Exhibit 10.4
EQUITY CONTRIBUTION GUARANTY
by
TECO ENERGY, INC.,
a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Florida
as Guarantor
in favor of
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
under the Union Power Project Credit Agreement
dated as of May 31, 2001
EQUITY CONTRIBUTION GUARANTY
THIS EQUITY CONTRIBUTION GUARANTY, dated as of May 31, 2001 (as
amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this "Guaranty"),
--------
made by TECO ENERGY, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the laws
of Florida (the "Guarantor"), in favor of CITIBANK, N.A., as administrative
---------
agent (together with any successor(s) thereto in such capacity, the
"Administrative Agent") for the Banks under the Credit Agreement described
below.
RECITALS
A. Union Power Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership
("Borrower") and Trans-Union Interstate Pipeline, L.P. ("Trans-Union"), intend
---------- -----------
to construct and either own or lease the Project and the Pipeline, respectively.
B. Pursuant to the Union Power Project Credit Agreement, dated as of
May 31, 2001 (the "Credit Agreement"), among Borrower, LC Bank, the Banks and
----------------
Administrative Agent, the Banks have agreed to provide Loans and issue Letters
of Credit in the amounts specified and on the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth therein.
C. Pursuant to the Equity Contribution Agreement, dated as of May 31,
2001 (the "Equity Contribution Agreement"), among Union Power I, LLC, a Delaware
-----------------------------
limited liability company ("General Partner"), Union Power II, LLC, a Delaware
---------------
limited liability company ("Limited Partner" and, together with General Partner,
---------------
the "Partners"), Borrower and Administrative Agent, the Partners have agreed to
--------
make certain capital contributions to Borrower in the amounts specified and on
the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein.
D. Guarantor, as the indirect owner of 50% of the Equity Interests of
Borrower, will derive substantial economic benefit from the Loans and Letters of
Credit to be made by the Banks to Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement.
E. Administrative Agent and the Banks have agreed to enter into the
Credit Agreement with Borrower on the condition that Guarantor guarantee certain
of the Partners' obligations under the Equity Contribution Agreement as provided
herein.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the
Banks to provide Loans and issue the Letters of Credit pursuant to the Credit
Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Guarantor hereby agrees as
follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS.
Unless the context shall otherwise require, capitalized terms used but not
defined herein are used as defined in the Credit Agreement and, except as
otherwise expressly provided, the
Rules of Interpretation set forth in Exhibit A to the Credit Agreement shall
apply to this Guaranty. In addition, unless the context shall otherwise require,
as used herein the following terms shall have the following meanings:
"Capitalization" means, as to Guarantor, the sum of Total Debt and
--------------
Consolidated Shareholders Equity, in each case, as at the date of any
determination thereof.
"Capitalized Lease Obligations" means, as to any Person, all rental
-----------------------------
obligations as lessee which, under GAAP, are or will be required to be
capitalized on the books of such Person, in each case taken at the amount
thereof accounted for as indebtedness in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Adjusted Interest Expense" means, for any period, the
--------------------------------------
sum of Interest Expense (a) of Guarantor and its subsidiaries and (b) accruing
on any Indebtedness of any other Person to the extent such Indebtedness is
guaranteed by Guarantor or any of its subsidiaries, but excluding any Interest
Expense (i) on Non-Recourse Indebtedness; and (ii) on Indebtedness of a Person
before the date (A) it becomes a subsidiary of Guarantor, (B) it is merged or
consolidated with Guarantor or (C) a subsidiary of Guarantor or its assets are
acquired by Guarantor to the extent that income or loss of such Person is
excluded under the definition of Consolidated Adjusted Net Income, each
determined for such period on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Adjusted Net Income" means, for any period, the net
--------------------------------
income or loss of Guarantor and its subsidiaries for such period determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (and before giving effect to any
elimination of minority interests in non-wholly owned subsidiaries); provided
--------
that there shall be excluded the income or loss of any Person accrued before (a)
the date it becomes a subsidiary of Guarantor, (b) the date it is merged into or
consolidated with Guarantor or any subsidiary of Guarantor or (c) the date its
assets are acquired by Guarantor or any subsidiary of Guarantor, other than
amounts of income accrued before such date which are actually paid as dividends
after such date.
"Consolidated EBITDA" means, for any period, Consolidated Adjusted Net
-------------------
Income for such period plus (a) without duplication and to the extent deducted
in determining such Consolidated Adjusted Net Income, the sum of (i)
Consolidated Adjusted Interest Expense for such period, (ii) consolidated income
tax expense for such period, (iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and
amortization for such period and (iv) any extraordinary non-cash charges for
such period, and minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in
determining such Consolidated Adjusted Net Income, any extraordinary gains for
such period, all determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Shareholders Equity" means, as of the date of any
--------------------------------
determination, the consolidated tangible net worth of Guarantor and its
subsidiaries, and including amounts attributable to (a) junior subordinated
debentures; provided that such junior subordinated debentures have subordination
--------
and deferral features substantially similar to those in the TECO Subordinated
Debentures; and (b) preferred stock to the extent excluded from Total Debt,
minus the value of minority interests in any of Guarantor's subsidiaries, and
disregarding unearned
3
compensation associated with Guarantor's employee stock ownership plan or other
benefit plans, foreign currency translation adjustments and other comprehensive
income adjustments, all determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Contingent Obligation" means, as to any Person, any obligation of
---------------------
such Person guaranteeing any Indebtedness or lease obligation (each a "primary
-------
obligation") of any other Person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether
---------- ---------------
directly or indirectly, including any obligation of such Person, whether or not
contingent, (a) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property
constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (b) to advance or supply
funds (i) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (ii) to
maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise
to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor or (c) otherwise to
assure or hold harmless the holder of such primary obligation against loss in
respect thereof; provided, however, that the term Contingent Obligation shall
-------- -------
not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the
ordinary course of business. The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be
deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary
obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not
stated or determinable, the maximum probable liability in respect thereof
(assuming such Person is required to perform thereunder) as determined in good
faith by Guarantor.
"Equity Interests" means (a) shares of capital stock, partnership
----------------
interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial
interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person or (b) any
warrants, options or other rights to acquire such shares or interests.
"Equity Contribution" shall have the meaning given to such term in the
-------------------
Equity Contribution Agreement.
"Event of Default" has the meaning given in Section 5.1.
----------------
"Gila River Bridge Loan" has the meaning given to the term "Bridge
----------------------
Loan" in Exhibit A to the Gila River Bridge Loan Agreement.
"Gila River Obligations" means all "Obligations" of Gila River
----------------------
Borrower under, and as defined in, the Gila River Credit Agreement.
"Gila River Partners" has the meaning given to the term "Partners" in
-------------------
Exhibit A to the Gila River Credit Agreement.
"Guaranteed Obligations" has the meaning given in Section 2.1(a).
----------------------
"Guarantor Material Adverse Effect" means:
---------------------------------
(a) a material adverse change in the business, property, results
of operations, or financial condition of Guarantor and its
Significant Subsidiaries (taken as a whole); or
4
(b) any event or occurrence of whatever nature which materially
and adversely changes Guarantor's ability to perform its
obligations under this Guaranty;
provided that a change in any Bank's or any of the Banks'
consultants' view of the future price of electricity or gas will
not constitute a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect.
"Guaranty Limit" means $306,900,000.
--------------
"Hedge Transactions" means transactions under any interest swap
------------------
agreements, caps, collars or other interest rate hedging mechanisms.
"Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all
------------
indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (b) the deferred purchase price
of assets or services which in accordance with GAAP would be shown on the
liability side of the balance sheet of such Person, (c) the face amount of all
letters of credit issued for the account of such Person (other than letters of
credit issued to secure a financial obligation of such Person to the extent such
obligation is not outstanding at the time) and all unreimbursed drafts drawn
thereunder, (d) all Indebtedness of another Person secured by any Lien on any
property owned by such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness has been assumed
by such Person, (e) all Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person, (f) all
obligations of such Person under any subscription or similar agreement, (g) the
discounted present value of all obligations of such Person (other than Tampa
Electric) payable under agreements for the payment of a specified purchase price
for the purchase and resale of power whether or not delivered or accepted, i.e.,
take-or-pay and similar obligations, (h) any unfunded or underfunded obligation
subject to the minimum funding standards of Section 412 of the Code of such
Person to any "employee pension benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(2) of
ERISA) maintained at any time, or contributed to, by such Person or any other
Person which is under common control (within the meaning of Section 414(b) or
(c) of the Code) with such Person, (i) all Contingent Obligations of such Person
and (j) all obligations of such Person in respect of Hedge Transactions;
provided, however, that Indebtedness shall specifically exclude accounts payable
-------- -------
arising in the ordinary course of business.
"Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person, for any period,
----------------
total cash interest expense of such Person payable for such period with respect
to all outstanding Indebtedness of such Person, including all commissions,
discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and
bankers' acceptance financing and net costs under hedging agreements to the
extent such net costs are allocable to such period in accordance with GAAP.
"Non-Recourse Indebtedness" means Indebtedness which is not an
-------------------------
obligation of, and is otherwise without recourse to, the assets or revenues of
Guarantor or any subsidiary of Guarantor (other than the assets or revenues of
TPS or any subsidiary of TPS).
"Significant Subsidiary" means, collectively, Tampa Electric Company,
----------------------
TPS and any other subsidiary of Guarantor formed or acquired after the Closing
Date the total assets (after
5
intercompany eliminations) of which exceed 10% of the total assets of Guarantor
and its subsidiaries (taken as a whole).
"Taxes" means any present or future tax, levy, impost, duty, charge,
-----
assessment or fee of any nature (including interest, penalties and additions
thereto) that is imposed by any government or other taxing authority in respect
of any payment under this Guaranty other than any income, franchise or similar
tax imposed upon or measured by the gross or net income or capital of
Administrative Agent or any Bank by the United States, New York State, any
jurisdiction where Administrative Agent or any Bank is organized and/or the
jurisdiction in which is located any office from or at which Administrative
Agent or any Bank is making or maintaining any Loans or receiving any payments
under any of the Credit Documents.
"TECO Subordinated Debentures" means the 8.50% Junior Subordinated
----------------------------
Notes Due 2041, issued by Guarantor on December 20, 2000, in the original
principal amount of $206,200,000.
"Total Debt" means, without duplication, Indebtedness of Guarantor and
----------
its Significant Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis outstanding at
the date of any determination thereof, but expressly excluding (a) Non-Recourse
Indebtedness, (b) junior subordinated debentures issued by Guarantor; provided
--------
that such junior subordinated debentures have subordination and deferral
features substantially similar to those in the TECO Subordinated Debentures, and
(c) preferred stock of Guarantor in an amount not to exceed 10% of Guarantor's
Capitalization on such date.
"Trans-Union Partners" means each of Trans-Union General Partner and
--------------------
Trans-Union Limited Partner.
ARTICLE II
THE GUARANTY.
2.1 Guaranty. Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably:
--------
(a) guarantees, as primary obligor and not as surety, to
Administrative Agent, and its successors and assigns, (i) the prompt payment in
full when due of each Equity Contribution required to be made by each Partner
under the Equity Contribution Agreement, and (ii) the prompt payment of each
Partner's obligations under Article 4 of the Equity Contribution Agreement, in
each case strictly in accordance with the terms set forth in such Equity
Contribution Agreement and in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Guaranty
Limit (such obligations being collectively referred to herein as the "Guaranteed
----------
Obligations"); and
-----------
(b) agrees that if for any reason whatsoever one or both Partners shall
fail or be unable to pay or satisfy in full as and when due any of the
Guaranteed Obligations, Guarantor will promptly pay or satisfy the same on the
date the payment of such Guaranteed Obligation is due or required without regard
to any exercise or non-exercise by Guarantor, Administrative Agent or any Bank
of any right, remedy, power or privilege under or in respect of the Equity
Contribution Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and
that in the case of any extension of time of the payment or renewal of any of
the Guaranteed Obligations,
6
the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity,
by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or
renewal, in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Guaranty Limit.
2.2 Obligations Absolute and Unconditional.
--------------------------------------
(a) The obligations of Guarantor hereunder are primary obligations of
Guarantor and are an absolute, unconditional, continuing and irrevocable
guaranty of payment and not of collectibility or performance and are in no way
conditioned on or contingent upon any attempt to enforce in whole or in part
Borrower's or the Partners' liabilities and obligations to the Banks. If one or
both Partners shall fail to pay any of the Guaranteed Obligations as and when
they are due, Guarantor shall forthwith pay such Guaranteed Obligations in
immediately available funds, and each such failure by either Partner to pay a
Guaranteed Obligation shall give rise to a separate cause of action herewith,
and separate suits may be brought hereunder as each cause of action arises.
(b) The Banks may, at any time and from time to time (whether or not
after revocation or termination of this Guaranty) without the consent of or
notice to Guarantor, except such notice as may be required by applicable law
which cannot be waived or any notice required hereunder, without incurring
responsibility to Guarantor, without impairing or releasing the obligations of
Guarantor hereunder, upon or without any terms or conditions and in whole or in
part, (i) change the manner, place and terms of payment or change or extend the
time of such payment of, renew, or alter any Guaranteed Obligation, or any
obligations and liabilities (including any of those hereunder) incurred directly
or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof or in any manner modify, amend or
supplement the terms of the Equity Contribution Agreement, any documents,
instruments or agreements executed in connection therewith, and the guaranty
herein made shall apply to the Guaranteed Obligations, as changed, extended,
renewed, modified, amended, supplemented or altered in any manner; (ii) exercise
or refrain from exercising any rights against Borrower or one or both Partners
or others (including Guarantor) or otherwise act or refrain from acting; (iii)
add or release any other guarantor from its obligations without affecting or
impairing the obligations of Guarantor hereunder; (iv) settle or compromise any
Guaranteed Obligations and/or any obligations and liabilities (including any of
those hereunder) incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof or hereof,
and may subordinate the payment of all or any part thereof to the payment of any
obligations and liabilities which may be due to the Banks or others; (v) sell,
exchange, release, surrender, realize upon or otherwise deal with in any manner
or in any order any property by whomsoever pledged or mortgaged to secure or
howsoever securing the Guaranteed Obligations or any liabilities or obligations
(including any of those hereunder) incurred directly or indirectly in respect
thereof or hereof and/or any offset thereagainst; (vi) apply any sums by
whomsoever paid or howsoever realized to any obligations and liabilities of
Borrower or the Partners to the Banks under the Equity Contribution Agreement,
the Credit Agreement or the other Credit Documents in the manner provided
therein regardless of what obligations and liabilities remain unpaid; (vii)
consent to or waive any breach of, or any act, omission or default under, the
Equity Contribution Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Credit
Document; and/or (viii) act or fail to act in any manner referred to in this
Guaranty which may deprive Guarantor of its right to subrogation against
Borrower (if
7
any) or one or both Partners to recover full indemnity for any payments made
pursuant to this Guaranty or of its right of contribution against any other
party.
(c) No invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of the Guaranteed
Obligations or invalidity, irregularity, unenforceability or non perfection of
any collateral therefor, shall affect, impair, or be a defense to this Guaranty,
which is a primary obligation of Guarantor.
(d) This is a continuing Guaranty and all obligations to which it
applies or may apply under the terms hereof shall be conclusively presumed to
have been created in reliance hereon. In the event that, notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 2.2(a) hereof, this Guaranty shall be deemed revocable in
accordance with applicable law, then to the extent permitted by applicable law
any such revocation shall become effective only upon receipt by Administrative
Agent of written notice of revocation signed by Guarantor. To the extent
permitted by applicable law, no revocation or termination hereof shall affect in
any manner rights arising under this Guaranty with respect to Guaranteed
Obligations (i) arising prior to receipt by Administrative Agent of written
notice of such revocation or termination and the sole effect of revocation and
termination hereof shall be to exclude from this Guaranty Guaranteed Obligations
thereafter arising which are unconnected with Guaranteed Obligations theretofore
arising or transactions theretofore entered into or (ii) arising as a result of
an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement occurring by reason of the
revocation or termination of this Guaranty.
(e) Guarantor shall file, in any bankruptcy or other proceeding in
which the filing of claims is required or permitted by law, all claims which
Guarantor may have against Borrower and the Partners relating to any
indebtedness of Borrower and the Partners, respectively, to Guarantor, and
hereby assigns to Administrative Agent on behalf of the Banks all rights of
Guarantor thereunder. If Guarantor does not file any such claim, Administrative
Agent, as attorney-in-fact for Guarantor, is hereby authorized to do so in the
name of Guarantor or, in Administrative Agent's discretion, to assign the claim
to a nominee and to cause proofs of claim to be filed in the name of
Administrative Agent's nominee. The foregoing power of attorney is coupled with
an interest and cannot be revoked. Administrative Agent or its nominee shall
have the sole right to accept or reject any plan proposed in any such proceeding
and to take any other action which a party filing a claim is entitled to take.
In all such cases, whether in administration, bankruptcy or otherwise, the
person authorized to pay such a claim shall pay the same to Administrative Agent
to the extent of any Guaranteed Obligations which then remain unpaid and, to the
full extent necessary for that purpose, Guarantor hereby assigns to
Administrative Agent all of Guarantor's rights to all such payments or
distributions to which Guarantor would otherwise be entitled; provided, however,
-------- -------
that Guarantor's obligations hereunder shall not be satisfied except to the
extent that Administrative Agent receives cash by reason of any such payment or
distribution. If Administrative Agent receives anything hereunder other than
cash, the same shall be held as collateral for amounts due under this Guaranty.
(f) Except as otherwise required by law, each payment required to be
made by Guarantor to Administrative Agent or the Banks hereunder shall be made
without deduction or withholding for or on account of Taxes. If such deduction
or withholding is so required, Guarantor shall, upon notice thereof from
Administrative Agent, (i) pay the amount required to be deducted or withheld to
the appropriate authorities before penalties attach thereto or interest
8
accrues thereon (including deductions from amounts payable under this Section
2.2(f)), (ii) on or before the thirtieth day after payment of such amount,
forward to the Banks an official receipt evidencing such payment (or a certified
copy thereof), and (iii) in the case of any such deduction or withholding,
forthwith pay to Administrative Agent for the account of the Banks such
additional amount as may be necessary to ensure that the net amount actually
received by the Banks, free and clear of such Taxes, including any Taxes on such
additional amount, is equal to the amount that the Banks would have received had
there been no such deduction or withholding.
2.3 Subordination. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this
-------------
Guaranty, all existing and future indebtedness of Borrower and the Partners to
Guarantor and the right of Guarantor to withdraw any capital invested by
Guarantor directly or indirectly in Borrower or either Partner, is hereby
subordinated to all obligations and liabilities hereby guaranteed. Without the
prior written consent of Administrative Agent, such subordinated indebtedness
shall not be paid or withdrawn in whole or in part, nor shall Guarantor accept
any payment of or on account of any such indebtedness or as a withdrawal of
capital, while this Guaranty is in effect. At Administrative Agent's request, if
an Event of Default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing,
Guarantor shall cause Borrower and the Partners to pay to Administrative Agent
for the benefit of the Banks all or any part of such subordinated indebtedness
and any capital which Guarantor is entitled to withdraw up to the Guaranty
Limit. Any payment by Borrower or either Partner in violation of this Guaranty
shall be received by Guarantor in trust for Administrative Agent and the Banks,
and Guarantor shall cause the same to be paid to Administrative Agent for the
benefit of the Banks immediately upon demand by Administrative Agent on account
of such Partners' obligations and liabilities hereby guaranteed. Guarantor shall
not assign all or any portion of such indebtedness while this Guaranty remains
in effect except upon prior written notice to Administrative Agent by which the
assignee of any such indebtedness agrees that the assignment is made subject to
the terms of this Guaranty, and that any attempted assignment of such
indebtedness in violation of the provisions hereof shall be void. Nothing in
this Section 2.3 shall apply to any distribution or payment permitted to be made
to Guarantor, either Partner or any of their respective Affiliates pursuant to
the Credit Documents.
2.4 Waiver. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Guarantor hereby
------
unconditionally and irrevocably waives and relinquishes all rights and remedies
accorded by applicable law to sureties or guarantors and agrees not to assert or
take advantage of any such rights or remedies, including (a) any right to
require Administrative Agent or the Banks to proceed against Borrower or one or
both Partners or any other person or to proceed against or exhaust any security
held by Administrative Agent or the Banks at any time or to pursue any other
remedy in Administrative Agent's or the Banks' power before proceeding against
Guarantor, (b) any defense that may arise by reason of the incapacity, lack of
power or authority, dissolution, merger, termination or disability of Borrower
or one or both Partners or any other Person or the failure of Administrative
Agent or the Banks to file or enforce a claim against the estate (in
administration, bankruptcy or any other proceeding) of Borrower or one or both
Partners or any other Person, (c) promptness, diligence, demand, presentment,
protest and notice of any kind other than notices required hereunder or under
the other Credit Documents, including notice of the existence, creation or
incurring of any new or additional indebtedness or obligation or of any action
or non-action on the part of Borrower or one or both Partners, Administrative
9
Agent, the Banks, any endorser or creditor of Borrower or one or both Partners
or Guarantor or on the part of any other person under this or any other
instrument in connection with any obligation or evidence of indebtedness held by
Administrative Agent or the Banks in connection with any Guaranteed Obligations,
(d) any defense based upon an election of remedies by Administrative Agent or
the Banks, including an election to proceed by non-judicial rather than judicial
foreclosure, which destroys or otherwise impairs the subrogation rights of
Guarantor, the right of Guarantor to proceed against Borrower or one or both
Partners for reimbursement, or both, (e) any defense based on any offset against
any amounts which may be owed by any Person to Guarantor for any reason
whatsoever, (f) any defense based on any act, failure to act, delay or omission
whatsoever on the part of Borrower or one or both Partners or the failure by
Borrower or one or both Partners to do any act or thing or to observe or perform
any covenant, condition or agreement to be observed or performed by it under the
Equity Contribution Agreement or the other Credit Documents, (g) any defense
based upon any statute or rule of law which provides that the obligation of a
surety must be neither larger in amount nor in other respects more burdensome
than that of the principal, (h) any defense, setoff or counterclaim which may at
any time be available to or asserted by Borrower or one or both Partners against
Administrative Agent, the Banks or any other Person under the Equity
Contribution Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document (other
than, subject to Section 6.13, defense of payment of the applicable amounts),
(i) any duty on the part of Administrative Agent or the Banks to disclose to
Guarantor any facts Administrative Agent or the Banks may now or hereafter know
about Borrower or the Partners, regardless of whether Administrative Agent or
the Banks have reason to believe that any such facts materially increase the
risk beyond that which Guarantor intends to assume, or have reason to believe
that such facts are unknown to Guarantor, or have a reasonable opportunity to
communicate such facts to Guarantor, since Guarantor acknowledges that Guarantor
is fully responsible for being and keeping informed of the financial condition
of Borrower and each Partner and of all circumstances bearing on the risk of
non-payment of any obligations and liabilities hereby guaranteed, (j) the fact
that Guarantor may at any time in the future dispose of all or part of its
direct or indirect interest in Borrower or one or both Partners, (k) any defense
arising because of Administrative Agent's or the Banks' election, in any
proceeding instituted under the Federal Bankruptcy Code, of the application of
Section 1111(b)(2) of the Federal Bankruptcy Code, (l) any defense based upon
any borrowing or grant of a security interest under Section 364 of the Federal
Bankruptcy Code and (xiii) any other circumstance (including any statute of
limitations) or any existence of or reliance on any representation by
Administrative Agent or any Bank that might otherwise constitute a defense
available to, or discharge of, any guarantor or surety (other than, subject to
Section 6.13, defense of payment of the applicable amounts).
2.5 Subrogation. Until all Obligations and all Gila River Obligations
-----------
have been paid in full in cash (subject to Section 6.13 and other than those
contingent obligations that are intended to survive the termination of the
applicable agreement) (a) Guarantor shall not have any right of subrogation and
waives all rights to enforce any remedy which it or the Banks now have or may
hereafter have against Borrower or the Partners in respect of the Guaranteed
Obligations, and waives the benefit of, and all rights to participate in, any
security now or hereafter held by Administrative Agent or the Banks from
Borrower or the Partners and (b) Guarantor waives any claim, right or remedy
which Guarantor may now have or hereafter acquire against Borrower or the
Partners that arises hereunder, from the existence or enforcement of this
Guaranty and/or
10
from the performance by Guarantor hereunder, including any claim, remedy or
right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution, indemnification,
or participation in any claim, right or remedy of the Banks against Borrower or
either Partner, or any security which the Banks now have or hereafter acquire,
whether or not such claim, right or remedy arises in equity, under contract, by
statute, under common law or otherwise.
2.6 Bankruptcy. So long as any of the Obligations or Gila River
----------
Obligations remain unsatisfied or unpaid (subject to Section 6.13 and other than
those contingent obligations that are intended to survive the termination of the
applicable agreement), Guarantor shall not, and shall not permit any of its
subsidiaries to, without the prior written consent of Administrative Agent,
commence, or join with any other Person in commencing, any bankruptcy,
reorganization, or insolvency proceeding against Borrower or one or both
Partners. The obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall not be
altered, limited or affected by any proceeding, voluntary or involuntary,
involving the bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership, liquidation
or arrangement of Borrower or one or both Partners, or by any defense which
Borrower or one or both Partners may have by reason of any order, decree or
decision of any court or administrative body resulting from any such proceeding.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
Guarantor hereby represents and warrants that, as of the date hereof:
3.1 Corporate Existence and Business. Guarantor is a corporation duly
--------------------------------
organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation and is duly qualified to do business and is in
good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is necessary to
execute, deliver and perform this Guaranty and each other Credit Document to
which it is or is to become a party.
3.2 Power and Authorization; Enforceable Obligations. Guarantor has full
------------------------------------------------
power and authority and the legal right to execute, deliver and perform this
Guaranty and each other Credit Document to which it is or is to become a party
and to take all action as may be necessary to complete the transactions
contemplated hereunder and thereunder. Guarantor has taken all necessary
corporate action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this
Guaranty and each other Credit Document to which it is or is to become a party
to complete the transactions contemplated hereby. No consent or authorization
of, filing with, or other act by or in respect of any other Person or
Governmental Authority is required in connection with the execution, delivery or
performance by Guarantor, or the validity or enforceability as to Guarantor, of
this Guaranty and each other Credit Document to which it is or is to become a
party, except such consents or authorizations or filings or other acts as have
already been obtained or where the failure to obtain such consent or
authorization could not reasonably be expected to have a Guarantor Material
Adverse Effect. This Guaranty and each other Credit Document to which Guarantor
is a party have been duly executed and delivered by Guarantor and constitute,
and each other Credit Document to which it is to become a party will upon
execution and delivery thereof by Guarantor and the other parties thereto (if
any) constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of Guarantor enforceable
against it in accordance with its
11
terms except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the right of
creditors generally and by general principles of equity.
3.3 No Legal Bar. The execution, delivery and performance by Guarantor of
------------
this Guaranty and each other Credit Document to which it is or is to become a
party to complete the transactions contemplated hereby and the making by
Guarantor of any payments hereunder or under any other Credit Document to which
it is a party will not violate any applicable law or any material contractual
obligation of Guarantor and will not result in, or require, the creation or
imposition of any Lien on any of the properties or revenues of Guarantor
pursuant to any applicable law or any such contractual obligation except, in
each case, where such violation, creation or imposition could not reasonably be
expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect.
3.4 No Proceeding or Litigation. No litigation or proceeding of or before
---------------------------
any Governmental Authority is pending or, to the knowledge of Guarantor,
threatened in writing against Guarantor with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Guaranty or any other Credit Document to which Guarantor is
or is to become a party, except where such litigation or proceeding could not
reasonably be expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect.
3.5 Governmental Approvals. All governmental authorizations and actions
----------------------
necessary in connection with the execution and delivery by Guarantor of this
Guaranty and the performance of its obligations hereunder have been obtained or
performed and remain valid and in full force and effect.
3.6 Financial Statements. All quarterly and annual financial statements
--------------------
of Guarantor and its Significant Subsidiaries heretofore delivered by Guarantor
to Administrative Agent were true, correct and complete in all material
respects, did not fail to disclose any material liabilities, whether direct or
contingent, and fairly presented in all material respects the financial
condition of Guarantor or such Significant Subsidiary, as the case may be, in
each case as of the date delivered and were prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Since the date of the most recent such financial statements, there has been no
material adverse change in the business, operations, property, assets or
financial condition of Guarantor or its Significant Subsidiaries taken as a
whole.
3.7 True and Complete Disclosure. All factual information heretofore or
----------------------------
contemporaneously furnished by Guarantor or its representatives in writing to
Administrative Agent or any Bank for purposes of or in connection with this
Guaranty or any transaction contemplated herein was true and accurate in all
material respects on the date as of which such information was dated or
certified and at such date did not omit to state any fact necessary to make such
information not misleading at such time in light of the circumstances under
which such information was provided. The information referred to in the
immediately preceding sentence furnished to Administrative Agent or any Bank on
or prior to the Closing Date, taken as a whole, as updated or supplemented from
time to time, is true and correct in all material respects as of the Closing
Date, and as of the Closing Date all such information does not omit to state any
fact which could reasonably be expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse
Effect.
12
3.8 Investment Company Act. Guarantor is not an "investment company"
----------------------
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and is
exempt from regulation under PUHCA and the Federal Power Act.
3.9 Compliance with Law. There is no violation by Guarantor or any
-------------------
Significant Subsidiary of any Governmental Rule which could reasonably be
expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect. Except as have been
delivered to Administrative Agent, no notices of violation of any Governmental
Rule relating to the Project, the Site, the Pipeline or the Pipeline Easements
have been issued, entered or received by Guarantor.
3.10 ERISA. Guarantor and any other Person which is under common control
-----
(within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code) have fulfilled their
obligations (if any) under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code
for each ERISA Plan in compliance in all material respects with the currently
applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and have not incurred any liability
to the PBGC or an ERISA Plan under Title IV of ERISA (other than liability for
premiums due in the ordinary course). Assuming that the credit extended
hereunder does not involve the assets of any employee benefit plan subject to
ERISA, neither the execution of this Guaranty nor the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby will involve a Prohibited Transaction.
3.11 Financial and Other Information. Guarantor has established adequate
-------------------------------
means of obtaining financial and other information pertaining to the businesses,
operations and condition (financial and otherwise) of Borrower and each Partner
and their respective properties on a continuing basis, and Guarantor now is and
hereafter will have sole responsibility for maintaining familiarity with the
businesses, operations and condition (financial and otherwise) of Borrower,
Trans-Union and each Partner and their respective properties.
3.12 Adequate Financial Means. (a) Guarantor is not, and will not as a
------------------------
result of the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, be rendered insolvent,
(b) Guarantor does not intend to incur, or believe it is incurring, obligations
beyond its ability to pay and (c) Guarantor's property remaining after the
delivery and performance of this Guaranty will not constitute unreasonably small
capital.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS.
Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees that, subject to Section 6.13 and
provided that all amounts then due under Section 6.12 have been paid in full,
until the earliest of (a) the payment in full of all Obligations (other than
those contingent obligations that are intended to survive the termination of
this Guaranty or the other Credit Documents), (b) the payment in full of all of
the Guaranteed Obligations and (c) the payment by Guarantor under this Guaranty
of an aggregate amount equal to the Guaranty Limit:
4.1 Existence. Guarantor shall, and shall cause each Significant
---------
Subsidiary to, maintain and preserve its existence in good standing in the state
of its formation and its qualification to do business in each other jurisdiction
where such qualification is necessary and all material rights, privileges and
franchises necessary in the normal conduct of its business.
13
4.2 Consents, Legal Compliance. Guarantor shall maintain in full force and
--------------------------
effect all consents of any Governmental Authority that are required to be
obtained by it in order for it to perform its obligations under this Guaranty
and will obtain any that may become necessary in the future.
4.3 Prohibition of Certain Transfers.
--------------------------------
(a) Guarantor shall not, and shall not permit any Significant
Subsidiary to, liquidate or dissolve, or combine, consolidate or merge with or
into another Person; except that Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary may
combine, consolidate or merge with another Person if (i) Guarantor or a
Significant Subsidiary, as the case may be, is the surviving corporation of such
merger, consolidation or combination; (ii) prior to such merger, consolidation
or combination, and after giving effect thereto, no default under this Guaranty
shall have occurred and be continuing; (iii) such merger, consolidation or
combination shall not cause a violation of Section 4.11 hereof; (iv) Guarantor
shall have provided pro forma calculations to Administrative Agent demonstrating
that, to the reasonable satisfaction of Administrative Agent, after giving
effect to such merger, consolidation or combination (A) the projected ratio of
Total Debt to Capitalization for the next succeeding fiscal quarter will be less
than or equal to 0.65 to 1.00 and (B) the projected ratio of Consolidated EBITDA
to Consolidated Adjusted Interest Expense for the next succeeding twelve months
will equal or exceed 3.0 to 1.00; and (v) Guarantor's rights and obligations
under this Guaranty and Administrative Agent's rights and obligations under this
Guaranty shall not be diminished in any manner as a result of such merger,
consolidation or combination.
(b) Except as set forth in this Section 4.3 or sales that are in the
nature of financing leases, Guarantor shall not, and shall not permit any
Significant Subsidiary to, sell, lease, assign or otherwise transfer or dispose
of, directly or indirectly, all or any substantial part of its property,
business or assets; provided that (i) Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary
--------
may sell, lease or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly,
assets to any of Guarantor, any Significant Subsidiary, either Partner, either
Gila River Partner, either Trans-Union Partner, Borrower, Gila River Borrower or
Trans-Union, (ii) Tampa Electric may sell, contribute or transfer its
transmission and transmission-related assets for fair value to a regional
transmission organization and (iii) TPS may sell up to 30% of its assets in
exchange for assets similar to those sold, or for cash so long as the proceeds
of such cash sales are (x) retained by TPS or Guarantor in cash or equivalent
short term investments (provided that Guarantor shall not be obligated to so
maintain any such proceeds in cash or equivalent investments at any time that
Guarantor is rated Baa2 by Xxxxx'x and BBB+ by S&P or Baa1 by Xxxxx'x and BBB by
S&P) and reinvested within nine months of the date of such sale in assets
similar to those sold or (y) applied by Borrower, on a pro-rata basis, toward
(a) the prepayment of the outstanding principal amount of the Bridge Loans and
the Gila River Bridge Loans, and (b) satisfaction of Guarantor's then due and
payable obligations under the Equity Contribution Guaranty and under that
certain Equity Contribution Guaranty, dated as of May 31, 2001, by Guarantor in
favor of Gila River Administrative Agent, and following the applications set
forth in the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), pro-rata to satisfaction of all
other then due and payable obligations of Borrower and Gila River Borrower
guaranteed by Guarantor under the Equity Guaranties and under the "Equity
Guaranties", as defined in the Gila River Credit Agreement.
14
(c) Except as set forth in this Section 4.3, Guarantor shall
not, and shall not permit any Significant Subsidiary to, mortgage, pledge or
encumber all or substantially all of its assets (other than, solely in the case
of TPS, pursuant to limited recourse project financing transactions entered into
by TPS after the Closing Date in the ordinary course of its business), except
for encumbrances listed on Schedule 4.3.
(d) Guarantor shall not sell, assign or otherwise transfer, by
way of collateral assignment or otherwise, or dispose of, directly or indirectly
(by way of collateral assignment or otherwise) any Equity Interest in any
Significant Subsidiary; provided that for fair value (i) Guarantor may sell,
--------
assign or transfer up to 20% of its Equity Interests in TPS and (ii) TPS may
sell or transfer its Equity Interests in Energia Global International, Ltd.
4.4 Payment of Material Obligations. Guarantor shall, and shall cause
-------------------------------
each Significant Subsidiary to, pay all its material obligations, howsoever
arising, as and when due and payable, except (a) such as may be contested in
good faith or as to which a bona fide dispute may exist; provided that adequate
--------
reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, and (b) trade payables
which shall be paid in the ordinary course of business.
4.5 Taxes. Guarantor shall, and shall cause each Significant Subsidiary
-----
to, file all tax returns and pay, or cause to be paid, as and when due and prior
to delinquency, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges of any kind that
may at any time be lawfully assessed or levied against or with respect to it;
provided that Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary may contest in good faith
--------
any such taxes, assessments and other charges and, in such event, may permit the
taxes, assessments or other charges so contested to remain unpaid during any
period, including appeals, when such Person is in good faith contesting the
same, so long as (a) adequate reserves have been established in accordance with
GAAP, (b) enforcement of the contested tax, assessment or other charge is
effectively stayed for the entire duration of such contest if such enforcement
could reasonably be expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect, and
(c) any tax, assessment or other charge determined to be due, together with any
interest or penalties thereon, is promptly paid as required after final
resolution of such contest.
4.6 Maintenance of Property, Insurance. Guarantor shall, and shall cause
----------------------------------
each Significant Subsidiary to, (a) keep all property useful and necessary in
its business in good working order and condition except where the failure to so
maintain could not reasonably be expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse
Effect, (b) maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies
insurance on all its property in at least such amounts and against at least such
risks as are in accordance with normal industry practice, or make provisions
reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent for self-insurance, and (c)
furnish to Administrative Agent, upon written request, full information as to
the insurance carried.
4.7 Compliance with Laws, Instruments, Etc. Guarantor shall, and shall
--------------------------------------
cause each Significant Subsidiary to, promptly comply, or cause compliance, with
all Governmental Rules, except where the failure to comply could not reasonably
be expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect, including Governmental
Rules relating to pollution control, environmental protection, equal employment
opportunity or employee benefit plans, ERISA Plans and employee safety.
15
4.8 No Change in Business. Guarantor shall maintain a substantial part of
---------------------
its business in the power industry and businesses reasonably related thereto and
Guarantor shall cause each Significant Subsidiary to maintain as a substantial
part of its business the general type of business now conducted by such
Significant Subsidiary.
4.9 Financial Statements. Unless Administrative Agent otherwise consents,
--------------------
deliver or cause to be delivered to Administrative Agent, in form and detail
reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent:
(a) As soon as practicable and in any event within 60 days after
the end of the first, second and third quarterly accounting periods of its
fiscal year, an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Guarantor and its
consolidated subsidiaries as of the last day of such quarterly period and the
related statements of income, cash flow, and partners' capital (where
applicable) for such quarterly period and (in the case of second and third
quarterly periods) for the portion of the fiscal year ending with the last day
of such quarterly period, setting forth in each case in comparative form
corresponding unaudited figures from the preceding fiscal year; and
(b) As soon as practicable and in any event within 120 days
after the close of each applicable fiscal year, audited consolidated financial
statements of Guarantor and its consolidated subsidiaries. Such financial
statements shall include a statement of equity, a balance sheet as of the close
of such year, an income and expense statement, reconciliation of capital
accounts and a statement of cash flow, all prepared in accordance with GAAP,
certified by an independent certified public accountant selected by Guarantor.
Such certificate shall not be qualified or limited because of restricted or
limited examination by such accountant of any material portion of the records of
Guarantor.
(c) Each time the financial statements are delivered under
Sections 4.9(a) and (b), deliver, along with such financial statements, a
certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of Guarantor (i) setting forth
reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Sections 4.12(a)
and (b) and including a schedule describing all Contingent Obligations of
Guarantor, and (ii) certifying that (A) such Responsible Officer has made or
caused to be made a review of the transactions and financial condition of
Guarantor during the relevant fiscal period and that, to such Responsible
Officer's knowledge, Guarantor is in compliance with all applicable material
provisions of each Credit Document to which Guarantor is a party or, if such is
not the case, stating the nature of such non-compliance and the corrective
actions which Guarantor has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto, and
(B) such financial statements are true and correct in all material respects and
that no material adverse change in the consolidated assets, liabilities,
operations, or financial condition of Guarantor has occurred since the date of
the immediately preceding financial statements provided to Administrative Agent
or, if a material adverse change has occurred, the nature of such change.
(d) As long as Guarantor is required or permitted to file
reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a copy of its
report on Form 10-K shall satisfy the requirements of Section 4.9(a) and a copy
of Guarantor's report on Form 10-Q shall satisfy the requirements of Section
4.9(b).
16
4.10 Notices. Guarantor shall promptly, upon acquiring notice or giving
-------
notice, as the case may be, or obtaining knowledge thereof, deliver written
notice to Administrative Agent of:
(a) Any litigation pending or threatened in writing against
Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary involving claims against Guarantor or
such Significant Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to have a
Guarantor Material Adverse Effect, such notice to include copies of all papers
filed in such litigation and to be given monthly if any such papers have been
filed since the last notice given;
(b) Any dispute or disputes which may exist between Guarantor or any
Significant Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority and which involve (i)
claims against Guarantor or such Significant Subsidiary that could reasonably be
expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect, (ii) injunctive or
declaratory relief that could reasonably be expected to have a Guarantor
Material Adverse Effect, (iii) revocation or material modification or the like
of any applicable material permit or imposition of additional material
conditions with respect thereto, or (iv) any liens for any material amount of
taxes due but not paid;
(c) Any default under this Guaranty or under any other agreement
with respect to any Indebtedness of Guarantor outstanding in an amount equal to
or in excess of $50,000,000;
(d) Guarantor being placed on watch or review for possible rating
down-grade by S&P or Xxxxx'x;
(e) Any negative change, from the date hereof, from the rating given
to Guarantor's long-term senior unsecured debt by either S&P or Xxxxx'x; and
(f) Any event or circumstance which could reasonably be expected to
have a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect.
4.11 Maintenance of Ratings. If Guarantor's long term unsecured
----------------------
indebtedness is not rated at least (a) BBB- by S&P and Baa2 by Xxxxx'x or (b)
BBB by S&P and Baa3 by Xxxxx'x, Guarantor shall, within 15 days following such
downgrade, (x) cause the Equity LC Issuer to issue the Equity Letter of Credit,
naming Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Banks, as beneficiary and (y) in
the event the Equity Letter of Credit shall have been issued in accordance with
clause (x) of this Section 4.11, secure a replacement Equity Letter of Credit
within 15 days after Equity LC Issuer's long term unsecured indebtedness is
rated below A by S&P or below A2 by Xxxxx'x, or the rating on such indebtedness
is removed altogether.
4.12 Financial Covenants. Guarantor shall comply with the following
-------------------
covenants as of the last day of each fiscal quarter:
(a) The ratio of Total Debt to Capitalization, for the fiscal
quarter then ended, shall be less than or equal to 0.65 to 1.00; and
(b) The ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Adjusted
Interest Expense, for the twelve months then ended, shall equal or exceed 3.0 to
1.0.
17
ARTICLE V
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
5.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following events
-----------------
shall constitute an event of default (an "Event of Default") hereunder:
----------------
(a) Debt Cross Default. (i) Guarantor or any Significant
Subsidiary shall default for a period beyond any applicable grace period in the
payment of any principal, interest or other amount due under any agreement
involving the borrowing of money or the advance of credit (other than trade
payables) and the outstanding amount or amounts payable under all such
agreements equals or exceeds $50,000,000 or (ii) an event of default shall have
occurred and be continuing under an agreement, or related agreements, under
which Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary has outstanding indebtedness for
borrowed money of $10,000,000 or more and, in the case of this clause (ii), such
debt has been accelerated by the holder of such debt, or the holder of such debt
has attempted to accelerate but such acceleration was prevented by applicable
Governmental Rule.
(b) Bankruptcy; Insolvency. Guarantor or any Significant
Subsidiary shall become subject to a Bankruptcy Event.
(c) Misstatements; Omissions. Any representation or warranty of
Guarantor set forth in this Guaranty shall be untrue or misleading in any
material respect as of the time made and such untrue or misleading
representation or warranty (i) is having or could reasonably be expected to
result in a Guarantor Material Adverse Effect and (ii) shall remain unremedied
by Guarantor for a period of 30 days after the earlier of the date that
Guarantor becomes aware thereof or receives written notice thereof from
Administrative Agent.
(d) Breach of Terms of Agreement. Guarantor shall fail to
perform or observe any of the covenants set forth in this Guaranty and (except
with respect to any covenants set forth in Section 4.1 (with respect to its
obligation to maintain its existence), 4.3, 4.8, 4.11 or 4.12) such failure
shall continue unremedied for 30 days after Guarantor becomes aware thereof or
receives written notice with respect thereto from Administrative Agent.
(e) Judgments. A final judgment or judgments shall be entered
against Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary in the amount of $50,000,000 or
more (net of amounts covered by insurance) individually or in the aggregate
(other than (i) a judgment which is fully discharged within 30 days after its
entry, or (ii) a judgment, the execution of which is effectively stayed within
30 days after its entry but only for 30 days after the date on which such stay
is terminated or expires) or, in the case of injunctive relief, which if left
unstayed could reasonably be expected to have a Guarantor Material Adverse
Effect.
(f) Change in Control. Without the consent of the Majority
Bridge Banks, Guarantor shall cease to directly or indirectly own and control at
least 80% of (i) the economic interests and (ii) the voting interests (whether
by committee, contract or otherwise) in TPS.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS.
18
6.1 Successions or Assignments.
--------------------------
(a) This Guaranty shall inure to the benefit of the successors
or assigns of the Banks who shall have, to the extent of their interest, the
rights of the Banks hereunder.
(b) This Guaranty is binding upon Guarantor and its successors
or permitted assigns; provided that Guarantor is not entitled to assign its
--------
obligations hereunder to any other person without the prior written consent of
the Banks and any purported assignment in violation of this provision shall be
void.
6.2 Waivers.
-------
(a) No delay on the part of Administrative Agent or the Banks in
exercising any of their rights (including those hereunder) and no partial or
single exercise thereof and no action or non-action by Administrative Agent or
the Banks, with or without notice to Guarantor or anyone else, shall constitute
a waiver of any rights or shall affect or impair this Guaranty.
(b) ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND GUARANTOR HEREBY KNOWINGLY,
VOLUNTARILY, AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY
IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED HEREON, OR ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, OR IN
CONNECTION WITH, THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT, OR ANY COURSE OF
CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN), OR ACTIONS
OF THE BANKS, ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, BORROWER, THE PARTNERS OR GUARANTOR. THIS
PROVISION IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE BANKS AND ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT TO
ACCEPT THIS GUARANTY AND ENTER INTO THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.
6.3 Interpretation. The section headings in this Guaranty are for the
--------------
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision hereof.
6.4 Remedies Cumulative. Each and every right and remedy of
-------------------
Administrative Agent hereunder shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to
any other right or remedy given hereunder or under any other Credit Document, or
now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.
6.5 Severability. Any provision of this Guaranty that may be determined
------------
by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction
shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition
or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and
any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
6.6 Amendments. This Guaranty may be amended, waived or otherwise
----------
modified only with the written consent of the parties hereto.
6.7 Jurisdiction. Administrative Agent and Guarantor agree that any legal
------------
action or proceeding by or against Guarantor or with respect to or arising out
of this Guaranty or any other Credit Document may be brought in or removed to
the courts of the State of New York, in and
19
for the County of New York, or of the United States of America for the Southern
District of New York, as Administrative Agent may elect. By execution and
delivery of this Guaranty, Administrative Agent and Guarantor accept, for
themselves and in respect of their property, generally and unconditionally, the
jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Administrative Agent and Guarantor
irrevocably consent to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned
courts in any manner permitted by law. Any such process or summons in connection
with any such action or proceeding may also be served by mailing a copy thereof
by certified or registered mail, or any substantially similar form of mail,
addressed to Guarantor as provided for notices hereunder. Nothing herein shall
affect the right of Administrative Agent to bring legal action or proceedings in
any other competent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, service of
process shall not be deemed served or mailed to Administrative Agent or the
Banks until a copy of all matters to be served has been mailed to Xxxxxx &
Xxxxxxx, 000 X Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000, Xxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx 00000, Attn: Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx or such other Person as Administrative Agent or the Banks may hereafter
designate by notice making specific reference to this Section 6.7 given pursuant
to Section 6.11. Administrative Agent and Guarantor further agree that the
aforesaid courts of the State of New York and of the United States of America
shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any claim or counterclaim of
Guarantor based upon the assertion that the rate of interest charged by the
Banks on or under this Guaranty and/or the other Credit Documents is usurious.
Administrative Agent and Guarantor hereby waive any right to stay or dismiss any
action or proceeding under or in connection with any or all of the Project, this
Guaranty or any other Credit Document brought before the foregoing courts on the
basis of forum non-conveniens.
6.8 Governing Law. This Guaranty and the rights and obligations of
-------------
Administrative Agent and of Guarantor shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the law of the State of New York without reference to principles
of conflicts of laws (other than Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the New
York General Obligations Law).
6.9 Integration of Terms. This Guaranty contains the entire agreement
--------------------
between Guarantor and Administrative Agent relating to the subject matter hereof
and supersedes all oral statements and prior writings with respect hereto.
6.10 Consent. Guarantor hereby acknowledges receiving copies of the
-------
Equity Contribution Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the other Credit
Documents, and consents to the terms and provisions of each thereof.
6.11 Notices.
-------
(a) All notices in connection with this Guaranty shall be given by
notice in writing hand-delivered or sent by facsimile transmission or by
electronic mail or by first class or certified mail return-receipt requested
(airmail, if overseas), postage prepaid. All such notices shall be sent to the
appropriate telecopier number or address, as the case may be, set forth below or
to such other number or address as shall have been subsequently specified by
written notice to the other party, and shall be sent with copies, if any, as
indicated below. All such notices shall be effective upon receipt.
20
If to Guarantor: TECO Energy, Inc.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
If to Administrative Citibank, N.A.
Agent: 000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Tel: (000) 000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to: Citibank, N.A.
0 Xxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Tel: (000) 000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
6.12 Interest; Collection Expenses. Without regard to any limitation set
-----------------------------
forth in this Guaranty, any amount required to be paid by Guarantor pursuant to
the terms hereof shall bear interest at the Default Rate or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is less, from the date due until paid in full (and
any such amount so paid by Guarantor shall reduce pro tanto the obligation of
the applicable Partner to pay interest at the Default Rate on unpaid amounts
pursuant to Section 2.2.2 of the Equity Contribution Agreement). Without regard
to any limitation set forth in this Guaranty, if Administrative Agent is
required to pursue any remedy against Guarantor hereunder, Guarantor shall pay
to Administrative Agent within 30 days after demand and delivery of reasonable
backup documentation, all reasonable attorneys' fees and all other costs and
expenses incurred by Administrative Agent in enforcing this Guaranty.
6.13 Reinstatement. This Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be
-------------
automatically reinstated, as the case may be, if and to the extent that for any
reason any payment by or on behalf of either Partner in respect of the
Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or otherwise restored to either Partner,
whether as a result of any proceedings in bankruptcy or reorganization or
otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made, and Guarantor agrees that
it will indemnify Administrative Agent, the Banks and their respective
successors and assigns, on demand for all reasonable costs and expenses
(including reasonable fees of counsel) incurred by Administrative Agent, the
Banks and their respective successors and assigns in connection with any such
rescission or restoration.
6.14 Counterparts. The Guaranty may be executed in one or more duplicate
------------
counterparts, and when executed and delivered by all of the parties listed below
shall constitute a single binding agreement.
21
6.15 Non-Recourse. Recourse to Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be
------------
limited to the extent provided in this Agreement and in Article 9 of the Credit
Agreement.
6.16 Limitation on Liability. Recourse against Administrative Agent, the
-----------------------
Banks or any of their Affiliates, directors, employees, attorneys or agents
under this Guaranty shall be limited to the extent provided in Section 12.13 of
the Credit Agreement, which Section 12.13 is incorporated by reference herein,
mutatis mutandis.
6.17 Further Assurances. Guarantor shall execute and deliver any such
------------------
further instruments and shall take such further actions as Administrative Agent
may at any time or times reasonably request in order to carry out the provisions
and intent of this Guaranty.
22
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, intending to be legally bound, Guarantor has caused
this Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first
above written.
TECO ENERGY, INC.,
as Guarantor
By:______________________________
Name:
Title:
Accepted:
CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent under the
El Dorado Credit Agreement
By:______________________________
Name:
Title:
[TEI EQUITY CONTRIBUTION GUARANTY (EL DORADO)]
SCHEDULE 4.3
------------
1. First Mortgage Indenture of Tampa Electric Company (First Mortgage on Tampa
Electric assets).