Exhibit 2.3
TERM LOAN AGREEMENT
dated as of February 25, 1998,
by and among
WLR FOODS, INC.,
XXXXXXX FOODS, INC.,
CASSCO ICE & COLD STORAGE, INC.,
XXXXXXX SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.,
VALLEY RAIL SERVICE, INC.,
as Borrowers,
the Term Lenders referred to herein,
and
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK,
as Agent
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SECTION 1.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . 2
SECTION 1.2 General . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SECTION 1.3 Other Definitions and Provisions16
ARTICLE II
TERM LOAN FACILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 2.1 Term Loan . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 2.2 Term Loan Principal
Classification . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 2.3 Repayment of Term Loan . . . . 16
SECTION 2.4 Optional Prepayments of Term
Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SECTION 2.5 Term Notes . . . . . . . . . . 17
SECTION 2.6 Termination of Term Loan . . . 17
SECTION 2.7 Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . 17
ARTICLE III
[RESERVED] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ARTICLE IV
GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SECTION 4.1 Interest . . . . . . . . . . . 18
SECTION 4.2 Amendment and Agency Fees . . 19
SECTION 4.3 Manner of Payment . . . . . . 19
SECTION 4.4 Crediting of Payments and
Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 4.5 [RESERVED] . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 4.6 Capital Requirements . . . . . 20
SECTION 4.7 Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
SECTION 4.8 Mandatory Prepayments . . . . . 22
SECTION 4.9 Approved Miscellaneous Asset
Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ARTICLE V
CLOSING; CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND BORROWING . . . . . 23
SECTION 5.1 Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SECTION 5.2 Conditions to Closing and
Initial Term Loan . . . . . . . 24
2
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER . . . . . 26
SECTION 6.1 Representations and Warranties 26
SECTION 6.2 Survival of Representations
and Warranties Etc . . . . . . 33
ARTICLE VII
FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 7.1 Financial Statements and
Projections . . . . . . . . . . 33
SECTION 7.2 Officer's Compliance
Certificate . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 7.3 Accountants' Certificate . . . 35
SECTION 7.4 Other Reports . . . . . . . . . 35
SECTION 7.5 Notice of Litigation and
Other Matters . . . . . . . . . 36
SECTION 7.6 Accuracy of Information . . . . 37
ARTICLE VIII
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SECTION 8.1 Preservation of Corporate
Existence and Related Matters . 37
SECTION 8.2 Maintenance of Property . . . . 37
SECTION 8.3 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 8.4 Accounting Methods and
Financial Records . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 8.5 Payment and Performance of
Obligations . . . . . . . . . . 38
SECTION 8.6 Compliance With Laws and
Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . 39
SECTION 8.7 Environmental Laws . . . . . . 39
SECTION 8.8 Compliance with ERISA . . . . . 39
SECTION 8.9 Compliance With Agreements . . 39
SECTION 8.10 Conduct of Business . . . . . . 40
SECTION 8.11 Visits and Inspections . . . . 40
SECTION 8.12 Further Assurances . . . . . . 40
SECTION 8.13 Meeting with Term Lenders . . . 40
SECTION 8.14 Year 2000 Issues . . . . . . . 40
SECTION 8.15 Employment of Outside
Accountants and Financial
Consultants . . . . . . . . . . 40
SECTION 8.16 Maintenance of Bank Accounts . 41
SECTION 8.17 Interest Rate Protection . . . 41
ARTICLE IX
FINANCIAL COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
SECTION 9.1 Minimum Monthly EBITDA . . . . 41
SECTION 9.2 Minimum Quarterly EBITDA . . . 42
3
SECTION 9.3 Limitation on Capital
Expenditures . . . . . . . . . 42
ARTICLE X
NEGATIVE COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
SECTION 10.1 Limitations on Debt . . . . . . 43
SECTION 10.2 Limitations on Contingent
Obligations . . . . . . . . . 43
SECTION 10.3 Limitations on Liens . . . . . 43
SECTION 10.4 Limitations on Acquisitions . . 44
SECTION 10.5 Limitations on Mergers,
Liquidation and New Business
Ventures . . . . . . . . . . . 44
SECTION 10.6 Limitations on Sale of Assets . 44
SECTION 10.7 Transactions with Affiliates . 45
SECTION 10.8 Certain Accounting Changes . . 45
SECTION 10.9 Compliance with ERISA . . . . . 45
SECTION 10.10 Limitations on New Equity,
Dividends and Distributions . . 46
SECTION 10.11 Transfers to Subsidiaries . . . 46
SECTION 10.12 Limitations on Investments . . 46
SECTION 10.13 Limitations on Certain
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . 46
ARTICLE XI
DEFAULT AND REMEDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
SECTION 11.1 Events of Default . . . . . . . 47
SECTION 11.2 Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . 49
SECTION 11.3 Rights and Remedies Cumulative;
Non-Waiver; etc . . . . . . . . 50
ARTICLE XII
THE AGENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SECTION 12.1 Appointment . . . . . . . . . . 50
SECTION 12.2 Delegation of Duties . . . . . 50
SECTION 12.3 Exculpatory Provisions . . . . 50
SECTION 12.4 Reliance by the Agent . . . . . 51
SECTION 12.5 Notice of Default . . . . . . . 51
SECTION 12.6 Non-Reliance on the Agent and
other Term Lenders . . . . . . 51
SECTION 12.7 Indemnification . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 12.8 The Agent in Its Individual
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SECTION 12.9 Resignation of the Agent;
Successor Agent . . . . . . . . 53
4
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 13.1 Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
SECTION 13.2 Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 13.3 Set-off . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
SECTION 13.4 Governing Law . . . . . . . . . 56
SECTION 13.5 Consent to Jurisdiction . . . . 56
SECTION 13.6 Waiver of Jury Trial; Waiver
of Punitive Damages . . . . . . 56
SECTION 13.7 Reversal of Payments . . . . . 57
SECTION 13.8 Injunctive Relief . . . . . . . 57
SECTION 13.9 Accounting Matters . . . . . . 57
SECTION 13.10 Successors and Assigns;
Participations . . . . . . . . 58
SECTION 13.11 Amendments, Waivers and
Consents; Renewal . . . . . . . 61
SECTION 13.12 Performance of Duties . . . . . 61
SECTION 13.13 Indemnification . . . . . . . . 61
SECTION 13.14 All Powers Coupled with
Interest . . . . . . . . . . . 62
SECTION 13.15 Survival of Indemnities . . . . 62
SECTION 13.16 Titles and Captions . . . . . . 62
SECTION 13.17 Severability of Provisions . . 62
SECTION 13.18 Counterparts . . . . . . . . . 62
SECTION 13.19 Term of Agreement . . . . . . . 62
SECTION 13.20 Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . 62
5
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A - Form of Revolving Credit Note (referenced in Section 1.1)
Exhibit B - Form of Term Loan Note (referenced in Section 1.1)
Exhibit C - Form of Prepayment Notice (referenced in Section 2.4(a))
Exhibit D - Form of Quarterly Unaudited Consolidated and Consolidating
Balance Sheet (referenced in Section 7.1(a))
Exhibit E - Form of Officer's Compliance Certificate (referenced in
Section 7.2)
Exhibit F - Form of Assignment and Acceptance (referenced in Section
13.10(b)(iii))
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SCHEDULES
Schedule 4.8(b) - Existing Stock Incentive Programs
Schedule 6.1(a) - Jurisdictions of Organization and Qualification to
Do Business as Foreign Corporation
Schedule 6.1(b) - Subsidiaries, Capitalization and Shareholders
Schedule 6.1(f) - Government Lien Assertions
Schedule 6.1(h) - Franchise, Licenses, Patents and Tradenames
Schedule 6.1(j) - ERISA Plans
Schedule 6.1(n) - Collective Bargaining Agreements
Schedule 6.1(s) - Leased Real Property
Schedule 6.1(v) - Litigation
Schedule 6.1(z) - Outstanding Options, Warrants or Other Rights
Schedule 8.15 - Work Plan
Schedule 10.1(c) - Existing Debt
Schedule 10.2(b) - Existing Contingent Obligations
Schedule 10.3(f) - Existing Liens
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This TERM LOAN AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of February
25, 1998, is made and entered into by and among WLR FOODS, INC.,
("WLR"), XXXXXXX FOODS, INC. ("Xxxxxxx"), CASSCO ICE & COLD STORAGE,
INC. ("Cassco"), XXXXXXX SUPPLY COMPANY, INC. ("Xxxxxxx Supply"), and
VALLEY RAIL SERVICE, INC. ("Valley Rail"), all corporations organized
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Term Lenders who
are or may become a party to this Agreement, and FIRST UNION NATIONAL
BANK, for itself and as Agent for the Term Lenders. WLR, Xxxxxxx,
Cassco, Xxxxxxx Supply and Valley Rail are referred to herein jointly
and severally as the "Borrower." The liabilities and obligations of
WLR, Xxxxxxx, Cassco, Xxxxxxx Supply and Valley Rail hereunder are
joint and several, and the word "Borrower," as used herein, means each
of them, any of them and/or all of them as the context may require.
BACKGROUND
A. WLR, as borrower, and Cassco and Xxxxxxx, as guarantors, are
parties to that certain Credit Agreement, dated January 1, 1997,
pursuant to which the Term Lenders extended a revolving credit
facility (the "Existing Revolving Credit Facility") to WLR in an
amount not to exceed One Hundred Sixty Million Dollars ($160,000,000).
B. WLR, as borrower, and Cassco and Xxxxxxx, as guarantors, and
First Union are parties to a certain Loan Agreement dated as of
January 1, 1997 (the "Time Loan Agreement") which has terminated
undrawn by mutual consent of the parties.
C. WLR, Cassco, Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Supply and Valley Rail are
part of an integrated financial enterprise and have requested the Term
Lenders to: (i) provide a revolving credit facility in the maximum
amount of $105,000,000; (ii) restructure a portion of the Existing
Revolving Credit Facility, after the principal amount outstanding
(including the aggregate face amount of all outstanding letters of
credit) has been reduced to $110,000,000, into a term loan as provided
herein; (iii) provide the new revolving credit facility pursuant to
the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement (hereafter defined); and
(iv) restructure the Existing Revolving Credit Facility as provided in
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents executed as of the date
hereof.
D. The Term Lenders have agreed to this request subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
E. The Borrower will materially benefit from the restructure of
the Existing Revolving Credit Facility and the new revolving credit to
be provided as set forth in the Loan Documents.
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E. THIS AGREEMENT IS ISSUED IN ORDER TO AMEND, RESTATE AND
EVIDENCE, AND TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR, BUT NOT TO BE A PAYMENT,
SATISFACTION, CANCELLATION OR A NOVATION OF THAT PORTION OF EXISTING
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY BEING CONVERTED TO A TERM LOAN HEREUNDER.
THE EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT BY THE PARTIES HERETO DOES NOT
EXTINGUISH THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED BY THE EXISTING REVOLVING CREDIT
FACILITY OR ANY PORTION THEREOF AND THE LIABILITIES OF THE BORROWER
THEREUNDER AND HEREUNDER ARE CONTINUOUS. THIS AGREEMENT DOES NOT
EVIDENCE ANY NEW ADVANCES OF CREDIT AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY AGREEMENT
BY THE TERM LENDERS FOR THE EXTENSION OF ANY ADDITIONAL CREDIT TO THE
BORROWER.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the parties
hereto, such parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Definitions. The following terms when used in
this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them below:
"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person (the "First
Person"), any other Person (other than a Subsidiary of the First
Person) which directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
control with, the First Person or any of its Subsidiaries. The term
"control" means (a) the power to vote five percent (5%) or more of the
securities or other equity interests of a Person having ordinary
voting power, or (b) the possession, directly or indirectly, of any
other power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities,
by contract or otherwise. The term Affiliate shall not include, in
the case of the Borrower, Pioneering Management Corporation.
"Agent" means First Union in its capacity as Agent hereunder, and
any successor thereto appointed pursuant to Section 12.9.
"Agent's Office" means the office of the Agent specified in or
determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.1.
"Aggregate Term Loan" means the aggregate amount of the Term
Lenders' Term Loans under this Agreement, as such amount may be
reduced at any time or from time to time pursuant to Article II
hereof. On the Closing Date, the Aggregate Term Loan shall be One
Hundred Ten Million Dollars ($110,000,000).
9
"Agreement" means this Term Loan Agreement, as amended or
modified from time to time.
"Amendment Fee" shall have the meaning ascribed in Section 4.2
hereof.
"Applicable Law" means all applicable provisions of
constitutions, statutes, rules, regulations and orders of all
Governmental Authorities and all orders and decrees of all courts and
arbitrators.
"Approved Contract Growers" shall mean those persons who, from
time to time, hold live chicken and turkey inventory owned by Xxxxxxx
under and subject to grower contracts which preserve and in every way
maintain the title of Xxxxxxx in and to such inventory to the
satisfaction of Xxxxxxx and its counsel.
"Approved Miscellaneous Asset Sale" shall mean any sale or sales
by the Borrower of any real or personal property which (i) for the
first year following the Closing Date do(es) not generate Net Proceeds
of more than $7,500,000 in the aggregate, or more than $2,500,000 for
any individual sale; and (ii) for each one-year period thereafter
do(es) not generate Net Proceeds of more than $1,000,000 in the
aggregate for such twelve-month period.
"Asset Sale" means any sale, sale-leaseback, mortgage of real
property or any other disposition (including the grant of any option,
warrant or other right to purchase such property) by any Person of any
of its real or tangible personal property or assets (other than
permitted by subsections (a), (b), and (c) of Section 10.6 and the
sale of Equipment, the proceeds of which are applied to the prepayment
of any Purchase Money Debt secured by a Lien on such Equipment).
"Assignment and Acceptance" shall have the meaning assigned
thereto in Section 13.10.
"Base Rate" means, at any time, the higher of (a) the Prime Rate
or (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%; each change in the Base
Rate shall take effect simultaneously with the corresponding change or
changes in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Rate.
"Borrower" means WLR, Xxxxxxx, Cassco, Xxxxxxx Supply, and Valley
Rail, in their capacities as joint and several borrowers hereunder,
and each of them, any of them and/or all of them as the context may
require.
"Business Day" means for all purposes any day other than a
Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday on which banks in Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxx
00
Xxxxxxxx xxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxx, are open for the conduct of their
commercial banking business.
"Capital Asset" means, with respect to the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, any asset that would, in accordance with GAAP, be
required to be classified and accounted for as a capital asset on a
Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
"Capital Expenditures" means, with respect to the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries for any period, the aggregate cost of all capital
assets acquired by any such Person during such period, determined
without duplication on a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Capital Lease" means, with respect to the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, any lease of any property that would, in accordance with
GAAP, be required to be classified and accounted for as a capital
lease on a Consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries.
"Change in Control" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in
Section 11.1(m).
"Closing Date" means the date of this Agreement or such later
Business Day upon which the Term Notes are originally executed and
delivered to the Term Lenders.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the rules and
regulations thereunder, each as amended or supplemented from time to
time.
"Collateral" means all of the assets, property and interests in
property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, that shall, from time to time, secure the
Obligations, including without limitation the Collateral described in
the Security Documents and any property or interests provided in
addition to or in substitution for any of the foregoing.
"Collateral Agent" means First Union in its capacity as
Collateral Agent under the Security Documents.
"Consolidated" means, when used with reference to financial
statements or financial statement items of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, such statements or items on a consolidated basis in
accordance with applicable principles of consolidation under GAAP.
"Contingent Obligation" means, with respect to the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries, without duplication, any obligation, contingent or
11
otherwise, of any such Person pursuant to which such Person has
directly or indirectly guaranteed any Debt or other obligation of any
other Person and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of any
such Person (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the
purchase or payment of) such Debt or other obligation (whether arising
by virtue of partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep well, to
purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, or to
maintain financial statement condition or otherwise) or (b) entered
into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of
such Debt or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect
such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part);
provided that the term Contingent Obligation shall not include
endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of
business or executory contracts.
"Coverage Ratio" means, as of the close of any Fiscal Quarter,
the Borrower's Consolidated cumulative four quarter EBITDA ending with
the close of such Fiscal Quarter divided by the Borrower's
Consolidated cumulative four quarter Interest Expense ending with the
close of such Fiscal Quarter.
"Debt" means, with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
at any date and without duplication, Capital Leases and debt incurred,
guaranteed (whether directly or indirectly) or assumed for money
borrowed or for the deferred (for sixty days or more) purchase price
of property or services purchased, excluding accounts payable (other
than for borrowed money), deferred compensation payable to current or
former employees and other accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary
course of business if the same are not overdue in a material amount or
are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings.
Debt shall include all obligations of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries pursuant to Derivative Agreements entered into in the
ordinary course of business for the purpose of mitigating risk.
"Default" means any of the events specified in Section 11.1
which, with the passage of time, the giving of notice or any other
condition, would constitute an Event of Default.
"Derivative Agreement" means any agreement with respect to any
exchange-traded or over-the-counter transaction, contract, instrument,
security, obligation or undertaking of whatever nature that
constitutes (in whole or in part) a forward, future, option, swap,
cap, collar, floor or combination thereof, or anything similar to any
of the foregoing, whether for physical delivery or cash settlement,
which is entered into for the purpose of mitigating risk in connection
with a commodity price or index.
12
"Dispute" means any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of,
connected with or relating to this Agreement.
"Dollars" or "$" means, unless otherwise qualified, dollars in
lawful currency of the United States.
"EBITDA" means, for any period, (a) Net Income of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis for such period, plus (b)
the sum of the following for such period to the extent deducted in the
determination of Net Income: (i) Interest Expense, (ii) income and
franchise taxes, and (iii) amortization, depreciation and other non-
cash charges (including amortization of good will and other intangible
assets).
"Eligible Assignee" means, with respect to any assignment of the
rights, interest and obligations of a Term Lender hereunder, a Person
that is at the time of such assignment (a) a bank having combined
capital and surplus in excess of $500,000,000 and whose senior debt is
rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (or has a
comparable rating from another rating agency), (b) a finance company,
insurance company or other financial entity which does or can extend
credit of the type extended hereunder, that has total assets in excess
of $500,000,000 and whose senior debt is rated BBB or higher by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group (or has a comparable rating from
another rating agency), (c) already a Term Lender hereunder (whether
as an original party to this Agreement or as the assignee of another
Term Lender), (d) the successor (whether by transfer of assets, merger
or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the commercial lending
business of the assigning Term Lender, or (e) any other Person that
has been approved in writing as an Eligible Assignee by the Agent,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided, that for
purposes of this clause (e), if such Person is a direct competitor of
the Borrower, such Person must also be approved in writing as an
Eligible Assignee by the Borrower.
"Employee Benefit Plan" means any employee benefit plan within
the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA which (a) is maintained for
employees of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or (b) has at any
time within the preceding six years been maintained for the employees
of the Borrower or any current or former ERISA Affiliate.
"Environmental Laws" means any and all federal, state and local
laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, licenses,
approvals, interpretations and orders of courts or Governmental
Authorities, relating to the protection of the environment, including,
but not limited to, requirements pertaining to the manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal,
13
transportation, handling, reporting, licensing, permitting,
investigation or remediation of Hazardous Materials. Environmental
Laws include, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. Section 9601 et.
seq.) , the Hazardous Material Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. Section
331 et. seq.) , the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C.
Section 6901 et. seq.) , the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. Section 1251 et. seq.) , the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section
7401 et. seq.) , the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. Section
2601 et. seq.), the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. Section 300,
et. seq.), and the Environmental Protection Agency's regulations
relating to underground storage tanks (40 C.F.R. Parts 280 and 281),
and the rules and regulations promulgated under each of these
statutes, each as amended or modified from time to time.
"ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, and the rules and regulations thereunder, each as amended or
modified from time to time.
"ERISA Affiliate" means any Person who, together with the
Borrower, is treated as a single employer within the meaning of
Section 414 (b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b) of
ERISA.
"Event of Default" means any of the events specified in Section
11.1, provided that any requirement for passage of time, giving of
notice, or any other condition, has been satisfied.
"Extension Criteria" means that at the time of any request by the
Borrower to extend the Non-Default Maturity Date of the Term Loan in
accordance with Section 2.1 (b) of this Agreement and as of the
Extension Date that: (i) there exists no Default or Event of Default
under the Agreement; (ii) at all times prior to the Extension Date
there has not occurred any Default or Event of Default which has not
been cured or been waived in writing by the Agent, on behalf of the
Term Lenders during the applicable cure period, if any; (iii) the
Borrower shall have simultaneously extended the maturity date of the
Note Obligations as provided in the Note Agreement; and (iv) the
Borrower shall have paid the Extension Fee.
"Extension Fee" means, in the event that the Borrower elects to
exercise the Term Loan Extension Option, a fee payable to the Agent
for the ratable benefit of the Term Lenders on or prior to the
Extension Date equal to one percent (1%) of the principal balance
outstanding under the Term Loan as of the Extension Date.
"FDIC" means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or any
successor thereto.
14
"Federal Funds Rate" means, the rate per annum (rounded upwards,
if necessary, to the next higher 1/100th of 1%) representing the daily
effective federal funds rate as quoted by the Agent and confirmed in
Federal Reserve Board Statistical Release H.15 (519) or any successor
or substitute publication selected by the Agent. If, for any reason,
such rate is not available, then "Federal Funds Rate" shall mean a
daily rate which is determined, in the opinion of the Agent, to be the
rate at which federal funds are being offered for sale in the national
federal funds market at 9:00 a.m. (Charlotte time). Rates for
weekends or holidays shall be the same as the rate for the most
immediate preceding Business Day.
"First Union" means First Union National Bank, a national banking
association, and its successors and assigns.
"Fiscal Year" means the fiscal year of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries ending on the Saturday closest to June 30. For purposes
of determining any fiscal quarter hereunder: (a "Fiscal Quarter")
(a) the first fiscal quarter ("First Fiscal Quarter") of any Fiscal
Year (the "Current Year") shall end thirteen (13) weeks after the end
of the preceding Fiscal Year (the "Prior Year"); (b) the second fiscal
quarter ("Second Fiscal Quarter") of the Current Year shall end
twenty-six (26) weeks after the end of the Prior Year; (c) the third
fiscal quarter ("Third Fiscal Quarter") of the Current Year shall end
thirty-nine (39) weeks after the end of the Prior Year; and (d) the
fourth fiscal quarter ("Fourth Fiscal Quarter") of the Current Year
shall end on the last day of the Current Year. For purposes of
determining any fiscal month-end hereunder (a "Fiscal Month"), any
Fiscal Month shall end on the Saturday closest to the last day of such
month.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles, as
recognized by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
and the Financial Accounting Standards Board, consistently applied and
maintained on a consistent basis for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
throughout the period indicated and consistent with the prior
financial practice of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
"Governmental Approvals" means all authorizations, consents,
approvals, licenses and exemptions of, registrations and filings with,
and reports to, all Governmental Authorities.
"Governmental Authority" means any nation, province, state or
political subdivision thereof, and any government or any Person
exercising executive, legislative, regulatory or administrative
functions of or pertaining to government, and any corporation or other
entity owned or controlled, through stock or capital ownership or
otherwise, by any of the foregoing.
15
"Hazardous Materials" means any substances or materials: (a)
defined as hazardous substances in the Comprehensive Environmental
Response Compensation Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C.
Section 9601, et seq. or in regulations issued thereunder; (b) defined
as hazardous wastes in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of
1976, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq. or in regulations
issued thereunder; (c) defined as toxic substances in the Toxic
Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 2601, et seq., or in
regulations issued thereunder; or (d) animal wastes.
"Intercreditor Agreement" means that certain Collateral Agency
and Intercreditor Agreement dated as of the Closing Date by and among
the Term Lenders and the other parties thereto.
"Interest Expense" means, with respect to the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for any period, the gross interest expense (including
without limitation interest expense attributable to Capital Leases) of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, all determined for such period on a
Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Interest Rate Protection Agreements" means any interest rate or
currency hedging agreement or arrangement approved by the Agent (such
approval not to be unreasonably withheld) entered into by the Borrower
and designed to protect against fluctuations in interest rates.
"Leased Real Property" shall mean real property owned by the
Borrower and leased to one or more Persons as more fully set forth on
Schedule 6.1(s).
"L/C Obligations" means at any time, an amount equal to the sum
of: (a) the aggregate undrawn and unexpired amount of the then
outstanding Letters of Credit; and (b) the aggregate amount of
drawings under Letters of Credit which have not then been reimbursed
pursuant to Section 3.5 of the Revolving Credit Agreement.
"Lenders" means the collective reference to the Revolving Credit
Lenders, the Term Lenders, and the Note Lenders.
"Lending Office" means, with respect to any Term Lender, the
office of such Term Lender maintaining such Term Lender's Term Loan.
"Letters of Credit" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in
Section 3.1(a) of the Revolving Credit Agreement.
"Leverage Ratio" shall mean, as of the close of any Fiscal
Quarter, Total Debt divided by the Borrower's Consolidated cumulative
16
four quarter EBITDA ending with the close of such Fiscal Quarter.
"Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien,
pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in
respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person
shall be deemed to own subject to a Lien any asset which it has
acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under
any conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or other title retention
agreement relating to such asset, other than an asset which the
Borrower holds as the lessee under a lease which is not a Capital
Lease.
"Limited Grower Payable Liens" means any lien arising in favor of
any Approved Contract Grower with respect to any inventory or other
property owned by the Borrower under the Packers and Stockyards Act,
Va. Code Section 43-32, and/or other comparable state statutes, unless such
liens arise in connection with accounts payable over fifteen (15) days
past due and have an aggregate value in excess of $1,500,000.
"Loan" means any Revolving Loan, the Term Loan, and all Revolving
Loans and the Term Loan collectively as the context requires.
"Loan Documents" means, collectively, this Agreement, the
Revolving Credit Agreement, the Notes, the Applications, the Security
Documents, the Lockbox Agreement, the Warrant Agreement, the
Intercreditor Agreement, any Derivative Agreement executed by any Term
Lender, and each other document, instrument and agreement executed and
delivered by the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or their counsel in
connection with this Agreement or otherwise referred to herein or
contemplated hereby, all as may be amended or modified from time to
time.
"Lock Box Agreement" shall mean an agreement or agreements
between the Borrower and any one or more of the Revolving Credit
Lenders, as required under the Revolving Credit Agreement, together
with all amendments, modifications, exhibits and schedules thereto may
be in effect from time to time.
"Mandatory Prepayment Net Proceeds" means, collectively, the
Asset Sale Net Proceeds, New Equity Net Proceeds, Subordinated Debt
Net Proceeds, and Miscellaneous Asset Sale Net Proceeds.
"Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to the Borrower, a
material adverse effect on the properties, business, operations or
condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower, taken as a whole,
or the ability of the Borrower, taken as a whole, to perform its
obligations under the Loan Documents or Material Contracts, to which
it is a party.
17
"Material Contract" means: (a) any contract or other agreement,
instrument, lease or other evidence of understanding, written or oral,
of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving monetary
liability of or to any such Person in an amount per annum in excess of
$2,000,000; or (b) any other contract or other agreement, instrument,
lease or other evidence of understanding, written or oral, of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, the failure to comply with which
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
"Mortgages" mean, collectively, those Mortgages and Deeds of
Trust executed and delivered to or for the benefit of the Term Lenders
as of the Closing Date.
"Multiemployer Plan", means a "multiemployer plan" as defined in
Section 4001(a) (3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate is making, or is accruing an obligation to make,
contributions within the preceding six years.
"Net Income" means, with respect to the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for any period, the Consolidated net income (or loss) of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period determined in
accordance with GAAP; provided, that there shall be excluded from
Consolidated net income (or loss): (a) the income (or loss) of any
Person (other than a Subsidiary of the Borrower) in which the Borrower
has an ownership interest unless received by the Borrower in a cash
distribution; (b) the income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to
the date it became a Subsidiary of the Borrower or is merged into or
consolidated with the Borrower; and (c) extraordinary items.
"Net Proceeds" means, with respect to any sale, lease, transfer
or other disposition of assets by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any issuance by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries of any capital stock or other debt or equity securities
permitted hereunder, the aggregate amount of cash received for such
assets or securities (including, without limitation, any payments
received for non-competition covenants, consulting or management fees,
and any portion of the amount received evidenced by a seller
promissory note or other evidence of Debt), net of (i) amounts
reserved, if any, for taxes payable with respect to any such sale
(after application of any available losses, credits or other offsets),
(ii) reasonable. and customary transaction costs properly attributable
to such transaction and payable by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than to an Affiliate) in connection with such
sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of assets or issuance of
any capital stock or other securities, including, without limitation,
commissions and underwriting discounts, and (iii) until actually
received by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, any portion of
the amount received held in escrow or evidenced by a seller promissory
18
note or non-compete agreement or covenant for which compensation is
paid over time. Upon receipt by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries of amounts referred to in item (iii) of the preceding
sentence, such amounts shall then be deemed to be "Net Proceeds."
"Net Revenue" means, with respect to the Borrower and its
subsidiaries for any period, net revenue for such period determined on
a Consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"1997 Agreement" means the Credit Agreement dated as of January
1, 1997, among WLR, as Borrower, Cassco and Xxxxxxx, as guarantors,
the lenders thereunder, and the Agent.
"Non-Default Maturity Date" shall have the meaning set forth
below in the definition of "Term Loan Termination Date."
"Notes" means, collectively, the Revolving Credit Notes and the
Term Notes.
"Note Agreement" means that certain Note Purchase Agreement dated
as of the date hereof by and between WLR and various note lenders
thereunder.
"Note Lenders" means, collective, each Person executing the Note
Agreement as a lender.
"Obligations" means, collectively, the Term Loan Obligations and
the Revolving Credit Obligations.
"Officer's Compliance Certificate" shall have the meaning
assigned thereto in Section 7.2.
"Other Taxes" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section
4.10 (b) .
"PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any
successor agency.
"Pension Plan" means any Employee Benefit Plan, other than a
Multiemployer Plan, which is subject to the provisions of Title IV of
ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and which: (a) is maintained for
employees of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliates; or (b) has at any
time within the preceding six years been maintained for the employees
of the Borrower or any of their current or former ERISA Affiliates.
"Permitted Liens" shall mean those liens and encumbrances (other
than those in favor of the Collateral Agent) permitted pursuant to
Section 10.3
19
"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership,
association, trust, business trust, joint venture, joint stock
company, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated
organization, Governmental Authority or other entity.
"Pledge Agreements" means, collectively, the WLR Pledge Agreement
and the Xxxxxxx Pledge Agreement.
"Prime Rate" means, at any time, the rate of interest per annum
publicly announced from time to time by the Agent as its prime rate.
Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective as of the opening of
business on the day such change in the Prime Rate occurs. The parties
hereto acknowledge that the rate announced publicly by the Agent as
its Prime Rate is an index or base rate and shall not necessarily be
its lowest or best rate charged to its customers or other banks.
"Purchase Money Debt" means any Debt incurred by the Borrower in
the ordinary course of business for the purpose of and actually used
in acquiring any Capital Asset and such Debt is either (i) held by a
seller of such Capital Asset to the Borrower to secure all or part of
the purchase price thereof, or (ii) held by a Person who, by making
advances to, or incurring an obligation on behalf of, the Borrower
gives value to the Borrower to enable the Borrower to acquire rights
in or the use of such Capital Asset.
"Ratable Share" shall have the meaning given to such term in the
Intercreditor Agreement.
"Register" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section
13.10(d).
"Reimbursement Obligation" means the obligation of the Borrower
to reimburse the Issuing Revolving Credit Lender pursuant to Section
3.5 of the Revolving Credit Agreement.
"Required Term Lenders" means, at any date, any combination of
holders of at least seventy five percent (75%) of the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of the Term Notes, or if no amounts are outstanding
under the Term Notes, any combination of Term Lenders whose Term Loan
Percentages aggregate at least seventy five percent (75%).
"Revolving Credit Agreement" means the Revolving Credit Agreement
dated as of the date hereof by and among the Agent, the Revolving
Credit Lenders, and the Borrower, as amended or modified from time to
time.
20
"Revolving Credit Facility" means the revolving credit facility
established pursuant to Article II of the Revolving Credit Agreement.
"Revolving Credit Lenders" means each Person executing the
Revolving Credit Agreement as a Revolving Credit Lender and each
Person that hereafter becomes a Revolving Credit Lender.
"Revolving Credit Notes" means the separate Revolving Credit
Notes made by the Borrower payable to the order of each Revolving
Credit Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit "A" hereto,
evidencing the Revolving Credit Facility, and any amendments and
modifications thereto, any substitutes therefor, and any replacements,
restatements, renewals or extension thereof, in whole or in part.
"Revolving Credit Obligations" means, in each case, whether now
in existence or hereafter arising: (a) the principal of and interest
(including interest accruing after the filing of any bankruptcy or
similar petition) on the Revolving Loans; (b) the L/C Obligations; (c)
all payment and other obligations owing by the Borrower to any
Revolving Credit Lender or the Agent under any Derivative Agreement as
permitted pursuant to Section 10.3(h); and (d) all other fees and
commissions (including attorney's fees), charges, indebtedness, loans,
liabilities, financial accommodations, obligations, covenants and
duties owing by the Borrower to the Revolving Credit Lenders or the
Agent, of every kind, nature and description, direct or indirect,
absolute or contingent, due or to become due, under the Loan
Documents, except to the extent such obligations arise solely under
the Term Loan Agreement and the Term Notes.
"Revolving Loan" means any Loan made to the Borrower pursuant to
Section 2.1 of the Revolving Credit Agreement.
"Security" means any funds, agreements, property, rights or
interests of any nature whatsoever, guaranties of and any
subordination and/or standby agreements related to the obligations
which have been or hereafter are mortgaged, pledged, assigned,
transferred, executed or delivered, directly or indirectly, to the
Collateral Agent, any Revolving Credit Lender and/or any Term Lender
as security for or guaranty of the payment or performance of any
Obligation.
"Security Agreement" means the Security Agreement by the Borrower
in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Lenders, as
amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented.
"Security Documents" means the collective reference to the
Security Agreement, the Pledge Agreements, the Mortgages, the
21
Trademark Assignment, the Valley Rail Assignment, the Intercreditor
Agreement and each other agreement or writing, if any, pursuant to
which the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof pledges or grants a
security interest, lien, mortgage, encumbrance or charge in any
property or assets securing the Obligations.
"Solvent" means, as to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
particular date, that any such Person (a) has capital sufficient to
carry on its business and transactions and all business and
transactions in which it is about to engage and is able to pay its
debts as they mature, (b) owns property having a value, both at fair
valuation and at present fair saleable value, greater than the amount
required to pay its probable liabilities (including contingencies),
and (c) does not reasonably believe that it will incur debts or
liabilities beyond its ability to pay such debts or liabilities as
they mature.
"Subsidiary" means as to any Person, any corporation, partnership
or other entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the
outstanding capital stock or other ownership interests having ordinary
voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other
managers of such corporation, partnership or other entity is at the
time, directly or indirectly, owned by or the management is otherwise
controlled by such Person (irrespective of whether, at the time,
capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall
have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any
contingency). Unless otherwise qualified, references to "Subsidiary"
or "Subsidiaries" herein shall refer to those of the Borrower.
"Tangible Net Worth" means the Consolidated net worth of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries determined without taking into account
goodwill, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, franchise rights and
other assets of a similar nature (with the exception of loan closing
or similar costs required to be capitalized).
"Taxes" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in Section
4.7(a).
"Term Lender" means each Person executing this Agreement as a
Term Lender set forth on the signature pages hereto and each Person
that hereafter becomes a party to this Agreement as a Term Lender
pursuant to Section 13.10.
"Term Loan" means, as to any individual Term Lender at any time,
an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan
made by such Term Lender then outstanding, and, as to the Term Lenders
collectively at any time, the amount equal to the aggregate principal
22
amount of all Term Loans made by all Term Lenders then outstanding.
"Term Loan Extension Option" means the option of the Borrower as
set forth in Section 2.1(b) hereof to extend the Non-Default Maturity
Date for a one year period.
"Term Loan Percentage" means, as to any Term Lender at any time,
the ratio of (a) the amount of the Term Loan of such Term Lender to
(b) the Aggregate Term Loans of all of the Term Lenders, expressed as
a percentage.
"Term Loan Termination Date" means the earlier of: (a) January
1, 2000, or, if the Borrower exercises the Term Loan Extension Option,
January 1, 2001 (as the case may be, the "Non-Default Maturity Date");
(b) the date of the indefeasible payment in full of the Term Loan by
the Borrower; or (c) the date upon which any one or more Events of
Default shall have occurred.
"Term Notes" means the separate Notes made by the Borrower
payable to the order of each Term Lender, substantially in the form of
Exhibit "B" hereto, evidencing the Term Loan, and any amendments and
modifications thereto, any substitutes therefor, and any replacements,
restatements, renewals or extension thereof, in whole or in part.
"Term Loan Obligations" means, in each case, whether now in
existence or hereafter arising, the principal of and interest on the
Term Loan and all other fees and commissions (including attorney's
fees), charges, indebtedness, loans, liabilities, financial
accommodations (including all payment and other obligations owing by
the Borrower to any Term Lender or the Agent under any Derivative
Agreement), obligations, covenants and duties owing by the Borrower to
the Term Lenders or the Agent, of every kind, nature and description,
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due,
under the Loan Documents, except to the extent such obligations arise
solely under the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit
Notes.
"Termination Event" means: (a) a "Reportable Event" described in
Section 4043 of ERISA; or (b) the withdrawal of the Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate from a defined benefit Pension Plan during a plan year
in which it was a "substantial employer" as defined in Section
4001(a)(2) of ERISA; or (c) the termination of a defined benefit
Pension Plan, the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a defined
benefit Pension Plan or the treatment of a defined benefit Pension
Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA; or (d)
the institution of proceedings to terminate, or the appointment of a
trustee with respect to, any Pension Plan by the PBGC; or (e) any
other event or condition which would constitute grounds under Section
23
4042(a) of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a
trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; or (f) the partial or
complete withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a
Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the imposition of a Lien pursuant to
Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA; or (h) any event or
condition which results in the reorganization or insolvency of a
Multiemployer Plan under Sections 4241 or 4245 of ERISA; or (i) any
event or condition which results in the termination of a Multiemployer
Plan under Section 4041A of ERISA or the institution by PBGC of
proceedings to terminate a Multiemployer Plan under Section 4042 of
ERISA.
"Total Debt" means, with respect to the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries at any date of determination and without duplication, all
Debt of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a Consolidated basis.
Total Debt shall not include any Debt under a Derivative Agreement.
"Trademark Assignment" means, collectively the Assignment of
Trademarks by WLR in favor of the Collateral Agent for the ratable
benefit of the Lenders, as amended, restated, modified, or otherwise
supplemented.
"UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State
of New York.
"United States" means the United States of America.
"Valley Rail Assignment" means that Assignment of Partnership
Interest executed by Valley Rail in favor of the Collateral Agent for
the ratable benefit of the Lenders.
"Xxxxxxx Pledge Agreement" means the Pledge Agreement executed by
Xxxxxxx, as pledgor, in favor of the Collateral Agent, for the ratable
benefit of the Lenders, as amended, restated, modified, or otherwise
supplemented.
"Warrant Agreement" means collectively the Warrant Holders
Agreement and the Warrant each dated as of the Closing Date executed
by WLR, in favor of the Collateral Agent for ratable benefit of the
Lenders, as amended, restated, modified or otherwise supplemented.
"Wholly-Owned" means, with respect to a Subsidiary, a Subsidiary
all of the shares of capital stock or other ownership interests of
which are, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by the Borrower
and/or one or more of its Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries.
"WLR Pledge Agreement" means the Pledge Agreement executed by
WLR, as Pledgor, in favor of the Collateral Agent for ratable benefit
24
of the Lenders, as amended, restated, modified or otherwise
supplemented.
SECTION 1.2 General. All terms of an accounting nature not
specifically defined herein shall have the meaning assigned thereto by
GAAP. Unless otherwise specified, a reference in this Agreement to a
particular section, subsection, Schedule or Exhibit is a reference to
that section, subsection, Schedule or Exhibit of this Agreement.
Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in
either the singular or plural shall include the singular and plural,
and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall
include the masculine, the feminine and the neuter. Any reference
herein to "Charlotte time" shall refer to the applicable time of day
in Charlotte, North Carolina.
SECTION 1.3 Other Definitions and Provisions.
(a) Use of Capitalized Terms. Unless otherwise defined therein,
all capitalized terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined
meanings when used in this Agreement, the Revolving Credit Agreement,
the Notes and the other Loan Documents or any certificate, report or
other document made or delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
(b) Miscellaneous. The words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder"
and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to
this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this
Agreement.
ARTICLE II
TERM LOAN FACILITY
SECTION 2.1 Term Loan.
(a) Generally. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, each Term Lender severally agrees to make a Term Loan to
the Borrower as of the Closing Date through the Term Loan Termination
Date in an original principal amount equal to the amount set forth in
the Term Note attributable to such Term Lender.
(b) Term Loan Extension Option. As of June 30, 1999 (the
"Extension Date"), the Borrower may elect to extend the Non-Default
Maturity date of the Term Loan from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2001
(the "Term Loan Extension Option"); provided that on and at all times
prior to the Extension Date, the Borrower is in compliance with the
Extension Criteria. The Borrower shall provide the Lenders with
25
written notification of its intention to exercise the Extension Option
prior to the Extension Date.
SECTION 2.2 Term Loan Principal Classification. The Term Loan
shall be established solely by a partial reclassification and
restructure of each Term Lender's Loans under the 1997 Agreement.
Neither the Agent nor any of the Term Lenders will be required to
advance new funds to the Borrower for the Term Loan under this
Agreement.
SECTION 2.3 Repayment of Term Loan. Beginning on March 31,
1999, and continuing on the last day of each calendar quarter
thereafter (that is, each June 30, September 30, December 31, and
March 31 thereafter), the Borrower will pay principal under the Term
Loan in an amount equal to $989,902.50 (a "Mandatory Term Loan
Principal Payment"), provided that any Mandatory Prepayment Net
Proceeds received by the Term Lenders shall be applied to reduce
Mandatory Term Loan Principal Payments in the order of maturity. The
Borrower will submit all Mandatory Term Loan Principal Payments to the
Agent for the ratable benefit of the Term Lenders. The Borrower shall
pay interest on the Term Loan in accordance with Section 4.1. If not
sooner paid, the entire amount of the Term Loan Obligations will be
immediately due and payable to the Agent upon the occurrence of the
Term Loan Termination Date.
SECTION 2.4 Optional Prepayments of Term Loan.
(a) Optional Prepayments. The Borrower may at any time and from
time to time prepay the Term Loan, in whole or in part, upon at least
one (1) Business Day's irrevocable notice in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit "C." Upon receipt of such notice, the Agent shall promptly
notify each Term Lender. If any such notice is given, the amount
specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date set
forth in such notice. Partial prepayments shall be in an aggregate
amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof
(b) Manner of Application. Each prepayment under this Section
2.4 shall be applied to the principal installments due on the Term
Loan on a pro rata basis according to the Term Loan Percentage of each
Term Lender and in the inverse order of maturity.
SECTION 2.5 Term Notes. The obligation of the Borrower to repay
the Term Loan made by each Term Lender shall be evidenced by a Term
Note in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "B," payable to the order
of such Term Lender. Each Term Note issued on the Closing Date shall
be dated the Closing Date and shall bear interest on the unpaid
principal amount thereof at the applicable interest rate per annum
specified in Section 4.1.
26
SECTION 2.6 Termination of Term Loan. The Term Loan shall
terminate on the earlier of (i) the Term Loan Termination Date; or
(ii) the date of termination, whether automatically or by the Agent on
behalf of the Term Lenders, pursuant to Section 11.2 (a).
SECTION 2.7 Use of Proceeds. The Borrower acknowledges and
agrees that the principal amount of the Term Loan as of the Closing
Date represents a restructuring of amounts outstanding under the 1997
Agreement. No Term Lender shall be required to make any advance to
the Borrower on account of the Term Loan. To the extent that any
principal amount restructured hereunder constitutes a LIBOR Loan (as
defined in the 1997 Agreement), such LIBOR Loan shall be deemed
converted to a Base Rate Loan as of the Closing Date. The Borrower
shall not be required to pay any Term Lender any amount pursuant to
Section 4.8 of the 1997 Agreement by reason of the payment or
prepayment of a LIBOR Rate Loan (as defined in the 1997 Agreement) on
a date other than the last day of an Interest Period (as defined in
the 1997 Agreement).
ARTICLE III
[RESERVED]
ARTICLE IV
GENERAL LOAN PROVISIONS
SECTION 4.1 Interest.
(a) Interest Rate. The aggregate principal balance of the Term
Notes or any portion thereof shall earn interest at the Base Rate plus
the Applicable Margin as set forth below.
(b) Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin provided for in
Section 4.1(a) with respect to the Term Loan (the "Applicable Margin")
shall be as follows:
(i) as of and at all times following the Closing Date
unless modified pursuant to subparagraph (B) hereof, the Base Rate
plus two and one-fourths percent (2-1/4%);
(ii) if the Borrower shall have delivered its quarterly
Financial Statements as of September 26, 1998 to the Agent and the
Agent shall have confirmed that the Borrower is in compliance with the
Loan Documents, for each Fiscal Quarter thereafter beginning with the
First Fiscal Quarter of 1999, determined by reference to the Leverage
27
Ratio and the Coverage Ratio as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter
immediately preceding the delivery of the Applicable Officer's
compliance certificate, in accordance with the following pricing
matrix:
Leverage Ratio Coverage Ratio Base Rate +
greater than or equal less than or equal 2.25%
to 5.0 to 1.00 to 2.25 to 1.00
less than 5.00 to 1.00 greater than 2.25 to 1.50%
but equal to or greater but less than or
than 4.00 to 1.00 1.00 equal to 3.00 to 1.00
less than 4.0 to 1.00 greater than 3.00 to 1.00 0.75%
28
Adjustments, if any, in the Applicable Margin shall be made by the
Agent on the tenth (10th) Business Day after receipt by the Agent of
quarterly financial statements for the Borrower and the accompanying
Officer's Compliance Certificate setting forth the Leverage Ratio and
Coverage Ratio of the Borrower as of the most recent Fiscal Quarter
end. Subject to Section 4.1(c), in the event the Borrower fails to
deliver such financial statements and certificate within the time
required by Section 7.1(a) hereof, the Applicable Margin shall be the
highest Applicable Margin set forth above until the delivery of such
financial statements and certificate.
(c) Default Rate. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, the Term Loan shall bear interest
at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus four and one-fourths
percent (4-1/4%) (the "Default Rate"). Default Rate interest shall
continue to accrue on the Term Notes after the filing by or against
the Borrower of any petition seeking any relief in bankruptcy or under
any act or law pertaining to insolvency or debtor relief, whether
state, federal or foreign.
(d) Interest Payment and Computation. Interest on the Term Loan
shall be payable in arrears on the last Business Day of each calendar
quarter commencing on the last Business Day of the calendar quarter in
which the Closing Date occurs. All interest, fees and commissions
provided hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a 365/366-day
year and the actual number of days elapsed.
(e) Maximum Rate. In no contingency or event whatsoever shall
the aggregate of all amounts deemed interest hereunder or under any of
the Term Notes charged or collected pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement or pursuant to any of the Term Notes exceed the highest rate
permissible under any Applicable Law which a court of competent
jurisdiction shall, in a final determination, deem applicable hereto.
In the event that such a court determines that the Term Lenders have
charged or received interest hereunder in excess of the highest
applicable rate, the rate in effect hereunder shall automatically be
reduced to the maximum rate permitted by Applicable Law and the Term
Lenders shall at the Agent's option promptly refund to the Borrower
any interest received by Term Lenders in excess of the maximum lawful
rate or shall apply such excess to the principal balance of the Term
Loan Obligations. It is the intent hereof that the Borrower not pay
or contract to pay, and that neither the Agent nor any Term Lender
receive or contract to receive, directly or indirectly in any manner
whatsoever, interest in excess of that which may be paid by the
Borrower under Applicable Law.
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SECTION 4.2 Amendment and Agency Fees.
(a) Amendment Fee. In order to compensate the Agent and the Term
Lenders for restructuring and syndicating the Loans and for its
obligations hereunder, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Agent, for
the account of the Term Lenders, a non-refundable amendment fee (the
"Amendment Fee") in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of each Term
Lender's Term Loan payable in full on the Closing Date.
(b) Agent's Other Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Agent,
for its account, the fees set forth in the separate fee letter
agreement executed by the Borrower and the Agent pertaining to the
Loan Documents.
SECTION 4.3 Manner of Payment. Each payment (including
repayments described in Article II) by the Borrower on account of the
principal of or interest on the Term Loan or of any fee, commission or
other amounts payable to the Term Lenders under this Agreement or any
Term Note shall be made not later than 1:00 p.m. (Charlotte time) on
the date specified for payment under this Agreement to the Agent for
the account of the Term Lenders pro rata in accordance with their
respective Term Loan Percentages (except as otherwise explicitly
provided herein with respect to fees) at the Agent's Office, in
Dollars, in immediately available funds and shall be made without any
set-off, counterclaim or deduction whatsoever. Any payment received
after such time but before 2:00 p.m. (Charlotte time) on such day
shall be deemed a payment on such date for the purposes of Section
11.1, but for all other purposes shall be deemed to have been made on
the next succeeding Business Day. Any payment received after 2:00
p.m. (Charlotte time) shall be deemed to have been made on the next
succeeding Business Day for all purposes. Upon receipt by the Agent
of each such payment, the Agent shall credit each Term Lender's
account with its pro rata share of such payment in accordance with
such Term Lender's Term Loan Percentage (except as otherwise
explicitly provided herein with respect to fees) and shall wire advice
of the amount of such credit to each Term Lender.
SECTION 4.4 Crediting of Payments and Proceeds. In the event
that the Borrower shall fail to pay any of the obligations when due
and the Term Loan Obligations have been accelerated pursuant to
Section 11.2, all payments received by the Term Lenders upon the Term
Notes and the other Term Loan Obligations and all net proceeds from
the enforcement of the obligations shall be applied first to all
expenses then due and payable by the Borrower hereunder, then to all
indemnity obligations then due and payable by the Borrower hereunder,
then to all Agent's fees then due and payable, then to all commitment
and other fees and commissions then due and payable, then to accrued
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and unpaid interest on the Term Notes, with any Term Lender pro rata
in accordance with all such amounts due, then to the principal amount
of the Term Notes.
SECTION 4.5 [RESERVED]
SECTION 4.6 Capital Requirements. If either (a) the
introduction of, or any change in, or in the interpretation of, any
Applicable Law or (b) compliance with any guideline or request from
any central bank or comparable agency or other Governmental Authority
(whether or not having the force of law), has or would have the effect
of reducing the rate of return on the capital of, or has affected or
would affect the amount of capital required to be maintained by, any
Term Lender or any corporation controlling such Term Lender as a
consequence of, or with reference to the Term Loan, below the rate
which the Term Lender or such other corporation could have achieved
but for such introduction, change or compliance, then within fifteen
(15) Business Days after written demand by any such Term Lender, the
Borrower shall pay to such Term Lender from time to time as specified
by such Term Lender additional amounts sufficient to compensate such
Term Lender or other corporation for such reduction. A certificate as
to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Agent by such Term
Lender, shall, in the absence of manifest error, be presumed to be
correct and binding for all purposes.
SECTION 4.7 Taxes.
(a) Payments Free and Clear. Any and all payments by the
Borrower hereunder or under the Term Notes shall be made free and
clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future
taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholding, and all
liabilities with respect thereto excluding, (i) in the case of each
Term Lender and the Agent, income and franchise taxes imposed by the
jurisdiction under the laws of which such Term Lender or the Agent (as
the case may be) is organized or is or should be qualified to do
business or any political subdivision thereof and (ii) in the case of
each Term Lender, income and franchise taxes imposed by the
jurisdiction of such Term Lender's Lending Office or any political
subdivision thereof (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts,
deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter
referred to as "Taxes"). If the Borrower shall be required by law to
deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or
under any Term Note to any Term Lender or the Agent, (A) the sum
payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making
all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional
sums payable under this Section 4.7(a)) such Term Lender or the Agent
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(as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the amount such party
would have received had no such deductions been made, (B) the Borrower
shall make such deductions, (C) the Borrower shall pay the full amount
deducted to the relevant taxing authority or other authority in
accordance with Applicable Law, and (D) the Borrower shall deliver to
the Agent evidence of such payment to the relevant taxing authority or
other authority in the manner provided in this Section.
(b) Stamp and Other Taxes. In addition, the Borrower shall pay
any present or future stamp, registration, recordation or documentary
taxes or any other similar fees or charges or excise or property
taxes, levies of the United States or any state or political
subdivision thereof or any applicable foreign jurisdiction which arise
from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or
registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement, the
Term Loan, the other Loan Documents, or the perfection of any rights
or security interest in respect thereto (hereinafter referred to as
"Other Taxes").
(c) Indemnity. The Borrower shall indemnify each Term Lender
and the Agent for the full amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including,
without limitation, any Taxes and Other Taxes imposed by any
jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section) paid by such Term
Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including
penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect
thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or
legally asserted. Such indemnification shall be made within thirty
(30) days from the date such Term Lender or the Agent (as the case may
be) makes written demand therefor.
(d) Evidence of Payment. Within thirty (30) days after the date
of any payment of Taxes or Other Taxes, the Borrower shall furnish to
the Agent, at its address referred to in Section 13.1, the original or
a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof or other
evidence of payment satisfactory to the Agent.
(e) Delivery of Tax Forms. Each Term Lender organized under the
laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States or any state
thereof shall deliver to the Borrower, with a copy to the Agent, on
the Closing Date or concurrently with the delivery of the relevant
Assignment and Acceptance, as applicable, (i) two United States
Internal Revenue Service Forms 4224 or Forms 1001, as applicable (or
successor forms) properly completed and certifying in each case that
such Term Lender is entitled to a complete exemption from withholding
or deduction for or on account of any United States federal income
taxes, and (ii) an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or W-9 or
successor applicable form, as the case may be, to establish an
exemption from United States backup withholding taxes. Each such Term
Lender further agrees to deliver to the Borrower, with a copy to the
Agent, a Form 1001 or 4224 and Form W-8 or W-9, or successor
32
applicable forms or manner of certification, as the case may be, on or
before the date that any such form expires or becomes obsolete or
after the occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most
recent form previously delivered by it to the Borrower, certifying in
the case of a Form 1001 or 4224 that such Term Lender is entitled to
receive payments under this Agreement without deduction or withholding
of any United States federal income taxes (unless in any such case 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 such forms inapplicable or
the exemption to which such forms relate unavailable and such Term
Lender notifies the Borrower and the Agent that it is not entitled to
receive payments without deduction or withholding of United States
federal income taxes) and, in the case of a Form W-8 or W-9,
establishing an exemption from United States backup withholding tax.
(f) Survival. Without prejudice to the survival of any other
agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of
the Borrower contained in this Section 4.7 shall survive the payment
in full of the Obligations and the termination of the Term Loan.
SECTION 4.8 Mandatory Prepayments.
(a) Asset Sales. Within two (2) Business Days after the
consummation by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Asset Sale, the
Borrower shall apply ninety percent (90%) of the Net Proceeds realized
from such Asset Sale to permanently reduce the Term Loan Obligations,
the Note Obligations, and the Revolving Credit Obligations by
forwarding such Net Proceeds (the "Asset Sale Net Proceeds") to the
Agent and the Note Lenders in the respective percentages as set forth
in Section 7(e) of the Intercreditor Agreement; provided that if no
Event of Default has occurred under this Agreement as of the date such
Net Proceeds are made available, the Borrower may apply the first
twelve million dollars ($12,000,000) in Net Proceeds generated from
Asset Sales, reduced by the Net Proceeds applied from Miscellaneous
Asset Sales, to either: (i) its bona fide costs and expenses actually
incurred in connection with the conversion of its Marshville Facility
(collectively, "Marshville Conversion Expenses"); or (ii) if at any
time on or before November 30, 1998, no such expenses have been
incurred or are outstanding and no Event of Default has occurred, then
to the projected Marshville Conversion Expenses pursuant to the
financial projections provided to the Agent on February 4, 1998,
provided that if on November 30, 1998, any funds are held in reserve
pursuant to this subsection (ii), then such funds will be released to
the Agent and the Note Lenders for distribution in accordance with the
Intercreditor Agreement. The Borrower shall provide to the Agent an
33
accounting of the Marshville Conversion Expenses at the time of such
application certified as true and correct by the Chief Financial
Officer of the Borrower.
(b) New Equity. Within two (2) Business Days after the
consummation of any issuance by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries of any capital stock or other equity securities (as the
case may be, a "New Equity Issue"), the Borrower shall apply an amount
equal to fifty percent (50%) of the Net Proceeds of such New Equity
Issue to permanently reduce the Term Loan Obligations, the Note
Obligations, and the Revolving Credit Obligations by forwarding such
Net Proceeds (the "New Equity Net Proceeds") to the Agent and the Note
Lenders in the respective percentages as set forth in Section 7(e) of
the Intercreditor Agreement, provided that the Borrower's existing
stock incentive programs, as more fully described in Schedule 4.8(b)
hereof, to the extent limited to aggregate equity values of $2,000,000
or less on an annual basis, shall not constitute a New Equity Issue
for purposes hereof.
(c) New Subordinated Debt. Within two (2) Business Days after
the consummation of any transaction pursuant to which the Borrower or
any subsidiary obtains unsecured Debt subordinated to the prior
payment and performance of the Borrower's Obligations to the Revolving
Credit Lenders, the Term Lenders, and the Note Lenders and on terms
satisfactory to the Agent (as the case may be, an "Approved
Subordinated Debt Transaction"), the Borrower shall apply an amount
equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Net Proceeds of such
Approved Subordinated Debt Transaction to permanently reduce the Term
Loan Obligations, the Revolving Credit Obligations, and the Note
Obligations by forwarding such Net Proceeds (the "Subordinated Debt
Net Proceeds") to the Agent and the Note Lenders in the respective
percentages as set forth in Section 7(e) of the Intercreditor
Agreement.
SECTION 4.9 Approved Miscellaneous Asset Sales. From and
after the Closing Date, the Borrower may, without the prior consent of
the Agent or any Term Lender, consummate any Approved Miscellaneous
Asset Sale, provided that the full amount of all Approved
Miscellaneous Asset Sales shall be applied to reduce dollar for dollar
the $12,000,000 allowance for the Marshville Conversion Expenses and
further provided that if on the date any Net Proceeds from
Miscellaneous Asset Sales are made available, the Marshville
Conversion Expenses have been fully credited, the Borrower shall apply
ninety percent (90%) of the balance of such Miscellaneous Asset Sale
Net Proceeds to permanently reduce the Term Loan Obligations, the
Revolving Credit Obligations and the Note Obligations, by forwarding
such Net Proceeds (the "Miscellaneous Asset Sale Net Proceeds") to the
Agent and the Note Lenders in the respective percentages as set forth
in Section 7(e) of the Intercreditor Agreement.
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ARTICLE V
CLOSING; CONDITIONS OF CLOSING AND BORROWING
SECTION 5.1 Closing. The closing shall take place at the
offices of Duane, Morris & Heckscher LLP at 2:00 p.m. on February 25,
1998, or on such other date as the parties hereto shall mutually
agree.
SECTION 5.2 Conditions to Closing and Initial Term Loan. The
obligation of the Term Lenders to close this Agreement and to make the
Term Loan is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following
conditions:
(a) Executed Loan Documents. This Agreement, the Term Notes and
each of the other Loan Documents shall have been duly authorized,
executed and delivered to the Agent by the parties thereto, shall be
in full force and effect and no default shall exist thereunder, and
the Borrower shall have delivered original counterparts thereof to the
Agent.
(b) Closing Certificates; etc.
(i) Officer's Certificate of Borrower. The Agent shall
have received a certificate from the chief executive officer or chief
financial officer of the Borrower, in form and substance satisfactory
to the Agent, to the effect that all representations and warranties of
the Borrower contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
are true, correct and complete; that the Borrower is not in violation
of any of the covenants contained in this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents; that, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing; and that the Borrower has satisfied each of the closing
conditions.
(ii) Certificate of Secretary of the Borrower. The Agent
shall have received a certificate of the secretary or assistant
secretary of the Borrower certifying that attached thereto is a true
and complete copy of the articles of incorporation of the Borrower and
all amendments thereto, certified as of a recent date by the
appropriate Governmental Authority in its jurisdiction of
incorporation; that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of
the bylaws of the Borrower as in Effect on the date of such certification;
that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly
adopted by the Board of Directors of the Borrower authorizing the
borrowings contemplated hereunder and the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it
is a party; and as to the incumbency and genuineness of the signature of
each officer of the Borrower executing Loan Documents to which it is
a party.
35
(iii) Certificates of Good Standing. The Agent shall
have received long form certificates as of a recent date of the good
standing of the Borrower under the laws of its jurisdiction of
organization and each other jurisdiction where the Borrower is
qualified to do business.
(iv) Opinions of Counsel. The Agent shall have received
favorable opinions of counsel to the Borrower addressed to the Agent
and the Term Lenders with respect to the Borrower, the Loan Documents
and such other matters as the Term Lenders shall request.
(v) Tax Forms. The Agent shall have received copies of the
United States Internal Revenue Service forms required by Section
4.7(e) hereof.
(c) Consents; No Adverse Change.
(i) Governmental and Third Party Approvals. All necessary
material approvals, authorizations and consents, if any be required,
of any Person and of all Governmental Authorities and courts having
jurisdiction with respect to the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall have been obtained.
(ii) Permits and Licenses. All material permits and
licenses, including permits and licenses required under Applicable
Laws, necessary to the conduct of business by the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries shall have been obtained.
(iii) No Injunction, Etc. No action, proceeding,
investigation, regulation or legislation shall have been instituted,
threatened or proposed before any Governmental Authority to enjoin,
restrain, or prohibit, or to obtain substantial damages in respect of,
or which is related to or arises out of this Agreement or the other
Loan Documents or the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby or thereby, or which, in the Agent's discretion, would make it
inadvisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement and such other Loan Documents.
(iv) No Material Adverse Change. There shall not have
occurred any material adverse change in the business, condition
(financial or otherwise), operations, or properties of the Borrower
taken as a whole, or any event, condition or state of facts that will
or could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect,
since June 28, 1997 except as disclosed in the Borrower's unaudited
quarterly financial statements dated as of December 27, 1997.
36
(v) No Event of Default. No Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing.
(d) Financial Matters.
(i) Financial Statements. The Agent shall have received
the most recent audited consolidated and consolidating financial
statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the quarterly
unaudited financial statements of the Borrower as of December 27,
1997, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.
(ii) Financial Condition Certificate. The Borrower shall
have delivered to the Agent a certificate, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent, and certified as accurate in all respects
by the chief executive officer or chief financial officer of the
Borrower, that the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries are each
Solvent.
(iii) Payment at Closing; Fee Letters. There shall have
been paid by the Borrower to the Agent and the Term Lenders the fees
set forth or referenced in Section 4.2 and any other accrued and
unpaid fees or commissions due hereunder (including, without
limitation, legal fees and expenses), and to any other Person such
amount as may be due thereto in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, including all taxes, fees and other charges in
connection with the execution, delivery, recording, filing and
registration of any of the Loan Documents. The Agent shall have
received duly authorized and executed copies of the fee letter
agreement referred to in Section 4.2.
(e) Miscellaneous.
(i) Proceedings and Documents. All opinions, certificates
and other instruments and all proceedings in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be satisfactory in
form and substance to the Term Lenders. The Term Lenders shall have
received copies of all other instruments and other evidence as the
Term Lenders may reasonably request in form and substance satisfactory
to the Term Lenders, with respect to the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement and the taking of all actions in connection therewith.
(ii) Due Diligence and Other Documents. The Borrower shall
have delivered to the Agent such other documents, certificates and
opinions as the Agent reasonably requests, certified by a secretary or
assistant secretary of the Borrower as a true and correct copy
thereof.
37
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER
SECTION 6.1 Representations and Warranties. To induce the
Agent to enter into this Agreement and the Term Lenders to make the
Term Loan, the Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Agent
and Term Lenders that:
(a) Organization; Power; Qualification. Each of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or
formation, has the power and authority to own its properties and to
carry on its business as now being and hereafter proposed to be
conducted and is duly qualified and authorized to do business in each
jurisdiction (other than a jurisdiction in which the failure to so
qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect) in which the
character of its properties or the nature of its business requires
such qualification and authorization. The jurisdictions in which the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries are organized and qualified to do
business are described on Schedule 6.1(a).
(b) Ownership. Each Subsidiary of the Borrower is listed on
Schedule 6.1(b). The capitalization of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries consists of the number of shares, authorized, issued and
outstanding, of such classes and series, with or without par value,
described on Schedule 6.1(b). All outstanding shares have been duly
authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.
The shareholders of the Subsidiaries of the Borrower and the number of
shares owned by each are described on Schedule 6.1(b). There are no
outstanding stock purchase warrants, subscriptions, options,
securities, instruments or other rights of any type or nature
whatsoever, which are convertible into, exchangeable for or otherwise
provide for or permit the issuance of capital stock of the Borrower or
its Subsidiaries, except as described on Schedule 6.1(b).
(c) Authorization of Agreement, Loan Documents and Borrowing.
Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has the right, power and
authority and has taken all necessary corporate and other action to
authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and each of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in
accordance with their respective terms. This Agreement and each of
the other Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the
duly authorized officers of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
party thereto, and each such document constitutes the legal, valid and
binding obligation of the Borrower or its Subsidiary party thereto,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement
may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
38
or similar state or federal debt or relief laws from time to time in
effect which affect the enforcement of creditors' rights in general
and the availability of equitable remedies.
(d) Compliance of Agreement, Loan Documents and Borrowing with
Laws, Etc. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries of the Loan Documents to which each such Person
is a party, in accordance with their respective terms, the borrowings
hereunder and the transactions contemplated hereby, do not and will
not, by the passage of time, the giving of notice or otherwise, (i)
require any Governmental Approval or violate any Applicable Law
relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; (ii) conflict
with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under the articles
of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any indenture, agreement or
other instrument to which such Person is a party or by which any of
its properties may be bound or any Governmental Approval relating to
such Person; or (iii) result in or require the creation or imposition
of any Lien upon or with respect to any property now owned or
hereafter acquired by such Person other than Liens arising under the
Loan Documents.
(e) Compliance with Law; Governmental Approvals. Each of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries (i) has all material Governmental
Approvals required by any Applicable Law for it to conduct its
business, each of which is in full force and effect, is final and not
subject to review on appeal and is not the subject of any pending or,
to the best of its knowledge, threatened attack by direct or
collateral proceeding; and (ii) is in compliance in all material
respects with each Governmental Approval applicable to it and in
compliance in all material respects with all other Applicable Laws
relating to it or any of its respective properties.
(f) Tax Returns and Payments. Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries has duly filed or caused to be filed all federal, state,
local and other tax returns required by Applicable Law to be filed
(other than returns the failure of which to be filed would not result
in a Material Adverse Effect), and has paid, or made adequate
provision for the payment of, all federal, state, local and other
taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it and its
property, income, profits and assets which are due and payable (other
than taxes, assessments, charges and levies the failure of which to be
paid would not result in a Material Adverse Effect). Except as set
forth on Schedule 6.1(f), no Governmental Authority has asserted any
Lien or other claim against the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof
with respect to unpaid taxes which has not been discharged or
resolved. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the
39
Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries in respect of federal, state,
local and other taxes for all Fiscal Years and portions thereof since
the organization of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries are in
the judgment of the Borrower adequate, and the Borrower does not
anticipate any additional taxes or assessments for any of such years.
(g) Copyright Matters. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries have
recorded or deposited with and paid to the United States Copyright
Offices, and the Register of Copyrights all notices, statements of
account, royalty fees and other documents and instruments required
under the United States Copyright Act, and neither the Borrower nor
any Subsidiary thereof is liable to any Person for copyright
infringement under the United States Copyright Act as a result of its
business operations.
(h) Franchises, Licenses, Patents and Trademarks. Each of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries owns or possesses rights to use all
franchises, licenses, patents, patent rights or licenses, patent
applications, trademarks, trademark rights, trade names, trade name
rights, copyrights and rights with respect to the foregoing which are
required to conduct its business, and all such franchises, licenses,
patents, patent rights or licenses, patent applications, trademarks,
trademark rights, trade names, trade name rights, copyrights and
rights are described on Schedule 6.1(h). No event has occurred which
permits, or after notice or lapse of time or both would permit, the
revocation or termination of any such rights.
(i) Environmental Matters.
(i) The properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, to
their knowledge, do not contain and have not previously contained, any
Hazardous Materials in amounts or concentrations which (A) constitute
or constituted a material violation of, or (B) could give rise to
material liability under, applicable Environmental Laws;
(ii) To the knowledge of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries,
(A) such properties and all operations conducted in connection
therewith are in compliance in all material respects, and have been in
compliance in all material respects, with all applicable Environmental
Laws, and (B) there is no contamination at, under or about such
properties or such operations which could interfere with the continued
operation of such properties or impair in a material amount the fair
saleable value of any property which would have a material saleable
value in the absence of such contamination;
(iii) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary thereof has
received any notice of any material violation, alleged material
40
violation, material noncompliance, material liability or potential
material liability regarding environmental matters or compliance with
Environmental Laws with regard to any of their properties or the
operations conducted in connection therewith, nor does the Borrower or
any Subsidiary thereof have knowledge or reason to believe that any
such notice will be received or is being threatened;
(iv) To the knowledge of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries,
(A) Hazardous Materials have not been transported or disposed of from
the properties of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in violation of,
or in a manner or to a location which could give rise to material
liability under, Environmental Laws, and (B) no Hazardous Materials
have been generated, treated, stored or disposed of at, on or under
any of such properties in violation of, or in a manner that could give
rise to material liability under, any applicable Environmental Laws;
(v) No judicial proceedings or governmental or
administrative action is pending, or, to the knowledge of the
Borrower, threatened, under any Environmental Law to which the
Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof is or will be named as a party with
respect to such properties or operations conducted in connection
therewith which, if decided adversely to the Borrower or a Subsidiary,
might have a material adverse effect upon the Borrower or a
Subsidiary, nor are there any consent decrees or other decrees,
consent orders, administrative orders or other orders, or other
administrative or judicial requirements outstanding under any
Environmental Law with respect to such properties or such operations
which involve a material liability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
and
(vi) To the Borrower's knowledge, there has been no release,
or the threat of release, of Hazardous Materials at or from such
properties, in violation of or in amounts or in a manner that could
give rise to material liability under Environmental Laws.
(j) ERISA.
(i) Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains
or contributes to, or has any obligation under, any Employee Benefit
Plans which are defined benefit plans or welfare plans providing post-
retirement medical benefits, other than those identified on Schedule
6.1(j);
(ii) the Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate is in compliance
in all material respects with all applicable provisions of ERISA and
the regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect
to all Employee Benefit Plans except for any required amendments for
41
which the remedial amendment period as defined in Section 401(b) of
the Code has not yet expired. Each Employee Benefit Plan that is
intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has been
determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be so qualified, and
each trust related to such plan has been determined to be exempt under
Section 501(a) of the Code. No liability has been incurred by the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate which remains unsatisfied for any
taxes or penalties with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan or any
Multiemployer Plan;
(iii) No Pension Plan has been terminated, nor has any
accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in Section 412 of the Code)
been incurred (without regard to any waiver granted under Section 412
of the Code), nor has any funding waiver from the Internal Revenue
Service been received or requested with respect to any Pension Plan,
nor has the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate failed to make any
contributions or to pay any amounts due and owing as required by
Section 412 of the Code, Section 302 of ERISA or the terms of any
Pension Plan prior to the due dates of such contributions under
Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, nor has there been
any event requiring any disclosure under election 4041(c)(3)(C) or
4063(a) of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan;
(iv) Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has: (A)
engaged in a nonexempt prohibited transaction described in Section 406
of the ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code; (B) incurred any liability
to the PBGC which remains outstanding other than the payment of
premiums and there are no premium payments which are due and unpaid;
(C) failed to make a required contribution or payment to a
Multiemployer Plan; or (D) failed to make a required installment or
other required payment under Section 412 of the Code;
(v) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably
expected to occur; and
(vi) No proceeding, claim, lawsuit and/or investigation is
existing or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower after due inquiry,
threatened concerning or involving any (A) employee welfare benefit
plan (as defined in Section 3(i) of ERISA) currently maintained or
contributed to by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, (B) Pension
Plan or (C) Multiemployer Plan.
(k) Margin Stock. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
thereof is engaged principally or as one of its activities in the
business of extending credit for the purpose of "purchasing" or
"carrying" any "margin stock" (as each such term is defined or used in
Regulations G and U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System). No part of the proceeds of the Term Loan will be used for
purchasing or carrying margin stock or for any purpose which violates,
42
or which would be, inconsistent with, the provisions of Regulation G,
T, U or X of such Board of Governors.
(l) Government Regulation. Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary thereof is an "investment company" or a company
"controlled" by an "investment company" (as each such term is defined
or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), and
neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary thereof is, or after giving
effect to any Extension of Credit will be, subject to regulation under
the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 or the Interstate
Commerce Act, each as amended, or any other Applicable Law which
limits its ability to incur or consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby.
(m) Material Contracts. Each Material Contract is, and after
giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
the Loan Documents will be, in full force and effect in accordance
with the terms thereof.
(n) Employee Relations. Except as set forth on Schedule
6.1(n), the Borrower is not party to any collective bargaining
agreement, nor has any labor union been recognized as the
representative of its employees. Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries has a stable work force in place. The Borrower knows of
no pending, threatened or contemplated strikes, work stoppage or other
collective labor disputes involving its employees or those of its
Subsidiaries.
(o) Burdensome Provisions. Neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary thereof is a party to any indenture, agreement, lease or
other instrument, or subject to any corporate or partnership
restriction, Governmental Approval or Applicable Law which is so
unusual or burdensome as in the foreseeable future could be reasonably
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrower and its
Subsidiaries do not presently anticipate that future expenditures
needed to meet the provisions of any statutes, orders, rules or
regulations of a Governmental Authority will be so burdensome as to
have a Material Adverse Effect.
(p) Financial Statements. The Consolidated and consolidating
audited financial statements of the Borrower and its subsidiaries
dated June 28, 1997 and the Consolidated and consolidating balance
sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of December 27, 1997
and the related statements of income and retained earnings and cash
flows for the periods then ended, copies of which have been furnished
to the Agent and each Term Lender, fairly present the assets,
liabilities and financial position of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as at such dates, and the results of the operations and
43
changes of financial position for the periods then ended. All such
financial statements, including the related schedules and notes
thereto, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Borrower and
its Subsidiaries have no Debt, obligation or other unusual forward or
long-term commitment which is not fairly reflected in the foregoing
financial statements or in the notes thereto.
(q) No Material Adverse Change. Since June 28, 1997, except as
disclosed in the Borrower's unaudited quarterly financial statements
dated as of December 27, 1997, there has been no material adverse
change in the properties, business, operations, or condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries,
including, but not limited to, any material adverse change resulting
from any fire, explosion, accident, drought, storm, hail, earthquake,
embargo, act of God, or of the public enemy or other casualty (whether
or not covered by insurance).
(r) Solvency. As of the Closing Date and after giving effect to
each Extension of Credit made hereunder, the Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries will be Solvent.
(s) Titles to Properties. Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries has such title to the real property owned by it as is
necessary or desirable to the conduct of its business and valid and
legal title to all of its personal property and assets, including, but
not limited to, those reflected on the balance sheets of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(p). Any real
property owned by the Borrower that is currently subject to any lease
is listed together with a description of all such leases in Schedule
6.1(s).
(t) Liens. None of the properties and assets of the Borrower or
any Subsidiary thereof is subject to any Lien, except Liens permitted
pursuant to Section 10.3. No financing statement under the Uniform
Commercial Code of any state which names the Borrower or any
Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective trade names or divisions
as debtor and which has not been terminated, has been filed in any
state or other jurisdiction and neither the Borrower nor any
Subsidiary thereof has signed any such financing statement or any
security agreement authorizing any secured party thereunder to file
any such financing statement, except to perfect those Liens permitted
by Section 10.3 hereof or signed with respect to leases other than
Capital Leases and except for Liens in favor of the Agent for the
benefit of the Term Lenders.
(u) Debt and Contingent Obligations. Except with respect to the
1997 Credit Agreement and any noteholder agreement which is superseded
as of the Closing Date, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have
performed and are in compliance in all material respects with all of
44
the terms of their Debt and Contingent Obligations and all instruments
and agreements relating thereto, and no default or event of default
which has not been waived, or event or condition which with notice or
lapse of time or both would constitute such a default or event of
default, on the part of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries exists with
respect to any such Debt or Contingent Obligation.
(v) Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.1(v), there
are no actions, suits or proceedings pending nor, to the knowledge of
the Borrower, threatened against or in any other way relating
adversely to or affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof or
any of their respective properties in any court or before any
arbitrator of any kind or before or by any Governmental Authority in
which a decision adverse to the Borrower or such Subsidiary can
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(w) Absence of Defaults. No event has occurred or is continuing
which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default which has not been
waived, or which constitutes, or which with the passage of time or
giving of notice or both would constitute, a default or event of
default, which has not been waived, by the Borrower or any Subsidiary
thereof under any Material Contract or judgment, decree or order to
which the Borrower or its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the
Borrower or its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties may
be bound or which would require the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to
make any payment thereunder prior to the scheduled maturity date
therefor.
(x) Accuracy and Completeness of Information. All written
information, reports and other papers and data produced by or on
behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof and furnished to the
Term Lenders were, at the time the same were so furnished, complete
and correct in all respects to the extent necessary to give the
recipient a true and accurate knowledge of the subject matter. No
document furnished or written statement made to the Agent or the Term
Lenders by the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof in connection with
the negotiation, preparation or execution of this Agreement or any of
the Loan Documents contains or will contain any untrue statement of a
fact material to the credit worthiness of the Borrower or its
Subsidiaries or omits or will omit to state a fact necessary in order
to make the statements contained therein not misleading. The Borrower
is not aware of any facts which it has not disclosed in writing to the
Agent having a Material Adverse Effect, or insofar as the Borrower can
now foresee, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.
45
(y) Rockingham Subsidiaries. Rockingham Poultry, Inc. is not an
active corporate entity and does not own or otherwise hold any assets.
Rockingham Poultry, Inc. (VI) holds only one asset consisting of a
bank account at Banco Popular (Puerto Rico) in the name of Rockingham
Poultry, Inc. (VI) (the "RVI Account") which RVI Account shall at no
time contain an amount more than $15,000.
(z) WLR Common Stock. As of the date hereof, there are
16,335,058 shares of the Common Stock, no par value, of WLR issued and
outstanding. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.1(z) attached hereto:
(a) there are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to
acquire shares of WLR Common Stock, whether or not presently
exercisable; (b) there are no outstanding securities convertible into
shares of WLR Common Stock, whether or not presently convertible; and
(c) there are no understandings, agreements or commitments with
respect to the issuance of any such securities.
SECTION 6.2 Survival of Representations and Warranties Etc.
All representations and warranties set forth in this Article VI and
all representations and warranties contained in any certificate, or
any of the Loan Documents (including but not limited to any such
representation or warranty made in or in connection with any amendment
thereto) shall constitute representations and warranties made under
this Agreement. All representations and warranties made under this
Agreement shall be made or deemed to be made at and as of the Closing
Date, shall survive the Closing Date and shall not be waived by the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, any investigation made by or
on behalf of the Term Lenders or any borrowing hereunder.
ARTICLE VII
FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND NOTICES
Until all the Obligations have been finally and indefeasibly paid
and satisfied in full, unless consent has been obtained in the manner
set forth in Section 13.11 hereof, the Borrower will furnish or cause
to be furnished to the Agent at the Agent's Office (with copies for
each Term Lender) and the Agent at its address set forth in Section
13.1 hereof, or such other office as may be designated by the Agent
from time to time:
SECTION 7.1 Financial Statements and Projections.
(a) Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as practicable and
in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal
quarter, an unaudited Consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal
46
quarter in the form as attached as Exhibit "D," an unaudited
Consolidated and consolidating statement of income for the fiscal
quarter then ended and that portion of the Fiscal Year then ended and
an unaudited Consolidated and consolidating statement of cash flows
for that portion of the Fiscal Year then ended, including the notes,
if any, thereto all in reasonable detail setting forth in comparative
form the corresponding figures for the preceding Fiscal Year and
prepared by the Borrower in accordance with GAAP and, if applicable,
containing disclosure of the effect on the financial position or
results of operations of any material change in the application of
accounting principles and practices during the period and certified by
the chief financial officer of the Borrower to present fairly in all
material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of their respective dates and the results of
operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the respective
periods then ended, subject to normal year end adjustments.
(b) Annual Financial Statements. As soon as practicable and in
any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each Fiscal Year,
an audited Consolidated and unaudited consolidating balance sheet of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the close of such Fiscal Year
and audited Consolidated and unaudited consolidating statements of
income, retained earnings and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then
ended, including the notes thereto, all in reasonable detail setting
forth in comparative form the corresponding figures for the preceding
Fiscal Year and certified by an independent certified public
accounting firm acceptable to the Agent in accordance with GAAP and,
if applicable, containing disclosure of the effect on the financial
position or results of operation of any change in the application of
accounting principles and practices during the year, and accompanied
by a report thereon by such certified public accountants that is not
qualified with respect to scope limitations imposed by the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries or with respect to accounting principles
followed by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not in accordance
with GAAP.
(c) Monthly Financial Statements. As soon as practicable and in
any event within thirty days after the end of each calendar month,
such financial information as may be required by written notification
to the Borrower from the Agent on or before March 31, 1998.
(d) SEC Filings. Within three (3) Business Days after their
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), copies
of the Borrower's 10-K and 10-Q and any other periodic financial
statements which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is required
to file with the SEC.
47
(e) Financial Projections. Within thirty (30) days after each
such request, such financial projections for the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
(f) Three Year Business Plan. On or before June 1, 1998, a copy
of the Borrower's three year business plan (the "Three Year Business
Plan") in form and substance satisfactory to the Required Term Lenders
and the Agent.
SECTION 7.2 Officer's Compliance Certificate. At each time
financial statements are delivered pursuant to Sections 7.1 (a) or (b)
and at such other times as the Agent shall reasonably request, a
certificate of the chief financial officer or the treasurer of the
Borrower in the form of Exhibit "E" attached hereto (an "Officer's
Compliance Certificate"):
(a) stating that such officer has reviewed such financial
statements and such statements fairly present the financial condition
of the Borrower as of the dates indicated and the results of its
operations and cash flows for the periods indicated;
(b) stating that to such officer's knowledge, based on a
reasonable examination sufficient to enable him to make an informed
statement, no Default or Event of Default exists, or, if such is not
the case, specifying such Default or Event of Default and its nature,
when it occurred, whether it is continuing and the steps being taken
by the Borrower with respect to such Default or Event of Default; and
(c) setting forth as at the end of such Fiscal Month, Fiscal
Quarter, Fiscal Year, as the case may be, the calculations required to
establish whether or not the Borrower and its Subsidiaries were in
compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Article IX hereof
as at the end of each respective period, and with the delivery of the
calculations as at the end of any Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year the
actual Coverage Ratio and Leverage Ratio for purposes of calculating
the Applicable Margin for Term Loans.
SECTION 7.3 Accountants' Certificate. At each time financial
statements are delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b), a certificate of
the independent public accountants certifying such financial
statements addressed to the Agent for the benefit of the Term Lenders:
(a) stating that in making the examination necessary for the
certification of such financial statements, they obtained no knowledge
of any Default or Event of Default or, if such is not the case,
48
specifying such Default or Event of Default and its nature and period
of existence; and
(b) including the calculations certified by such accountants
required to establish whether or not the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
are in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Article IX
hereof as at the end of each respective period.
SECTION 7.4 Other Reports.
(a) Promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of all reports, if
any, submitted to the Borrower or its Board of Directors by its
independent public accountants in connection with their auditing
function, excluding any management report and any management responses
thereto (which shall nevertheless be made available as provided in
Section 8.11); and
(b) Such other information regarding the operations, business
affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries as the Agent or any Term Lender may reasonably request,
including, without limitation, consolidating financial statements and
summary product sales information as provided on company-prepared fact
sheets.
SECTION 7.5 Notice of Litigation and Other Matters. Prompt
(but in no event later than five (5) days after the Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or any Vice President of WLR obtains
knowledge thereof) telephonic and written notice of:
(a) the commencement of all proceedings and investigations by or
before any Governmental Authority and all actions and proceedings in
any court or before any arbitrator against or involving the Borrower
or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their respective properties,
assets or businesses in which a decision adverse to the Borrower or
such Subsidiary can reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect;
(b) any notice of any violation (including, without limitation,
a violation of Environmental Laws) received by the Borrower or any
Subsidiary thereof from any Governmental Authority which violation
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) any labor controversy that has resulted in, or threatens to
result in, a strike or other work action against the Borrower or any
Subsidiary thereof, which strike or work action, if continued, can
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
49
(d) any attachment, judgment, lien (except Permitted Liens),
levy or order exceeding $3,000,000 that may be assessed against the
Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof;
(e) any Default or Event of Default, or any event which
constitutes or which with the passage of time or giving of notice or
both would constitute a default or event of default under any Material
Contract to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party
or by which the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof or any of their
respective properties may be bound, and any corrective action which
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has taken or proposes to take
with respect thereto;
(f) (i) the establishment of any new Employee Benefit Plan which
is a defined benefit plan or a welfare plan providing post-retirement
benefits, the commencement of contributions to any such plan to which
the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate was not previously contributing or
any increase in the benefits of any such existing Employee Benefit
Plan which would increase the projected liability of the Borrower
and/or one or more ERISA Affiliates by $1,000,000 or more; (ii) each
funding waiver request filed with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan
and all communications received or sent by the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate with respect to such request; (iii) the failure of the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to make a required installment or
payment under Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code by the
due date; (iv) any Termination Event or "prohibited transaction", as
such term is defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the
Code, in connection with any Employee Benefit Plan or any trust
created thereunder which can reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect, along with a description of the nature thereof, what
action the Borrower has taken, is taking or proposes to take with
respect thereto and, when known, any action taken or threatened by the
Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor or the PBGC with
respect thereto; (v) any unfavorable determination letter from the
Internal Revenue Service regarding the qualification of an Employee
Benefit Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code if the failure of such
Employee Benefit Plan to be qualified can reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect (along with a copy thereof); (vi) all
notices received by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of the PBGC's
intent to terminate any Pension Plan or to have a trustee appointed to
administer any Pension Plan; (vii) each Schedule B (Actuarial
Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate with the Internal Revenue Service with
respect to each Pension Plan; (viii) all notices received by the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor
concerning the imposition or amount of withdrawal liability pursuant
to Section 4202 of ERISA; and (ix) the Borrower obtaining knowledge or
reason to know that the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has filed or
50
intends to file a notice of intent to terminate any Pension Plan under
a distress termination within the meaning of Section 4041 (c) of
ERISA; and
(g) any event which makes any of the representations set forth
in Section 6.1 inaccurate in any material respect.
SECTION 7.6 Accuracy of Information. All written information,
reports, statements and other papers and data furnished by or on
behalf of the Borrower to the Agent or any Term Lender (other than
financial forecasts) whether pursuant to this Article VII or any other
provision of this Agreement, or any of the Security Documents, shall
be, at the time the same is so furnished, complete and correct in all
material respects to the extent necessary to give the Agent or any
Term Lender complete, true, and accurate knowledge of the subject
matter based on the Borrower's knowledge thereof.
ARTICLE VIII
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
Until all of the Obligations have been finally and indefeasibly
paid and satisfied in full and the Term Loan terminated, unless
consent has been obtained in the manner provided for in Section 13.11,
the Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to:
SECTION 8.1 Preservation of Corporate Existence and Related
Matters. Except as permitted by Section 10.5, preserve and maintain
its separate corporate existence and all rights, franchises, licenses
and privileges necessary to the conduct of its business; and qualify
and remain qualified as a foreign corporation and authorized to do
business in each jurisdiction in which time failure to so qualify
would have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 8.2 Maintenance of Property. Protect and preserve all
properties useful in and material to its business, including
copyrights, patents, trade names and trademarks; maintain in good
working order and condition all buildings, equipment and other
tangible real and personal property; and from time to time make or
cause to be made all renewals, replacements and additions to such
property necessary for the conduct of its business, so that the
business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and
advantageously conducted at all times.
SECTION 8.3 Insurance. Carry at all times with financially
sound and reputable insurance companies which have ratings from A. M.
Best & Co. of "A" or higher or are otherwise acceptable to the Agent:
(a) all workers' compensation or similar insurance as may be required
51
under the laws of any jurisdiction; (b) public liability insurance
against claims for personal injury, death or property damage suffered
upon, in or about any premises occupied by it or occurring as a result
of the ownership, maintenance or operation by it of any automobile,
truck or other vehicle or as a result of the use of products
manufactured, constructed or sold by it, or services rendered by it;
(c) business interruption insurance covering risk of loss as a result
of the cessation for all or any part of one year of any substantial
part of the business conducted by it; (d) hazard insurance against
such other hazards as are usually insured against by business entities
of established reputation engaged in like businesses and similarly
situated, including, without limitation, fire (flood, if applicable)
and extended coverage; and (e) such other insurance as the Agent may
from time to time reasonably require, and pay all premiums on the
policies for all such insurance when and as they become due and take
all other actions necessary to maintain such policies in full force
and effect at all times. CIGNA is an acceptable insurer for purposes
of this Section unless the Agent, at the request of the Required Term
Lenders, notifies the Borrower that CIGNA is unacceptable. The
Borrower shall cause each hazard insurance policy to provide, and the
insurer issuing each such policy to certify to the Agent, that (a) if
such insurance be proposed to be canceled or materially changed for
any reason whatsoever, such insurer will promptly notify the Agent and
such cancellation or change shall not be effective for 30 days after
receipt by the Agent of such notice, unless the effect of such change
is to extend or increase coverage under the policy; (b) the Agent, for
the benefit of the Term Lenders, shall be named as lender loss payee
with respect to personal property and mortgagee with respect to real
property; and (c) the Agent will have the right, at its election, to
remedy any default in the payment of premiums within 30 days of notice
from the insurer of such default. The foregoing covenants regarding
insurance are in addition to, and not intended to supersede, those
covenants regarding insurance set forth in the Security Documents. In
the event and to the extent of any conflict between the provisions of
this Agreement and the provisions of the Security Documents regarding
the insuring of Collateral, the provisions of the Security Documents
with respect thereto shall govern.
SECTION 8.4 Accounting Methods and Financial Records.
Maintain a system of accounting, and keep such books, records and
accounts (which shall be true and complete in all material respects)
as may be required or as may be necessary to permit the preparation of
financial statements in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with
the regulations of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over
it or any of its properties.
52
SECTION 8.5 Payment and Performance of Obligations. Pay and
perform all Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, and pay or perform (a) all taxes, assessments and other
governmental charges that may be levied or assessed upon it or any of
its property, and (b) all other indebtedness, obligations and
liabilities in accordance with customary trade practices; provided
that the Borrower or such Subsidiary may contest any item described in
this Section 8.5 in good faith so long as adequate reserves are
maintained with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.
SECTION 8.6 Compliance With Laws and Approvals. Observe and
remain in compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Laws
and maintain in full force and effect all material Governmental
Approvals, in each case applicable to the conduct of its business.
SECTION 8.7 Environmental Laws. In addition to and without
limiting the generality of Section 8.6, (a) comply in all material
respects with, and ensure such compliance in all material respects by
all tenants and subtenants, if any, with, all applicable Environmental
Laws and obtain and comply with and maintain, and ensure that all
tenants and subtenants obtain and comply with and maintain, any and
all licenses, approvals, notifications, registrations or permits
required by applicable Environmental Laws; (b) conduct and complete
all investigations, studies, sampling and testing, and all remedial,
removal and other actions required under Environmental Laws, and
promptly comply with all lawful orders and directives of any
Governmental Authority regarding Environmental Laws; and (c) defend,
indemnify and hold harmless the Agent and the Term Lenders, and their
respective parents, Subsidiaries, Affiliates, employees, agents,
officers and directors, from and against any claims, demands,
penalties, fines, liabilities, settlements, damages, costs and
expenses of whatever kind or nature known or unknown, contingent or
otherwise, arising out of, or in any way relating to the violation of,
noncompliance with or liability under any Environmental Laws
applicable to the operations of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, or
any orders, requirements or demands of Governmental Authorities
related thereto, including, without limitation, reasonable attorney's
and consultant's fees, investigation and laboratory fees, response
costs, court costs and litigation expenses, except to the extent that
any of the foregoing arise out of the negligence or willful misconduct
of the party seeking indemnification therefor.
SECTION 8.8 Compliance with ERISA. In addition to and without
limiting the generality of Section 8.6, (a) make timely payment of
contributions required to meet the minimum funding standards set forth
in ERISA with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan; (b) not take any
action or fail to take action the result of which could be a liability
53
to the PBGC or to a Multiemployer Plan; (c) not participate in any
prohibited transaction that could result in any material civil penalty
under ERISA or tax under the Code; (d) furnish to the Agent upon the
Agent's request such additional information about any Employee Benefit
Plan as may be reasonably requested by the Agent; and (e) operate each
Employee Benefit Plan in such a manner that will not incur any tax
liability under Section 4980B of the Code or any liability to any
qualified beneficiary as defined in Section 4980B of the Code.
SECTION 8.9 Compliance With Agreements. Comply in all
material respects with each term, condition and provision of all
leases, agreements and other instruments entered into in the conduct
of its business including, without limitation, any Material Contract;
provided that the Borrower or such Subsidiary may contest any such
lease, agreement or other instrument in good faith through applicable
proceedings so long as adequate reserves are maintained in accordance
with GAAP.
SECTION 8.10 Conduct of Business. Engage only in businesses in
substantially the same fields as the businesses conducted on the
Closing Date and in lines of business reasonably related thereto.
SECTION 8.11 Visits and Inspections. Permit representatives of
the Agent or any Term Lender, from time to time, after reasonable
notice, to visit and inspect its properties; inspect, audit and make
extracts from its books, records and files, including, but not limited
to, management letters prepared by independent accountants; and
discuss with its principal officers, and its independent accountants,
its business, assets, liabilities, financial condition, results of
operations and business prospects.
SECTION 8.12 Further Assurances. Make, execute and deliver all
such additional and further acts, things, deeds and instruments as the
Agent or any Term Lender may reasonably require to document and
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to vest completely
in and insure the Agent and the Term Lenders their respective rights
under this Agreement, the Term Notes and the other Loan Documents.
SECTION 8.13 Meeting with Term Lenders. Participate in
meetings at least twice annually with all Term Lenders wishing to
participate therein at a date, time and location satisfactory to the
Agent and fully disclose in such meeting the material future business
plans of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 8.14 Year 2000 Issues. Take all action necessary to
assure that the Borrower's computer based systems are able to operate
54
and effectively process data including dates on and after January 1,
2000. At the request of the Agent, the Borrower shall provide the
Agent assurance acceptable to the Agent of the Borrower's Year 2000
compatibility.
SECTION 8.15 Employment of Outside Accountants and Financial
Consultants. Employ Ernst & Young LLP or another outside accounting
firm and/or financial consulting firm acceptable to the Agent for the
purpose of providing consulting and related financial services to the
Borrower as more fully described in the work plan attached as Schedule
8.15. The Borrower will continuously employ a chief financial officer
and related accounting and financial employees reasonably acceptable
to the Agent until the Obligations have been paid in full. For
purposes of this Section 8.15, current Chief Financial Officer is
acceptable to the Agent as chief financial officer of the Borrower.
If the Borrower fails to employ continuously a chief financial officer
and related accounting and financial employees reasonably acceptable
to the Agent, the Borrower will employ an outside accounting and/or
financial consulting firm acceptable to the Agent to perform such
tasks as the Agent may designate. If the Borrower wishes to terminate
the accounting firm and/or financial consulting firm which is
performing the services described in the work plan attached as
Schedule 8.15 prior to its completion, the Borrower must obtain the
prior written consent of the Agent.
For purposes of computing EBITDA under the financial covenants
contained in Article IX of this Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement,
fees and expenses which have been paid prior to the date of this
Agreement and which may be paid after the date of this Agreement to
the outside accounting firm and/or financial consulting firm referred
to in this Section 8.15 will not be considered an expense in
calculating EBITDA.
SECTION 8.16 Maintenance of Bank Accounts. Except for a deposit
account with a balance at no time to exceed $15,000 maintained in the
name of Rockingham Poultry (VI) at Banco Popular (Puerto Rico),
maintain all of its depository, disbursement and other accounts with
the Agent and/or any Lender.
SECTION 8.17 Interest Rate Protection. As promptly as
practicable, and in any event within 60 days after the Closing Date,
enter into, and thereafter for a period of not less than two years
maintain in effect, one or more Interest Rate Protection Agreements on
such terms and with such parties as shall be reasonably satisfactory
to the Agent, the effect of which shall be to fix or limit the
interest costs to the Borrower with respect to at least fifty percent
(50%) of the amount outstanding under the Term Loan, the Note
Agreement, and projected outstanding amount for Revolving Credit Loans.
55
ARTICLE IX
FINANCIAL COVENANTS
Commencing on June 27, 1998, and continuing until all of the
Obligations have been finally and indefeasibly paid and satisfied in
full, unless consent has been obtained in the manner set forth in
Section 13.11 hereof, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
Consolidated basis will not:
SECTION 9.1 Minimum Monthly EBITDA. As of the end of any
Fiscal Month, permit the Borrower's Consolidated Cumulative twelve
month EBITDA ending with such Fiscal Month, to be less than the dollar
amount corresponding to such period set forth below:
Minimum Cumulative
Fiscal Month Ended Twelve Month EBITDA
July 1998 $10,701,000
August 1998 $15,248,000
September 1998 $17,048,000
October 1998 $21,089,000
November 1998 $23,646,000
December 1998 $29,821,000
SECTION 9.2 Minimum Quarterly EBITDA. As of the end of any
Fiscal Quarter, permit the Borrower's Consolidated cumulative four-
quarter EBITDA ending with such Fiscal Quarter to be less than the
dollar amount corresponding to such period set forth below:
Fiscal Quarter Ended Minimum Cumulative
Four Quarter EBITDA
Third Fiscal Quarter 1999 $41,456,000
Fourth Fiscal Quarter 1999 $53,830,000
First Fiscal Quarter 2000 $62,646,000
Second Fiscal Quarter 2000 $69,333,000
Third Fiscal Quarter 2000 $71,082,000
Fourth Fiscal Quarter 2000 $74,151,000
First Fiscal Quarter 2001 $75,963,000
Second Fiscal Quarter 2001 $77,852,000
SECTION 9.3 Limitation on Capital Expenditures. Make or incur
Capital Expenditures in any cumulative four Fiscal Quarter period
ending with such Fiscal Quarter, which would exceed an aggregate
amount for such period corresponding to such period as set forth below:
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Quarter Ended Maximum Capital Expenditures
Fourth Fiscal Quarter 1998 $30,856,000
First Fiscal Quarter 1999 $36,562,000
Second Fiscal Quarter 1999 $35,800,000
Third Fiscal Quarter 1999 $32,500,000
Fourth Fiscal Quarter 1999 $27,700,000
First Fiscal Quarter 2000 $24,000,000
Second Fiscal Quarter 2000 $24,000,000
Third Fiscal Quarter 2000 $24,000,000
Fourth Fiscal Quarter 2000 $24,000,000
First Fiscal Quarter 2001 $24,000,000
Second Fiscal Quarter 2001 $24,000,000
ARTICLE X
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
Until all of the Obligations have been finally and indefeasibly
paid and satisfied in full, unless consent has been obtained in the
manner set forth in Section 13.11 hereof, the Borrower has not and
will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:
SECTION 10.1 Limitations on Debt. Create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Debt except:
(a) The Obligations;
(b) Debt created under the Note Agreement and related
documents.
(c) Debt existing on the Closing Date as described on
Schedule 10.1(c) and the renewal and refinancing (but not the
increase) thereof; provided, however, that until such time as the
Obligations are indefeasibly paid in full, the Borrower shall not
refinance any portion of the Debt on a secured basis;
(d) [intentionally left blank]
(e) Debt consisting of Contingent Obligations permitted by
Section 10.2(b);
(f) Debt from Approved Subordinated Debt Transaction(s) as
provided in Article IV hereof; and
(g) Purchase Money Debt (including Capital Leases) in an
aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 on any date of
determination.
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SECTION 10.2 Limitations on Contingent Obligations. Create,
incur, assume or suffer to exist any Contingent Obligations except:
(a) Contingent Obligations in favor of the Agent for the
benefit of the Agent and the Term Lenders and/or the Revolving Credit
Lenders;
(b) Contingent Obligations existing on the Closing Date as
described on Schedule 10.2(b) (but not any increase thereof); and
(c) Other Contingent Obligations in an aggregate amount not
to exceed $1,000,000 at any time.
SECTION 10.3 Limitations on Liens. Create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist, any Lien on or with respect to any of its assets or
properties (including shares of capital stock), real or personal,
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except:
(a) Liens for taxes, assessments and other governmental
charges or levies (excluding any Lien imposed pursuant to any of the
provisions of ERISA or Environmental Laws) not yet due or as to which
the period of grace (not to exceed thirty (30) days), if any, related
thereto has not expired or which are being contested in good faith and
by appropriate proceedings if adequate reserves are maintained to the
extent required by GAAP;
(b) The claims of materialmen, mechanics, carriers,
warehousemen, processors or landlords for labor, materials, supplies
or rentals and/or other statutory liens incurred in the ordinary
course of business which in the aggregate do not at any time exceed
$1,000,000; and (i) which are not overdue for a period of more than
thirty (30) days; or (ii) which are being contested in good faith and
by appropriate proceedings;
(c) Liens consisting of deposits or pledges made in the
ordinary course of business in connection with, or to secure payment
of, obligations under workers' compensation, unemployment insurance or
similar legislation or obligations (not to exceed $10,000,000);
(d) Liens constituting encumbrances in the nature of zoning
restrictions, easements and rights or restrictions of record on the
use of real property, which in the aggregate are not substantial in
amount and which do not, in any case, detract from the value of such
property or impair the use thereof in the ordinary conduct of
business;
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(e) Liens of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the
Agent and the Term Lenders, the Revolving Credit Lenders, and/or the
Note Lenders;
(f) Any Lien existing on the Closing Date which is
described on Schedule 10.3(f);
(g) Limited Grower Payable Liens; and
(h) Liens on personal property held in a margin account by
the counter party with respect to a Derivative Agreement relating to
commodities or natural resources, so long as (i) such Derivative
Agreement was entered into in the ordinary course of business solely
for the purpose of mitigating risk and (ii) the aggregate fair market
value of all personal property held in all such margin accounts does
not at any time exceed $10,000,000; and
(i) Liens created on account of Purchase Money Debt
authorized pursuant to Section 10.1(g) hereof.
SECTION 10.4 Limitations on Acquisitions. Without the prior
written consent of each Term Lender, acquire any significant part of
the assets of any Person which is not a Subsidiary or acquire the
capital stock or other ownership interest in any Person.
SECTION 10.5 Limitations on Mergers, Liquidation and New
Business Ventures. Merge, consolidate or enter into any similar
combination with any other Person or liquidate, wind-up or dissolve
itself (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution); or enter into any
new business activities or ventures (including joint ventures) not
related to its present business except that Xxxxxxx Supply may be
merged or liquidated into any Borrower.
SECTION 10.6 Limitations on Sale of Assets. Convey, sell,
lease, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its property,
business or assets (including, without limitation, the sale of any
receivables and leasehold interests and any sale leaseback or similar
transaction), whether now owned or hereafter acquired except:
(a) the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of
business;
(b) the sale of obsolete assets no longer used or usable in
the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
59
(c) the sale or discount without recourse of accounts
receivable arising in the ordinary course of business in connection
with the compromise or collection thereof;
(d) Asset Sales as proposed in the Three Year Business Plan
to the extent approved and accepted by each of the Term Lenders;
(e) Approved Miscellaneous Asset Sales; and
(f) Any asset sales agreed to in writing between the
Borrower and each of the Term Lenders.
SECTION 10.7 Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or
indirectly: (a) make any material loan or advance to, or purchase or
assume any note or other obligation in a material amount to or from,
any of its officers, directors, shareholders or other Affiliates
(which is/are not a Borrower), or to or from any member of the
immediate family of any of its officers, directors, shareholders or
other Affiliates (which is/are not a Borrower), or subcontract any
operations to any of its Affiliates (which is/are not a Borrower), or
(b) enter into, or be a party to, any transaction with any of its
Affiliates (which is/are not a Borrower), except pursuant to the
reasonable requirements of its business and upon fair and reasonable
terms that are no less favorable to it than would obtain in a
comparable arm's length transaction with a Person not its Affiliate.
SECTION 10.8 Certain Accounting Changes. Change its Fiscal
Year end, or make any change in its accounting treatment and reporting
practices except as permitted by GAAP.
SECTION 10.9 Compliance with ERISA. (a) Permit the occurrence
of any Termination Event which would result in a liability to the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate in excess of $5,000,000; (b) permit
the present value of all benefit liabilities under all Pension Plans
(determined under the actuarial assumptions used for Code and ERISA
funding purposes) to exceed the current value of the assets of such
Pension Plans allocable to such benefit liabilities by more than
$5,000,000; (c) permit any accumulated funding deficiency (as defined
in Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code) with respect to
any Pension Plan, whether or not waived; (d) fail to make any
contribution or payment to any Multiemployer Plan which the Borrower
or any ERISA Affiliate may be required to make under any agreement
relating to such Multiemployer Plan, or any law pertaining thereto
which results in or is likely to result in a liability in excess of
$5,000,000; (e) engage, or permit the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
to engage, in any prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or
Section 4975 of the Code for which a civil penalty pursuant to Section
60
502(i) of ERISA a tax pursuant to Section 4975 of the Code in excess
of $5,000,000 is imposed; (f) permit the establishment of any Employee
Benefit Plan providing post-retirement welfare benefits (other than an
Employee Benefit Plan which provides such benefits solely for a select
group of present or former management employees) or establish or amend
any Employee Benefit Plan which establishment or amendment could
reasonably be expected to result in liability to the Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate or increase the obligation of the Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate to a Multiemployer Plan which liability or increase,
individually or together with all similar liabilities and increases,
is material to the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate; or (g) fail, or
permit the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to fail, to establish,
maintain and operate each Employee Benefit Plan in compliance in all
material respects with the provisions of ERISA, the Code and all other
applicable laws and the regulations and interpretations thereof.
SECTION 10.10 Limitations on New Equity, Dividends and
Distributions. Except as provided in the Warrant Agreement and
related documents, declare or pay any dividend, or make any
distributions of cash or property, to holders of any shares of its
capital stock on account of such shares, or, directly or indirectly,
redeem or otherwise acquire any such shares or any option, warrant or
right to acquire any such shares except for the reacquisition of the
shares held in an escrow account in connection with the acquisition of
the Goldsboro facility.
SECTION 10.11 Transfers to Subsidiaries. Transfer any assets
now or hereafter owned by the Borrower to any Subsidiary which is not
a Borrower, except to the extent WLR may transfer funds to Rockingham
Poultry, Inc. (VI) to maintain a balance in the RVI Account of no more
than $15,000.
SECTION 10.12 Limitations on Investments. Purchase, invest in,
or make any loan in the nature of an investment in the stocks, bonds,
notes or other securities or evidence of Debt of any Person, or make
any loan or advance to or for the benefit of any Person except for the
following (collectively, "Permitted Investments"): (i) short-term
obligations of the Treasury of the United States of America; (ii)
certificates of deposit issued by banks with shareholders' equity of
at least $100,000,000; (iii) repurchase agreements not exceeding 29
days in duration issued by banks with shareholders' equity of at least
$100,000,000; (iv) notes and other instruments generally known as
"commercial paper" which arise out of current transactions, which have
maturities at the time of issuance thereof not exceeding nine months
and which have, at the time of such purchase, investment or other
acquisition, the highest credit rating of Standard & Poor's
Corporation or Xxxxx'x Investors Service, Inc.; provided that to the
extent the Borrower shall seek to make any of the foregoing Permitted
61
Investments, it shall notify the Agent in writing in advance and shall
comply with such steps as the Agent may require to evidence the
perfected security interests of the Term Lenders therein.
SECTION 10.13 Limitations on Certain Agreements. Enter into any
Interest Rate Protection Agreement with any Term Lender to the extent
that any liability created thereunder would be secured by any
Collateral.
ARTICLE XI
DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
SECTION 11.1 Events of Default. Each of the following shall
constitute an Event of Default, whatever the reason for such event and
whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by
operation of law or pursuant to any judgment or order of any court or
any order, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority or
otherwise:
(a) Default in Payment of Principal of Term Loans. The Borrower
shall default in any payment of principal due under the Term Loan or
any Term Note as and when due (whether at maturity, by reason of
acceleration or otherwise).
(b) Other Payment Default. The Borrower shall default in the
payment as and when due (whether at maturity, by reason of
acceleration or otherwise) of interest on the Term Loan or any Term
Note or the payment of any other Obligation, and such a default shall
continue unremedied for five (5)Business Days provided that if the
default referenced in this paragraph (b) arises only under a Mortgage,
the five (5) Business Days referenced in this paragraph (b) will
commence after written notice of such default shall have been given by
the Agent to the Borrower.
(c) Misrepresentation. Any representation or warranty made by
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under this Agreement, any Loan
Document or any amendment hereto or thereto, shall at any time prove
to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when
made.
(d) Default in Performance of Certain Covenants. The Borrower
shall default in the performance or observance of any covenant or
agreement contained in Sections 7.5(e) or Articles IX or X of this
Agreement.
(e) Default in Performance of Other Covenants and Conditions.
The Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof shall default in the
Performance or observance of any term, covenant, condition or
62
agreement contained in this Agreement (other than as specifically
provided for otherwise in this Section 11.1) or any other Loan
Document and such default shall continue for a period of thirty (30)
days after written notice thereof has been given to the Borrower by
the Agent.
(f) Derivative Agreement. Any termination payment shall be due
by the Borrower under any Derivative Agreement and such amount is not
paid within five (5) Business Days of the due date thereof.
(g) Debt Cross-Default. The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
shall (i) default in the payment of any Debt (other than Debt
evidenced by the this Agreement and the Term Notes) the aggregate
outstanding amount of which is equal to or in excess of $3,000,000
beyond the period of grace if any, provided in the instrument or
agreement under which such Debt was created; or (ii) default in the
observance or performance of any other agreement or condition relating
to any Debt (other than the Term Loan and the Revolving Loan) the
aggregate outstanding amount of which is equal to or in excess of
$3,000,000 or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing,
securing or relating thereto or any other event shall occur or
condition exist, the effect of which default or other event or
condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Debt
(or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders) to cause,
with the giving of notice if required, any such Debt to become due
prior to its stated maturity (any applicable grace period having
expired).
(h) Voluntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. The Borrower or any
Subsidiary thereof shall (i) commence a voluntary case under the
federal bankruptcy laws (as now or hereafter in effect); (ii) file a
petition seeking to take advantage of any other laws, domestic or
foreign, relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding
up or composition for adjustment of debts; (iii) consent to or fail to
contest in a timely and appropriate manner any petition filed against
it in an involuntary case under such bankruptcy laws or other laws;
(iv) apply for or consent to, or fail to contest in a timely and
appropriate manner, the appointment of, or the taking of possession
by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, or liquidator of itself or of a
substantial part of its property, domestic or foreign; (v) admit in
writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due; (vi) make a
general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (vii) take any
corporate action for the purpose of authorizing any of the foregoing.
(i) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceeding. A case or other
proceeding shall be commenced against the Borrower or any Subsidiary
thereof in any court of competent jurisdiction seeking (i) relief
under the federal bankruptcy laws (as now or hereafter in effect) or
63
under any other laws, domestic or foreign, relating to bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, winding up or adjustment of debts; or (ii)
the appointment of a trustee, receiver, custodian, liquidator or the
like for the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof or for all or any
substantial part of their respective assets, domestic or foreign, and
such case or proceeding shall continue undismissed or unstayed for a
period of sixty (60) consecutive calendar days, or an order granting
the relief requested in such case or proceeding (including, but not
limited to, an order for relief under such federal bankruptcy laws)
shall be entered.
(j) Failure of Agreements. (i) any material provision of this
Agreement or of any other Loan Document shall for any reason cease to
be valid and binding on the Borrower or a Subsidiary party thereto or
any such Person shall so state in writing; or (ii) this Agreement or
any other Loan Document shall for any reason cease to create a valid
and perfected first priority Lien on, or security interest in, any of
the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, in each case other
than in accordance with the express terms hereof or thereof, provided
that no Event of Default shall have occurred pursuant to this
subparagraph (j)(ii) if the Borrower, within five (5) Business Days'
notice from the Agent, takes such steps as are necessary to create a
valid and perfected first priority Lien in such Collateral.
(k) Judgment. A judgment or order for the payment of money
which exceeds $2,500,000 in amount shall be entered against the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by any court and such judgment or
order shall continue undischarged or unstayed for a period of thirty
(30) calendar days.
(l) Attachment. A warrant or writ of attachment or execution or
similar process shall be issued against any property of the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries which exceeds $2,500,000 in value and such
warrant or process shall continue undischarged or unstayed for a
period of thirty (30) calendar days.
(m) Change in Control. (a) Any person or group of persons
(within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended) other than the current board of directors of the
Borrower, shall obtain ownership or control in one or more series of
transactions of more than fifty percent (50%) of the common stock and
fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the Borrower entitled to
vote in the election of members of the board of directors of the
Borrower (a "Change in Control").
(n) Revolving Credit Events of Default. Any one or more Events
of Default occurs under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
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(o) Note Agreement Default. Any one or more Events of Default
occurs under the Note Agreement.
SECTION 11.2 Remedies. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default and at the request of the Required Term Lenders, the Agent
shall, by notice to the Borrower:
(a) Acceleration; Termination of Facilities. Declare the
principal of and interest on the Term Loan and the Term Notes at the
time outstanding, and all other amounts owed to the Term Lenders and
to the Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents
and all other obligations, to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon
the same shall immediately become due and payable without presentment,
demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are
expressly waived, anything in this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, and terminate the Term Loan
and any rights of the Borrower thereunder; provided, that upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Section 11.1(h) or (i),
the Term Loan shall be automatically terminated and all obligations
shall automatically become due and payable, without notice,
declaration or demand of any kind.
(b) Rights of Collection. Exercise on behalf of the Term
Lenders all of its other rights and remedies under this Agreement, the
other Loan Documents and Applicable Law, in order to satisfy all of
the Borrower's obligations.
(c) Setoff. Exercise or direct any Term Lender to exercise any
and all setoff rights as described in Section 13.3 hereof or as
otherwise provided under Applicable Law.
SECTION 11.3 Rights and Remedies Cumulative; Non-Waiver; etc.
The enumeration of the rights and remedies of the Agent and the Term
Lenders set forth in this Agreement is not intended to be exhaustive
and the exercise by the Agent and the Term Lenders of any right or
remedy shall not preclude the exercise of any other rights or
remedies, all of which shall be cumulative, and shall be in addition
to any other right or remedy given hereunder or under the Loan
Documents or that may now or hereafter exist in law or in equity or by
suit or otherwise. No delay or failure to take action on the part of
the Agent or any Term Lender in exercising any right, power or
privilege shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege preclude other
or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power
or privilege or shall be construed to be a waiver of any Event of
Default. No course of dealing between the Borrower, the Agent and the
Term Lenders or their respective agents or employees shall be
effective to change, modify or discharge any provision of this
65
Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or to constitute a waiver
of any Event of Default.
ARTICLE XII
THE AGENT
SECTION 12.1 Appointment. Each of the Term Lenders hereby
irrevocably designates and appoints First Union as Agent of such Term
Lender under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and each such
Term Lender irrevocably authorizes First Union as Agent for such Term
Lender, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and
perform such duties as are expressly delegated to the Agent by the
terms of this Agreement and such other Loan Documents, together with
such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary elsewhere in this
Agreement or such other Loan Documents, the Agent shall not have any
duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein
and therein, or any fiduciary relationship with any Term Lender, and
no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations
or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents or otherwise exist against the Agent.
SECTION 12.2 Delegation of Duties. The Agent may execute any
of its respective duties under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents by or through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be
entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to
such duties. The Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or
misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by the Agent.
SECTION 12.3 Exculpatory Provisions. Neither the Agent nor any
of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in fact,
Subsidiaries or Affiliates shall be (a) liable for any action lawfully
taken or omitted to be taken by it or such Person under or in
connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (except for
actions occasioned solely by its or such Person's own gross negligence
or willful misconduct), or (b) responsible in any manner to any of the
Term Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or
warranties made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any
officer thereof contained in this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents or in any certificate, report, statement or other document
referred to or provided for in, or received by the Agent under or in
connection with, this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or for the
value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or
sufficiency of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or for any
failure of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to perform its
66
obligations hereunder or thereunder. The Agent shall not be under any
obligation to any Term Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the
observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or
conditions of this Agreement, or to inspect the properties, books or
records of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 12.4 Reliance by the Agent. The Agent shall be
entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any
note, writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit,
letter, cablegram, telegram, telecopy, telex or teletype message,
statement, order or other document or conversation believed by it to
be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the
proper Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal
counsel (including, without limitation, counsel to the Borrower),
independent accountants and other experts selected by the Agent. The
Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Term Note as the owner
thereof for all purposes unless such Term Note shall have been
transferred in accordance with Section 13.10 hereof. The Agent shall
be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under
this Agreement and the other Loan Documents unless it shall first
receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Term Lenders (or,
when expressly required hereby or by the relevant other Loan Document,
all the Term Lenders) as it deems appropriate or it shall first be
indemnified to its satisfaction by the Term Lenders against any and
all liability and expenses which may be incurred by it by reason of
taking or continuing to take any such action except for its own gross
negligence or willful misconduct. The Agent shall in all cases be
fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this
Agreement and the Term Notes in accordance with a request of the
Required Term Lenders (or, when expressly required hereby, all the
Term Lenders), and such request and any action taken or failure to act
pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Term Lenders and all
future holders of the Term Notes.
SECTION 12.5 Notice of Default. The Agent shall not be deemed
to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event
of Default hereunder unless it has received notice from a Term Lender
or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default
or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a "notice of
default." In the event that the Agent receives such a notice, it
shall promptly give notice thereof to the Term Lenders. The Agent
shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of
Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Required Term Lenders;
provided that unless and until the Agent shall have received such
directions, the Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such
action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such
Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable.
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SECTION 12.6 Non-Reliance on the Agent and other Term Lenders.
Each Term Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the Agent nor any
of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-
in-fact, Subsidiaries or Affiliates has made any representations or
warranties to it and that no act by the Agent hereinafter taken,
including any review of the affairs of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or
warranty by the Agent to any Term Lender. Each Term Lender represents
to the Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon the
Agent or any other Term Lender, and based on such documents and
information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of
and investigation into the business, operations, property, financial
and other condition and credit worthiness of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries and made its own decision to make its Loans and issue or
participate in Letters of Credit hereunder and enter into this
Agreement. Each Term Lender also represents that it will,
independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Term
Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis,
appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigation
as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, operations,
property, financial and other condition and credit worthiness of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries. Except for notices, reports and other
documents expressly required to be furnished to the Term Lenders by
the Agent hereunder or by the other Loan Documents, the Agent shall
not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Term Lender with
any credit or other information concerning the business, operations,
property, financial and other condition or credit worthiness of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which may come into the possession
of the Agent or any of its respective officers, directors, employees,
agents, attorneys-in-fact, Subsidiaries or Affiliates.
SECTION 12.7 Indemnification. The Term Lenders agree to
indemnify the Agent in its capacity as such and (to the extent not
reimbursed by the Borrower and without limiting the obligation of the
Borrower to do so), ratably according to the respective amounts of
their Term Loan Percentages, from and against, any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind
whatsoever which may at any time (including, without limitation, at
any time following the payment of the Term Notes) be imposed on,
incurred by or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or
arising out of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or any
documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or
omitted by the Agent under or in connection with any of the foregoing;
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provided that no Term Lender shall be liable for the payment of any
portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting
solely from the Agent's bad faith, gross negligence or willful
misconduct. The agreements in this Section 12.7 shall survive the
payment of the Term Notes and all other amounts payable hereunder and
the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 12.8 The Agent in Its Individual Capacity. The Agent
and its respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates may make loans to,
accept deposits from and generally engage in any kind of business with
the Borrower as though the Agent were not an Agent hereunder. With
respect to any Term Loan made or renewed by it, the Agent shall have
the same rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents as any Term Lender and may exercise the same as though it
were not an Agent, and the terms "Term Lender" and "Term Lenders"
shall include the Agent in its individual capacity.
SECTION 12.9 Resignation of the Agent; Successor Agent.
Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor as provided
below, the Agent may resign at any time by giving notice thereof to
the Term Lenders and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the
Required Term Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor
Agent, which successor shall have minimum capital and surplus of at
least $500,000,000. If no successor Agent shall have been so
appointed by the Required Term Lenders and shall have accepted such
appointment within thirty (30) days after the Agent's giving of notice
of resignation, then the Agent may, on behalf of the Term Lenders,
appoint a successor Agent, which successor shall have minimum capital
and surplus of at least $500,000,000. 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 rights,
powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring
Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder.
After any retiring Agent's resignation hereunder as Agent, the
provisions of this Section 12.9 shall continue in effect for its
benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it
while it was acting as Agent.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 13.1 Notices.
(a) Method of Communication. Except as otherwise provided in
this Agreement, all notices and communications hereunder shall be in
writing, or by telephone subsequently confirmed in writing. Any
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notice shall be effective if delivered by hand delivery or sent via
telecopy, recognized overnight courier service or certified mail,
return receipt requested, and shall be presumed to be received by a
party hereto (i) on the date of delivery if delivered by hand or sent
by telecopy, (ii) on the next Business Day if sent by recognized
overnight courier service and (iii) on the third Business Day
following the date sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(b) Addresses for Notices. Notices to any party shall be sent
to it at the following addresses, or any other address as to which all
the other parties are notified in writing.
If to the Borrower: WLR Foods, Inc.
000 Xx-xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, CFO
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
Or, if sent by mail:
WLR Foods, Inc.
X.X. Xxx 0000
Xxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, CFO
If to First Union
as Term Lender:
First Union National Bank
301 College Street, DC-5
NC 0737
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, SVP
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000; and
First Union National Bank
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
If to CoreStates Bank, N.A. as Term Lender:
CoreStates Bank, N.A.
FC 1-8-3-8
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxx X. Xxxxx
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
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Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
If to Xxxxxx Trust and
Savings Bank as Term Lender: Xxxxxx Trust and Savings Bank
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Agribusiness Division
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
If to Crestar Bank as Term Lender:
Crestar Bank
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Jr.
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
If to the Agent: First Union National Bank
301 College Street, DC-5
NC 0737
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx, SVP
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000; and
First Union National Bank
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Telecopy No.: (000) 000-0000
SECTION 13.2 Expenses. The Borrower will pay all out-of --
pocket expenses of the Agent in connection with: (i) the preparation,
execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other Loan
Documents, whenever the same shall be executed and delivered,
including all out-of-pocket syndication and due diligence expenses,
appraiser's fees, search fees, title insurance premiums, recording
fees, taxes and reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the
Agent; (ii) the preparation, execution and delivery of any waiver,
amendment or consent by the Agent or the Term Lenders relating to this
Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents including reasonable fees
and disbursements of counsel for the Agent, search fees, appraiser's
fees, recording fees and taxes imposed in connection therewith; and
(iii) administering, monitoring, negotiating and/or enforcing their
respective rights under the Credit Facility, including consulting with
one or more persons, including appraisers, accountants, engineers and
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attorneys, concerning or related to the nature, scope or value of any
right or remedy of the Agent or any Term Lender hereunder or under any
of the other Loan Documents, including any review of factual matters
in connection therewith, which expenses shall include the reasonable
fees and disbursements of such Persons.
SECTION 13.3 Set-off. In addition to any rights now or
hereafter granted under Applicable Law and not by way of limitation of
any such rights, upon and after the occurrence of
any Event of Default and during the continuance thereof, the Term
Lenders and any assignee or participant of a Term Lender in accordance
with Section 13.10 are hereby authorized by the Borrower at any time
or from time to time, without notice to the Borrower or to any other
Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off and
to appropriate and to apply any and all deposits (general or special,
time or demand, including, but not limited to, indebtedness evidenced
by certificates of deposit, whether matured or unmatured, excluding
government securities required by Applicable Law to be held as
security for worker's compensation and similar claims) and any other
indebtedness at any time held or owing by the Term Lenders, or any
such assignee or participant to or for the credit or the account of
the Borrower against and on account of the Obligations irrespective of
whether or not (a) the Term Lenders shall have made any demand under
this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or (b) the Agent
shall have declared any or all of the Obligations to be due and
payable as permitted by Section 11.2 and although such obligations
shall be contingent or unmatured.
SECTION 13.4 Governing Law. This Agreement, the Term Notes and
the other Loan Documents, unless otherwise expressly set forth
therein, shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York, without reference to the
conflicts or choice of law principles thereof.
SECTION 13.5 Consent to Jurisdiction. The Borrower hereby
irrevocably consents to the personal jurisdiction of the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York and the Supreme
Court of the State of New York - County of New York, in any action,
claim or other proceeding arising out of any dispute in connection
with this Agreement, the Term Notes and the other Loan Documents, any
rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder, or the performance of
such rights and obligations. The Borrower hereby irrevocably consents
to the service of a summons and complaint and other process in any
action, claim or proceeding brought by the Agent or any Term Lender in
connection with this Agreement, the Term Notes or the other Loan
Documents, any rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder, or the
performance of such rights and obligations, on behalf of itself or its
property, in the manner specified in Section 13.1. Nothing in this
Section 13.5 shall affect the right of the Agent or any Term Lender to
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serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law or
affect the right of the Agent or any Term Lender to bring any action
or proceeding against the Borrower or its properties in the courts of
any other jurisdictions.
SECTION 13.6 Waiver of Jury Trial; Waiver of Punitive Damages.
(a) WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, THE AGENT, EACH TERM LENDER AND THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
WAIVE THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY
ACTION, CLAIM OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING, OUT OF OR ANY DISPUTE IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER,
OR THE PERFORMANCE OF SUCH RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.
(b) Waiver of Punitive Damages. The Borrower, the Agent, and
the Term Lenders, agree that they shall not have a remedy of punitive
or exemplary damages against the other in any Dispute and hereby waive
any right or claim to punitive or exemplary damages they have now or
which may arise in the future in connection with any Dispute whether
the Dispute is resolved by arbitration or judicially.
SECTION 13.7 Reversal of Payments. To the extent the Borrower
makes a payment or payments to the Agent for the ratable benefit of
the Term Lenders or the Agent receives any payment or proceeds of the
Collateral which payments or proceeds or any part thereof are
subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential,
set aside and/or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any
other party under any bankruptcy law, state or federal law, common law
or equitable cause, then, to the extent of such payment or proceeds
repaid, the obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall
be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment
or proceeds had not been received by the Agent.
SECTION 13.8 Injunctive Relief. The Borrower recognizes that,
in the event the Borrower fails to perform, observe or discharge any
of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement, any remedy of
law may prove to be inadequate relief to the Term Lenders. Therefore,
the Borrower agrees that the Term Lenders, at the Term Lenders'
option, shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief
in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages.
SECTION 13.9 Accounting Matters. All financial and accounting
calculations, measurements and computations made for any purpose
relating to this Agreement, including, without limitation, all
computations utilized by the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof to
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determine compliance with any covenant contained herein, shall, except
as otherwise expressly contemplated hereby or unless there is an
express written direction by the Agent to the contrary agreed to by
the Borrower, be performed in accordance with GAAP. In the event that
changes in GAAP shall be mandated by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board, or any similar accounting body of comparable
standing, or shall be recommended by the Borrower's certified public
accountants, to the extent that such changes would modify such
accounting terms or the interpretation or computation thereof, such
changes shall be followed in defining such accounting terms only from
and after the date the Borrower, the Agent and the Term Lenders shall
have amended this Agreement to the extent necessary to reflect any
such changes in the financial covenants and other terms and conditions
of this Agreement. The Borrower, the Agent, the Revolving Credit
Lenders and the Term Lenders agree that, as a result of the delivery
of the warrants in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the
Revolving Credit Agreement and the Warrant Agreement, any original
issue discount attributable to any Revolving Credit Note and/or Term
Note is less than the product of (i) one-quarter of one percent
(.25%), multiplied by (ii) the product of the weighted average
maturity of such Note multiplied by the stated redemption price at
maturity of such Note (as determined in accordance with section 1273
of the Code). The Borrower, the Agent, the Revolving Credit Lenders
and the Term Lenders agree to consistently use the foregoing
assumptions as to original issue discount and redemption premium for
all United States federal, state and local income tax purposes with
respect to the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents unless
the IRS or a change in law requires otherwise. The Borrower, the
Agent, the Revolving Credit Lenders and the Term Lenders acknowledge
that the fair market value of such warrants as of the Closing Date is
no greater than the amount determined by the calculations in this
subsection.
SECTION 13.10 Successors and Assigns; Participations.
(a) Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Agent and the Term
Lenders, all future holders of the Term Notes, and their respective
successors and assigns, except that the Borrower shall not assign or
transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without
the prior written consent of each Term Lender. Nothing set forth in
any guaranty shall impair, as between the Borrower, the Agent and the
Term Lenders, the obligations of the Borrower hereunder and under the
other Loan Documents.
(b) Assignment by Term Lenders. Each Term Lender may, with the
consent of the Agent, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld, assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of
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its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement (including,
without limitation, all or a portion of the Obligations at the time
owing to it and the Term Notes held by it); provided that:
(i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a
varying, percentage of all the assigning Term Lender's rights and
obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Term Loan and
shall be accompanied by a like assignment on a pro rata basis of any
Revolving Loan attributable to such Term Lender in its capacity as a
Revolving Credit Lender under the Revolving Credit Agreement;
(ii) if less than all of the assigning Term Lender's Term
Loan is to be assigned, the Term Loan so assigned (plus, if
applicable, the amount of any Revolving Loan or any portion thereof
also assigned by such Term Lender in its capacity as a Revolving
Credit Lender under the Revolving Credit Agreement) shall not be less
than $5,000,000;
(iii) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and
deliver to the Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the
Register, an Assignment and Acceptance in the form of Exhibit "F"
attached hereto (an "Assignment and Acceptance"), together with any
Term Note or Term Notes subject to such assignment;
(iv) such assignment shall not, without the consent of the
Borrower, require the Borrower to file a registration statement with
the Securities and Exchange Commission or apply to or qualify the Term
Loan or any of the Term Notes under the blue sky laws of any state;
and
(v) the assigning Term Lender shall pay to the Agent an
assignment fee of $5,000 upon the execution by such Term Lender of the
Assignment and Acceptance; provided that no such fee shall be payable
upon any assignment by a Term Lender to an Affiliate thereof.
Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and
after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance,
which effective date shall be at least five (5) Business Days after
the execution thereof, (A) the assignee thereunder shall be a party
hereto and, to the extent provided in such Assignment and Acceptance,
have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereby and (B) the
assigning Term Lender thereunder shall, to the extent provided in such
assignment, be released from its obligations under this Agreement.
(c) Rights and Duties Upon Assignment. By executing and
delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the assigning Term Lender
thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each
75
other and the other parties hereto as set forth in such Assignment and
Acceptance.
(d) Register. The Agent shall maintain a copy of each
Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the
recordation of the names and addresses of the Term Lenders and the
amount of the Term Loan with respect to each Term Lender from time to
time (the "Register"). The entries in the Register shall be
conclusive, in the absence of manifest error, and the Borrower, the
Agent and the Term Lenders may treat each person whose name is
recorded in the Register as a Term Lender hereunder for all purposes
of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by
the Borrower or any Term Lender at any reasonable time and from time
to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(e) Issuance of New Term Notes. Upon its receipt of an
Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Term Lender and an
Eligible Assignee together with any Term Note Term Notes subject to
such assignment and the written consent to such assignment, the Agent
shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed and is
substantially in the form of Exhibit "F":
(i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance;
(ii) record the information contained therein in the
Register;
(iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Term Lenders and the
Borrower; and
(iv) promptly deliver a copy of such Assignment and
Acceptance to the Borrower.
Within five (5) Business Days after receipt of notice, the Borrower
shall execute and deliver to the Agent, in exchange for the
surrendered Term Note or Term Notes, a new Term Note or Term Notes to
the order of such Eligible Assignee in amounts equal to the Term Loan
assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance and a new
Term Note or Term Notes to the order of the assigning Term Lender in
an amount equal to the Term Loan retained by it hereunder. Such new
Term Note or Term Notes shall be in an aggregate principal amount
equal to the aggregate principal amount of such surrendered Term Note
or Term Notes, shall be dated the effective date of such Assignment
and Acceptance and shall otherwise be in substantially the form of the
assigned Term Note delivered to the assigning Term Lender. The new
Term Note or Term Notes shall be in substitution for and not in
cancellation of, release or satisfaction of the surrendered Term Note
or Term Notes.
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(f) Participation. Each Term Lender may, with the consent of
the Agent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, sell
participations to one or more banks or other entities in all or a
portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including,
without limitation, all or a portion of its rights under the Term
Notes held by it); provided that:
(i) each such participation shall be in an amount not less
than $5,000,000;
(ii) such Term Lender's obligations under this Agreement
including, without limitation, its Term Loan, shall remain unchanged;
(iii) such Term Lender shall remain solely responsible
to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations;
(iv) such Term Lender shall remain the holder of the Term
Notes held by it for all purposes of this Agreement;
(v) the Borrower, the Agent and the other Term Lenders
shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Term Lender in
connection with such Term Lender's rights and obligations under this
Agreement;
(vi) such Term Lender shall not permit such participant the
right to approve any waivers, amendments or other modifications to
this Agreement or any other Loan Document other than waivers,
amendments or modifications which would reduce the principal of or the
interest rate on the Term Loan, extend the term or increase the amount
of the Term Loan of such participant, reduce the amount of any fees to
which such participant is entitled or extend any scheduled payment
date for principal; and
(vii) any such disposition shall not, without the
consent of the Borrower, require the Borrower to file a registration
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission or apply to
qualify the Term Loan or the Term Notes under the blue sky law of any
state.
(g) Disclosure of Information; Confidentiality. The Agent and
the Term Lenders shall hold all non-public information obtained
pursuant to the Loan Documents in accordance with their customary
procedures for handling confidential information. Any Term Lender
may, in connection with any assignment, proposed assignment,
participation or proposed participation pursuant to this Section
13.10, disclose to the assignee, participant, proposed assignee or
proposed participant, any information relating to the Borrower
furnished to such Term Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower;
provided that prior to any such disclosure, each such assignee,
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proposed assignee, participant or proposed participant shall agree
with the Borrower or such Term Lender (which in the case of an
agreement with only such Term Lender, the Borrower shall be recognized
as a third party beneficiary thereof) to preserve the confidentiality
of any confidential information relating to the Borrower received from
such Term Lender.
(h) Certain Pledges or Assignments. Nothing herein, or in any
other document regarding the transaction herein, shall prohibit any
Term Lender from pledging or assigning any Term Note, including
collateral therefor, to any Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with
Applicable Law.
SECTION 13.11 Amendments, Waivers and Consents; Renewal. Except
as set forth below, any term, covenant, agreement or condition of this
Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents may be amended or waived
by the Term Lenders, and any consent given by the Term Lenders, if,
but only if, such amendment, waiver or consent is in writing signed by
the Required Term Lenders (or by the Agent with the consent of the
Required Term Lenders) and delivered to the Agent and, in the case of
an amendment, signed by the Borrower; provided that no amendment,
waiver or consent shall (a) change the amount or extend the time of
the obligation of the Term Lenders to provide the Term Loan, (b)
change the originally scheduled time or times of payment of the
principal of the Term Loan or the time or times of payment of interest
on the Term Loan, (c) decrease the rate of interest payable on the
Term Loan, (d) change the amount or time of payment of any fees
payable by the Borrower hereunder, (e) release the Borrower (or any of
them) from all or any portion of the Obligations hereunder, (f)
release any Collateral except as specifically authorized in the Loan
Documents and in connection with the approved asset sales set forth in
Article X hereof; (g) amend, waive or alter any provision of Article I
(Definitions), Article IX (Financial Covenants), Article X (Negative
Covenants), or Article XI (Defaults and Remedies) hereof; or (g) amend
the provisions of this Section 13.11 or the definition of Required
Term Lenders, without the prior written consent of each Term Lender.
In addition, no amendment, waiver or consent to the provisions of
Article XII shall be made without the written consent of the Agent.
SECTION 13.12 Performance of Duties. The Borrower's obligations
under this Agreement and each of the Loan Documents shall be performed
by the Borrower at its sole cost and expense.
SECTION 13.13 Indemnification. The Borrower agrees to reimburse
the Agent and the Term Lenders for all reasonable costs and expenses,
including all counsel, appraisal, or other expert or consultant fees
and disbursements incurred, and to indemnify and hold the Agent and
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the Term Lenders harmless from and against all losses suffered by the
Agent and the Term Lenders in connection with (i) the exercise by the
Agent or the Term Lenders of any right or remedy granted to them under
this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, (ii) any claim, and
the prosecution or defense thereof, arising out of or in any way
connected with this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and
(iii) the collection or enforcement of the Obligations or any of them;
provided that the Borrower shall not be obligated to reimburse the
Agent or any Term Lender for costs and expenses, or indemnify the
Agent or any Term Lender for any loss, resulting from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of the Agent or any Term Lender.
SECTION 13.14 All Powers Coupled with Interest. All powers of
attorney and other authorizations granted to the Term Lenders, the
Agent and any Persons designated by the Agent or any Term Lender
pursuant to any provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents shall be deemed coupled with an interest and shall be
irrevocable so long as any of the Obligations remain unpaid or
unsatisfied or the Term Loan has not been terminated.
SECTION 13.15 Survival of Indemnities. Notwithstanding any
termination of this Agreement, the indemnities to which the Agent and
the Term Lenders are entitled under the provisions of this Article
XIII and any other provision of this Agreement and the Loan Documents
shall continue in full force and effect and shall protect the Agent
and the Term Lenders against events arising after such termination as
well as before.
SECTION 13.16 Titles and Captions. Titles and captions of
Articles, Sections and subsections in this Agreement are for
convenience only, and neither limit nor amplify the provisions of this
Agreement.
SECTION 13.17 Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document which is prohibited or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability
without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining
provisions hereof or thereof or affecting the validity or
enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 13.18 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate
counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an
original and shall be binding upon all parties, their successors and
assigns, and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the
same agreement.
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SECTION 13.19 Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in
effect from the Closing Date through and including the date upon which
all Obligations shall have been indefeasibly and irrevocably paid and
satisfied in full. No termination of this Agreement shall affect the
rights and obligations of the parties hereto arising prior to such
termination.
SECTION 13.20 Adjustments. If any Term Lender (a "Benefitted
Term Lender") shall at any time receive any payment of all or part of
its Term Loan, or interest thereon, or if any Term Lender shall at any
time receive any collateral in respect to its Term Loan (whether
voluntarily or involuntarily, by setoff or otherwise) in a greater
proportion than any such payment to and collateral received by any
other Term Lender, if any, in respect of such other Term Lender's Term
Loan, or interest thereon, such Benefitted Term Lender shall purchase
for cash from the other Term Lenders such portion of each such other
Term Lender's Term Loan or shall provide such other Term Lenders with
the benefits of any such collateral, or the proceeds thereof, as shall
be necessary to cause such Benefitted Term Lender to share the excess
payment or benefits of such collateral or proceeds ratably with each
of the Term Lenders based upon the Term Lenders' Term Loan
Percentages; provided that if all or any portion of such excess
payment or benefits is thereafter recovered from such Benefitted Term
Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase price and
benefits returned to the extent of such recovery, but without
interest. The Borrower agrees that each Term Lender so purchasing a
portion of another Term Lender's Term Loan may exercise all rights of
payment (including, without limitation, rights of set-off) with
respect to such portion as fully as if such Term Lender were the
direct holder of such portion.
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WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their duly authorized officers, all as of the day and
year first written above.
WLR FOODS, INC.
By: __/S/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Vice President
XXXXXXX FOODS, INC.
By:__/S/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Treasurer
CASSCO ICE & COLD STORAGE, INC.
By:__/S/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Vice President
XXXXXXX SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
By:__/S/ Xxxxxx X. Ritter__
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Vice President
VALLEY RAIL SERVICE, INC.
By:__/S/ Xxxxxx X. Ritter__
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Vice President
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK,
as Agent and Term Lender
By:__/S/ Xxxxx Bouhuys__
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Title: Senior Vice President
Term Loan Percentage: 35%
Term Loan: $38,500,000
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CORESTATES BANK, N.A.
By:__/S/ Xxxxx X. Williams__
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title:Senior vice President
Term Loan Percentage: 35%
Term Loan: $38,500,000
XXXXXX TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
By:__/S/ Xxxx X. Blackham__
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title:Vice President
Term Loan Percentage: 20%
Term Loan: $22,000,000
CRESTAR BANK
By:__/S/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Jr.__
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, Jr.
Title:Senior Vice President
Term Loan Percentage: 10%
Term Loan: $11,000,000
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