Exhibit 4.1
H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
AND EACH OF THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO
83/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2016
Dated as of August 4, 2006
The Bank of
New York Trust Company, N.A.
Trustee
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
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Trust Indenture |
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Act Section |
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Indenture Section |
310(a)(1) |
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7.10 |
(a)(2) |
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7.10 |
(a)(3) |
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N.A. |
(a)(4) |
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N.A. |
(a)(5) |
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7.10 |
(b) |
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7.10 |
(c) |
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N.A. |
311(a) |
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7.11 |
(b) |
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7.11 |
(c) |
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N.A. |
312(a) |
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2.05 |
(b) |
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12.03 |
(c) |
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12.03 |
313(a) |
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7.06 |
(b)(1) |
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N.A. |
(b)(2) |
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7.06; 7.07 |
(c) |
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7.06; 12.02 |
(d) |
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7.06 |
314(a) |
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4.03;12.02; 12.05 |
(b) |
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N.A. |
(c)(1) |
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12.04 |
(c)(2) |
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12.04 |
(c)(3) |
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N.A. |
(d) |
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N.A. |
(e) |
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12.05 |
(f) |
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N.A. |
315(a) |
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7.01 |
(b) |
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7.05; 12.02 |
(c) |
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7.01 |
(d) |
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7.01 |
(e) |
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6.11 |
316(a) (last sentence) |
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2.09 |
(a)(1)(A) |
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6.05 |
(a)(1)(B) |
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6.04 |
(a)(2) |
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N.A. |
(b) |
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6.07 |
(c) |
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2.12 |
317(a)(1) |
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6.08 |
(a)(2) |
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6.09 |
(b) |
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2.04 |
318(a) |
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12.01 |
(b) |
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N.A. |
(c) |
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12.01 |
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N.A. means not applicable. |
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* |
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This Cross Reference Table is not part of the Indenture. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE |
Section 1.01 |
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Definitions. |
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1 |
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Section 1.02 |
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Other Definitions. |
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21 |
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Section 1.03 |
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Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. |
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21 |
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Section 1.04 |
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Rules of Construction. |
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22 |
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ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES |
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Section 2.01 |
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Form and Dating. |
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22 |
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Section 2.02 |
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Execution and Authentication. |
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23 |
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Section 2.03 |
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Registrar and Paying Agent. |
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23 |
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Section 2.04 |
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Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. |
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23 |
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Section 2.05 |
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Holder Lists. |
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24 |
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Section 2.06 |
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Transfer and Exchange. |
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24 |
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Section 2.07 |
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Replacement Notes. |
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36 |
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Section 2.08 |
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Outstanding Notes. |
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36 |
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Section 2.09 |
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Treasury Notes. |
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37 |
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Section 2.10 |
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Temporary Notes. |
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37 |
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Section 2.11 |
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Cancellation. |
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37 |
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Section 2.12 |
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Defaulted Interest. |
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37 |
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Section 2.13 |
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CUSIP Number. |
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38 |
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ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT |
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Section 3.01 |
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Notices to Trustee. |
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38 |
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Section 3.02 |
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Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased. |
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38 |
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Section 3.03 |
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Notice of Redemption. |
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39 |
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Section 3.04 |
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Effect of Notice of Redemption. |
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39 |
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Section 3.05 |
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Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price. |
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39 |
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Section 3.06 |
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Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part. |
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40 |
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Section 3.07 |
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Optional Redemption. |
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40 |
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Section 3.08 |
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Mandatory Redemption. |
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41 |
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Section 3.09 |
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Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds. |
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41 |
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ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS |
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Section 4.01 |
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Payment of Notes. |
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43 |
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Section 4.02 |
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Maintenance of Office or Agency. |
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43 |
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Section 4.03 |
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Reports. |
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43 |
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Section 4.04 |
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Compliance Certificate. |
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44 |
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Section 4.05 |
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Taxes. |
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45 |
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Section 4.06 |
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Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. |
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45 |
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Section 4.07 |
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Restricted Payments. |
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45 |
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Section 4.08 |
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Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries. |
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49 |
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Section 4.09 |
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Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock. |
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51 |
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Page |
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Section 4.10 |
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Asset Sales. |
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54 |
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Section 4.11 |
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Transactions with Affiliates. |
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56 |
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Section 4.12 |
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Liens. |
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57 |
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Section 4.13 |
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Business Activities. |
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58 |
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Section 4.14 |
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Corporate Existence. |
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58 |
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Section 4.15 |
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Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control. |
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58 |
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Section 4.16 |
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Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. |
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60 |
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Section 4.17 |
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Payments for Consent. |
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60 |
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Section 4.18 |
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Additional Note Guarantees. |
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60 |
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Section 4.19 |
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Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries. |
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60 |
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ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSORS |
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Section 5.01 |
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Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets. |
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61 |
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Section 5.02 |
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Successor Corporation Substituted. |
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62 |
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ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES |
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Section 6.01 |
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Events of Default. |
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62 |
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Section 6.02 |
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Acceleration. |
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63 |
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Section 6.03 |
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Other Remedies. |
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64 |
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Section 6.04 |
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Waiver of Past Defaults. |
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64 |
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Section 6.05 |
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Control by Majority. |
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64 |
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Section 6.06 |
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Limitation on Suits. |
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64 |
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Section 6.07 |
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Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment. |
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65 |
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Section 6.08 |
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Collection Suit by Trustee. |
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65 |
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Section 6.09 |
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Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. |
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65 |
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Section 6.10 |
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Priorities. |
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65 |
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Section 6.11 |
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Undertaking for Costs. |
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66 |
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ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE |
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Section 7.01 |
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Duties of Trustee. |
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66 |
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Section 7.02 |
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Rights of Trustee. |
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67 |
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Section 7.03 |
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Individual Rights of Trustee. |
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68 |
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Section 7.04 |
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Trustee's Disclaimer. |
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68 |
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Section 7.05 |
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Notice of Defaults. |
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68 |
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Section 7.06 |
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Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes. |
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68 |
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Section 7.07 |
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Compensation and Indemnity. |
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69 |
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Section 7.08 |
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Replacement of Trustee. |
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69 |
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Section 7.09 |
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Successor Trustee by Merger, etc. |
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70 |
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Section 7.10 |
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Eligibility; Disqualification. |
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70 |
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Section 7.11 |
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Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. |
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71 |
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ARTICLE 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE |
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Section 8.01 |
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Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. |
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71 |
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Section 8.02 |
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Legal Defeasance and Discharge. |
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71 |
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Section 8.03 |
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Covenant Defeasance. |
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71 |
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Section 8.04 |
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Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance. |
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72 |
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Page |
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Section 8.05 |
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Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. |
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73 |
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Section 8.06 |
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Repayment to Company. |
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73 |
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Section 8.07 |
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Reinstatement. |
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74 |
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ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER |
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Section 9.01 |
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Without Consent of Holders of Notes. |
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74 |
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Section 9.02 |
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With Consent of Holders of Notes. |
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75 |
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Section 9.03 |
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Compliance with Trust Indenture Act. |
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76 |
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Section 9.04 |
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Revocation and Effect of Consents. |
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76 |
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Section 9.05 |
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Notation on or Exchange of Notes. |
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76 |
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Section 9.06 |
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Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc. |
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77 |
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ARTICLE 10
NOTE GUARANTEES |
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Section 10.01 |
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Guarantee. |
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77 |
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Section 10.02 |
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Limitation on Guarantor Liability. |
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78 |
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Section 10.03 |
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Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee. |
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78 |
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Section 10.04 |
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Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms. |
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79 |
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Section 10.05 |
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Releases. |
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79 |
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ARTICLE 11
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE |
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Section 11.01 |
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Satisfaction and Discharge. |
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80 |
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Section 11.02 |
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Application of Trust Money. |
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81 |
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ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS |
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Section 12.01 |
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Trust Indenture Act Controls. |
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81 |
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Section 12.02 |
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Notices. |
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81 |
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Section 12.03 |
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Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes. |
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82 |
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Section 12.04 |
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Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. |
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83 |
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Section 12.05 |
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Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. |
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83 |
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Section 12.06 |
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Rules by Trustee and Agents. |
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83 |
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Section 12.07 |
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No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders. |
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83 |
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Section 12.08 |
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Governing Law. |
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84 |
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Section 12.09 |
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No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements. |
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84 |
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Section 12.10 |
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Successors. |
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84 |
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Section 12.11 |
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Severability. |
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84 |
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Section 12.12 |
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Counterpart Originals. |
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84 |
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Section 12.13 |
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Table of Contents, Headings, etc. |
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84 |
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Section 12.14 |
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Waiver of Jury Trial. |
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84 |
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Section 12.15 |
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Force Majeure. |
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84 |
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iii
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Page |
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EXHIBITS |
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Exhibit A |
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FORM OF NOTE |
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Exhibit B |
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FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER |
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Exhibit C |
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FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE |
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Exhibit D |
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FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR |
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Exhibit E |
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FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE |
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Exhibit F |
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FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE |
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iv
INDENTURE dated as of August 4, 2006 among H&E Equipment Services, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the “
Company”), the Guarantors (as defined) and The Bank of
New York Trust Company,
N.A., a national banking association, as trustee (the “
Trustee”).
The Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and
for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined) of the
83/8
% Senior Notes due 2016 (the
“Notes”):
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE
Section 1.01 Definitions.
“144A Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing
the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and
registered in the name of, the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination
equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.
“Acquired Debt” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged
with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such
Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person
merging with or into, or becoming a Subsidiary of, such specified Person; and
(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified
Person.
“Additional Interest” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration
Rights Agreement.
“Additional Notes” means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued under this
Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.02 and 4.09 hereof, as part of the same series as the
Initial Notes.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling
or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For
purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, means the possession,
directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies
of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise;
provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person will be deemed to
be control. For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under
common control with” have correlative meanings.
“Affiliate Agreements” means:
(1) the Amended and Restated Investor Rights Agreement, the Amended and Restated
Registration Rights Agreement and the Amended and Restated Securities Holders Agreement,
each dated as of February 3, 2006; and
(2) the agreements, arrangements and understandings described in the Offering Circular
under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions”;
1
as such agreements may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
“Agent” means any Registrar, co-registrar, Paying Agent or additional paying agent.
“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for beneficial
interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear and Clearstream
that apply to such transfer or exchange.
“Asset Sale” means:
(1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights, other
than sales of inventory and equipment in the ordinary course of business; provided that the
sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole will be governed by Section
4.15 hereof and/or Section 5.01 hereof and not by Section 4.10 hereof; and
(2) the issuance of Equity Interests in any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries or
the sale by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Equity Interests in any of
its Subsidiaries.
Notwithstanding the preceding, none of the following items will be deemed to be an Asset Sale:
(1) any single transaction or series of related transactions that involves assets
having a Fair Market Value of less than $5.0 million;
(2) a transfer of assets between or among the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(3) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the
Company or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(4) the sale or lease of equipment, inventory or accounts receivable in the ordinary
course of business;
(5) the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents;
(6) the sale or other disposition of the Capital Stock or property or assets of any
Unrestricted Subsidiary;
(7) a Restricted Payment that does not violate Section 4.07 hereof or a Permitted
Investment;
(8) any exchange of property pursuant to Section 1031 on the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, for use in a Permitted Business; and
(9) the licensing of intellectual property.
“Attributable Debt” in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means, at the time of
determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the
remaining term of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction including any period
for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended. Such
present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in
such transaction,
2
determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that if such sale and leaseback
transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby
will be determined in accordance with the definition of “Capital Lease Obligation.”
“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief
of debtors.
“Beneficial Owner” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under
the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person”
(as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to
have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by
conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is
exercisable only after the passage of time. The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned”
have a corresponding meaning.
“Board of Directors” means:
(1) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation or any
committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board;
(2) with respect to a partnership, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the
partnership;
(3) with respect to a limited liability company, the managing member or members or any
controlling committee of managing members thereof; and
(4) with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person serving a
similar function.
“Borrowing Base” means, with respect to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of any
date of determination, an amount equal to the sum of, without duplication:
(1) 85% of the book value of accounts receivable; plus
(2) 95% of new equipment inventory held for sale; plus
(3) the greater of (x) 95% of the net book value of rental fleet and (y) 85% of the
orderly liquidation value, as determined by a third-party appraiser, of rental fleet; plus
(4) 60% of the net book value of inventory and tools,
in each case of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and
determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that the book value or net book value, as the
case may be, of each asset identified in clauses (1) through (4) above that is, as of the
relevant date of determination, subject to a Lien that secures Indebtedness (other than
Indebtedness under a Credit Facility) will be excluded from the calculation of the Borrowing
Base. The Borrowing Base will be calculated based on the most recent internal financial
statements (and, in the case of orderly liquidation value, the most recent third-party
appraisal) that are available as of the date of determination.
“Broker-Dealer” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
3
“Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.
“Capital Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of
the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized
on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the
date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date
upon which such lease may be prepaid by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
“Capital Stock” means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests,
participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;
(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership interests
(whether general or limited) or membership interests; and
(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a
share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person, but
excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities convertible into Capital Stock,
whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.
“Cash Equivalents” means:
(1) United States dollars;
(2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States
government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States government (provided that
the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support of those securities)
having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;
(3) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of one year or
less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances with maturities not exceeding one
year and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any lender party to the Credit
Agreement or with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of
$500.0 million and a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;
(4) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying
securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any
financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;
(5) commercial paper having a rating of “P-2” (or higher) from Moody’s or “A-3” (or
higher) from S&P and, in each case, maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;
and
(6) money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents
of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (5) of this definition.
4
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition
(other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions,
of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries
taken as a whole to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act)
other than a Principal or a Related Party of a Principal;
(2) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company;
(3) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or
consolidation), the result of which is that any “person” (as defined above), other than the
Principals and their Related Parties, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly,
of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of the Company, measured by voting power rather than
number of shares; or
(4) the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the
Company are not Continuing Directors.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any dividend or other distribution of any Voting Stock of
the Company by any Principal to the direct or indirect equity holders and other investors of such
Principal (or further dividend or other distribution by such equity holders and other investors to
their respective direct or indirect equity holders and other investors), in accordance with the
terms of the documents (of such Principal or such direct or indirect equity holders and other
investors of such Principal) governing such equity or other investments or as otherwise agreed by
such equity holders and other investors, will not constitute a Change of Control, and (ii) the
existence from time to time of any “group” (as that term is used in Section 13(d) of the Exchange
Act) comprised of any such equity holders and other investors will not constitute a Change of
Control.
“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, S.A.
“Company” means H&E Equipment Services, Inc., and any and all successors thereto.
“Consolidated Cash Flow” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the
Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus, without duplication:
(1) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net loss realized by such Person
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale, to the extent such
losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(2) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted in
computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(3) the Fixed Charges of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period,
to the extent that such Fixed Charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net
Income; plus
(4) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding
amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash
expenses (including non-cash impairment charges but excluding any such non-cash expense to
5
the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future
period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such
Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation,
amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net
Income; plus
(5) any non-recurring or extraordinary expenses and charges of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries; minus
(6) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than
the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course of business,
in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the
aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a
consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that:
(1) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or
that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting will be included only to the extent
of the amount of dividends or similar distributions paid in cash to the specified Person or
a Restricted Subsidiary of the Person;
(2) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary will be excluded to the extent that the
declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary
of that Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior
governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation
of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute,
rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
stockholders;
(3) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles will be excluded; and
(4) notwithstanding clause (1) above, the Net Income of any Unrestricted Subsidiary
will be excluded, whether or not distributed to the specified Person or one of its
Subsidiaries.
“Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of
Directors of the Company who:
(1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of this Indenture; or
(2) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval
of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the
time of such nomination or election.
“Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” will be at the address of the Trustee specified in
Section 12.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Company.
“Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2002, as amended
and restated as of the date of this indenture, by and among the Company, as borrower, and the other
credit parties and lenders named therein as well as General Electric Capital Corporation as Agent,
providing (as of the date of this indenture) for up to $250.0 million of revolving credit
borrowings, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and
agreements executed in connection
6
therewith, and, in each case, as amended, modified, restated, renewed, increased,
supplemented, refunded, replaced (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or refinanced
(including by means of sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or in part
from time to time, including increases in principal amount and extensions of term loans of other
financings.
"Credit Facilities” means, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the
Credit Agreement) or commercial paper facilities, in each case, with banks or other institutional
lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through
the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such
lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, that is designated from time
to time by the Company as a “Credit Facility” and as amended, modified, restated, renewed,
increased, supplemented, refunded, replaced (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or
refinanced (including by means of sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or
in part from time to time. The Credit Agreement hereby is designated by the Company as a Credit
Facility.
“Custodian” means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Notes in global form, or any
successor entity thereto.
“Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both
would be, an Event of Default.
“Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and
issued in accordance with Section 2.06 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto except
that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges
of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.
“Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global
form, the Person specified in Section 2.03 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and
any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to
the applicable provision of this Indenture.
“Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case, at the option
of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily
redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the
holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the
date on which the Notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that
would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right
to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control
or an asset sale will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide
that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions
unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.07 hereof. The amount of Disqualified
Stock deemed to be outstanding at any time for purposes of this Indenture will be the maximum
amount that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may become obligated to pay upon the
maturity of, or pursuant to any mandatory redemption provisions of, such Disqualified Stock,
exclusive of accrued dividends.
“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the
laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or that
guarantees or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company.
7
“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire
Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for,
Capital Stock).
“Equity Offering” means an offer and sale for cash of Capital Stock of the Company.
“Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system.
“Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Exchange Notes” means the Notes issued in the Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.06(f)
hereof.
“Exchange Offer” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Exchange Offer Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights
Agreement.
“Existing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than
Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement) in existence on the date hereof, until such amounts are
repaid.
“Fair Market Value” means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated
willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in
good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company (unless otherwise provided in this Indenture).
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means with respect to any specified Person for any period, the
ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such
Person for such period. In the event that the specified Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees, repays, repurchases, redeems, defeases or otherwise
discharges any Indebtedness (other than ordinary working capital borrowings) or issues, repurchases
or redeems preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the
calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio will be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption,
Guarantee, repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other discharge of Indebtedness, or
such issuance, repurchase or redemption of preferred stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom,
as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period.
In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
(1) acquisitions that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations, or any Person or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries acquired by the specified Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, and including any related financing transactions and including increases in
ownership of Restricted Subsidiaries, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent
to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date will be given pro forma
effect (in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act) as if they had occurred
on the first day of the four-quarter reference period;
8
(2) the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued operations, as determined
in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein)
disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded;
(3) the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein)
disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, will be excluded, but only to the extent that the
obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified
Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date;
(4) any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be deemed
to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such four-quarter period;
(5) any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date will be
deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such four-quarter period;
and
(6) if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such
Indebtedness will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been
the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligation
applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term as at the
Calculation Date in excess of 12 months).
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the sum, without
duplication, of:
(1) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries
for such period, whether paid or accrued (and whether or not capitalized), including,
without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount,
non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the
interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed
interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and
charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net
of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations; plus
(2) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries
that was capitalized during such period; plus
(3) any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is guaranteed by such
Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person
or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon;
plus
(4) the product of (a) all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in
cash, on any series of preferred stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
other than dividends on Equity Interests payable or accruing solely in Equity Interests of
the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of
which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of
such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each case, determined on a consolidated basis and in
accordance with GAAP.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is
not a Domestic Subsidiary.
9
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and
pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in
such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the
accounting profession, which are in effect on the date of this Indenture.
“Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(2) hereof, which is
required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.
“Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, each of the Restricted Global Notes and
the Unrestricted Global Notes deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the
Depository or its nominee, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto and that bears the Global
Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached
thereto, issued in accordance with Section 2.01, 2.06(b)(3), 2.06(b)(4), 2.06(d)(2) or 2.06(f)
hereof.
“Government Securities” means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United
States of America, and the payment for which the United States pledges its full faith and credit.
“Guarantee” means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for
collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including, without
limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements
in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness (whether arising by virtue of
partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or
services, to take or pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); provided that
Guarantee shall not include the pledge of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to secure
Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary.
“Guarantors” means each of:
(1) H&E California Holding, Inc.;
(2) H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC;
(3) GNE Investments, Inc.;
(4) Great Northern Equipment, Inc.;
(5) H&E Finance Corp.; and
(6) any other Subsidiary of the Company that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance
with the provisions of this Indenture,
and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until the Note Guarantee of such Person
has been released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.
“Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such
Person under:
(1) interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to
fixed), interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements;
10
(2) other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate
risk; and
(3) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against
fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices.
“Holder” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.
“IAI Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing
the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and
registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination equal
to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold to Institutional Accredited Investors.
“Immaterial Subsidiary” means, as of any date, any Restricted Subsidiary whose total assets,
as of that date, are less than $100,000 and whose total revenues for the most recent 12-month
period do not exceed $100,000; provided that a Restricted Subsidiary will not be considered to be
an Immaterial Subsidiary if it, directly or indirectly, guarantees or otherwise provides direct
credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person
(excluding accrued expenses and trade payables), whether or not contingent:
(1) in respect of borrowed money;
(2) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit
(or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);
(3) in respect of banker’s acceptances;
(4) representing Capital Lease Obligations or Attributable Debt in respect of sale and
leaseback transactions;
(5) representing (A) the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any
property (other than any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense, trade payable or
Open Account Obligation) and (B) secured floor plan financing (but not Open Account
Obligations), it being understood that secured floor plan financing will be deemed to be
Indebtedness solely for purposes of the indenture and not for any other purpose; or
(6) representing any Hedging Obligations,
if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit and Hedging
Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in
accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term “Indebtedness” includes all Indebtedness of others
secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed
by the specified Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified
Person of any indebtedness of any other Person; provided that Indebtedness shall not include the
pledge of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to secure Indebtedness of such
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be:
11
(1) the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with
original issue discount; and
(2) the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with any interest on the
Indebtedness that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.
“Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
“Indirect Participant” means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through
a Participant.
“Initial Notes” means the first $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of Notes issued
under this Indenture on the date hereof.
“Initial Purchasers” means Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and UBS Securities LLC.
“Institutional Accredited Investor” means an institution that is an “accredited investor” as
defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act, who are not also QIBs.
“Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such
Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including Guarantees or other
obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and similar advances
to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions
for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items
that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.
If the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity
Interests of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any
such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company will be
deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair
Market Value of the Company’s Investments in such Subsidiary that were not sold or disposed of in
an amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of Section 4.07 hereof. The acquisition by
the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of a Person that holds an Investment in a third Person
will be deemed to be an Investment by the Company or such Subsidiary in such third Person in an
amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investments held by the acquired Person in such third
Person in an amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of Section 4.07 hereof. Except
as otherwise provided in this Indenture, the amount of an Investment will be determined at the time
the Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value.
“Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City
of
New York or at a place of payment are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain
closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that
place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue on such
payment for the intervening period.
“Letter of Transmittal” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Company and sent
to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in connection with the Exchange Offer.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest
or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise
perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement,
any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest
in and any filing of or
12
agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent
statutes) of any jurisdiction.
“Moody’s” means Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc.
“Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such
Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock
dividends, excluding, however:
(1) any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for taxes on such gain
(but not loss), realized in connection with:
(a) any Asset Sale; or
(b) the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries; and
(2) any extraordinary gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for
taxes on such extraordinary gain (but not loss).
“Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash
received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset
Sale), net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal,
accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred
as a result of the Asset Sale, taxes paid or payable as a result of the Asset Sale, in each case,
after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements,
and amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness under
a Credit Facility, secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of such Asset
Sale and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets
established in accordance with GAAP.
“Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness:
(1) as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides
credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would
constitute Indebtedness) (other than the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary pledged to
secure Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary), (b) is directly or indirectly liable
as a guarantor or otherwise, or (c) constitutes the lender;
(2) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders of the
Indebtedness may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would
permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any holder of any other Indebtedness (other than
the Notes) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such
other Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or payable
prior to its Stated Maturity; and
(3) as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not have any
recourse to the stock or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other
than the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary pledged to secure Indebtedness of such
Unrestricted Subsidiary).
13
“Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.
“Note Guarantee” means the Guarantee by each Guarantor of the Company’s obligations under this
Indenture and the Notes, executed pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture.
“Notes” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Indenture. The Initial Notes
and the Additional Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture,
and unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Notes shall include the Initial
Notes and any Additional Notes.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications,
reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any
Indebtedness.
“Offering Circular” means that certain confidential offering circular, dated as of July 20,
2006, pursuant to which the Notes were first offered to eligible purchasers in a private placement.
“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive
Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer,
any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary or any Vice-President of such Person.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by two Officers of
the Company, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer,
the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Company, that meets the requirements of
Section 12.05 hereof.
“Open Account Obligations” means the deferred obligation to pay the purchase price for
equipment purchased as inventory held for sale or lease.
“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion from legal counsel that meets the requirements of
Section 12.05 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company.
“Participant” means, with respect to the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who
has an account with the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and, with respect to
DTC, shall include Euroclear and Clearstream).
“Permitted Business” means the equipment sale, rental and leasing business, the fleet
management business and any business that is complementary, incidental, ancillary or related
thereto (including, without limitation, the repair and maintenance of equipment).
“Permitted Investments” means:
(1) any Investment in the Company or in a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a
Person, if as a result of such Investment:
(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or
14
(b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or
transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(4) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an
Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof;
(5) any acquisition of assets or Capital Stock solely in exchange for the issuance of
Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;
(6) any Investments received in compromise or resolution of:
(a) obligations of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the
ordinary course of business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the
bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer; or
(b) litigation, arbitration or other disputes with Persons who are not
Affiliates;
(7) Investments represented by Hedging Obligations;
(8) loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding;
(9) repurchases of the notes (including the Note Guarantees);
(10) any Investment in existence on the date of this Indenture; and
(11) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on
the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in
value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (11)
that are at the time outstanding not to exceed $10.0 million.
“Permitted Liens” means:
(1) Liens on assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness
and other Obligations under Credit Facilities that was incurred pursuant to clause (1) or
clause (16) of the definition of Permitted Debt and/or securing Hedging Obligations related
thereto;
(2) Liens in favor of the Company or the Guarantors;
(3) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or
into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such
Liens were not incurred in contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend
to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Company or
the Subsidiary;
15
(4) Liens on property (including Capital Stock) existing at the time of acquisition of
the property, or the acquisition of the Person owning such property, by the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company (including, without limitation, Liens securing Acquired Debt);
provided that such Liens were not incurred in contemplation of such acquisition;
(5) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety or appeal bonds,
performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of
business;
(6) purchase money security interests (as defined in Article 9 of the
New York Uniform
Commercial Code) and other Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease
Obligations) permitted by clause (4) of the second paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof covering
only the property, plant or equipment (including, without limitation, rental equipment
purchased as inventory held for sale or lease) purchased in accordance with such clause (4)
and the proceeds thereof (or in the case of Capital Lease Obligations, acquired with or
financed by such Indebtedness);
(7) Liens existing on the date of this Indenture;
(8) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet
delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently concluded; provided that any reserve or other appropriate
provision as is required in conformity with GAAP has been made therefor;
(9) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s, landlord’s, mechanics’
Liens and other like Liens, and customary Liens retained by or granted to carriers,
landlords and mechanics under the terms of agreements pursuant to which services are
rendered or property is leased by such Persons to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(10) leases or subleases granted to others that do not materially interfere with the
ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(11) survey exceptions, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for,
licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other
similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property that were
not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and that do not in the aggregate materially
adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the
operation of the business of such Person;
(12) Liens created for the benefit of (or to secure) the Notes (or the Note
Guarantees);
(13) Liens to secure any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred
under this Indenture; provided, however, that:
(a) the new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property and
assets that secured or, under the written agreements pursuant to which the original
Lien arose, could secure the original Lien (plus improvements and accessions to,
such property or proceeds or distributions thereof); and
(b) the Indebtedness secured by the new Lien is not increased to any amount
greater than the sum of (x) the outstanding principal amount, or, if greater,
committed
16
amount, of the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness and (y) an amount necessary
to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such renewal,
refunding, refinancing, replacement, defeasance or discharge;
(14) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to commercial letters of
credit which encumber documents and other property relating to such letters of credit and
products and proceeds thereof;
(15) Liens encumbering deposits made to secure obligations arising from statutory,
regulatory, contractual or warranty requirements of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, including rights of offset and set-off;
(16) Liens arising from precautionary filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing
statements regarding leases;
(17) Liens (including, without limitation, rights of set-off and credit balances) with
respect to deposit accounts (as defined under the Uniform Commercial Code);
(18) judgment Liens incurred as a result of a judgment by court of competent
jurisdiction that does not otherwise give rise to an Event of Default under this Indenture,
so long as (x) such Liens are adequately bonded and (y) any appropriate legal proceedings
which may have been duly initiated for the appeal or review of such judgment shall not have
been terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated shall not have
expired;
(19) Liens securing Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries incurred pursuant to clause
(14) of the second paragraph of Section 4.09 hereof; and
(20) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any Subsidiary
of the Company with respect to obligations that do not exceed $10.0 million at any one time
outstanding.
“Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend,
renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge other Indebtedness of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness); provided that:
(1) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if
applicable) of the Indebtedness extended, renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased
or discharged (plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all fees and
expenses, including premiums, incurred in connection therewith);
(2) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the
final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than
the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being extended, renewed,
refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged;
(3) if the Indebtedness being extended, renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced,
defeased or discharged is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to, the Notes on terms at least
as favorable to the holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the
17
Indebtedness being extended, renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or
discharged; and
(4) such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Restricted Subsidiary
who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, renewed, refunded, refinanced,
replaced, defeased or discharged.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association,
joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or
other entity.
“Principals” means (i) Bruckmann, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx & Co., L.P. and Bruckmann, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx
& Co. II, L.P., each a Delaware limited partnership, (ii) Bruckmann, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx & Co., Inc.,
a Delaware corporation and (iii) Xx. Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx.
“Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(1) hereof to be
placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions
of this Indenture.
“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.
“Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 4,
2006, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties named on the signature pages thereof,
as such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time and, with respect to
any Additional Notes, one or more registration rights agreements among the Company, the Guarantors
and the other parties thereto, as such agreement(s) may be amended, modified or supplemented from
time to time, relating to rights given by the Company to the purchasers of Additional Notes to
register such Additional Notes, or exchange such Additional Notes for substantially identical notes
which are registered, under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto
bearing the Global Note Legend, Private Placement Legend and Regulation S Legend and deposited with
or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in a
denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 903 of
Regulation S.
“Related Party” means:
(1) any controlling stockholder, general partner or managing member of any Principal,
any majority owned Subsidiary of any Principal, or any immediate family member (in the case
of an individual) of any Principal; or
(2) any trust, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity, the
beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, members, owners or Persons beneficially holding a
majority interest of which consist of any one or more Principals and/or such other Persons
referred to in the immediately preceding clause (1).
“Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the
Corporate Trust Administration of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other
officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the
above
18
designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any
other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the
particular subject.
“Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.
“Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.
“Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Period” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation
S.
“Restricted Subsidiary” of a Person means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the referent
Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
“Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Shelf Registration Statement” means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the
Registration Rights Agreement.
“Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as
defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as
such Regulation is in effect on the date of this Indenture.
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any
series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be
paid in the documentation governing such Indebtedness as of the date of this Indenture, and will
not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or
principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the
total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders’ agreement
that effectively transfers voting power) to vote in the election of directors, managers or
trustees of the corporation, association or other business entity is at the time owned or
controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries
of that Person (or a combination thereof); and
19
(2) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of
which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of
which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination
thereof).
“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb).
“Trustee” means the party named as such in the preamble to this Indenture until a successor
replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the
successor serving hereunder.
“Unrestricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note that does not bear and is not required
to bear the Private Placement Legend.
“Unrestricted Global Note” means a Global Note that does not bear and is not required to bear
the Private Placement Legend.
“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company (and any Subsidiary of such
Subsidiary) that is designated by the Board of Directors of the Company as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, but only to the extent that such
Subsidiary:
(1) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
(2) except as permitted by Section 4.11 hereof, is not party to any agreement,
contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are
no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be
obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company;
(3) is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity
Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such
Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and
(4) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for
any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than through
the pledge of Equity Interests in such Unrestricted Subsidiary).
“U.S. Person” means a U.S. Person as defined in Rule 902(k) promulgated under the Securities
Act.
“Voting Stock” of any specified Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person
that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.
“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the
number of years obtained by dividing:
(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then
remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of
principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date
and the making of such payment; by
20
(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
Section 1.02 Other Definitions.
|
|
|
|
|
Defined in |
Term |
|
Section |
“Affiliate Transaction” |
|
4.11 |
“Asset Sale Offer” |
|
3.09 |
“Authentication Order” |
|
2.02 |
“Change of Control Offer” |
|
4.15 |
“Change of Control Payment” |
|
4.15 |
“Change of Control Payment Date” |
|
4.15 |
“Covenant Defeasance” |
|
8.03 |
“DTC” |
|
2.03 |
“Event of Default” |
|
6.01 |
“Excess Proceeds” |
|
4.10 |
“incur” |
|
4.09 |
“Legal Defeasance” |
|
8.02 |
“Offer Amount” |
|
3.09 |
“Offer Period” |
|
3.09 |
“Paying Agent” |
|
2.03 |
“Permitted Debt” |
|
4.09 |
“Payment Default” |
|
6.01 |
“Purchase Date” |
|
3.09 |
“Registrar” |
|
2.03 |
“Restricted Payments” |
|
4.07 |
Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.
Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by
reference in and made a part of this Indenture.
The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:
“indenture securities” means the Notes;
“indenture security Holder” means a Holder of a Note;
“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture;
“indenture trustee” or
“institutional trustee” means the Trustee; and
“obligor” on the Notes and the Note Guarantees means the Company and the Guarantors,
respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Note Guarantees, respectively.
All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference
to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them.
21
Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
(3) “or” is not exclusive;
(4) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;
(5) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command;
(6) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and
(7) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act will be deemed to
include substitute, replacement of successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time
to time.
ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES
Section 2.01 Form and Dating.
(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication will be substantially
in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by
law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note will be dated the date of its authentication. The
Notes shall be in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereof.
The terms and provisions contained in the Notes will constitute, and are hereby expressly
made, a part of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution
and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound
thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of
this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
(b) Global Notes. Notes issued in global form will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A
hereto (including the Global Note Legend thereon and the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the
Global Note” attached thereto). Notes issued in definitive form will be substantially in the form
of Exhibit A hereto (but without the Global Note Legend thereon and without the “Schedule of
Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto). Each Global Note will represent such
of the outstanding Notes as will be specified therein and each shall provide that it represents the
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be
reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and redemptions. Any endorsement of a
Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of
outstanding Notes represented thereby will be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the
direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required
by Section 2.06 hereof.
22
(c) Euroclear and Clearstream Procedures Applicable. The provisions of the “Operating
Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the
“General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream Banking” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream will
be applicable to transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note that are held by
Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.
Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.
At least one Officer must sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is
authenticated, the Note will nevertheless be valid.
A Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee. The
signature will be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.
The Trustee will, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by at least one
Officer (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate Notes for original issue that may be validly
issued under this Indenture, including any Additional Notes. The aggregate principal amount of
Notes outstanding at any time may not exceed the aggregate principal amount of Notes authorized for
issuance by the Company pursuant to one or more Authentication Orders, except as provided in
Section 2.07 hereof.
The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate
Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each
reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.
An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of
the Company.
Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent.
The Company will maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of
transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for
payment (“Paying Agent”). The Registrar will keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer
and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying
agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes any
additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to
any Holder. The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent
not a party to this Indenture. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as
Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries
may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company (
“DTC
”) to act as Depositary with
respect to the Global Notes.
The Company initially appoints the Trustee, and the Trustee hereby agrees, to act as the
Registrar and Paying Agent and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.
Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.
The Company will require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the
Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the
Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on
the Notes, and will notify the Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment.
While any such
23
default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the
Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the
Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a
Subsidiary) will have no further liability for the money. If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as
Paying Agent, it will segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders
all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating
to the Company, the Trustee will serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.
Section 2.05 Holder Lists.
The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent
list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA
§ 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company will furnish to the Trustee at least
seven Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may
request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require
of the names and addresses of the Holders of Notes and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA
§ 312(a).
Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange.
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred except as a
whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the
Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a
successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary. All Global Notes will be
exchangeable for Definitive Notes if:
(1) the Company delivers to the Trustee notice from the Depositary that it is unwilling
or unable to continue to act as Depositary or that it is no longer a clearing agency
registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not
appointed by the Company within 120 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary;
(2) the Company in its sole discretion determines that the Global Notes (in whole but
not in part) should be exchanged for Definitive Notes and delivers a written notice to such
effect to the Trustee; or
(3) there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to
the Notes.
Upon the occurrence of either of the preceding events in (1) or (2) above, Definitive Notes
shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the Trustee, and upon the occurrence
of the preceding events in (3) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in exchange for beneficial
interests in a Global Note upon request therefor by the Depositary acting upon instruction of the
holder of such beneficial interest in such Global Note. Global Notes also may be exchanged or
replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 hereof. Every Note
authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any portion thereof,
pursuant to this Section 2.06 or Section 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered
in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global Note may not be exchanged for another Note
other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may
be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (f) hereof.
(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and
exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be effected through the Depositary, in
24
accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial
interests in the Restricted Global Notes will be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to
those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial
interests in the Global Notes also will require compliance with either subparagraph (1) or (2)
below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:
(1) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in
any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the
form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the
transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that
prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the
Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a
U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted
Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall
be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this
Section 2.06(b)(1).
(2) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In
connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to
Section 2.06(b)(1) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the
Registrar either:
(A) both:
(i) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given
to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the
Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in
another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be
transferred or exchanged; and
(ii) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures
containing information regarding the Participant account to be credited with
such increase; or
(B) both:
(i) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect Participant given
to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the
Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the
beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and
(ii) instructions given by the Depositary to the Registrar containing
information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be
registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (1) above;
Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof,
the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(2) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by
the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of
such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the
requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this
Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust
the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof.
25
(3) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial
interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the
transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(2) above and the Registrar
receives the following:
(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest
in the 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form
of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest
in the Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in
the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and
(C) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest
in the IAI Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form
of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of
Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.
If any such transfer is effected at a time when an IAI Global Note has not yet been issued, the
Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02
hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more IAI Global Notes in an aggregate principal
amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to this
subparagraph.
(4) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for
Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any
Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in
an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the
form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer
complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(2) above and:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial
interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the
case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not
(i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange
Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest
in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form
of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or
26
(ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall
take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of
Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so
requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer
is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer
contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order
to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an
Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an
Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or
more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal
amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.
Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to
Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note.
(c) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.
(1) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. If
any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such
beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest
to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then,
upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note
proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a
certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the
certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;
(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance
with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including
the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an
offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the
effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2)
thereof;
(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule
144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an Institutional
Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements
of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D)
above, a
27
certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if
applicable;
(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set
forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,
the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced
accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the
appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in
a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names
and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest
shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or
Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose
names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(1) shall bear the Private
Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.
(2) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.
A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial
interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a
Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of such beneficial
interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer,
certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a
Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes
or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted
Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C
hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or
(ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall
take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a
certificate from
28
such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so
requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer
is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer
contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order
to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(3) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes.
If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange
such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a
Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction
of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(2) hereof, the Trustee will cause the
aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant
to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate
and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the
appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial
interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(3) will be registered in such name or names and in
such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest
requests through instructions to the Registrar from or through the Depositary and the
Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee will deliver such Definitive Notes to the
Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange
for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(3) will not bear the Private
Placement Legend.
(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.
(1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If
any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes to a
Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted
Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such
Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such
Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b)
thereof;
(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in
accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S.
Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a
certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (2) thereof;
(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance
with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including
the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
29
(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an Institutional
Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements
of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D)
above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if
applicable;
(F) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the
effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c)
thereof,
the Trustee will cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be
increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) above, the
appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the 144A Global
Note, in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note, and in all
other cases, the IAI Global Note.
If any transfer to an IAI Global Note is effected at a time when an IAI Global Note has not
yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance
with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more IAI Global Notes in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Restricted Definitive
Note transferred pursuant to this subparagraph.
(2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes.
A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in
an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note
only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an
exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable
Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person
participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an
affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such
Notes for a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a
certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the
certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or
30
(ii) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such
Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such
Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item
(4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so
requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to the effect that such exchange or transfer
is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer
contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order
to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section
2.06(d)(2), the Trustee will cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be
increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.
(3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes.
A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial
interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note
at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee will
cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the
aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.
If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is
effected pursuant to subparagraphs (2)(B), (2)(D) or (3) above at a time when an
Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company will issue and, upon receipt
of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will
authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to
the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.
(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder
of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the
Registrar will register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration
of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder must present or surrender to the Registrar the
Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in
writing. In addition, the requesting Holder must provide any additional certifications, documents
and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section
2.06(e).
(1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted
Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take
delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the
following:
(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A, then the transferor
must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the
transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications in item (2) thereof; and
31
(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a
certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications,
certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.
(2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted
Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note
or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an
Unrestricted Definitive Note if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an
exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable
Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person
participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an
affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(i) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to
exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from
such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in
item (1)(d) thereof; or
(ii) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to
transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form
of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the
form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so
requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Registrar to
the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act
and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement
Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities
Act.
(3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of
Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof
in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such
a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the
instructions from the Holder thereof.
(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the
Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order
in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate:
32
(1) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes accepted for
exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of
Transmittal that (A) they are not Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a
distribution of the Exchange Notes and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144)
of the Company; and
(2) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange
Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (A) they are not
Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and
(C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company.
Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal
amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Company will
execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of
Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount.
(g) Legends. The following legends will appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive
Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions
of this Indenture.
(1) Private Placement Legend.
(A) Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Global Note and each
Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof)
shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:
“THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION
UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS NOTE MAY
NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE
EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS NOTE
MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY
RULE 144A THEREUNDER.
THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS NOTE MAY BE OFFERED,
RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) TO THE COMPANY, (II) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A
PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE
144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (III) TO AN
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) THAT, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES THE TRUSTEE WITH A SIGNED LETTER
CONTAINING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (THE FORM
OF WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE) AND, IF SUCH TRANSFER IS IN RESPECT OF AN AGGREGATE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOTES LESS THAN $250,000, AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY THAT
SUCH TRANSFER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT, (IV) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN
OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (V) PURSUANT TO AN
EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE
33
SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE) OR (VI) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (VI) IN ACCORDANCE
WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND
EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE
RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN (A) ABOVE.”
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued
pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(4), (c)(2), (c)(3), (d)(2), (d)(3), (e)(2), (e)(3) or
(f) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution
thereof) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.
(2) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note will bear a legend in substantially the
following form:
“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR
ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO
ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS
MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN
WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06(a) OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE
DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS
GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE
COMPANY.
UNLESS AND UNTIL IT IS EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR NOTES IN DEFINITIVE FORM, THIS NOTE MAY
NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITARY TO A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY A
NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY TO THE DEPOSITARY OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITARY OR BY THE
DEPOSITARY OR ANY SUCH NOMINEE TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE OF SUCH SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY.
UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST
COMPANY (55 XXXXX XXXXXX, XXX XXXX, XXX XXXX) (“DTC”), TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION
OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE &
CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT
IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS
WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.”
(3) Regulation S Legend. Each Regulation S Global Note will bear a legend in
substantially the following form:
“THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSORS) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION ORIGINALLY EXEMPT FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT
BE TRANSFERRED IN THE UNITED STATE OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY U.S. PERSON EXCEPT
PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND ALL
APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. TERMS USED
34
ABOVE HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.”
“THIS NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION
UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS NOTE MAY
NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE
EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS NOTE
MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY
RULE 144A THEREUNDER.
(h) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests
in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note
has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note will be
returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any
time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or
transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in
another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such
Global Note will be reduced accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the
Trustee or by the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the
beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery
thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note will be
increased accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the
Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.
(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.
(1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company will execute and
the Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an
Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof or at the Registrar’s request.
(2) No service charge will be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global
Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but
the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar
governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or
similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10,
3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.15 and 9.05 hereof).
(3) The Registrar will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of any
Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note
being redeemed in part.
(4) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or
exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes will be the valid obligations of the Company,
evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the
Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(5) Neither the Registrar nor the Company will be required:
(A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a
period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection
of
35
Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of
business on the day of selection;
(B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note selected for redemption
in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in
part; or
(C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and
the next succeeding interest payment date.
(6) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the
Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is
registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of
principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee,
any Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(7) The Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with
the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.
(8) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted
to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or
exchange may be submitted by facsimile.
Section 2.07 Replacement Notes.
If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company and the Trustee receives
evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company will issue
and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate a replacement Note if
the Trustee’s requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity bond
must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Company to
protect the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of
them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Company may charge for its expenses in replacing a
Note.
Every replacement Note issued in accordance with this Section 2.07 is an additional obligation
of the Company and will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and
proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.
Section 2.08 Outstanding Notes.
The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for
those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a
Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described
in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.09 hereof, a Note does
not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note;
however, Notes held by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company shall not be deemed to be
outstanding for purposes of Section 3.07(a) hereof.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the
Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.
36
If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 hereof, it ceases to
be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.
If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof)
holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on that date,
then on and after that date such Notes will be deemed to be no longer outstanding and will cease to
accrue interest.
Section 2.09 Treasury Notes.
In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in
any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Company or any Guarantor, or by any Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with
the Company or any Guarantor, will be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the
purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction,
waiver or consent, only Notes that the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded.
Section 2.10 Temporary Notes.
Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the
Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary
Notes will be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the
Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as may be reasonably acceptable to the
Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Company will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate
definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.
Holders of temporary Notes will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 2.11 Cancellation.
The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and
Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of
transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else will cancel all Notes surrendered for
registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and will dispose of
canceled Notes in its customary manner (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange
Act). Certification of the disposition of all canceled Notes will be delivered to the Company upon
its request therefor. The Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or
that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest.
If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it will pay the defaulted
interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted
interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the
rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The Company will notify the Trustee in
writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the
proposed payment. The Company will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and
payment date; provided that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the
related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date,
the Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the name and at the
expense of the Company) will mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice that states the special
record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.
37
Section 2.13 CUSIP Number.
The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and,
if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders;
provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of
such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and
that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities,
and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The
Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.
ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT
Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee.
If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of
Section 3.07 hereof, it must furnish to the Trustee, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days
before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth:
(1) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur;
(2) the redemption date;
(3) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed; and
(4) the redemption price.
Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased.
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any
time, the Trustee will select Notes for redemption or purchase on a pro rata basis (or, in the case
of Global Notes, based on a method that most reasonably approximates pro rata selection as the
Trustee deems fair and appropriate) unless otherwise required by law or applicable stock exchange
requirements.
In the event of partial redemption or purchase, the particular Notes to be redeemed or
purchased will be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60
days prior to the redemption or purchase date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not
previously called for redemption or purchase.
The Trustee will promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption
or purchase and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal
amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased. Notes and portions of Notes selected will be in
amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 thereof; except that if all of the Notes of a Holder
are to be redeemed or purchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even
if not in the amount of $2,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000 thereof, shall be redeemed or
purchased. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply
to Notes called for redemption or purchase also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption or
purchase.
The Company and the Guarantors may acquire Notes and Note Guarantees by means other than a
redemption, whether pursuant to a tender offer, open market purchase, negotiated transaction or
otherwise, so long as such acquisition does not otherwise violate the terms of this Indenture.
38
Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.
Subject to the provisions of Section 3.09 hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days
before a redemption date, the Company will mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a
notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address,
except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the
notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of
this Indenture pursuant to Articles 8 or 11 hereof.
The notice will identify the Notes to be redeemed and will state:
(1) the redemption date;
(2) the redemption price;
(3) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such
Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date upon surrender of such Note, a new
Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued in the name
of the Holder of Notes upon cancellation of the original Note;
(4) the name and address of the Paying Agent;
(5) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect
the redemption price;
(6) that, unless the Company defaults in making such redemption payment, interest on
Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;
(7) the paragraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the
Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and
(8) that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP
number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.
At the Company’s request, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name
and at its expense; provided, however, that the Company has delivered to the Trustee, at least 45
days prior to the redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such
notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding
paragraph.
Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.
Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for
redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price. A
notice of redemption may not be conditional.
Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price.
One Business Day prior to the redemption or purchase date, the Company will deposit with the
Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and
accrued and unpaid interest (including Additional Interest, if any) on all Notes to be redeemed or
purchased on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent will promptly return to the Company any
money
39
deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts
necessary to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued and unpaid interest (including
Additional Interest, if any) on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.
If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the
redemption or purchase date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes
called for redemption or purchase. If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after an interest
record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid
interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of
business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption or purchase is not so paid upon
surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Company to comply with the
preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or
purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on
such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.
Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part.
Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Company will issue and,
upon receipt of an Authentication Order, the Trustee will authenticate for the Holder at the
expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased
portion of the Note surrendered.
Section 3.07 Optional Redemption.
(a) At any time prior to July 15, 2009, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up
to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under this Indenture at a redemption price
of 108.375% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if
any, on the Notes to be redeemed to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more
Equity Offerings of the Company; provided that:
(1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under
this Indenture (excluding Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries) remains
outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption; and
(2) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of Equity Offering.
(b) Except pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Notes will not be redeemable at the
Company’s option prior to July 15, 2011.
(c) On or after July 15, 2011, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of
principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any,
on the Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month
period beginning on July 15 of the years indicated below, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes
on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
Percentage |
|
2011 |
|
|
104.188 |
% |
2012 |
|
|
102.792 |
% |
2013 |
|
|
101.396 |
% |
2014 and thereafter |
|
|
100.000 |
% |
40
Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to
accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on and after the applicable
redemption date.
(d) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of
Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.
Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption.
The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect
to the Notes.
Section 3.09 Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds.
In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, the Company is required to commence an
offer to all Holders to purchase Notes (an “Asset Sale Offer”), it will follow the procedures
specified below.
The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders and all holders of other Indebtedness that
is pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture
with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets. The Asset Sale
Offer will remain open for a period of at least 20 Business Days following its commencement and not
more than 30 Business Days, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law
(the “Offer Period”). No later than three Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period
(the “Purchase Date”), the Company will apply all Excess Proceeds (the
“Offer Amount
”) to the
purchase of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness (on a pro rata basis, if applicable) or,
if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes and other Indebtedness tendered in
response to the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased will be made in the same
manner as interest payments are made.
If the Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related
interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, will be
paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date,
and no additional interest will be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale
Offer.
Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company will send, by first class mail, a
notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. The notice will contain
all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the
Asset Sale Offer. The notice, which will govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, will state:
(1) that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section
4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer will remain open;
(2) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;
(3) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment will continue to accrue
interest;
(4) that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for
payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer will cease to accrue interest on and after the
Purchase Date;
41
(5) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale
Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in integral multiples of $1,000 only;
(6) that Holders electing to have Notes purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer will
be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect
Purchase” attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the
Company, a Depositary, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the address
specified in the notice at least three days before the Purchase Date;
(7) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company, the
Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration
of the Offer Period, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the
name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a
statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Note purchased;
(8) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness
surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Company will select the Notes
and other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the principal
amount of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness surrendered (with such adjustments as
may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes in denominations of $2,000, or
integral multiples of $1,000 thereof, will be purchased); and
(9) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal
in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by
book-entry transfer).
On or before the Purchase Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on
a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof properly
tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount has
been properly tendered and not withdrawn, all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn, and will
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an
Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the
Company in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.09. The Company, the Depositary or the
Paying Agent, as the case may be, will promptly (but in any case not later than five Business Days
after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each Holder of the Notes properly tendered and not
withdrawn an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted
by the Company for purchase, and the Company will promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon
written request from the Company, will authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred
by book entry) such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion
of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the
Company to the Holder thereof. The Company will publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale
Offer on the Purchase Date.
Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09, any purchase pursuant to this
Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.
42
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS
Section 4.01 Payment of Notes.
The Company will pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and
Additional Interest, if any, on, the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest and Additional Interest, if any will be considered paid on
the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of
10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Company in immediately available
funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then
due. The Company will pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in
the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any
Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to 1% per annum in excess of the then
applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including
post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of
interest and Additional Interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate
to the extent lawful.
Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of
New York, an office or
agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or
co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where
notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be
served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change
in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company fails to maintain any such
required office or agency or fails to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such
presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office
of the Trustee.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where
the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time
rescind such designations;
provided, however, that no such designation or rescission will in any
manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of
Manhattan, the City of
New York for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to
the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such
other office or agency.
The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or
agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.03 hereof.
Section 4.03 Reports.
(a) Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any Notes are
outstanding, the Company will furnish to the Holders of Notes or cause the Trustee to furnish to
the Holders of Notes, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations:
(1) all quarterly and annual reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on
Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such reports; and
43
(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if
the Company were required to file such reports.
All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules
and regulations applicable to such reports based on the Company’s status as an “accelerated filer”
or “large accelerated filer” (each as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) or as a
“non-accelerated filer” (as used in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act), as the case may be, under
the SEC’s rules and regulations. Each annual report on Form 10-K will include a report on the
Company’s consolidated financial statements by the Company’s certified independent accountants. In
addition, the Company will file a copy of each of the reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2)
above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in the rules and
regulations applicable to such reports (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) and will post
the reports on its website as soon as practicable thereafter. The Company will comply with TIA §
314(a) whether or not this Indenture has been qualified under the TIA.
If, at any time, the Company is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of
the Exchange Act for any reason, the Company will nevertheless continue filing the reports
specified in this Section 4.03(a) with the SEC within the time periods specified above unless the
SEC will not accept such a filing. The Company will not take any action for the purpose of causing
the SEC not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the SEC will not accept
the Company’s filings for any reason, the Company will post the reports referred to in this
Section 4.03(a) on its website within the time periods that would apply if the Company were
required to file those reports with the SEC.
(b) If the Company has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then
the quarterly and annual financial information required by Section 4.03(a) will include a
reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the
footnotes thereto, and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations, of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial condition and results of operations of the
Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Company.
(c) For so long as any Notes remain outstanding, if at any time they are not required to file
with the SEC the reports required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 4.03, the Company and
the Guarantors will furnish to the Holders of Notes and to securities analysts and prospective
investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4)
under the Securities Act.
Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate.
(a) The Company and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the
TIA) shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’
Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the
preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to
determining whether the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under
this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the
best of his or her knowledge the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every
covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any
of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default has
occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge
and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the
best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which
payments on account of the principal of or interest, if any, on the Notes is
44
prohibited or if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action the
Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
(b) So long as not contrary to the then current recommendations of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants, the Company shall use its best efforts to ensure that the year-end
financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 4.03(a) above shall be accompanied by a written
statement of the Company’s independent public accountants (who shall be a firm of established
national reputation) that in making the examination necessary for certification of such financial
statements, nothing has come to their attention that would lead them to believe that the Company
has violated any provisions of Article 4 or Article 5 hereof or, if any such violation has
occurred, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof, it being understood that such
accountants shall not be liable directly or indirectly to any Person for any failure to obtain
knowledge of any such violation.
(c) So long as any of the Notes are outstanding, the Company will deliver to the Trustee,
forthwith upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’
Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or
proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 4.05 Taxes.
The Company will pay, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency,
all material taxes, assessments, and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith
and by appropriate proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any
material respect to the Holders of the Notes.
Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.
The Company and each of the Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so)
that it will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the
benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time
hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the
Company and each of the Guarantors (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly
waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any
such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but
will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.
Section 4.07 Restricted Payments.
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of
the Company’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests (including, without
limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Company’s
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other
than dividends or distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock)
of the Company);
45
(2) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without
limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity
Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company;
(3) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise
acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is
contractually subordinated to the Notes or to any Note Guarantee (excluding any intercompany
Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), except a
payment of interest or principal at the Stated Maturity thereof; or
(4) make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in
these clauses (1) through (4) above being collectively referred to as “Restricted
Payments”),
unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
(1) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of such
Restricted Payment;
(2) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro
forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the
applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a)
hereof; and
(3) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted
Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries since the date of this
Indenture (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (2) through (12) of paragraph
(b) of this Section 4.07), is less than the sum, without duplication, of:
(A) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as
one accounting period) from the beginning of the first fiscal quarter commencing
after the date of this Indenture to the end of the Company’s most recently ended
fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of
such Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a
deficit, less 100% of such deficit); plus
(B) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company since the
date of this Indenture as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the
issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company or from the issue or sale of
convertible or exchangeable Disqualified Stock or convertible or exchangeable debt
securities of the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity
Interests (other than Equity Interests (or Disqualified Stock or debt securities)
sold to a Subsidiary of the Company); plus
(C) 100% of the Fair Market Value as of the date of issuance of any shares of
Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company issued as consideration
for the purchase by the Company or any Guarantor of all or substantially all of the
assets of, or all of the Capital Stock of, any Person (other than a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company) engaged in a Permitted Business primarily in the United
States (including without limitation by means of a merger, consolidation or other
business combination permitted under the indenture); provided that, in the case of a
purchase of all of the
46
Capital Stock of such Person, such Person (x) is merged with or into the
Company in accordance with Section 5.01 hereof or (y) becomes a Guarantor in
accordance with Section 4.19 hereof; plus
(D) to the extent that any Restricted Investment made by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries in any Person after the date of this Indenture is
subsequently sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid for cash (including,
without limitation, by repurchase, repayment or redemption of such Restricted
Investment by such Person), the cash return of capital (excluding dividends and
distributions) to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to
such Restricted Investment (less the cost of disposition, if any); plus
(E) if any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company (i) is redesignated as a
Restricted Subsidiary, the Fair Market Value of the Company’s Investment in such
redesignated Subsidiary as of the date of such redesignation or (ii) pays any cash
dividends or cash distributions to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, 100% of any such cash dividends or cash distributions made after the
date of this Indenture.
(b) The provisions of Section 4.07(a) hereof will not prohibit:
(1) the payment of any dividend or distribution or the consummation of any irrevocable
redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration of the dividend or distribution or
giving of the redemption notice, as the case may be, if at the date of declaration or
notice, the dividend, distribution or redemption payment would have complied with the
provisions of this Indenture;
(2) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
the making of any Restricted Payment in exchange for, or within 60 days out of the net cash
proceeds of the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity Interests of the
Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or within 60 days from the contribution of common
equity capital to the Company; provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that
are utilized for any such Restricted Payment will be excluded from clause (3)(B) of Section
4.07(a) hereof;
(3) the repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value
of Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated or junior
in right of payment to the Notes or to any Note Guarantee within 60 days with the net cash
proceeds from an incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
(4) the payment of any dividend (or, in the case of any partnership or limited
liability company, any similar distribution) or the making of any loan or advance by a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata
basis;
(5) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity
Interests of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company held by any current or
former officer, director, employee or consultant of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries pursuant to any equity subscription agreement, stock option agreement,
shareholders’ agreement or similar agreement, plan or arrangement; provided that the
aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity
Interests may not exceed (a) $2.0 million in any calendar
47
year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding
calendar years subject to a maximum (without giving effect to clause (b)) of $5.0 million in
any calendar year), plus (b) the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries from any issuance or reissuance of Equity Interests to directors,
officers, employees and consultants and the proceeds of any
“key man’’ life insurance
policies; provided, further, that the cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company or
its Restricted Subsidiaries from members of management in connection with such repurchase of
Equity Interests will not be deemed to be a Restricted Payment;
(6) the repurchase of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock
options, warrants or similar rights to the extent such Equity Interests represent a portion
of the exercise price of those stock options, warrants or similar rights;
(7) the declaration and payment of regularly scheduled or accrued dividends or
distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any
class or series of preferred stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company issued on or
after the date of this Indenture in accordance with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test
described in Section 4.09 hereof;
(8) purchases of fractional Equity Interests of the Company, for (x) aggregate
consideration not to exceed $500,000 since the date of this Indenture or (y) arising out of
a consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of
the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that is permitted pursuant to
Section 5.01 hereof;
(9) payments or distributions in an amount determined by judgment or settlement
approved by a court of competent jurisdiction, solely in the nature of satisfaction of
dissenting stockholder rights, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, merger or
transfer of assets that complies with Section 5.01 hereof;
(10) the application of the proceeds from the issuance of the Notes to purchase,
redeem, defease or satisfy and discharge any and all of the Company’s outstanding 12 1/2%
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, including any premiums, fees and expenses payable in
connection therewith;
(11) the payment from time to time of amounts under the terms of the Affiliate
Agreements to the extent such payment could be construed to be a Restricted Payment;
(12) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25.0 million since the date
of this Indenture.
The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the Fair Market Value on the
date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued
by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted
Payment. The Fair Market Value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this
Section 4.07 will be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company whose resolution with
respect thereto will be delivered to the Trustee. The Board of Directors’ determination must be
based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of
national standing if the Fair Market Value exceeds $25.0 million.
48
Section 4.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or with respect to any other interest or
participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any indebtedness owed to the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(3) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries.
(b) The restrictions in Section 4.08(a) hereof will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions
existing under or by reason of:
(1) agreements governing Existing Indebtedness and Credit Facilities as in effect on
the date of this Indenture and any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals,
increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements;
provided that the amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements,
refundings, replacements or refinancings are not materially more restrictive, taken as a
whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in
those agreements on the date of this Indenture;
(2) this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees;
(3) applicable law, rule, regulation or order (or other governmental approval, license
or permit);
(4) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in effect at the time of such acquisition
(except to the extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was incurred in connection with or
in contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to
any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the
property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided that, in the case of Indebtedness,
such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;
(5) customary non-assignment provisions or subletting restrictions in leases, contracts
and licenses entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(6) purchase money obligations and Indebtedness incurred to pay Open Account
Obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business and Capital Lease
Obligations that restrict the transfer of the property purchased or leased;
(7) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary
(including, without limitation, the Capital Stock or all or substantially all of the assets
of that Restricted Subsidiary) that restricts distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary
pending the sale or
49
other disposition (which limitation, in the case of a sale or disposition of all or
substantially all assets, is applicable only to the property or assets that are the subject
of such agreement);
(8) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the restrictions contained in the
agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more
restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the
Indebtedness being refinanced;
(9) Liens permitted to be incurred under the provisions of Section 4.12 hereof that
limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;
(10) provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint
venture agreements, asset sale agreements, sale-leaseback agreements, stock sale agreements,
limited liability company organizational documents and other similar agreements entered into
with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, which limitation is applicable only
to the property or assets that are the subject of such agreements;
(11) contracts with customers or leases with lessors entered into in the ordinary
course of business that impose restrictions on cash, Cash Equivalents, marketable
securities, or other deposits or net worth;
(12) agreements governing Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries incurred pursuant to
clause (14) of Section 4.09(b) hereof; provided that the Company determines in good faith
that such encumbrances and restrictions (x) will not cause the Company to not have the funds
necessary to pay the principal of or interest on the notes and (y) are not materially more
restrictive, taken as a whole, than is customary in comparable financings;
(13) agreements governing Hedging Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of
business and permitted to be incurred under the provisions of the covenant described in
Section 4.09 hereof; provided that the Company determines in good faith that such
encumbrances and restrictions (x) will not cause the Company to not have the funds necessary
to pay the principal of or interest on the notes and (y) such restrictions are not
materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other
payment restrictions applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary than those contained in the
agreements covered by clauses (1) or (2) of this paragraph;
(14) any instrument governing any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of any Unrestricted
Subsidiary as in effect on the date, if any, that such Unrestricted Subsidiary is
redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such encumbrance or restriction is
not applicable to any Person, or to the property or assets of any Person, other than such
redesignated Restricted Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries (immediately prior to such
redesignation) and their respective properties and assets; and
(15) agreements governing other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section
4.09 hereof; provided that the Company determines in good faith that such encumbrances and
restrictions (x) will not cause the Company to not have the funds necessary to pay the
principal of or interest on the notes and (y) such restrictions are not materially more
restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions
applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary than those contained in the agreements covered by
clauses (1) or (2) of this paragraph.
50
Section 4.09 Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly
liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, “incur”) any Indebtedness
(including Acquired Debt), and the Company will not issue any Disqualified Stock and will not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of preferred stock; provided,
however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue Disqualified
Stock and the Guarantors may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue preferred stock,
if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters
for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such
additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or such preferred stock is issued,
as the case may be, would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including
a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been
incurred or the Disqualified Stock or the preferred stock had been issued, as the case may be, at
the beginning of such four-quarter period.
(b) The provisions of Section 4.09(a) hereof will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the
following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “Permitted Debt”):
(1) the incurrence by the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness and
letters of credit under Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one time
outstanding under this clause (1) (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal
amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries thereunder) not to exceed the greater of (x) $350.0 million, less the aggregate
amount of all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries since the date of this Indenture to repay any term Indebtedness under a Credit
Facility or to repay any revolving credit Indebtedness under a Credit Facility and effect a
corresponding commitment reduction thereunder pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof and (y) the
Borrowing Base;
(2) the incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of the Existing
Indebtedness;
(3) the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the
Notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued on the date of this Indenture and the
Exchange Notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued pursuant to the Registration
Rights Agreement;
(4) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness
represented by:
(a) Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, industrial revenue bonds
and purchase money obligations, in each case, incurred for the purpose of financing
all or any part of the purchase price or cost of design, development, construction,
installation or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business of
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness incurred
pursuant to clause (4)(b) below), in an aggregate principal amount, including all
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to renew, refund, refinance, replace,
defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (4)(a), not
to exceed $25.0 million at any time outstanding; and
51
(b) purchase money obligations and Indebtedness incurred to pay Open Account
Obligations to finance the purchase of inventory held for sale or lease (including
rental equipment) in the ordinary course of business, in an aggregate principal
amount, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to renew, refund,
refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this
clause (4)(b), not to exceed $175.0 million at any time outstanding;
(5) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to renew,
refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness (other than intercompany
Indebtedness) that was permitted by this Indenture to be incurred under Section 4.09(a)
hereof or clauses (2), (3), (4), (5), (10)(b), (14) or (16) of this Section 4.09(b);
(6) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany
Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided,
however, that:
(A) if the Company or any Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and the
payee is not the Company or a Guarantor, such Indebtedness must be expressly
subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations then due with
respect to the Notes, in the case of the Company, or the Note Guarantee, in the case
of a Guarantor; and
(B) (i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in
any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company and (ii) any sale or other transfer of any such
Indebtedness to a Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company,
will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this
clause (6);
(7) the issuance by any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries to the Company or to
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of shares of preferred stock; provided, however, that:
(A) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any
such preferred stock being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company; and
(B) any sale or other transfer of any such preferred stock to a Person that is
not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company,
will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an issuance of such preferred stock by such
Restricted Subsidiary that was not permitted by this clause (7);
(8) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Hedging
Obligations in the ordinary course of business;
(9) the guarantee by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness of the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was permitted to be incurred by
another provision of this Section 4.09; provided that if the Indebtedness being guaranteed
is subordinated
52
to or pari passu with the Notes, then the Guarantee shall be subordinated or pari
passu, as applicable, to the same extent as the Indebtedness guaranteed;
(10) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the
ordinary course of business, including without limitation letters of credit in respect to
workers’ compensation claims or self-insurance, or other Indebtedness with respect to
reimbursement type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims or self-insurance;
provided, however, that either (a) upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the
incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following
such drawing or incurrence or self-insurance or (b) such reimbursement obligations or
Indebtedness shall not exceed at any time outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness incurred to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (10)(b), $5.0 million;
(11) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of
Indebtedness in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health and other types of social
security benefits, unemployment and other self-insurance obligations, bankers’ acceptances,
performance, surety and bid bonds and completion guarantees in the ordinary course of
business;
(12) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of
Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check,
draft or similar instrument inadvertently drawn against insufficient funds, so long as such
Indebtedness is covered within five Business Days;
(13) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of
Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn-outs or similar
obligations, in each case, incurred in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any
Restricted Subsidiary, business, property or asset;
(14) the incurrence by Foreign Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in an aggregate principal
amount at any time outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to
renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant
to this clause (14), not to exceed $10.0 million (or the equivalent thereof, measured at the
time of each incurrence, in applicable foreign currency);
(15) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of
Indebtedness to the extent the net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited in trust to
defease the Notes or to satisfy and discharge this Indenture, in each case in accordance
with the terms of this Indenture; and
(16) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of additional
Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock in an aggregate principal amount (or
accreted value, as applicable) at any time outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness incurred to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (16), not to exceed $25.0 million.
The Company will not incur, and will not permit any Guarantor to incur, any Indebtedness
(including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other
Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually
subordinated in right of payment to the Notes and the applicable Note Guarantee on substantially
identical
53
terms; provided, however, that no Indebtedness will be deemed to be contractually subordinated
in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company solely by virtue of being unsecured or
by virtue of being secured on a first or junior Lien basis.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, in the event that an item of
proposed Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock meets the criteria of more than one of
the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (16) above, or is entitled to be
incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a) hereof, the Company will be permitted to classify such item of
Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock on the date of its incurrence, or later
reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock in
any manner that complies with this Section 4.09. Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding
on the date on which Notes are first issued and authenticated under this Indenture will initially
be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on the exception provided by clause (1) of
the definition of Permitted Debt. The accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of
original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional
Indebtedness with the same terms, the reclassification of preferred stock as Indebtedness due to a
change in accounting principles, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of
additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of
Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock for purposes of this Section 4.09; provided, in
each such case, that the amount of any such accrual, accretion or payment is included in Fixed
Charges of the Company as accrued. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.09, the
maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur pursuant to
this Section 4.09 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in exchange
rates or currency values.
The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be:
(1) the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with
original issue discount;
(2) the principal amount of the Indebtedness, in the case of any other Indebtedness;
and
(3) in respect of Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on the assets of the
specified Person, the lesser of:
(A) the Fair Market Value of such assets at the date of determination; and
(B) the amount of the Indebtedness of the other Person.
Section 4.10 Asset Sales.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an
Asset Sale unless:
(1) the Company (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives
consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the
assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and
(2) at least 75% of the consideration received in the Asset Sale by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents. For purposes of this
provision, each of the following will be deemed to be cash:
54
(A) any liabilities, as shown on the Company’s most recent consolidated balance
sheet, of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent
liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any
Note Guarantee) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a
customary novation agreement that releases the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary
from further liability;
(B) any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any
such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents within 180 days, to the
extent of the cash received in that conversion; and
(C) any stock or assets of the kind referred to in clauses (2) or (4) of the
next paragraph of this Section 4.10.
The 75% limitation referred to in clause (2) above will not apply to any Asset Sale in which the
cash or Cash Equivalents portion of the consideration received therefrom, determined in accordance
with the subclauses (a), (b) and (c), is equal to or greater than what the after-tax proceeds would
have been had such Asset Sale complied with the aforementioned 75% limitation.
Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale (provided, that if
during such 365-day period the Company (or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary) enters into a
definitive binding agreement committing it to apply such Net Proceeds in accordance with the
requirements of clauses (2), (3) or (4) of this paragraph after such 365th day, such
365-day period will be extended with respect to the amount of Net Proceeds so committed for a
period not to exceed 180 days until such Net Proceeds are required to be applied in accordance with
such agreement (or, if earlier, until termination of such agreement)), the Company (or the
applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) may apply such Net Proceeds:
(1) to repay Indebtedness and other Obligations under a Credit Facility or any
Indebtedness that is secured by the assets which are the subject of such Asset Sale and, if
the Indebtedness repaid is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce
commitments with respect thereto;
(2) to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or a majority of the Capital
Stock of, another Permitted Business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of
Capital Stock, the Permitted Business is or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
(3) to make a capital expenditure or purchase construction or industrial equipment; or
(4) to acquire other assets that are not classified as current assets under GAAP and
that are used or useful in a Permitted Business.
Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily reduce
revolving credit borrowings or otherwise invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not
prohibited by this Indenture.
Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the second
paragraph of this Section 4.10 will constitute “Excess Proceeds.” When the aggregate amount of
Excess Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, within twenty days thereof, unless waived or modified with
the consent
55
of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes then
outstanding, the Company will make an Asset Sale Offer to all Holders of Notes and all holders of
other Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes containing provisions similar to those set
forth in this Indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of
assets in accordance with Section 3.09 hereof to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and
such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer
price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash. If
any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use those
Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate
principal amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer
exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee will select the Notes and such other pari passu
Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the
amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.
The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are
applicable in connection with each repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the
extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of
Section 3.09 hereof or this Section 4.10, the Company will comply with the applicable securities
laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under Section 3.09
hereof or this Section 4.10 by virtue of such compliance.
Section 4.11 Transactions with Affiliates.
(a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any
payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or
purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract,
agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of
the Company (each an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless:
(1) the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the
Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a
comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated
Person; and
(2) the Company delivers to the Trustee:
(A) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0 million, a
resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company set forth in an Officers’
Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (1) of
this Section 4.11(a) and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a
majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company; and
(B) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $15.0 million, an
opinion as to the fairness to the Company or such Subsidiary of such Affiliate
Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or
investment banking firm of national standing.
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(b) The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will
not be subject to the provisions of Section 4.11(a) hereof:
(1) any employment agreement, employee benefit plan, indemnification agreement or
arrangement for directors, officers, employees, agents and consultants, stock option, stock
repurchase agreement, consulting agreement, severance agreement, insurance plan or any
similar agreement, plan or arrangement entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and payments pursuant thereto;
(2) transactions between or among the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(3) transactions with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company)
that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company owns, directly or through a
Restricted Subsidiary, an Equity Interest in, or controls, such Person;
(4) payment of reasonable directors’ fees; provided that the aggregate fees paid or
payable in any calendar year to any director who is an Affiliate of the Company in a
capacity other than as a director of the Company shall not be greater than the aggregate
fees paid or payable in such year to other directors who are not otherwise Affiliates of the
Company;
(5) any issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to
Affiliates, directors, officers or employees of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries
or to holders of Equity Interests in the Company;
(6) Restricted Payments and Permitted Investments that do not violate Section 4.07
hereof;
(7) customary loans and advances paid to officers, directors, employees or consultants
of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(8) transactions pursuant to the Affiliate Agreements as all are in effect on the date
of this Indenture or as the same may be amended, modified or replaced from time to time so
long as any such amendment, modification or replacement is not materially less favorable to
the Holders than the applicable Affiliate Agreement as in effect on the date of this
Indenture; and
(9) transactions with any Person solely in its capacity as a holder of Indebtedness or
Capital Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries if such transaction
provides for equal treatment of such Person and all other holders, in their capacity as
holders, of the same series of such Indebtedness or of the same class of such Capital Stock.
Section 4.12 Liens.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create,
incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any Lien of any kind (other
than Permitted Liens) upon any of their property or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, unless
all payments due under this Indenture and the Notes are secured on an equal and ratable basis with
the obligations so secured until such time as such obligations are no longer secured by a Lien.
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Section 4.13 Business Activities.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in any
business other than Permitted Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material to the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Section 4.14 Corporate Existence.
Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to
preserve and keep in full force and effect:
(1) its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each
of its Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same
may be amended from time to time) of the Company or any such Subsidiary; and
(2) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its
Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such
right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its
Subsidiaries, if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no
longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders
of the Notes.
Section 4.15 Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control.
(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will make an offer (a
“Change of
Control Offer
“) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral
multiple of $1,000 thereof) of that Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional
Interest, if any, on the Notes repurchased to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of
Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest
payment date (the
“Change of Control Payment
“). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the
Company will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that
constitute the Change of Control and stating:
(1) that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.15 and
that all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn will be accepted for payment;
(2) the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days
and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “Change of Control
Payment Date”);
(3) that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest;
(4) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment,
all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue
interest on and after the Change of Control Payment Date;
(5) that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control
Offer will be required to surrender the Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to
Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the
Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the
third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;
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(6) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Paying Agent
receives, not later than the close of business on the second Business Day preceding the
Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting
forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of Notes delivered for purchase, and a
statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have the Notes purchased; and
(7) that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be issued new Notes
equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which
unpurchased portion must be equal to $2,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple of
$1,000 thereof.
The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are
applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To
the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions
of Sections 3.09 or 4.15 hereof, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and
regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under Section 3.09 hereof or
this Section 4.15 by virtue of such compliance.
(b) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful:
(1) accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered pursuant to the
Change of Control Offer;
(2) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in
respect of all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered; and
(3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted
together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or
portions of Notes being purchased by the Company.
The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each Holder of Notes properly tendered the Change of
Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be
transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased
portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided that each new note will be in a principal amount
of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereof. Any notes so accepted for payment will cease
to accrue interest on and after the Change of Control Payment Date. The Company will publicly
announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change
of Control Payment Date.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.15, the Company will not be
required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (1) a third party makes the
Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the
requirements set forth in this Section 4.15 and Section 3.09 hereof and purchases all Notes
properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer, (2) notice of redemption has
been given pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, unless and until there is a default in payment of the
applicable redemption price, or (3) waived or modified with the consent of the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding.
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Section 4.16 Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into
any sale and leaseback transaction; provided that the Company or any Guarantor may enter into a
sale and leaseback transaction if:
(1) the Company or that Guarantor, as applicable, could have (a) incurred Indebtedness
in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt relating to such sale and leaseback transaction
under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test in Section 4.09(a) hereof and (b) incurred a Lien
to secure such Indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of Section 4.12 hereof;
(2) the gross cash proceeds of that sale and leaseback transaction are at least equal
to the Fair Market Value, which if greater than $5.0 million will be determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors of the Company and set forth in an Officers’ Certificate
delivered to the Trustee, of the property that is the subject of that sale and leaseback
transaction; and
(3) the transfer of assets in that sale and leaseback transaction is permitted by, and
the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, Section 4.10
hereof.
Section 4.17 Payments for Consent.
The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder of Notes
for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of
this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all
Holders of the Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the
solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
Section 4.18 Additional Note Guarantees.
If the Company or any of its Domestic Subsidiaries acquires or creates another Domestic
Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, then that newly acquired or created Domestic
Subsidiary will become a Guarantor and execute a supplemental indenture and deliver an Opinion of
Counsel satisfactory to the Trustee within 30 days of the date on which it was acquired or created;
provided that any Domestic Subsidiary that constitutes an Immaterial Subsidiary need not become a
Guarantor until such time as it ceases to be an Immaterial Subsidiary. The form of such
supplemental indenture is attached as Exhibit F hereto.
Section 4.19 Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default. If a Restricted Subsidiary
is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, the aggregate Fair Market Value of all outstanding
Investments owned by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary designated as
Unrestricted will be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of the designation and will
reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.07 hereof or under one or more
clauses of the definition of Permitted Investments, as determined by the Company. That designation
will only be permitted if the Investment would be permitted at that time and if the Restricted
Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of
the Company may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if that
redesignation would not cause a Default.
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Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced
to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of
Directors giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such
designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 4.07 hereof. If,
at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding requirements as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary, it will thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of
this Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to
be incurred as of such date under Section 4.09 hereof, the Company will be in default of such
covenant. The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time designate any Unrestricted
Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such designation will be deemed to be an
incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any outstanding
Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation will only be permitted if (1)
such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.09 hereof, calculated on a pro forma basis as if
such designation had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period; and (2) no
Default would be in existence following such designation.
ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSORS
Section 5.01 Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets.
The Company shall not, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another
Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation); or (2) sell, assign, transfer,
convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another
Person, unless:
(1) either: (a) the Company is the surviving corporation; or (b) the Person formed by
or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such
sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made is a corporation
organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or
the District of Columbia;
(2) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than
the Company) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this
Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee;
(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default exists; and
(4) the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger
(if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition has been made would, on the date of such transaction after giving pro
forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at
the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, either (A) be permitted to incur at
least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set
forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof; or (B) have a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than
the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company immediately prior to such merger, sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition.
61
In addition, the Company will not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one
or more related transactions, to any other Person.
This Section 5.01 will not apply to:
(1) a merger of the Company with an Affiliate solely for the purpose of reincorporating
the Company in another jurisdiction; or
(2) any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease
or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
Section 5.02 Successor Corporation Substituted.
Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company in a
transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof, the
successor Person formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Company is merged or to
which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed
to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, sale,
assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture
referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the successor Person and not to the Company), and
may exercise every right and power of the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if
such successor Person had been named as the Company herein; provided, however, that the predecessor
Company shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes
except in the case of a sale of all of the Company’s assets in a transaction that is subject to,
and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.01 hereof.
ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01 Events of Default.
Each of the following is an “Event of Default”:
(1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Additional Interest,
if any, with respect to, the Notes;
(2) default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the
principal of, or premium, if any, on, the Notes;
(3) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the
provisions of Section 4.15 hereof;
(4) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for 60 days after
notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the
other agreements in this Indenture;
(5) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued
or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the
62
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee
now exists, or is created after the date of this Indenture, if that default:
(A) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if any,
on, such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such
Indebtedness on the date of such default (a “Payment Default”); or
(B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express
maturity,
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the
principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment
Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million
or more;
(6) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments
entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction aggregating in excess of $10.0
million, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days;
(7) except as permitted by this Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial
proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and
effect, or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or
disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee; and
(8) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency described in this Indenture with respect
to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any
group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant
Subsidiary.
Section 6.02 Acceleration.
In the case of an Event of Default specified in clause (7) or (8) of Section 6.01 hereof, with
respect to the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is a Significant Subsidiary
or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a
Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without
further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or
the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare
all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default arises pursuant to clause
(5) of Section 6.01 hereof, such Event of Default shall cease to exist if, at any time prior to the
acceleration of the notes, (x) the Company cures the underlying Payment Default or the holders of
the applicable Indebtedness waive the underlying Payment Default or rescind the acceleration of
such Indebtedness, in each case in accordance with the terms of the applicable Indebtedness and (y)
the cure, waiver or rescission does not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of
competent jurisdiction.
Upon any such declaration, the Notes shall become due and payable immediately.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by
notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, rescind an acceleration or
waive any existing Default and its consequences under this Indenture except a continuing Default in
the payment of interest or premium or Additional Interest, if any, on, or the principal of, the
Notes.
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Section 6.03 Other Remedies.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy
to collect the payment of principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest on the
Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not
produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note
in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or
remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. All remedies are
cumulative to the extent permitted by law.
Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults.
Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
Notes by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive an existing
Default or Event of Default and its consequences hereunder, except a continuing Default or Event of
Default in the payment of the principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, or interest
on, the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase); provided, however, that the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may rescind an
acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from such
acceleration. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default
arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no
such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Section 6.05 Control by Majority.
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct
the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the
Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. However, the Trustee may refuse to
follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture that the Trustee determines may be
unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Holders of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in
personal liability.
Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits.
A Holder may pursue a remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes only if:
(1) such Holder gives to the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is
continuing;
(2) Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(3) such Holder or Holders offer and, if requested, provide to the Trustee security or
indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
(4) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the
request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
(5) during such 60-day period, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the then outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such
request.
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A Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder
of a Note or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of a Note.
Section 6.07 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to
receive payment of principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest on the Note, on
or after the respective due dates expressed in the Note (including in connection with an offer to
purchase), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective
dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.
Section 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee.
If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(1) or (2) hereof occurs and is continuing,
the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust
against the Company for the whole amount of principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any,
and interest remaining unpaid on, the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent
lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of
collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee, its agents and counsel.
Section 6.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be
necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company
(or any other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and
empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on
any such claims and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each
Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the
making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof. To the extent that the
payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents
and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 hereof out of the estate in
any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien
on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other
properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or
under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise. Nothing herein contained shall be
deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any
Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or
the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder
in any such proceeding.
Section 6.10 Priorities.
If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money in
the following order:
First: to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07
hereof, including payment of all compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all
advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;
65
Second: to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal,
premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or
priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal,
premium and Additional Interest, if any and interest, respectively; and
Third: to the Company or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall
direct.
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Notes
pursuant to this Section 6.10.
Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.
In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit
against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion
may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the
suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’
fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good
faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a
suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder of a Note pursuant to Section 6.07 hereof, or a suit by
Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.
ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE
Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee.
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such of
the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in
its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of
such person’s own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(1) the duties of the Trustee will be determined solely by the express provisions of
this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set
forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read
into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to
the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon
certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this
Indenture. However, in the case of certificates or opinions specifically required hereunder
to be furnished to it the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine
whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own negligent action, its own
negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(1) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
66
(2) the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a
Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the
pertinent facts; and
(3) the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take
in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 hereof.
(d) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in
any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this Section 7.01.
(e) No provision of this Indenture will require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or
incur any liability. The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and
powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holders, unless such Holder has offered to the
Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
(f) The Trustee will not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the
Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be
segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
Section 7.02 Rights of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to
have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or
matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate
or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits
to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee
may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel will be full and
complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or
omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and will not be responsible for the
misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.
(d) The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that
it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction
or notice from the Company will be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company.
(f) The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in
it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have
offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it against the losses,
liabilities and expenses that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(g) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or
consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit)
irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and
regardless of the form of action.
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(h) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless
(1) a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof, (2) the Trustee has received
a notice of default from the Company in accordance with Section 4.04 hereof or (3) other written
notice of any event which is in fact any Default or Event of Default is received by the Trustee at
the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this
Indenture.
(i) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee,
including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be
enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and
other Person employed by the Trustee to act hereunder pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.
Section 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee.
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes
and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it
would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting
interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to
continue as trustee (if this Indenture has been qualified under the TIA) or resign. Any Agent may
do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11
hereof.
Section 7.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer.
The Trustee will not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or
adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the
proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company’s direction under any
provision of this Indenture, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money
received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it will not be responsible for any
statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with
the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.
Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults.
If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee,
the Trustee will mail to Holders of Notes a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90
days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal
of, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the
notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that
withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes.
Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.
(a) Within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this
Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee will mail to the Holders of the
Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no
event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date,
no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also will comply with TIA § 313(b)(2). The Trustee
will also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).
(b) A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes will be mailed by
the Trustee to the Company and filed by the Trustee with the SEC and each stock exchange on which
the
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Notes are listed in accordance with TIA § 313(d). The Company will promptly notify the
Trustee when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange.
Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.
(a) The Company will pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its
acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder. The Trustee’s compensation will not be
limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company will reimburse
the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred
or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses will include the
reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.
(b) The Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, will indemnify the Trustee against
any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by it arising out of or in
connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including the
costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company and the Guarantors (including
this Section 7.07) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company, the
Guarantors, any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or
performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability
or expense is determined to have been caused by its own negligence or willful misconduct. The
Trustee will notify the Company in writing promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.
Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company or any of the
Guarantors of their obligations hereunder. The Company or such Guarantor will defend the claim and
the Trustee will cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company
will pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor
need pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld.
(c) The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 will survive the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(d) To secure the Company’s and the Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the
Trustee will have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the
Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes. Such Lien
will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(e) When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified
in Section 6.01(7) or (8) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services
(including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of
administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
(f) The Trustee will comply with the provisions of TIA § 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.
Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee.
(a) A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee will become
effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section
7.08.
(b) The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby
created by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the
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then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in
writing. The Company may remove the Trustee if:
(1) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;
(2) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is
entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;
(3) a custodian or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(4) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
(c) If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for
any reason, the Company will promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the
successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the
Company.
(d) If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee
resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee at the expense of the Company, the Company, or the
Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition
any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(e) If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six
months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, such Holder may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(f) A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring
Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will
become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the
Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee will mail a notice of its succession to
Holders. The retiring Trustee will promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the
successor Trustee; provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to
the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant
to this Section 7.08, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07 hereof will continue for the
benefit of the retiring Trustee.
Section 7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.
If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of
its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further
act will be the successor Trustee.
Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.
There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing
business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized
under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination
by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $100.0
million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.
This Indenture will always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA § 310(a)(1),
(2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA § 310(b).
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Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.
The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA §
311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent
indicated therein.
ARTICLE 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Section 8.01 Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The Company may at any time, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution
set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied
to all outstanding Notes and Note Guarantees upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in
this Article 8.
Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section
8.02, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions
set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with
respect to all outstanding Notes (including the Note Guarantees) on the date the conditions set
forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance
means that the Company and the Guarantors will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire
Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes (including the Note Guarantees), which will
thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other
Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (1) and (2) below, and to have satisfied all
their other obligations under such Notes, the Note Guarantees and this Indenture (and the Trustee,
on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the
same), except for the following provisions which will survive until otherwise terminated or
discharged hereunder:
(1) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the
principal of, or interest or premium and Additional Interest, if any, on, such Notes when
such payments are due from the trust referred to in Section 8.04 hereof;
(2) the Company’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Article 2 and Section
4.02 hereof;
(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder, and the
Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith; and
(4) this Article 8.
Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Company may exercise its option under this
Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.
Section 8.03 Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section
8.03, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions
set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from each of their obligations under the covenants
contained in
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Sections 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 4.16, 4.17, 4.18 and 4.19 hereof and
clause (4) of Section 5.01 hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the
conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and
the Notes will thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver,
consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with
such covenants, but will continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder (it
being understood that such Notes will not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this
purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes and Note Guarantees,
the Company and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and will have no liability in respect of any
term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by
reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any
such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply
will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as
specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes and Note Guarantees will be
unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the
option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Section 8.04 hereof, Sections 6.01(3) through 6.01(6) hereof will not constitute Events of Default.
Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under either Section 8.02
or 8.03 hereof:
(1) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of
the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of
cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be
sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm or
firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, or interest and premium and
Additional Interest, if any, on, the outstanding Notes on the stated date for payment
thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must
specify whether the Notes are being defeased to such stated date for payment or to a
particular redemption date;
(2) in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Company must deliver to
the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (a)
the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service
a ruling or (b) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable
federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of
Counsel will confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income,
gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will
be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same
times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;
(3) in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Company must deliver to
the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the
Holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income
tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income
tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the
case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;
(4) no Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a
Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) and the deposit
will
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not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other
instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any
Guarantor is bound;
(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other
than this Indenture) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;
(6) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the
deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of Notes over
the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or
defrauding any creditors of the Company or others; and
(7) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the
Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
Section 8.05 Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous
Provisions.
Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable Government Securities (including
the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for
purposes of this Section 8.05, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof in respect of the
outstanding Notes will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the
provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying
Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders
of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium and
Additional Interest, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds
except to the extent required by law.
The Company will pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on
or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section
8.04 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee
or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.
Notwithstanding anything in this Article 8 to the contrary, the Trustee will deliver or pay to
the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or non-callable Government
Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof
delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(1) hereof), are in
excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent
Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
Section 8.06 Repayment to Company.
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in
trust for the payment of the principal of, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on,
any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or Additional
Interest, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its
request or (if then held by the Company) will be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such
Note will thereafter be permitted to look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all
liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability
of the Company as trustee thereof, will thereupon cease;
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provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any
such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in the
New York Times
and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that,
after a date specified therein, which will not be less than 30 days from the date of such
notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to
the Company.
Section 8.07 Reinstatement.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any U.S. dollars or non-callable Government
Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any
order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise
prohibiting such application, then the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this
Indenture and the Notes and the Note Guarantees will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit
had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent
is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case
may be; provided, however, that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium or
Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Note following the reinstatement of its
obligations, the Company will be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive
such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes.
Notwithstanding Section 9.02 of this Indenture, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee
may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees without the consent of
any Holder of Note:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
(2) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated
Notes;
(3) to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or a Guarantor’s obligations to the
Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees by a successor to the Company or such Guarantor
pursuant to Article 5 or Article 10 hereof;
(4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the
Holders of the Notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any
such Holder;
(5) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the
qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;
(6) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Note Guarantees or the Notes to any
provision of the “Description of Notes” section of the Company’s Offering Circular dated
July 28, 2006, relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent that such
provision in that “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a
provision of this Indenture, the Note Guarantees or the Notes;
(7) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations
set forth in this Indenture as of the date hereof; or
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(8) to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture and/or a Note Guarantee
with respect to the Notes.
Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors
authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the
Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the Trustee will join with the Company
and the Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized or
permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and
stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee will not be obligated to enter into
such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this
Indenture or otherwise.
Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes.
Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Company and the Trustee may amend or
supplement this Indenture (including, without limitation, Section 3.09, 4.10 and 4.15 hereof) and
the Notes and the Note Guarantees with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional
Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in
connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes), and, subject to
Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or
Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or
interest on, the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been
rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees
may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single
class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or
exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes). Section 2.08 hereof shall determine which Notes
are considered to be “outstanding” for purposes of this Section 9.02.
Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors
authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with
the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders of Notes as
aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 hereof, the
Trustee will join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of such amended or
supplemental indenture unless such amended or supplemental indenture directly affects the Trustee’s
own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may
in its discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental Indenture.
It is not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes under this Section 9.02 to
approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it is sufficient
if such consent approves the substance thereof.
After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the
Company will mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the
amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect
therein, will not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amended or
supplemental indenture or waiver. Subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07 hereof, the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class may
waive compliance in a particular instance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or
the Notes or the Note Guarantees. However, without the consent of each Holder of Notes affected,
an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held
by a non-consenting Holder):
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(1) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment,
supplement or waiver;
(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter the
provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes (except as provided above with
respect to Sections 3.09, 4.10 and 4.15 hereof);
(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note;
(4) waive a Default in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, or
Additional Interest, if any, on, the Notes (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes
by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding
Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;
(6) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past
Defaults or the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of principal of, or interest
or premium or Additional Interest, if any, on, the Notes;
(7) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Note (other than a payment required
by Sections 3.09, 4.10 or 4.15 hereof);
(8) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee or this
Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or
(9) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.
Section 9.03 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes will be set forth in a amended or
supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.
Section 9.04 Revocation and Effect of Consents.
Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a
Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or
portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of
the consent is not made on any Note. However, any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder of a
Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation
before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective. An amendment, supplement or
waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.
Section 9.05 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.
The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any
Note thereafter authenticated. The Company in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee
shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment,
supplement or waiver.
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Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note will not affect the validity and
effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
Section 9.06 Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.
The Trustee will sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this
Article 9 if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities
or immunities of the Trustee. The Company may not sign an amended or supplemental indenture until
the Board of Directors of the Company approves it. In executing any amended or supplemental
indenture, the Trustee will be provided with and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) will be fully
protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 12.04 hereof, an
Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or
supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.
ARTICLE 10
NOTE GUARANTEES
Section 10.01 Guarantee.
(a) Subject to this Article 10, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally,
unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and
to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of
this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that:
(1) the principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest on, the
Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration,
redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of and interest on the Notes,
if any, if lawful, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee
hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with
the terms hereof and thereof; and
(2) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such
other obligations, that same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in
accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise.
Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for
whatever reason, the Guarantors will be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same
immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of
collection.
(b) The Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder are unconditional,
irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the
absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with
respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any
action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or
equitable discharge or defense of a guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives diligence,
presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or
bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest,
notice and all demands whatsoever and covenant that this Note Guarantee will not be discharged
except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.
77
(c) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the
Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in
relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee or such
Holder, this Note Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, will be reinstated in full force
and effect.
(d) Each Guarantor agrees that it will not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation
to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all
obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on
the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (1) the maturity of the
obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 hereof for the purposes
of this Note Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such
acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any
declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 hereof, such obligations
(whether or not due and payable) will forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the
purpose of this Note Guarantee. The Guarantors will have the right to seek contribution from any
non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the
Holders under the Note Guarantee.
Section 10.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.
Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the
intention of all such parties that the Note Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent
transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the
Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any
Note Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors
hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will be limited to the maximum
amount that will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed
liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any
collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other
Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article 10, result in
the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer
or conveyance.
Section 10.03 Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee.
To evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees
that a notation of such Note Guarantee substantially in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto will
be endorsed by an Officer of such Guarantor on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee
and that this Indenture will be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by one of its Officers.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 hereof will
remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of
such Note Guarantee.
If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the Note Guarantee no longer holds
that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note on which a Note Guarantee is endorsed,
the Note Guarantee will be valid nevertheless.
The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, will
constitute due delivery of the Note Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the
Guarantors.
In the event that the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries creates or acquires any
Domestic Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, if required by Section 4.18 hereof, the
Company will
78
cause such Domestic Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.18 hereof and this
Article 10, to the extent applicable.
Section 10.04 Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms.
Except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05 hereof, no Guarantor may sell or otherwise
dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into
(whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person, other than the Company or
another Guarantor, unless:
(1) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default
exists; and
(2) either:
(a) subject to Section 10.05 hereof, the Person acquiring the property in any
such sale or disposition or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation
or merger assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor under this Indenture, its
Note Guarantee and the Registration Rights Agreement on the terms set forth herein
or therein, pursuant to a supplemental indenture in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee; or
(b) the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in
accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, including without
limitation, Section 4.10 hereof.
In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the
successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee and satisfactory
in form to the Trustee, of the Note Guarantee endorsed upon the Notes and the due and punctual
performance of all of the covenants and conditions of this Indenture to be performed by the
Guarantor, such successor Person will succeed to and be substituted for the Guarantor with the same
effect as if it had been named herein as a Guarantor. Such successor Person thereupon may cause to
be signed any or all of the Note Guarantees to be endorsed upon all of the Notes issuable hereunder
which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee. All the
Note Guarantees so issued will in all respects have the same legal rank and benefit under this
Indenture as the Note Guarantees theretofore and thereafter issued in accordance with the terms of
this Indenture as though all of such Note Guarantees had been issued at the date of the execution
hereof.
Except as set forth in Articles 4 and 5 hereof, and notwithstanding clauses 2(a) and (b)
above, nothing contained in this Indenture or in any of the Notes will prevent any consolidation or
merger of a Guarantor with or into the Company or another Guarantor, or will prevent any sale or
conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the
Company or another Guarantor.
Section 10.05 Releases.
(a) In the event of any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of
any Guarantor, by way of merger, consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all
of the Capital Stock of any Guarantor, in each case to a Person that is not (either before or after
giving effect to such transactions) the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, then
such Guarantor (in the event of a sale or other disposition, by way of merger, consolidation or
otherwise, of all of the Capital Stock of such Guarantor) or the corporation acquiring the property
(in the event of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such
Guarantor) will be released and relieved of any
79
obligations under its Note Guarantee; provided that such sale or other disposition does not
violate Section 3.09 hereof or Section 4.10 hereof. Upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of
an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such sale or other
disposition does not violate Section 3.09 hereof or Section 4.10 hereof, the Trustee will execute
any documents reasonably required in order to evidence the release of any Guarantor from its
obligations under its Note Guarantee.
(b) Upon designation of any Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the
terms of this Indenture, such Guarantor will be released and relieved of any obligations under its
Note Guarantee.
(c) Upon Legal Defeasance in accordance with Article 8 hereof or satisfaction and discharge of
this Indenture in accordance with Article 11 hereof, each Guarantor will be released and relieved
of any obligations under its Note Guarantee.
Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee as provided in this
Section 10.05 will remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest and premium and
Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Guarantor under this
Indenture as provided in this Article 10.
ARTICLE 11
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
Section 11.01 Satisfaction and Discharge.
This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes
issued hereunder, when:
(1) either:
(a) all Notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed
Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has been
deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Company, have been delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation; or
(b) all Notes that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have
become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or
otherwise or will become due and payable within one year and the Company or any
Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as
trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars,
non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and
non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, without
consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire
Indebtedness on the Notes not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for
principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and accrued interest to the date
of maturity or redemption;
(2) no Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a
Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit) and the deposit
will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other
instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any
Guarantor is bound;
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(3) the Company or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it
under this Indenture; and
(4) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this
Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or on the
redemption date, as the case may be.
In addition, the Company must deliver an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the
Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money has been deposited
with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (b) of clause (1) of this Section 11.01, the provisions of
Sections 11.02 and 8.06 hereof will survive. In addition, nothing in this Section 11.01 will be
deemed to discharge those provisions of Section 7.07 hereof, that, by their terms, survive the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
Section 11.02 Application of Trust Money.
Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee
pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the
provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying
Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the
Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium and Additional Interest, if any) and
interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not
be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or Government Securities in
accordance with Section 11.01 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or
judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting
such application, the Company’s and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes
shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 11.01 hereof;
provided that if the Company has made any payment of principal of, premium or Additional Interest,
if any, or interest on, any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company
shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the
money or Government Securities held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls.
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by
TIA §318(c), the imposed duties will control.
Section 12.02 Notices.
Any notice or communication by the Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly
given if in writing and delivered in Person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified,
return receipt requested), facsimile transmission or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day
delivery, to the others’ address:
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If to the Company and/or any Guarantor:
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
00000 Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
With a copy to:
Dechert LLP
00 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Esq. and
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esq.
If to the Trustee:
The Bank of
New York Trust Company, N.A.
00000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration
The Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee, by notice to the others, may designate additional
or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) will be deemed to have been
duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being
deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if transmitted by
facsimile; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air
courier guaranteeing next day delivery.
Any notice or communication to a Holder will be mailed by first class mail, certified or
registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to
its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication will also be
so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to
mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with
respect to other Holders.
If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time
prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
If the Company mails a notice or communication to Holders, it will mail a copy to the Trustee
and each Agent at the same time.
Section 12.03 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.
Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their
rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else
shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).
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Section 12.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.
Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this
Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:
(1) an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that,
in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for
in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and
(2) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee
(which must include the statements set forth in Section 12.05 hereof) stating that, in the
opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such Opinion of Counsel shall be required or given with
respect to the authentication and delivery of the Initial Notes.
Section 12.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided
for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) must comply
with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and must include:
(1) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such
covenant or condition;
(2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation
upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(3) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such
examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed
opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and
(4) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or
covenant has been satisfied; provided, however, that with respect to matters of fact, an
Opinion of Counsel may rely on an Officers’ Certificate or a certificate of a public
official.
Section 12.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents.
The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar
or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.
Section 12.07 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor,
as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the
Notes, this Indenture, the Note Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason
of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and
releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of
the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.
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Section 12.08 Governing Law.
THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF
NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE,
THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF
LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED
THEREBY.
Section 12.09 No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.
This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the
Company or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may
not be used to interpret this Indenture.
Section 12.10 Successors.
All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes will bind its successors. All
agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture will bind its successors. All agreements of each
Guarantor in this Indenture will bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.05
hereof.
Section 12.11 Severability.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable,
the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby.
Section 12.12 Counterpart Originals.
The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy will be an
original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
Section 12.13 Table of Contents, Headings, etc.
The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this
Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of
this Indenture and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 12.14 Waiver of Jury Trial.
EACH OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED
BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES, THE GUARANTEES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
Section 12.15 Force Majeure.
In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the
performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly,
forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, acts of war or
terrorism, civil or military disturbances, and nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, it
being understood that the Trustee shall
84
use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to
resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
[Signatures on following page]
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SIGNATURES
Dated as of August 4, 2006
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H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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GNE Investments, Inc.
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Great Northern Equipment, Inc.
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H&E California Holding, Inc.
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H&E Equipment Services (California), LLC
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Indenture
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H&E Finance Corp.
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The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee
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Indenture
[Face of Note]
CUSIP/CINS ____________
83/8% Senior Notes due 2016
H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
promises to pay to or registered assigns,
the principal sum of _________________________________________________________________________________________________________DOLLARS
on July 15, 2016.
Interest Payment Dates: January 15 and July 15
Record Dates: January 1 and July 1
Dated: ____________, 20___
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H&E EQUIPMENT SERVICES, INC.
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By: |
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This is one of the Notes referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture:
THE BANK OF NEW YORK TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,
as
Trustee
A-1
[Back of Note]
83/8% Senior Notes due 2016
[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]
[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture]
Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to
below unless otherwise indicated.
(1) Interest. H&E Equipment Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the “Company”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 83/8% per
annum from ___until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any,
payable pursuant to Section 6 of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The
Company will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on
January 15 and July 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next
succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the Notes will
accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been
paid, from the date of issuance; provided that if there is no existing Default in the
payment of interest, and if this Note is authenticated between a record date referred to on
the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall accrue from
such next succeeding Interest Payment Date; provided further that the first Interest Payment
Date shall be January 15, 2007. The Company will pay interest (including post-petition
interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if
any, and overdue installments of interest and Additional Interest, if any, (without regard
to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent
lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
(2) Method of Payment. The Company will pay interest on the Notes
(except defaulted interest) and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are
registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the January 1 or July 1 next
preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date
and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the
Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. The Notes will be payable as to principal,
premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for such purpose within or without the City and State of New York, or, at the
option of the Company, payment of interest and Additional Interest, if any, may be made by
check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders;
provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with
respect to principal of and interest, premium and Additional Interest, if any, on, all
Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which will have provided wire transfer
instructions to the Company or the Paying Agent. Such payment will be in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for
payment of public and private debts.
(3) Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, The Bank of New York
Trust Company, N.A., the Trustee under the Indenture, will act as Paying Agent and
Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any
Holder. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.
A-2
(4) Indenture. The Company issued the Notes under an Indenture dated
as of August 4, 2006 (the “Indenture”) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee.
The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the
Indenture by reference to the TIA. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are
referred to the Indenture and such Act for a statement of such terms. To the extent any
provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the
provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Notes are unsecured
obligations of the Company. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of
Notes that may be issued thereunder.
(5) Optional Redemption.
(a) Except as set forth in subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph 5, the Notes will not be
redeemable at the Company’s option prior to July 15, 2011. On or after July 15, 2011, the Company
may redeem all or a part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the
redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes redeemed, to the applicable
redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on July 15 of the years
indicated below, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive
interest on the relevant interest payment date:
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Year |
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2011 |
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104.188 |
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2012 |
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102.792 |
% |
2013 |
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101.396 |
% |
2014 and thereafter |
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100.000 |
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Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to
accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on and after the applicable
redemption date.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph 5, at any time prior
to July 15, 2009, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate
principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture at a redemption price of 108.375% of the
principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the
redemption date with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings of the Company; provided
that (1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes originally issued under the
Indenture (excluding Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries) remains outstanding
immediately after the occurrence of such redemption, and (2) the redemption occurs within 90 days
of the date of the closing of such Equity Offering.
(6) Mandatory Redemption.
The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect
to the Notes.
(7) Repurchase at the Option of Holder.
(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will make an offer
(a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to
$2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 thereof) of that Holder’s Notes at a
purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes
repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the
Notes repurchased to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes
on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment
date (the “Change of Control
A-3
Payment”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company will
mail a notice to each Holder setting forth the procedures governing the Change of
Control Offer as required by the Indenture.
(b) If the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company consummates any
Asset Sales, within twenty days of each date on which the aggregate amount of Excess
Proceeds exceeds $15.0 million, unless waived or modified with the consent of the
holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding, the Company will commence an offer to all Holders of Notes and all
holders of other Indebtedness that is pari passu with the Notes containing
provisions similar to those set forth in the Indenture with respect to offers to
purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets (an “Asset Sale Offer”) in
accordance with Section 3.09 of the Indenture to purchase the maximum principal
amount of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of
the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100%
of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if
any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash, in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the Indenture. If any Excess Proceeds remain after the
consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use those Excess Proceeds for
any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal
amount of Notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale
Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee will select the Notes and
such other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Holders of
Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer
from the Company prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes
purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase”
attached to the Notes.
(8) Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed at
least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose
Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be
mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection
with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture. Notes in
denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of
$1,000 thereof, unless all of the Notes held by a Holder are to be redeemed.
(9) Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered
form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereof.
The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the
Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder
to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company need
not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for
redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the
Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days
before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and
the corresponding Interest Payment Date.
(10) Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be
treated as its owner for all purposes.
A-4
(11) Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. Subject to certain
exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented
with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any) voting as a
single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender
offer or exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes), and any existing Default or Event
or Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of,
premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, the Notes, except a payment default
resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of
the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
(including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class
(including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or
exchange offer for, or purchase of, the Notes). Without the consent of any Holder of a
Note, the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended or supplemented to
cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition
to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or a
Guarantor’s obligations to Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees by a successor to the
Company or such Guarantor pursuant to Article 5 or Article of the Indenture, to make any
change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes or
that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such Holder, to
comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of
the Indenture under the TIA, to conform the text of the Indenture, the Note Guarantees or
the Notes to any provision of the “Description of Notes” section of the Company’s Offering
Circular dated July 20, 2006, relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent
that such provision in that “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation
of a provision of the Indenture, the Note Guarantees or the Notes; to provide for the
issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture,
or to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture to the Indenture and/or a Note
Guarantee with respect to the Notes.
(12) Defaults and Remedies. Events of Default include: (i) default
for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Additional Interest, if any, with
respect to, the Notes; (ii) default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or
otherwise) of the principal of, or premium, if any, on, the Notes; (iii) failure by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions of Sections
4.07, 4.09, 4.10, 4.15 or 5.01 of the Indenture; (iv) failure by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the
Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting
as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements in the Indenture; (v) default
under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there be issued or by which there
may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created
after the date of the Indenture, if that default: (a) is caused by a failure to pay
principal pf, or interest or premium, if any, on, such Indebtedness prior to the expiration
of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a “Payment
Default”); or (b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express
maturity; and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with
the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment
Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $10.0 million or more;
(vi) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments
entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction aggregating in excess of $10.0
million, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; (vii)
except as permitted by the Indenture, any
A-5
Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or
ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect or any Guarantor, or any Person acting
on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee;
and (viii) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency described in the Indenture with
respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant
Subsidiary. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of
at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the
Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an
Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, all outstanding
Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Holders may
not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to
certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for
exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on
it. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium
or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the
notice of Default or Event of Default if and so long as a committee of its Responsible
Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the
Holders of the Notes. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the
Notes, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing Default and its consequences under the
Indenture except a continuing Default in the payment of interest or premium or Additional
Interest, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes. The Company is required to deliver to
the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the Indenture. Upon becoming
aware of any Default, the Company is required to deliver to the Trustee a statement
specifying such Default.
(13) Trustee Dealings with Company. The Trustee, in its individual
or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the
Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if
it were not the Trustee.
(14) No Recourse Against Others. A director, officer, employee,
incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any of the Guarantors, as such, will not have
any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Note
Guarantees or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such
obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such
liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the
Notes.
(15) Authentication. This Note will not be valid until authenticated
by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.
(16) Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name
of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by
the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
(17) Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Global Notes and
Restricted Definitive Notes. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes
under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes will
have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 4,
2006, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties named on the signature pages
thereof or, in the case of Additional Notes, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and
Restricted Definitive Notes will
A-6
have the rights set forth in one or more registration rights agreements, if any, among
the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, relating to rights given by the
Company and the Guarantors to the purchasers of any Additional Notes (collectively, the
“Registration Rights Agreement”).
(18) CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the
Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP
numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of
redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of
such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and
reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
(19) GOVERNING LAW. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL
GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES WITHOUT
GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE
APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED THEREBY.
The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the
Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
00000 Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
A-7
Assignment Form
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
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(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to: |
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(Insert assignee’s legal name) |
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for
him.
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Date: |
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Your Signature:
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(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note) |
* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor
acceptable to the Trustee).
A-8
Option of Holder to Elect Purchase
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or
4.15 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:
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o Section 4.10
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o Section 4.15 |
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to
Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:
$_______________
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Date: |
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Your Signature: |
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(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note) |
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Tax Identification No.: |
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* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor
acceptable to the Trustee).
A-9
Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note *
The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global
Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for
an interest in this Global Note, have been made:
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Principal Amount |
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Amount of decrease |
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Amount of increase |
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of this Global Note |
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Signature of |
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in Principal Amount |
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in Principal Amount |
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following such |
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authorized officer |
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of |
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of |
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decrease |
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of Trustee or |
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this Global Note |
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this Global Note |
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(or increase) |
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Custodian |
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* |
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This schedule should be included only if the Note is issued in global form. |
A-10
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
00000 Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.
00000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Re: 83/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 4, 2006 (the “Indenture”), among
H&E Equipment Services, Inc., as issuer (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto and The Bank
of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
_______________, (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest
in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $_________in such
Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to __________________(the “Transferee”), as
further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby
certifies that:
[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
1. ¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A
Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the
beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor
reasonably believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account,
or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion,
and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of
Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, and such Transfer is in
compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the
transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer
enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Restricted
Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
2. ¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the
Regulation S Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the
Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is
not being made to a Person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated,
the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf
reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the
transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities
market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction
was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made
in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the
Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the
expiration of
B-1
the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or
benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the proposed
transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or
Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement
Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the
Indenture and the Securities Act.
3. ¨ Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest
in the IAI Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities
Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with
the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and
Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any
applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the
Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):
(a) ¨ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule
144 under the Securities Act;
or
(b) ¨ such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof;
or
(c) ¨ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act;
or
(d) ¨ such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional Accredited Investor
and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act
other than Rule 144A, Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further
certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of
Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer
restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted
Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which certification is
supported by (1) a certificate executed by the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the
Indenture and (2) if such Transfer is in respect of a principal amount of Notes at the
time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor
or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to
the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation
of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred
beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer
enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the IAI Global Note and/or the
Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
4. ¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.
(a) ¨ Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected
pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the
transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any
state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the
Private Placement
B-2
Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the
transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on
transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on
Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(b) ¨ Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in
compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained
in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance
with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms
of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject
to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the
Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(c) ¨ Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer
restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of
the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private
Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the
transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on
transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or
Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit
of the Company.
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[Insert Name of Transferor] |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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Dated: |
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B-3
ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
1. |
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The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following: |
[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]
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¨ a beneficial interest in the: |
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¨ 144A Global Note (CUSIP _________), or |
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¨ Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP _________), or |
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¨ IAI Global Note (CUSIP _________); or |
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¨ a Restricted Definitive Note. |
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After the Transfer the Transferee will hold: |
[CHECK ONE]
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¨ a beneficial interest in the: |
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¨ 144A Global Note (CUSIP _________), or |
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X-0
XXXXXXX X
XXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXXXX
X&X Equipment Services, Inc.
00000 Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.
00000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Re: 83/8% Senior Notes due 2016
(CUSIP _________)
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 4, 2006 (the “Indenture”), among
H&E Equipment Services, Inc., as issuer (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto and The Bank
of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
_____________________, (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or
interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $_________in such Note[s]
or interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:
1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global
Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note
(a) ¨Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s
beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global
Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being
acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in
compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in
accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the
restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not
required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest
in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States.
(b) ¨Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to
Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest
in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange
has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global
Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer
contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance
with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(c) ¨Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note
for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such
Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted
Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions
on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order
to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and
C-1
(iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States.
(d) ¨Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive
Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted
Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired
for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance
with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in
accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture
and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the
Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any
applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global
Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes
(a) ¨Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to
Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in
a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner
hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account
without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued will continue to be subject to the restrictions on
transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and
in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
(b) ¨Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a
Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note
for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] ¨144A Global Note, ¨Regulation S Global
Note, ¨IAI Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such
Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the
Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in
compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon
consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial
interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement
Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit
of the Company.
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C-2
EXHIBIT D
FORM OF CERTIFICATE FROM
ACQUIRING INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR
H&E Equipment Services, Inc.
00000 Xxxx Xxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.
00000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Re: 83/8% Senior Notes due 2016
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of August 4, 2006 (the “Indenture”), among
H&E Equipment Services, Inc., as issuer (the “Company”), the guarantors party thereto and The Bank
of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
In connection with our proposed purchase of $____________aggregate principal amount of:
(a) ¨a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or
(b) ¨ a Definitive Note,
we confirm that:
1. We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes or any interest therein is subject
to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Indenture and the undersigned agrees to be
bound by, and not to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes or any interest therein except
in compliance with, such restrictions and conditions and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the “Securities Act”).
2. We understand that the offer and sale of the Notes have not been registered under the
Securities Act, and that the Notes and any interest therein may not be offered or sold except as
permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on behalf of any accounts for
which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that if we should sell the Notes or any interest
therein, we will do so only (A) to the Company or any subsidiary thereof, (B) in accordance with
Rule 144A under the Securities Act to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined therein), (C)
to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined below) that, prior to such transfer,
furnishes (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to you and to the Company a
signed letter substantially in the form of this letter and, if such transfer is in respect of a
principal amount of Notes, at the time of transfer of less than $250,000, an Opinion of Counsel in
form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such transfer is in compliance with
the Securities Act, (D) outside the United States in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under
the Securities Act, (E) pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or (F)
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to
provide to any Person purchasing the Definitive Note or beneficial interest in a Global Note from
us in a transaction meeting the requirements of clauses (A) through (E) of this paragraph a notice
advising such purchaser that resales thereof are restricted as stated herein.
3. We understand that, on any proposed resale of the Notes or beneficial interest therein, we
will be required to furnish to you and the Company such certifications, legal opinions and other
information as you and the Company may reasonably require to confirm that the proposed sale
complies
D-1
with the foregoing restrictions. We further understand that the Notes purchased by us will
bear a legend to the foregoing effect.
4. We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or
(7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act) and have such knowledge and experience in financial
and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the
Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of
our or its investment.
5. We are acquiring the Notes or beneficial interest therein purchased by us for our own
account or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional “accredited investor”) as to
each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.
You and the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to
produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal
proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.
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D-2
EXHIBIT E
[FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE]
For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the
Indenture) has, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the
Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture dated as of August 4, 2006 (the
"Indenture”) among H&E Equipment Services, Inc., (the “Company"), the Guarantors party thereto and
The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), (a) the due and punctual
payment of the principal of, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest on, the Notes,
whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of
interest on overdue principal of and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and the due and
punctual performance of all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee all in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or
renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full
when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes
and to the Trustee pursuant to the Note Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in
Article 10 of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of
the Note Guarantee.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the
Indenture.
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E-1
EXHIBIT F
[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]
Supplemental Indenture (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of ____________,
200___, among ____________(the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”), a subsidiary of H&E Equipment
Services, Inc. (or its permitted successor), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Company,
the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein) and The Bank of New York
Trust Company, N.A., as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the
“Indenture”), dated as of August 4, 2006 providing for the issuance of 83/8% Senior Notes due 2016
(the “Notes”);
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary
shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the
Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Company’s Obligations under the
Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “Note Guarantee”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and
deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the
Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes
as follows:
1. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have
the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
2. Agreement to Guarantee. The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to provide an
unconditional Guarantee on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Note Guarantee
and in the Indenture including but not limited to Article 10 thereof.
4. No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, officer,
employee, incorporator, stockholder or agent of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary, as such, shall have
any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guaranteeing Subsidiary under the Notes,
any Note Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in
respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of the Notes by
accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities
under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against
public policy.
5. NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN. THE INTERNAL LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED
TO CONSTRUE THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS
OF LAW TO THE EXTENT THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION WOULD BE REQUIRED
THEREBY.
6. Counterparts. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental
Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same
agreement.
F-1
7. Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and
shall not affect the construction hereof.
8. The Trustee. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or
in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of
the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary
and the Company.
F-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly
executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
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Dated: _______________, 20___
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[Guaranteeing Subsidiary]
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[Company]
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By: |
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[Existing Guarantors]
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[Trustee], as
Trustee
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Authorized Signatory |
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F-3