTICLE
XVI
CHOICE
OF LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
16.1. CHOICE
OF LAW.
THE LOAN DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINING A CONTRARY EXPRESS CHOICE OF
LAW
PROVISION) SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS (AND NOT
THE
LAW OF CONFLICTS) OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS
APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS.
16.2. CONSENT
TO JURISDICTION.
EACH OF BORROWER AND GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE
JURISDICTION OF ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR ILLINOIS STATE COURT SITTING IN
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO
ANY
LOAN DOCUMENTS AND EACH OF BORROWER AND GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES
THAT
ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED
IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER
HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH
A
COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL LIMIT
THE RIGHT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER OR ANY LENDER TO BRING
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST BORROWER OR GUARANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER
JURISDICTION. ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BY BORROWER OR GUARANTOR AGAINST THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER OR ANY LENDER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER OR ANY LENDER INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED
WITH
ANY LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN CHICAGO,
ILLINOIS.
16.3. WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL.
BORROWER, GUARANTOR, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER AND EACH LENDER
HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN
ANY
WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE
RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED THEREUNDER.
[Signatures
Follow]
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower, Guarantor, the Lenders, the LC Issuer, the
Syndication Agent and the Administrative Agent have executed this Agreement
as
of the date first above written.
BORROWER:
VECTREN
CAPITAL, CORP.
By:/s/
Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title:
Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
GUARANTOR:
VECTREN
CORPORATION
By:/s/
Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title:
Vice President and Treasurer
LASALLE
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
Individually, as Administrative Agent and as the LC Issuer
By:/s/
Xxxx X.
Xxxxxx
Name:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title:
First Vice President
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
Individually and as Syndication Agent
By:/s/
Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxxxx
Title:
Managing Director
WACHOVIA
BANK, N.A.
By:/s/
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Title:
Vice President
FIFTH
THIRD BANK
By:/s/
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Title:
Senior Vice President
MIZUHO
CORPORATE BANK, LTD.
By:/s/
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Title:
Deputy General Manager
U.S.
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By:/s/
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
Name:
Xxxxx Xxxxx
Title:
Vice President
REGIONS
BANK
By:/s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx
Name:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title:
Vice President
OLD
NATIONAL BANK
By:/s/
Xxxx X.
Xxxxxx
Name:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title:
Vice President
13284408
01712640
|
Vectren
Capital, Corp. Credit
Agreement
|
PRICING
SCHEDULE
Pricing
|
Level
I Status
|
Level
II Status
|
Level
III Status
|
Level
IV Status
|
Level
V Status
|
Level
VI Status
|
Applicable
Margin for Eurodollar Advances
|
0.230%
|
0.270%
|
0.350%
|
0.425%
|
0.500%
|
0.800%
|
Applicable
Margin for Floating Rate Advances
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
0.00%
|
Applicable
Fee Rate
|
0.07%
|
0.08%
|
0.10%
|
0.125%
|
0.15%
|
0.20%
|
In
addition, at any time that
the
Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure exceeds 50% of the Aggregate
Commitment,
then
the Applicable Margin for Floating Rate Advances and Eurodollar Advances
shall
be increased by 0.10%.
For
the
purposes of this Schedule, the following terms have the following meanings,
subject to the final paragraph of this Schedule:
“Level
I
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, Guarantor’s Xxxxx’x Rating is A2 or
better or Guarantor’s S&P Rating is A or better.
“Level
II
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) Guarantor has not qualified for
Level I Status and (ii) Guarantor’s Xxxxx’x Rating is A3 or better or
Guarantor’s S&P Rating is A- or better.
“Level
III Status” exists at any date if, on such date (i) Guarantor has not qualified
for Level I Status or Level II Status and (ii) Guarantor’s Xxxxx’x Rating is
Baa1 or better and Guarantor’s S&P Rating is BBB+ or better.
“Level
IV
Status” exists at any date if, on such date (i) Guarantor has not qualified for
Level I Status, Level II Status or Level III Status and (ii) Guarantor’s Xxxxx’x
Rating is Baa2 or better and Guarantor’s S&P Rating is BBB or
better.
“Level
V
Status” exists at any date if, on such date (i) Guarantor has not qualified for
Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status or Level IV Status and (ii)
Guarantor’s Xxxxx’x Rating is Baa3 or better and Guarantor’s S&P Rating is
BBB- or better.
“Level
VI
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, Guarantor has not qualified for
Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status, Level IV Status or Level
V
Status.
“Xxxxx’x
Rating” means, at any time, the corporate credit rating (without third-party
credit enhancement) issued by Xxxxx’x and then in effect or the issuer’s rating
issued by Xxxxx’x and then in effect with respect to Guarantor.
“Rating”
means the S&P Rating or the Xxxxx’x Rating.
“S&P
Rating” means, at any time, the corporate credit rating (without third-party
credit enhancement) issued by S&P and then in effect or the issuer’s rating
issued by S&P and then in effect with respect to Guarantor.
“Status”
means either Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status, Level IV Status,
Level V Status or Level VI Status.
The
Applicable Margin and Applicable Fee Rate shall be determined in accordance
with
the foregoing table based on Guarantor’s Status as determined from its
then-current Xxxxx’x and S&P Ratings. The credit rating in effect on any
date for the purposes of this Schedule is that in effect at the close of
business on such date. If at any time Guarantor has no Xxxxx’x Rating or no
S&P Rating, but has a Rating, the Status shall be determined based on the
Rating that is then in effect. If at any time Guarantor has no Xxxxx’x Rating
and has no S&P Rating, Level VI Status shall exist. If Guarantor is split
rated and the rating differential is two credit rating levels or more, then
the
intermediate credit rating at the midpoint (or, if there is no midpoint, the
higher of the two credit ratings) shall apply.
13284408
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|
SCHEDULE
I
COMMITMENTS
Lender
|
Commitment
|
|
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.
|
$45,000,000
|
LaSalle
Bank National Association
|
$45,000,000
|
Wachovia
Bank, N.A.
|
$40,000,000
|
Fifth
Third Bank
|
$35,000,000
|
Mizuho
Corporate Bank, Ltd.
|
$35,000,000
|
US
Bank National Association
|
$25,000,000
|
Regions
Bank
|
$15,000,000
|
Old
National
|
$15,000,000
|
Total
|
$255,000,000
|