Exhibit
10.1
EXECUTION
COPY
DATED
AS OF JULY 14, 2005
among
AMEREN
CORPORATION
UNION
ELECTRIC COMPANY
CENTRAL
ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
CENTRAL
ILLINOIS LIGHT COMPANY
AMEREN
ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
ILLINOIS
POWER COMPANY,
as
Borrowers
THE
LENDERS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTIES HERETO
and
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Administrative Agent
and
BARCLAYS
BANK PLC,
as
Syndication Agent
CITIBANK,
N.A.,
BNP
PARIBAS,
as
Co-Documentation Agents
X.
X. XXXXXX SECURITIES INC.
and
BARCLAYS
CAPITAL,
AS
JOINT ARRANGERS AND BOOKRUNNERS
[CS&M
#6700-547]
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
p]]
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
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1
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1.1.
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Certain
Defined Terms
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1
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1.2
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Plural
Forms
|
18
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ARTICLE
II
THE CREDITS
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18
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2.1.
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Commitment
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18
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2.2.
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Required
Payments; Termination
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19
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2.3.
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Loans
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19
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2.4.
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Competitive
Bid Procedure
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19
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2.5.
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Swingline
Loans
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21
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2.6.
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Letters
of Credit.
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22
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2.7.
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Types
of Advances
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27
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2.8.
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Facility
Fee; Letter of Credit Fees; Reductions in Aggregate
Commitment.
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27
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2.9.
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Minimum
Amount of Each Advance
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28
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2.10.
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Optional
Principal Payments
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29
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2.11.
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Method
of Selecting Types and Interest Periods for New Revolving
Advances
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29
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2.12.
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Conversion
and Continuation of Outstanding Revolving Advances; No Conversion
or
Continuation of Revolving Eurodollar Advances After
Default
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29
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2.13.
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Interest
Rates, etc
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30
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2.14.
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Rates
Applicable After Default
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30
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2.15.
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Funding
of Loans; Method of Payment
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31
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2.16.
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Noteless
Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness
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31
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2.17.
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Telephonic
Notices
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32
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2.18.
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Interest
Payment Dates; Interest and Fee Basis
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32
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2.19.
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Notification
of Advances, Interest Rates, Prepayments and Commitment Reductions;
Availability of Loans
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33
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2.20.
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Lending
Installations
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33
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2.21.
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Non-Receipt
of Funds by the Agent
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33
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2.22.
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Replacement
of Lender
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33
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2.23.
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Extension
of Commitment Termination Date and Borrowing Subsidiary Maturity
Dates
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34
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ARTICLE
III
YIELD PROTECTION; TAXES
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36
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3.1.
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Yield
Protection
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36
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3.2.
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Changes
in Capital Adequacy Regulations
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37
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3.3.
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Availability
of Types of Advances
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37
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3.4.
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Funding
Indemnification
Taxes
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37
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3.5.
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38
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3.6.
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Lender
Statements; Survival of Indemnity
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39
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3.7.
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Alternative
Lending Installation
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40
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3.8
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Allocation
of Amounts |
40 |
i
ARTICLE
IV
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
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40
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4.1.
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Initial
Credit Extension
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40
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4.2.
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Each
Credit Extension
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42
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ARTICLE
V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
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43
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5.1.
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Existence
and Standing
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43
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5.2.
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Authorization
and Validity
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43
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5.3.
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No
Conflict; Government Consent
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44
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5.4.
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Financial
Statements
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44
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5.5.
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Material
Adverse Change
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44
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5.6.
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Taxes
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45
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5.7.
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Litigation
and Contingent Obligations
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45
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5.8.
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Subsidiaries
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45
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5.9.
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ERISA
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45
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5.10.
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Accuracy
of Information
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45
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5.11.
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Regulation
U
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46
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5.12.
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Material
Agreements
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46
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5.13.
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Compliance
With Laws
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46
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5.14.
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Ownership
of Properties
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46
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5.15.
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Plan
Assets; Prohibited Transactions
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46
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5.16.
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Environmental
Matters
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46
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5.17.
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Investment
Company Act
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47
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5.18.
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Public
Utility Holding Company Act; Securities and Exchange Commission
Authorization; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
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47
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5.19.
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Insurance
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48
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5.20.
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No
Default or Unmatured Default
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48
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ARTICLE
VI
COVENANTS
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48
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6.1.
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Financial
Reporting
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48
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6.2.
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Use
of Proceeds and Letters of Credit
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49
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6.3.
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Notice
of Default
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50
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6.4.
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Conduct
of Business
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50
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6.5.
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Taxes
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50
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6.6.
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Insurance
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50
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6.7.
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Compliance
with Laws; Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission Authorization
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50
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6.8.
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Maintenance
of Properties
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51
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6.9.
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Inspection;
Keeping of Books and Records
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51
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6.10.
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Merger
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51
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6.11.
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Dispositions
of Assets
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52
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6.12.
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Indebtedness
of Project Finance Subsidiaries, Investments in Project Finance
Subsidiaries; Acquisitions
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53
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6.13.
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Liens
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53
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6.14.
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Affiliates
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56
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6.15.
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Financial
Contracts
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56
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6.16
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Subsidiary
Covenants
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56
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6.17
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Leverage
Ratio
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56
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ARTICLE
VII
DEFAULTS
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57
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ARTICLE
VIII
ACCELERATION, WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS ANDREMEDIES
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59
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8.1.
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Acceleration
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59
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8.2
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Amendments
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60
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8.3
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Preservation
of Reights
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61
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ARTICLE
IX GENERAL
PROVISIONS
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61
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9.1
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Survival
of Representations
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61
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9.2
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Governmental
Regulation
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61
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9.3
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Headings
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61
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9.4
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Entire
Agreement
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61
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9.5
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Several
Obligations; Benefits of this Agreement
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62
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9.6
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Expenses;
Indemnification
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62
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9.7
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Numbers
of Documents
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63
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9.8
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Accounting
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63
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9.9
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Severability
of Probisions
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64
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9.10
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Nonliability
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64
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9.11
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Confidentiality
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64
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9.12
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Lenders
Not Utilizing Plan Assets
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65
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9.13
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Nonreliance
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65
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9.14
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Disclosure
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65
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9.15
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USA
Patriot Act
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65
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ARTICLE
X THE
AGENT
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65
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10.1.
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Appointment;
Nature of Relationship
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65
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10.2
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Powers
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66
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10.3
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General
Immunity
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66
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10.4
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No
Responsibility for Loans, Recitals, etc.
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66
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10.5
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Action
on Instructions of Lenders
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66
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10.6
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Employment
of Agents and Counsel
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67
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10.5
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Action
on Instructions of Lenders
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66
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10.6
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Employment
of Agents and Counsel
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67
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10.7
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Reliance
on Documents; Counsel
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67
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10.8
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Agent’s
Reimbursement and Indemnification
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67
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10.9
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Notice
of Default
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68
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10.10
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Rights
as a Lender
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68
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10.11
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Independent
Credit Decision
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68
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10.12
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Successor
Agent
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68
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10.13
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Agent
and Arranger Fees
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69
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10.14
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Delegation
to Affiliates
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69
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10.15
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Syndication
Agent and Documentation Agents
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69
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ARTICLE
XI
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SETOFF,
RATABLE
PAYMENTS |
69 |
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11.1
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Setoff |
69 |
11.2
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Ratable
Payments |
70 |
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ARTICLE
XII
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BENEFIT
OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS |
70 |
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12.1
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Successors
and Assigns; Designated Lenders |
70 |
12.2
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Participations |
72 |
12.3
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Assignments |
73 |
12.4
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Dissemination
of Information |
75 |
12.5
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Tax
Certifications |
75 |
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ARTICLE
XIII
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NOTICES |
75 |
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13.1
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Notices |
75 |
13.2
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Change
of Address |
76 |
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ARTICLE
XIV
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COUNTERPARTS |
76 |
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ARTICLE
XV
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CHOICE OF LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL |
76 |
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ARTICLE
XVI
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TERMINATION OF CERTAIN EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENTS WAIVER OF CERTAIN
PROVISIONS THEREUNDER |
77 |
SCHEDULES
Commitment
Schedule
LC
Commitment Schedule
Pricing
Schedule
Schedule
1 - Subsidiaries
Schedule
2 - Liens
Schedule
3 - Restrictive
Agreements
Schedule
4 - Regulatory
Authorizations
EXHIBITS
Exhibit
A.1 - Form
of
Borrowers’ Counsel’s Opinion
Exhibit
A.2 - Form
of
Borrowers’ Counsel’s Opinion for Illinois Corporations
Exhibit
B - Form
of
Compliance Certificate
Exhibit
C - Form
of
Assignment and Assumption Agreement
Exhibit
D - Form
of
Loan/Credit Related Money Transfer Instruction
Exhibit
E - Form
of
Promissory Note (if requested)
Exhibit
F - Form
of
Designation Agreement
Exhibit
G - Subordination
Terms
v
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
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This
Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2005, is entered
into
by and among Ameren Corporation, a Missouri corporation, and its subsidiaries
Union Electric Company d/b/a AmerenUE, a Missouri corporation, Central Illinois
Public Service Company d/b/a AmerenCIPS, an Illinois corporation, Central
Illinois Light Company d/b/a AmerenCILCO, an Illinois corporation, Ameren Energy
Generating Company, an Illinois corporation and Illinois Power Company d/b/a
AmerenIP, an Illinois corporation, the Lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as
Administrative Agent. The obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement
will
be several and not joint, and, except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement,
the obligations of a Borrowing Subsidiary will not be guaranteed by the Company
or any other Subsidiary (including, without limitation, any other Borrowing
Subsidiary). The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS
1.1. Certain
Defined Terms.
As used
in this Agreement:
“Accounting
Changes” is defined in Section 9.8 hereof.
“Acquisition”
means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated on
or
after the Closing Date, by which a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (i)
acquires any going business or all or substantially all of the assets of any
firm, corporation or limited liability company, or division thereof, whether
through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise or (ii) directly or indirectly
acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series
of
transactions) at least a majority (in number of votes) of the securities of
a
corporation which have ordinary voting power for the election of directors
(other than securities having such power only by reason of the happening of
a
contingency) or a majority (by percentage of voting power) of the outstanding
ownership interests of a partnership or limited liability company of any
Person.
“Administrative
Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the
Agent.
“Advance”
means (a) Revolving Loans (i) made by some or all of the Lenders on
the
same Borrowing Date or (ii) converted or continued by the Lenders on the same
date of conversion or continuation, consisting, in either case, of the aggregate
amount of the several Revolving Loans of the same Type and, in the case of
Eurodollar Loans, for the same Interest Period, (b) a Competitive Loan
or
group of Competitive Loans of the same type made on the same date and as to
which a single Interest Period is in effect or (c) a Swingline
Loan.
“Affiliate”
of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling,
controlled by or under common control with such Person. A Person shall be deemed
to control another Person if the controlling Person is the “beneficial owner”
(as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of 10%
or
more of any class of voting securities (or other ownership interests) of the
controlled Person or possesses, directly or indirectly, the power
to
direct
or cause the direction of the management or policies of the controlled Person,
whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.
“Agent”
means JPMCB, not in its individual capacity as a Lender, but in its capacity
as
contractual representative of the Lenders pursuant to Article X, and any
successor Agent appointed pursuant to Article X.
“Aggregate
Commitment” means the aggregate of the Commitments of all the Lenders, as
reduced from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof. The initial Aggregate
Commitment is One Billion One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars
($1,150,000,000.00).
“Aggregate
Outstanding Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate of the
Outstanding Credit Exposures of all the Lenders.
“Aggregate
Revolving Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate of the Revolving
Credit Exposures of all the Lenders.
“Agreement”
means this Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, as it may be amended, restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified and as in effect from time to
time.
“Agreement
Accounting Principles” means generally accepted accounting principles as in
effect in the United States from time to time, applied in a manner consistent
with that used in preparing the financial statements referred to in Section
5.4;
provided,
however,
that
except as provided in Section 9.8, with respect to the calculation of the
financial ratio set forth in Section 6.17 (and the defined terms used in such
Section), “Agreement Accounting Principles” means generally accepted accounting
principles as in effect in the United States as of the Closing Date, applied
in
a manner consistent with that used in preparing the financial statements
referred to in Section 5.4 hereof.
“Alternate
Base Rate” means, for any day, a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to
the higher of (i) the Prime Rate for such day and (ii) the sum of (a) the
Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day and (b) one-half of one percent (0.5%)
per annum.
“Applicable
Fee Rate” means (a) with respect to the Facility Fee at any time, the percentage
rate per annum which is applicable to such fee at such time with respect to
the
Company as set forth in the Pricing Schedule and (b) with respect to the LC
Participation Fee applicable to any Borrower at any time, the percentage rate
per annum which is applicable to such fee at such time with respect to such
Borrower as set forth in the Pricing Schedule.
“Applicable
Margin” means, with respect to any Borrower, with respect to Advances of any
Type at any time, the percentage rate per annum which is applicable at such
time
with respect to Advances of such Type to such Borrower, as set forth in the
Pricing Schedule.
“Approved
Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an
Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that
administers or manages a Lender.
“Arrangers”
means X.X. Xxxxxx Securities Inc. and Barclays Capital and their respective
successors, in their respective capacities as Joint Arrangers and
Bookrunners.
“Article”
means an article of this Agreement unless another document is specifically
referenced.
“Assignment
Agreement” is defined in Section 12.3.1.
“Authorized
Officer” means any of the chief executive officer, president, chief operating
officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or vice president of such Borrower,
acting singly.
“Availability
Termination Date” means, as to any Borrower, the earlier of (a) the
Maturity Date for such Borrower and (b) the date of termination in whole
of
the Aggregate Commitment and the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.8
or
Section 8.1 hereof.
“Available
Aggregate Commitment” means, at any time, the Aggregate Commitment then in
effect minus the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure at such
time.
“Barclays
Bank” means Barclays Bank PLC, in its individual capacity, and its
successors.
“Borrowers”
means the Company and the Borrowing Subsidiaries.
“Borrowing
Date” means a date on which an Advance is made hereunder.
“Borrowing
Notice” is defined in Section 2.11.
“Borrowing
Subsidiaries” means Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO, Genco and IP.
“Business
Day” means (i) with respect to any borrowing, payment or rate selection
of
Eurodollar Advances, a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which banks
generally are open in New York, New York for the conduct of substantially all
of
their commercial lending activities, interbank wire transfers can be made on
the
Fedwire system and dealings in Dollars are carried on in the London interbank
market and (ii) for all other purposes, a day (other than a Saturday
or
Sunday) on which banks generally are open in New York, New York for the conduct
of substantially all of their commercial lending activities and interbank wire
transfers can be made on the Fedwire system.
“Capitalized
Lease” of a Person means any lease of Property by such Person as lessee which
would be capitalized on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance
with Agreement Accounting Principles.
“Capitalized
Lease Obligations” of a Person means the amount of the obligations of such
Person under Capitalized Leases which would be shown as a liability on a balance
sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with Agreement Accounting
Principles.
“Change
in Control” means, in respect of any Borrower, (i) the acquisition by any
Person, or two or more Persons acting in concert, of beneficial ownership
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934)
of
twenty percent (20%) or more of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented
by the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company; (ii) the
Company shall cease to own, directly or indirectly and free and clear of all
Liens or other encumbrances (except for such Liens or other encumbrances
permitted by Section 6.13), 100% of the outstanding shares of the ordinary
voting power represented by the issued and outstanding common stock of (A)
in
the case of the Company, any of Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO, Genco, IP or
AmerenEnergy Resources Generating Company, and (B) in the case of any other
Borrower, such Borrower, in each case on a fully diluted basis; or
(iii) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats)
on
the board of directors of the Company by Persons who were neither
(i) nominated by the board of directors of the Company or a committee
or
subcommittee thereof to which such power was delegated nor (ii) appointed
by directors so nominated; provided
that any
individual who is so nominated in connection with a merger, consolidation,
acquisition or similar transaction shall be included in such majority unless
such individual was a member of the Company’s board of directors prior
thereto.
“CILCO”
means Central Illinois Light Company d/b/a AmerenCILCO, an Illinois corporation
and a Subsidiary of the Company.
“CILCORP”
means CILCORP Inc., an Illinois corporation, the parent company of
CILCO.
“CIPS”
means Central Illinois Public Service Company d/b/a AmerenCIPS, an Illinois
corporation and a Subsidiary of the Company.
“Closing
Date” means July 14, 2005.
“Code”
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, reformed or otherwise
modified from time to time, and any rule or regulation issued
thereunder.
“Commitment”
means, for each Lender, the amount set forth on the Commitment Schedule or
in an
Assignment Agreement executed pursuant to Section 12.3 opposite such Lender’s
name, as it may be modified as a result of any assignment that has become
effective pursuant to Section 12.3.2 or as otherwise modified from time to
time
pursuant to the terms hereof.
“Commitment
Extension Request” is defined in Section 2.23.
“Commitment
Schedule” means the Schedule identifying each Lender’s Commitment as of the
Closing Date attached hereto and identified as such.
“Commitment
Termination Date” means July 14, 2010, as such date may be extended pursuant to
Section 2.23.
“Committed
Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the aggregate principal
amount of its (i) Revolving Loans, (ii) LC Exposure and
(iii) Swingline Exposure outstanding at such time.
“Commonly
Controlled Entity” means any trade or business, whether or not incorporated,
which is under common control with a Borrower or any Subsidiary within the
meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA or that, together with such Borrower
or
any Subsidiary, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b)
or (c)
of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412
of
the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the
Code.
“Company”
means Ameren Corporation, a Missouri corporation.
“Competitive
Bid” means an offer by a Lender to make a Competitive Loan in accordance with
Section 2.4.
“Competitive
Bid Rate” means, with respect to any Competitive Bid, the Margin or the Fixed
Rate, as applicable, offered by the Lender making such Competitive
Bid.
“Competitive
Bid Request” means a request by a Borrower for Competitive Bids in accordance
with Section 2.4.
“Competitive
Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.4.
“Consolidated
Indebtedness” of a Person means at any time the Indebtedness of such Person and
its Subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis as of such
time.
“Consolidated
Net Worth” of a Person means at any time the consolidated stockholders’ equity
and preferred stock of such Person and its Subsidiaries calculated on a
consolidated basis in accordance with Agreement Accounting
Principles.
“Consolidated
Tangible Assets” means, as to any Borrower, the total amount of all assets of
such Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries determined in accordance with
Agreement Accounting Principles, minus,
to the
extent included in the total amount of such Borrower’s and its consolidated
Subsidiaries’ total assets, the net book value of all (i) goodwill, including,
without limitation, the excess cost over book value of any asset, (ii)
organization or experimental expenses, (iii) unamortized debt discount and
expense, (iv) patents, trademarks, tradenames and copyrights, (v) treasury
stock, (vi) franchises, licenses and permits, and (vii) other assets which
are
deemed intangible assets under Agreement Accounting Principles.
“Consolidated
Total Capitalization” means, as to any Borrower at any time, the sum of
Consolidated Indebtedness of such Borrower and Consolidated Net Worth of such
Borrower, each calculated at such time.
“Contingent
Obligation” of a Person means any agreement, undertaking or arrangement by which
such Person assumes, guarantees, endorses, contingently agrees to purchase
or
provide funds for the payment of, or otherwise becomes or is contingently liable
upon, the obligation or liability of any other Person, or agrees to maintain
the
net worth or working capital or other financial condition of any other Person,
or otherwise assures any creditor of such other Person against loss, including,
without limitation, any comfort letter, operating agreement, take-or-pay
contract or the obligations of any such Person as general partner of a
partnership with respect to the liabilities of the partnership.
“Contribution
Percentage” means (a) in the case of the Company, 52.3%, (b) in the case of
Union Electric, 21.7%, (c) in the case of CIPS, 6.5%, (d) in the case of CILCO,
6.5%, (e) in the case of Genco, 6.5% and (f) in the case of IP,
6.5%.
“Conversion/Continuation
Notice” is defined in Section 2.12.
“Credit
Extension” means the making of an Advance or the issuance of a Letter of Credit
hereunder.
“Credit
Extension Date” means the Borrowing Date for an Advance or the date of issuance
of a Letter of Credit.
“Default”
means an event described in Article VII.
“Designated
Lender” means, with respect to each Designating Lender, each Eligible Designee
designated by such Designating Lender pursuant to Section 12.1.2.
“Designating
Lender” means, with respect to each Designated Lender, the Lender that
designated such Designated Lender pursuant to Section 12.1.2.
“Designation
Agreement” is defined in Section 12.1.2.
“Disclosed
Matters” means the events, actions, suits and proceedings and the environmental
matters disclosed in the Exchange Act Documents.
“Documentation
Agents” means Citibank, N.A., The Bank of New York and BNP Paribas.
“Dollar”
and “$” means the lawful currency of the United States of America.
“Eligible
Designee” means
a
special purpose corporation, partnership, trust, limited partnership or limited
liability company that is administered by the respective Designating Lender
or
an Affiliate of such Designating Lender and (i) is organized under the laws
of
the United States of America or any state thereof, (ii) is engaged primarily
in
making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the ordinary
course of its business and (iii) issues (or the parent of which issues)
commercial paper rated at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by S&P or P-1
or the equivalent thereof by Xxxxx’x.
“Environmental
Laws” means any and all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws,
judicial decisions, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees,
plans, injunctions, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses,
agreements and other governmental restrictions relating to (i) the protection
of
the environment, (ii) the effect of the environment on human health, (iii)
emissions, discharges or releases of pollutants, contaminants, hazardous
substances or wastes into surface water, ground water or land, or (iv) the
manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
transport or handling of pollutants, contaminants, hazardous substances or
wastes or the clean-up or other remediation thereof.
“ERISA”
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from
time
to time.
“ERISA
Event” means (a) any Reportable Event; (b) the existence with respect
to any Plan of an “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 412 of
the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) whether or not waived; (c) the
filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of
an
application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any
Plan; (d) the incurrence by such Borrower or any Commonly Controlled
Entity
of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of
any
Plan; (e) the receipt by such Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity
from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention
to
terminate any Plan or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the
incurrence by such Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity of any liability
with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Plan or
Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by such Borrower or any Commonly
Controlled Entity of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from
such Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity of any notice, concerning the
imposition of “withdrawal liability” (as defined in Part I of Subtitle E of
Title IV of ERISA) or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is
expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title
IV
of ERISA.
“Eurodollar
Advance” means an Advance which, except as otherwise provided in
Section 2.14, bears interest at the applicable Eurodollar
Rate.
“Eurodollar
Base Rate” means, with respect to a Eurodollar Advance for the relevant Interest
Period, the applicable British Bankers’ Association LIBOR rate for deposits in
Dollars as reported by any generally recognized financial information service
as
of 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of
such
Interest Period, and having a maturity equal to such Interest Period,
provided
that, if
no such British Bankers’ Association LIBOR rate is available to the Agent, the
applicable Eurodollar Base Rate for the relevant Interest Period shall instead
be the rate determined by the Agent to be the rate at which JPMCB or one of
its
affiliate banks offers to place deposits in Dollars with first-class banks
in
the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2)
Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, in the approximate
amount of JPMCB’s relevant Eurodollar Loan and having a maturity equal to such
Interest Period.
“Eurodollar
Loan” means a Loan which, except as otherwise provided in Section 2.14, bears
interest at the applicable Eurodollar Rate.
“Eurodollar
Rate” means, with respect to a Eurodollar Advance for the relevant Interest
Period, the sum of (i) the quotient of (a) the Eurodollar Base Rate applicable
to such Interest Period, divided by (b) one minus the Reserve Requirement
(expressed as a decimal) applicable to such Interest Period, plus (ii) (A)
in
the case of a Eurodollar Advance consisting of Revolving Loans, the then
Applicable Margin, changing as and when the Applicable Margin changes and (B)
in
the case of a Eurodollar Advance consisting of a Competitive Loan or Loans,
the
Margin applicable to such Loan or Loans.
“Eurodollar
Rate Advance” means an Advance consisting of Competitive Loans bearing interest
at the Eurodollar Rate.
“Exchange
Act Documents” means (a) the Annual Report of each of the Company, Union
Electric, CIPS, CILCO, CILCORP, Genco and IP to the Securities and Exchange
Commission on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, (b) the
Quarterly Reports of each of the Company, Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO, CILCORP,
Genco and IP to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2005, and (c) all Current Reports
of
each of the Company, Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO, CILCORP, Genco and IP to
the
Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K from January 1, 2005, to the
Closing Date.
“Excluded
Taxes” means, in the case of each Lender or applicable Lending Installation and
the Agent, taxes imposed on its overall net income, and franchise taxes imposed
on it, by (i) the jurisdiction under the laws of which such Lender or the Agent
is incorporated or organized or any political combination or subdivision or
taxing authority thereof or (ii) the jurisdiction in which the Agent’s or such
Lender’s principal executive office or such Lender’s applicable Lending
Installation is located.
“Exhibit”
refers to an exhibit to this Agreement, unless another document is specifically
referenced.
“Existing
Amended Three-Year Credit Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Three-Year
Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of September 21, 2004, among the
Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMCB, as
administrative agent.
“Existing
CILCO Indenture” means the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of
April 1, 1933, as heretofore or from time to time hereafter supplemented and
amended, between CILCO and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas f/k/a Bankers
Trust Company, as Trustee.
“Existing
Credit Agreements” means the Existing Amended Three-Year Credit Agreement, the
Existing Three-Year Credit Agreement, Union Electric’s bilateral credit
agreements in an aggregate amount of $153.5 million, CIPS’ bilateral credit
agreements in an aggregate amount of $15 million, CILCO’s bilateral credit
agreements in an aggregate amount of $60 million and a bilateral credit
agreement of Electric Energy, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Company) in the amount
of $25 million.
“Existing
Five-Year Credit Agreement” means the Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated
as of July 14, 2004, among the Company, the lenders from time to time
party
thereto and JPMCB, as administrative agent.
“Existing
Indentures” means (i) the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of
June 15, 1937, as heretofore or from time to time hereafter supplemented and
amended, between Union Electric and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, and (ii)
the Indenture of Mortgage or Deed of Trust dated as of October 1, 1941, as
heretofore or from time to time hereafter supplemented and amended, between
CIPS
and U.S. Bank Trust National Association and Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, as
Trustees.
“Existing
Intercompany Notes” means (a) the Amended and Restated Promissory Note, dated
May 1, 2000 and as amended and restated on May 1, 2005, between Genco, as maker
and
CIPS,
as
payee and (b) the Promissory Note, dated May 2, 2005, between CIPS, as maker
and
Union Electric, as payee.
“Existing
IP Indenture” means the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as of
November 1, 1992, as heretofore or from time to time supplemented and amended
between IP and BNY Midwest Trust Company as successor to Xxxxxx Trust and
Savings Bank, as Trustee.
“Existing
Three-Year Credit Agreement” means the Three-Year Revolving Credit Agreement
dated as of July 14, 2004, among the Company, the lenders from time
to time
party thereto and JPMCB, as administrative agent.
“Facility
Fee” is defined in Section 2.8.1.
“Facility
Termination Date” means the first date on which the Availability Termination
Date shall have occurred as to each Borrower.
“Federal
Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, an interest rate per annum equal to
the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with
members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal Funds brokers on
such
day, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for
the
immediately preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York,
or,
if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the
average of the quotations at approximately 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such
day on such transactions received by the Agent from three Federal Funds brokers
of recognized standing selected by the Agent in its sole
discretion.
“FERC”
means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
“First
Mortgage Bonds” means bonds or other indebtedness issued by Union Electric,
CIPS, CILCO or IP, as applicable, pursuant to the Existing Indentures, the
Existing CILCO Indenture or the Existing IP Indenture.
“Fixed
Rate” means, with respect to any Competitive Loan (other than a Eurodollar
Loan), the fixed rate of interest per annum specified by the Lender making
such
Competitive Loan in its related Competitive Bid.
“Fixed
Rate Advance” means an Advance consisting of Competitive Loans bearing interest
at a Fixed Rate.
“Fixed
Rate Loan” means a Competitive Loan bearing interest at a Fixed
Rate.
“Floating
Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the
Alternate Base Rate for such day, changing when and as the Alternate Base Rate
changes plus
(ii) the then Applicable Margin, changing as and when the Applicable
Margin
changes.
“Floating
Rate Advance” means an Advance which, except as otherwise provided in Section
2.14, bears interest at the Floating Rate.
“Fund”
means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged
in
making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and
similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its
business.
“Genco”
means Ameren Energy Generating Company, an Illinois corporation and a Subsidiary
of the Company.
“Inactive
Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of a Borrower that (a) does not conduct
any business operations, (b) has assets with a total book value not
in
excess of $1,000,000 and (c) does not have any Indebtedness outstanding.
“Indebtedness”
of a Person means, at any time, without duplication, such Person’s
(i) obligations for borrowed money, (ii) obligations representing
the
deferred purchase price of Property or services (other than current accounts
payable arising in the ordinary course of such Person’s business payable on
terms customary in the trade), (iii) obligations, whether or not assumed,
secured by Liens or payable out of the proceeds or production from Property
now
or hereafter owned or acquired by such Person, (iv) obligations which
are
evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures, acceptances, or other instruments,
(v) obligations to purchase securities or other Property arising out
of or
in connection with the sale of the same or substantially similar securities
or
Property, (vi) Capitalized Lease Obligations (except for Capitalized
Lease
Obligations entered into by Union Electric in connection with the Xxxx Creek
Project), (vii) Contingent Obligations of such Person,
(viii) reimbursement obligations under letters of credit, bankers
acceptances, surety bonds and similar instruments issued upon the application
of
such Person or upon which such Person is an account party or for which such
Person is in any way liable, (ix) Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities, (x)
obligations under Sale and Leaseback Transactions, (xi) Net Xxxx-to-Market
Exposure under Rate Management Transactions and (xii) any other obligation
for borrowed money which in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles
would be shown as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet of such
Person.
“Interest
Period” means (a) with respect to a Eurodollar Advance, a period of one,
two, three or six months, commencing on the date of such Advance and ending
on
but excluding the day which corresponds numerically to such date one, two,
three
or six months thereafter and (b) with respect to any Fixed Rate Advance,
the period (which shall not be less than 7 days or more than 360 days)
commencing on the date of such Advance and ending on the date specified in
the
applicable Competitive Bid Request; provided, however,
that
(i) in the case of Eurodollar Advances, if there is no such numerically
corresponding day in such next, second, third or sixth succeeding month, such
Interest Period shall end on the last Business Day of such next, second, third
or sixth succeeding month, (ii) if an Interest Period would otherwise
end
on a day which is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall end on the
next
succeeding Business Day, provided, however,
that if
said next succeeding Business Day falls in a new calendar month, such Interest
Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day and (iii) no Interest
Period in respect of an Advance to any Borrower may end after the Availability
Termination Date for such Borrower. For purposes hereof, the date of an Advance
initially shall be the date on which such Advance is made and, in the case
of an
Advance comprising Revolving Loans, thereafter shall be the effective date
of
the most recent conversion or continuation of such Loans.
“Investment”
of a Person means any loan, advance (other than commission, travel and similar
advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business),
extension of credit (other than accounts receivable arising in the ordinary
course of business on terms customary in the trade) or contribution of capital
by such Person; stocks, bonds, mutual funds, partnership interests, notes,
debentures or other securities owned by such Person; any deposit accounts and
certificate of deposit owned by such Person; and structured notes, derivative
financial instruments and other similar instruments or contracts owned by such
Person.
“IP”
means Illinois Power Company d/b/a AmerenIP, an Illinois corporation and a
Subsidiary of the Company.
“Issuing
Bank” means, at any time, JPMCB, Barclays Bank and each other person that shall
have become an Issuing Bank hereunder as provided in Section 2.6(j),
each
in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. Each Issuing Bank
may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued
by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall
include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such
Affiliate.
“Issuing
Bank Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
Section 2.6(j).
“JPMCB”
means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
“LC
Commitment” means, as to each Issuing Bank, the commitment of such Issuing Bank
to issue Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2.6. The initial amount
of
each Issuing Bank’s LC Commitment is set forth on the LC Commitment Schedule, or
in the case of any additional Issuing Bank, as provided in Section 2.6(j).
“LC
Commitment Schedule” means the Schedule identifying each Issuing Bank’s LC
Commitment as of the Closing Date attached hereto and identified as
such.
“LC
Disbursement” means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of
Credit.
“LC
Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount
of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate
amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf
of the applicable Borrowers at such time. The LC Exposure of any Lender at
any
time shall be its Pro Rata Share of the total LC Exposure at such time.
“LC
Participation Fee” is defined in Section 2.8.2.
“Lenders”
means the lending institutions listed on the signature pages of this Agreement
and their respective successors and assigns. Unless the context requires
otherwise, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender.
“Lending
Installation” means, with respect to a Lender or the Agent, the office, branch,
subsidiary or affiliate of such Lender or the Agent listed on the signature
pages hereof or on the
administrative
information sheets provided to the Agent in connection herewith or on a Schedule
or otherwise selected by such Lender or the Agent pursuant to Section 2.20.
“Letter
of Credit” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this
Agreement.
“Leveraged
Lease Sales” means sales by the Company or any Subsidiary of investments, in
existence on the date hereof, in assets leased to an unaffiliated lessee under
leveraged lease arrangements, including any transactions between and among
the
Company and/or Subsidiaries that are necessary to effect the sale of such
investments to a Person other than the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.
“Lien”
means any lien (statutory or other), mortgage, pledge, hypothecation,
assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance or preference, priority or other
security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever
(including, without limitation, the interest of a vendor or lessor under any
conditional sale, Capitalized Lease or other title retention agreement, and,
in
the case of stock, stockholders agreements, voting trust agreements and all
similar arrangements).
“Loans”
means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrowers pursuant to this
Agreement.
“Loan
Documents” means this Agreement and all other documents, instruments, notes
(including any Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.16 (if requested)) and
agreements executed in connection herewith or therewith or contemplated hereby
or thereby, as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified and
in
effect from time to time.
“Margin”
means, with respect to any Competitive Loan bearing interest at a rate based
on
the Eurodollar Base Rate, the marginal rate of interest, if any, to be added
to
or subtracted from the Eurodollar Base Rate to determine the rate of interest
applicable to such Loan, as specified by the Lender making such Loan in its
related Competitive Bid.
“Material
Adverse Effect” means, with respect to any Borrower, a material adverse effect
on (i) the business, Property, condition (financial or otherwise),
operations or results of operations or prospects of such Borrower, or such
Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (ii) the ability of
such
Borrower to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents, or (iii) the
validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents against such Borrower
or
the rights or remedies of the Agent or the Lenders thereunder.
“Material
Indebtedness” means (i) any Indebtedness outstanding under the Restated
Five-Year Credit Agreement and (ii) any other Indebtedness in an
outstanding principal amount of $50,000,000 or more in the aggregate (or the
equivalent thereof in any currency other than Dollars).
“Material
Indebtedness Agreement” means any agreement under which any Material
Indebtedness was created or is governed or which provides for the incurrence
of
Indebtedness in an amount which would constitute Material Indebtedness (whether
or not an amount of Indebtedness constituting Material Indebtedness is
outstanding thereunder).
“Maturity
Date” means (a) in the case of the Company, the Commitment Termination Date, and
(b) in the case of any Borrowing Subsidiary, July 13, 2006, or, in the case
of
any Borrower, any date to which such Borrower’s Maturity Date shall have been
extended as provided in Section 2.23.
“Money
Pool Agreements” means, collectively, (i) that certain Ameren Corporation
System Utility Money Pool Agreement, dated as of March 25, 1999, by and among
the Company, Ameren Services Company, Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO, IP and
AmerenEnergy Resources Generating Company, as amended from time to time
(including, without limitation, the addition of any of their Affiliates as
parties thereto), and (ii) that certain Ameren Corporation System
Non-Regulated Subsidiary Money Pool Agreement, dated as of February 27,
2003, by and among the Company, Ameren Services Company, Genco and certain
Subsidiaries of the Company excluding Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO and IP, as
amended from time to time (including, without limitation, the addition of any
of
their Affiliates, other than Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO and IP, as parties
thereto).
“Moody’s”
means Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc.
“Multiemployer
Plan” means a multiemployer plan, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of
ERISA.
“Net
Xxxx-to-Market Exposure” of a Person means, as of any date of determination, the
excess (if any) of all unrealized losses over all unrealized profits of such
Person arising from Rate Management Transactions. “Unrealized losses” means the
fair market value of the cost to such Person of replacing such Rate Management
Transaction as of the date of determination (assuming the Rate Management
Transaction were to be terminated as of that date), and “unrealized profits”
means the fair market value of the gain to such Person of replacing such Rate
Management Transaction as of the date of determination (assuming such Rate
Management Transaction were to be terminated as of that date).
“1935
Act” means the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (together
with all rules, regulations and orders promulgated or otherwise issued in
connection therewith).
“Non-U.S.
Lender” is defined in Section 3.5(iv).
“Note”
is
defined in Section 2.16.
“Obligations”
means all Loans, reimbursement obligations in respect of LC Disbursements,
advances, debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties owing by a
Borrower to the Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender, the Arrangers, any
affiliate of the Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or the Arrangers, or any
indemnitee under the provisions of Section 9.6 or any other provisions
of
the Loan Documents, in each case of any kind or nature, present or future,
arising under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, whether or not
evidenced by any note, guaranty or other instrument, whether or not for the
payment of money, whether arising by reason of an extension of credit, loan,
foreign exchange risk, guaranty, indemnification, or in any other manner,
whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assignment), absolute
or
contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and
however
acquired. The term includes, without limitation, all interest, charges,
expenses, fees, attorneys’ fees and disbursements, paralegals’ fees (in each
case whether or not allowed), and any other sum chargeable to such Borrower
or
any of its Subsidiaries under this Agreement or any other Loan
Document.
“Off-Balance
Sheet Liability” of a Person means the principal component of (i) any
repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with respect to accounts
or
notes receivable sold by such Person, (ii) any liability under any Sale
and
Leaseback Transaction which is not a Capitalized Lease, (iii) any liability
under any so-called “synthetic lease” or “tax ownership operating lease”
transaction entered into by such Person, or (iv) any obligation arising with
respect to any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of or takes
the place of borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the
consolidated balance sheets of such Person, but excluding from this clause
(iv) Operating Leases.
“Operating
Lease” of a Person means any lease of Property (other than a Capitalized Lease)
by such Person as lessee which has an original term (including any required
renewals and any renewals effective at the option of the lessor) of one year
or
more.
“Other
Taxes” is defined in Section 3.5(ii).
“Outstanding
Credit Exposure” means, as to any Lender at any time, the aggregate principal
amount of its (i) Revolving Loans, (ii) Competitive Loans,
(iii) LC Exposure and (iv) Swingline Exposure outstanding at
such
time.
“Participants”
is defined in Section 12.2.1.
“Payment
Date” means the last day of each March, June, September and December and the
Facility Termination Date.
“PBGC”
means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA
and any successor entity performing similar functions.
“Xxxx
Creek Project” means the Chapter 100 financing transaction and agreements
related thereto entered into between Union Electric and the City of Bowling
Green, Missouri (the “City”)
pursuant to which (i) Union Electric conveyed to and leased from the
City
certain land and improvements including four combustion turbine generating
units, and (ii) the City issued indebtedness (which was purchased by
Union
Electric) to finance the acquisition of such Property.
“Person”
means any natural person, corporation, firm, joint venture, partnership, limited
liability company, association, enterprise, trust or other entity or
organization, or any government or political subdivision or any agency,
department or instrumentality thereof.
“Plan”
means at a particular time, any employee benefit plan (other than a
Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by ERISA or Section 412 of the
Code
and in respect of which a Borrower or a Commonly Controlled Entity is (or,
if
such plan were terminated at such time, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be
deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of
ERISA.
“Pricing
Schedule” means the Schedule identifying the Applicable Margin and Applicable
Fee Rate attached hereto and identified as such.
“Prime
Rate” means a rate per annum equal to the prime rate of interest announced from
time to time by JPMCB (which is not necessarily the lowest rate charged to
any
customer), changing when and as said prime rate changes.
“Project
Finance Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary created for the purpose of obtaining
non-recourse financing for any operating asset that is the sole and direct
obligor of Indebtedness incurred in connection with such financing. A Subsidiary
shall be deemed to be a Project Finance Subsidiary only from and after the
date
on which such Subsidiary is expressly designated as a Project Finance Subsidiary
to the Agent by written notice executed by an Authorized Officer; provided
that in
no event shall any Borrowing Subsidiary be designated or deemed a Project
Finance Subsidiary.
“Property”
of a Person means any and all property, whether real, personal, tangible,
intangible, or mixed, of such Person, or other assets owned, leased or operated
by such Person.
“Pro
Rata
Share” means, with respect to a Lender, a portion equal to a fraction the
numerator of which is such Lender’s Commitment at such time (in each case, as
adjusted from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement)
and the denominator of which is the Aggregate Commitment at such time, or,
if
the Aggregate Commitment has been terminated, a fraction the numerator of which
is such Lender’s Outstanding Credit Exposure at such time and the denominator of
which is the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure at such time (and if there
shall be no Outstanding Credit Exposures at such time, the Lenders’ Pro Rata
Shares shall be determined on the basis of the Outstanding Credit Exposures
then
most recently in effect).
“Purchasers”
is defined in Section 12.3.1.
“Rate
Management Obligations” of a Person means any and all unsatisfied or
undischarged obligations of such Person, whether absolute or contingent and
howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including
all
renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor),
under (i) any and all Rate Management Transactions, and (ii) any
and
all cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any
Rate
Management Transactions.
“Rate
Management Transaction” means any transaction whether linked to one or more
interest rates, foreign currencies, or equity prices, (including an agreement
with respect thereto) now existing or hereafter entered by a Borrower or a
Subsidiary (other than a Project Finance Subsidiary) which is a rate swap,
basis
swap, forward rate transaction, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity
index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction,
cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, forward transaction,
currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction, currency option
or any other similar transaction (including any option with respect to any
of
these transactions) or any combination thereof.
“Regulation
D” means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
as
from time to time in effect and any successor thereto or other regulation or
official interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to reserve
requirements applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve
System.
“Regulation
U” means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
as
from time to time in effect and any successor or other regulation or official
interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the extension of credit
by
banks, non-banks and non-broker lenders for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying margin stocks applicable to member banks of the Federal Reserve
System.
“Regulation
X” means Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
as
from time to time in effect and any successor or other regulation or official
interpretation of said Board of Governors relating to the extension of credit
by
foreign lenders for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (as
defined therein).
“Reportable
Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA
or the regulations issued under Section 4043 of ERISA, other than those
events as to which the thirty day notice period is waived under
Sections .21, .22, .23, .26, .27 or .28 of PBGC Reg.
§ 4043.
“Required
Lenders” means Lenders in the aggregate having greater than fifty percent (50%)
of the Aggregate Commitment; provided
that for
purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VIII
and for all purposes after the Loans have become due and payable pursuant to
Article VIII and the Aggregate Commitment has been terminated, “Required
Lenders” shall mean Lenders in the aggregate holding greater than fifty percent
(50%) of the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure.
“Reserve
Requirement” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the maximum aggregate
reserve requirement (including all basic, supplemental, marginal and other
reserves) which is imposed under Regulation D on “Eurocurrency liabilities” (as
defined in Regulation D).
“Restated
Five-Year Credit Agreement” means the Existing Five-Year Credit Agreement, as
amended and restated as contemplated by Section 4.1.10.
“Revolving
Advance” means an Advance comprised of Revolving Loans.
“Revolving
Credit Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the
outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans, such Lender’s LC
Exposure and such Lender’s Swingline Exposure at such time.
“Revolving
Eurodollar Advance” means a Revolving Advance comprising a Loan or Loans that
bear interest at the Eurodollar Rate.
“Revolving
Floating Rate Advance” means a Revolving Advance comprising a Loan or Loans that
bear interest at a Floating Rate.
“Revolving
Loan” means, with respect to a Lender, such Lender’s loan made pursuant to its
commitment to lend set forth in Section 2.1 (and any conversion or continuation
thereof).
“S&P”
means Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The XxXxxx-Xxxx
Companies, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“Sale
and
Leaseback Transaction” means any sale or other transfer of Property by any
Person with the intent to lease such Property as lessee.
“Schedule”
refers to a specific schedule to this Agreement, unless another document is
specifically referenced.
“SEC”
means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Section”
means a numbered section of this Agreement, unless another document is
specifically referenced.
“Subsidiary”
of a Person means (i) any corporation more than 50% of the outstanding
securities having ordinary voting power of which shall at the time be owned
or
controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more of its
Subsidiaries or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries, or
(ii) any partnership, limited liability company, association, joint
venture
or similar business organization more than 50% of the ownership interests having
ordinary voting power of which shall at the time be so owned or controlled.
Unless otherwise expressly provided, all references herein to a “Subsidiary”
shall mean a Subsidiary of the Company.
“Subsidiary
Credit Exposure” means, with respect to any Borrowing Subsidiary at any time,
the aggregate amount of (i) all Revolving Loans made to such Borrowing
Subsidiary and outstanding at such time, (ii) all Competitive Loans
made to
such Borrowing Subsidiary and outstanding at such time, (iii) that portion
of the LC Exposure at such time attributable to Letters of Credit issued for
the
account of such Borrowing Subsidiary and (iv) that portion of the Swingline
Exposure at such time attributable to Swingline Loans made to such Borrowing
Subsidiary.
“Subsidiary
Maturity Date Extension Request” is defined in Section 2.23.
“Subsidiary
Sublimit” means (a) as to each Borrowing Subsidiary other than Union Electric
$150,000,000 and (b) as to Union Electric, $500,000,000 or, in the case of
any
Borrowing Subsidiary, any lesser amount to which the Subsidiary Sublimit of
such
Borrowing Subsidiary shall have been reduced pursuant to Section
2.8.
“Substantial
Portion” means, with respect to the Property of a Borrower and its Subsidiaries,
Property which represents more than 10% of the consolidated assets of such
Borrower and its Subsidiaries or property which is responsible for more than
10%
of the consolidated net sales or of the consolidated net income of such Borrower
and its Subsidiaries, in each case, as would be shown in the consolidated
financial statements of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of
the
four fiscal quarter period ending with the fiscal quarter immediately prior
to
the fiscal quarter in which such determination is made (or if financial
statements have not been delivered hereunder for that fiscal quarter which
ends
the four fiscal quarter period, then the financial statements delivered
hereunder for the quarter ending immediately prior to that
quarter).
“Swingline
Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline
Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any
time
shall be its Pro Rata Share of the total Swingline Exposure at such time;
provided
that if
the Aggregate Commitment has been terminated such Pro Rata Share shall be
determined based on the Commitments most recently in effect, but giving effect
to any subsequent assignments.
“Swingline
Lender” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as lender of Swingline
Loans hereunder.
“Swingline
Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.5.
“Syndication
Agent” means Barclays Bank.
“Taxes”
means any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies, imposts, deductions,
charges or withholdings, and any and all liabilities with respect to the
foregoing, but excluding
Excluded
Taxes.
“Transferee”
is defined in Section 12.4.
“Type”
means, with respect to any Advance, its nature as a Fixed Rate Advance, Floating
Rate Advance or Eurodollar Advance.
“Union
Electric” means Union Electric Company d/b/a AmerenUE, a Missouri corporation
and a Subsidiary of the Company.
“Unmatured
Default” means an event which but for the lapse of time or the giving of notice,
or both, would constitute a Default.
“USA
Patriot Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of
2001.
1.2. Plural
Forms.
The
foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and
plural forms of the defined terms.
ARTICLE
II
THE
CREDITS
2.1. Commitment.
Subject
to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.1 and
4.2, as applicable, each Lender severally and not jointly agrees, on the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to make Revolving Loans to each
Borrower from time to time from and including the Closing Date and prior to
the
Availability Termination Date for such Borrower in an amount not to exceed
its
Pro Rata Share of the Available Aggregate Commitment; provided
that
(i) at no time shall the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure exceed
the
Aggregate Commitment, (ii) at no time shall the Committed Credit Exposure of
any
Lender exceed its Commitment and (iii) at no time shall the Subsidiary
Credit Exposure of any Borrowing Subsidiary exceed the Subsidiary Sublimit
of
such Borrowing Subsidiary. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, each Borrower
may, severally and not jointly with the other
Borrowers,
borrow, repay and reborrow Revolving Loans at any time prior to the Availability
Termination Date for such Borrower. The commitment of each Lender to lend to
each Borrower hereunder shall automatically expire on the Availability
Termination Date for such Borrower.
2.2. Required
Payments; Termination.
Each
Borrower, severally and not jointly with the other Borrowers, hereby
unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Agent for the account of
each
Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan made by such
Lender to such Borrower on the Availability Termination Date for such Borrower,
(ii) to the Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal
amount of each Competitive Loan made by such Lender to such Borrower on the
last
day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan, which shall not be later
than the Availability Termination Date for such Borrower and (iii) to
the
Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan made
to
such Borrower on the earlier of the Availability Termination Date for such
Borrower and the fifth Business Day after such Swingline Loan is made;
provided
that on
each date that a Revolving Loan or Competitive Loan is made to a Borrower,
such
Borrower shall repay all Swingline Loans made to such Borrower and then
outstanding. Notwithstanding the termination of the Commitments under this
Agreement, until all of the Obligations of each Borrower (other than contingent
indemnity obligations) shall have been fully paid and satisfied and all
financing arrangements between each Borrower and the Lenders hereunder and
under
the other Loan Documents shall have been terminated, all of the rights and
remedies with respect to such Borrower and its Obligations under this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents shall survive.
2.3. Loans.
Each
Advance hereunder shall consist of (a) Revolving Loans made by the Lenders
ratably in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares of the Aggregate Commitment,
(b) Competitive Loans or (c) Swingline Loans.
2.4. Competitive
Bid Procedure.
(a)
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Borrower may request
Competitive Bids and may (but shall not have any obligation to) accept
Competitive Bids and borrow Competitive Loans from time to time prior to the
Availability Termination Date for such Borrower; provided
that
(i) the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure at any time shall not
exceed
the Aggregate Commitment and (ii) at no time shall the Subsidiary Credit
Exposure of any Borrowing Subsidiary exceed the Subsidiary Sublimit of such
Borrowing Subsidiary. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms
and
conditions set forth herein, each Borrower may, severally and not jointly with
the other Borrowers, borrow, repay and reborrow Competitive Loans.
To
request Competitive Bids, the applicable Borrower shall notify the Agent of
such
request by telephone, in the case of a Eurodollar Advance, not later than 11:00
a.m., New York time, four Business Days before the date of the proposed Advance
and, in the case of a Fixed Rate Advance, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York
time, one Business Day before the date of the proposed Advance; provided
that
each Borrower may submit up to (but not more than) two Competitive Bid Requests
on the same day, but a Competitive Bid Request shall not be made within five
Business Days after the date of any previous Competitive Bid Request, unless
any
and all such previous Competitive Bid Requests shall have been withdrawn or
all
Competitive Bids received in response thereto rejected. Each such telephonic
Competitive Bid Request shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery or telecopy
to the Agent of a written Competitive Bid Request
in
a form
approved by the Agent and signed by the applicable Borrower. Each such
telephonic and written Competitive Bid Request shall specify the following
information:
(i) |
the
Borrower requesting an Advance;
|
(ii) |
the
aggregate amount of the requested
Advance;
|
(iii) |
the
date of such Advance, which shall be a Business
Day;
|
(iv) |
whether
such Advance is to be a Eurodollar Rate Advance or a Fixed Rate Advance;
and
|
(v) |
the
Interest Period to be applicable to such Advance, which shall be
a period
contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest
Period”.
|
Promptly
following receipt of a Competitive Bid Request in accordance with this Section,
the Agent shall notify the Lenders of the details thereof by telecopy, inviting
the Lenders to submit Competitive Bids.
(b)
Each
Lender may (but shall not have any obligation to) make one or more Competitive
Bids to the applicable Borrower in response to a Competitive Bid Request. Each
Competitive Bid by a Lender must be in a form approved by the Agent and must
be
received by the Agent by telecopy, in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance,
not
later than 10:30 a.m., New York time, three Business Days before the
proposed date of such Advance, and in the case of a Fixed Rate Advance, not
later than 10:30 a.m., New York time, on the proposed date of such Advance.
Competitive Bids that do not conform substantially to the form approved by
the
Agent may be rejected by the Agent, and the Agent shall notify the applicable
Lender as promptly as practicable. Each Competitive Bid shall specify
(i) the principal amount (which shall be a minimum of $5,000,000 and
an
integral multiple of $1,000,000 and which may equal the entire principal amount
of the Advance requested by such Borrower) of the Competitive Loan or Loans
that
the Lender is willing to make, (ii) the Competitive Bid Rate or Rates
at
which the Lender is prepared to make such Loan or Loans (expressed as a
percentage rate per annum in the form of a decimal to no more than four decimal
places) and (iii) the Interest Period applicable to each such Loan and
the
last day thereof.
(c)
The
Agent
shall promptly notify the applicable Borrower by telecopy of the Competitive
Bid
Rate and the principal amount specified in each Competitive Bid and the identity
of the Lender that shall have made such Competitive Bid.
(d)
Subject
only to the provisions of this paragraph, the applicable Borrower may accept
or
reject any Competitive Bid. Such Borrower shall notify the Agent by telephone,
confirmed by telecopy in a form approved by the Agent, whether and to what
extent it has decided to accept or reject each Competitive Bid, in the case
of a
Eurodollar Rate Advance, not later than 10:30 a.m., New York time, three
Business Days before the date of the proposed Advance, and in the case of a
Fixed Rate Advance, not later than 10:30 a.m., New York time, on the proposed
date of the Advance; provided
that
(i) the failure of a Borrower to give such notice shall be deemed to
be a
rejection of each Competitive Bid, (ii) a Borrower shall not accept
a
Competitive Bid made at a particular Competitive Bid Rate if such Borrower
rejects a
Competitive
Bid made at a lower Competitive Bid Rate, (iii) the aggregate amount
of the
Competitive Bids accepted by a Borrower shall not exceed the aggregate amount
of
the requested Advance specified in the related Competitive Bid Request,
(iv) to the extent necessary to comply with clause (iii) above,
a
Borrower may accept Competitive Bids at the same Competitive Bid Rate in part,
which acceptance, in the case of multiple Competitive Bids at such Competitive
Bid Rate, shall be made pro rata in accordance with the amount of each such
Competitive Bid, and (v) except pursuant to clause (iv) above,
no
Competitive Bid shall be accepted for a Competitive Loan unless such Competitive
Loan is in a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 and an integral multiple
of
$1,000,000; provided
further
that if
a Competitive Loan must be in an amount less than $5,000,000 because of the
provisions of clause (iv) above, such Competitive Loan may be for a
minimum
of $1,000,000 or any integral multiple thereof, and in calculating the pro
rata
allocation of acceptances of portions of multiple Competitive Bids at a
particular Competitive Bid Rate pursuant to clause (iv) the amounts
shall
be rounded to integral multiples of $1,000,000 in a manner determined by the
applicable Borrower. A notice given by a Borrower pursuant to this paragraph
shall be irrevocable.
(e)
The
Agent
shall promptly notify each bidding Lender by telecopy whether or not its
Competitive Bid has been accepted (and, if so, the amount and Competitive Bid
Rate so accepted), and each successful bidder will thereupon become bound,
subject to the terms and conditions hereof, to make the Competitive Loan in
respect of which its Competitive Bid has been accepted.
(f)
If
the
Agent shall elect to submit a Competitive Bid in its capacity as a Lender,
it
shall submit such Competitive Bid directly to the applicable Borrower at least
one quarter of an hour earlier than the time by which the other Lenders are
required to submit their Competitive Bids to the Agent pursuant to
paragraph (b) of this Section.
2.5. Swingline
Loans.
(a)
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lender agrees to
make Swingline Loans to each Borrower from time to time from and including
the
Closing Date and prior to the Availability Termination Date for such Borrower,
in an amount that will not result in the Swingline Exposure exceeding
$100,000,000; provided
that
(i) at no time shall the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure exceed
the
Aggregate Commitment, (ii) at no time shall the Committed Credit Exposure of
any
Lender exceed its Commitment and (iii) at no time shall the Subsidiary
Credit Exposure of any Borrowing Subsidiary exceed the Subsidiary Sublimit
of
such Borrowing Subsidiary; and provided further
that the
Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance
an
outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the
terms
and conditions set forth herein, each Borrower may, severally and not jointly
with the other Borrowers, borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline
Loans.
(b)
Each
Swingline Loan shall bear interest at (i) the rate per annum applicable
to
Floating Rate Advances or (ii) any other rate per annum (computed on
the
basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days) which shall
be quoted by the Swingline Lender on the date such Loan is made and accepted
by
the applicable Borrower as provided in this Section 2.5; provided,
that
commencing on any date on which the Swingline Lender requires the Lenders to
acquire participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to Section 2.5(d),
such
Loan shall bear interest at the rate per annum applicable to Floating Rate
Advances.
(c)
To
request a Swingline Loan, the applicable Borrower shall notify the Swingline
Lender of such request by telephone (confirmed by telecopy), not later than
12:00 noon, New York time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such
notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall
be
a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan. If so requested
by
the applicable Borrower, the Swingline Lender will quote an interest rate that,
if accepted by such Borrower, will be applicable to the requested Swingline
Loan, and such Borrower will promptly notify the Swingline Lender in the event
it accepts such rate. The Swingline Lender will promptly advise the Agent of
any
such notice received from such Borrower. The Swingline Lender shall make each
Swingline Loan available to such Borrower by means of a credit to an account
with the Swingline Lender specified by such Borrower by 3:00 p.m., New York
time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.
(d)
The
Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Agent not later than 10:00
a.m., New York time, on any Business Day require the Lenders to acquire
participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans
outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans
in which Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the
Agent will give notice thereof to each Lender, specifying in such notice such
Lender’s Pro Rata Share of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Lender hereby
absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above,
to pay to the Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Pro
Rata Share of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees
that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to
this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any
circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default
or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment
shall
be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.
Each
Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer
of
immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.11
with
respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.11 shall apply, mutatis
mutandis,
to the
payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Agent shall promptly pay to the
Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. The Agent
shall
notify the Company and the applicable Borrower of any participation in any
Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments
in
respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Agent and not to the
Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from such
Borrower (or other party on behalf of such Borrower) in respect of a Swingline
Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of
participation therein shall be promptly remitted to the Agent; any such amounts
received by the Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Agent to the Lenders
that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the
Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear. The purchase of participations
in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve such Borrower
of any default in the payment thereof.
2.6. Letters
of Credit.
(a)
General.
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (i) each Borrower may request
the
issuance of Letters of Credit for its own account and (ii) the Company may
request the issuance of Letters of Credit for its own account and, jointly,
for
the account of any of its Subsidiaries (and in each case under this clause
(ii),
the Company shall be considered the
sole
Borrower under such Letter of Credit for purposes of this Agreement
notwithstanding any listing of any Subsidiary as an account party or applicant
with respect to such Letter of Credit), in each case in a form reasonably
acceptable to the Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank, at any time and from
time to time prior to the Availability Termination Date for such Borrower (with
respect to any Letter of Credit referred to in clause (i) of this sentence)
or
the Company (with respect to any Letter of Credit referred to in clause (ii)
of
this sentence), as the case may be. In the event any Letter of Credit is issued
for the account of a Borrowing Subsidiary under clause (ii) of the preceding
sentence and the Company is solely liable under such Letter of Credit as
provided in the preceding sentence, the LC Exposure related to such Letter
of
Credit shall not be included in the Subsidiary Credit Exposure for such
Borrowing Subsidiary or otherwise applied or measured against the Subsidiary
Sublimit for such Borrowing Subsidiary. In the event of any inconsistency
between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions
of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by
a
Borrower to, or entered into by a Borrower with, an Issuing Bank relating to
any
Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.
The
Company unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, in connection with any
Letter of Credit referred to in clause (ii) of the first sentence of this
paragraph, it will be fully responsible for the reimbursement of LC
Disbursements, the payment of interest thereon and the payment of LC
Participation Fees and other fees due under Section 2.8.2 to the same extent
as
if it were the sole account party in respect of such Letter of Credit (the
Company hereby irrevocably waiving any defenses that might otherwise be
available to it as a guarantor of the obligations of any Subsidiary that shall
be a joint account party in respect of any such Letter of Credit).
(b)
Notice
of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions.
To
request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or
extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the applicable Borrower shall
hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if
arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable Issuing Bank)
to
the applicable Issuing Bank and the Agent (reasonably in advance of the
requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting
the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to
be
amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment,
renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such
Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c)
of
this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the account party or account
parties with respect to such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the
beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare,
amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit. If requested by the applicable
Issuing Bank, such Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application
on
such Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of
Credit. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only
if
(and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit,
such Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving
effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) the Aggregate
Outstanding Credit Exposure will not exceed the Aggregate Commitment, (ii)
the
Committed Credit Exposure of any Lender will not exceed its Commitment,
(iii) the Subsidiary Credit Exposure of any Borrowing Subsidiary will
not
exceed the Subsidiary Sublimit of such Borrowing Subsidiary, (iv) the portion
of
the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by the applicable
Issuing Bank will not exceed the LC Commitment of such Issuing Bank and (v)
if
the Commitment Termination Date shall have been extended pursuant to Section
2.23(a) with respect to some of but not all the Lenders, the
portion
of the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit with expiry dates after
the
Existing Commitment Termination Date (as defined in Section 2.23(a)) will not
exceed the portion of the Aggregate Commitment attributable to the Commitments
of the Consenting Lenders (as defined in Section 2.23(a)). If the Required
Lenders notify the Issuing Banks that a Default exists and instruct the Issuing
Banks to suspend the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of Letters of
Credit, no Issuing Bank shall issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit
without the consent of the Required Lenders until such notice is withdrawn
by
the Required Lenders (and each Lender that shall have delivered such notice
agrees promptly to withdraw it at such time as no Default exists).
(c)
Expiration
Date.
Each
Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the
earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such
Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one
year
after such renewal or extension) and (ii) the date that is five Business
Days prior to the Availability Termination Date for the applicable
Borrower.
(d)
Participations.
By the
issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing
the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the applicable
Issuing Bank or the Lenders, such Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Lender,
and
each Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, a participation in such
Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Pro Rata Share of the aggregate amount
available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in
furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally
agrees to pay to the Agent, for the account of such Issuing Bank, such Lender’s
Pro Rata Share of each LC Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank and not
reimbursed by the applicable Borrower on the date due as provided in
paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required
to
be refunded to the applicable Borrower for any reason. Each Lender acknowledges
and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this
paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and
shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment,
renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance
of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each
such
payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction
whatsoever.
(e)
Reimbursement.
If an
Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit,
the applicable Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the
Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 12:00 noon, New
York City time, on the date that such LC Disbursement is made, if such Borrower
shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 10:00 a.m., New
York
City time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by such
Borrower prior to such time on such date, then not later than 12:00 noon, New
York City time, on (i) the Business Day that such Borrower receives
such
notice, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time,
on
the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the
day
that such Borrower receives such notice, if such notice is not received prior
to
such time on the day of receipt; provided
that, if
such LC Disbursement is not less than $1,000,000, such Borrower may, subject
to
the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section
2.1 or 2.5 that such payment be financed with a Floating Rate Advance or
Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, such
Borrower’s obligation to make such
payment
shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting Floating Rate Advance or
Swingline Loan. If such Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Agent
shall notify each Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then
due
from such Borrower in respect thereof and such Lender’s Pro Rata Share thereof.
Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Lender shall pay to the Agent
its Pro Rata Share of the payment then due from such Borrower, in the same
manner as provided in Section 2.11 with respect to Loans made by such
Lender (and Section 2.11 shall apply, mutatis mutandis,
to the
payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Agent shall promptly pay to such
Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following
receipt by the Agent of any payment from such Borrower pursuant to this
paragraph, the Agent shall distribute such payment to such Issuing Bank or,
to
the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to
reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank as
their
interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this paragraph
to
reimburse an Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of
a
Floating Rate Advance or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not
constitute a Loan and shall not relieve such Borrower of its obligation to
reimburse such LC Disbursement.
(f)
Obligations
Absolute.
Each
Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in
paragraph (e) of this Section shall be several, shall be absolute,
unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever
and
irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter
of
Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any
draft
or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged,
fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue
or
inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by an Issuing Bank under a
Letter
of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply
with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or
circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that
might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable
discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, such Borrower’s obligations
hereunder. None of the Agent, the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, or any of their
respective affiliates, directors, officers or employees, shall have any
liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance
or
transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment
thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the
preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in
transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under
or
relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a
drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any
consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the applicable Issuing
Bank; provided
that the
foregoing shall not be construed to excuse an Issuing Bank from liability to
a
Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential
damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by each Borrower to the
extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by such Borrower that are caused
by
such Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and
other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms
thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross
negligence or willful misconduct on the part of an Issuing Bank (as finally
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), an Issuing Bank shall be
deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of
the
foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof and subject to any
non-waivable provisions of the laws and/or other rules to which a Letter of
Credit
is
subject, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which
appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter
of Credit, an Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make
payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation,
regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept
and
make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance
with the terms of such Letter of Credit.
(g)
Disbursement
Procedures.
The
applicable Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine
all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of
Credit. Such Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Agent and the applicable
Borrower by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of such demand for payment and
whether such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder;
provided
that any
failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve such Borrower
of its obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Lenders with respect
to
any such LC Disbursement.
(h)
Interim
Interest.
If an
Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the applicable
Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC
Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each
day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding
the date that such Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per
annum then applicable to Floating Rate Advances; provided
that, if
such Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to
paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.14 shall apply.
Interest
accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of such Issuing
Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any
Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing
Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such
payment.
(i)
Cash
Collateralization.
If any
Default with respect to a Borrower shall occur and be continuing, on the
Business Day that such Borrower receives notice from the Agent or the Required
Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Lenders with
LC
Exposures representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure) demanding
the
deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, such Borrower shall
deposit in an account with the Agent, in the name of the Agent and for the
benefit of the Lenders, an amount in cash equal to the portion of the LC
Exposure as of such date attributable to Letters of Credit issued for the
account of such Borrower, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon;
provided
that the
obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately,
and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or
other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Default with respect to
such Borrower described in Sections 7.6 or 7.7. Such deposit shall be
held
by the Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations
of
such Borrower under this Agreement. The Agent shall have exclusive dominion
and
control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account. Other
than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments
shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Agent and at such
Borrower’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or
profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys
in
such account shall be applied by the Agent to reimburse each Issuing Bank for
LC
Disbursements under Letters of Credit issued for the account of such Borrower
for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall
be
held for the
satisfaction
of future reimbursement obligations under Letters of Credit issued for the
account of such Borrower or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated
(but subject to the consent of Lenders with LC Exposures representing greater
than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other obligations
of
such Borrower under this Agreement. If any Borrower is required to provide
an
amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of a Default
with respect to such Borrower, such amount (to the extent not applied as
aforesaid) shall be returned to such Borrower within three Business Days after
all Defaults with respect to such Borrower have been cured or
waived.
(j)
Designation
of Additional Issuing Banks.
From
time to time, the Borrowers may by notice to the Agent and the Lenders designate
as additional Issuing Banks one or more Lenders that agree to serve in such
capacity as provided below. The acceptance by a Lender of any appointment as
an
Issuing Bank hereunder shall be evidenced by an agreement (an “Issuing
Bank Agreement”),
which
shall be in a form satisfactory to the Borrowers and the Agent, shall set forth
the LC Commitment of such Lender and shall be executed by such Lender, the
Borrowers and the Agent and, from and after the effective date of such
agreement, (i) such Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of an
Issuing Bank under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and (ii)
references herein and in the other Loan Documents to the term “Issuing Bank”
shall be deemed to include such Lender in its capacity as an Issuing
Bank.
2.7. Types
of Advances.
Revolving Advances may be Floating Rate Advances or Eurodollar Advances, or
a
combination thereof, selected by the applicable Borrower in accordance with
Sections 2.10 and 2.11. Swingline Loans will be Floating Rate Advances.
Competitive Loans may be Eurodollar Rate Advances or Fixed Rate Advances, or
a
combination thereof, selected by the applicable Borrower in accordance with
Section 2.4.
2.8. Facility
Fee; Letter of Credit Fees; Reductions in Aggregate Commitment.
2.8.1
Facility Fee. The Company agrees to pay to the
Agent for the account of each Lender a facility fee (the “Facility Fee”) at a
per
annum
rate equal to the Applicable Fee Rate on such Lender’s Commitment
(whether used or unused) from and including the
Closing
Date to and including the Facility Termination Date, payable quarterly in
arrears on each Payment Date hereafter and on the Facility Termination
Date,
provided
that, if any Lender continues to have Revolving Credit Exposure outstanding
hereunder after the termination of its Commitment (including, without
limitation,
during any period when Loans or Letters of Credit may be outstanding but new
Loans or Letters of Credit may not be borrowed or issued hereunder),
then
the
Facility Fee shall continue to accrue on the aggregate principal amount of
the
Revolving Credit Exposure of such Lender until such Lender ceases to
have
any
Revolving Credit
Exposure and shall be payable on demand.<?xml:namespace prefix = o
/>
2.8.2
Letter
of Credit Fees.
Each
Borrower agrees, severally and not jointly with the other Borrowers, to pay
(i)
to the Agent for the account of each Lender a participation fee with respect
to
its participations in Letters of Credit issued for the account of such Borrower
(the “LC Participation Fee”), which shall accrue at the Applicable Fee Rate on
the average daily amount of
that
portion of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable
to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) attributable to Letters of Credit
issued for
the account of such Borrower during the period from and including the Closing
Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s
Commitment
terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure,
and
(ii) to each Issuing Bank a fronting fee, which shall accrue at
the
rate
or rates per annum
separately agreed upon between such Borrower and such Issuing Bank on the
average daily amount of the LC Exposure attributable
to
Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank for the account of such Borrower
(excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC
disbursements)
during the period from and including the Closing Date to but excluding the
later
of the date of termination of the Commitments and the date on
which
there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as each Issuing Bank’s standard fees
with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any
Letter
of
Credit issued by such Issuing Bank for the account of such Borrower or
processing of drawings thereunder. LC Participation Fees and fronting fees
accrued
through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of
each year shall be payable on the third Business Day following such
last
day,
commencing on the first such date to occur after the Closing Date; provided
that all
such fees accrued for the account of any Borrower shall be payable
on
the
Availability Termination Date for such Borrower and any such fees accruing
after
the Availability Termination Date for such Borrower shall be payable on
demand.
Any other fees payable to an Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall
be
payable promptly upon receipt of an invoice therefor.
2.8.3
Termination
of and Reductions in Aggregate Commitment and Subsidiary
Sublimits.
The
Aggregate Commitment and the Commitment of each Lender will automatically
terminate on the Commitment Termination Date. The Company may permanently reduce
the Aggregate Commitment and each Borrowing Subsidiary may permanently
reduce its respective Subsidiary Sublimit, in whole or in part, ratably among
the Lenders in integral multiples of $5,000,000, upon at least ten (10) Business
Days’ written notice to the Agent, which notice shall specify the amount of any
such reduction, provided, however,
that (i)
the amount of the Aggregate Commitment may not be reduced below the
Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure and (ii) the Subsidiary Sublimit
of
any Borrowing Subsidiary may not be reduced below the Subsidiary Credit Exposure
of such Borrowing Subsidiary.
2.9. Minimum
Amount of Each Advance.
Each
Eurodollar Advance shall be in the minimum amount of $5,000,000 (and in
multiples of $1,000,000 if in excess thereof), and each Floating Rate Advance
shall be in the minimum amount of $5,000,000 (and in multiples of $1,000,000
if
in excess thereof), provided, however,
that (i)
any Floating Rate Advance may be in the amount of the Available Aggregate
Commitment and (ii) any Floating Rate Advance to a Borrowing Subsidiary
may be in the amount equal to the lesser of the Available Aggregate Commitment
and the amount by which the Subsidiary Sublimit of such Borrowing Subsidiary
exceeds the Subsidiary Credit Exposure of such Borrowing
Subsidiary.
2.10. Optional
Principal Payments.
Each
Borrower may from time to time pay, without penalty or premium, all outstanding
Floating Rate Advances of such Borrower, or any portion of such outstanding
Floating Rate Advances, in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or any
integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, upon one (1) Business Day’s
prior notice to the Agent. Each Borrower may from time to time pay, subject
to
the payment of any funding indemnification amounts required by Section 3.4
but
without penalty or premium, all outstanding Eurodollar Advances of such
Borrower, or, in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or any integral
multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, any portion of such outstanding
Eurodollar Advances upon three (3) Business Days’ prior notice to the Agent;
provided
that no
Competitive Loan may be prepaid without the consent of the applicable
Lender.
2.11. Method
of Selecting Types and Interest Periods for New Revolving
Advances.
The
applicable Borrower shall select the Type of each Revolving Advance and, in
the
case of each Revolving Eurodollar Advance, the Interest Period applicable
thereto; provided
that
there shall be no more than three (3) Interest Periods in effect with respect
to
all of the Revolving Loans of any single Borrower at any time, unless such
limit
has been waived by the Agent in its sole discretion. The applicable Borrower
shall give the Agent irrevocable notice (a “Borrowing Notice”) not later than
11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the Borrowing Date of each Revolving Floating
Rate
Advance and three Business Days before the Borrowing Date for each Revolving
Eurodollar Advance, specifying:
(i) |
the
Borrower requesting such Borrowing,
|
(ii) |
the
Borrowing Date, which shall be a Business Day, of such
Advance,
|
(iii) |
the
aggregate amount of such Advance,
|
(iv) |
the
Type of Advance selected, and
|
(v) |
in
the case of each Eurodollar Advance, the Interest Period applicable
thereto.
|
The
Agent
shall provide written notice of each request for borrowing under this Section
2.11 by 11:00 a.m. (New York time) (or, if later, within one hour after receipt
of the applicable Borrowing Notice from such Borrower) on each Borrowing Date
for each Floating Rate Advance or on the third Business Day prior to each
Borrowing Date for each Eurodollar Advance, as applicable. Not later than 1:00
p.m. (New York time) on each Borrowing Date, each Lender shall make available
its Revolving Loan or Revolving Loans in Federal or other funds immediately
available in New York to the Agent at its address specified pursuant
to
Article XIII. The Agent will promptly make the funds so received from the
Lenders available to such Borrower at the Agent’s aforesaid
address.
2.12. Conversion
and Continuation of Outstanding Revolving Advances; No Conversion or
Continuation of Revolving Eurodollar Advances After Default.
Revolving Floating Rate Advances shall continue as Floating Rate Advances unless
and until such Revolving Floating Rate Advances are converted into Revolving
Eurodollar Advances pursuant to this Section 2.12 or are repaid in accordance
with Section 2.10. Each Revolving Eurodollar Advance shall continue as a
Eurodollar Advance until the end of the then applicable Interest Period
therefor, at which time such Revolving Eurodollar Advance shall be
automatically
converted
into a Revolving Floating Rate Advance unless (x) such Revolving Eurodollar
Advance is or was repaid in accordance with Section 2.10 or (y) the applicable
Borrower shall have given the Agent a Conversion/Continuation Notice (as defined
below) requesting that, at the end of such Interest Period, such Revolving
Eurodollar Advance continue as a Revolving Eurodollar Advance for the same
or
another Interest Period. Subject to the terms of Section 2.9, a Borrower may
elect from time to time to convert all or any part of a Revolving Advance of
any
Type into any other Type or Types of Advances; provided
that any
conversion of any Revolving Eurodollar Advance shall be made on, and only on,
the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto. Notwithstanding anything
to the contrary contained in this Section 2.12, during the continuance of a
Default or an Unmatured Default with respect to a Borrower, the Agent may (or
shall at the direction of the Required Lenders), by notice to such Borrower,
declare that no Revolving Advance of such Borrower may be made, converted or
continued as a Eurodollar Advance. The applicable Borrower shall give the Agent
irrevocable notice (a “Conversion/Continuation Notice”) of each conversion of a
Revolving Advance or continuation of a Revolving Eurodollar Advance not later
than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) at least one (1) Business Day, in the case
of a
conversion into a Revolving Floating Rate Advance, or three (3) Business Days,
in the case of a conversion into or continuation of a Revolving Eurodollar
Advance, prior to the date of the requested conversion or continuation,
specifying:
(i) |
the
requested date, which shall be a Business Day, of such conversion
or
continuation,
|
(ii) |
the
aggregate amount and Type of the Advance to be converted or continued,
and
|
(iii) |
the
amount of the Advance to be converted into or continued as a Eurodollar
Advance and the duration of the Interest Period applicable
thereto.
|
This
Section shall not apply to Competitive Loans or Swingline Loans, which may
not
be converted or continued.
2.13. Interest
Rates, etc.
Each
Floating Rate Advance shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount
thereof, for each day from and including the date such Advance is made or is
automatically converted from a Eurodollar Advance into a Floating Rate Advance
pursuant to Section 2.12, to but excluding the date it is paid or is converted
into a Eurodollar Advance pursuant to Section 2.12, at a rate per annum equal
to
the Floating Rate for such day. Changes in the rate of interest on that portion
of any Advance maintained as a Floating Rate Advance will take effect
simultaneously with each change in the Alternate Base Rate. Each Eurodollar
Advance shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from
and
including the first day of the Interest Period applicable thereto to (but not
including) the last day of such Interest Period at the Eurodollar Rate
determined by the Agent as applicable to such Eurodollar Advance based upon
the
applicable Borrower’s selections under Sections 2.10 and 2.11 and otherwise in
accordance with the terms hereof. Each Fixed Rate Advance shall bear interest
at
the Fixed Rate applicable thereto.
2.14. Rates
Applicable After Default.
During
the continuance of a Default with respect to any Borrower, the Required Lenders
may, at their option, by notice to such Borrower (which notice may be revoked
at
the option of the Required Lenders notwithstanding any provision of
Section 8.2
requiring unanimous consent of the Lenders to changes in interest rates),
declare that (i) each Eurodollar Advance shall bear interest for the remainder
of the applicable Interest Period at the rate otherwise applicable during such
Interest Period plus 2% per annum and (ii) each Floating Rate Advance shall
bear
interest at a rate per annum equal to the Floating Rate in effect from time
to
time plus 2% per annum, provided
that,
during the continuance of a Default with respect to any Borrower under Section
7.6 or 7.7, the interest rates set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above shall
be
applicable to all Advances, fees and other Obligations of such Borrower
hereunder without any election or action on the part of the Agent or any
Lender.
2.15. Funding
of Loans; Method of Payment.
All
payments of the Obligations hereunder shall be made, without setoff, deduction
or counterclaim, in immediately available funds to the Agent at the Agent’s
address specified pursuant to Article XIII, or at any other Lending Installation
of the Agent specified in writing by the Agent, by 12:00 noon (New York time)
on
the date when due and shall be applied ratably by the Agent among the Lenders.
Each payment delivered to the Agent for the account of any Lender shall be
delivered promptly by the Agent to such Lender in the same type of funds that
the Agent received at its address specified pursuant to Article XIII or at
any
Lending Installation specified in a notice received by the Agent from such
Lender. The Agent is hereby authorized to charge the account of any Borrower
maintained with JPMCB for each payment of principal, interest and fees owed
by
such Borrower as it becomes due hereunder.
2.16. Noteless
Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.
(i) Each
Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or
accounts evidencing the indebtedness of each Borrower to such Lender resulting
from each Loan made by such Lender to such Borrower from time to time, including
the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from
time
to time hereunder.
(ii) |
The
Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (a) the
date
and the amount of each Loan made to each Borrower hereunder, the
Type
thereof and the Interest Period (in the case of a Eurodollar Advance)
with
respect thereto, (b) the amount of any principal or interest due
and
payable or to become due and payable from each Borrower to each Lender
hereunder, (c) the effective date and amount of each Assignment Agreement
delivered to and accepted by it pursuant to Section 12.3 and the
parties
thereto, (d) the amount of any sum received by the Agent hereunder
from
each Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof, and (e) all other
appropriate debits and credits as provided in this Agreement, including,
without limitation, all fees, charges, expenses and
interest.
|
(iii) |
The
entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraphs
(i)
and (ii) above shall be prima facie
evidence absent manifest error of the existence and amounts of the
Obligations therein recorded; provided, however,
that the failure of the Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts
or
any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of
such
Borrower to repay the Obligations in accordance with their terms.
|
(iv) |
Any
Lender may request that its Loans be evidenced by a promissory note
in
substantially the form of Exhibit E (a “Note”). In such event, the
applicable
|
Borrower
shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender such Note payable to the
order
of such Lender. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such Note and
interest
thereon shall at all times (prior to any assignment pursuant to Section 12.3)
be
represented by one or more Notes payable to the order of the payee named
therein,
except to the extent that any such Lender subsequently returns any such Note
for
cancellation and requests that such Loans once again be evidenced as
described
in paragraphs (i) and (ii) above.
2.17. Telephonic
Notices.
Each
Borrower hereby authorizes the Lenders and the Agent to extend, convert or
continue Advances, effect selections of Types of Advances and to transfer funds
based on telephonic notices made by any person or persons the Agent or any
Lender in good faith believes to be acting on behalf of such Borrower, it being
understood that the foregoing authorization is specifically intended to allow
Borrowing Notices and Conversion/Continuation Notices to be given
telephonically. Each Borrower agrees to deliver promptly to the Agent a written
confirmation, signed by an Authorized Officer, if such confirmation is requested
by the Agent or any Lender, of each telephonic notice. If the written
confirmation differs in any material respect from the action taken by the Agent
and the Lenders, the records of the Agent and the Lenders shall govern absent
manifest error.
2.18. Interest
Payment Dates; Interest and Fee Basis.
Interest accrued on each Floating Rate Advance shall be payable in arrears
on
each Payment Date, commencing with the first such date to occur after the
Closing Date, on any date on which such Floating Rate Advance is prepaid,
whether due to acceleration or otherwise, and at maturity. Interest accrued
on
that portion of the outstanding principal amount of any Floating Rate Advance
converted into a Eurodollar Advance on a day other than a Payment Date shall
be
payable on the date of conversion. Interest accrued on each Eurodollar Advance
shall be payable on the last day of each applicable Interest Period, on any
date
on which the Eurodollar Advance is prepaid, whether by acceleration or
otherwise, and at maturity. Interest accrued on each Eurodollar Advance having
an Interest Period longer than three months shall also be payable on the last
day of each three-month interval during such Interest Period. Interest accrued
on each Fixed Rate Loan shall be payable on the last day of the Interest Period
applicable to the Advance of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of
a
Fixed Rate Advance with an Interest Period of more than 90 days’ duration
(unless otherwise specified in the applicable Competitive Bid Request), each
day
prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of 90
days’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period, and any other dates
that are specified in the applicable Competitive Bid Request as dates for
payment of interest with respect to such Advance. Interest accrued on each
Swingline Loan shall be payable on the day that such Loan is required to be
repaid. Interest accrued on any Advance that is not paid when due shall be
payable on demand and on the date of payment in full. Interest on Eurodollar
Advances, Fixed Rate Loans and fees hereunder shall be calculated for actual
days elapsed on the basis of a 360-day year. Interest on Floating Rate Advances
shall be calculated for actual days elapsed on the basis of a 365/366-day year.
Interest shall be payable for the day an Advance is made but not for the day
of
any payment on the amount paid if payment is received prior to 12:00 noon (New
York time) at the place of payment. If any payment of principal of or interest
on an Advance, any fees or any other amounts payable to the Agent or any Lender
hereunder shall become due on a day which is not a Business Day, such payment
shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and, in
the
case
of principal payment, such extension of time shall be included in computing
interest, fees and commissions in connection with such payment.
2.19. Notification
of Advances, Interest Rates, Prepayments and Commitment Reductions; Availability
of Loans.
Promptly after receipt thereof, the Agent will notify each Lender in writing
of
the contents of each Aggregate Commitment reduction notice, Borrowing Notice,
Conversion/Continuation Notice, and repayment notice received by it hereunder.
The Agent will notify the applicable Borrower and each Lender of the interest
rate applicable to each Revolving Eurodollar Advance promptly upon determination
of such interest rate and will give each Borrower and each Lender prompt notice
of each change in the Alternate Base Rate.
2.20. Lending
Installations.
Each
Lender may book its Loans at any Lending Installation selected by such Lender
and may change its Lending Installation from time to time. All terms of this
Agreement shall apply to any such Lending Installation and the Loans and any
Notes issued hereunder shall be deemed held by each Lender for the benefit
of
any such Lending Installation. Each Lender may, by written notice to the Agent
and the Borrowers in accordance with Article XIII, designate replacement or
additional Lending Installations through which Loans will be made by it and
for
whose account Loan payments are to be made.
2.21. Non-Receipt
of Funds by the Agent.
Unless
the applicable Borrower or a Lender, as the case may be, notifies the Agent
prior to the date (or, in the case of a Lender with respect to a Revolving
Floating Rate Advance under Section 2.11, prior to the time) on which it is
scheduled to make payment to the Agent of (i) in the case of a Lender, the
proceeds of a Loan or (ii) in the case of a Borrower, a payment of principal,
interest or fees to the Agent for the account of the Lenders, that it does
not
intend to make such payment, the Agent may assume that such payment has been
made. The Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the amount of such
payment available to the intended recipient in reliance upon such assumption.
If
such Lender or such Borrower, as the case may be, has not in fact made such
payment to the Agent, the recipient of such payment shall, on demand by the
Agent, repay to the Agent the amount so made available together with interest
thereon in respect of each day during the period commencing on the date such
amount was so made available by the Agent until the date the Agent recovers
such
amount at a rate per annum equal to (x) in the case of payment by a Lender,
the
Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day for the first three days and,
thereafter, the interest rate applicable to the relevant Loan or (y) in the
case
of payment by a Borrower, the interest rate applicable to the relevant
Loan.
2.22. Replacement
of Lender.
If any
Borrower is required pursuant to Section 3.1, 3.2 or 3.5 to make any additional
payment to any Lender or if any Lender’s obligation to make or continue, or to
convert Floating Rate Advances into, Eurodollar Advances shall be suspended
pursuant to Section 3.3 (any Lender so affected an “Affected Lender”), the
Borrowers may elect, if such amounts continue to be charged or such suspension
is still effective, to terminate or replace the Commitment of such Affected
Lender, provided
that no
Default or Unmatured Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time
of such termination or replacement, and provided further
that,
concurrently with such termination or replacement, (i) if the Affected Lender
is
being replaced, another bank or other entity which is reasonably satisfactory
to
the Borrowers and the Agent shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash
at face amount the Outstanding Credit Exposure of the Affected Lender pursuant
to an Assignment Agreement
substantially
in the form of Exhibit C and to become a Lender for all purposes under this
Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Affected Lender to be terminated
as of such date and to comply with the requirements of Section 12.3 applicable
to assignments, and (ii) each Borrower shall pay to such Affected Lender in
immediately available funds on the day of such replacement (A) all interest,
fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Affected Lender by such
Borrower hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without
limitation payments due to such Affected Lender under Sections 3.1, 3.2 and
3.5,
and (B) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to
such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 3.4 had the Loans
of
such Affected Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the
replacement Lender, in each case to the extent not paid by the purchasing lender
and (iii) if the Affected Lender is being terminated, each Borrower shall pay
to
such Affected Lender all Obligations due from such Borrower to such Affected
Lender (including the amounts described in the immediately preceding clauses
(i)
and (ii) plus the outstanding principal balance of such Affected Lender’s
Advances and the amount of such Lender’s funded participations in unreimbursed
LC Disbursements). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrowers may not
terminate the Commitment of an Affected Lender if, after giving effect to such
termination, (x) the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure would exceed
the
Aggregate Commitment, or (y) the Subsidiary Credit Exposure of any
Borrowing Subsidiary would exceed the Subsidiary Sublimit of such Borrowing
Subsidiary.
2.23. Extension
of Commitment Termination Date and Borrowing Subsidiary Maturity
Dates.
(a)
Extension
of Commitment Termination Date.
The
Company may, by notice to the Agent (which shall promptly deliver a copy to
each
of the Lenders) given not less than 45 days and not more than 60 days
prior
to any of the first four anniversaries of the Closing Date (a “Commitment
Extension Request”), request that the Lenders extend the Commitment Termination
Date for an additional period of one year. Each Lender shall, by notice to
the
Company and the Agent given not later than the 20th day after the date of the
Agent’s receipt of the Company’s Commitment Extension Request, advise the
Company whether or not it agrees to the requested extension (each Lender
agreeing to a requested extension being called a “Consenting Lender” and each
Lender declining to agree to a requested extension being called a “Declining
Lender”). Any Lender that has not so advised the Company and the Agent by such
day shall be deemed to have declined to agree to such extension and shall be
a
Declining Lender. If Lenders constituting the Required Lenders shall have agreed
to a Commitment Extension Request, then the Commitment Termination Date shall,
as to the Consenting Lenders, be extended to the first anniversary of the
Commitment Termination Date theretofore in effect. The decision
to
agree or withhold agreement to any Commitment Extension Request shall be at
the
sole discretion of each Lender. The Commitment of any Declining Lender shall
terminate on the Commitment Termination Date in effect prior to giving effect
to
any such extension (such Commitment Termination Date being called the “Existing
Commitment Termination Date”). The principal amount of any outstanding Loans
made by Declining Lenders (including any such Loans made to Borrowing
Subsidiaries, whether or not the Maturity Dates applicable to such Borrowing
Subsidiaries shall have been extended as provided in paragraph (b) of this
Section), together with any accrued interest thereon and any accrued fees and
other amounts payable to or for the account of such Declining Lenders hereunder,
shall be due and payable on the Existing Commitment Termination Date, and on
the
Existing Commitment Termination Date, the Borrowers shall also make such other
prepayments of their respective Loans pursuant to Section 2.10 as shall be
required in order that, after giving effect to the termination of the
Commitments
of,
and all payments to, Declining Lenders pursuant to this sentence, (i) the
Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure will not exceed the Aggregate Commitment
and (ii) the Committed Credit Exposure of each Lender will not exceed its
Commitment. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the
Company shall have the right, pursuant to Section 12.3, at any time prior to
the
Existing Commitment Termination Date, to replace a Declining Lender with a
Lender or other financial institution that will agree to a Commitment Extension
Request, and any such replacement Lender shall for all purposes constitute
a
Consenting Lender. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no extension of the Commitment
Termination Date pursuant to this paragraph shall become effective unless (i)
the Agent shall have received documents consistent with those delivered with
respect to the Company under Sections 4.1.1 through 4.1.6, giving effect to
such
extension and (ii) on the anniversary of the Closing Date that immediately
follows the date on which the Company delivers the applicable Commitment
Extension Request, the conditions set forth in Sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 shall
be
satisfied (with all references in Sections 5.5 and 5.7 to “the date of this
Agreement” being deemed to be references to the date of such anniversary of the
Closing Date), and the Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect
dated such date and executed by the chief financial officer, the controller
or
the treasurer of the Company.
(b)
Extension
of Borrowing Subsidiary Maturity Dates.
Any
Borrowing Subsidiary may, by notice (a “Subsidiary Maturity Date Extension
Request”) to the Agent (which shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the
Lenders) given not less than 45 days and not more than 60 days prior
to the
then-current Maturity Date with respect to such Borrowing Subsidiary, request
an
extension of such Maturity Date with respect to such Borrowing Subsidiary to
a
date 364 days after such Maturity Date (the Maturity Date in effect prior to
any
such extension being called the “Existing Maturity Date” with respect to such
Borrowing Subsidiary) and on or prior to (but in no event after) the Commitment
Termination Date (including any date to which the Commitment Termination Date
has been extended or is simultaneously being extended pursuant to paragraph
(a)
above) or, if the Commitment Termination Date shall have been or is
simultaneously being extended as to some but not all of the Lenders, the latest
date to which the Commitment Termination Date applicable to any Lenders shall
have been or is being so extended. Each Lender shall, by notice to such
applicable Borrowing Subsidiary, the Company and the Agent given not later
than
the 20th day after the date of the Agent’s receipt of such Borrowing
Subsidiary’s Subsidiary Maturity Date Extension Request, advise such applicable
Borrowing Subsidiary and the Company whether or not it agrees to the requested
extension (each Lender agreeing to a requested extension being called a
“Consenting Lender” and each Lender declining to agree to a requested extension
being called a “Declining Lender”). Any Lender that has not so advised such
applicable Borrowing Subsidiary, the Company and the Agent by such day shall
be
deemed to have declined to agree to such extension and shall be a Declining
Lender. If Lenders constituting the Required Lenders shall have agreed to a
Subsidiary Maturity Date Extension Request, then the Maturity Date with respect
to the applicable Borrowing Subsidiary shall, as to both the Consenting Lenders
and the Declining Lenders, be extended to the date 364 days after the Existing
Maturity Date with respect to such Borrowing Subsidiary; provided,
that
the Maturity Date with respect to a Borrowing Subsidiary shall in no event
be
extended beyond the latest date to which the Commitment Termination Date
applicable to any Lenders shall have been extended. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, no extension of the Maturity Date with respect to any Borrowing
Subsidiary pursuant to this paragraph shall become effective unless (i) the
Agent shall have received documents consistent with those delivered with respect
to such Borrowing Subsidiary under Sections 4.1.1 through
4.1.6,
giving effect to such extension and (ii) on the Existing Maturity Date
applicable to such Borrowing Subsidiary, the conditions set forth in Sections
4.2.1 and 4.2.2 shall be satisfied with respect to such Borrowing Subsidiary
(with all references in Sections 5.5 and 5.7 to “the date of this Agreement”
being deemed to be references to such Existing Maturity Date), and the Agent
shall have received a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed
by
the chief financial officer, the controller or the treasurer of such Borrowing
Subsidiary.
ARTICLE
III
YIELD
PROTECTION; TAXES
3.1. Yield
Protection.
If, on
or after the Closing Date, the adoption of any law or any governmental or
quasi-governmental rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether
or
not having the force of law), or any change in any such law, rule, regulation,
policy, guideline or directive or in the interpretation or administration
thereof by any governmental or quasi-governmental authority, central bank or
comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof,
or
compliance by any Lender or applicable Lending Installation with any request
or
directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority,
central bank or comparable agency:
3.1.1
subjects
any Lender or any applicable Lending Installation to any Taxes, or changes
the
basis of taxation of payments (other than with respect to
Excluded Taxes) to any Lender in respect of its Eurodollar Loans,
or
3.1.2
imposes
or increases or deems applicable any reserve, assessment, insurance charge,
special deposit or similar requirement against assets
of,
deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender or any
applicable Lending Installation (other than reserves and assessments taken
into
account
in determining the interest rate applicable to Eurodollar Advances),
or
3.1.3
imposes
any other condition the result of which is to increase the cost to any Lender
or
any applicable Lending Installation of making, funding or
maintaining
its Commitment, Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans or reduces any amount
receivable by any Lender or any applicable Lending Installation in
connection
with its Commitment, Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans, or requires any
Lender or any applicable Lending Installation to make any payment
calculated
by reference to the amount of Commitment, Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans
held or interest received by it, by an amount deemed material by
such
Lender,
and
the
result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Lender or
applicable Lending Installation of making or maintaining its Commitment,
Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans or to reduce the return received by such
Lender or applicable Lending Installation in connection with such Commitment,
Eurodollar Loans or Fixed Rate Loans, then, within 15 days of demand,
accompanied by the written statement required by Section 3.6, by such Lender,
the Borrowers
shall
pay
such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender
for
such increased cost or reduction in amount received.
3.2. Changes
in Capital Adequacy Regulations.
If a
Lender determines the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained
by
such Lender, any Lending Installation of such Lender or any corporation
controlling such Lender is increased as a result of a Change, then, within
15
days of demand, accompanied by the written statement required by Section 3.6,
by
such Lender, the Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount necessary to
compensate for any shortfall in the rate of return on the portion of such
increased capital which such Lender determines is attributable to this
Agreement, its Outstanding Credit Exposure or its Commitment hereunder (after
taking into account such Lender’s policies as to capital adequacy). “Change”
means (i) any change after the Closing Date in the Risk-Based Capital Guidelines
or (ii) any adoption of, or change in, or change in the interpretation or
administration of any other law, governmental or quasi-governmental rule,
regulation, policy, guideline, interpretation, or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) after the Closing Date which affects the amount of
capital required or expected to be maintained by any Lender or any Lending
Installation or any corporation controlling any Lender. “Risk-Based Capital
Guidelines” means (i) the risk-based capital guidelines in effect in the United
States on the Closing Date, including transition rules, and (ii) the
corresponding capital regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities outside
the United States implementing the July 1988 report of the Basle Committee
on
Banking Regulation and Supervisory Practices Entitled “International Convergence
of Capital Measurements and Capital Standards,” including transition rules, and
any amendments to such regulations adopted prior to the Closing
Date.
3.3. Availability
of Types of Advances.
If (x)
any Lender determines that maintenance of its Eurodollar Loans at a suitable
Lending Installation would violate any applicable law, rule, regulation, or
directive, whether or not having the force of law, or (y) the Required Lenders
determine that (i) deposits of a type and maturity appropriate to match fund
Eurodollar Advances are not available or (ii) the interest rate applicable
to
Eurodollar Advances does not accurately reflect the cost of making or
maintaining Eurodollar Advances, or (iii) no reasonable basis exists for
determining the Eurodollar Base Rate, then the Agent shall suspend the
availability of Eurodollar Advances and require any affected Eurodollar Advances
to be repaid or converted to Floating Rate Advances on the respective last
days
of the then current Interest Periods with respect to such Loans or within such
earlier period as required by law, subject to the payment of any funding
indemnification amounts required by Section 3.4.
3.4. Funding
Indemnification.
If any
payment of a Eurodollar Advance or a Fixed Rate Loan occurs on a date which
is
not the last day of the applicable Interest Period, whether because of
acceleration, prepayment or otherwise, or a Eurodollar Advance is not made
or
continued, a Fixed Rate Loan is not made or a Floating Rate Advance is not
converted into a Eurodollar Advance, on the date specified by the applicable
Borrower for any reason other than default by the Lenders, or a Eurodollar
Advance or Fixed Rate Loan is not prepaid on the date specified by such Borrower
for any reason, such Borrower will indemnify each Lender for any loss or cost
incurred by it resulting therefrom, including, without limitation, any loss
or
cost in liquidating or employing deposits acquired to fund or maintain such
Eurodollar Advance or Fixed Rate Loan.
3.5. Taxes.
(i)
All
payments by any Borrower to or for the account of any Lender or the Agent
hereunder or under any Note shall be made free and clear of and without
deduction for any and all Taxes. If a Borrower shall be required by law to
deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder by such
Borrower to any Lender or the Agent, (a) the sum payable shall be increased
as
necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions
applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.5) such Lender or
the
Agent (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have
received had no such deductions been made, (b) such Borrower shall make
such deductions, (c) such Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the
relevant authority in accordance with applicable law and (d) such Borrower
shall
furnish to the Agent the original copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof
or, if a receipt cannot be obtained with reasonable efforts, such other evidence
of payment as is reasonably acceptable to the Agent, in each case within 30
days
after such payment is made.
(ii) |
In
addition, the Borrowers severally agree to pay any present or future
stamp
or documentary taxes and any other excise or property taxes, charges
or
similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under
any
Note or from the execution or delivery of, or otherwise with respect
to,
this Agreement or any Note (“Other
Taxes”).
|
(iii) |
The
Borrowers shall indemnify the Agent and each Lender for the full
amount of
Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or
Other
Taxes imposed on amounts payable under this Section 3.5) paid by
the Agent
or such Lender and any liability (including penalties, interest and
expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto. Payments due
under
this indemnification shall be made within 30 days of the date the
Agent or
such Lender makes demand therefor pursuant to Section
3.6.
|
(iv) |
Each
Lender that is not incorporated under the laws of the United States
of
America or a state thereof (each a “Non-U.S. Lender”) agrees that it will,
not more than ten Business Days after the date on which it becomes
a party
to this Agreement (but in any event before a payment is due to it
hereunder), (i) deliver to the Company and the Agent two duly completed
copies of United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI,
certifying in either case that such Lender is entitled to receive
payments
under this Agreement without deduction or withholding of any United
States
federal income taxes, or (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender that
is
fiscally transparent, deliver to the Agent a United States Internal
Revenue Form W-8IMY together with the applicable accompanying forms,
W-8
or W-9, as the case may be, and certify that it is entitled to an
exemption from United States withholding tax. Each Non-U.S. Lender
further
undertakes to deliver to each of the Borrowers and the Agent (x)
renewals
or additional copies of such form (or any successor form) on or before
the
date that such form expires or becomes obsolete, and (y) after the
occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent forms
so
delivered by it, such additional forms or amendments thereto as may
be
reasonably requested by the Borrowers or the Agent. All forms or
amendments described in the preceding sentence shall certify that
such
Lender is entitled to receive payments under this Agreement without
deduction or withholding of any United States federal income
|
taxes,
unless
an event
(including without limitation any change in treaty, law or regulation) has
occurred prior to the date on
which any such delivery would otherwise
be required which renders all such forms inapplicable or which would prevent
such Lender from duly completing and
delivering
any such form or amendment with respect to it and such Lender advises the
Borrowers and the Agent that it is not capable of receiving payments without
any
deduction or withholding of United States federal income tax.
(v) |
For
any period during which a Non-U.S. Lender has failed to provide any
Borrower with an appropriate form pursuant to clause (iv) above (unless
such failure is due to a change in treaty, law or regulation, or
any
change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, occurring subsequent to the date on which such Non-U.S.
Lender
became a party to this Agreement), such Non-U.S. Lender shall not
be
entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.5 with respect to
Taxes
imposed by the United States; provided
that, should a Non-U.S. Lender which is otherwise exempt from or
subject
to a reduced rate of withholding tax become subject to Taxes because
of
its failure to deliver a form required under clause (iv) above, each
Borrower shall take such steps as such Non-U.S. Lender shall reasonably
request to assist such Non-U.S. Lender to recover such
Taxes.
|
(vi) |
Any
Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding
tax with respect to payments under this Agreement or any Note pursuant
to
the law of any relevant jurisdiction or any treaty shall deliver
to the
Company (with a copy to the Agent), at the time or times prescribed
by
applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation
prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments to be made
without withholding or at a reduced
rate.
|
(vii) |
If
the U.S. Internal Revenue Service or any other governmental authority
of
the United States or any other country or any political subdivision
thereof asserts a claim that the Agent did not properly withhold
tax from
amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender (because the appropriate
form was not delivered or properly completed, because such Lender
failed
to notify the Agent of a change in circumstances which rendered its
exemption from withholding ineffective, or for any other reason),
such
Lender shall indemnify the Agent fully for all amounts paid, directly
or
indirectly, by the Agent as tax, withholding therefor, or otherwise,
including penalties and interest, and including taxes imposed by
any
jurisdiction on amounts payable to the Agent under this subsection,
together with all reasonable costs and expenses related thereto (including
attorneys’ fees and time charges of attorneys for the Agent, which
attorneys may be employees of the Agent). The obligations of the
Lenders
under this Section 3.5(vii) shall survive the payment of the Obligations
and termination of this Agreement.
|
3.6. Lender
Statements; Survival of Indemnity.
Each
Lender shall deliver a written statement of such Lender to the applicable
Borrower (with a copy to the Agent and the Company) as to the amount due, if
any, under Section 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 or 3.5. Such written statement shall set forth
in reasonable detail the calculations upon which such Lender determined
such
amount and shall be final, conclusive and binding on such Borrower in the
absence of manifest error, and upon reasonable request of such Borrower, such
Lender shall promptly provide supporting documentation describing and/or
evidence of the applicable event giving rise to such amount to the extent not
inconsistent with such Lender’s policies or applicable law. Determination of
amounts payable under such Sections in connection with a Eurodollar Loan shall
be calculated as though each Lender funded its Eurodollar Loan through the
purchase of a deposit of the type, currency and maturity corresponding to the
deposit used as a reference in determining the Eurodollar Rate applicable to
such Loan, whether in fact that is the case or not. Unless otherwise provided
herein, the amount specified in the written statement of any Lender shall be
payable on demand after receipt by the applicable Borrower of such written
statement. The obligations of each Borrower under Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 and
3.5
shall survive payment of the Obligations and termination of this
Agreement.
3.7. Alternative
Lending Installation.
To
the
extent reasonably possible, each Lender shall designate an alternate Lending
Installation with respect to its Eurodollar Loans to reduce any liability of
the
Borrowers to such Lender under Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.5 or to avoid the
unavailability of Eurodollar Advances under Section 3.3, so long as such
designation is not, in the judgment of such Lender, disadvantageous to such
Lender. A Lender’s designation of an alternative Lending Installation shall not
affect the Borrowers’ rights under Section 2.22 to replace a
Lender.
3.8. Allocation
of Amounts Payable Among Borrowers.
Each
amount payable by “the Borrowers” under this Article shall be an obligation of,
and shall be discharged (a) to the extent arising out of acts, events and
circumstances related to a particular Borrower, by such Borrower and
(b) otherwise, by all the Borrowers, with each Borrower being severally
liable for such Borrower’s Contribution Percentage of such amount, provided
that in
consideration of the availability, on the terms set forth herein, of the entire
amount of the Commitments in the form of borrowings by and Letters of Credit
issued for the account of the Company, the Company agrees that, if one or more
of the Borrowing Subsidiaries shall fail to pay any amount owed by it under
clause (b) of this Section after a demand shall have been made by the Person
to
which such amount is owed, the Company shall promptly pay such amount (the
Company hereby irrevocably waiving any defenses that might otherwise be
available to it as a guarantor of the obligations of any Borrowing Subsidiary
under this Section).
ARTICLE
IV
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
4.1. Initial
Credit Extension.
The
Lenders and the Issuing Banks shall not be required to make the initial Credit
Extension hereunder unless the following conditions precedent have been
satisfied and the Borrowers have furnished to the Agent with sufficient copies
for the Lenders and the Issuing Banks:
4.1.1
Copies
of
the articles or certificate of incorporation of each Borrower, together with
all
amendments thereto, certified by the appropriate
governmental
officer
in the jurisdiction of incorporation of such Borrower,
and
a certificate of
good standing with respect to each Borrower from the
appropriate governmental
officer in its jurisdiction of incorporation.
4.1.2
Copies,
certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Borrower, of its
by-laws and of its Board of Directors’ resolutions
and
of resolutions or
actions of any other body authorizing the execution of the Loan Documents to
which such Borrower is a party.
4.1.3
An
incumbency
certificate, executed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of each Borrower,
which shall identify by name and title and
bear the
signatures of the Authorized Officers and any other officers of such Borrower
authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which such Borrower is
a
party, upon which certificate the Agent and the Lenders shall
be
entitled to rely until informed of any change in writing by such
Borrower.
4.1.4
A
certificate, signed by the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President,
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, any Senior Vice
President,
any Vice President or the Treasurer of each Borrower, stating that on the
initial Credit Extension Date (a) no Default or Unmatured Default has
occurred and
is continuing with respect to such Borrower, (b) all of the representations
and
warranties in Article V shall be true and correct in all material
respects
as
of
such date except to the extent any such representation or warranty is stated
to
relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty
shall
have been true and correct on and as of such earlier date and (c) the condition
set forth in Section 4.1.9 below has been or is simultaneously being
satisfied.
4.1.5
Written
opinions of the Borrowers’ counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the
Agent and addressed to the Lenders, in substantially
the form of Exhibits A.1 and A.2.
4.1.6
Delivery
of copies of the required regulatory authorizations identified on Schedule
4.
4.1.7
Any
Notes
requested by Lenders pursuant to Section 2.16 payable to the order of each
such
requesting Lender.
4.1.8
Written
money transfer instructions, in substantially the form of Exhibit D, addressed
to the Agent and signed by an
Authorized
Officer, together with such other related money transfer authorizations as
the
Agent may have reasonably requested.
4.1.9
Evidence
satisfactory to the Agent that the Existing Credit Agreements shall have been
or
shall simultaneously with
the effectiveness
of this Agreement on the Closing Date be terminated (except for those provisions
that expressly survive the termination thereof) or that the
commitments
thereunder shall have expired in accordance with their terms, and all loans
and
letters of credit outstanding, if any, and other amounts owed to the
lenders
or
agents
thereunder shall have been, or shall simultaneously with the effectiveness
of
this Agreement be, paid or terminated in full.
4.1.10
Evidence
satisfactory to the Agent that the Company’s Existing Five-Year Credit Agreement
shall have been amended and restated in
substantially the form heretofore made available to the Lenders.
4.1.11
All
documentation and other information that any Lender shall reasonably have
requested in order to comply with its ongoing obligations
under
applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations,
including the USA Patriot Act.
4.1.12
Such
other documents as any Lender or its counsel may have reasonably
requested.
4.2. Each
Credit Extension.
The
Lenders and the Issuing Banks shall not be required to make any Credit Extension
unless on the applicable Credit Extension Date:
4.2.1
There
exists no Default or Unmatured Default.
4.2.2
The
representations and warranties contained in Article V are true and correct
as of
such Credit Extension Date except to the extent any
such representation or warranty is stated to relate solely to an earlier date,
in which case such representation or warranty shall have been true and correct
on
and as of such earlier date.
4.2.3
All
legal
matters incident to the making of such Advance shall be satisfactory to the
Lenders and their counsel.
4.2.4
(a)
In
the
case of any Credit Extension to the Company or IP which would (i) be
made
after June 30, 2007, (ii) cause the aggregate principal
amount of short-term indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company or IP,
as
the case may be, to exceed $1,500,000,000 or $500,000,000, respectively or
(iii) cause
the
aggregate principal amount of issuances and sales by the Company of capital
stock, preferred stock, the other securities specified in the SEC order referred
to in
Section 5.18
and long-term indebtedness for borrowed money to exceed $2,500,000,000, then,
unless such authorization is no longer required by applicable laws
and
regulations
(and the Agent shall have received confirmation thereof reasonably satisfactory
to it), such Credit Extension shall have been duly authorized by an
order
of
the
SEC under the 1935 Act (or of any governmental agency that may succeed to the
authority of the SEC under the 0000 Xxx) and the Agent shall have received
a
true
and
complete copy of such order authorizing such Credit Extension.
(b)
In
the
case of any Credit Extension to Union Electric, CIPS or CILCO which would
(i) be made after March 31, 2006 or
(ii) cause the aggregate
principal amount of short-term indebtedness for borrowed money of Union
Electric, CIPS or CILCO, as the case may be, to exceed
$1,000,000,000,
$250,000,000 or $250,000,000, respectively, then, unless such authorization
is
no longer required by applicable laws and regulations (and the Agent
shall
have
received confirmation thereof reasonably satisfactory to it), such Credit
Extension shall have been duly authorized by an order of the SEC under the
1935
Act (or
of
any
governmental agency that may succeed to the authority of the SEC under the
0000
Xxx) and the Agent shall have received a true and complete copy of
such
order
authorizing such Credit Extension.
(c)
In
the
case of any Credit Extension to Genco which would (i) be made after
June 22, 2006 or (ii) cause the aggregate principal amount of
short-term indebtedness for borrowed money of Genco to exceed $300,000,000,
then, unless such authorization is no longer required by applicable laws and
regulations (and
the Agent shall have received confirmation thereof reasonably satisfactory
to
it), such Credit Extension shall have been duly authorized by an order of
the
FERC
(or of any governmental agency that may succeed to the authority of the FERC)
and the Agent shall have received a true and complete copy of such
order
authorizing
such Credit Extension.
Each
Borrowing Notice or request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit with respect
to each such Credit Extension shall constitute a representation and warranty
by
the applicable Borrower that the conditions contained in Sections 4.2.1, 4.2.2,
4.2.3 and 4.2.4 have been satisfied. Any Lender or Issuing Bank may require
a
duly completed compliance certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit
B as
a condition to making a Credit Extension.
ARTICLE
V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
Each
Borrower represents and warrants to each Lender, each Issuing Bank and the
Agent, as to such Borrower and, as applicable, its Subsidiaries, as of each
of
(i) the Closing Date, (ii) the date of the initial Credit Extension to such
Borrower hereunder (if different from the Closing Date) and (iii) each date
as
of which such Borrower is deemed to make the representations and warranties
set
forth in this Article under Section 4.2:
5.1. Existence
and Standing.
Such
Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (other than any Project Finance
Subsidiary) is a corporation, partnership (in the case of Subsidiaries only)
or
limited liability company duly and properly incorporated or organized, as the
case may be, validly existing and (to the extent such concept applies to such
entity) in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation
or
organization and has all requisite authority to conduct its business in each
jurisdiction in which its business is conducted.
5.2. Authorization
and Validity.
Such
Borrower has the power and authority and legal right to execute and deliver
the
Loan Documents and to perform its obligations thereunder. The execution and
delivery by such Borrower of the Loan Documents and the performance of its
obligations thereunder have been duly authorized by proper proceedings, and
the
Loan
Documents
to which such Borrower is a party constitute legal, valid and binding
obligations of such Borrower enforceable against such Borrower in accordance
with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by (i) bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization or similar laws relating
to or
affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally; (ii) general equitable
principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and (iii)
requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing.
5.3. No
Conflict; Government Consent.
Neither
the execution and delivery by such Borrower of the Loan Documents, nor the
consummation of the transactions therein contemplated, nor compliance with
the
provisions thereof will violate (i) any law, rule, regulation, order, writ,
judgment, injunction, decree or award binding on such Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or (ii) such Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s articles or certificate
of incorporation, partnership agreement, certificate of partnership, articles
or
certificate of organization, by-laws, or operating agreement or other management
agreement, as the case may be, or (iii) the provisions of any indenture,
instrument or agreement to which such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is
a
party or is subject, or by which it, or its Property, is bound, or conflict
with, or constitute a default under, or result in, or require, the creation
or
imposition of any Lien in, of or on the Property of such Borrower or a
Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of, any such indenture, instrument or
agreement. No order, consent, adjudication, approval, license, authorization,
or
validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, or exemption by,
or
other action in respect of any governmental or public body or authority, or
any
subdivision thereof, which has not been obtained by such Borrower or any of
its
Subsidiaries, is required to be obtained by such Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of the Loan
Documents, the borrowings and issuances of Letters of Credit under this
Agreement, the payment and performance by such Borrower of the Obligations
or
the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of any of the Loan
Documents.
5.4. Financial
Statements.
The
December 31, 2004, consolidated financial statements of such Borrower, audited
by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004,
and
the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of such Borrower as of March 31,
2005, and the related unaudited statement of income and statement of cash flows
for the three-month period then ended, copies of which have been furnished
to
each Lender, fairly present in all material respects (subject in the case of
such balance sheet and statement of income for the period ended March 31,
2005, to year-end adjustments) the consolidated financial condition of such
Borrower at such dates and the consolidated results of the operations of such
Borrower for the periods ended on such dates, were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in effect on the dates such statements
were prepared (except for the absence of footnotes and subject to year end
audit
adjustments) and fairly present the consolidated financial condition and
operations of such Borrower at such dates and the consolidated results of their
operations for the periods then ended.
5.5. Material
Adverse Change.
As of
the date of this Agreement, since December 31, 2004, there has been
no
change in the business, Property, condition (financial or otherwise) or results
of operations of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries (other than any Project
Finance Subsidiary) which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect (a “Material Adverse Change”) with respect to such Borrower,
except for the Disclosed Matters; provided,
however,
that
neither (i) any ratings downgrade applicable to the Indebtedness of any Borrower
or
any of
its Subsidiaries by Xxxxx’x or S&P nor (ii) such Borrower’s or any of its
Subsidiaries’ inability to place commercial paper in the capital markets, shall,
in and of themselves, be deemed events constituting a Material Adverse
Change.
5.6. Taxes.
Such
Borrower and its Subsidiaries have filed all United States federal tax returns
and all other tax returns which are required to be filed and have paid all
taxes
due pursuant to said returns or pursuant to any assessment received by such
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, except in respect of such taxes, if any,
as
are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been
provided in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles and as to which
no
Lien exists (except as permitted by Section 6.13.2). The Internal Revenue
Service has completed audits of the United States federal income tax returns
filed by Union Electric for all periods through the calendar taxable year ending
December 31, 1997 and by CIPSCO, Inc. for all periods through the calendar
taxable year ending December 31, 1997. The Internal Revenue Service
has not
completed audits of the United States federal income tax returns filed by any
Borrower and its Subsidiaries for subsequent periods. No claims have been,
or
are being, asserted with respect to such taxes that could reasonably be expected
to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to such Borrower and no
liens have been filed with respect to such taxes. The charges, accruals and
reserves on the books of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries in respect of any
taxes or other governmental charges are adequate.
5.7. Litigation
and Contingent Obligations.
On the
date of this Agreement, other than the Disclosed Matters, there is no
litigation, arbitration, governmental investigation, proceeding or inquiry
pending or, to the knowledge of any of its officers, threatened against or
affecting such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which could, if determined
adversely to such Borrower or its Subsidiaries, reasonably be expected to have
a
Material Adverse Effect with respect to such Borrower or which seeks to prevent,
enjoin or delay the making of any Loans to such Borrower. Other than any
liability incident to any litigation, arbitration or proceeding which could
not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to such
Borrower, such Borrower has no material contingent obligations not provided
for
or disclosed in the financial statements referred to in Section
5.4.
5.8. Subsidiaries.
Schedule 1 contains an accurate list of all Subsidiaries of such Borrower as
of
the date of this Agreement, setting forth their respective jurisdictions of
organization and the percentage of their respective capital stock or other
ownership interests owned by such Borrower or other Subsidiaries of such
Borrower. All the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other
ownership interests of such Subsidiaries have been (to the extent such concepts
are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and
issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.
5.9. ERISA.
No
ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken
together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred or are reasonably
expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Effect with respect to such Borrower.
5.10. Accuracy
of Information.
The
information, exhibits or reports with respect to such Borrower furnished to
the
Agent or to any Lender in connection with the negotiation of, or compliance
with, the Loan Documents as of the date furnished do not contain any
material
misstatement
of fact or omit to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the
statements contained therein not misleading.
5.11. Regulation
U.
Neither
such Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one
of
its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose,
whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of
buying
or carrying margin stock (as defined in Regulation U), and after applying the
proceeds of each Advance, margin stock (as defined in Regulation U) will
constitute less than 25% of the
value of
those assets of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are subject to any
limitation on sale, pledge, or any other restriction hereunder.
5.12. Material
Agreements.
Neither
such Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement or
instrument or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction which could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to such
Borrower as described in clauses (ii) and/or (iii) of the definition thereof.
Neither such Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default in the
performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants
or
conditions contained in (i) any agreement or instrument to which it is a party,
which default could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
with respect to such Borrower or (ii) any agreement or instrument evidencing
or
governing Indebtedness, which default could be reasonably expected to have
a
Material Adverse Effect with respect to such Borrower.
5.13. Compliance
With Laws.
Except
for the Disclosed Matters, such Borrower and its Subsidiaries have complied
with
all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, orders and restrictions of any
domestic or foreign government or any instrumentality or agency thereof having
jurisdiction over the conduct of their respective businesses or the ownership
of
their respective Property, non-compliance with which could reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect with respect to such
Borrower.
5.14. Ownership
of Properties.
On the
date of this Agreement, such Borrower and its Subsidiaries have good title
(except for minor defects in title that do not interfere with their ability
to
conduct their business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties
for
the intended purposes), free of all Liens other than those permitted by Section
6.13, to all of the assets material to such Borrower’s business reflected in
such Borrower’s most recent consolidated financial statements provided to the
Agent, as owned by such Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
5.15. Plan
Assets; Prohibited Transactions.
Such
Borrower is not an entity deemed to hold “plan assets” within the meaning of 29
C.F.R. § 2510.3-101 of an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of
ERISA) which is subject to Title I of ERISA or any plan (within the meaning
of
Section 4975 of the Code), and assuming the accuracy of the representations
and
warranties made in Section 9.12 and in any assignment made pursuant to Section
12.3.3, neither the execution of this Agreement nor the making of Loans
hereunder gives rise to a prohibited transaction within the meaning of Section
406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.
5.16. Environmental
Matters.
In the
ordinary course of its business, the officers of such Borrower consider the
effect of Environmental Laws on the business of such Borrower and its
Subsidiaries,
in the course of which they identify and evaluate potential risks and
liabilities accruing to such Borrower due to Environmental Laws. On the basis
of
this consideration, such Borrower has concluded that, other than the Disclosed
Matters, Environmental Laws cannot reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect with respect to such Borrower. Except for the Disclosed Matters,
and except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Effect with respect to such Borrower, neither such Borrower nor any Subsidiary
has received any notice to the effect that its operations are not in material
compliance with any of the requirements of applicable Environmental Laws or
are
the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating whether any
remedial action is needed to respond to a release of any toxic or hazardous
waste or substance into the environment.
5.17. Investment
Company Act.
Neither
such Borrower nor any Subsidiary is an “investment company” or a company
“controlled” by an “investment company”, within the meaning of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended.
5.18. Public
Utility Holding Company Act; Securities and Exchange Commission Authorization;
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The
Company is a “holding company”, and each of Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO and IP
is a “public utility company”, as such terms are defined in the 1935 Act. The
SEC, in accordance with the 1935 Act, has issued orders authorizing:
(a)
the
incurrence by the Company or IP of short-term indebtedness for borrowed money
in
an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time $1,500,000,000 or
$500,000,000, respectively, or (b) the issuance and sale by the Company of
capital stock, preferred stock, certain other specified securities and long-term
indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
at any time $2,500,000,000, subject to, among other things, the condition that
all such indebtedness be issued on or before June 30, 2007 and, in the
case
of short-term indebtedness, mature not later than 364 days thereafter, unless
the 1935 Act is repealed or revised;
and
(b)
the
incurrence by Union Electric, CIPS or CILCO of short-term indebtedness for
borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000,
$250,000,000 or $250,000,000, respectively, subject to, among other things,
the
condition that all such indebtedness be issued on or before March 31,
2006
and mature not later than 364 days thereafter, unless the 1935 Act is repealed
or revised.
Genco
is
certified by the FERC as an “exempt wholesale generator” under the Energy Policy
Act of 1992. Genco is not a “public utility company” under the 1935 Act. The
FERC, in accordance with the Federal Power Act, has issued an order authorizing
the incurrence by Genco of short-term indebtedness for borrowed money in an
aggregate principal amount not to exceed $300,000,000, subject to, among other
things, the condition that all such indebtedness be issued on or before
June 22, 2006 and mature not later than 364 days thereafter, unless
the
Federal Power Act is repealed or revised.
Loans
extended under this Agreement are short-term indebtedness for borrowed money
and, in the case of the Company only, also long-term indebtedness for borrowed
money within
the
meaning of the aforesaid orders of the SEC and the FERC. Unless such
authorization is no longer required by applicable laws and regulations (and
the
Agent shall have received confirmation thereof reasonably satisfactory to it),
additional authorization from the SEC or the FERC (or any governmental agency
that succeeds to the authority of the SEC or the FERC), as applicable, will
be
necessary in order for (i) the Company or IP, after June 30,
2007,
(ii) Union Electric, CIPS or CILCO after March 31, 2006, and
(iii) Genco, after June 22, 2006, to obtain any Advances under
this
Agreement or to incur or issue short-term indebtedness for borrowed money and,
in the case of the Company, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money, in each
case including, without limitation, Loans extended under this Agreement. Except
for the aforesaid orders of the SEC and the FERC (as listed on Schedule 4
hereto), on the Closing Date no regulatory authorizations, approvals, consents,
registrations, declarations or filings are required in connection with the
borrowings by, and issuances of Letters of Credit for the account of, each
Borrower hereunder or the performance by each Borrower of the
Obligations.
5.19. Insurance.
Such
Borrower maintains, and has caused each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, with
financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance on all its
Property in such amounts, subject to such deductibles and self-insurance
retentions and covering such properties and risks as are consistent with sound
business practice.
5.20. No
Default or Unmatured Default.
No
Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to
such
Borrower.
ARTICLE
VI
COVENANTS
During
the term of this Agreement, unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise consent
in writing:
6.1. Financial
Reporting.
Each
Borrower will maintain, for itself and each of its Subsidiaries, a system of
accounting established and administered in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and furnish to the Agent, and the Agent shall promptly
deliver to each of the Lenders (it being agreed that the obligation of any
Borrower to furnish the financial statements referred to in paragraphs 6.1.1
and
6.1.2 below may be satisfied by the delivery of annual and quarterly reports
from such Borrower to the SEC on Forms 10-K and 10-Q containing such
statements):
6.1.1
Within
90
days after the close of each fiscal year, such Borrower’s audited financial
statements prepared in accordance with Agreement Accounting
Principles on a consolidated basis, including balance sheets as of the end
of
such period, statements of income and statements of cash flows, accompanied
by
(a) an
audit
report, unqualified as to scope, of a nationally recognized firm of independent
public accountants; (b) any management letter prepared by said accountants,
and
(c)
a
certificate of said accountants that, in the course of their audit of the
foregoing, they have obtained no knowledge of any Default by such Borrower,
or
if, in the
opinion
of
such
accountants, any such Default shall exist, stating the nature and status
thereof.
6.1.2
Within
45
days after the close of the first three quarterly periods of each of its fiscal
years, such Borrower’s consolidated unaudited balance sheets
as
at the close of
each such period and consolidated statements of income and a statement of cash
flows for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year to the
end
of
such quarter, all certified as to fairness of presentation, compliance with
Agreement Accounting Principles and consistency by its chief financial officer,
controller
or
treasurer.
6.1.3
Together
with the financial statements required under Sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2, a
compliance certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit B
signed
by
such
Borrower’s chief financial officer, controller or treasurer showing the
calculations necessary to determine compliance with this Agreement and
stating
that
no Default or Unmatured Default with respect to such Borrower
exists,
or if any such Default or Unmatured Default exists, stating the nature and
status thereof.
6.1.4
As
soon
as possible and in any event within 10 days after such Borrower knows that
any
ERISA Event has occurred that, alone or together with
any
other
ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in
liability of such Borrower, its Subsidiaries or any Commonly Controlled Entity
in an
aggregate amount exceeding
$25,000,000, a statement, signed by the chief financial officer, controller
or
treasurer of such Borrower, describing said ERISA Event
and
the
action which such Borrower proposes to take with respect thereto.
6.1.5
As
soon
as possible and in any event within 10 days after receipt by such Borrower,
a
copy of (a) any notice or claim to the effect that such Borrower
or
any of its Subsidiaries is or may be liable to any Person as a result of the
release by such Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries, or any other Person of any
toxic or
hazardous
waste or substance into the environment, and (b) any notice alleging any
violation of any federal, state or local environmental, health or safety law
or
regulation
by such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, which, in either case, could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect with respect to such
Borrower.
6.1.6
Promptly
upon becoming aware thereof, notice of any upgrading or downgrading of the
rating of such Borrower’s senior unsecured debt,
commercial paper or First Mortgage Bonds by Xxxxx’x or
S&P.
6.1.7
Such
other information (including non-financial information) as the Agent or any
Lender may from time to time reasonably request.
6.2. Use
of
Proceeds and Letters of Credit.
Each
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, use the proceeds
of
the Advances to repay any and all amounts outstanding
under
the
Existing Credit Agreements and for general corporate purposes, including without
limitation, for working capital, commercial paper liquidity support with respect
to commercial paper issued by such Borrower or its Subsidiaries, to fund loans
under and pursuant to the Money Pool Agreements, and to pay fees and expenses
incurred in connection with this Agreement. Each Borrower shall use the proceeds
of Advances in compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements
and any such use shall not result in a violation of any such requirements,
including, without limitation, Regulation U and Regulation X, the Securities
Act
of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the regulations promulgated thereunder. Each Borrower shall use the Letters
of
Credit for general corporate purposes.
6.3. Notice
of Default.
Within
five (5) Business Days after an Authorized Officer of any Borrower becomes
aware
thereof, such Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, give notice
in
writing to the Lenders of the occurrence of any Default or Unmatured Default
and, unless otherwise reported to the SEC in such Borrower’s filings under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, of any other development, financial or
otherwise, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
with respect to such Borrower.
6.4. Conduct
of Business.
Each
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, carry on and conduct
its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same
fields of enterprise in which it is presently conducted or in a manner or fields
of enterprise reasonably related thereto and do all things necessary to remain
duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and (to the extent such concept
applies to such entity) in good standing as a domestic corporation, partnership
or limited liability company in its jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization, as the case may be, and maintain all requisite authority to
conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Borrower shall be prohibited from dissolving
any Inactive Subsidiary or from the sale of any Subsidiary or assets pursuant
to
governmental or regulatory order or pursuant to Section 6.11.
6.5. Taxes.
Each
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, timely file complete
and correct United States federal and applicable foreign, state and local tax
returns required by law and pay when due all taxes, assessments and governmental
charges and levies upon it or its income, profits or Property, except those
which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and with
respect to which adequate reserves have been recorded in accordance with
Agreement Accounting Principles.
6.6. Insurance.
Each
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain with
financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance on all its
Property in such amounts, subject to such deductibles and self-insurance
retentions, and covering such risks as is consistent with sound business
practice, and such Borrower will furnish to any Lender upon request full
information as to the insurance carried.
6.7. Compliance
with Laws; Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission Authorization.
(a)
Each
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all
laws,
rules, regulations, orders, writs, judgments, injunctions, decrees or awards
to
which it may be subject including, without limitation, all Environmental Laws,
except where the failure to do so,
individually
or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect with respect to such Borrower.
(b)
From
time
to time prior to the expiration of the approval of the SEC, in accordance with
the 1935 Act, and/or FERC, as applicable, described in Section 5.18 with respect
to such Borrowers’ Indebtedness, so long as this Agreement remains in effect or
the Obligations incurred by such Borrower under or in connection herewith remain
outstanding, such Borrower will obtain an extension of such approval and such
Borrower shall provide a notice to the Agent of the receipt of such extension,
which notice shall include the expiration date of the most recent approval
and
the total amount of Indebtedness of such Borrower authorized therein. Each
Borrower further agrees not to request any Advance or permit any Loan to remain
outstanding hereunder in violation of the above mentioned SEC and/or FERC
approval or any conditions thereof, as in effect from time to time.
6.8. Maintenance
of Properties.
Subject
to Section 6.11, each Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries
to,
do all things necessary to maintain, preserve, protect and keep its Property
used in the operation of its business in good repair, working order and
condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted), and make all necessary and proper
repairs, renewals and replacements so that its business carried on in connection
therewith may be properly conducted at all times.
6.9. Inspection;
Keeping of Books and Records.
Each
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit the Agent
and
the Lenders, by their respective representatives and agents, to inspect any
of
the Property, books and financial records of such Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries, to examine and make copies of the books of accounts and other
financial records of such Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss
the affairs, finances and accounts of such Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
with, and to be advised as to the same by, their respective officers at such
reasonable times and intervals as the Agent or any Lender may designate. Each
Borrower shall keep and maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to keep
and
maintain, in all material respects, proper books of record and account in which
entries in conformity with Agreement Accounting Principles shall be made of
all
dealings and transactions in relation to their respective businesses and
activities. If a Default with respect to a Borrower has occurred and is
continuing, such Borrower, upon the Agent’s request, shall turn over copies of
any such records to the Agent or its representatives.
6.10. Merger.
Each
Borrower will not, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, merge or
consolidate with or into any other Person, except (i) any Subsidiary other
than
a Borrowing Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with a Borrower if such Borrower
is the corporation surviving such merger, (ii) any Borrowing Subsidiary
may
merge or consolidate with the Company if the Company is the corporation
surviving such merger, (iii) any Subsidiary other than a Borrowing
Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other Subsidiary, provided
that
each Borrower’s aggregate direct and indirect ownership interest in the survivor
thereof shall not be less than such Borrower’s direct and indirect ownership
interest in either of such Subsidiaries prior to such merger, and (iv) any
Borrower or any Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any Person other than
a
Borrower or a Subsidiary if (a) such Person was organized under the laws of
the
United States of America or one of its States and (b) such Borrower or such
Subsidiary
is the corporation surviving such merger; provided
that, in
each case, after giving effect thereto, no Default with respect to such Borrower
will be in existence.
6.11. Dispositions
of Assets.
No
Borrower will, or will permit any of its Subsidiaries to, lease, sell or
otherwise dispose of its Property to any other Person, including any of its
Subsidiaries, whether existing on the date hereof or hereafter created,
except:
6.11.1
Sales
of
electricity, natural gas, emissions credits and other commodities in the
ordinary course of business.
6.11.2
A
disposition of assets by a Subsidiary of such Borrower (other than a Subsidiary
of such Borrower that is itself a Borrowing Subsidiary) to
such Borrower or another Subsidiary of such Borrower.
6.11.3
A
disposition by a Borrowing Subsidiary to one of its Subsidiaries of Property
received by such Borrowing Subsidiary after the date hereof from
the Company or another Subsidiary (other than a Borrowing Subsidiary)
specifically for transfer to the Subsidiary of such Borrowing
Subsidiary.
6.11.4
The
payment of cash dividends by any Subsidiary to holders of its equity
interests.
6.11.5
Advances
of cash in the ordinary course of business pursuant to the Money Pool Agreements
or other intercompany borrowing arrangements
with
terms substantially similar to the Money Pool Agreements.
6.11.6
A
disposition of obsolete property or property no longer used in the business
of
such Borrower or its Subsidiaries.
6.11.7
The
transfer pursuant to a requirement or law or any regulatory authority having
jurisdiction, of functional and/or operational control of\ (but
not of
title
to) transmission facilities of such Borrower or its Subsidiaries to an
Independent System Operator, Regional Transmission Organization or to
some
other
entity which has responsibility for operating and planning a regional
transmission system.
6.11.8
Dispositions
pursuant to Leveraged Lease Sales.
6.11.9
In
the
case of Genco, direct loans to its railroad subsidiary up to a maximum of
$25,000,000 outstanding at any time.
6.11.10
Leases,
sales or other dispositions by such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of
its
Property that, together with all other Property of such
Borrower and its Subsidiaries previously leased, sold or disposed of (other
than
dispositions otherwise permitted by other provisions of this Section 6.11)
since
the
Closing Date, do not constitute Property which represents more than fifteen
percent (15%) of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of such Borrower
as
would
be
shown
in the consolidated financial statements of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries
as at the end of the fiscal year ending immediately prior
to
the
date of any
such
lease, sale or other disposition.
6.11.11
Contributions,
directly or indirectly, of capital, in the form of either debt or equity, by
the
Company to a Subsidiary.
6.11.12
Transactions
(a) with an Affiliate that is directly or indirectly wholly owned by such
Borrower and (b) meeting the requirements of Section 6.14
(without giving effect to the second parenthetical thereof), under which the
Borrower, or its Subsidiary, that disposes its Property receives in return
consideration
(i) in a form other than equity, other ownership interests or indebtedness
and
(ii) of which at least 75% is cash; provided
that any
such
consideration
so received, unless retained by such Borrower or its Subsidiary at all times
prior to the repayment of all Obligations under this Agreement, shall be
used
within twelve months of the receipt thereof (x) for investment or reinvestment
by such Borrower or its Subsidiary in its existing business or (y) to
reduce
Indebtedness
of such Borrower or its Subsidiary.
6.12. Indebtedness
of Project Finance Subsidiaries, Investments in Project Finance Subsidiaries;
Acquisitions.
Neither
any Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be directly or indirectly,
primarily or secondarily, liable for any Indebtedness or any other form of
liability, whether direct, contingent or otherwise, of a Project Finance
Subsidiary nor shall any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries provide any
guarantee of the Indebtedness, liabilities or other obligations of a Project
Finance Subsidiary. Each Borrower will not, nor will it permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, make or suffer to exist Investments in Project Finance
Subsidiaries in excess of $100,000,000 in the aggregate for all the Borrowers
and Subsidiaries at any time. Each Borrower will not, nor will it permit any
of
its Subsidiaries to, consummate any Acquisition other than an Acquisition
(a) which is consummated on a non-hostile basis approved by a majority
of
the board of directors or other governing body of the Person being acquired
and
(b) which involves the purchase of a business line similar, related,
complementary or incidental to that of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries as
of
the Closing Date unless the purchase price therefor is less than or equal to
(i)
$10,000,000 with respect thereto or (ii) $50,000,000 when taken together with
all other Acquisitions consummated by all the Borrowers and Subsidiaries during
the term of this Agreement which do not otherwise satisfy the conditions
described above in this clause (b), and, as of the date of such Acquisition
and
after giving effect thereto, no Default or Unmatured Default shall exist with
respect to such Borrower.
6.13. Liens.
Each
Borrower will not, nor will it permit any of its Subsidiaries (other than a
Project Finance Subsidiary) to, create, incur, or suffer to exist any Lien
in,
of or on the Property of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,
except:
6.13.1
Liens,
if
any, securing (a) the Loans and other Obligations hereunder and (b) the “Loans”
and other “Obligations” under (and as defined in)
the
Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement.
6.13.2
Liens
for
taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies on its Property if the
same
shall not at the time be delinquent or thereafter can be paid without penalty,
or are being
contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate
reserves in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles shall have been
set
aside on its books.
6.13.3
Liens
imposed by law, such as landlords’, wage earners’, carriers’, warehousemen’s and
mechanics’ liens and other similar liens arising in the ordinary course of
business which secure payment of obligations not more than 60 days past due
or
which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for
which
adequate reserves in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles shall
have
been set aside on its books.
6.13.4
Liens
arising out of pledges or deposits under worker’s compensation laws,
unemployment insurance, old age pensions, or other social security or
retirement benefits, or similar legislation.
6.13.5
Liens
existing on the date hereof and described in Schedule 2.
6.13.6
Deposits
securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance
arrangements.
6.13.7
Deposits
or accounts to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts or obligations
(other than for borrowed money), vendor and service provider arrangements,
leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and
other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of
business.
6.13.8
Easements,
reservations, rights-of-way, restrictions, survey exceptions and other similar
encumbrances as to real property of such Borrower and its Subsidiaries which
customarily exist on properties of corporations engaged in similar activities
and similarly situated and which do not materially interfere with the conduct
of
the business of such Borrower or any such Subsidiary conducted at the property
subject thereto.
6.13.9
Liens
arising out of judgments or awards not exceeding $50,000,000 in the aggregate
for all the Borrowers and Subsidiaries with respect to which appeals are being
diligently pursued, and, pending the determination of such appeals, such
judgments or awards having been effectively stayed.
6.13.10
Liens
created pursuant to the Existing Indentures securing the First Mortgage Bonds;
provided
that the
Liens of such Existing Indentures shall extend only to the property of Union
Electric and CIPS (including, to the extent applicable, after acquired property)
that is or would be covered by the Liens of the Existing Indentures as in effect
on the date hereof.
6.13.11
Liens
incurred in connection with the Xxxx Creek Project.
6.13.12
Liens
existing on any capital assets of any Subsidiary of such Borrower at the time
such Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such
event.
6.13.13
Liens
on
any capital assets securing Indebtedness incurred or assumed for the purpose
of
financing or refinancing all or any part of the cost of acquiring or
constructing such asset; provided
that
such Lien attaches to such asset concurrently with or within eighteen (18)
months after the acquisition or completion or construction thereof.
6.13.14
Liens
existing on any capital assets of any Subsidiary of such Borrower at the time
such Subsidiary is merged or consolidated with or into such Borrower or any
Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such event.
6.13.15
Liens
existing on any assets prior to the acquisition thereof by such Borrower or
any
of its Subsidiaries and not created in contemplation thereof; provided
that
such Liens do not encumber any other property or assets.
6.13.16
Liens
(a)
on the capital stock of CILCO and on the assets of CILCO and any other
Subsidiary of CILCORP existing on the date hereof and/or (b) created pursuant
to
the Existing CILCO Indenture securing First Mortgage Bonds; provided
that the
Liens of such Existing CILCO Indenture shall extend only to the property
(including, to the extent applicable, after acquired property) that is covered
by the Liens of the Existing CILCO Indenture as in effect on the date
hereof.
6.13.17
Undetermined
Liens and charges incidental to construction.
6.13.18
Liens
on
Property or assets of a Subsidiary in favor of such Borrower or a Subsidiary
that is directly or indirectly wholly owned by such
Borrower.
6.13.19
Liens
(a) on the assets of IP and any Subsidiary of IP existing on the date
hereof and/or (b) created pursuant to the Existing IP Indenture securing
First Mortgage Bonds; provided
that the
Liens of such Existing IP Indenture shall extend only to the property
(including, to the extent applicable, after acquired property) that is covered
by the Liens of the Existing IP Indenture as in effect on the date
hereof.
6.13.20
Liens
arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or refunding of any
Indebtedness secured by any Lien permitted by any of Section 6.13.10 through
6.13.19; provided
that (a)
such Indebtedness is not secured by any additional assets, and (b) the amount
of
such Indebtedness secured by any such Lien is not increased.
6.13.21
Any
Liens
existing on any assets of IP or any of its Subsidiaries or related trusts
related to the Illinois Power Special Purpose Trust Transitional Funding Trust
Notes, Series 1998-1.
6.14. Affiliates.
Each
Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into
any transaction (including, without limitation, the purchase or sale of any
Property or service) with, or make any payment or transfer to, any Affiliate
(other than such Borrower and its Subsidiaries) except in the ordinary course
of
business and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of such Borrower’s or such
Subsidiary’s business and, except to the extent that the terms and consideration
of any such transaction are mandated, limited or otherwise subject to conditions
imposed by any regulatory or government body, upon fair and reasonable terms
no
less favorable to such Borrower or such Subsidiary than such Borrower or such
Subsidiary would obtain in a comparable arm’s-length transaction.
6.15. Financial
Contracts.
Each
Borrower will not, nor will it permit any
of
its Subsidiaries,
to,
enter into or remain liable upon any Rate Management Transactions except for
those entered into in the ordinary course of business for bona fide hedging
purposes and not for speculative purposes.
6.16. Subsidiary
Covenants.
Each
Borrower will not, and will not permit any
of
its Subsidiaries
other
than a Project Finance Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause to become
effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability
of any such Subsidiary other than a Project Finance Subsidiary (i) to pay
dividends or make any other distribution on its common stock, (ii) to pay any
Indebtedness or other obligation owed to such Borrower or any other Subsidiary
of such Borrower, or (iii) to make loans or advances or other Investments in
such Borrower or any other Subsidiary of such Borrower, in each case, other
than
(a) restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement or the
Restated Five-Year Credit Agreement, (b) restrictions and conditions existing
on
the date hereof, in each case as identified on Schedule 3 (without giving effect
to any amendment or modification expanding the scope of any such restriction
or
condition), (c) restrictions on dividends on the capital stock of Union Electric
entered into in connection with future issuances of subordinated capital income
securities, to the extent the same are not more restrictive than those
benefiting the holders of Union Electric’s existing 7.69% Subordinated Capital
Income Securities, (d) restrictions and conditions in agreements or arrangements
entered into by (1) Electric Energy, Inc. regarding the payment of dividends
or
the making of other distributions with respect to shares of its capital stock
or
(2) Gateway Energy WGK Project, L.L.C., in each case, without giving effect
to
any amendment or modification expanding the scope of any such restriction or
condition, and (e) customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements
relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided
that
such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be
sold
and such sale is permitted hereunder.
6.17. Leverage
Ratio.
Each
Borrower will not permit the ratio of (i) its Consolidated Indebtedness to
(ii)
its Consolidated Total Capitalization to be greater than (a) 0.65 to
1.00
at any time for each Borrower other than CILCO and (b) 0.60 to 1.00
at any
time for CILCO; provided that
with
respect to CIPS and Genco, Consolidated Indebtedness, solely as such term is
used in, and solely for the purpose of, clause (i) of this Section 6.17, shall
not include (a) subordinated indebtedness under the Existing Intercompany
Notes and (b) subordinated indebtedness which,
by
it
terms, is subordinated to the Obligations on terms not less favorable to the
Lenders than those set forth in Exhibit G (it being understood that any
subordinated indebtedness under clause (b) will be expressly subordinated to
all
Obligations, including Obligations in respect of Letters of
Credit).
ARTICLE
VII
DEFAULTS
The
occurrence of any one or more of the following events in respect of any Borrower
shall constitute a Default with respect to such Borrower:
7.1. Any
representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of such Borrower
(including any representation or warranty deemed made by such Borrower as to
one
of its Subsidiaries) to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the Agent under or
in
connection with this Agreement, any Credit Extension, or any certificate or
information delivered in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan
Document shall be false in any material respect on the date as of which made
or
deemed made.
7.2. Such
Borrower or, in the case of the Company, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
shall fail to pay (i) principal of any Loan when due, or (ii) interest upon
any
Loan or any Facility Fee or other Obligations under any of the Loan Documents
within five (5) Business Days after such interest, fee or other Obligation
becomes due.
7.3. The
breach by such Borrower of any of the terms or provisions of Section 6.2, 6.3,
6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14, 6.15, 6.16 or 6.17.
7.4. The
breach by such Borrower (other than a breach which constitutes a Default under
another Section of this Article VII) of any of the terms or provisions of this
Agreement which is not remedied within fifteen (15) days after the earlier
to
occur of (i) written notice from the Agent or any Lender to such Borrower or
(ii) an Authorized Officer otherwise becoming aware of any such
breach.
7.5. Failure
of such Borrower or, in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other
than Project Finance Subsidiaries), to pay when due any Material Indebtedness;
or the default by such Borrower or, in the case of the Company, any of its
Subsidiaries (other than Project Finance Subsidiaries) in the performance
(beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any) of any term,
provision or condition contained in any Material Indebtedness Agreement, or
any
other event shall occur or condition exist (except for a “Triggering Event”
under IP’s 11½% Mortgage Bonds due 2010 which does not also cause an event of
default thereunder), the effect of which default, event or condition is to
cause, or to permit the holder(s) of such Material Indebtedness or the lender(s)
under any Material Indebtedness Agreement to cause, such Material Indebtedness
to become due prior to its stated maturity or any commitment to lend under
any
Material Indebtedness Agreement to be terminated prior to its stated expiration
date; or any Material Indebtedness of such Borrower or, in the case of the
Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Finance Subsidiaries),
shall be declared to be due and payable or required to be prepaid or repurchased
(other than by a
regularly
scheduled payment) prior to the stated maturity thereof (except in the case
of
or related to a “Triggering Event” under IP’s 11½% Mortgage Bonds due 2010 which
does not also cause an event of default thereunder); or such Borrower or, in
the
case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Finance
Subsidiaries), shall not pay, or admit in writing its inability to pay, its
debts generally as they become due; provided
that no
Default shall occur under this Section 7.5 as a result of (i) any notice of
voluntary prepayment delivered by such Borrower or any Subsidiary with respect
to any Indebtedness, or (ii) any voluntary sale of assets by such Borrower
or
any Subsidiary permitted hereunder as a result of which any Indebtedness secured
by such assets is required to be prepaid.
7.6. Such
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project Finance Subsidiaries),
shall (i) have an order for relief entered with respect to it under the Federal
bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect, (ii) make an assignment for
the
benefit of creditors, (iii) apply for, seek, consent to, or acquiesce in, the
appointment of a receiver, custodian, trustee, examiner, liquidator or similar
official for it or any Substantial Portion of its Property, (iv) institute
any
proceeding seeking an order for relief under the Federal bankruptcy laws as
now
or hereafter in effect or seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent,
or
seeking dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization, arrangement,
adjustment or composition of it or its debts under any law relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or fail to file
an
answer or other pleading denying the material allegations of any such proceeding
filed against it, (v) take any corporate or partnership action to authorize
or
effect any of the foregoing actions set forth in this Section 7.6, (vi) fail
to
contest in good faith any appointment or proceeding described in Section 7.7,
or
(vii) become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay
its
debts as they become due.
7.7. Without
the application, approval or consent of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
(other than a Project Finance Subsidiary), a receiver, trustee, examiner,
liquidator or similar official shall be appointed for such Borrower or any
of
its Subsidiaries (other than a Project Finance Subsidiary) or any Substantial
Portion of its Property or the Property of any of its Subsidiaries (other than
a
Project Finance Subsidiary), or a proceeding described in Section 7.6(iv) shall
be instituted against such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (other than
a
Project Finance Subsidiary) and such appointment continues undischarged or
such
proceeding continues undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive
days.
7.8. Any
court, government or governmental agency shall condemn, seize or otherwise
appropriate, or take custody or control of, all or any portion of the Property
of such Borrower or, in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other
than Project Finance Subsidiaries), which, when taken together with all other
Property of such Borrower and/or, in the case of the Company, any such
Subsidiaries so condemned, seized, appropriated, or taken custody or control
of,
during the twelve-month period ending with the month in which any such action
occurs, constitutes a Substantial Portion.
7.9. Such
Borrower or, in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other than
Project Finance Subsidiaries), shall fail within 45 days to pay, bond or
otherwise discharge one or more (i) judgments or orders for the payment of
money
in excess of $50,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in currencies other than
Dollars) in the aggregate (net of any amount covered by insurance), or (ii)
nonmonetary judgments or orders which, individually or in the aggregate,
could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, which judgment(s),
in
any such case, is/are not stayed on appeal or otherwise being appropriately
contested in good faith.
7.10. An
ERISA
Event shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Lenders, when
taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred is in excess
of
$50,000,000.
7.11. Nonpayment
by such Borrower or, in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other
than Project Finance Subsidiaries), of any Rate Management Obligation, in a
notional amount of $25,000,000 or more, when due or the breach by such Borrower
or, in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other than Project
Finance Subsidiaries) of any term, provision or condition contained in any
Rate
Management Transaction or any transaction of the type described in the
definition of “Rate Management Transactions,” whether or not any Lender or
Affiliate of a Lender is a party thereto.
7.12. Any
Change in Control shall occur.
7.13. Such
Borrower or, in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, shall (i)
be
the subject of any proceeding or investigation pertaining to the release by
such
Borrower (or, in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries) or any other
Person of any toxic or hazardous waste or substance into the environment, or
(ii) violate any Environmental Law; which, in the case of an event described
in
clause (i) or clause (ii), has resulted in liability to such Borrower or, in
the
case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, in an amount equal to $50,000,000
or more (in the case of the Company, in the aggregate for the Company and all
its Subsidiaries), which liability is not paid, bonded or otherwise discharged
within 45 days or which is not stayed on appeal and being appropriately
contested in good faith.
7.14. Any
Loan
Document shall fail to remain in full force or effect with respect to such
Borrower or, in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any action
shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability
of
any Loan Document with respect to such Borrower or, in the case of the Company,
any of its Subsidiaries.
ARTICLE
VIII
ACCELERATION,
WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES
8.1. Acceleration.
If any
Default described in Section 7.6 or 7.7 occurs with respect to a Borrower or,
in
the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Project Finance
Subsidiary), the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing
Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder to such Borrower shall automatically
terminate and the Obligations of such Borrower shall immediately become due
and
payable without any election or action on the part of the Agent, any Issuing
Bank or any Lender. If any other Default occurs with respect to a Borrower
or,
in the case of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries (other than any Project
Finance Subsidiary to the extent excluded from such Default by the provisions
of
Article VII), the Required Lenders (or the Agent with the consent of the
Required Lenders) may terminate or suspend the obligations of the Lenders to
make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder to
such
Borrower, or declare the Obligations to be due and payable, or both, whereupon
the Obligations shall become immediately due and payable, without
presentment,
demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which such Borrower hereby
expressly waives.
If,
after
acceleration of the maturity of the Obligations or termination of the
obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue
Letters of Credit hereunder as a result of any Default (other than any Default
as described in Section 7.6 or 7.7 with respect to such Borrower) and before
any
judgment or decree for the payment of the Obligations due shall have been
obtained or entered, the Required Lenders (in their sole discretion) shall
so
direct, the Agent shall, by notice to such Borrower, rescind and annul such
acceleration and/or termination.
8.2. Amendments.
Subject
to the provisions of this Section 8.2, the Required Lenders (or the Agent with
the consent in writing of the Required Lenders) and the Borrowers may enter
into
agreements supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding or modifying any
provisions to the Loan Documents or changing in any manner the rights of the
Lenders or the Borrowers hereunder or thereunder or waiving any Default
hereunder or thereunder;
provided, however,
that no
such supplemental agreement shall, without the consent of all of the Lenders
(or, in the case of Section 8.2.2, all affected Lenders):
8.2.1
Extend
the final maturity of any Revolving Loan or LC Disbursement or postpone any
payment of principal of any Revolving Loan or LC Disbursement or forgive all
or
any portion of the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the
time of payment of interest or fees thereon (other than a waiver of the
application of the default rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14
hereof).
8.2.2
Extend
the final maturity of any Competitive Loan or postpone any regularly scheduled
payment of principal of any Competitive Loan or forgive all or any portion
of
the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment
of interest or fees thereon (other than a waiver of the application of the
default rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14 hereof).
8.2.3
Waive
any
condition set forth in Section 4.2, reduce the percentage specified in the
definition of Required Lenders or any other percentage of Lenders specified
to
be the Pro Rata Share in this Agreement to act on specified matters or amend
the
definition of “Pro Rata Share”.
8.2.4
Other
than as expressly permitted by the terms of Section 2.23, extend the Commitment
Termination Date or the Maturity Date applicable to any Borrower, or reduce
the
amount or extend the payment date for, the mandatory payments required under
Section 2.2, or increase the amount of the Commitment of any Lender hereunder
or
change the definition of Subsidiary Sublimit hereunder, or permit any Borrower
to assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement or change Section
2.15
or 2.8.4 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments or
reduction of commitments required thereby.
8.2.5
Amend
this Section 8.2.
No
amendment of any provision of this Agreement relating to the Agent, any Issuing
Bank or the Swingline Lender shall be effective without the written consent
of
the Agent, such Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be. The
Agent may waive payment of the fee required under Section 12.3.3 without
obtaining the consent of any other party to this Agreement. Notwithstanding
the
foregoing, any provision of this Agreement may be amended by an agreement in
writing entered into by the applicable Borrower, the Required Lenders and the
Agent if (i) by the terms of such agreement any remaining Commitment of each
Lender not consenting to the amendment provided for therein shall terminate
upon
the effectiveness of such amendment and (ii) at the time such amendment becomes
effective, each Lender not consenting thereto receives payment in full of the
principal of and interest accrued on each Advance made by it and all other
amounts owing to it or accrued for its account under this
Agreement.
8.3. Preservation
of Rights.
No
delay or omission of the Lenders, the Agent or the Issuing Banks to exercise
any
right under the Loan Documents shall impair such right or be construed to be
a
waiver of any Default or an acquiescence therein, and the making of a Credit
Extension notwithstanding the existence of a Default or Unmatured Default or
the
inability of a Borrower to satisfy the conditions precedent to such Credit
Extension shall not constitute any waiver or acquiescence. Any single or partial
exercise of any such right shall not preclude other or further exercise thereof
or the exercise of any other right, and no waiver, amendment or other variation
of the terms, conditions or provisions of the Loan Documents whatsoever shall
be
valid unless in writing signed by, or by the Agent with the consent of, the
requisite number of Lenders required pursuant to Section 8.2, and then only
to
the extent in such writing specifically set forth. All remedies contained in
the
Loan Documents or by law afforded shall be cumulative and all shall be available
to the Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders until all of the Obligations
have been paid in full.
ARTICLE
IX
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
9.1. Survival
of Representations.
All
representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in this Agreement
shall survive the making of the Credit Extensions herein
contemplated.
9.2. Governmental
Regulation.
Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, no Lender
shall be obligated to extend credit to any Borrower in violation of any
limitation or prohibition provided by any applicable statute or
regulation.
9.3. Headings.
Section
headings in the Loan Documents are for convenience of reference only, and shall
not govern the interpretation of any of the provisions of the Loan
Documents.
9.4. Entire
Agreement.
The
Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding among the Agent
and
the Lenders, and between the Agent and the Lenders on one hand, and the
Borrowers individually on the other hand, and supersede all prior agreements
and
understandings among and between such parties, as the case may be, relating
to
the subject
matter
thereof other than those contained in the fee letter described in Section 10.13
which shall survive and remain in full force and effect during the term of
this
Agreement.
9.5. Several
Obligations; Benefits of this Agreement.
The
respective obligations of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder are
several and not joint and no Lender or Issuing Bank shall be the partner or
agent of any other (except to the extent to which the Agent is authorized to
act
as such). The failure of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to perform any of its
obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender or any Issuing Bank
from any of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement shall not be construed
so
as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the parties to
this
Agreement and their respective successors and assigns, provided,
however,
that the
parties hereto expressly agree that each Arranger shall enjoy the benefits
of
the provisions of Sections 9.6, 9.10 and 10.11 to the extent specifically set
forth therein and shall have the right to enforce such provisions on its own
behalf and in its own name to the same extent as if it were a party to this
Agreement (it being acknowledged that Section 9.6 may be enforced against any
Borrower only to the extent of the amounts for which such Borrower is liable
under the terms of such Section).
9.6. Expenses;
Indemnification.
(i)
The
Company shall reimburse the Agent and each Arranger for any reasonable costs,
internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ and
paralegals’ fees and time charges of attorneys for the Agent, which attorneys
may be employees of the Agent and expenses of and fees for other advisors and
professionals engaged by the Agent or such Arranger) paid or incurred by the
Agent or such Arranger in connection with the investigation, preparation,
negotiation, documentation, execution, delivery, syndication, distribution
(including, without limitation, via the internet), review, amendment,
modification and administration of the Loan Documents. The Company also agrees
to reimburse the Agent, each Arranger, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders for
any
costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys’ and
paralegals’ fees and time charges and expenses of attorneys and paralegals for
the Agent, such Arranger, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders, which attorneys
and
paralegals may be employees of the Agent, such Arranger, the Issuing Banks
or
the Lenders) paid or incurred by the Agent, such Arranger, any Issuing Bank
or
any Lender in connection with the collection of the Obligations and enforcement
of the Loan Documents (and each Borrowing Subsidiary likewise agrees to
reimburse the Agent, each Arranger, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders for such
costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses to the extent they are
incurred in the collection of the Obligations of and enforcement of the Loan
Documents against such Borrowing Subsidiary).
(ii) |
Subject
to paragraph (iii) below, the Borrowers hereby further agree to indemnify
the Agent, each Arranger, each Issuing Bank, each Lender, their respective
affiliates, and each of their directors, officers and employees against
all losses, claims, damages, penalties, judgments, liabilities and
expenses (including, without limitation, all expenses of litigation
or
preparation therefor whether or not the Agent, any Arranger, any
Issuing
Bank, any Lender or any affiliate is a party thereto, and all attorneys’
and paralegals’ fees, time charges and expenses of attorneys and
paralegals of the party seeking indemnification, which attorneys
and
paralegals may or may not be employees of such party seeking
indemnification) which any of them may pay or incur arising out of
or
relating to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the transactions
contemplated hereby or the direct or
|
indirect
application or proposed application of the proceeds of any Loan hereunder
except
to the extent that they have resulted, as determined in a final non-appealable
judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction, from the gross negligence
or
willful misconduct of the party seeking indemnification.
(iii) |
Each
amount payable under paragraph (ii) of this Section shall be an obligation
of, and shall be discharged by (a) to the extent arising out of acts,
events and circumstances related to a particular Borrower, such Borrower
and (b) otherwise, all the Borrowers, with each Borrower being
severally liable for such Borrower’s Contribution Percentage of such
amount, provided
that in consideration of the availability, on the terms set forth
herein,
of the entire amount of the Commitments in the form of borrowings
by and
Letters of Credit issued for the account of the Company, the Company
agrees that, if one or more of the Borrowing Subsidiaries shall fail
to
pay any amount owed by it under clause (b) of this paragraph (iii)
after a
demand shall have been made by the Person to which such amount is
owed,
the Company shall promptly pay such amount (the Company hereby irrevocably
waiving any defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a
guarantor of the obligations of any Borrowing Subsidiary under this
Section).
|
(iv) |
To
the extent that the Borrowers fail to pay any amount required to
be paid
by them to the Agent, either Arranger, any Issuing Bank or the Swingline
Lender under paragraph (i) or (ii) of this Section, each Lender severally
agrees to pay to the Agent, such Arranger, such Issuing Bank or the
Swingline Lender, as the case may be, such Lender’s Pro Rata Share
(determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense
or
indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided
that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage,
liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by
or
asserted against the Agent, such Arranger, such Issuing Bank or the
Swingline Lender in its capacity as
such.
|
(v) |
The
obligations of the Borrowers under this Section 9.6 shall survive
the
termination of this Agreement and, as to each Borrower, the Maturity
Date
applicable to such Borrower.
|
9.7. Numbers
of Documents.
All
statements, notices, closing documents, and requests hereunder shall be
furnished to the Agent with sufficient counterparts so that the Agent may
furnish one to each of the Lenders, to the extent that the Agent deems
necessary.
9.8. Accounting.
Except
as provided to the contrary herein, all accounting terms used in the calculation
of any financial covenant or test shall be interpreted and all accounting
determinations hereunder in the calculation of any financial covenant or test
shall be made in accordance with Agreement Accounting Principles. If any changes
in generally accepted accounting principles are hereafter required or permitted
and are adopted by any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with the agreement
of
its independent certified public accountants and such changes result in a change
in the method of calculation of any of the financial covenants, tests,
restrictions or standards herein or in the related definitions or terms used
therein (“Accounting
Changes”),
the parties hereto agree, at such Borrower’s request, to enter into
negotiations, in good faith, in order to amend such provisions in a credit
neutral manner so as to reflect equitably such changes with the desired result
that the criteria for evaluating such Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ financial
condition shall be the same after such changes as if such changes had not been
made; provided,
however,
until
such provisions are amended in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Agent
and
the Required Lenders, no Accounting Change shall be given effect in such
calculations. In the event such amendment is entered into, all references in
this Agreement to Agreement Accounting Principles shall mean generally accepted
accounting principles as of the date of such amendment. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, all financial statements to be delivered by such Borrower pursuant
to
Section 6.1 shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in effect at such time.
9.9. Severability
of Provisions.
Any
provision in any Loan Document that is held to be inoperative, unenforceable
or
invalid in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be inoperative,
unenforceable or invalid without affecting the remaining provisions in that
jurisdiction or the operation, enforceability or validity of that provision
in
any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of all Loan Documents
are
declared to be severable.
9.10. Nonliability.
The
relationship between the Borrowers individually on the one hand and the Lenders
and the Agent on the other hand shall be solely that of borrower and lender.
None of the Agent, any Arranger, any Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have
any
fiduciary responsibilities to the Borrowers. None of the Agent, any Arranger,
any Issuing Bank or any Lender undertakes any responsibility to the Borrowers
to
review or inform the Borrowers of any matter in connection with any phase of
the
Borrowers’ businesses or operations. The Borrowers agree that none of the Agent,
any Arranger, any Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have liability to the
Borrowers (whether sounding in tort, contract or otherwise) for losses suffered
by the Borrowers in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related
to,
the transactions contemplated and the relationship established by the Loan
Documents, or any act, omission or event occurring in connection therewith,
unless it is determined in a final non-appealable judgment by a court of
competent jurisdiction that such losses resulted from the gross negligence
or
willful misconduct of the party from which recovery is sought. None of the
Borrowers, the Agent, any Arranger, any Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have
any liability with respect to, and each of the Agent, each Arranger, each
Issuing Bank, each Lender and each Borrower hereby waives, releases and agrees
not to xxx for, any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages
suffered by it in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to
the
Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated thereby.
9.11. Confidentiality.
Each
Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees to hold any confidential information which
it may receive from any Borrower pursuant to this Agreement in confidence,
except for disclosure (i) to its Affiliates and to other Borrowers, Lenders
or
Issuing Banks and their respective Affiliates, for use solely in connection
with
the transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) to legal counsel, accountants, and
other professional advisors to such Lender or Issuing Bank or to a Transferee,
in each case which have been informed as to the confidential nature of such
information, for use solely in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, (iii) to regulatory officials having jurisdiction over it or its
Affiliates, (iv) to any Person as required by law, regulation, or legal process,
(v) to any Person in connection with any legal proceeding to which such Lender
or Issuing Bank is a party, (vi) to such Lender’s
or
Issuing Bank’s direct or indirect contractual counterparties in swap agreements
or to legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors to such
counterparties, in each case which have been informed as to the confidential
nature of such information, (vii) as permitted by Section 12.4 and (viii) to
rating agencies if requested or required by such agencies in connection with
a
rating relating to this Agreement or the Advances hereunder.
9.12. Lenders
Not Utilizing Plan Assets.
Each
Lender and Designated Lender represents and warrants that none of the
consideration used by such Lender or Designated Lender to make its Loans
constitutes for any purpose of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code assets of
any
“plan” as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code and the
rights and interests of such Lender or Designated Lender in and under the Loan
Documents shall not constitute such “plan assets” under ERISA.
9.13. Nonreliance.
Each
Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin
stock (as defined in Regulation U) as collateral in the extension or maintenance
of the credit provided for herein.
9.14. Disclosure.
The
Borrowers and each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby acknowledge and agree
that each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their Affiliates from time to time
may
hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with the
Borrowers and their Affiliates.
9.15. USA
Patriot Act.
Each
Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby notifies the Borrowers that pursuant to
the
requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record
information that identifies the Borrowers, which information includes the names
and addresses of the Borrowers and other information that will allow such Lender
to identify the Borrowers in accordance with its requirements. The Borrowers
shall promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender,
provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent
or
such Lender reasonably requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations
under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and
regulations including the USA Patriot Act.
ARTICLE
X
THE
AGENT
10.1. Appointment;
Nature of Relationship.
JPMCB
is hereby appointed by each of the Lenders and each of the Issuing Banks as
its
contractual representative (herein referred to as the “Agent”) hereunder and
under each other Loan Document, and each of the Lenders and the each of the
Issuing Banks irrevocably authorizes the Agent to act as the contractual
representative of such Lender and such Issuing Bank with the rights and duties
expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. The Agent agrees
to
act as such contractual representative upon the express conditions contained
in
this Article X. Notwithstanding the use of the defined term “Agent,” it is
expressly understood and agreed that the Agent shall not have any fiduciary
responsibilities to any Lender or any Issuing Bank by reason of this Agreement
or any other
Loan
Document and that the Agent is merely acting as the contractual representative
of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks with only those duties as are expressly
set
forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In its capacity as the
Lenders’ and the Issuing Banks’ contractual representative, the Agent (i) does
not hereby assume any fiduciary duties to any of the Lenders or the Issuing
Banks, (ii) is a “representative” of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks within
the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the New York Uniform
Commercial Code and (iii) is acting as an independent contractor, the rights
and
duties of which are limited to those expressly set forth in this Agreement
and
the other Loan Documents. Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby
agrees to assert no claim against the Agent on any agency theory or any other
theory of liability for breach of fiduciary duty, all of which claims each
Lender hereby waives.
10.2. Powers.
The
Agent shall have and may exercise such powers under the Loan Documents as are
specifically delegated to the Agent by the terms of each thereof, together
with
such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Agent shall have no
implied duties or fiduciary duties to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, or
any
obligation to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks to take any action thereunder
except any action specifically provided by the Loan Documents to be taken by
the
Agent.
10.3. General
Immunity.
Neither
the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be
liable to the Borrowers, the Lenders or any Lender or any Issuing Bank for
any
action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder or under any other
Loan Document or in connection herewith or therewith except to the extent such
action or inaction is determined in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court
of competent jurisdiction to have arisen from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of such Person.
10.4. No
Responsibility for Loans, Recitals, etc.
Neither
the Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be
responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, or verify (a)
any
statement, warranty or representation made in connection with any Loan Document
or any borrowing hereunder; (b) the performance or observance of any of the
covenants or agreements of any obligor under any Loan Document, including,
without limitation, any agreement by an obligor to furnish information directly
to each Lender and each Issuing Bank; (c) the satisfaction of any condition
specified in Article IV, except receipt of items required to be delivered solely
to the Agent; (d) the existence or possible existence of any Default or
Unmatured Default; (e) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness, sufficiency
or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other instrument or writing furnished
in connection therewith; (f) the value, sufficiency, creation, perfection or
priority of any Lien in any collateral security; or (g) the financial condition
of the Borrowers or any guarantor of any of the Obligations or of any of the
Borrowers’ or any such guarantor’s respective Subsidiaries. The Agent shall have
no duty to disclose to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks information that is
not
required to be furnished by the Borrowers to the Agent at such time, but is
voluntarily furnished by the Borrowers to the Agent (either in its capacity
as
Agent or in its individual capacity).
10.5. Action
on Instructions of Lenders.
The
Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from
acting, hereunder and under any other Loan Document in accordance with written
instructions signed by the Required Lenders (or all of the Lenders in the event
that and to the extent that this Agreement expressly requires such), and such
instructions
and
any
action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding on all of
the
Lenders. The Lenders hereby acknowledge that the Agent shall be under no duty
to
take any discretionary action permitted to be taken by it pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless it shall be
requested in writing to do so by the Required Lenders (or all of the Lenders
in
the event that and to the extent that this Agreement expressly requires such).
The Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action
hereunder and under any other Loan Document unless it shall first be indemnified
to its satisfaction in writing by the Lenders pro rata against any and all
liability, cost and expense that it may incur by reason of taking or continuing
to take any such action.
10.6. Employment
of Agents and Counsel.
The
Agent may execute any of its duties as Agent hereunder and under any other
Loan
Document by or through employees, agents, and attorneys-in-fact and shall not
be
answerable to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, except as to money or securities
received by it or its authorized agents, for the default or misconduct of any
such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with reasonable care. The Agent
shall be entitled to advice of counsel concerning the contractual arrangement
between the Agent and the Lenders and the Issuing Banks and all matters
pertaining to the Agent’s duties hereunder and under any other Loan
Document.
10.7. Reliance
on Documents; Counsel.
The
Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any Note, notice, consent, certificate,
affidavit, letter, telegram, statement, paper or document believed by it to
be
genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper person or
persons, and, in respect to legal matters, upon the opinion of counsel selected
by the Agent, which counsel may be employees of the Agent.
10.8. Agent’s
Reimbursement and Indemnification.
The
Lenders agree to reimburse and indemnify the Agent ratably in proportion to
the
their Pro Rata Shares of the Aggregate Commitment (or, if the Aggregate
Commitment has been terminated, of the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure)
(determined as of the date of any such request by the Agent) (i) for any amounts
not reimbursed by the Borrowers for which the Agent is entitled to reimbursement
by the Borrowers under the Loan Documents, (ii) to the extent not paid by the
Borrowers, for any other expenses incurred by the Agent on behalf of the Lenders
or the Issuing Banks, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery,
administration and enforcement of the Loan Documents (including, without
limitation, for any expenses incurred by the Agent in connection with any
dispute between the Agent and any Lender or between two or more of the Lenders
or Issuing Banks) and (iii) to the extent not paid by the Borrowers, for any
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind and nature whatsoever which may
be
imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to
or
arising out of the Loan Documents or any other document delivered in connection
therewith or the transactions contemplated thereby (including, without
limitation, for any such amounts incurred by or asserted against the Agent
in
connection with any dispute between the Agent and any Lender or between two
or
more of the Lenders or Issuing Banks), or the enforcement of any of the terms
of
the Loan Documents or of any such other documents, provided
that (i)
no Lender shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent any of the
foregoing is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent
jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct
of
the Agent, (ii) any indemnification required pursuant to Section 3.5(vii) shall,
notwithstanding the provisions of this
Section
10.8, be paid by the relevant Lender in accordance with the provisions thereof
and (iii) the Agent shall reimburse the Lenders for any amounts the
Lenders
have paid to the extent such amounts are subsequently recovered from the
Borrowers. The obligations of the Lenders under this Section 10.8 shall survive
payment of the Obligations, termination and expiration of the Letters of Credit
and termination of this Agreement.
10.9. Notice
of Default.
The
Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of
any
Default or Unmatured Default hereunder unless the Agent has received written
notice from a Lender or a Borrower referring to this Agreement describing such
Default or Unmatured Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of
default”. In the event that the Agent receives such a notice, the Agent shall
give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks.
10.10. Rights
as a Lender.
In the
event the Agent is a Lender or an Issuing Bank, the Agent shall have the same
rights and powers hereunder and under any other Loan Document with respect
to
its Commitment and its Credit Extensions as any Lender or any Issuing Bank
and
may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent, and the term “Lender” or
“Lenders” or “Issuing Bank” shall, at any time when the Agent is a Lender or an
Issuing Bank, unless the context otherwise indicates, include the Agent in
its
individual capacity. The Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from,
lend
money to, and generally engage in any kind of trust, debt, equity or other
transaction, in addition to those contemplated by this Agreement or any other
Loan Document, with each Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in which such
Borrower or such Subsidiary is not restricted hereby from engaging with any
other Person. The Agent, in its individual capacity, is not obligated to remain
a Lender.
10.11. Independent
Credit Decision.
Each
Lender and each Issuing Bank acknowledges that it has, independently and without
reliance upon the Agent, any Arranger or any other Lender or any other Issuing
Bank and based on the financial statements prepared by the Borrowers and such
other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will,
independently and without reliance upon the Agent, any Arranger or any other
Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate
at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking
action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
10.12. Successor
Agent.
The
Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders,
the Issuing Banks and the Borrowers, such resignation to be effective upon
the
appointment of a successor Agent or, if no successor Agent has been appointed,
forty-five days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its intention to
resign. The Agent may be removed at any time with or without cause by written
notice received by the Agent from the Required Lenders, such removal to be
effective on the date specified by the Required Lenders. Upon any such
resignation or removal, the Required Lenders, with the consent of the Borrowers
(which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided
that
such consent shall not be required in the event and continuation of a Default),
shall have the right to appoint, on behalf of the Borrowers and the Lenders,
a
successor Agent. If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the
Required Lenders or consented to by the Borrowers within thirty days after
the
resigning Agent’s giving notice of its intention to resign, then the resigning
Agent may
appoint,
on behalf of the Borrowers and the Lenders, a successor Agent. Notwithstanding
the previous sentence, the Agent may at any time without the consent of the
Borrowers or any Lender or any Issuing Bank, appoint any of its Affiliates
which
is a commercial bank as a successor Agent hereunder. If the Agent has resigned
or been removed and no successor Agent has been appointed, the Lenders may
perform all the duties of the Agent hereunder and the Borrowers shall make
all
payments in respect of the Obligations to the applicable Lender and for all
other purposes shall deal directly with the Lenders. No successor Agent shall
be
deemed to be appointed hereunder until such successor Agent has accepted the
appointment. Any such successor Agent shall be a commercial bank having capital
and retained earnings of at least $100,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any
appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such successor Agent shall
thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges
and duties of the resigning or removed Agent. Upon the effectiveness of the
resignation or removal of the Agent, the resigning or removed Agent shall be
discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the Loan
Documents. After the effectiveness of the resignation or removal of an Agent,
the provisions of this Article X shall continue in effect for the benefit of
such Agent in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while
it
was acting as the Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. In the
event that there is a successor to the Agent by merger, or the Agent assigns
its
duties and obligations to an Affiliate pursuant to this Section 10.12, then
the
term “Prime Rate” as used in this Agreement shall mean the prime rate, base rate
or other analogous rate of the new Agent.
10.13. Agent
and Arranger Fees.
The
Company agrees to pay to the Agent and each Arranger, for their respective
accounts, the agent and arranger fees agreed to by the Borrowers, the Agent
and
the Arrangers pursuant to the letter agreements dated June 13, 2005,
or as
otherwise agreed from time to time.
10.14. Delegation
to Affiliates.
The
Borrowers, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks agree that the Agent may delegate
any of its duties under this Agreement to any of its Affiliates. Any such
Affiliate (and such Affiliate’s directors, officers, agents and employees) which
performs duties in connection with this Agreement shall be entitled to the
same
benefits of the indemnification, waiver and other protective provisions to
which
the Agent is entitled under Articles IX and X.
10.15. Syndication
Agent and Documentation Agents.
The
Lender identified in this Agreement as the “Syndication Agent” and the Lenders
identified in this Agreement as the “Documentation Agents” shall have no right,
power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other
than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing,
such Lenders shall not have or be deemed to have a fiduciary relationship with
any other Lender. Each Lender hereby makes the same acknowledgements with
respect to such Lenders as it makes with respect to the Agent in Section
10.11.
ARTICLE
XI
SETOFF;
RATABLE PAYMENTS
11.1. Setoff.
In
addition to, and without limitation of, any rights of the Lenders under
applicable law, if a Borrower becomes insolvent, however evidenced, or any
Default occurs with
respect
to a Borrower, any and all deposits (including all account balances, whether
provisional or final and whether or not collected or available) and any other
Indebtedness at any time held or owing by any Lender (including the Swingline
Lender) or any Affiliate of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to or for the credit
or account of such Borrower may be offset and applied toward the payment of
the
Obligations owing by such Borrower to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, whether
or not the Obligations, or any part thereof, shall then be due.
11.2. Ratable
Payments.
If any
Lender, whether by setoff or otherwise, has payment made to it upon its
Revolving Credit Exposure (other than payments received pursuant to Section
3.1,
3.2, 3.4 or 3.5) in a greater proportion than that received by any other Lender,
such Lender agrees, promptly upon demand, to purchase a participation in the
Aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure held by the other Lenders so that after
such
purchase each Lender will hold its Pro Rata Share of the Aggregate Revolving
Credit Exposure. If any Lender, whether in connection with setoff or amounts
which might be subject to setoff or otherwise, receives collateral or other
protection for its Obligations or such amounts which may be subject to setoff,
such Lender agrees, promptly upon demand, to take such action necessary such
that all Lenders share in the benefits of such collateral ratably in proportion
to their respective Pro Rata Shares of the Aggregate Revolving Credit Exposure.
In case any such payment is disturbed by legal process, or otherwise,
appropriate further adjustments shall be made.
ARTICLE
XII
BENEFIT
OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS
12.1. Successors
and Assigns; Designated Lenders.
12.1.1
Successors
and Assigns.
The
terms and provisions of the Loan Documents shall be binding upon and inure
to
the benefit of the Borrowers, the Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders
and
their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that (i) the
Borrowers shall not have the right to assign their rights or obligations under
the Loan Documents without the prior written consent of the Agent, each Lender
and each Issuing Bank, (ii) any assignment by any Lender must be made in
compliance with Section 12.3, and (iii) any transfer by Participants must be
made in compliance with Section 12.2. Any attempted assignment or transfer
by
any party not made in compliance with this Section 12.1 shall be null and void,
unless such attempted assignment or transfer is treated as a participation
in
accordance with Section 12.3.2. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge that
clause (ii) of this Section 12.1 relates only to absolute assignments and this
Section 12.1 does not prohibit assignments creating security interests,
including, without limitation, (x) any pledge or assignment by any Lender of
all
or any portion of its rights under this Agreement and any Note to a Federal
Reserve Bank, (y) in the case of a Lender which is a Fund, any pledge or
assignment of all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement and any
Note
to its trustee in support of its obligations to its trustee or (z) any pledge
or
assignment by any Lender of all or any portion of its rights under this
Agreement and any Note to direct or indirect contractual counterparties in
swap
agreements
relating
to the Loans; provided, however,
that no
such pledge or assignment creating a security interest shall release the
transferor Lender from its obligations hereunder unless and
until the
parties thereto have complied with the provisions of Section 12.3. The Agent
may
treat the Person which made any Loan or which holds any Note as the owner
thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until such Person complies with
Section 12.3; provided, however,
that the
Agent may in its discretion (but shall not be required to) follow instructions
from the Person which made any Loan or which holds any Note to direct payments
relating to such Loan or Note to another Person. Any assignee of the rights
to
any Loan or any Note agrees by acceptance of such assignment to be bound by
all
the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents. Any request, authority or
consent of any Person, who at the time of making such request or giving such
authority or consent is the owner of the rights to any Loan (whether or not
a
Note has been issued in evidence thereof), shall be conclusive and binding
on
any subsequent holder or assignee of the rights to such Loan.
12.1.2
Designated
Lenders.
(i) |
Subject
to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 12.1.2, any
Lender
may from time to time elect to designate an Eligible Designee to
provide
all or any part of the Loans to be made by such Lender pursuant to
this
Agreement; provided
that the designation of an Eligible Designee by any Lender for purposes
of
this Section 12.1.2 shall be subject to the approval of the Agent
(which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Upon the
execution
by the parties to each such designation of an agreement in the form
of
Exhibit F hereto (a “Designation Agreement”) and the acceptance thereof by
the Agent, the Eligible Designee shall become a Designated Lender
for
purposes of this Agreement. The Designating Lender shall thereafter
have
the right to permit the Designated Lender to provide all or a portion
of
the Loans to be made by the Designating Lender pursuant to the terms
of
this Agreement and the making of such Loans or portion thereof shall
satisfy the obligations of the Designating Lender to the same extent,
and
as if, such Loan was made by the Designating Lender. As to any Loan
made
by it, each Designated Lender shall have all the rights a Lender
making
such Loan would have under this Agreement and otherwise; provided,
(x) that all voting rights under this Agreement shall be exercised
solely
by the Designating Lender, (y) each Designating Lender shall remain
solely
responsible to the other parties hereto for its obligations under
this
Agreement, including the obligations of a Lender in respect of Loans
made
by its Designated Lender and (z) no Designated Lender shall be entitled
to
reimbursement under Article
III
hereof for any amount which would exceed the amount that would have
been
payable by the Borrowers to the Lender from which the Designated
Lender
obtained any interests hereunder. No additional Notes shall be required
with respect to Loans provided by a Designated Lender; provided,
however,
to the extent any Designated Lender shall advance funds, the Designating
Lender shall be deemed to hold the Notes in its possession as an
agent for
such Designated Lender to the extent of the Loan funded by such Designated
Lender. Such Designating Lender shall act as
|
administrative
agent for its Designated Lender and give and receive notices and communications
hereunder. Any payments for the account of any Designated Lender shall be
paid
to its Designating Lender as administrative agent for such Designated Lender
and
neither the Borrowers nor the Agent shall be responsible for any Designating
Lender’s application of such payments. In addition, any Designated Lender may
(1) with notice to, but without the consent of, the Borrowers or the Agent,
assign all or portions of its interests in any Loans to its Designating Lender
or to any financial institution consented to by the Agent providing liquidity
and/or credit facilities to or for the account of such Designated Lender
and (2)
subject to advising any such Person that such information is to be treated
as
confidential in accordance with Section 9.11, disclose on a confidential
basis
any non-public information relating to its Loans to any rating agency,
commercial paper dealer or provider of any guarantee, surety or credit or
liquidity enhancement to such Designated Lender.
(ii) |
Each
party to this Agreement hereby agrees that it shall not institute
against,
or join any other Person in instituting against, any Designated Lender
any
bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation
proceeding or other proceedings under any federal or state bankruptcy
or
similar law for one year and a day after the payment in full of all
outstanding senior indebtedness of any Designated Lender. This Section
12.1.2 shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
|
12.2. Participations.
12.2.1
Permitted
Participants; Effect.
Any
Lender may at any time sell to one or more banks or other entities
(“Participants”) participating interests in any Outstanding Credit Exposure of
such Lender, any Note held by such Lender, any Commitment of such Lender or
any
other interest of such Lender under the Loan Documents. In the event of any
such
sale by a Lender of participating interests to a Participant, such Lender’s
obligations under the Loan Documents shall remain unchanged, such Lender shall
remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of
such obligations, such Lender shall remain the owner of its Outstanding Credit
Exposure and the holder of any Note issued to it in evidence thereof for all
purposes under the Loan Documents, all amounts payable by the Borrowers under
this Agreement shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such
participating interests, and the Borrowers and the Agent shall continue to
deal
solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and
obligations under the Loan Documents.
12.2.2
Voting
Rights.
Each
Lender shall retain the sole right to approve, without the consent of any
Participant, any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the
Loan
Documents other than any amendment, modification or waiver with respect to
any
Credit Extension or Commitment in which such Participant has an interest which
would require consent of all of the Lenders pursuant to the terms of Section
8.2.
12.2.3
Benefit
of Certain Provisions.
The
Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of
setoff provided in Section 11.1 in respect of its participating interest in
amounts owing under the Loan Documents to the same extent as if the amount
of
its participating interest were owing directly to it as a Lender under the
Loan
Documents, provided
that
each Lender shall retain the right of setoff provided in Section 11.1 with
respect to the amount of participating interests sold to each Participant.
The
Lenders agree to share with each Participant, and each Participant, by
exercising the right of setoff provided in Section 11.1, agrees to share with
each Lender, any amount received pursuant to the exercise of its right of
setoff, such amounts to be shared in accordance with Section 11.2 as if each
Participant were a Lender. The Borrowers further agree that each Participant
shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.5 to the
same
extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment
pursuant to Section 12.3, provided
that (i)
a Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section
3.1, 3.2 or 3.5 than the Lender who sold the participating interest to such
Participant would have received had it retained such interest for its own
account, unless the sale of such interest to such Participant is made with
the
prior written consent of the Borrowers, and (ii) any Participant not
incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof
agrees to comply with the provisions of Section 3.5 to the same extent as if
it
were a Lender.
12.3. Assignments.
12.3.1
Permitted
Assignments.
Any
Lender may at any time assign to one or more banks or other entities
(“Purchasers”) all or any part of its rights and obligations under the Loan
Documents. Such assignment shall be evidenced by an agreement substantially
in
the form of Exhibit C or in such other form as may be agreed to by the parties
thereto (each such agreement, an “Assignment Agreement”). Each such assignment
with respect to a Purchaser which is not a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender
or
an Approved Fund shall either be in an amount equal to the entire applicable
Commitment and Outstanding Credit Exposure of the assigning Lender or (unless
each of the Borrowers and the Agent otherwise consents) be in an aggregate
amount not less than $5,000,000. The amount of the assignment shall be based
on
the Commitment or, if the Commitments have been terminated, the Outstanding
Credit Exposure subject to the assignment, determined as of the date of such
assignment or as of the “Trade Date,” if the “Trade Date” is specified in the
Assignment Agreement. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment
of
a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under
this Agreement, except that this sentence shall not apply to rights in respect
of outstanding Competitive Loans.
12.3.2
Consents.
The
consent of the Borrowers shall be required prior to an assignment becoming
effective unless the Purchaser is a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an
Approved Fund, provided
that the
consent of the
Borrowers
shall not be required if (i) a Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii)
such assignment is in connection with the physical settlement of any Lender’s
obligations to direct or indirect contractual counterparties in swap agreements
relating to the Loans; provided,
that
the assignment without the Borrowers’ consent pursuant to clause (ii) shall not
increase the Borrowers’ liability under Section 3.5. The consent of the Agent
and each Issuing Bank shall be required prior to an assignment becoming
effective. Any consent required under this Section 12.3.2 shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed (except that any Issuing Bank may withhold
such
consent in its sole discretion).
12.3.3
Effect;
Effective Date.
Upon
(i) delivery to the Agent of an Assignment Agreement, together with any consents
required by Sections 12.3.1 and 12.3.2, and (ii) payment of a $3,500 fee to
the
Agent for processing such assignment (unless such fee is waived by the Agent),
such assignment shall become effective on the effective date specified in such
assignment. The Assignment Agreement shall contain a representation and warranty
by the Purchaser to the effect that none of the funds, money, assets or other
consideration used to make the purchase and assumption of the Commitment and
Outstanding Credit Exposure under the applicable Assignment Agreement
constitutes “plan assets” as defined under ERISA and that the rights, benefits
and interests of the Purchaser in and under the Loan Documents will not be
“plan
assets” under ERISA. On and after the effective date of such assignment, such
Purchaser shall for all purposes be a Lender party to this Agreement and any
other Loan Document executed by or on behalf of the Lenders and shall have
all
the rights, benefits and obligations of a Lender under the Loan Documents,
to
the same extent as if it were an original party thereto, and the transferor
Lender shall be released with respect to the Commitment and Outstanding Credit
Exposure, if any, assigned to such Purchaser without any further consent or
action by the Borrowers, the Lenders or the Agent. In the case of an assignment
covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights, benefits and obligations under
this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a Lender hereunder but shall
continue to be entitled to the benefits of, and subject to, those provisions
of
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents which survive payment of the
Obligations and termination of the Loan Documents. Any assignment or transfer
by
a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply
with
this Section 12.3 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale
by
such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance
with
Section 12.2. Upon the consummation of any assignment to a Purchaser pursuant
to
this Section 12.3.3, the transferor Lender, the Agent and the Borrowers shall,
if the transferor Lender or the Purchaser desires that its Loans be evidenced
by
Notes, make appropriate arrangements so that, upon cancellation and surrender
to
the Borrowers of the Notes (if any) held by the transferor Lender, new Notes
or,
as appropriate, replacement Notes are issued to such transferor Lender, if
applicable, and new Notes or, as appropriate, replacement Notes, are issued
to
such Purchaser, in each case in principal amounts reflecting their
respective
Commitments (or, if such Commitments have been terminated, their respective
Outstanding Credit Exposure), as adjusted pursuant to such
assignment.
12.3.4
Register.
The
Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrowers (and the
Borrowers hereby designate the Agent to act in such capacity), shall maintain
at
one of its offices in New York, New York a copy of each Assignment and
Assumption delivered to it and a register (the “Register”) for the recordation
of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal
amounts of and interest on the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the
terms
hereof from time to time and whether such Lender is an original Lender or
assignee of another Lender pursuant to an assignment under this Section 13.3.
The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error and
the
Borrowers, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is
recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder
for
all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The
Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers and any Lender,
at
any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior
notice.
12.4. Dissemination
of Information.
The
Borrowers authorize each Lender to disclose to any Participant or Purchaser
or
any other Person acquiring an interest in the Loan Documents by operation of
law
(each a “Transferee”) and any prospective Transferee any and all information in
such Lender’s possession concerning the creditworthiness of the Borrowers and
their Subsidiaries; provided
that
each Transferee and prospective Transferee agrees to be bound by Section 9.11
of
this Agreement.
12.5. Tax
Certifications.
If any
interest in any Loan Document is transferred to any Transferee which is not
incorporated under the laws of the United States or any State thereof, the
transferor Lender shall cause such Transferee, concurrently with the
effectiveness of such transfer, to comply with the provisions of Section
3.5(iv).
ARTICLE
XIII
NOTICES
13.1. Notices.
(a)
Except
in
the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given
by
telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered
by
hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or
sent by telecopy, as follows:
(i) |
if
to any Borrower, to it in care of Ameren Corporation, 0000 Xxxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xx. Xxxxx, XX 00000, Attention of Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Vice
President and Treasurer (Telecopy No. (000)
000-0000);
|
(ii) |
if
to the Agent, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Loan and Agency Services
Group, 0000 Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx, XX 00000, Attention: Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx (Telecopy No. (000) 000-0000), with a copy to JPMorgan
Chase
Bank, N.A., 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000, Attention of Xxxxxxx
X.
XxXxxxx (Telecopy No. (000)
000-0000);
|
(iii) |
if
to any other Lender or Issuing Bank, to it at its address (or telecopy
number) set forth in its Administrative
Questionnaire.
|
(b)
Notices
and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may
be
delivered or furnished by electronic communications pursuant to procedures
approved by the Agent; provided
that the
foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II unless otherwise
agreed by the Agent and the applicable Lender. The Agent or any Borrower may,
in
its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder
by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided
that
approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or
communications.
(c)
Any
party
hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other
communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices
and
other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions
of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of
receipt.
13.2. Change
of Address.
Any
Borrower, the Agent, any Issuing Bank and any Lender may each change the address
for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the other parties
hereto.
ARTICLE
XIV
COUNTERPARTS
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken
together shall constitute one agreement, and any of the parties hereto may
execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart. This Agreement shall
be
effective when it has been executed by the Borrowers, the Agent, the Issuing
Banks and the Lenders and each party has notified the Agent by facsimile
transmission or telephone that it has taken such action.
ARTICLE
XV
CHOICE
OF LAW; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
15.1 CHOICE
OF LAW.
THE LOAN DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINING A CONTRARY EXPRESS CHOICE OF
LAW
PROVISION) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL
LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
15.2 CONSENT
TO JURISDICTION.
EACH BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION
OF
ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL OR NEW YORK STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW
YORK,
NEW YORK, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN
DOCUMENTS AND EACH BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT
OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN ANY SUCH COURT
AND
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AS TO THE VENUE
OF
ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH A COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT
IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT OF THE AGENT
OR
ANY LENDER TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY BORROWER IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER
JURISDICTION. ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING BY ANY BORROWER AGAINST THE AGENT OR
ANY
LENDER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED
WITH
ANY LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN NEW YORK, NEW
YORK.
15.3 WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL.
EACH BORROWER, THE AGENT, EACH ISSUING BANK AND EACH LENDER HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL
BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER
(WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF,
RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE RELATIONSHIP ESTABLISHED
THEREUNDER.
ARTICLE
XVI
TERMINATION
OF CERTAIN EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENTS WAIVER OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS
THEREUNDER
The
Company, the Lenders, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent under
the Existing Three-Year Credit Agreement and the Existing Amended Three-Year
Credit Agreement, and the Agent agree that upon (i) the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by each of the parties hereto and
(ii) satisfaction (or waiver by the Agent and the Lenders) of the
conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.1, the “Commitments” under
and as
defined in each of the Existing Three-Year Credit Agreement and the Existing
Amended Three-Year Credit Agreement shall be reduced to zero and terminated
permanently as of the Closing Date. All facility fees and related fees payable
pursuant to the Existing Three-Year Credit Agreement and the Existing Amended
Three-Year Credit Agreement shall be due and payable on the effective date
of
the termination of each such agreement, which date shall be the Closing Date,
and the Existing Three-Year Credit Agreement and the Existing Amended Three-Year
Credit Agreement shall terminate as of the Closing Date (except for those
provisions that survive the termination thereof). As of the Closing Date, the
Agent and each of the Lenders hereunder party to the Existing Three-Year Credit
Agreement and the Existing Amended Three-Year Credit Agreement, upon the
satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.1, hereby waive
the Company’s compliance with any notice requirements set forth in each of the
Existing Three-Year Credit Agreement and the Existing Amended Three-Year Credit
Agreement with respect to (a) the prepayment of all of the “Obligations”
outstanding under (and as defined in) each of the Existing Three-Year Credit
Agreement
and the Existing Amended Three-Year Credit Agreement and (b) the termination
of
the “Commitments” under (and as defined in) each of the Existing Three-Year
Credit Agreement and the Existing Amended Three-Year Credit
Agreement.
[Signature
Pages Follow]
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
p]]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Agent have executed this
Agreement as of the date first above written.
AMEREN
CORPORATION,
|
by
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice President and Treasurer
|
|
|
UNION
ELECTRIC COMPANY,
|
by
|
|
/s/ Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx |
|
Name:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice President and Treasurer
|
|
|
CENTRAL
ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY,
|
by
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Name: Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Title: Vice
President and Treasurer
|
|
|
CENTRAL
ILLINOIS LIGHT COMPANY,
|
by
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice
President and Treasurer
|
|
|
AMEREN
ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY,
|
by
|
|
/s/ Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx |
|
Name:
Xxxxx
X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice President and Treasurer
|
|
|
SIGNATURE
PAGE TO
AMEREN
CORPORATION FIVE-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
ILLINOIS
POWER COMPANY,
|
by
|
|
/s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice President and Treasurer
|
|
|
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., as
Agent,
as a Lender and as an Issuing Bank,
|
by
|
|
/s/ Xxxxxxx X.
XxXxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice President
|
|
|
BARCLAYS
BANK PLC, as
Syndication
Agent,
as a Lender and as an Issuing Bank,
|
by
|
|
/s/ Sydney X.
Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Sydney X. Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Director
|
|
|
SIGNATURE
PAGE TO
AMEREN
CORPORATION FIVE-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
[[NYCORP:2512115v11:4432D:07/13/05--05:39
p]]
XXXXXX
BROTHERS BANK, FSB,
|
|
|
by
/s/ Xxxx X.
Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Senior
Vice President
|
|
|
CITIBANK,
N.A.,
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice
President
|
|
|
THE
BANK
OF NEW YORK,
|
|
|
by
/s/ Xxxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx
|
|
Name: Xxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxxx
|
|
Title: Vice
President
|
|
|
BNP
PARIBAS,
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxxx
XxXxxxx
|
|
Title:
Managing
Director
|
|
|
|
by
/s/ Xxxx
Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxx
Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Managing
Director
|
|
|
THE
BANK
OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI, LTD.,
CHICAGO
BRANCH,
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
Tsuguyuki
Umene
|
|
Title:
Deputy
General Manager
|
|
|
SIGNATURE
PAGE TO
AMEREN
CORPORATION FIVE-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
UBS
LOAN
FINANCE LLC,
|
|
|
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxxx
X. Saint
|
|
Title:
Director
Banking Products Services, US
|
|
|
|
by
/s/ Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Associate
Director Banking Products Services, US
|
|
|
US
BANK,
|
|
by
/s/ Xxxxx
Xxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxx
Xxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice
President
|
|
|
WACHOVIA
BANK, N.A.,
|
|
by /s/ Xxxxxxxx X.
Xxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxxxx
X. Xxxxx
|
|
Title:
Assistant
Vice President
|
|
|
XXXXXXX
STREET COMMITMENT
CORPORATION
(Recourse only to assets of
Xxxxxxx
Street Commitment Corporation),
|
|
|
by
/s/ Manda
D’Agata
|
|
Name:
Manda
D’Agata
|
|
Title:
Assistant
Vice President
|
|
|
HSBC
BANK
USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
|
|
|
by /s/
Xxxx
Aldeanueva
|
|
Name:
Xxxx
Aldeanueva
|
|
Title:
Vice
President
|
|
|
FIFTH
THIRD BANK,
|
|
|
by
/s/ Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice
President
|
|
|
SIGNATURE
PAGE TO
AMEREN
CORPORATION FIVE-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
MELLON
BANK, N.A.,
|
|
|
by
/s/ Xxxx X.
Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice
President
|
|
|
THE
NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY,
|
|
|
by /s/
Xxxxxxxx X.
Xxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxxxxx
X. Xxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice
President
|
|
|
COMMERCE
BANK, N.A.,
|
|
|
by /s/
Xxxxx X.
Xxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxxx
X. Xxxx
|
|
Title:
Commercial
Loan Officer
|
|
|
NATIONAL
CITY BANK OF THE MIDWEST,
|
|
|
by /s/
Xxxx
Xxxxxxx
|
|
Name:
Xxxx
Xxxxxxx
|
|
Title:
Vice
President
|
|
|
UMB
BANK,
N.A.,
|
|
|
by
/s/ Xxxxx X.
Xxxx
|
|
Name: Xxxxx
X. Xxxx
|
|
Title:
Executive
Vice President
|
|
|
SIGNATURE
PAGE TO
AMEREN
CORPORATION FIVE-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
[[NYCORP:2512115v11:4432D:07/13/05--05:39
p]]
FIVE-YEAR
REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
Lender
|
Commitment
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.
|
$100,000,000.00
|
Barclays
Bank PLC
|
100,000,000.00
|
Xxxxxx
Brothers Bank, FSB
|
100,000,000.00
|
Citibank,
N.A.
|
82,500,000.00
|
The
Bank of New York
|
82,500,000.00
|
BNP
Paribas
|
82,500,000.00
|
The
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Ltd.
|
73,000,000.00
|
UBS
Loan Finance LLC
|
73,000,000.00
|
US
Bank, N.A.
|
73,000,000.00
|
Wachovia
Bank, N.A.
|
73,000,000.00
|
Xxxxxxx
Street Commitment Corporation
|
73,000,000.00
|
HSBC
Bank USA, N.A.
|
65,000,000.00
|
Fifth
Third Bank
|
40,000,000.00
|
Mellon
Bank, N.A.
|
40,000,000.00
|
The
Northern Trust Company
|
36,000,000.00
|
Commerce
Bank, N.A.
|
20,000,000.00
|
National
City Bank
|
20,000,000.00
|
UMB
Bank, N.A.
|
16,500,000.00
|
|
|
Aggregate
Commitment
|
$1,150,000,000.00
|
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
p]]
LC
COMMITMENT SCHEDULE TO
FIVE-YEAR
REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
Issuing
Bank
|
LC
Commitment
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.
|
$575,000,000.00
|
Barclays
Bank PLC
|
575,000,000.00
|
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
p]]
PRICING
SCHEDULE
|
Level
I
Status
|
Level
II
Status
|
Level
III
Status
|
Level
IV
Status
|
Level
V
Status
|
Level
VI
Status
|
LIBOR
Spread/LC Participation Fee (when Usage ≤ 50.0%)
|
0.180%
|
0.220%
|
0.350%
|
0.425%
|
0.500%
|
0.800%
|
ABR
Spread (when Usage ≤ 50.0%)
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
LIBOR
Spread/LC Participation Fee (when Usage > 50.0%)
|
0.280%
|
0.320%
|
0.450%
|
0.525%
|
0.600%
|
1.050%
|
ABR
Spread (when Usage > 50.0%)
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
0.000%
|
0.050%
|
Facility
Fee
|
0.070%
|
0.080%
|
0.100%
|
0.125%
|
0.150%
|
0.200%
|
“Level
I
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, the applicable Borrower’s Xxxxx’x
Rating is A2 or better or the applicable Borrower’s S&P Rating is A or
better.
“Level
II
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) the applicable Borrower has not
qualified for Level I Status and (ii) the applicable Borrower’s Xxxxx’x Rating
is A3 or better or the applicable Borrower’s S&P Rating is A- or
better.
“Level
III Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) the applicable Borrower has
not qualified for Level I Status or Level II Status and (ii) the applicable
Borrower’s Xxxxx’x Rating is Baa1 or better or the applicable Borrower’s S&P
Rating is BBB+ or better.
“Level
IV
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) the applicable Borrower has not
qualified for Level I Status, Level II Status or Level III Status and (ii)
the
applicable Borrower’s Xxxxx’x Rating is Baa2 or better or the applicable
Borrower’s S&P Rating is BBB or better.
“Level
V
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) the applicable Borrower has not
qualified for Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status or Level IV
Status and (ii) the
applicable
Borrower’s Xxxxx’x Rating is Baa3 or better or the applicable Borrower’s S&P
Rating is BBB- or better.
“Level
VI
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, the applicable Borrower has not
qualified for Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status, Level IV
Status, or Level V Status.
“Xxxxx’x
Rating” means, at any time, one of the following three ratings (in the order in
which they are to be referenced based on availablity): (i) the public rating
issued by Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and then in effect with
respect to the applicable Borrower’s senior unsecured long-term debt securities
without third-party credit enhancement, (ii) the public rating issued by Moody’s
and then in effect with respect to the applicable Borrower’s Obligations under
this Agreement without third-party credit enhancement or (iii) the rating one
level below the rating issued by Moody’s and then in effect with respect to the
applicable Borrower’s senior secured long-term debt or first mortgage bond
obligations (in each case, without third-party credit enhancement).
“S&P
Rating” means, at any time, one of the following three ratings (in the order in
which they are to be referenced based on availability): (i) the public rating
issued by Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”) and then in effect
with respect to the applicable Borrower’s senior unsecured long-term debt
securities without third-party credit enhancement, (ii) the public rating issued
by S&P and then in effect with respect to the applicable Borrower’s
Obligations under this Agreement without third-party credit enhancement or
(iii)
the rating one level below the rating issued by S&P and then in effect with
respect to the applicable Borrower’s senior secured long-term debt or first
mortgage bond obligations (in each case, without third-party credit
enhancement).
“Status”
means Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status, Level IV Status, Level
V Status or Level IV Status.
“Usage”
refers to the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure on any date expressed as
a
percentage of the Aggregate Commitment on such date.
The
Applicable Margin shall be determined in accordance with the foregoing table
based on the applicable Borrower’s Status as determined from its then-current
Xxxxx’x Rating and S&P Rating. The Applicable Fee Rate shall be determined
(a) with respect to Facility Fees, in accordance with the foregoing table based
on the Company’s Status as determined from its then-current Xxxxx’x Rating and
S&P Rating and (b) with respect to LC Participation Fees, in accordance with
the foregoing table based on the applicable Borrower’s Status as determined from
its then-current Xxxxx’x Rating and S&P Rating. The credit rating in effect
on any date for the purposes of this Schedule is that in effect at the close
of
business on such date. If at any time any Borrower has no Xxxxx’x Rating or no
S&P Rating, Level VI Status shall exist with respect to such
Borrower.
If
the
Company or the applicable Borrower is split-rated and the ratings differential
is one level, then each rating agency will be deemed to have a rating in the
higher level. If the Company or the applicable Borrower is split-rated and
the
ratings differential is two levels or more, then each rating agency will be
deemed to have a rating one level above the lower rating,
unless
either rating is below BB+ or unrated (in the case of S&P) or below Ba1 or
unrated (in the case of Moody’s), in which case each rating agency will be
deemed to have a rating in the lower level.
SCHEDULE
1
SUBSIDIARIES
(See
Section 5.8)
|
Subsidiary
|
Jurisdiction
of
Organization
|
Owned
By
|
Percent
Ownership
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.
|
Union
Electric Company
|
Missouri
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
2.
|
Central
Illinois Public Service Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
3.
|
CIPSCO
Investment Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
4.
|
Ameren
Energy, Inc.
|
Missouri
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
5.
|
Ameren
Services Company
|
Missouri
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
6.
|
Ameren
Development Company
|
Missouri
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
7.
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
8.
|
AmerenEnergy
Xxxxxx Valley Cogen (No. 4), L.L.C.
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
100%
|
9.
|
AmerenEnergy
Xxxxxx Valley Cogen (No. 2), L.L.C.
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
100%
|
10.
|
AmerenEnergy
Xxxxxx Operations, L.L.C.
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
100%
|
11.
|
AmerenEnergy
Xxxxxx Valley Cogen, L.L.C.
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
100%
|
12.
|
Electric
Energy, Inc.
|
Illinois
|
Union
Electric Company
|
40%
|
|
|
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
40%
|
a.
|
Joppa
& Eastern Railroad Company
|
Illinois
|
Electric
Energy, Inc.
|
100%
|
b.
|
Met-South,
Inc.
|
Illinois
|
Electric
Energy, Inc.
|
100%
|
c.
|
Midwest
Electric Power, Inc.
|
Illinois
|
Electric
Energy, Inc.
|
100%
|
d.
|
Southern
Materials Transfer, Inc.
|
Illinois
|
Electric
Energy, Inc.
|
100%
|
e.
|
Massac
Enterprises, LLC
|
Illinois
|
Electric
Energy, Inc.
|
100%
|
f.
|
Joppa
Generating Station, LLC
|
Illinois
|
Electric
Energy, Inc.
|
100%
|
13.
|
Union
Electric Development Corporation
|
Missouri
|
Union
Electric Company
|
100%
|
14.
|
Illinois
Materials Supply Co.
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
100%
|
15.
|
Ameren
Energy Marketing Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
100%
|
16.
|
Ameren
Energy Development Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
100%
|
17.
|
Ameren
Energy Generating Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Development Company
|
100%
|
18.
|
Coffeen
and Western Railroad Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Generating
|
100%
|
19.
|
Ameren
Energy Fuels and Services Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Resources Company
|
100%
|
20.
|
Ameren
Energy Communications, Inc.
|
Missouri
|
Ameren
Development Company
|
100%
|
21.
|
Ameren
ERC, Inc.
|
Missouri
|
Ameren
Development Company
|
100%
|
22.
|
Missouri
Central Railroad Company
|
Delaware
|
Ameren
ERC, Inc.
|
100%
|
23.
|
Gateway
Energy Systems, L.C.
|
Missouri
|
Ameren
ERC, Inc.
|
89.1%
|
24.
|
Gateway
Energy WGK Project, L.L.C.
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
ERC, Inc.
|
89.1%
|
25.
|
CIPS
Energy, Inc.
|
Illinois
|
Central
Illinois Public Service Company
|
100%
|
26.
|
CIPSCO
Venture Company
|
Illinois
|
Central
Illinois Public Service Company
|
100%
|
27.
|
CIPSCO
Securities Company
|
Illinois
|
CIPSCO
Investment Company
|
100%
|
28.
|
CIPSCO
Leasing Company
|
Illinois
|
CIPSCO
Investment Company
|
100%
|
29.
|
CIPSCO
Energy Company
|
Illinois
|
CIPSCO
Investment Company
|
100%
|
30.
|
CLC
Aircraft Leasing Co.
|
Illinois
|
CIPSCO
Leasing Company
|
100%
|
31.
|
CLC
Leasing Co. A
|
Illinois
|
CIPSCO
Leasing Company
|
100%
|
32.
|
CEC-ACLP-Co.
|
Illinois
|
CIPSCO
Energy Company
|
100%
|
33.
|
Cowboy
Railroad Development Company
|
Arkansas
|
Ameren
Energy Fuels and Services Company
|
70.97%
|
34.
|
AFS
Development Company, LLC
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Energy Fuels and Services Company
|
100%
|
35.
|
CILCORP
Inc.
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
36.
|
Central
Illinois Light Company
|
Illinois
|
CILCORP
Inc.
|
100%
|
37.
|
CILCO
Exploration and Development Co.
|
Illinois
|
Central
Illinois Light Company
|
100%
|
38.
|
AmerenEnergy
Resources Generating Company
|
Illinois
|
Central
Illinois Light Company
|
100%
|
39.
|
CILCO
Energy Corporation
|
Illinois
|
Central
Illinois Light Company
|
100%
|
40.
|
CILCORP
Investment Management Inc.
|
Illinois
|
CILCORP
Inc.
|
100%
|
41.
|
CIM
Air Leasing Inc.
|
Illinois
|
CILCORP
Investment Management Inc.
|
100%
|
42.
|
CIM
Energy Investment Inc.
|
Illinois
|
CILCORP
Investment Management Inc.
|
100%
|
43.
|
CIM
Leasing Inc.
|
Delaware
|
CILCORP
Investment Management Inc.
|
100%
|
44.
|
CILCORP
Lease Management Inc.
|
Delaware
|
CILCORP
Investment Management Inc.
|
100%
|
45.
|
CLM
Inc., IV
|
Delaware
|
CILCORP
Lease Management Inc.
|
100%
|
46.
|
CLM
Inc. - VII
|
Delaware
|
CILCORP
Lease Management Inc.
|
100%
|
47.
|
CLM
Inc. - VIII
|
Delaware
|
CILCORP
Lease Management Inc.
|
100%
|
48.
|
CLM
X, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
CILCORP
Lease Management Inc.
|
100%
|
49.
|
CLM
Inc., VI
|
Delaware
|
CLM
X, Inc.
|
100%
|
50.
|
CLM
XI, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
CLM
X, Inc.
|
100%
|
51.
|
CLM
XII, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
CILCORP
Lease Management Inc.
|
100%
|
52.
|
QST
Enterprises Inc.
|
Illinois
|
CILCORP
Inc.
|
100%
|
53.
|
QST
Energy Inc.
|
Illinois
|
QST
Enterprises Inc.
|
100%
|
54.
|
QST
Energy Trading Inc.
|
Illinois
|
QST
Energy Inc.
|
100%
|
55.
|
CILCORP
Infraservices Inc.
|
Illinois
|
QST
Enterprises Inc.
|
100%
|
56.
|
QST
Inc.
|
Illinois
|
QST
Enterprises Inc.
|
100%
|
57.
|
ESE
Land Corporation
|
Illinois
|
QST
Enterprises Inc.
|
100%
|
58.
|
Savannah
Resources Corp.
|
California
|
ESE
Land Corporation
|
100%
|
59.
|
ESE
Placentia Development Corporation
|
Illinois
|
ESE
Land Corporation
|
100%
|
60.
|
CILCORP
Venture Inc.
|
Illinois
|
CILCORP
Inc.
|
100%
|
61.
|
CILCORP
Energy Services Inc.
|
Illinois
|
CILCORP
Venture Inc.
|
100%
|
62.
|
Agricultural
Research & Development Corp.
|
Illinois
|
CILCORP
Venture Inc.
|
80%
|
63.
|
Illinois
Power Company
|
Illinois
|
Ameren
Corporation
|
100%
|
64.
|
IP
Gas Supply Company
|
Illinois
|
Illinois
Power Company
|
100%
|
65.
|
Illinois
Power Transmission Company, LLC
|
Delaware
|
Illinois
Power Company
|
100%
|
66.
|
Illinois
Power Securitization Limited Liability Company
|
Delaware
|
Illinois
Power Company
|
100%
|
67.
|
Illinois
Power Special Purpose Trust
|
Delaware
|
Illinois
Power Securitization Limited Liability Company
|
100%
|
68.
|
Illinois
Power Financing I
|
Delaware
|
Illinois
Power Company
|
100%
|
69.
|
Illinois
Power Financing II
|
Delaware
|
Illinois
Power Company
|
100%
|
SCHEDULE
2
LIENS
(See
Section 6.13)
None.
SCHEDULE
3
EXISTING
RESTRICTIONS
(See
Section 6.16)
Following
are the agreements or other arrangements existing as of the effective date
of
the Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 14, 2005, (the
“Agreement”), among the Borrower, the lending institutions identified therein as
Lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent and provisions, that
prohibit, restrict or impose any condition upon the ability of any Subsidiary
(other than a Project Finance Subsidiary) to pay dividends or make any other
distribution on its common stock; to pay any Indebtedness or other obligation
owed to the Company or any other Subsidiary; or to make loans or advances or
other Investments in the Company or any other Subsidiary. The following list
does not include restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by the
above-referenced Agreement. Terms defined in the above-referenced Agreement
are
used herein with the same meanings.
Union
Electric
Union
Electric Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures 7.69% Series A due 2036:
Dividend Restriction. If Union Electric exercises its right to extend the
interest payment period on the debentures, Union Electric may not, during any
such extension period, declare or pay any dividend on, or redeem, purchase,
acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock
or make any guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing.
CIPS
CIPS
Restated Articles of Incorporation: Dividend Restriction. So long as any shares
of the Cumulative Preferred Stock of CIPS are outstanding, dividends on CIPS’
common stock are restricted at any time when the ratio of common stock equity
to
total capitalization is not in excess of 25 percent.
CIPS
Indenture of Mortgage dated October 1, 1941, as supplemented and amended:
Dividend Restriction. So long as any of the present First Mortgage Bonds issued
under this indenture are outstanding, no dividends may be declared or paid
on
CIPS’ common stock, unless during the period from December 31, 1940 to the date
of payment of such dividends, the amounts expended by CIPS for maintenance
and
repairs, plus the amounts provided for depreciation of the mortgaged properties,
plus the accumulations to earned surplus shall be at least equal to the amount
required to be expended by CIPS during such period for the purposes specified
in
Section 1 of Article VII of this indenture.
Genco
Genco
Indenture dated November 1, 2000, as supplemented: Restricted/Conditional
Payments. So long as any senior notes are outstanding, (a) if Genco’s Senior
Debt Service Coverage Ratio calculated on a Pro-Forma Basis (both as defined
in
Article I of this indenture) is below 1.75 to 1.0 for the most recently ended
four fiscal quarters prior to the date of measurement or, based on projections
prepared by Genco, below 1.75 to 1.0 (or 1.50 to 1.0 under circumstances
described
in
Section 3.11(b) of this indenture) for any of the succeeding four six-month
periods from the month including the date of measurement, Genco may not (i)
pay
dividends on or redeem or repurchase its capital stock or (ii) make payments
of
principal or interest on any subordinated indebtedness Genco has issued except
for Genco’s $552 million promissory note with CIPS dated May 1, 2000 unless any
such redemption or repurchase of capital stock or subordinated indebtedness
is
paid from proceeds received from the concurrent issuance of capital stock or
other subordinated indebtedness, and (b) Genco may not make any principal
payment on the $552 million promissory note with CIPS other than the final
payment due upon maturity if Genco does not have sufficient Available Cash
(as
defined in Article I of this indenture) to do so. There are no restrictions
or
conditions in the Indenture limiting Genco’s ability to make repayments of
borrowings under, or investments in, the Company’s Non-utility Money Pool
Agreement.
CILCORP
CILCORP
(as successor to Midwest Energy, Inc.) Indenture dated as of October 18, 1999,
as supplemented and/or amended: Limitation on Distributions. CILCORP shall
not
make or pay any dividend, distribution or payment (including by way of
redemption, repurchase, retirement, return or repayment) in respect of shares
of
its capital stock to any of its shareholders unless there exists no event of
default under the indenture and no such event of default will result from the
making of such distribution, and either (a) at the time and as a result of
making such distribution CILCORP’s leverage ratio does not exceed 0.67:1 and
CILCORP’s interest coverage ratio is not less than 2.2:1, or (b) if CILCORP is
not in compliance with the ratios described in clause (a) above, its senior
long-term debt ratings are at least BB+ from S&P, Baa2 from Xxxxx’x and BBB
from Fitch, Inc.
CILCORP
(as successor to Midwest Energy, Inc.) Indenture dated as of October 18, 1999,
as supplemented and/or amended: Limitation on Intercompany Loans. CILCORP shall
not make any intercompany loan to The AES Corporation or any of its affiliates
(other than CILCORP or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries) unless there
exists no event of default under the indenture and no such event of default
will
result from the making of such intercompany loan, and either (a) at the time
and
as a result of making such intercompany loan CILCORP’s leverage ratio does not
exceed 0.67:1 and CILCORP’s interest coverage ratio is not less than 2.2:1, or
(b) if CILCORP is not in compliance with the ratios described in clause (a)
above, its senior long-term debt ratings are at least BB+ from S&P, Baa2
from Xxxxx’x and BBB from Fitch, Inc.
CILCORP
Pledge Agreement dated as of October 18, 1999, as amended or supplemented:
Encumbrance on CILCO Common Dividends. Common stock of CILCO is pledged as
collateral to holders of CILCORP indebtedness issued under the indenture
referred to above. Also included as collateral are all dividends, cash,
instruments and other property and proceeds distributed in respect of such
common stock excluding all cash dividends paid so long as no event of default
shall have occurred and be continuing. Any and all (i) dividends and other
distributions (other than cash dividends) received, receivable or otherwise
distributed in respect of, or in exchange for, any collateral (including the
CILCO common stock) and (ii) cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed in
redemption of, or in exchange for, any collateral, shall be delivered to the
collateral agent under this agreement to hold as collateral.
CILCORP
By-Laws: Limitation on Intercompany Loans. CILCORP may not make loans or
advances to its parent or any of its affiliates with the exception of
subsidiaries of CILCORP. CILCORP also may not acquire obligations or securities
of its parent or any of its affiliates with the exception of subsidiaries of
CILCORP.
CILCO
CILCO
Articles of Incorporation: Dividend Restriction. No dividends shall be paid
on
CILCO’s common stock if, at the time of declaration, the balance of retained
earnings does not equal at least two times the annual dividend requirement
on
all outstanding shares of preferred stock and amounts to be paid or set aside
for any sinking fund for the retirement of Class A Preferred Stock of any series
have not been paid or set aside.
IP
IP
11 ½%
Mortgage Bonds due 2010: Triggering Events. A “Triggering Event” will occur
under these bonds if IP declares or pays any dividends or makes any other
payment or distribution with respect to IP’s common stock, or makes any loan to
or certain investments in any affiliate other than a subsidiary, unless the
aggregate amount of such payments, along with other restricted payments defined
in the related financing documents, do not exceed $5 million in the aggregate,
or unless a) no default would occur as the result of making such payment, b)
at
the time of, and after giving effect to such payment, IP would be able to incur
additional indebtedness pursuant to a fixed charge coverage ratio test set
forth
in the related financing documents, and c) such payment, along with all other
such restricted payments made since the offering date of these bonds is less
than the sum of 50% of consolidated net income of IP since the offering of
these
bonds plus net cash proceeds received by IP through equity infusions or other
permitted means. Upon the occurrence of a “Triggering Event,” the holders of at
least 25% of these bonds will be able to require the redemption of these bonds
at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount plus
accrued and unpaid interest. IP will not be subject to the “Triggering Events”
described above at any time that these bonds are rated investment grade by
both
S&P and Xxxxx’x.
Illinois
Power Securitization Limited Liability Company - as “Grantee” under Illinois
Power Special Purpose Trust $864,000,000 Illinois Power Special Purpose Trust
Transitional Funding Trust Notes, Series 1998-1: Limitation on Intercompany
Loans. Grantee may not make any loan, advance or certain other investments
to or
in any other person.
Illinois
Power Special Purpose Trust $864,000,000 Illinois Power Special Purpose Trust
Transitional Funding Trust Notes, Series 1998-1: Dividend Restriction. So long
as any Transitional Funding Trust Notes are outstanding, the Trust shall not,
directly or indirectly, (a) pay any dividend or make any distribution (by
reduction of capital or otherwise), whether in cash, property, securities or
a
combination thereof, to any owner of a beneficial interest in the Trust or
otherwise with respect to any ownership or equity interest or similar security
in or of the Trust, (b) redeem, purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value
any such ownership or equity interest or similar security or (c) set aside
or
otherwise segregate any amounts for any such purpose; provided, however, that,
if no event of default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trust may
make, or cause to be made, any such distributions to any owner of a
beneficial
interest
in the Trust or otherwise with respect to any ownership or equity interest
or
similar security in or of the Trust using funds distributed to the Trust under
certain provisions of the indenture relating to the Transitional Funding Trust
Notes providing for payment to the Trust of balance of Trust accounts after
principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all Transitional Funding
Trust
Notes of all series and a number of other amounts have been paid, to the extent
that such distributions would not cause the book value of the remaining equity
in the Trust to decline below 0.5% of the original principal amount of all
series of Transitional Funding Trust Notes which remain
outstanding.
Illinois
Power Special Purpose Trust $864,000,000 Illinois Power Special Purpose Trust
Transitional Funding Trust Notes, Series 1998-1: Limitation on Intercompany
Loans. The Trust may not make any loan, advance or certain other investments
to
or in any other person.
SCHEDULE
4
REGULATORY
AUTHORIZATIONS
(See
Section 4.1.6)
The
Securities and Exchange Commission has issued the following orders under the
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 to authorize the incurrence by Ameren
Corporation (the “Company”), Union Electric Company (“Union Electric”), Central
Illinois Public Service Company (“CIPS”), Central Illinois Light Company
(“CILCO”) and Illinois Power Company (“IP”) of the Indebtedness contemplated by
this Agreement:
· |
Order
Authorizing Various Financing and Related Transactions, Reservations
of
Jurisdiction issued on June 18, 2004 and expiring on June 30, 2007
(Release No. 35-27860; 70-10206): authorizes the Company to issue
and sell
(i) short-term debt in an aggregate principal amount at any
time
outstanding not to exceed $1,500,000,000; and (ii) common stock,
preferred
stock, equity-linked securities, preferred securities and/or unsecured
long-term debt in an aggregate amount at any time outstanding not
to
exceed $2,500,000,000
|
· |
Order
Authorizing Issuance of Short-Term Debt; Money Pool; Reservation
of
Jurisdiction issued on February 27, 2003 and expiring on March 31,
2006
(Release No. 35-27655; 70-10106): authorizes Union Electric and CIPS
to
issue and sell short-term debt in an aggregate principal amount at
any
time outstanding not to exceed $1,000,000,000 and $250,000,000,
respectively.
|
· |
Order
Authorizing Acquisition of Exempt Holding Company, Internal and External
Financing Transactions, Retention of Nonutility Business and Continued
Exemptions; Reservation of Jurisdiction issued on January 29, 2003
and
expiring on March 31, 2006 (Release No. 35-27645; 70-10078): authorizes
CILCO to issue and sell short-term debt in an aggregate principal
amount
at any time outstanding not to exceed
$250,000,000.
|
· |
Order
Authorizing Acquisition of Illinois Power and Related Financing;
Reservation of Jurisdiction issued on September 27, 2004 and expiring
on
June 30, 2007 (Release No. 35-27896; 70-10220): authorizes
IP to
issue and sell short-term debt in an aggregate principal amount at
any
time outstanding not to exceed
$500,000,000.
|
The
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued the following order under the
Federal Power Act to authorize the incurrence by Ameren Energy Generating
Company (“Genco”) of the Indebtedness contemplated by this
Agreement:
· |
Letter
order issued on June 22, 2004 and expiring June 22, 2006 (Docket
No.
ES04-19-000): authorizes Genco to issue and sell short-term debt
in an
aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed
$300,000,000.
|
EXHIBIT
A.1
FORM
OF OPINION
July
14,
2005
To
the
Lenders and
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as
Administrative
Agent
000
Xxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
XX 00000
Dear
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I
am the
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Ameren Corporation,
a
Missouri corporation (the “Company”),
and
its subsidiaries Union Electric Company, a Missouri corporation, Central
Illinois Public Service Company, an Illinois corporation, Central Illinois
Light
Company, an Illinois corporation, Ameren Energy Generating Company, an Illinois
corporation and Illinois Power Company, an Illinois corporation (the Company
and
such subsidiaries each a “Borrower”
and
collectively, the “Borrowers”).
I, or
lawyers under my direction, have acted as counsel for the Borrowers in
connection with the Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 14,
2005 (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrowers, the lending institutions
identified therein as Lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative
Agent. Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same
meanings.
In
rendering the opinion expressed below, I, or lawyers under my direction, have
examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my
satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public
officials and other instruments and have conducted such other investigations
of
fact and law as I have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this
opinion. In rendering the opinion expressed below with respect to matters of
Illinois law as it applies to Central Illinois Public Service Company, Central
Illinois Light Company, Ameren Energy Generating Company and Illinois Power
Company, I, or lawyers under my direction, have relied on the opinion, of even
date herewith and addressed to you, of Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Esq., Associate
General Counsel of Ameren Services Company, an affiliate of the
Borrowers.
In
making
the examinations described above, I have assumed without independent
investigation the capacity of natural persons (other than the office held by
each representative of the Borrowers) as reflected adjacent to such individual’s
signature on the Credit Agreement, the genuineness of all signatures (other
than
those of representatives of the Borrowers appearing on the Credit Agreement),
the authenticity of all documents furnished to me as originals, the conformity
to originals of all documents furnished to me as certified or photostatic copies
and the authenticity of the originals of such documents. In addition, I have
assumed without independent investigation that
(i) the
Credit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Lenders
and the Agent, and constitutes their valid, lawful and binding obligation and
agreement, and (ii) there is no separate agreement, undertaking, or course
of
dealing modifying, varying or waiving any of the terms of the Credit Agreement.
As to matters of fact not independently established by me relevant to the
opinions set forth herein, I have relied without independent investigation
on
the representations contained in the Credit Agreement and in certificates of
public officials and responsible representatives of each Borrower furnished
to
me; provided,
however,
that I
advise that in the course of my representation of the Borrowers, I obtained
no
information that leads me to believe that any such representation or certificate
is untrue or misleading in any material respect.
Upon
the
basis of and subject to the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:
Each
of
the Borrowers and each of their Subsidiaries is a corporation, partnership
(in
the case of Subsidiaries only) or limited liability company duly and properly
incorporated or organized, as the case may be, validly existing and (to the
extent such concept applies to such entity) in good standing under the laws
of
its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and has all requisite
authority to conduct its business as presently conducted in each jurisdiction
in
which its business is conducted.
Each
Borrower has the power and authority and legal right to execute and deliver
the
Loan Documents and to perform its obligations thereunder. The execution and
delivery by each Borrower of the Loan Documents and the performance by each
Borrower of its obligations thereunder have been duly authorized by proper
proceedings, and the Loan Documents to which such Borrower is a party constitute
legal, valid and binding obligations of such Borrower enforceable against such
Borrower in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited
by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, or similar
laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally;
(ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity
or at law); and (iii) requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair
dealing.
Neither
the execution and delivery by each Borrower of the Loan Documents, nor the
consummation of the transactions therein contemplated, nor compliance with
the
provisions thereof will violate (i) any law, rule, regulation, order, writ,
judgment, injunction, decree or award binding on such Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, or (ii) such Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s articles or
certificate of incorporation, partnership agreement, certificate of partnership,
articles or certificate of organization, by-laws, or operating agreement or
other management agreement, as the case may be, or (iii) the provisions
of
any indenture, instrument or agreement to which such Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or is subject, or by which it, or its Property, is
bound, or conflict with, or constitute a default under, or result in, or
require, the creation or imposition of any Lien in, of or on the Property of
such Borrower or a Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of, any such indenture,
instrument or agreement. No order, consent, adjudication, approval, license,
authorization, or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with,
or
exemption by, or other action in respect of any governmental or public body
or
authority, or any subdivision thereof, which has not been obtained by each
Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries, is required to be obtained by such Borrower or
any
of its Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of the Loan
Documents, the borrowings and issuances of Letters of Credit under the Credit
Agreement, the payment and performance by such Borrower of the Obligations
or
the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of any of the Loan
Documents.
Except
for the Disclosed Matters, there is no litigation, arbitration, governmental
investigation, proceeding or inquiry currently existing, or, to the best of
my
knowledge after due inquiry, pending or threatened against or affecting any
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, which, if determined adversely to such
Borrower or to its Subsidiaries, could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect with respect to such Borrower or which seeks to prevent, enjoin
or delay the making of any Loans or would adversely effect the legality,
validity or enforceability of the Loan Documents or the ability of such Borrower
to perform the transactions contemplated therein.
Neither
any Borrower nor any Subsidiary of any Borrower is an “investment company” or a
company “controlled” by an “investment company,” within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
The
Company is a “holding company”, and each of Union Electric, CIPS, CILCO and IP
is a “public utility company”, as such terms are defined in the Public Utility
Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (together with all rules, regulations
and orders promulgated or otherwise issued in connection therewith, the “Holding
Company Act”). Pursuant to the Holding Company Act, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) has issued its orders authorizing:
(i) |
the
incurrence by the Company or IP of short-term indebtedness for borrowed
money in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time
$1,500,000,000 or $500,000,000, respectively, or (b) the issuance
and sale
by the Company of capital stock, preferred stock, certain other specified
securities and long-term indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate
principal amount not to exceed at any time $2,500,000,000, subject
to,
among other things, the condition that all such indebtedness be issued
on
or before June 30, 2007 and, in the case of short-term indebtedness,
mature not later than 364 days thereafter, unless the Holding Company
Act
is repealed or revised.
|
(ii) |
the
incurrence by Union Electric, CIPS or CILCO of short-term indebtedness
for
borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$1,000,000,000, $250,000,000 or $250,000,000, respectively, subject
to,
among other things, the condition that all such indebtedness be issued
on
or before March 31, 2006 and, mature not later than 364 days
thereafter, unless the Holding Company Act is repealed or
revised.
|
Genco
is
certified by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) as an “exempt
wholesale generator” under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Genco is not a “public
utility company” under the Holding Company Act. The FERC, in accordance
with
the
Federal Power Act, has issued an order authorizing the incurrence by Genco
of
short-term indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount
not
to exceed $300,000,000, subject to, among other things, the condition that
all
such indebtedness be issued on or before June 22, 2006 and, mature not
later than 364 days thereafter, unless the Federal Power Act is repealed or
revised.
Such
orders of the SEC and the FERC are in full force and effect. Loans contemplated
by the Credit Agreement are short-term indebtedness for borrowed money and,
in
the case of the Company only, also long-term indebtedness for borrowed money
within the meaning of the aforesaid orders of the SEC and the FERC. Unless
such
authorization is no longer required by applicable laws and regulations,
additional authorization from the SEC or the FERC (or any governmental agency
that succeeds to the authority of the SEC or the FERC, as applicable) will
be
necessary in order for (i) the Company or IP, after June 30,
2007,
(ii) Union Electric, CIPS or CILCO after March 31, 2006, and
(iii) Genco, after June 22, 2006, to obtain any Advances under
this
Agreement or to incur or issue short-term indebtedness for borrowed money and,
in the case of the Company, long-term indebtedness for borrowed money,
including, without limitation, Loans extended under the Credit Agreement. No
other federal governmental consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations,
declarations or filings are required in connection with the extensions of credit
under the Credit Agreement or the performance by each Borrower of its
obligations under the Credit Agreement.
In
a
properly presented case, a Missouri court or a federal court applying Missouri
choice of law rules should give effect to the choice of law provisions of the
Credit Agreement and should hold that the Credit Agreement is to be governed
by
the laws of the State of New York rather than the laws of the State of Missouri.
In rendering the foregoing opinion, I note that by its terms the Credit
Agreement expressly selects New York law as the law governing its
interpretation and that the Credit Agreement was delivered to the Agent in
New
York. The choice of law provisions of the Credit Agreement are not voidable
under the laws of the State of Missouri. Notwithstanding the foregoing, even
if
a Missouri court or a federal court holds that the Credit Agreement is to be
governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, the Credit Agreement constitutes
a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Borrower thereto, enforceable
under Missouri law (including usury provisions) against such Borrower in
accordance with its terms.
I
express
no opinion as to the compliance or noncompliance, or the effect of the
compliance or noncompliance, of any addressee with any state or federal laws
or
regulations applicable to it by reason of its status as or affiliation with
a
federally insured depository institution.
I
am a
member of the Bar of the State of Missouri and the foregoing opinion is limited
to the laws of the State of Missouri and the Federal laws of the United States
of America. I note that the Credit Agreement is governed by the laws of the
State of New York and, for purposes of the opinion expressed in opinion
paragraph 2 above, I have assumed that the laws of the State of New York do
not
differ from the laws of the State of Missouri in any manner that would render
such opinion incorrect. This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection
with the above matter. This opinion may not be
relied
upon by you for any other purpose or relied upon by any other Person (other
than
your successors and assigns as Lenders and, as to certain matters involving
the
application of the laws of the State of Missouri or the Federal laws of the
United States of America contained in his opinion addressed to you and dated
the
date hereof, Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx) without my prior written consent.
Notwithstanding anything in this opinion letter to the contrary, you may
disclose this opinion (i) to prospective successors and assigns of the
addressees hereof, (ii) to regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over
any
of the addressees hereof or their successors and assigns, and (iii) pursuant
to
valid legal process, in each case without my prior consent. This opinion is
delivered as of the date hereof and I undertake no, and disclaim any, obligation
to advise you of any change in matters of law or fact set forth herein or upon
which this opinion is based.
Very
truly yours,
EXHIBIT
A.2
FORM
OF OPINION FOR ILLINOIS CORPORATIONS
July
14,
2005
To
the
Lenders and
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as
Administrative
Agent
000
Xxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxx
Xxxx,
XX 00000
Dear
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I
am an
Associate General Counsel of Ameren Services Company, a subsidiary of Ameren
Corporation and an affiliate of Central Illinois Public Service Company, an
Illinois corporation, Central Illinois Light Company, an Illinois corporation,
Ameren Energy Generating Company, an Illinois corporation and Illinois Power
Company, an Illinois corporation (collectively, the “Illinois
Borrowers”).
I, or
lawyers under my direction, have acted as counsel for the Illinois Borrowers
in
connection with the Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 14,
2005 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Ameren Corporation, Union Electric Company,
the Illinois Borrowers, the lending institutions identified therein as Lenders
and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Terms defined in the
Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings.
In
rendering the opinion expressed below, I, or lawyers under my direction, have
examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my
satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public
officials and other instruments and have conducted such other investigations
of
fact and law as I have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this
opinion. In rendering the opinion expressed below with respect to matters
relating to the applications of the laws of the State of Missouri or the Federal
laws of the United States of America, I have relied on the opinion, of even
date
herewith and addressed to you, of Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of Ameren Corporation and its subsidiaries Union
Electric Company, Central Illinois Public Service Company, Central Illinois
Light Company, Ameren Energy Generating Company and Illinois Power Company.
In
making
the examinations described above, I have assumed without independent
investigation the capacity of natural persons (other than the office held by
each representative of the Illinois Borrowers) as reflected adjacent to such
individual’s signature on the Credit Agreement, the genuineness of all
signatures (other than those of representatives of the Illinois Borrowers
appearing on the Credit Agreement), the authenticity of all documents furnished
to me as originals, the conformity to originals of all documents furnished
to me
as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the
originals
of such documents. In addition, I have assumed without independent investigation
that (i) the Credit Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Lenders and the Agent, and constitutes their valid, lawful
and
binding obligation and agreement, and (ii) there is no separate agreement,
undertaking, or course of dealing modifying, varying or waiving any of the
terms
of the Credit Agreement. As to matters of fact not independently established
by
me relevant to the opinions set forth herein, I have relied without independent
investigation on the representations contained in the Credit Agreement and
in
certificates of public officials and responsible representatives of each
Illinois Borrower furnished to me; provided,
however,
that I
advise that in the course of my representation of the Illinois Borrowers, I
obtained no information that leads me to believe that any such representation
or
certificate is untrue or misleading in any material respect.
Upon
the
basis of and subject to the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:
Each
of
the Illinois Borrowers and each of their Subsidiaries is a corporation,
partnership (in the case of Subsidiaries only) or limited liability company
duly
and properly incorporated or organized, as the case may be, validly existing
and
(to the extent such concept applies to such entity) in good standing under
the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization and has all requisite
authority to conduct its business as presently conducted in each jurisdiction
in
which its business is conducted.
Each
Illinois Borrower has the power and authority and legal right to execute and
deliver the Loan Documents and to perform its obligations thereunder. The
execution and delivery by each Illinois Borrower of the Loan Documents and
the
performance by each Illinois Borrower of its obligations thereunder have been
duly authorized by proper proceedings, and the Loan Documents to which such
Illinois Borrower is a party constitute legal, valid and binding obligations
of
such Illinois Borrower enforceable against such Illinois Borrower in accordance
with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by (i) bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, or similar laws relating
to
or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally; (ii) general
equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);
and (iii) requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair
dealing.
Neither
the execution and delivery by each Illinois Borrower of the Loan Documents,
nor
the consummation of the transactions therein contemplated, nor compliance with
the provisions thereof will violate (i) any law, rule, regulation, order, writ,
judgment, injunction, decree or award binding on such Illinois Borrower or
any
of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) such Illinois Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s
articles or certificate of incorporation, partnership agreement, certificate
of
partnership, articles or certificate of organization, by-laws, or operating
agreement or other management agreement, as the case may be, or (iii) the
provisions of any indenture, instrument or agreement to which such Illinois
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or is subject, or by which it,
or
its Property, is bound, or conflict with, or constitute a default under, or
result in, or require, the creation or imposition of any Lien in, of or on
the
Property of such Illinois Borrower or a Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of,
any
such indenture, instrument or agreement. No order, consent, adjudication,
approval, license, authorization, or
validation
of, or filing, recording or registration with, or exemption by, or other action
in respect of any governmental or public body or authority, or any subdivision
thereof, which has not been obtained by each Illinois Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, is required to be obtained by such Illinois Borrower or any of
its
Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of the Loan
Documents, the borrowings and issuances of Letters of Credit under the Credit
Agreement, the payment and performance by such Illinois Borrower of the
Obligations or the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of
any
of the Loan Documents.
In
a
properly presented case, an Illinois court or a federal court applying Illinois
choice of law rules should give effect to the choice of law provisions of the
Credit Agreement and should hold that the Credit Agreement is to be governed
by
the laws of the State of New York rather than the laws of the State of Illinois.
In rendering the foregoing opinion, I note that by its terms the Credit
Agreement expressly selects New York law as the law governing its
interpretation and that the Credit Agreement was delivered to the Agent in
New
York. The choice of law provisions of the Credit Agreement are not voidable
under the laws of the State of Illinois. Notwithstanding the foregoing, even
if
an Illinois court or a federal court holds that the Credit Agreement is to
be
governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, the Credit Agreement constitutes
a legal, valid and binding obligation of each Borrower thereto, enforceable
under Illinois law (including usury provisions) against such Borrower in
accordance with its terms.
I
express
no opinion as to the compliance or noncompliance, or the effect of the
compliance or noncompliance, of any addressee with any state or federal laws
or
regulations applicable to it by reason of its status as or affiliation with
a
federally insured depository institution.
I
am a
member of the Bar of the State of Illinois and the foregoing opinion is limited
to the laws of the State of Illinois and the Federal laws of the United States
of America. I note that the Credit Agreement is governed by the laws of the
State of New York and, for purposes of the opinion expressed in opinion
paragraph 2 above, I have assumed that the laws of the State of New York do
not
differ from the laws of the State of Illinois in any manner that would render
such opinion incorrect. This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection
with the above matter. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other
purpose or relied upon by any other Person (other than your successors and
assigns as Lenders and, as to certain matters involving the application of
the
laws of the State of Illinois in his opinion addressed to you and dated the
date
hereof, Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx) without my prior written consent. Notwithstanding
anything in this opinion letter to the contrary, you may disclose this opinion
(i) to prospective successors and assigns of the addressees hereof, (ii) to
regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over any of the addressees hereof
or
their successors and assigns, and (iii) pursuant to valid legal process, in
each
case without my prior consent. This opinion is delivered as of the date hereof
and I undertake no, and disclaim any, obligation to advise you of any change
in
matters of law or fact set forth herein or upon which this opinion is
based.
Very
truly yours,
EXHIBIT
B
COMPLIANCE
CERTIFICATE
To: The
Lenders parties to the
Credit
Agreement Described Below
This
Compliance Certificate is furnished pursuant to that certain Five-Year Revolving
Credit Agreement dated as of July 13, 2005 (as amended, modified, renewed or
extended from time to time, the “Agreement”) among Ameren Corporation (the
“Company”), and its subsidiaries Union Electric Company, Central Illinois Public
Service Company, Central Illinois Light Company, Ameren Energy Generating
Company and Illinois Power Company (the Company and such subsidiaries each,
a
“Borrower” and collectively, the “Borrowers”), the lenders party thereto and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Agent for the Lenders. Unless otherwise defined
herein, capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings
ascribed thereto in the Agreement.
THE
UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT:
1.
I am
the duly elected Vice President and Treasurer of each of the
Borrowers;
2.
I have
reviewed the terms of the Agreement and I have made, or have caused to be made
under my supervision, a detailed review of the transactions and conditions
of
each Borrower and its Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by
the
attached financial statements;
3.
The
examinations described in paragraph 2 did not disclose, and I have no knowledge
of, the existence of any condition or event which constitutes a Default or
Unmatured Default during or at the end of the accounting period covered by
the
attached financial statements or as of the date of this Certificate, except
as
set forth below; and
4.
Schedule I attached hereto sets forth financial data and computations evidencing
each Borrower’s compliance with certain covenants of the Agreement as of the end
of the most recent fiscal quarter for which such financial data and computations
have been prepared.
Described
below are the exceptions, if any, to paragraph 3 by listing, in detail, the
nature of the condition or event, the period during which it has existed and
the
action which the applicable Borrower has taken, is taking, or proposes to take
with respect to each such condition or event:
The
foregoing certifications, together with the computations set forth in Schedule
I
hereto and the financial statements delivered with this Compliance Certificate
in support hereof, are made and delivered this ___ day of __________,
_____.
______________________________
SCHEDULE
I TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
Compliance
as of _________, ____ with
Provisions
of Section 6.17 of
the
Agreement
LEVERAGE
RATIO1
Company:
Consolidated
Indebtedness of the
Company:
$___________
Consolidated
Total Capitalization of the Company: $___________
Company’s
Leverage Ratio (Ratio of 1 to
2): _____
to
1.00
1.
Union
Electric*:
Consolidated
Indebtedness of Union
Electric:
$___________
Consolidated
Total Capitalization of Union Electric: $___________
Union
Electric’s Leverage Ratio (Ratio of 1 to 2):
_____
to
1.00
2.
CIPS*:
Consolidated
Indebtedness of CIPS: $___________
Consolidated
Total Capitalization of
CIPS:
$___________
CIPS’
Leverage Ratio (Ratio of 1 to
2):
_____
to
1.00
_____________________
*If
the
compliance certificate is requested by a Lender or an Issuing Bank pursuant
to
Section 4.2 in connection with a Credit Extension to a Borrowing Subsidiary,
only the section with respect to the applicable Borrowing Subsidiary is to
be
completed.
3.
CILCO*:
Consolidated
Indebtedness of CILCO: $___________
Consolidated
Total Capitalization of CILCO: $___________
CILCO’s
Leverage Ratio (Ratio of 1 to
2):
_____
to
1.00
4.
Genco*:
Consolidated
Indebtedness of
Genco:
$___________
Consolidated
Total Capitalization of Genco: $___________
Genco’s
Leverage Ratio (Ratio of 1 to
2): _____
to
1.00
5.
IP*:
Consolidated
Indebtedness of
IP: $___________
Consolidated
Total Capitalization of
IP:
$___________
IP’s
Leverage Ratio (Ratio of 1 to
2):
_____
to
1.00
2
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
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EXHIBIT
C
ASSIGNMENT
AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
This
Assignment and Assumption (the “Assignment
and Assumption”)
is
dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and
between [Insert
name of Assignor]
(the
“Assignor”)
and
[Insert
name of Assignee]
(the
“Assignee”).
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given
to
them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “Credit
Agreement”),
receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Terms
and
Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and
incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and
Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
For
an
agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to
the
Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the
Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions
and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Agent as
contemplated below, the interest in and to all of the Assignor’s rights and
obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any
other
documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto that represents the amount
and percentage interest identified below of all of the Assignor’s outstanding
rights and obligations under the respective facilities identified below
(including without limitation any letters of credit, guaranties and swingline
loans included in such facilities and, to the extent permitted to be assigned
under applicable law, all claims (including without limitation contract claims,
tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law
or
in equity), suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor against
any Person whether known or unknown arising under or in connection with the
Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto
or the loan transactions governed thereby) (the “Assigned
Interest”).
Such
sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly
provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty
by the Assignor.
1.
|
Assignor:
|
_______________________________________________________ |
|
|
|
|
2.
|
Assignee:
|
_______________________________________________________ |
[and
is an Affiliate/Approved
|
Fund
of [identify
Lender]]2
|
|
|
|
3.
|
Borrowers:
|
Ameren
Corporation and its subsidiaries Union Electric Company, Central
Illinois
Public Service Company, Central Illinois Light Company, Ameren Energy
Generating Company and Illinois Power Company
|
|
|
|
4.
|
Agent:
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as Agent under the Credit Agreement.
|
|
|
|
5.
|
Credit
Agreement:
|
The
Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2005,
among the
Borrowers, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as
Agent.
|
6.
|
Assigned
Interest:
|
|
|
Aggregate
Amount of Commitment/Loans for all Lenders*
|
Amount
of Commitment/Loans Assigned*
|
Percentage
Assigned of Commitment/Loans3
|
|
$
|
$
|
_______%
|
|
$
|
$
|
_______%
|
|
$
|
$
|
_______%
|
|
|
|
|
7.
|
Trade
Date:
|
_______________________________________________________________________________
4 |
|
|
|
|
Effective
Date: ____________, 20__ [TO
BE
INSERTED BY AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF
TRANSFER BY THE AGENT.]
_____________________
2
Select as applicable.
*
Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments
or
prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.
3
Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans
of
all Lenders thereunder.
4
Insert if satisfaction of minimum amounts is to be determined as of the Trade
Date.
The
terms
set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
|
ASSIGNOR
[NAME
OF ASSIGNOR]
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
ASSIGNEE
[NAME
OF ASSIGNEE]
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
[Consented
to and]5
Accepted
|
|
|
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., as Agent
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Consented
to:]6
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMEREN
CORPORATION
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Consented
to:]7
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNION
ELECTRIC COMPANY
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Consented
to:]8
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
To
be added only if the consent of the Agent is required by the terms of the
Credit
Agreement.
6
To be added only if the consent of each Borrower is required by the terms
of the
Credit Agreement.
7
To be added only if the consent of each Borrower is required by the terms
of the
Credit Agreement.
CENTRAL
ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Consented
to:]9
|
|
|
|
|
|
CENTRAL
ILLINOIS LIGHT COMPANY
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Consented
to:]10
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMEREN
ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
|
|
|
[Consented
to:]11
|
|
|
|
|
|
ILLINOIS
POWER COMPANY
|
|
|
By:
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
|
8 To
be
added only if the consent of each Borrower is required by the terms of
the
Credit Agreement.
9 To
be
added only if the consent of each Borrower is required by the terms of
the
Credit Agreement.
10 To
be
added only if the consent of each Borrower is required by the terms of
the
Credit Agreement.
11 To
be
added only if the consent of each Borrower is required by the terms of
the
Credit Agreement.
4
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
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ANNEX
1
TERMS
AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT
AND ASSUMPTION
1.
Representations
and Warranties.
1.1
Assignor.
The
Assignor represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner
of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any
lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and
authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this
Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. Neither the Assignor nor any of its officers, directors, employees,
agents or attorneys shall be responsible for (i) any statements, warranties
or
representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other
Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability,
genuineness, sufficiency, perfection, priority, collectibility, or value of
the
Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition
of
the Borrowers, any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person
obligated in respect of any Loan Document, (iv) the performance or observance
by
the Borrowers, any of their Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person
of
any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document, (v) inspecting
any
of the property, books or records of the Borrowers, or any guarantor, or (vi)
any mistake, error of judgment, or action taken or omitted to be taken in
connection with the Loans or the Loan Documents.
1.2.
Assignee.
The
Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority,
and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment
and
Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become
a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) from and after the Effective Date,
it
shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder
and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of
a
Lender thereunder, (iii) agrees that its payment instructions and notice
instructions are as set forth in Schedule 1 to this Assignment and Assumption,
(iv) none of the funds, monies, assets or other consideration being used to
make
the purchase and assumption hereunder are “plan assets” as defined under ERISA
and that its rights, benefits and interests in and under the Loan Documents
will
not be “plan assets” under ERISA, (v) agrees to indemnify and hold the Assignor
harmless against all losses, costs and expenses (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorneys’ fees) and liabilities incurred by the Assignor in
connection with or arising in any manner from the Assignee’s non-performance of
the obligations assumed under this Assignment and Assumption, (vi) it has
received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of financial
statements and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate
to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment
and
Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has
made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Agent
or any other Lender, and (vii) attached as Schedule 1 to this Assignment and
Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by the Assignee with
respect to its tax status pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly
completed and executed by the Assignee and (b) agrees that (i) it will,
independently and without reliance on the Agent, the Assignor or any other
Lender,
and
based
on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under
the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms
all
of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to
be
performed by it as a Lender.
2.
Payments.
The
Assignee shall pay the Assignor, on the Effective Date, the amount agreed to
by
the Assignor and the Assignee. From and after the Effective Date, the Agent
shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments
of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts
which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee
for
amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.
3.
General
Provisions.
This
Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of,
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment
and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together
shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a
signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective
as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and
Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.
2
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
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ADMINISTRATIVE
QUESTIONNAIRE
(Schedule
to be supplied by Closing Unit or Trading Documentation Unit)
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
p]]
US
AND NON-US TAX INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
(Schedule
to be supplied by Closing Unit or Trading Documentation Unit)
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
p]]
EXHIBIT
D
LOAN/CREDIT
RELATED MONEY TRANSFER INSTRUCTION
To
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as
Agent
(the “Agent”) under the Credit Agreement
Described
Below.
Re:
|
Five-Year
Revolving Credit Agreement, dated July 13, 2005 (as the same may
be
amended or modified, the “Credit Agreement”), among Ameren Corporation
(the “Company”), and its subsidiaries Union Electric Company, Central
Illinois Public Service Company, Central Illinois Light Company,
Ameren
Energy Generating Company and Illinois Power Company (the Company
and such
subsidiaries each, a “Borrower” and collectively, the “Borrowers”), the
Lenders named therein and the Agent. Capitalized terms used herein
and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned thereto
in the
Credit Agreement.
|
The
Agent
is specifically authorized and directed to act upon the following standing
money
transfer instructions with respect to the proceeds of Advances or other
extensions of credit from time to time until receipt by the Agent of a specific
written revocation of such instructions by a Borrower for such Borrower,
provided,
however,
that
the Agent may otherwise transfer funds as hereafter directed in writing by
each
Borrower in accordance with Section 13.1 of the Credit Agreement or based on
any
telephonic notice made in accordance with Section 2.17 of the Credit
Agreement.
Facility
Identification
Number(s) ______________________________________________
|
|
|
|
Customer/Account
Name
|
|
|
Transfer
Funds To Bank
of America, N.A. (Dallas,
Texas)
|
ABA
000000000
|
|
|
|
For
Account No.
3750960963
|
|
|
Reference/Attention
To Ameren
Corporation
General
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized
Officer (Customer Representative)
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Please
Print)
|
|
Signature
|
|
|
|
Bank
Officer Name
|
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Please
Print)
|
|
Signature
|
(Deliver
Completed Form to Credit Support Staff For Immediate Processing)
2
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
p]]
EXHIBIT
E
NOTE
[Date]
_________________,
a __________ corporation (the “Borrower”), promises to pay to the order of
____________________________________ (the “Lender”) on the Availability
Termination Date __________ DOLLARS ($_____) or, if less, the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of all Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to
Article II of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), in immediately available
funds at the main office of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in New York, New York,
as
Agent, together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon. The Borrower shall
pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof at the rates and on the dates
set
forth in the Agreement.
The
Lender shall, and is hereby authorized to, record on the schedule attached
hereto, or to otherwise record in accordance with its usual practice, the date
and amount of each Revolving Loan and the date and amount of each principal
payment hereunder.
This
Note
is one of the Notes issued pursuant to, and is entitled to the benefits of,
the
Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 13, 2005 (which, as it
may
be amended or modified and in effect from time to time, is herein called the
“Agreement”), among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto, including the
Lender, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Agent, to which Agreement reference
is
hereby made for a statement of the terms and conditions governing this Note,
including the terms and conditions under which this Note may be prepaid or
its
maturity date accelerated. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise
defined herein are used with the meanings attributed to them in the
Agreement.
THIS
NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE
STATE
OF NEW YORK.
|
|
|
|
_________________________
|
|
|
|
|
By:
_________________________________
|
|
Print
Name: ___________________________
|
|
Title:
________________________________
|
SCHEDULE
OF LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL
TO
NOTE
OF
______________________,
DATED
_____________,
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
Principal
Amount
of
Loan
|
Maturity
of
Interest
Period
|
Principal
Amount
Paid
|
Unpaid
Balance
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
[[NYCORP:2512115v10:4436W:07/12/05--12:47
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EXHIBIT
F
FORM
OF DESIGNATION AGREEMENT
Dated
____________, 20__
Reference
is made to the Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 13, 2005
(as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”)
among Ameren Corporation, a Missouri corporation (the “Company”), and its
subsidiaries Union Electric Company, a Missouri corporation, Central Illinois
Public Service Company, an Illinois corporation, Central Illinois Light Company,
an Illinois corporation, Ameren Energy Generating Company, an Illinois
corporation and Illinois Power Company, an Illinois corporation (the Company
and
such subsidiaries each, a “Borrower and collectively, the “Borrowers”), the
lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A., (having its principal office in New York, NY), as Agent. Terms defined
in
the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined.
_________
(the “Designating Lender”), ____________ (the “Designated Lender”), and the
Borrowers agree as follows:
1. |
The
Designating Lender hereby designates the Designated Lender, and the
Designated Lender hereby accepts such designation, as its Designated
Lender under the Credit Agreement.
|
2. |
The
Designating Lender makes no representations or warranty and assumes
no
responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrowers
or
the performance or observance by the Borrowers of any of its obligations
under the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished
pursuant thereto.
|
3. |
The
Designated Lender (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the
Credit
Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred
to in
Article V and Article VI thereof and such other documents and information
as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and
decision
to enter into this Designation Agreement; (ii) agrees that it will,
independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the Designating
Lender
or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as
it
shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit
decisions in taking or not taking any action it may be permitted
to take
under the Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an Eligible
Designee; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Designating Lender as
its
administrative agent and attorney-in-fact and grants the Designating
Lender an irrevocable power of attorney to receive payments made
for the
benefit of the Designated Lender under the Credit Agreement and to
deliver
and receive all communications and notices under the Credit Agreement,
if
any, that Designated Lender is obligated to deliver or has the right
to
receive thereunder; (v) acknowledges that it is subject to and bound
by
the confidentiality provisions of the Credit Agreement (except as
permitted under Section 12.4
thereof);
|
and
(vi)
acknowledges that the Designating Lender retains the sole right and
responsibility to vote under the Credit Agreement, including, without
limitation, the right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of
any
provision of the Credit Agreement, and agrees that the Designated Lender
shall
be bound by all such votes, approvals, amendments, modifications and waivers
and
all other agreements of the Designating Lender pursuant to or in connection
with
the Credit Agreement.
4. |
Following
the execution of this Designation Agreement by the Designating Lender,
the
Designated Lender and the Borrowers, it will be delivered to the
Agent for
acceptance and recording by the Agent. The effective date of this
Designation Agreement shall be the date of acceptance thereof by
the
Agent, unless otherwise specified on the signature page hereto (the
“Effective Date”).
|
5. |
Upon
such acceptance and recording by the Agent, as of the Effective Date
(a)
the Designated Lender shall have the right to make Loans as a Lender
pursuant to Article II of the Credit Agreement and the rights of
a Lender
related thereto and (b) the making of any such Loans by the Designated
Lender shall satisfy the obligations of the Designating Lender under
the
Credit Agreement to the same extent, and as if, such Loans were made
by
the Designating Lender.
|
6. |
Each
party to this Designation Agreement hereby agrees that it shall not
institute against, or join any other Person in instituting against,
any
Designated Lender any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency
or liquidation proceeding or other proceedings under any federal
or state
bankruptcy or similar law for one year and a day after payment in
full of
all outstanding senior indebtedness of any Designated Lender; provided
that the Designating Lender for each Designated Lender hereby agrees
to
indemnify, save and hold harmless each other party hereto for any
loss,
cost, damage and expense arising out of its inability to institute
any
such proceeding against such Designated Lender. This Section 6 of
the
Designation Agreement shall survive the termination of this Designation
Agreement and termination of the Credit
Agreement.
|
7. |
This
Designation Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the internal laws of the State of New
York.
|
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Designation Agreement to be
executed by their respective officers hereunto duly authorized, as of the date
first above written.
Effective
Date11 :
[NAME
OF
DESIGNATING LENDER]
By:
_____________________________
Name:
___________________________
Title:
____________________________
[NAME
OF
DESIGNATED LENDER]
By:
_____________________________
Name:
___________________________
Title:
____________________________
AMEREN
CORPORATION
By:
Name:
Title:
UNION
ELECTRIC COMPANY
By:
Name:
Title:
____________________
1This
date
should be no earlier than the date of acceptance by the Agent.
CENTRAL
ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY
By:
Name:
___________________________
Title:
____________________________
CENTRAL
ILLINOIS LIGHT COMPANY
By:
______________________________
Name:
___________________________
Title:
____________________________
AMEREN
ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY
By:
______________________________
Name:
___________________________
Title:
____________________________
ILLINOIS
POWER COMPANY
By:
______________________________
Name:
___________________________
Title:
____________________________
Accepted
and Approved this
____
day
of ________, ____
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., as Agent
By:
______________________________
Title:
____________________________
EXHIBIT
G
SUBORDINATION
TERMS
All
subordinated indebtedness (hereinafter referred to as “Subordinated Debt”) of
CIPS and Genco incurred after the date of this Agreement that is not being
included in the calculation of Consolidated Indebtedness for the purposes of
Section 6.17(i) shall be in the form of indebtedness of such Borrower
to
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is subordinate and junior to any
and
all indebtedness (hereinafter referred to as “Senior Debt”) of such Borrower,
whether existing on the date of this Agreement or thereafter incurred, in
respect of (i) all Obligations of such Borrower under this Agreement,
(ii) other borrowings of such Borrower from any one or more banks,
insurance companies, pension or profit sharing trusts, or other financial
institutions whether secured or unsecured and (iii) all other borrowings
incurred, assumed or guaranteed by such Borrower, at any time, evidenced by
a
note, debenture, bond or other similar instrument (including capitalized lease
and purchase money obligations, and/or for the acquisition (whether by way
of
purchase, merger or otherwise) of any business, real property or other assets
(except assets acquired in the ordinary course of business) but excluding
obligations other than for borrowed money including trade payables and other
obligations to general creditors) other
than
indebtedness which, by its terms or the terms of the instrument creating or
evidencing it, provides that such indebtedness is subordinated to all other
indebtedness of such Borrower. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Agreement on this Exhibit G, “Senior Debt” shall include refinancings,
renewals, amendments, extensions or refundings of the indebtedness described
in
clauses (i) through (iii) above.
“Subordinate
and junior” as used herein shall mean that in the event of:
(a)
any
default in, or violation of, the terms or covenants of any Senior Debt,
including, without limitation, any default in payment of principal of, or
premium, if any, or interest on, any Senior Debt whenever due (whether by
acceleration of maturity or otherwise), and during the continuance thereof,
or
(b)
the
institution
of any
liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar
proceeding relating to CIPS or Genco, as applicable, its property or its
creditors as such,
the
obligee of indebtedness so described shall not be entitled to receive any
payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, such indebtedness
until all amounts owing in respect of Senior Debt (matured and unmatured) shall
have been paid in full; and from and after the happening of any event described
in clause (b) of this paragraph, all payments and distributions of any
kind
or character (whether in cash, securities or property) which, except for the
subordination provisions hereof, would have been
payable
or distributable to the obligee of such indebtedness (whether directly or by
reason of this note’s being superior to any other indebtedness), shall be made
to and for the benefit of the holders of Senior Debt (who shall be entitled
to
make all necessary claims therefor) in accordance with the priorities of payment
thereof until all Senior Debt (matured and unmatured) shall have been paid
in
full. No act or failure to act on the part of CIPS or Genco, as applicable,
and
no default under or breach of any agreement of such Borrower, whether or not
herein set forth, shall in any way prevent or limit the holder of any Senior
Debt from enforcing fully the subordination terms herein provided for,
irrespective of any knowledge or notice which such holder may at any time have
or be charged with. In the event that any payment or distribution is made with
respect to Subordinated Debt in violation of the terms of this Exhibit G
or
any outstanding Senior Debt, any holder of Subordinated Debt receiving such
payment or distribution shall hold it in trust for the benefit of, and shall
remit it to, the holders of Senior Debt then outstanding in accordance with
the
priorities of payment thereof.
2