CREDIT AGREEMENT among MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY, THE LENDING INSTITUTIONS PARTY HERETO, as Banks, UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, dated as of November 18, 2004 UNION BANK...
EXHIBIT 10.1
among
MIDAMERICAN
ENERGY COMPANY,
THE
LENDING INSTITUTIONS PARTY HERETO,
as
Banks,
UNION
BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
as
Syndication Agent,
and
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Administrative Agent,
dated
as
of
November
18, 0000
XXXXX
XXXX XX XXXXXXXXXX, N.A.
and
X.X.
XXXXXX SECURITIES, INC.
Co-Lead
Arrangers and Co-Book Runners
MIDAMERICAN
ENERGY COMPANY
This
Agreement dated as of November 18, 2004 is among MidAmerican Energy Company,
the
Banks, Union Bank of California, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. The parties hereto agree as
follows:
ARTICLE
I
DEFINITIONS;
RULES OF INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions.
As used
in this Agreement:
“Administrative
Agent” means JPMorgan in its capacity as administrative agent for the Banks
pursuant to Article
X,
and not
in its individual capacity as a Bank, and any successor Administrative Agent
appointed pursuant to Article
X.
“Administrative
Questionnaire” means an administrative questionnaire, substantially in the form
supplied by the Administrative Agent, completed by a Bank and furnished to
the
Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement.
“Advance”
means a borrowing hereunder consisting of the aggregate amount of the several
Loans made by the Banks to the Company on the same Borrowing Date, at the same
Rate Option and for the same Interest Period.
“Affiliate”
of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly
controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with
such specified Person. For the purposes hereof, “control”, when used with
respect to any Person, means the power to direct the management and policies
of
such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and
“controlled” having correlative meanings.
“Aggregate
Commitment” means the aggregate of the Commitments of the Banks, as changed from
time to time pursuant to the terms hereof.
“Aggregate
Outstanding Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate of the
Outstanding Credit Exposure of the Banks.
“Agreement”
means this credit agreement.
“Alternate
Base Rate” means, on any date and with respect to all Floating Rate Advances, a
fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to the higher of (i) the Prime
Rate, and (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate most recently determined by
the
Administrative Agent plus 1/2% per annum. Changes in the rate of interest on
that portion of any Advance maintained as a Floating Rate Advance will take
effect simultaneously with each change in the Alternate Base Rate. The
Administrative Agent will give notice promptly to the Company and the Banks
of
changes in the Alternate Base Rate.
“Applicable
Margin” - see Schedule
I.
“Arrangers”
means Union Bank of California, N.A. and X.X. Xxxxxx Securities, Inc. in their
capacity as Co-Lead Arrangers and Co-Book Runners.
“Assignment
Agreement” means an assignment agreement substantially in the form of
Exhibit
C.
“Authorized
Officer” means the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial
Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the General Counsel, any
Assistant General Counsel, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, any Senior
Vice President or any Vice President of the Company.
“Banks”
means the financial institutions listed on the signature pages of this Agreement
and their respective successors and assigns.
“Borrowing
Date” means a date on which an Advance is made hereunder.
“Borrowing
Notice” is defined in Section
2.2.3.
“Business
Day” means (i) with respect to any borrowing, payment or rate selection of
Eurodollar Advances, a day other than Saturday or Sunday on which banks are
open
for business in Chicago and New York and on which dealings in United States
dollars are carried on in the London interbank market and (ii) for all other
purposes, a day other than Saturday or Sunday on which banks are open for
business in Chicago.
“Capitalized
Lease” of a Person means any lease of property by such Person as lessee which
would be capitalized on a balance sheet of such Person.
“Capitalized
Lease Obligations” of a Person means the amount of the obligations of such
Person under Capitalized Leases which would be shown as a liability on a balance
sheet of such Person.
“Code”
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
“Collateral
Shortfall Amount” is defined in Section
8.1.
“Commitment”
means, for each Bank, the obligation of such Bank to make Loans to, and to
participate in Facility LCs issued upon the application of, the Company in
an
aggregate amount not exceeding the amount set forth opposite its signature
below
or assumed by such Bank pursuant to an assignment, as such amount may be
modified from time to time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
2
“Company”
means MidAmerican Energy Company, an Iowa corporation, and its successors and
assigns.
“Consolidated
Debt” means all Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries determined on a
consolidated basis.
“Consolidated
Net Worth” means, as at any date of determination, the sum of the capital stock
and additional paid-in capital plus
retained
earnings (or minus
accumulated
deficit) plus
preferred securities of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis.
“Contingent
Obligation” of a Person means any agreement, undertaking or arrangement by which
such Person assumes, guarantees, endorses, contingently agrees to purchase
or
provide funds for the payment of, or otherwise becomes or is contingently liable
upon, the obligation or liability of any other Person, or agrees to maintain
the
net worth or working capital or other financial condition of any other Person,
or otherwise assures any creditor of such other Person against loss, including
any comfort letter, operating agreement or take-or-pay contract and shall
include the contingent liability of such Person in connection with any
application for a letter of credit.
“Controlled
Group” means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or
businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together
with the Company or any Subsidiary, are treated as a single employer under
Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code.
“Conversion/Continuation
Notice” is defined in Section
2.2.4.
“Credit
Extension” means the making of an Advance or the issuance of a Facility
LC.
“Credit
Extension Date” means the Borrowing Date for an Advance or the issuance date for
a Facility LC.
“Default”
means an event described in Article
VII.
“ERISA”
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of l974.
“Eurodollar
Advance” means an Advance which bears interest at a Eurodollar Rate as requested
by the Company pursuant to Section
2.2.
“Eurodollar
Base Rate” means, with respect to a Eurodollar Advance for the relevant Interest
Period, the applicable British Bankers’ Association LIBOR rate for deposits in
U.S. dollars as reported by any generally recognized financial service as of
11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such
Interest Period, and having a maturity equal to such Interest Period;
providedthat
if
no such British Bankers’ Association LIBOR rate is available to the
Administrative Agent for any reason, the applicable Eurodollar Base Rate for
the
relevant Interest Period shall instead be the rate determined by the
Administrative Agent to be the rate at which JPMorgan or one of its affiliate
banks offers to place deposits in U.S. dollars with first-class banks in the
London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business
Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, in the approximate amount
of JPMorgan’s relevant Eurodollar Loan and having a maturity equal to such
Interest Period.
3
“Eurodollar
Loan” means a Loan which bears interest at a Eurodollar Rate as requested by the
Company pursuant to Section
2.2.
“Eurodollar
Rate” means, with respect to a Eurodollar Advance for the relevant Interest
Period, the sum of (i) the quotient of (a) the Eurodollar Base Rate applicable
to that Interest Period, divided by (b) one minus the Reserve Requirement
(expressed as a decimal) applicable to that Interest Period, plus (ii) the
Applicable Margin. The Eurodollar Rate shall be rounded, if necessary, to the
next higher 1/100 of 1%.
“Existing
Agreement” means the Credit Agreement dated as of January 15, 2004 among the
Company, various financial institutions and JPMorgan (as successor to Bank
One,
NA), as Administrative Agent.
“Facility
Fee Rate” - see Schedule
I.
“Facility
LC” is defined in Section
2.7.1.
“Facility
LC Application” is defined in Section
2.7.3.
“Facility
LC Collateral Account” is defined in Section
2.7.11.
“FERC”
means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or any other federal regulatory
body that succeeds to the functions of the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
“Federal
Funds Effective Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per
annum equal for each day during such period to (i) the weighted average of
the
rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal
Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published for such day
(or,
if such day is not a Business Day, for the preceding Business Day) by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York; or (ii) if such rate is not so published
for
any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations at approximately
10 a.m. for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent
from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by
it.
“Floating
Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the Alternate Base Rate,
changing when and as the Alternate Base Rate changes.
“Floating
Rate Advance” means an Advance which bears interest at the Floating
Rate.
“Floating
Rate Loan” means a Loan which bears interest at the Floating Rate.
“FRB”
means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
“GAAP”
is
defined in Section
1.3.
4
“Indebtedness”
of a Person means such Person’s (i) obligations for borrowed money, (ii)
obligations representing the deferred purchase price of property or services
other than accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of such Person’s
business payable on terms customary in the trade, (iii) obligations, whether
or
not assumed, secured by liens on, or payable out of the proceeds or production
from, property now or hereafter owned or acquired by such Person, (iv)
obligations which are evidenced by notes, acceptances, or other instruments,
(v)
Capitalized Lease Obligations, (vi) net liabilities under interest rate swap,
exchange or cap agreements, and (vii) all Contingent Obligations of such
Person.
“Interest
Period” means, with respect to a Eurodollar Advance, a period of one, two, three
or six months commencing on a Business Day selected by the Company pursuant
to
this Agreement. Such Interest Period shall end on (but exclude) the day which
corresponds numerically to such date one, two, three or six months thereafter,
provided that if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such next,
second, third or sixth succeeding month, such Interest Period shall end on
the
last Business Day of such next, second, third or sixth succeeding month. If
an
Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day, such
Interest Period shall end on the next succeeding Business Day, provided that
if
said next succeeding Business Day falls in a new month, such Interest Period
shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day.
“JPMorgan”
means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in its individual capacity, and its successors
and assigns.
“LC
Fee
Rate” - see Schedule
I.
“LC
Issuer” means JPMorgan (or any subsidiary or affiliate of JPMorgan designated by
JPMorgan) in its capacity as issuer of Facility LCs hereunder.
“LC
Obligations” means, at any time, the sum, without duplication, of (i) the
aggregate undrawn stated amount under all Facility LCs outstanding at such
time
plus (ii) the aggregate unpaid amount of all Reimbursement Obligations at such
time.
“LC
Payment Date” is defined in Section
2.7.5.
“Lending
Installation” means any office, branch, subsidiary or affiliate of any Bank or
the Administrative Agent.
“Loan”
means, with respect to a Bank, such Bank’s portion of any Advance.
“Loan
Documents” means this Agreement, any Note and the Facility LC
Applications.
“Midwest
Power Indenture” means the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as
of January 1, 1993 between Midwest Power Systems Inc. and Xxxxxx Guaranty Trust
Company of New York (Xxxxxx Trust and Savings Bank, successor trustee), as
trustee, and indentures supplemental thereto.
“Modify”
and “Modification” are defined in Section
2.7.1.
5
“Moody’s”
means Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto.
“Xxxxx’x
Rating” means at any time the rating issued by Moody’s and then in effect with
respect to the Company’s senior unsecured long-term debt securities without
third-party credit enhancement (it being understood that if the Company does
not
have any outstanding debt securities of the type described above but has an
indicative rating from Moody’s for debt securities of such type, then such
indicative rating shall be used for determining the “Xxxxx’x
Rating”).
“Multiemployer
Plan” means a Plan maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or
any other arrangement to which the Company or any member of the Controlled
Group
is a party to which more than one employer is obligated to make
contributions.
“Note”
means a promissory note in substantially the form of Exhibit
A.
“Obligations”
means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans,
all
Reimbursement Obligations, all accrued and unpaid fees and all other
reimbursements, indemnities or other obligations of the Company to any Bank,
the
LC Issuer, the Administrative Agent or any indemnified party hereunder arising
under the Loan Documents.
“Outstanding
Credit Exposure” means, as to any Bank at any time, the sum of (i) the aggregate
principal amount of its Loans outstanding at such time plus (ii) an amount
equal
to its Pro Rata Share of the LC Obligations at such time.
“Payment
Date” means the last day of each March, June, September and
December.
“PBGC”
means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and its successors and
assigns.
“Permitted
Encumbrance” means:
(i)
(a)
any mortgage, pledge or other lien or encumbrance on any property hereafter
acquired or constructed by the Company or a Subsidiary, or on which property
so
constructed is located, and created prior to, contemporaneously with or within
360 days after, such acquisition or construction or the commencement of
commercial operation of such property to secure or provide for the payment
of
any part of the purchase or construction price of such property, (b) any
property subject to any mortgage, pledge, or other lien or encumbrance upon
such
property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by the Company or any
Subsidiary, whether or not assumed by the Company or such Subsidiary, (c) any
mortgage, pledge or other lien or encumbrance existing on the property, shares
of stock, membership interests or indebtedness of a corporation or limited
liability company at the time such corporation or limited liability company
becomes a Subsidiary or any pledge of the shares of stock or membership
interests of such corporation or limited liability company prior to,
contemporaneously with or within 360 days after such corporation or limited
liability company becomes a Subsidiary to secure or provide for the payment
of
any part of the purchase price of such stock or membership interests or (d)
any
conditional sales agreement or other title retention agreement with respect
to
any property hereafter acquired or constructed; provided
that, in
the case of clauses
(a)
through
(d),
the
lien of any such mortgage, pledge or other lien does not spread to property
owned prior to such acquisition or construction or to other property thereafter
acquired or constructed other than additions to such acquired or constructed
property and other than property on which property so constructed is located;
and provided,
further,
that if
a firm commitment from a bank, insurance company or other lender or investor
(not including the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of the Company) for
the
financing of the acquisition or construction of property is made prior to,
contemporaneously with or within the 360-day period referred to above, the
applicable mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance shall be deemed to be permitted
by this clause
(i)
whether
or not created or assumed within such period;
6
(ii)
any
mortgage, pledge or other lien or encumbrance created for the sole purpose
of
extending, renewing or refunding any mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance
permitted by clause
(i)
above;
provided
that the
principal amount of indebtedness secured thereby shall not exceed the principal
amount of indebtedness so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or
refunding and that such extension, renewal or refunding mortgage, pledge or
other lien or encumbrance shall be limited to all or any part of the same
property that secured the mortgage, pledge or other lien or encumbrance
extended, renewed or refunded;
(iii)
any
lien
for taxes or assessments or governmental charges or levies not then due and
delinquent or the validity of which is being contested in good faith, and
against which an adequate reserve has been established; any lien on any property
created in connection with pledges or deposits to secure public or statutory
obligations or to secure performance in connection with bids or contracts;
any
materialmen’s, mechanics’, carrier’s, workmen’s, repairmen’s or other similar
lien or any lien on any property created in connection with deposits to obtain
the release of any such lien; any lien on any property created in connection
with deposits to secure surety, stay, appeal or customs bonds; any lien created
by or resulting from any litigation or legal proceeding which is currently
being
contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; any lease and any lien,
right of reverter or other possessory right of the lessor thereunder; any zoning
restriction, easement, right-of-way or other restriction on the use of real
property or any minor irregularity in the title thereto; and any other lien
or
encumbrance similar to those described in this clause
(iii),
the
existence of which, in the opinion of the board of directors of the Company,
does not materially impair the use by the Company or a Subsidiary of the
affected property in the operation of the business of the Company or a
Subsidiary, or the value of such property for the purposes of such business;
(iv)
any
mortgage, pledge or other lien or encumbrance created after the date hereof
on
any property leased to or purchased by the Company or a Subsidiary after that
date and securing, directly or indirectly, obligations issued by a state, a
territory or a possession of the United States, or any political subdivision
of
any of the foregoing, or the District of Columbia, to finance the cost of
acquisition or cost of construction of such property; provided that the interest
paid on such obligations is entitled to be excluded from gross income of the
recipient pursuant to Section 103(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(or
any successor to such provision), as in effect at the time of the issuance
of
such obligations;
(v)
any
mortgage, pledge or other lien or encumbrance on any property now owned or
hereafter acquired or constructed by the Company or a Subsidiary, or on which
property so owned, acquired or constructed is located, to secure or provide
for
the payment of any part of the construction price or cost of improvements of
such property, and created prior to, contemporaneously with or within 360 days
after, such construction or improvement; provided
that if
a firm commitment from a bank, insurance company or other lender or investor
(not including the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of the Company) for
the
financing of the acquisition or construction of property is made prior to,
contemporaneously with or within the 360-day period hereinabove referred to,
the
applicable mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance shall be deemed to be permitted
by this clause
(v)
whether
or not created or assumed within such period; and
7
(vi)
any
mortgage, pledge or other lien or encumbrance not otherwise described in
clauses
(i)
through
(v);
provided
that the
aggregate amount of indebtedness secured by all such mortgages, pledges, liens
or encumbrances does not exceed the greater of (a) $100,000,000 and (b) 10%
of
total shareholders’ equity of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as
of the end of the most recently completed fiscal quarter of the Company for
which financial information is then available.
“Person”
means any corporation, natural person, firm, joint venture, partnership, trust,
limited liability company, unincorporated organization, enterprise, government
or any department or agency of any government.
“Plan”
means an employee pension benefit plan which is covered by Title IV of ERISA
or
subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code as to
which the Company or any member of the Controlled Group may have any
liability.
“Prime
Rate” means a rate per annum equal to the prime rate of interest announced from
time to time by JPMorgan (which is not necessarily the lowest rate charged
to
any customer), changing when and as said prime rate changes.
“Principal
Facility” means the real property, fixtures, machinery and equipment relating to
any facility owned by the Company or any Subsidiary, except any facility that
is
not of material importance to the business conducted by the Company and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
“Pro
Rata
Share” means, with respect to a Bank, a percentage equal to such Bank’s
Commitment divided by the Aggregate Commitment.
“Rate
Option” means the Eurodollar Rate or the Floating Rate.
“Regulated
Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that owns or operates facilities used for the
generation, transmission or distribution of electric energy and is subject
to
the jurisdiction of any governmental authority of the United States or any
state
or political subdivision thereof, as to any of its: rates; services; accounts;
issuances of securities; affiliate transactions; or construction, acquisition
or
sale of any such facilities, except that any "exempt wholesale generator",
as
defined in 15 USC 79z-5a(a)(1), “qualifying facility”, as defined in 18 CFR
292.101(b)(1), “foreign utility company”, as defined in 15 USC 79z-5b(a)(3), and
“power marketer”, as defined in NORTHWEST POWER MARKETING COMPANY, L.L.C., 75
FERC PARA 61,281, shall not be a Regulated Subsidiary.
8
“Regulation
D” means Regulation D of the FRB.
“Regulation
U” means Regulation U of the FRB.
“Regulation
X” means Regulation X of the FRB.
“Reimbursement
Obligations” means, at any time, the aggregate of all obligations of the Company
then outstanding under Section
2.7
to
reimburse the LC Issuer for amounts paid by the LC Issuer in respect of any
one
or more drawings under Facility LCs.
“Reportable
Event” means a reportable event as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA and the
regulations issued under such section, with respect to a Plan, excluding,
however, such events as to which the PBGC by regulation waived the requirement
of Section 4043(a) of ERISA that it be notified within 30 days of the occurrence
of such event, provided that a failure to meet the minimum funding standard
of
Section 412 of the Code and of Section 302 of ERISA shall be a Reportable Event
regardless of the issuance of any such waivers in accordance with either Section
4043(a) of ERISA or Section 412(d) of the Code.
“Required
Banks” means Banks in the aggregate having more than 50% of the Aggregate
Commitment or, if the Aggregate Commitment has been terminated, Banks in the
aggregate holding more than 50% of the Aggregate Outstanding Credit
Exposure.
“Reserve
Requirement” means, with respect to an Interest Period, the maximum aggregate
reserve requirement (including all basic, supplemental, marginal and other
reserves) which is imposed under Regulation D on Eurocurrency
liabilities.
“S&P”
means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The XxXxxx-Xxxx
Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.
“S&P
Rating” means at any time the rating issued by S&P and then in effect with
respect to the Company’s senior unsecured long-term debt securities without
third-party credit enhancement (it being understood that if the Company does
not
have any outstanding debt securities of the type described above but has an
indicative rating from S&P for debt securities of such type, then such
indicative rating shall be used for determining the “S&P
Rating”).
“Single
Employer Plan” means a Plan maintained by the Company or any member of the
Controlled Group for employees of the Company or any member of the Controlled
Group.
“Subsidiary”
means any corporation more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of
which shall at the time be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by
the
Company or by one or more Subsidiaries or by the Company and one or more
Subsidiaries, or any similar business organization which is so owned or
controlled.
9
“Syndication
Agent” means Union Bank of California, N.A., in its capacity as syndication
agent hereunder, and not in its individual capacity as a Bank.
“Tax-Exempt
Bonds” means the following:
(i) the
City
of Council Bluffs, Iowa Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds (Iowa-Illinois
Gas and Electric Company Project), Series 1995 in the original aggregate
principal amount of $12,750,000;
(ii) the
Illinois Development Finance Authority Pollution Control Refunding Revenue
Bonds
(Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Project), Series 1993 in the original aggregate
principal amount of $4,200,000;
(iii) the
City
of Chillicothe, Iowa Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds (Iowa-Illinois
Gas and Electric Project), Series 1993 in the original aggregate principal
amount of $6,850,000;
(iv) $21,895,000
City of Salix, Iowa Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds (Midwest Power
Systems Inc. Project), Series 1993;
(v) $6,400,000
City of Chillicothe, Iowa Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds (Midwest
Power Systems Inc. Project), Series 1993A;
(vi) $34,900,000
Louisa County, Iowa Adjustable Tender Pollution Control Refunding Revenue Bonds
(Midwest Power Systems Inc. Project), Series 1994;
(vii) $29,500,000
Louisa County, Iowa Customized Purchase Pollution Control Revenue Refunding
Bonds (Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company Project), Series
1986A;
(viii)
$3,900,000 Louisa County, Iowa Customized Purchase Pollution Control Revenue
Refunding Bonds (Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company Project), Series 1987;
and
(ix) any
tax-exempt bonds issued to replace or refund the bonds referred to in
clauses
(i)
through
(viii)
above.
“Termination
Date” means the earliest to occur of (i) November 18, 2009, (ii) the date on
which the Aggregate Commitment is reduced to zero or terminated in accordance
with the terms hereof and (iii) the date as of which the Company is no longer
authorized to maintain outstanding Credit Extensions hereunder by
FERC.
“Unfunded
Liabilities” means, (i) in the case of Single Employer Plans, the amount (if
any) by which the present value of all vested nonforfeitable benefits under
such
Plan exceeds the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such
benefits, all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such
Plans, and (ii) in the case of Multiemployer Plans, the withdrawal liability
that would be incurred by the Controlled Group if all members of the Controlled
Group completely withdrew from all Multiemployer Plans.
10
“Unmatured
Default” means an event which but for the lapse of time or the giving of notice,
or both, would constitute a Default.
“Utilization
Fee Rate” - see Schedule
I.
“Wholly-Owned
Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary all of the outstanding voting securities of
which shall at the time be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by
the
Company or one or more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one
or
more Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, or any similar business organization which
is so
owned or controlled.
1.2 Interpretation.
(i) Definitions
shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the defined
terms.
(ii) The
words
“include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the
phrase “without limitation.”
(iii) In
the
computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date,
the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean
“to but excluding”, and the word “through” means “to and
including.”
(iv) Unless
otherwise expressly provided herein, (x) references to agreements (including
this Agreement) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include
all
subsequent amendments and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent
such amendments and other modifications are not prohibited by the terms of
any
Loan Document, and (y) references to any statute or regulation are to be
construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating,
amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting the statute or
regulation.
(v) Unless
otherwise specified, (x) any reference to a particular time of day shall mean
such time in Chicago, Illinois; and (y) any reference to an Article, Section,
Exhibit or Schedule means an Article or Section of, or an Exhibit or Schedule
to, this Agreement.
1.3 Accounting
Terms.
Unless
otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms not specifically defined herein
shall be construed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
as in effect from time to time (“GAAP”). If any change in GAAP occurs after the
date hereof that would result in a change in the method of calculation of any
financial covenant, test, restriction or standard herein or in any related
definition (an “Accounting Change”), the parties hereto agree to enter into
negotiations, in good faith, in order to amend such provision in a credit
neutral manner so as to reflect equitably such change with the desired result
that the criteria for evaluating the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ financial
condition shall be the same after such changes as if such changes had not been
made; provided
that,
until such provision is amended in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the
Company and the Required Banks, no Accounting Change shall be given effect
in
such calculations.
11
ARTICLE
II
THE
FACILITY
2.1 The
Facility.
2.1.1 Description
of Facility.
The
Banks and the LC Issuer grant to the Company a revolving credit facility
pursuant to which, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions herein
set
out, (a) each Bank severally agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth
in
this Agreement, to (i) make Loans to the Company and (ii) participate in
Facility LCs issued upon the request of the Company and (b) the LC Issuer agrees
to issue Facility LCs upon the request of the Company on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
2.1.2 Facility
Amount.
In no
event may (i) the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure exceed the Aggregate
Commitment or (ii) any Bank’s Outstanding Credit Exposure exceed such Bank’s
Commitment.
2.1.3 Availability
of Facility.
Subject
to the terms hereof, the facility is available from the date hereof to the
Termination Date. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company may
borrow, repay and reborrow at any time prior to the Termination
Date.
2.2 Advances.
2.2.1 Advances.
Each
Advance hereunder shall consist of borrowings made from the several Banks
ratably in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares.
2.2.2 Rate
Options.
The
Advances may be Floating Rate Advances or Eurodollar Advances, or a combination
thereof, selected by the Company in accordance with Section
2.2.3.
No
Advance may mature after the scheduled Termination Date.
2.2.3 Method
of Selecting Rate Options and Interest Periods for Advances.
The
Company shall select the Rate Option and Interest Period applicable to each
Advance from time to time. The Company shall give the Administrative Agent
irrevocable notice (a “Borrowing Notice”) not later than 10:00 a.m. on the
Borrowing Date of each Floating Rate Advance and three Business Days before
the
Borrowing Date for each Eurodollar Advance. A Borrowing Notice shall
specify:
(i) the
Borrowing Date, which shall be a Business Day, of such Advance,
12
(ii) the
aggregate amount of such Advance,
(iii) the
Rate
Option selected for such Advance, and
(iv) in
the
case of each Eurodollar Advance, the Interest Period applicable thereto (which
may not end after the scheduled Termination Date).
2.2.4 Conversion
and Continuation of Outstanding Advances.
Floating Rate Advances shall continue as Floating Rate Advances unless and
until
such Floating Rate Advances are converted into Eurodollar Advances. Each
Eurodollar Advance shall continue as a Eurodollar Advance until the end of
the
then applicable Interest Period therefor, at which time such Eurodollar Advance
shall be automatically converted into a Floating Rate Advance unless, subject
to
the immediately following sentence, the Company shall have given the
Administrative Agent a Conversion/Continuation Notice requesting that, at the
end of such Interest Period, such Eurodollar Advance either continue as a
Eurodollar Advance for the same or another Interest Period or be converted
into
a Floating Rate Advance. Subject to the terms of Section
2.4.2
and the
immediately preceding sentence, the Company may elect from time to time to
convert all or any part of an Advance accruing interest at any Rate Option
into
an Advance accruing interest at any other Rate Option; provided that any
conversion of any Eurodollar Advance shall be made on, and only on, the last
day
of the Interest Period applicable thereto. The Company shall give the
Administrative Agent irrevocable notice (a “Conversion/ Continuation Notice”) of
each conversion of an Advance or continuation of a Eurodollar Advance not later
than 10:00 a.m. on the effective date of such conversion, in the case of a
conversion into a Floating Rate Advance, or three Business Days, in the case
of
a conversion into or continuation of a Eurodollar Advance, prior to the date
of
the requested conversion or continuation, specifying:
(i) the
requested date, which shall be a Business Day, of such conversion or
continuation;
(ii) the
aggregate amount and Rate Option of the Advance which is to be converted or
continued; and
(iii) the
amount of and Rate Option for the Advance(s) into which such Advance is to
be
converted or continued and, in the case of a conversion into or continuation
of
a Eurodollar Advance, the duration of the Interest Period applicable
thereto.
2.3 Fees.
2.3.1 Facility
Fee.
The
Company hereby agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of
each
Bank a facility fee at a rate per annum equal to the Facility Fee Rate on such
Bank’s Pro Rata Share of the Aggregate Commitment (or, after termination of the
Commitments, on such Bank’s Outstanding Credit Exposure), for the period from
the date of this Agreement through the Termination Date (or such later date
on
which all Obligations are paid in full and all Letters of Credit have expired
or
terminated), payable in arrears on each Payment Date and on the Termination
Date
(and, if applicable, thereafter on demand) for any period then ending for which
such fee shall not have been theretofore paid.
13
2.3.2 Administrative
Agent’s Fees and Arrangers’ Fees.
The
Company agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers for their
own respective accounts such additional fees as the Administrative Agent, the
Arrangers and the Company may agree upon from time to time.
2.3.3 Upfront
Fee.
Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Company agrees to pay
the
Administrative Agent for the account of each Bank an upfront fee in the amount
previously agreed to among the Company, the Arrangers and such
Bank.
2.3.4 Utilization
Fee.
The
Company agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Bank
a
utilization fee at a rate per annum equal to the Utilization Fee Rate on such
Bank’s Outstanding Credit Exposure for each day on which the Aggregate
Outstanding Credit Exposure exceeds 50% of the Aggregate Commitment, payable
on
each Payment Date and on the Termination Date (and, if applicable, thereafter
on
demand) for any period then ending for which such fee shall not have been
theretofore paid.
2.4 General
Facility Terms.
2.4.1 Method
of Borrowing.
Not
later than noon on each Borrowing Date, each Bank shall make available its
Loan
or Loans in funds immediately available in Chicago, to the Administrative Agent
at its address specified pursuant to Article
XIII.
The
Administrative Agent shall promptly initiate a transfer of the funds so received
from the Banks to such account with a domestic bank as the Company may
designate.
2.4.2 Minimum
Amount of Each Advance.
Each
Advance shall be in the minimum amount of $5,000,000 (and in integral multiples
of $1,000,000 if in excess thereof); provided
that any
Floating Rate Advance may be in the aggregate amount of the unused Aggregate
Commitment.
2.4.3 Payment
on the Termination Date.
The
Company shall pay all outstanding Advances in full on the Termination
Date.
2.4.4 Optional
Principal Payments.
The
Company may from time to time pay all outstanding Floating Rate Advances, or,
in
a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 (and in multiples of $1,000,000 if
in
excess thereof), any portion of the outstanding Floating Rate Advances upon
one
Business Day’s prior notice to the Administrative Agent (except that, if at any
time Floating Rate Advances are made pursuant to Section
2.7.6
to
refinance any Reimbursement Obligation, the next prepayment of Floating Rate
Advances shall be in an amount so that the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of all Floating Rate Advances is either (a) zero or (b) a principal
amount of $5,000,000 or multiples of $1,000,000 in excess thereof). The Company
may from time to time pay any outstanding Eurodollar Advance or, in a minimum
aggregate amount of $5,000,000 (and in multiples of $1,000,000 if in excess
thereof), any portion of any outstanding Eurodollar Advance upon three Business
Day’s prior notice to the Administrative Agent, provided
that the
Company shall be obligated to reimburse the Banks pursuant to Section
3.3
if such
prepayment is made on any day other than the last day of an Interest Period
for
such Eurodollar Advance.
14
2.4.5 Interest
Rates and Periods.
Subject
to the provisions of Section
2.4.6,
(a)
each Floating Rate Advance shall bear interest from the date of the making
thereof to the date of payment thereof or conversion thereof to a Eurodollar
Advance at the Floating Rate as in effect from time to time and (b) each
Eurodollar Advance shall bear interest from the first day of the Interest Period
applicable thereto to the last day of such Interest Period at the interest
rate
determined as applicable to such Interest Period. The Company shall not request
a Eurodollar Advance if, after giving effect to the requested Eurodollar
Advance, more than 15 separate Eurodollar Advances would be
outstanding.
2.4.6 Rate
after Maturity.
Except
as provided in the next sentence, any Advance or Reimbursement Obligation not
paid at maturity, whether by acceleration or otherwise, shall bear interest
until paid in full at a rate per annum equal to the Alternate Base Rate plus
2%
per annum. In the case of a Eurodollar Advance the maturity of which is
accelerated, such Eurodollar Advance shall bear interest for the remainder
of
the applicable Interest Period, at the higher of the rate otherwise applicable
to such Interest Period plus 2% per annum or the Prime Rate plus 2% per
annum.
2.4.7 Payment
Dates; Interest and Fee Basis.
Interest accrued on each Floating Rate Advance shall be payable on each Payment
Date, on the Termination Date and thereafter on demand. Interest accrued on
each
Eurodollar Advance shall be payable on the last day of its applicable Interest
Period, on any date on which such Advance is prepaid, whether due to
acceleration or otherwise, on the Termination Date and thereafter on demand.
Interest accrued on each Eurodollar Advance having an Interest Period longer
than three months shall also be payable on the last day of each three-month
interval during such Interest Period. Interest on Floating Rate Advances when
such interest is based on the Prime Rate shall be calculated for the actual
number of days elapsed on the basis of a year consisting of 365 or, when
appropriate, 366 days. All other interest and all fees under Section
2.3
shall be
calculated for the actual number of days elapsed on the basis of a year
consisting of 360 days. Interest shall be payable for the day an Advance is
made
but not for the day of any payment on the amount paid if payment is received
prior to noon at the place of payment. If any payment of principal of or
interest on an Advance, or any other amount payable hereunder, shall become
due
on a day which is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next
succeeding Business Day and, in the case of a principal payment, such extension
of time shall be included in computing interest in connection with such
payment.
15
2.4.8 Method
of Payment.
Except
as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, all payments of principal,
interest and fees hereunder shall be made without setoff, deduction or
counterclaim in immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent at
the
Administrative Agent’s address specified pursuant to Article
XIII
or at
any other Lending Installation of the Administrative Agent within the United
States specified in writing by the Administrative Agent to the Company (at
least
one Business Day prior to the applicable due date). All such payments shall
be
made by noon on the date when due and shall be applied (i) first, to any unpaid
Reimbursement Obligations and interest thereon, ratably among the holders
thereof in accordance with the amount thereof held by each such holder, (ii)
second, to any principal and interest due in connection with Advances, ratably
among the Banks in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares, and (iii)
third, to any other Obligations that are then due, ratably among the Banks
in
accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares. Each payment delivered to
the
Administrative Agent for the account of any Bank or the LC Issuer shall be
delivered by the Administrative Agent to such Bank or the LC Issuer in the
same
type of funds which the Administrative Agent received at such Bank’s or the LC
Issuer’s address specified pursuant to Article
XIII
or at
any Lending Installation specified in a notice received by the Administrative
Agent from such Bank. Any payment to be delivered by the Administrative Agent
pursuant to the foregoing sentence shall be delivered (a) if the corresponding
payment was received by the Administrative Agent by noon on a Business Day,
on
such Business Day, and (b) otherwise, on the Business Day immediately following
the Administrative Agent’s receipt of the corresponding payment. The Company
authorizes the Administrative Agent to charge the account of the Company for
each payment of principal, Reimbursement Obligations and interest as it becomes
due hereunder. Any payment made by the Company prior to a date when due shall
be
applied as the Company may determine; provided
that,
except as otherwise provided herein, any such payment shall be applied ratably
among the Banks in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares. Each
reference to the Administrative Agent in this Section
2.4
shall
also be deemed to refer, and shall apply equally, to the LC Issuer, in the
case
of payments required to be made by the Company to the LC Issuer pursuant to
Section
2.7.6.
2.4.9 Evidence
of Indebtedness; Telephonic Notices.
(i) Each
Bank
shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts
evidencing the indebtedness of the Company to such Bank resulting from each
Loan
made by such Bank from time to time, including the amounts of principal and
interest payable and paid to such Bank from time to time hereunder.
(ii) The
Administrative Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (a)
the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the type thereof and the Interest Period
with respect thereto, (b) the amount of any principal or interest due and
payable or to become due and payable from the Company to each Bank hereunder,
(c) the original stated amount of each Facility LC and the amount of LC
Obligations outstanding at any time and (d) the amount of any sum received
by
the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Company and each Bank’s share
thereof.
16
(iii) The
entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to clauses
(i)
and
(ii)
above
shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the Obligations
therein recorded; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or
any
Bank to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner
affect the obligation of the Company to repay the Obligations in accordance
with
their terms.
(iv) Any
Bank
may request that its Loans be evidenced by a Note. In such event, the Company
shall execute and deliver to such Bank a Note payable to the order of such
Bank.
Each Bank is authorized to record on the schedule attached to its Note, or
otherwise record in accordance with its usual practice, the date and amount
of
each Loan made by such Bank; provided
that any
failure to so record shall not affect the Company’s obligations under any Note.
(v) The
Company authorizes the Banks and the Administrative Agent to extend Advances
and
effect Rate Option selections based on telephonic notices made by any person
the
Administrative Agent or any Bank in good faith believes to be an Authorized
Officer. The Company agrees to deliver promptly to the Administrative Agent
a
written confirmation of each telephonic notice signed by an Authorized Officer.
If the written confirmation differs in any material respect from the action
taken by the Administrative Agent and the Banks, the records of the
Administrative Agent and the Banks shall govern absent manifest
error.
2.4.10 Notification
of Advances, Interest Rates and Prepayments.
The
Administrative Agent will notify each Bank of the contents of each borrowing
notice and payment notice received by it hereunder promptly and in any event
before the close of business on the same Business Day of receipt thereof (or,
in
the case of borrowing notices with respect to Floating Rate Advances, within
one
hour of receipt thereof). Promptly after notice from the LC Issuer, the
Administrative Agent will notify each Bank of the contents of each request
for
issuance of a Facility LC hereunder. The Administrative Agent will notify each
Bank of the interest rate applicable to each Eurodollar Advance promptly upon
determination of such interest rate and will give each Bank prompt notice of
each change in the Prime Rate.
2.4.11 Non-Receipt
of Funds by the Administrative Agent.
Unless
the Company or a Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Administrative Agent
prior to the date on which it is scheduled to make payment to the Administrative
Agent of (i) in the case of a Bank, the proceeds of a Loan, or (ii) in the
case
of the Company, a payment of principal, interest or fees to the Administrative
Agent for the account of the Banks, that it does not intend to make such
payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that such payment has been made.
The Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make the amount
of
such payment available to the intended recipient in reliance upon such
assumption. If such Bank or the Company, as the case may be, has not in fact
made such payment to the Administrative Agent, the recipient of such payment
shall, on demand by the Administrative Agent, repay to the Administrative Agent
the amount so made available together with interest thereon in respect of each
day during the period commencing on the date such amount was so made available
by the Administrative Agent until the date the Administrative Agent recovers
such amount at a rate per annum equal to (x) in the case of payment by a Bank,
the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day or (y) in the case of payment
by
the Company, the interest rate applicable to the relevant Loan.
17
2.4.12 Changes
in Aggregate Commitment.
(i)
The
Company may at any time after the date hereof cancel the Aggregate Commitment
in
whole, or in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000 (and in integral multiples
of $1,000,000) ratably among the Banks upon at least 5 days’ prior written
notice to the Administrative Agent, which notice shall specify the amount of
such reduction; provided
that no
such notice of cancellation shall be effective to the extent that it would
reduce the Aggregate Commitment to an amount which would be less than the
Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure at the time such cancellation is to take
effect. Any notice of cancellation given pursuant to this Section shall be
irrevocable and shall specify the date upon which such cancellation is to take
effect.
(ii) The
Company may, from time to time, by means of a letter delivered to the
Administrative Agent substantially in the form of Exhibit
E,
request
that the Aggregate Commitment be increased to up to $500,000,000 by (a)
increasing the Commitment of one or more Banks which have agreed to such
increase and/or (b) adding one or more commercial banks or other Persons as
a
party hereto (each an “Additional Bank”) with a Commitment in an amount agreed
to by any such Additional Bank; provided
that no
Additional Bank shall be added as a party hereto without the written consent
of
the Administrative Agent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld) or if an
Unmatured Default or a Default exists. Any increase in the Aggregate Commitment
pursuant to this clause
(ii)
shall be
effective three Business Days (or such other period of time as the
Administrative Agent, the Company and the applicable increasing or new Bank
shall agree) after the date on which the Administrative Agent has received
and
accepted the applicable increase letter in the form of Annex 1 to Exhibit
E
(in the
case of an increase in the Commitment of an existing Bank) or assumption letter
in the form of Annex 2 to Exhibit
E
(in the
case of the addition of a new Bank). The Administrative Agent shall promptly
notify the Company and the Banks of any increase in the amount of the Aggregate
Commitment pursuant to this clause
(ii)
and of
the Commitment and Pro Rata Share of each Bank after giving effect thereto.
The
Company acknowledges that, in order to maintain Advances in accordance with
each
Bank’s Pro Rata Share of all outstanding Advances prior to any increase in the
Aggregate Commitment pursuant to this clause
(ii),
a
reallocation of the Commitments as a result of a non-pro-rata increase in the
Aggregate Commitment may require prepayment of all or portions of certain
Advances on the date of such increase (and any such prepayment shall be subject
to the provisions of Section
3.3).
18
2.5 Lending
Installations.
Each
Bank may book its Loans and its participations in any LC Obligations, and the
LC
Issuer may book the Facility LCs, at any Lending Installation selected by such
Bank or the LC Issuer, as the case may be, and each Bank and the LC Issuer
may
change its Lending Installation from time to time. Each Bank and the LC Issuer
will notify the Administrative Agent and the Company on or prior to the date
of
this Agreement of the Lending Installation which it intends to utilize for
each
type of Loan hereunder or the Facility LCs, as the case may be. Each Bank and
the LC Issuer may, by written notice to the Administrative Agent and the
Company, change the Lending Installation through which Loans will be made by
it
or Facility LCs will be issued by it and for whose account Loan payments or
payments with respect to Facility LCs are to be made.
2.6 Withholding
Tax Exemption.
At
least five Business Days prior to the first date on which interest or fees
are
payable hereunder for the account of any Bank, each Bank that is not
incorporated under the laws of the United States of America, or a state thereof,
agrees that it will deliver to each of the Company and the Administrative Agent
two duly completed copies of United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN
or W-8ECI, certifying in either case that such Bank is entitled to receive
payments under this Agreement and the Notes without deduction or withholding
of
any United States federal income taxes. Each Bank which so delivers a Form
W-8BEN or W-8ECI further undertakes to deliver to each of the Company and the
Administrative Agent two additional copies of such form (or a successor form)
on
or before the date that such form expires or becomes obsolete or after the
occurrence of any event requiring a change in the most recent forms so delivered
by it, and such amendments thereto or extensions or renewals thereof as may
be
reasonably requested by the Company or the Administrative Agent, in each case
certifying that such Bank is entitled to receive payments under this Agreement
and the Notes without deduction or withholding of any United States federal
income taxes, unless an event (including any change in treaty, law or
regulation) has occurred prior to the date on which any such delivery would
otherwise be required which renders all such forms inapplicable or which would
prevent such Bank from duly completing and delivering any such form with respect
to it and such Bank advises the Company and the Administrative Agent that it
is
not capable of receiving payments without any deduction or withholding of United
States federal income tax.
2.7 Facility
LCs.
2.7.1 Issuance.
The LC
Issuer hereby agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement,
to issue standby letters of credit (each, a “Facility
LC”),
and
to renew, extend, increase, decrease or otherwise modify each Facility LC
(“Modify,”
and
each such action a “Modification”),
in
each case upon the request of the Company from time to time from the date of
this Agreement to the date that is 30 days prior to the scheduled Termination
Date (or, if earlier, the Termination Date); provided
that
immediately after each such Facility LC is issued or Modified, (i) the aggregate
amount of the outstanding LC Obligations shall not exceed $50,000,000 and (ii)
the Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure shall not exceed the Aggregate
Commitment. No Facility LC shall have an expiry date later than the earlier
of
(a) one year after its issuance (provided that a Facility LC may provide for
the
automatic renewal thereof for additional periods of up to one year each) and
(b)
five Business Days prior to the scheduled Termination Date.
19
2.7.2 Participations.
Upon
the issuance or Modification by the LC Issuer of a Facility LC in accordance
with this Section
2.7,
the LC
Issuer shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have
unconditionally and irrevocably sold to each Bank, and each Bank shall be
deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally
and
irrevocably purchased from the LC Issuer, a participation in such Facility
LC
(and each Modification thereof) and the related LC Obligations in accordance
with its Pro Rata Share.
2.7.3 Notice.
Subject
to Section
2.7.1,
the
Company shall give the LC Issuer notice prior to 10:00 a.m. at least three
Business Days prior to the proposed date of issuance or Modification of each
Facility LC, specifying the beneficiary, the proposed date of issuance (or
Modification) and the expiry date of such Facility LC, and describing the
proposed terms of such Facility LC and the nature of the transactions proposed
to be supported thereby. Upon receipt of such notice, the LC Issuer shall
promptly notify the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent shall
promptly notify each Bank, of the contents thereof and of the amount of such
Bank’s participation in such proposed Facility LC. The issuance or Modification
by the LC Issuer of any Facility LC shall, in addition to the conditions
precedent set forth in Article
IV
(the
satisfaction of which the LC Issuer shall have no duty to ascertain), be subject
to the conditions precedent that such Facility LC shall be satisfactory to
the
LC Issuer and that the Company shall have executed and delivered such
application agreement and/or such other instruments and agreements relating
to
such Facility LC as the LC Issuer shall have reasonably requested (each, a
“Facility
LC Application”).
In
the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms
of
any Facility LC Application, the terms of this Agreement shall
control.
2.7.4 LC
Fees.
The
Company shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Banks
ratably in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares, with respect to
each Facility LC, a letter of credit fee at a per annum rate equal to the LC
Fee
Rate in effect from time to time on the undrawn stated amount available under
such Facility LC. Such fee shall be calculated for actual days elapsed on the
basis of a 360-day year and shall be payable in arrears on each Payment Date.
The Company shall also pay to the LC Issuer for its own account (x) a fronting
fee at the rates and times agreed to by the Company and the LC Issuer from
time
to time and (y) documentary and processing charges in connection with the
issuance or Modification of and draws under Facility LCs in accordance with
the
LC Issuer’s standard schedule for such charges as in effect from time to
time.
2.7.5 Administration;
Reimbursement by Banks.
Upon
receipt from the beneficiary of any Facility LC of any demand for payment under
such Facility LC, the LC Issuer shall notify the Administrative Agent and the
Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Company and each other Bank
as to
the amount to be paid by the LC Issuer as a result of such demand and the
proposed LC Payment Date. The responsibility of the LC Issuer to the Company
and
each Bank shall be only to determine that the documents (including each demand
for payment) delivered under each Facility LC in connection with such
presentment shall be in conformity in all material respects with such Facility
LC. The LC Issuer shall endeavor to exercise the same care in the issuance
and
administration of the Facility LCs as it does with respect to letters of credit
in which no participations are granted, it being understood that in the absence
of any gross negligence or willful misconduct by the LC Issuer, each Bank shall
be unconditionally and irrevocably liable without regard to the occurrence
of
any Default or Unmatured Default or any condition precedent whatsoever, to
reimburse the LC Issuer on demand for (i) such Bank’s Pro Rata Share of the
amount of each payment made by the LC Issuer under each Facility LC (the date
of
such payment by the LC Issuer, an “LC
Payment Date”)
to the
extent such amount is not reimbursed by the Company, or paid by the making
of a
Floating Rate Advance, pursuant to Section
2.7.6
below,
plus (ii) interest on the foregoing amount to be reimbursed by such Bank, for
each day from the date of the LC Issuer’s demand for such reimbursement (or, if
such demand is made after 11:00 a.m. on such date, from the next succeeding
Business Day) to the date on which such Bank pays the amount to be reimbursed
by
it, at a rate of interest per annum equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate
for the first three days and, thereafter, at a rate of interest equal to the
rate applicable to Floating Rate Advances.
20
2.7.6 Reimbursement
by Company.
The
Company shall be irrevocably and unconditionally obligated to reimburse the
LC
Issuer on the applicable LC Payment Date for any amount paid by the LC Issuer
upon any drawing under any Facility LC, without presentment, demand, protest
or
other formalities of any kind; provided
that
neither the Company nor any Bank shall hereby be precluded from asserting any
claim for direct (but not consequential) damages suffered by the Company or
such
Bank to the extent, but only to the extent, caused by (i) the willful misconduct
or gross negligence of the LC Issuer in determining whether a request presented
under any Facility LC issued by it complied with the terms of such Facility
LC
or (ii) the LC Issuer’s failure to pay under any Facility LC issued by it after
the presentation to it of a request strictly complying with the terms and
conditions of such Facility LC. If the Company fails to so reimburse the LC
Issuer by 2:00 P.M. on the applicable LC Payment Date, the Administrative Agent
shall promptly notify each Bank of such LC Payment Date, the amount of the
unpaid Reimbursement Obligation and such Bank’s Pro Rata Share thereof. In such
event, the Company shall be deemed to have requested a Floating Rate Advance
to
be disbursed on the applicable LC Payment Date in an amount equal to the unpaid
Reimbursement Obligation, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified
in Section
2.4.2
for
Floating Rate Advances, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion
of
the Aggregate Commitment and the conditions set forth in Article
IV.
Any
Reimbursement Obligation that is not fully refinanced by the making of a
Floating Rate Advance because the conditions set forth in Article
IV
cannot
be satisfied or for any other reason shall bear interest payable on demand
from
such LC Payment Date to the date of reimbursement, at a rate of interest per
annum equal to the rate applicable to Floating Rate Advances (plus, beginning
on
the third Business Day after the LC Issuer notifies the Company that the LC
Issuer has paid the applicable drawing, 2%). The LC Issuer will pay to each
Bank
ratably in accordance with its Pro Rata Share all amounts received by it from
the Company for application in payment, in whole or in part, of the
Reimbursement Obligation in respect of any Facility LC issued by the LC Issuer,
but only to the extent such Bank has made payment to the LC Issuer in respect
of
such Facility LC pursuant to Section
2.7.5.
21
2.7.7 Obligations
Absolute.
The
Company’s obligations under this Section
2.7
shall be
absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances and irrespective
of
any setoff, counterclaim or defense to payment which the Company may have or
have had against the LC Issuer, any Bank or any beneficiary of a Facility LC.
The Company further agrees with the LC Issuer and the Banks that the LC Issuer
and the Banks shall not be responsible for, and the Company’s Reimbursement
Obligation in respect of any Facility LC shall not be affected by, among other
things, the validity or genuineness of documents or of any endorsements thereon,
even if such documents should in fact prove to be in any or all respects
invalid, fraudulent or forged, or any dispute between or among the Company,
any
of its Affiliates, the beneficiary of any Facility LC or any financing
institution or other party to whom any Facility LC may be transferred or any
claims or defenses whatsoever of the Company or of any of its Affiliates against
the beneficiary of any Facility LC or any such transferee. The LC Issuer shall
not be liable for any error, omission, interruption or delay in transmission,
dispatch or delivery of any message or advice, however transmitted, in
connection with any Facility LC. The Company agrees that any action taken or
omitted by the LC Issuer or any Bank under or in connection with each Facility
LC and the related drafts and documents, if done without gross negligence or
willful misconduct, shall be binding upon the Company and shall not put the
LC
Issuer or any Bank under any liability to the Company. Nothing in this
Section
2.7.7
is
intended to limit the right of the Company to make a claim against the LC Issuer
for damages as contemplated by the proviso to the first sentence of Section
2.7.6.
2.7.8 Actions
of LC Issuer.
The LC
Issuer shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying,
upon
any Facility LC, draft, writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate,
affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, telecopy, telex or teletype message,
statement, order or other document 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, independent accountants and other
experts selected by the LC Issuer in good faith. The LC Issuer shall be fully
justified in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement unless
it shall first have received such advice or concurrence of the Required Banks
as
it reasonably deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its
reasonable satisfaction by the Banks against any and all liability and expense
which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such
action. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section
2.7,
the LC
Issuer shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from
acting, under this Agreement in accordance with a request of the Required Banks,
and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall
be binding upon the Banks and any future holders of a participation in any
Facility LC.
2.7.9 Indemnification.
The
Company hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Bank, the LC Issuer
and the Administrative Agent, and their respective directors, officers, agents
and employees from and against any and all claims and damages, losses,
liabilities, costs or expenses which such Bank, the LC Issuer or the
Administrative Agent may incur (or which may be claimed against such Bank,
the
LC Issuer or the Administrative Agent by any Person whatsoever) by reason of
or
in connection with the issuance, execution and delivery or transfer of or
payment or failure to pay under any Facility LC or any actual or proposed use
of
any Facility LC, including any claim, damage, loss, liability, cost or expense
which the LC Issuer may incur (i) by reason of or in connection with the failure
of any other Bank to fulfill or comply with its obligations to the LC Issuer
hereunder (but nothing herein contained shall affect any right the Company
may
have against any defaulting Bank) or (ii) by reason of or on account of the
LC
Issuer issuing any Facility LC which specifies that the term “Beneficiary”
included therein includes any successor by operation of law of the named
Beneficiary, but which Facility LC does not require that any drawing by any
such
successor Beneficiary be accompanied by a copy of a legal document, satisfactory
to the LC Issuer, evidencing the appointment of such successor Beneficiary;
provided
that the
Company shall not be required to indemnify any Bank, the LC Issuer or the
Administrative Agent for any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs or
expenses to the extent, but only to the extent, caused by (x) the willful
misconduct or gross negligence of the LC Issuer in determining whether a request
presented under any Facility LC complied with the terms of such Facility LC
or
(y) the LC Issuer’s failure to pay under any Facility LC after the presentation
to it of a request strictly complying with the terms and conditions of such
Facility LC. Nothing in this Section
2.7.9
is
intended to limit the obligations of the Company under any other provision
of
this Agreement.
22
2.7.10 Banks’
Indemnification.
Each
Bank shall, ratably in accordance with its Pro Rata Share, indemnify the LC
Issuer, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, agents and
employees (to the extent not reimbursed by the Company) against any cost,
expense (including reasonable counsel fees and disbursements), claim, demand,
action, loss or liability (except such as result from such indemnitees’ gross
negligence or willful misconduct or the LC Issuer’s failure to pay under any
Facility LC after the presentation to it of a request strictly complying with
the terms and conditions of the Facility LC) that such indemnitees may suffer
or
incur in connection with this Section
2.7
or any
action taken or omitted by such indemnitees hereunder.
2.7.11 Facility
LC Collateral Account.
The
Company agrees that it will, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or
the
Required Banks and until the final expiration date of any Facility LC and
thereafter as long as any amount is payable to the LC Issuer or the Banks in
respect of any Facility LC, maintain a special collateral account pursuant
to
arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (the “Facility
LC Collateral Account”)
at the
Administrative Agent’s office at the address specified pursuant to Article
XIII,
in the
name of such Company but under the sole dominion and control of the
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Banks and in which the Company
shall have no interest other than as set forth in Section
8.1.
Except
as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Company shall have no obligation
to
deposit or maintain funds in the Facility LC Collateral Account. The Company
hereby pledges, assigns and grants to the Administrative Agent, on behalf of
and
for the ratable benefit of the Banks and the LC Issuer, a security interest
in
all of the Company’s right, title and interest in and to all funds which may
from time to time be on deposit in the Facility LC Collateral Account to secure
the prompt and complete payment and performance of the Obligations. The
Administrative Agent will invest any funds on deposit from time to time in
the
Facility LC Collateral Account in certificates of deposit of JPMorgan having
a
maturity not exceeding 30 days. Nothing in this Section
2.7.11
shall
either obligate the Administrative Agent to require the Company to deposit
any
funds in the Facility LC Collateral Account or limit the right of the
Administrative Agent to release any funds held in the Facility LC Collateral
Account in each case other than as required by Section
8.1;
provided
that if
one or more Facility LCs are outstanding on the Termination Date, the Company
shall deposit and thereafter maintain funds in the Facility LC Collateral
Account in an amount equal to the undrawn stated amount available under all
such
Facility LCs plus all fees that would be payable thereon pursuant to
Section
2.7.4
assuming
each Facility LC is drawn on the scheduled expiration date thereof. The
Administrative Agent shall, at the request of the Company, notify the Company
of
(a) the amount of funds on deposit in the Facility LC Collateral Account and
(b)
the amount required to be on deposit in the Facility LC Collateral Account
pursuant to the proviso in the foregoing sentence. So long as no Default or
Unmatured Default exists, the Administrative Agent shall, promptly upon request
of the Company, return to the Company any amount held in the Facility LC
Collateral Account pursuant to the proviso to the second preceding sentence
in
excess of the amount required by such proviso.
23
2.7.12 Rights
as a Bank.
In its
capacity as a Bank, the LC Issuer shall have the same rights and obligations
as
any other Bank.
ARTICLE
III
CHANGE
IN CIRCUMSTANCES
3.1 Yield
Protection.
If
after the date of this Agreement any law or any governmental or
quasi-governmental rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive (whether
or
not having the force of law), or any interpretation thereof, or compliance
of
any Bank or any applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer with any of
the
foregoing,
(i) subjects
any Bank, any applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer to any tax,
duty,
charge or withholding on or from payments due from the Company (excluding
taxation of the overall net income of any Bank, any applicable Lending
Installation or the LC Issuer), or changes the basis of taxation of payments
to
any Bank or the LC Issuer in respect of its Loans, Facility LCs or
participations therein or other amounts due it hereunder, or
(ii) imposes
or increases or deems applicable any reserve, assessment, insurance charge,
special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or
for
the account of, or credit extended by, any Bank, any applicable Lending
Installation or the LC Issuer (other than reserves and assessments taken into
account in determining the interest rate applicable to Eurodollar Advances),
or
24
(iii) imposes
any other condition the result of which is to increase the cost to any Bank,
any
applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer of making, funding or
maintaining Loans or of issuing or participating in Facility LCs or reduces
any
amount receivable by any Bank, any applicable Lending Installation or the LC
Issuer in connection with loans, or requires any Bank, any applicable Lending
Installation or the LC Issuer to make any payment calculated by reference to
the
amount of Loans, Facility LCs or participations therein held or interest
received by it, by an amount deemed material by such Bank or the LC Issuer,
or
(iv) affects
the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by any Bank, any
applicable Lending Installation or the LC Issuer or any corporation controlling
any Bank or the LC Issuer and such Bank or the LC Issuer, as the case may be,
determines the amount of capital required is increased by or based upon the
existence of this Agreement or its obligation to make Loans hereunder or to
issue or participate in Facility LCs hereunder or of commitments of this
type,
then,
within 15 days of demand by such Bank or the LC Issuer, the Company shall pay
such Bank or the LC Issuer, as the case may be, that portion of such increased
expense incurred (including, in the case of Section
3.1(iv),
any
reduction in the rate of return on capital to an amount below that which it
or
such Lending Installation or corporation could have achieved but for such law,
rule, regulation, policy, guideline or directive and after taking into account
such Bank’s or the LC Issuer’s policies as to capital adequacy) or reduction in
an amount received which such Bank or the LC Issuer determines is attributable
to making, funding and maintaining its Loans and/or issuing or participating
in
Facility LCs and its Commitment.
3.2 Availability
of Rate Options.
If (a)
any Bank determines, and notifies the Company and the Administrative Agent,
that
maintenance of its Eurodollar Loans at a suitable Lending Installation would
violate any applicable law, rule, regulation or directive, whether or not having
the force of law, or (b) the Required Banks determine that (i) deposits of
a
type and maturity appropriate to match fund Eurodollar Advances are not
available or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period does not
accurately reflect the cost of making or maintaining Eurodollar Loans for such
Interest Period, then the Administrative Agent shall suspend the availability
of
Eurodollar Advances and, in the case of clause
(a),
require
any outstanding Eurodollar Loan of such Bank to be repaid at the end of each
Interest Period therefor or on such earlier date as may be required by the
applicable law, rule, regulation or directive (it being understood that, so
long
as the circumstances described in clause
(a)
continue, such Bank shall make and maintain Floating Rate Loans in an amount
equal to its Pro Rata Share of each Eurodollar Advance).
3.3 Funding
Indemnification.
If any
payment of a Eurodollar Advance occurs on a date which is not the last day
of
the applicable Interest Period, whether because of acceleration, prepayment
or
otherwise, or a Eurodollar Advance is not made or continued or a Floating Rate
Advance is not converted to a Eurodollar Advance on the date specified by the
Company for any reason other than default by the Banks, the Company will
indemnify each Bank for any loss or cost incurred by it resulting therefrom,
including any loss or cost in liquidating or employing deposits acquired to
fund
or maintain the Eurodollar Advance (but excluding lost profits).
25
3.4 Bank
Statements; Survival of Indemnity.
To the
extent reasonably possible, each Bank and the LC Issuer, as applicable, shall
designate an alternate Lending Installation or take such other actions with
respect to its Eurodollar Loans or Facility LCs or participations therein to
reduce any liability of the Company to such Bank or the LC Issuer, as the case
may be, under Section
3.1
or to
avoid the unavailability of a Rate Option under Section
3.2,
so long
as such designation or the taking of such actions is not disadvantageous to
such
Bank or the LC Issuer, as the case may be. Each Bank and the LC Issuer, as
the
case may be, shall deliver a written statement of such Bank as to the amount
due, if any, under Section
3.1
or
3.3.
Such
written statement shall set forth in reasonable detail the calculations upon
which such Bank or the LC Issuer determined such amount and shall be final,
conclusive and binding on the Company in the absence of manifest error.
Determination of amounts payable under such Sections in connection with a
Eurodollar Loan shall be calculated as though each Bank funded its Eurodollar
Loan through the purchase of a deposit of the type and maturity corresponding
to
the deposit used as a reference in determining the Eurodollar Rate applicable
to
such Loan, whether in fact that is the case or not. Unless otherwise provided
herein, the amount specified in the written statement shall be payable within
10
Business Days after receipt by the Company of the written statement. The
obligations of the Company under Sections
3.1
and
3.3
shall
survive payment of the Obligations and termination of this
Agreement.
3.5 Substitution
of Bank.
In the
event that any Bank delivers to the Company a certificate as to an amount due
under Section
3.1
or
delivers a notice pursuant to Section
3.2,
the
Company may, at its sole expense and effort, require such Bank to transfer
and
assign, without recourse (in accordance with Section
12.3)
all
(but not less than all) of its interests, rights and obligations under this
Agreement to an assignee which shall assume such assigned obligations (which
assignee may be another Bank, if a Bank accepts such assignment); provided
that (i)
such assignment shall not conflict with any law, rule or regulation or order
of
any court or other governmental authority, (ii) the Company shall have received
a written consent of the Administrative Agent in the case of an entity that
is
not a Bank, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, (iii) the Company
or such assignee shall have paid to the assigning Bank in immediately available
funds the principal of and interest accrued to the date of such payment on
the
Loans made by it hereunder and all other amounts owed to it hereunder and the
fee payable to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section
12.3.2
and (iv)
nothing in the foregoing is intended or shall be construed as obligating any
Bank to locate such an assignee.
ARTICLE
IV
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
4.1 Conditions
to Effectiveness.
This
Agreement shall become effective on the date that the Administrative Agent
has
received (a) counterpart signature pages hereto executed by the Company, the
Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and the Banks, (b) evidence, satisfactory
to
the Administrative Agent, that the Company has paid (or will pay with the
proceeds of the initial Advance) all amounts then payable under the Existing
Agreement and that the Existing Agreement has been (or concurrently with the
effectiveness hereof will be) terminated and (c) the following documents, with
sufficient copies to provide one copy for each Bank:
26
(i) Copies
of
the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, together with all amendments,
and
a certificate of good standing, both certified by the appropriate governmental
officer in its jurisdiction of incorporation, as well as any other information
that any Bank may request that is required by Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT
ACT
or necessary for the Administrative Agent or any Bank to verify the identity
of
the Company as required by Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT ACT.
(ii) Copies,
certified by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Company, of its By-Laws
and of its Board of Directors’ resolutions (and resolutions of other bodies, if
any are deemed necessary by counsel for any Bank) authorizing the execution
of
the Loan Documents.
(iii) An
incumbency certificate, executed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of
the
Company, which shall identify by name and title and bear the signature of the
officers of the Company authorized to sign the Loan Documents and to make
borrowings hereunder, upon which certificate the Banks shall be entitled to
rely
until informed of any change in writing by the Company.
(iv) A
certificate, signed by the President, the Chief Financial Officer or the
Treasurer of the Company, stating that on the date of the effectiveness of
this
Agreement, (a) the representations and warranties set forth in Article
V
are true
and correct in all material respects and (b) no Default or Unmatured Default
has
occurred and is continuing.
(v) A
written
opinion of the Company’s counsel, addressed to the Banks in substantially the
form of Exhibit
B.
(vi) A
Note
payable to the order of each Bank that has requested a Note.
(vii) Written
money transfer instructions addressed to the Administrative Agent and signed
by
an Authorized Officer, together with such other related money transfer
authorizations as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably
requested.
(viii) Such
other documents as any Bank or its counsel may have reasonably
requested.
4.2 Each
Credit Extension.
The
Banks and the LC Issuer shall not be required to make any Credit Extension,
unless on the applicable Credit Extension Date:
(i) There
exists no Default or Unmatured Default.
27
(ii) The
representations and warranties contained in Article
V,
except
the representations and warranties contained in Sections
5.6
and
5.7,
are
true and correct in all material respects as of such Credit Extension
Date.
Each
Borrowing Notice with respect to an Advance and each request for issuance of
a
Facility LC shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Company that
the conditions contained in Sections
4.2(i)
and
(ii)
have
been satisfied.
ARTICLE
V
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
The
Company represents and warrants to the Banks that:
5.1 Organization,
etc.
The
Company is a corporation validly organized and existing and in good standing
under the laws of the state of its incorporation, is duly qualified to do
business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction
where the nature of its business requires such qualification, and has full
power
and authority and holds all requisite governmental licenses, permits and other
approvals to own and hold under lease its property and to conduct its business
substantially as currently conducted, except where the failure to be so
qualified as a foreign corporation or to hold such licenses, permits and other
approvals would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
on
the Company’s ability to perform its obligations under this
Agreement.
5.2 Due
Authorization, Non-Contravention, etc.
The
execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Loan Documents are
within the Company’s corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action, and do not
(a) contravene
the Company’s articles of incorporation, by-laws, and all shareholder
agreements, voting trusts, and similar arrangements applicable to any of its
authorized shares;
(b) contravene
any law or governmental regulation or court decree or order, or any material
contractual restriction, binding on or affecting the Company; or
(c) result
in, or require the creation or imposition of, any lien on any of the Company’s
properties.
5.3 Government
Approval, Regulation, etc.
No
authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to or filing with,
any governmental authority or regulatory body or other Person is required for
the due execution, delivery or performance by the Company of the Loan Documents,
except for one or more orders of FERC which have been duly obtained and are
in
full force and effect. The Company is not an “investment company” within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company is a “subsidiary
company” of a “holding company” within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding
Company Act of 1935, but such holding company is exempt from regulation under
such Act (except for Section 9(a)(2) thereof) pursuant to Section 3(a)(1)
thereof.
28
5.4 Validity,
etc.
This
Agreement constitutes, and, on the due execution and delivery thereof, each
other Loan Document will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations
of
the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective
terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws of general applicability and
by
the effect of general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability
is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and except that no
representation or warranty is made as to the indemnification provisions of
Section
9.7
or the
provisions of this Agreement purporting to authorize conclusive determinations
by the Banks.
5.5 Financial
Information.
The
audited balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at December 31,
2003, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries as at September 30, 2004, and the related consolidated statements
of income, capitalization, cash flows and retained earnings, copies of which
have been furnished to the Banks, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied, except as may be otherwise indicated in the notes thereto,
and present fairly the consolidated financial condition of the corporations
covered thereby as at the dates thereof and the results of their operations
for
the periods then ended.
5.6 No
Material Adverse Change.
Since
September 30, 2004, there has been no material adverse change in the
consolidated financial condition, operations, assets, business, properties
or
prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
5.7 Litigation,
Labor Controversies, etc.
There is
no pending or, to the knowledge of any Authorized Officer, threatened
litigation, action, proceeding or labor controversy affecting the Company or
any
of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective properties, assets or revenues,
which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial condition, operations, assets, business, properties
or
prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or which
purports to affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the Loan
Documents, except as disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, or as heretofore disclosed in writing
to the Banks.
5.8 Subsidiaries.
The
Company has no material Subsidiaries.
5.9 Taxes.
The
Company and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all federal and other material
tax returns and reports required by law to have been filed and has paid all
material taxes and governmental charges thereby shown to be owing, except any
such taxes or charges which are being diligently contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves in accordance with
GAAP
shall have been set aside on its books.
5.10 Regulations
U and X.
The
Company is not engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose
of
purchasing or carrying margin stock, and no proceeds of any Loans will be used
for a purpose which violates Regulation U or Regulation X. Terms for which
meanings are provided in Regulation U or Regulation X, as from time to time
in
effect, are used in this Section
5.10
with
such meanings.
29
5.11 ERISA.
The
Unfunded Liabilities of all Plans do not in the aggregate exceed an amount
which, if asserted against the Company as a matured liability, could reasonably
be expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial
condition, operations, assets, business, properties or prospects of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Each Plan complies in all material
respects with all applicable requirements of law and regulations, no Reportable
Event has occurred with respect to any Plan, neither the Company nor any other
members of the Controlled Group has withdrawn from any Plan or initiated steps
to do so, and no steps have been taken to terminate any Plan.
5.12 Environmental
Matters.
In the
ordinary course of its business, the Company conducts an ongoing review of
the
effect of environmental laws on the business, operations and properties of
the
Company, in the course of which it identifies and evaluates associated
liabilities and costs (including any capital or operating expenditures required
for clean-up or closure of properties presently or previously owned, any capital
or operating expenditures required to achieve or maintain compliance with
environmental protection standards imposed by law or as a condition of any
license, permit or contract, any related constraints on operating activities,
including any periodic or permanent shutdown of any facility or reduction in
the
level of or change in the nature of operations conducted thereat and any actual
or potential liabilities to third parties, including employees, and any related
costs and expenses). On the basis of this review, the Company has reasonably
concluded that environmental laws (as in effect on the date on which this
warranty is made or deemed made) are unlikely to have a material adverse effect
on the business, financial condition, or results of operations of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, considered as a whole.
ARTICLE
VI
COVENANTS
During
the term of this Agreement, unless the Required Banks shall otherwise consent
in
writing:
6.1 Financial
Information, Reports, Notices, etc.
(a) The
Company will furnish to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly forward
a
copy to each Bank) copies of the following financial statements (which shall
be
prepared on a consolidated basis if the Company shall have any Subsidiaries),
reports and information:
(i)
Within
120 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Company, a balance sheet
of
the Company as of the end of such fiscal year and the related statements of
income, capitalization, cash flows and retained earnings, each prepared in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied (except for changes in which the
Company’s independent certified public accountants concur) in reasonable detail
and certified by a firm of independent certified public accountants selected
by
the Company; and
30
(ii)
Within
60
days after the close of each of the first three quarters of the Company’s fiscal
year, the unaudited quarterly interim financial reports of the
Company.
Delivery
by the Company of copies of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission for any year shall satisfy the Company’s
obligation under clause
(i)
of this
Section
6.1(a)
with
respect to such year, and delivery by the Company to the Banks of a copy of
the
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with such Commission for any
quarter shall satisfy the Company’s obligation under clause
(ii)
of this
Section
6.1(a)
with
respect to such quarter. The Company will also furnish to the Administrative
Agent (which shall promptly forward a copy to each Bank), together with the
financial statements required under this Section
6.1(a),
copies
of a compliance certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit
D
signed
by an Authorized Officer showing the calculations necessary to determine
compliance with Section
6.10
of this
Agreement.
(b) The
Company shall promptly, from time to time, furnish to any Bank such information
regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the
Company as such Bank (acting through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably
request.
6.2 Use
of
Proceeds.
The
Company will use the proceeds of the Advances to repay outstanding Indebtedness,
to pay the purchase price, tender price or redemption price (principal component
only without any interest component) of the Tax-Exempt Bonds, to support
commercial paper issuance and for other general corporate purposes.
6.3 Corporate
Existence.
The
Company agrees that during the term of this Agreement it will maintain its
corporate existence and its good standing in those states in which it is
required to maintain such existence and standing in order to conduct its
business, will not dissolve or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of
its assets and will not consolidate with or merge into another corporation
unless the acquirer of its assets or the corporation with which it shall
consolidate or into which it shall merge shall be a corporation organized under
the laws of one of the states of the United States of America, shall be a
solvent corporation and shall assume in writing all of the obligations of the
Company under the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in
this
Agreement shall restrict the Company from restructuring its operations or
organization for the purpose of conducting its business in a manner deemed
solely by the Company to be appropriate and any such restructuring or
reorganization shall not constitute a violation of this Agreement unless it
has
a material adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of the Loan
Documents or the liability of the Company thereunder.
6.4 Books
and Records.
The
Company will keep books and records reflecting all of its business affairs
and
transactions in accordance with GAAP and permit the Administrative Agent (or
any
Bank together with the Administrative Agent) or any representative thereof
(subject to Section
9.15),
at
reasonable times and intervals and at the expense of the Administrative Agent
or
such Bank, to visit its principal offices, discuss financial matters with its
officers and examine and make copies of any of its books and other corporate
records.
31
6.5 Litigation
Notice.
The
Company will, promptly after an Authorized Officer obtains knowledge thereof,
notify the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly notify each Bank) in
writing of any action, suit or proceeding at law or in equity or by or before
any governmental instrumentality or other agency which (i) has remained
unsettled for a period of 90 days from the commencement thereof and involves
claims for damages or relief in an amount which could reasonably be expected
to
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (ii) has resulted in a final
judgment or judgments for the payment of money in an amount which has a
materially adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
6.6 Notice
of Default or Unmatured Default.
The
Company will promptly notify the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly
notify each Bank) of any Default or Unmatured Default of which any Authorized
Officer has knowledge, setting forth the details of such Default or Unmatured
Default and any action which the Company proposes to take with respect
thereto.
6.7 FERC
Approvals.
From
time to time prior to the date of expiration of each approval of FERC then
in
effect with respect to the short-term debt of the Company, the Company will
deliver to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly forward a copy to
each
Bank) a copy of any order issued by FERC extending, supplementing, or
superseding such approval obtained by the Company, certified as in full force
and effect by an Authorized Officer.
6.8 Maintenance
of Property; Insurance.
The
Company will keep all property useful and necessary in its business in good
working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The Company will
maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance
on
its property in such amounts and covering such risks as is consistent with
sound
business practice, and the Company will furnish to any Bank upon request full
information as to the insurance carried.
6.9 Compliance
with Laws.
The
Company will comply in all material respects with all applicable laws,
ordinances, rules, regulations, and requirements of governmental authorities
(including environmental laws, ERISA, the USA Patriot Act, the U.S. Bank Secrecy
Act and any sanction program administered by the U.S. Department of the
Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of
Treasury, and rules and regulations thereunder) except where either (i) the
necessity of compliance therewith is contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings or (ii) the failure to so comply would not reasonably be expected
to
have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, or results
of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, considered as a
whole.
6.10 Debt
to Capitalization Ratio.
The
Company will not permit the ratio of (a) Consolidated Debt to (b) the sum of
Consolidated Debt plus Consolidated Net Worth to exceed 0.65 to 1 as of the
last
day of any fiscal quarter of the Company.
32
6.11 Liens.
The
Company will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly
create or assume, except in favor of the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary,
any mortgage, pledge or other lien or encumbrance upon any Principal Facility
or
any interest it may have therein or upon any stock of any Regulated Subsidiary
or any indebtedness of any Subsidiary to the Company or any other Subsidiary,
whether now owned or hereafter acquired, without making effective provision
(and
the Company covenants that in such case it will make or cause to be made,
effective provision) whereby the Obligations and any other indebtedness of
the
Company then entitled thereto shall be secured by such mortgage, pledge, lien
or
encumbrance equally and ratably with any and all other obligations and
indebtedness thereby secured, so long as any such other obligations and
indebtedness shall be so secured; provided
that the
foregoing covenant shall not be applicable to (i) the lien of the Midwest Power
Indenture, (ii) Permitted Encumbrances or (iii) any transfer, lease, use or
other encumbrance of or on the Company's or any of its Subsidiary's transmission
assets as required by applicable state or federal order, regulation, rule or
statute.
ARTICLE
VII
DEFAULTS
The
occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a
Default:
7.1 Non-Payment
of Obligations.
The
Company shall default in the payment or prepayment when due of any principal
of
any Loan; the Company shall default (and such default shall continue unremedied
for more than three Business Days) in the payment when due of any Reimbursement
Obligation; or the Company shall default (and such default shall continue
unremedied for a period of 10 days) in the payment when due of any interest
on
any Loan, of any facility fee or utilization fee or of any other
Obligation.
7.2 Breach
of Warranty.
Any
representation or warranty of the Company made or deemed to be made hereunder
or
in any other Loan Document or any other writing or certificate furnished by
or
on behalf of the Company to the Administrative Agent or the Banks for the
purposes of or in connection with this Agreement or such other Loan Document
is
or shall be incorrect when made in any material respect (provided that if such
incorrectness is capable of being cured and the Company is diligently taking
all
reasonable steps to effect such cure, no Default shall arise under this
Section
7.2
until 15
days after an Authorized Officer obtains knowledge of such
incorrectness).
7.3 Non-Performance
of Certain Covenants and Obligations.
The
Company shall default in the due performance and observance of any of its
obligations under Section
6.2
or
6.3
(other
than with respect to maintenance of good standing in jurisdictions which are
not
its jurisdiction of incorporation).
7.4 Non-Performance
of Other Covenants and Obligations.
The
Company shall default in the due performance and observance of any other
agreement contained herein or in any other Loan Document, and such default
shall
continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after notice thereof shall have
been
given to the Company by the Administrative Agent or any Bank.
33
7.5 Default
on Other Indebtedness.
A
default shall occur in the payment when due (subject to any applicable grace
period), whether by acceleration or otherwise, of any other Indebtedness of
the
Company having a principal amount, individually or in the aggregate, in excess
of $30,000,000, or a default shall occur in the performance or observance of
any
obligation or condition with respect to such Indebtedness if the effect of
such
default is to accelerate the maturity of any such Indebtedness or such default
shall continue unremedied for any applicable period of time sufficient to permit
the holder or holders of such Indebtedness, or any trustee or agent for such
holders, to cause such Indebtedness to become due and payable prior to its
expressed maturity.
7.6 Judgments.
One or
more final judgments or orders for the payment of money aggregating in excess
of
$30,000,000 shall be rendered against the Company, and
(a) such
judgment(s) or order(s) shall not have been vacated, bonded, discharged or
stayed pending appeal within 30 days after entry thereof or, in the event of
such a stay, such judgment(s) or order(s) shall not be discharged within 30
days
after such stay shall expire; or
(b) any
enforcement action shall be lawfully taken by a judgment creditor to levy upon
the assets or properties of the Company to enforce any such judgment, and such
levy shall not be bonded, stayed or otherwise prevented not later than five
days
prior to the date of any proposed sale thereunder;
provided
that
clause
(a)
of this
Section
7.6
shall
not apply to any judgment(s) or order(s) as to which the Company is insured
if
the insurer has admitted in writing its liability for an amount which, when
deducted from the full amount of the Company’s liability with respect to such
judgment(s) or order(s), would reduce the Company’s remaining liability to an
amount less than $30,000,000.
7.7 Bankruptcy,
Insolvency etc.
The
Company shall:
(a) become
insolvent or generally fail to pay, or admit in writing its inability or
unwillingness to pay, debts as they become due;
(b) apply
for, consent to, or acquiesce in, the appointment of a trustee, receiver,
sequestrator or other custodian for the Company or any substantial part of
its
property, or make a general assignment for the benefit of
creditors;
(c) in
the
absence of such application, consent or acquiescence, permit or suffer to exist
the appointment of a trustee, receiver, sequestrator or other custodian for
the
Company or for a substantial part of its property, and such trustee, receiver,
sequestrator or other custodian shall not be discharged within 60 days, provided
that the Company hereby expressly authorizes the Administrative Agent (on behalf
of the Banks) to appear in any court conducting any relevant proceeding during
such 60-day period to preserve, protect and defend its rights under the Loan
Documents;
34
(d) permit
or
suffer to exist the commencement of any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt
arrangement or other case or proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency
law,
or any dissolution, winding up or liquidation proceeding, in respect of the
Company, and, if any such case or proceeding is not commenced by the Company,
such case or proceeding shall be consented to or acquiesced in by the Company
or
shall result in the entry of an order for relief or shall remain for 60 days
undismissed, provided that the Company hereby expressly authorizes the
Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Banks) to appear in any court conducting
any such case or proceeding during such 60-day period to preserve, protect
and
defend its rights under the Loan Documents; or
(e) take
any
corporate action authorizing, or in furtherance of, any of the
foregoing.
7.8 Unfunded
Liabilities.
The
Unfunded Liabilities of all Plans shall exceed in the aggregate an amount which,
if asserted against the Company as a matured liability, would reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial
condition, operations, assets, business, properties or prospects of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; or any Reportable Event shall occur
in
connection with any Plan.
7.9 Environmental
Matters.
The
Company shall be the subject of any proceeding or investigation pertaining
to
the release by the Company or any other Person of any toxic or hazardous waste
or substance into the environment, or any violation of any federal, state or
local environmental, health or safety law or regulation, which would, in either
case, upon a final determination adverse to the Company, have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial condition, operations, assets, business,
properties or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a
whole.
ARTICLE
VIII
ACCELERATION,
WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES
8.1 Acceleration;
Facility LC Collateral Account.
(i)
If any
Default described in clauses
(a)
through
(d)
of
Section 7.7
occurs
with respect to the Company, the obligations of the Banks to make Loans
hereunder and the obligation and power of the LC Issuer to issue Facility LCs
shall automatically terminate and the Obligations shall immediately become
due
and payable without any election or action on the part of the Administrative
Agent, the LC Issuer or any Bank; and the Company will be and become thereby
unconditionally obligated, without any further notice, act or demand, to pay
to
the Administrative Agent an amount in immediately available funds, which funds
shall be held in the Facility LC Collateral Account, equal to the excess of
(x)
the amount of LC Obligations at such time over (y) the amount on deposit in
the
Facility LC Collateral Account at such time which is free and clear of all
rights and claims of third parties and has not been applied against the
Obligations (such difference, the “Collateral Shortfall Amount”). If any other
Default occurs, the Required Banks may (a) terminate or suspend the obligations
of the Banks to make Loans hereunder and the obligation and power of the LC
Issuer to issue Facility LCs hereunder, or declare the Obligations to be due
and
payable, or both, whereupon the Obligations shall become immediately due and
payable, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of
which the Company hereby expressly waives, and (b) upon notice to the Company
and in addition to the continuing right to demand payment of all amounts payable
under this Agreement, make demand on the Company to pay, and the Company will,
forthwith upon such demand and without any further notice or act, pay to the
Administrative Agent the Collateral Shortfall Amount, which funds shall be
deposited in the Facility LC Collateral Account.
35
(ii) If
at any
time while any Default exists, the Administrative Agent determines that the
Collateral Shortfall Amount is greater than zero, the Administrative Agent
may
make demand on the Company to pay, and the Company will, forthwith upon such
demand and without any further notice or act, pay to the Administrative Agent
the Collateral Shortfall Amount, which funds shall be deposited in the Facility
LC Collateral Account.
(iii) The
Administrative Agent may, at any time or from time to time after funds are
deposited in the Facility LC Collateral Account, apply such funds to the payment
of the Obligations and any other amounts as shall from time to time have become
due and payable by the Company to the Banks or the LC Issuer under the Loan
Documents.
(iv) Except
as
provided in clause
(iii)
above or
in the following two sentences, at any time while any Default is continuing,
neither the Company nor any Person claiming on behalf of or through the Company
shall have any right to withdraw any of the funds held in the Facility LC
Collateral Account. Upon the earlier to occur of (x) the indefeasible payment
in
full of all Obligations and the termination of the Aggregate Commitment and
(y)
the cure or written waiver of all outstanding Defaults, any funds remaining
in
the Facility LC Collateral Account (including any investment income and interest
earned on funds deposited therein) shall be returned by the Administrative
Agent
to the Company or paid to whomever may be legally entitled thereto at such
time.
(v) If,
within 14 days after acceleration of the maturity of the Obligations or
termination of the obligations of the Banks to make Loans hereunder and the
obligation and power of the LC Issuer to issue Facility LCs hereunder as a
result of any Default (other than any Default as described in clauses
(a)
through
(d)
of
Section
7.7
with
respect to the Company) and before any judgment or decree for the payment of
the
Obligations due shall have been obtained or entered, the Required Banks (in
their sole discretion) shall so direct, the Administrative Agent shall, by
notice to the Company, rescind and annul such acceleration and/or termination.
The Administrative Agent shall promptly return to the Company any funds
remaining in the Facility LC Collateral Account (including any investment income
and interest earned on funds deposited therein) in connection with such
acceleration and/or termination.
8.2 Amendments.
Subject
to the provisions of this Article
VIII,
the
Required Banks (or the Administrative Agent with the consent in writing of
the
Required Banks) and the Company may enter into agreements supplemental hereto
for the purpose of adding or modifying any provisions to the Loan Documents
or
changing in any manner the rights of the Banks or the Company hereunder or
waiving any Default hereunder; provided
that no
such supplemental agreement shall, without the consent of each Bank affected
thereby:
36
(i) Extend
the maturity of any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation or reduce the principal
amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest
or
fees thereon.
(ii) Reduce
the percentage specified in the definition of Required Banks.
(iii) Extend
the Termination Date, increase the amount of the Commitment of any Bank
hereunder or permit the Company to assign its rights under this
Agreement.
(iv) Amend
this Section
8.2
or
Section
11.2.
No
amendment of any provision of this Agreement relating to the Administrative
Agent shall be effective without the written consent of the Administrative
Agent. No amendment of any provision of this Agreement relating to the LC Issuer
shall be effective without the written consent of the LC Issuer. The
Administrative Agent may waive payment of any fee required under Section
2.3.2
or
12.3.2
without
obtaining the consent of any Bank. The LC Issuer may waive payment of any fee
or
charge required under the last sentence of Section
2.7.4
without
obtaining the consent of any Bank.
8.3 Preservation
of Rights.
No
delay or omission of the Banks, the LC Issuer or the Administrative Agent to
exercise any right under the Loan Documents shall impair such right or be
construed to be a waiver of any Default or an acquiescence therein, and the
making of a Credit Extension notwithstanding the existence of a Default or
the
inability of the Company to satisfy the conditions precedent to such Credit
Extension shall not constitute any waiver or acquiescence. Any single or partial
exercise of any such right shall not preclude other or further exercise thereof
or the exercise of any other right, and no waiver, amendment or other variation
of the terms, conditions or provisions of the Loan Documents whatsoever shall
be
valid unless in writing signed by the Banks required pursuant to Section
8.2,
and
then only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth. All remedies
contained in the Loan Documents or by law afforded shall be cumulative and
all
shall be available to the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and the Banks
until the Obligations have been paid in full.
ARTICLE
IX
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
9.1 Survival
of Representations.
All
representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement shall
survive delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of the Credit Extensions
herein contemplated.
9.2 Governmental
Regulation.
Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither
the LC Issuer nor any Bank shall be obligated to extend credit to the Company
in
violation of any limitation or prohibition provided by any applicable statute
or
regulation.
37
9.3 Taxes.
Any
taxes (excluding income taxes) or other similar assessments or charges payable
or ruled payable by any governmental authority as a result of the Loan Documents
(other than (x) taxes or assessments payable because a Bank failed to provide
the documents required under Section
2.6
and (y)
net income taxes, franchise taxes and other taxes imposed on, or measured by
net
income, net profits or receipts of, the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer
or
any Bank) shall be paid by the Company, together with interest and penalties,
if
any.
9.4 Headings.
Section
headings in the Loan Documents are for convenience of reference only, and shall
not govern the interpretation of any of the provisions of the Loan
Documents.
9.5 Entire
Agreement.
The
Loan Documents embody the entire agreement and understanding among the Company,
the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and the Banks and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings among the Company, the Administrative Agent,
the
LC Issuer and the Banks relating to the subject matter thereof.
9.6 Several
Obligations.
The
respective obligations of the Banks hereunder are several and not joint and
no
Bank shall be the partner or agent of any other (except to the extent to which
the Administrative Agent is authorized to act as such). The failure of any
Bank
to perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Bank
from any of its obligations hereunder. This Agreement shall not be construed
so
as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the parties to
this
Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.
9.7 Expenses;
Indemnification.
The
Company shall reimburse the Administrative Agent and each Arranger for any
reasonable costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses (including
attorneys’ fees and time charges of attorneys for the Administrative Agent and
the Arrangers, which attorneys may be employees of the Administrative Agent
or
either Arranger) paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent or such Arranger
in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery, review,
amendment and modification of the Loan Documents. The Company also agrees to
reimburse the Administrative Agent, each Arranger, the LC Issuer and each Bank
for any reasonable costs, internal charges and out-of-pocket expenses (including
attorneys’ fees and time charges of attorneys for the Administrative Agent, the
Arrangers, the LC Issuer and the Banks, which attorneys may be employees of
the
Administrative Agent, either Arranger, the LC Issuer or any Bank) paid or
incurred by the Administrative Agent, such Arranger or such Bank in connection
with the collection and enforcement of the Loan Documents. The Company further
agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Arranger, the LC Issuer
and
each Bank and each of their respective directors, officers and employees against
all losses, claims, damages, penalties, judgments, liabilities and expenses
(including all expenses of litigation or preparation therefor whether or not
the
Administrative Agent, either Arranger, the LC Issuer or any Bank is a party
thereto) which any of them may pay or incur arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the transactions contemplated hereby or
the
direct or indirect application or proposed application of the proceeds of any
Loan hereunder except to the extent such losses, claims, damages, penalties,
judgments, liabilities and expenses arise from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of any indemnified party. The obligations of the parties to this
Agreement under this Section shall survive the termination of this
Agreement.
38
9.8 Numbers
of Documents.
All
statements, notices, closing documents, and requests hereunder shall be
furnished to the Administrative Agent with sufficient counterparts so that
the
Administrative Agent may furnish one to each of the Banks.
9.9 USA
PATRIOT ACT NOTIFICATION.
The
following notification is provided to the Company pursuant to Section 326 of
the
USA Patriot Act of 2001, 31 U.S.C. Section 5318: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT. To help the government fight the funding
of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial
institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each
person or entity that opens an account, including any deposit account, treasury
management account, loan, other extension of credit or other financial services
product. What this means for the Company: When the Company opens an account,
the
Banks will ask for the Company’s name, tax identification number, business
address and other information that will allow the Administrative Agent and
the
Banks to identify the Company. The Administrative Agent and the Banks may also
ask to see the Company’s legal organizational documents or other identifying
documents.
9.10 Severability
of Provisions.
Any
provision in any Loan Document that is held to be inoperative, unenforceable,
or
invalid in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be inoperative,
unenforceable, or invalid without affecting the remaining provisions in that
jurisdiction or the operation, enforceability, or validity of that provision
in
any other jurisdiction, and to this end the provisions of all Loan Documents
are
declared to be severable.
9.11 Nonliability
of Banks.
The
relationship between the Company, on the one hand, and the Banks, the LC Issuer
and the Administrative Agent, on the other hand, shall be solely that of
borrower and lender. Neither the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer nor any
Bank shall have any fiduciary responsibilities to the Company. Neither the
Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer nor any Bank undertakes any responsibility
to the Company to review or inform the Company of any matter in connection
with
any phase of the Company’s business or operations.
9.12 CHOICE
OF LAW.
THE
LOAN DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINING A CONTRARY EXPRESS CHOICE OF LAW
PROVISION) SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS (AND NOT
THE
LAW OF CONFLICTS) OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS
APPLICABLE TO NATIONAL BANKS.
9.13 CONSENT
TO JURISDICTION.
EACH OF
THE COMPANY, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER AND EACH BANK HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY UNITED STATES
FEDERAL OR ILLINOIS STATE COURT SITTING IN CHICAGO IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT AND EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER AND EACH BANK HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES
THAT
ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED
IN ANY SUCH COURT AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER
HAVE AS TO THE VENUE OF ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN SUCH
A
COURT OR THAT SUCH COURT IS AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING
BY
THE COMPANY AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER OR ANY BANK OR
ANY
AFFILIATE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER OR ANY BANK INVOLVING,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ANY MATTER IN ANY WAY ARISING OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR
CONNECTED WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE BROUGHT ONLY IN A COURT IN CHICAGO,
ILLINOIS.
39
9.14 WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL.
THE
COMPANY, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LC ISSUER AND EACH BANK HEREBY WAIVE
TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY,
ANY
MATTER (WHETHER SOUNDING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) IN ANY WAY ARISING
OUT
OF, RELATED TO, OR CONNECTED WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE RELATIONSHIP
ESTABLISHED THEREUNDER.
9.15 Confidentiality.
Each
Bank agrees to hold any confidential information which it may receive from
the
Company pursuant to this Agreement, including information obtained from the
books and records of the Company made available pursuant to Section
6.4,
in
confidence, except for disclosure (i) to other Banks and their respective
Affiliates, (ii) to legal counsel, accountants, and other professional advisors
to that Bank, (iii) to regulatory officials, (iv) as requested pursuant to
or as
required by law, regulation, or legal process, (v) in connection with any legal
proceeding to which that Bank is a party (so long as such proceeding arises
from
or is related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby), and
(vi) permitted by Section
12.4.
Each
Bank is hereby authorized to deliver a copy of any information delivered to
it
if so requested by any regulatory body having jurisdiction over it; provided
that
such Bank will notify the Company of any such request (other than a request
arising in the course of a bank audit, notice of which such Bank shall deliver
to the Company as soon as is practicable) before divulging such information
to
such regulatory body unless such disclosure is legally prohibited by the terms
of such request.
ARTICLE
X
THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
10.1 Appointment.
JPMorgan is hereby appointed Administrative Agent hereunder and under each
other
Loan Document, and each of the Banks irrevocably authorizes the Administrative
Agent to act as the agent of such Bank. The Administrative Agent agrees to
act
as such upon the express conditions contained in this Article
X.
The
Administrative Agent shall not have a fiduciary relationship in respect of
any
Bank by reason of this Agreement.
40
10.2 Powers.
The
Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise such powers under the Loan
Documents as are specifically delegated to the Administrative Agent by the
terms
of each thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.
The Administrative Agent shall have no implied duties to the Banks, or any
obligation to the Banks to take any action thereunder except any action
specifically provided by the Loan Documents to be taken by the Administrative
Agent.
10.3 General
Immunity.
Neither
the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees
shall be liable to the Banks or any Bank for any action taken or omitted to
be
taken by it or them hereunder or under any other Loan Document or in connection
herewith or therewith except for its or their own gross negligence or willful
misconduct.
10.4 No
Responsibility for Loan Documents, Recitals, etc.
Neither
the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees
shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, or verify
(i) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with any Loan
Document or any borrowing hereunder; (ii) the performance or observance of
any
of the covenants or agreements of any obligor under any Loan Document; (iii)
the
satisfaction of any condition specified in Article
IV,
except
receipt of items required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent; or (iv)
the validity, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other
instrument or writing furnished in connection therewith.
10.5 Action
on Instructions of Banks.
The
Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in
refraining from acting, hereunder and under any other Loan Document in
accordance with written instructions signed by the Required Banks, and such
instructions and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall
be
binding on all of the Banks and on all holders of Notes.
10.6 Employment
of Agents and Counsel.
The
Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties as Administrative Agent
hereunder and under any other Loan Document by or through employees, agents,
and
attorneys-in-fact and shall not be answerable to the Banks, except as to money
or securities received by it or its authorized agents, for the default or
misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with
reasonable care. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to advice of counsel
concerning all matters pertaining to the agency hereby created and its duties
hereunder and under any other Loan Document.
10.7 Reliance
on Documents; Counsel.
The
Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any Note, notice, consent,
certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, statement, paper or document believed
by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by the proper
person or persons, and, in respect to legal matters, upon the opinion of counsel
selected by the Administrative Agent, which counsel may be employees of the
Administrative Agent.
10.8 Administrative
Agent’s Reimbursement and Indemnification.
The
Banks agree to reimburse and indemnify the Administrative Agent ratably in
proportion to their respective Pro Rata Shares (i) for any amounts not
reimbursed by the Company for which the Administrative Agent is entitled to
reimbursement by the Company under the Loan Documents, (ii) for any other
expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Banks, in
connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration and
enforcement of the Loan Documents and (iii) for any liabilities, obligations,
losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or
disbursements of any kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on,
incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating
to
or arising out of the Loan Documents or any other document delivered in
connection therewith or the transactions contemplated thereby, or the
enforcement of any of the terms thereof or of any such other documents, provided
that no Bank shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent they arise
from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative
Agent.
41
10.9 Rights
as a Bank.
With
respect to its Commitment, Loans made by it and any Note issued to it, the
Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and powers hereunder and under
any other Loan Document as any Bank and may exercise the same as though it
were
not the Administrative Agent, and the term “Bank” or “Banks” shall, unless the
context otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual
capacity. Nothing contained herein shall preclude the Administrative Agent
or
any other Bank from engaging in any debt, equity or other transaction, in
addition to those contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
with the Company or any of its Affiliates in which the Company or such Affiliate
is not restricted hereby from engaging with any other Person.
10.10 Bank
Credit Decision.
Each
Bank acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the
Administrative Agent or any other Bank and based on the financial statements
prepared by the Company and such other documents and information as it has
deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into
this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Each Bank also acknowledges that it
will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any
other Bank and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking
or
not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents.
10.11 Successor
Administrative Agent.
The
Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof
to
the Banks and the Company, and the Administrative Agent may be removed at any
time with or without cause by written notice received by the Administrative
Agent from the Required Banks. Upon any such resignation or removal, the
Required Banks shall have the right to appoint, on behalf of the Company and
the
Banks, a successor Administrative Agent. Such appointment shall not be made
without the prior written consent of the Company. If no successor Administrative
Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Banks and shall have accepted
such appointment within thirty days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s
giving notice of resignation, then the Administrative Agent’s resignation shall
become effective and the duties and responsibilities of the Administrative
Agent
hereunder shall be performed by the Banks until such time as a new
Administrative Agent is appointed by the Required Banks and such appointment
is
consented to by the Company. Any successor Administrative Agent so appointed
and
approved shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights,
powers, privileges and duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder and under
the other Loan Documents. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation
hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article
X
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 the Administrative Agent hereunder and
under the other Loan Documents.
42
10.12 Other
Agents, Etc.
The
titles “Syndication Agent”, “Co-Documentation Agent”, “Senior Managing Agent”,
“Co-Agent”, “Arranger” and “Co-Lead Arranger and Co-Book Runner” are purely
honorific, and no Person designated on the cover page, signature pages, or
elsewhere in this Agreement as having any such title shall have any duties
or
responsibilities hereunder in such capacity.
ARTICLE
XI
SETOFF;
RATABLE PAYMENTS
11.1 Setoff.
In
addition to, and without limitation of, any rights of the Banks under applicable
law, if the Company becomes insolvent, however evidenced, or any Default occurs,
any indebtedness from any Bank to the Company (including all account balances,
whether provisional or final and whether or not collected or available but
excluding amounts maintained by the Company as part of its normal treasury
operations used for the purpose of conducting the Company’s ordinary ongoing
business) may be offset and applied toward the payment of the Obligations owing
to such Bank, whether or not the Obligations, or any part hereof, shall then
be
due.
11.2 Ratable
Payments.
If any
Bank, whether by setoff or otherwise, has payment made to it upon its
Outstanding Credit Exposure (other than payments received pursuant to
Article
III)
in a
greater proportion than that received by any other Bank, such Bank agrees,
promptly upon demand, to purchase a portion of the Loans held by the other
Banks
so that after such purchase each Bank will hold its Pro Rata Share of the
Aggregate Outstanding Credit Exposure. If any Bank, whether in connection with
setoff or amounts which might be subject to setoff or otherwise, receives
collateral or other protection for its Obligations or such amounts which may
be
subject to setoff, such Bank agrees, promptly upon demand, to take such action
necessary such that all Banks share in the benefits of such collateral ratably
in proportion to their respective Pro Rata Shares. In case any such payment
is
disturbed by legal process, or otherwise, appropriate further adjustments shall
be made.
ARTICLE
XII
BENEFIT
OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS
12.1 Successors
and Assigns.
The
terms and provisions of the Loan Documents shall be binding upon and inure
to
the benefit of the Company and the Banks and their respective successors and
assigns, except that (i) the Company shall not have the right to assign its
rights or obligations under the Loan Documents without the express written
consent of the Administrative Agent and the Banks (which shall not be
unreasonably withheld) and (ii) any assignment by any Bank must be made in
compliance with Section
12.3.
Notwithstanding clause
(ii)
of this
Section, any Bank may at any time, without the consent of the Company or the
Administrative Agent, assign all or any portion of its rights under this
Agreement and its Note to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided
that no
such assignment shall release the transferor Bank from its obligations
hereunder. The Administrative Agent may treat the payee of any Note as the
owner
thereof for all purposes hereof unless and until such payee complies with
Section
12.3
in the
case of an assignment thereof or, in the case of any other transfer, a written
notice of the transfer is filed with the Administrative Agent. Any assignee
or
transferee of a Note agrees by acceptance thereof to be bound by all the terms
and provisions of the Loan Documents. Any request, authority or consent of
any
Person, who at the time of making such request or giving such authority or
consent is the holder of any Note, shall be conclusive and binding on any
subsequent holder, transferee or assignee of such Note or of any Note issued
in
exchange therefor.
43
12.2 Participations.
12.2.1 Permitted
Participants; Effect.
Any
Bank may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking business and in
accordance with applicable law, at any time sell to one or more banks or other
entities (“Participants”)
participating interests in any Loan owing to such Bank, any Note held by such
Bank, any Commitment of such Bank or any other interest of such Bank under
the
Loan Documents. In the event of any such sale by a Bank of participating
interests to a Participant, such Bank’s obligations under the Loan Documents
shall remain unchanged, such Bank shall remain solely responsible to the other
parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, such Bank shall remain
the holder of any such Note for all purposes under the Loan Documents, all
amounts payable by the Company under this Agreement shall be determined as
if
such Bank had not sold such participating interests, and the Company and the
Administrative Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Bank
in connection with such Bank’s rights and obligations under the Loan
Documents.
12.2.2 Voting
Rights.
Each
Bank shall retain the sole right to approve, without the consent of any
Participant, any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the
Loan
Documents other than any amendment, modification or waiver with respect to
any
Credit Extension or Commitment in which such Participant has an interest which
forgives principal, interest, fees or any Reimbursement Obligation or reduces
the interest rate or fees payable with respect to any such Credit Extension
or
Commitment, postpones any date fixed for any regularly-scheduled payment of
principal of, or interest or fees on, any such Credit Extension or Commitment,
releases any guarantor of any such Credit Extension or releases any substantial
portion of collateral, if any, securing any such Credit Extension.
12.2.3 Benefit
of Setoff.
The
Company agrees that each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of setoff
provided in Section
11.1
in
respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under the Loan Documents
to the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest were owing
directly to it as a Bank under the Loan Documents, provided that each Bank
shall
retain the right of setoff provided in Section
11.1
with
respect to the amount of participating interests sold to each Participant.
The
Banks agree to share with each Participant, and each Participant, by exercising
the right of setoff provided in Section
11.1,
agrees
to share with each Bank, any amount received pursuant to the exercise of its
right of setoff, such amounts to be shared in accordance with Section
11.2
as if
each Participant were a Bank.
44
12.3 Assignments.
12.3.1 Permitted
Assignments.
Any
Bank may, in the ordinary course of its commercial banking business and in
accordance with applicable law, at any time assign to one or more banks or
other
entities (each a “Purchaser”)
all or
any part of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents; provided
that the
amount being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the
effective date specified in the applicable Assignment Agreement (an
“Assignment
Effective Date”))
shall
(unless each of the Company and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents)
not
be less than $10,000,000 or, if less, the entire amount of such Bank’s
Commitment, and shall be in an integral amount of $1,000,000. The consents
of
the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and, unless a Default has occurred
and
is continuing, the Company (which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld
or
delayed) shall be required prior to an assignment becoming effective with
respect to a Purchaser which is not a Bank or an Affiliate thereof.
12.3.2 Effect;
Effective Date.
Upon
(i) delivery to the Administrative Agent of an Assignment Agreement executed
by
the applicable assigning Bank and the applicable Purchaser, together with any
consents required by Section
12.3.1,
and
(ii) payment of a $3,500 fee to the Administrative Agent for processing such
assignment, such assignment shall become effective on the applicable Assignment
Effective Date. On and after the effective date of such assignment, the
applicable Purchaser shall for all purposes be a Bank party to this Agreement
and any other Loan Document executed by the Banks and shall have all the rights
and obligations of a Bank under the Loan Documents, to the same extent as if
it
were an original party hereto, and no further consent or action by the Company,
the Banks, the LC Issuer or the Administrative Agent shall be required to
release the transferor Bank with respect to the percentage of the Aggregate
Commitment and Loans assigned to such Purchaser.
12.4 Dissemination
of Information.
The
Company authorizes each Bank to disclose to any Participant or Purchaser, to
any
direct or indirect contractual counterparty to any credit derivative transaction
relating to obligations of the Company or to any other Person acquiring an
interest in the Loan Documents by operation of law (each a “Transferee”)
and
any prospective Transferee any and all information in such Bank’s possession
concerning the creditworthiness of the Company and the Subsidiaries; provided
that each Transferee agrees to be bound by Section
9.15
of this
Agreement.
12.5 Tax
Treatment.
If any
interest in any Loan Document is transferred to any Transferee which is
organized under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States or
any
State thereof, the transferor Bank shall cause such Transferee, concurrently
with the effectiveness of such transfer, to comply with the provisions of
Section
2.6.
ARTICLE
XIII
NOTICES
45
13.1 Giving
Notice.
Except
as otherwise permitted by Section
2.4.9
with
respect to borrowing notices and Conversion/Continuation Notices, all notices
and other communications provided to any party hereto under this Agreement
or
any other Loan Document shall be in writing or by facsimile and addressed or
delivered to such party (i) in the case of the Company or the Administrative
Agent, at its address or facsimile number set forth below its signature hereto,
(ii) in the case of any Bank, at its address or facsimile number set forth
in
its Administrative Questionnaire or (iii) in the case of any party to this
Agreement, at such other address or facsimile number as may be designated by
such party in a notice to the other parties. Any notice, if mailed and properly
addressed with postage prepaid, shall be deemed given when received; any notice,
if transmitted by facsimile, shall be deemed given when
transmitted.
13.2 Change
of Address.
The
Company, the Administrative Agent, the LC Issuer and any Bank may each change
the address for service of notice upon it by a notice in writing to the other
parties hereto.
ARTICLE
XIV
COUNTERPARTS;
TERMINATION
OF EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT
This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken
together shall constitute one agreement, and any of the parties hereto may
execute this Agreement by signing any such counterpart. The Company and the
Banks which are parties to the Existing Agreement (which Banks constitute
“Required Banks” as defined in the Existing Agreement) agree that, concurrently
with the effectiveness of this Agreement (and without regard to any requirement
for prior notice of termination of the commitments under the Existing
Agreement), the commitments under the Existing Agreement shall terminate and
be
of no further force or effect.
46
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company, the Banks, the LC Issuer and the Administrative
Agent have executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY | ||
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx | |
Xx. Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx | ||
Vice President & Corporate Secretary |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |
Xx. Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
Vice President & Treasurer | ||
000
Xxxxx Xxxxxx
|
||
X.X.
Xxx 000
|
||
Xxx
Xxxxxx, XX 00000-0000
|
||
Attention: Treasurer | ||
Telecopier: (000) 000-0000 |
S-1
Commitments | ||
$31,500,000 |
|
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
Individually,
as
LC Issuer and as Administrative Agent
|
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxx Xxxx | |
Name: Xxxx Xxx Xxxx | ||
Title: Director | ||
Address: 0 Xxxx Xxx Xxxxx | ||
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000 | ||
Attention: Utilities Group | ||
Telecopier: (000) 000-0000 |
S-2
$31,500,000 |
UNION
BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
Individually and as Syndication
Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
S-3
$30,000,000 |
THE
BANK OF NEW YORK,
Individually and as a Co-Documentation
Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
S-4
$30,000,000 |
BNP PARIBAS,
Individually and as a Co-Documentation
Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: Managing Director |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||
Title: Director |
S-5
$30,000,000 |
ABN
AMRO BANK N.V.,
Individually and as a Co-Documentation
Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ R. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |
Name: R. Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President | ||
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxx | |
Name: Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
S-6
$30,000,000 |
THE
ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND plc,
Individually and as Senior Managing
Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx | ||
Title: Senior Vice President |
S-7
$27,000,000 |
WACHOVIA
BANK, N.A.,
Individually and as a
Co-Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: Managing Director |
S-8
$27,000,000 |
XXXXX
FARGO BANK, N.A.,
Individually and as a
Co-Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
S-9
$27,000,000 |
U.S.
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
Individually and as a
Co-Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
S-10
$27,000,000 |
XXXXXX
BROTHERS BANK, FSB,
Individually and as a
Co-Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
S-11
$27,000,000 |
COMMERZBANK
AG, New York and Grand Cayman Branches,
Individually and as a
Co-Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx | |
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx | ||
Senior Vice President |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | |
Assistant Treasurer |
S-12
$27,000,000 |
BANK
HAPOALIM B.M.,
Individually and as a
Co-Agent
|
|
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx | ||
Title: Executive Vice President & Corporate Manager |
S-13
$25,000,000 | FIFTH THIRD BANK | |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
Title: Assistant Vice President |
S-14
$20,000,000 | NATIONAL CITY BANK OF THE MIDWEST | |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxx X.Xxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
S-15
$20,000,000 | MIZUHO CORPORATE BANK, LTD. | |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: Senior Vice President |
S-16
$15,000,000 | FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA | |
|
|
|
By: | /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
S-17
SCHEDULE I
PRICING
SCHEDULE
X/X0
|
X-/X0
|
BBB+/Baa1
|
BBB/Baa2
|
BBB-/Baa3
|
<BBB-/Baa3
|
|
STATUS
|
Level
I Status
|
Level
II Status
|
Level
III Status
|
Level
IV Status
|
Level
V Status
|
Level
VI Status
|
Applicable
Margin and LC Fee Rate
|
0.265%
|
0.400%
|
0.500%
|
0.600%
|
0.700%
|
0.875%
|
Facility
Fee Rate
|
0.085%
|
0.100%
|
0.125%
|
0.150%
|
0.175%
|
0.250%
|
Utilization
Fee Rate
|
0.100%
|
0.100%
|
0.125%
|
0.125%
|
0.125%
|
0.250%
|
For
the
purposes of this Schedule, the following terms have the following meanings,
subject to the final two paragraphs of this Schedule:
“Level
I
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, the Company’s Xxxxx’x Rating is A2
or better or
the
Company’s S&P Rating is A or better.
“Level
II
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) the Company has not qualified
for Level I Status and (ii) the Company’s Xxxxx’x Rating is A3 or better
or
the
Company’s S&P Rating is A- or better.
“Level
III Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) the Company has not
qualified for Level I Status or Level II Status and (ii) the Company’s Xxxxx’x
Rating is Baa1 or better or
the
Company’s S&P Rating is BBB+ or better.
“Level
IV
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) the Company has not qualified
for Level I Status, Level II Status or Level III Status and (ii) the Company’s
Xxxxx’x Rating is Baa2 or better or
the
Company’s S&P Rating is BBB or better.
“Level
V
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, (i) the Company has not qualified
for Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status or Level IV Status and
(ii) the Company’s Xxxxx’x Rating is Baa3 or better or
the
Company’s S&P Rating is BBB- or better.
“Level
VI
Status” exists at any date if, on such date, the Company has not qualified for
Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status, Level IV Status or Level
V
Status.
“Status”
means Level I Status, Level II Status, Level III Status, Level IV Status, Level
V Status or Level VI Status.
The
Applicable Margin, the LC Fee Rate, the Facility Fee Rate and the Utilization
Fee Rate shall be determined in accordance with the foregoing table based on
the
Company’s Status as determined from its then-current Xxxxx’x and S&P
Ratings. The credit rating in effect on any date for the purposes of this
Schedule is that in effect at the close of business on such date. If at any
time
the Company has no Xxxxx’x Rating or no S&P Rating, Level VI Status shall
exist; provided
that if
the reason that there is no Xxxxx’x Rating or S&P Rating results from
Xxxxx’x or S&P, as the case may be, ceasing to issue debt ratings generally,
then the Company and the Administrative Agent may select another nationally
recognized rating agency to substitute for Xxxxx’x or S&P, as applicable,
for purposes of this Schedule and the Credit Agreement to which this Schedule
is
attached (and all references herein and therein to Xxxxx’x or S&P, as
applicable, shall refer to such substitute rating agency).
If
the
Company is split-rated and the ratings differential is one level, the higher
rating will apply. If the Company is split-rated and the ratings differential
is
two levels or more, the intermediate rating at the midpoint will apply. If
there
is no midpoint, the higher of the two intermediate ratings will
apply.
EXHIBIT
A
NOTE
,
200_
MIDAMERICAN
ENERGY COMPANY,
an Iowa
corporation (the “Company”), promises to pay, on or before the Termination Date,
to the order of
(the
“Bank”) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Loans made by the Bank to
the Company pursuant to Section 2.2 of the Credit Agreement referred to below,
in immediately available funds at the main office of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent, together with interest on the unpaid principal amount
hereof at the rates and on the dates set forth in such Credit
Agreement.
The
Bank
shall, and is hereby authorized to, record on the schedule attached hereto,
or
to otherwise record in accordance with its usual practice, the date and amount
of each Loan and the date and amount of each principal payment
hereunder.
This
Note
is one of the Notes issued pursuant to, and is entitled to the benefits of,
the
Credit Agreement dated as of November 18, 2004 (as amended or otherwise modified
from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, Union Bank of
California, N.A., individually and as Syndication Agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A., individually and as Administrative Agent, and the banks named therein,
including the Bank. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for a statement
of
the terms and conditions under which this Note may be prepaid or its maturity
date accelerated. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
are used with the respective meanings attributed to them in the Credit
Agreement.
MIDAMERICAN
ENERGY COMPANY
By:
Title:
By:
Title:
SCHEDULE
OF LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL
TO
NOTE
OF
MIDAMERICAN
ENERGY COMPANY,
DATED
________, 200_
Principal
|
Maturity
|
Principal
|
|
|
Amount
of
|
of
Interest
|
Amount
|
Unpaid
|
|
Date
|
Loan
|
Period
|
Paid
|
Balance
|
EXHIBIT
B
OPINION
OF COUNSEL
__________,
2004
The
Banks
which are parties to the
Credit
Agreement described below
c/o
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
0
Xxxx
Xxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx,
XX 00000
Gentlemen:
I
am
counsel for MidAmerican Energy Company, an Iowa corporation (the “Company”), and
have represented the Company in connection with its execution and delivery
of a
Credit Agreement among the Company, Union Bank of California, N.A., individually
and as Syndication Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., individually and as
Administrative Agent, and the other Banks named therein and dated as of November
18, 2004 (the “Agreement”). All capitalized terms used in this opinion and not
otherwise defined shall have the meanings attributed to them in the
Agreement.
I
have
examined the Company’s articles of incorporation, by-laws and resolutions, the
Loan Documents and such other matters of fact and law which I deem necessary
in
order to render this opinion. Based upon the foregoing, it is my opinion
that:
l. The
Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its state of incorporation and has all requisite
authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business
is
conducted.
2. The
execution and delivery of the Loan Documents by the Company and the performance
by the Company of the Obligations have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action and proceedings on the part of the Company and will
not:
(a) require
any consent of the Company’s shareholders;
(b) violate
(i) any law, rule or regulation which is binding upon the Company or the
Company’s articles of incorporation or by-laws or (ii) to the best of my
knowledge, any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree or award, or any
indenture, instrument or agreement, which is binding upon the Company;
or
(c) result
in, or require, the creation or imposition of any lien pursuant to the
provisions of any indenture, instrument or agreement which is binding upon
the
Company.
3. The
Loan
Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and constitute
legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the
Company in accordance with their terms except to the extent the enforcement
thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting
the
enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and subject also to the availability
of equitable remedies if equitable remedies are sought.
4. There
is
no litigation or proceeding pending or, to my knowledge, threatened against
the
Company or any Subsidiary which, if adversely determined, would materially
adversely affect the business or condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole.
5. No
approval, authorization, consent, adjudication or order of any governmental
authority, which has not been obtained by the Company, is required to be
obtained by the Company in connection with the execution and delivery of the
Loan Documents, the borrowings under the Agreement or the payment by the Company
of the Obligations.
This
opinion may be relied upon by the Banks and their permitted participants,
assignees and other transferees.
Very
truly yours,
EXHIBIT
C
ASSIGNMENT
AGREEMENT
This
Assignment and Assumption (the “Assignment
and Assumption”)
is
dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and
between [Insert
name of Assignor
(the
“Assignor”)
and
Insert
name of Assignee
(the
“Assignee”).
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings
given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the
“Credit
Agreement”),
receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Terms
and
Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and
incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and
Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
For
an
agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to
the
Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the
Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions
and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the
Administrative Agent as contemplated below, the interest in and to all of the
Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Bank under the Credit
Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto
that
represents the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of the
Assignor’s outstanding rights and obligations under the respective facilities
identified below (including any letters of credit and guaranties included in
such facilities and, to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable
law, all claims (including contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims,
statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity), suits, causes of
action and any other right of the Assignor against any Person whether known
or
unknown arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other
documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions
governed thereby) (the “Assigned
Interest”).
Such
sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly
provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty
by the Assignor.
1. Assignor:
2. Assignee:
3. Borrower: MidAmerican
Energy Company
4. Agent: JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as the Administrative Agent under the Credit
Agreement.
5. Credit
Agreement: The
Credit Agreement dated as of November 18, 2004 among the Borrower, the Banks
party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Agent.
6. Assigned
Interest:
D-1
Facility
Assigned
|
Aggregate Amount of
Commitment/Loans
for
all Banks*
|
Amount of Commitment/Loans
Assigned*
|
Percentage
Assigned of
Commitment/Loans1
|
____________ | $ | $ | _______% |
____________ | $ | $ | _______% |
7. | Trade Date: | 2 | |
Effective Date: | ____________________, 20__ | [TO BE INSERTED BY AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER BY THE AGENT.] | |
The
terms
set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
ASSIGNOR | ||
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR] | ||
|
|
|
By: | ||
Title |
ASSIGNEE | ||
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE] | ||
|
|
|
Date: | By: | |
Title |
[Consented
to and]3 Accepted:
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., as Agent
By:
Title:
[Consented
to:]4
*
Amount to
be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or
prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.
1 Set
forth, to
at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Banks
thereunder.
2 Insert
if
satisfaction of minimum amounts is to be determined as of the Trade
Date.
3 To
be added
only if the consent of the Agent is required by the terms of the Credit
Agreement.
4 To
be added
only if the consent of the Company and/or other parties (e.g. LC Issuer)
is
required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.
D-2
[NAME
OF
RELEVANT PARTY]
By:
Title:
D-3
ANNEX
1
TERMS
AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT
AND ASSUMPTION
1.
Representations
and Warranties.
1.1
Assignor.
The
Assignor represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner
of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any
lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and
authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this
Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated
hereby. Neither the Assignor nor any of its officers, directors, employees,
agents or attorneys shall be responsible for (i) any statements, warranties
or
representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other
Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability,
genuineness, sufficiency, perfection, priority, collectibility, or value of
the
Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition
of
the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated
in respect of any Loan Document, (iv) the performance or observance by the
Company, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of
their respective obligations under any Loan Document, (v) inspecting any of
the
property, books or records of the Company, or any guarantor, or (vi) any
mistake, error of judgment, or action taken or omitted to be taken in connection
with the Advances or the Loan Documents.
1.2.
Assignee.
The
Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority,
and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment
and
Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become
a Bank under the Credit Agreement, (ii) from and after the Effective Date,
it
shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Bank thereunder
and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of
a
Bank thereunder, (iii) agrees that its payment instructions and notice
instructions are as set forth in Schedule 1 to this Assignment and Assumption,
(iv) confirms that none of the funds, monies, assets or other consideration
being used to make the purchase and assumption hereunder are “plan assets” as
defined under ERISA and that its rights, benefits and interests in and under
the
Loan Documents will not be “plan assets” under ERISA, (v) agrees to indemnify
and hold the Assignor harmless against all losses, costs and expenses (including
reasonable attorneys’ fees) and liabilities incurred by the Assignor in
connection with or arising in any manner from the Assignee’s non-performance of
the obligations assumed under this Assignment and Assumption, (vi) it has
received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of financial
statements and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate
to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment
and
Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has
made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Agent
or any other Bank, and (vii) attached as Schedule 1 to this Assignment and
Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by the Assignee with
respect to its tax status pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly
completed and executed by the Assignee and (b) agrees that (i) it will,
independently and without reliance on the Agent, the Assignor or any other
Bank,
and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at
the
time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action
under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their
terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are
required to be performed by it as a Bank.
Annex
1
2.
Payments.
The
Assignee shall pay the Assignor, on the Effective Date, the amount agreed to
by
the Assignor and the Assignee. From and after the Effective Date, the Agent
shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments
of principal, interest, Reimbursement Obligations, fees and other amounts)
to
the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to the Effective Date and to the
Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective
Date.
3.
General
Provisions.
This
Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of,
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment
and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together
shall constitute one instrument. Delivery
of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment
and
Assumption
by
telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart
of
this Assignment
and
Assumption.
This
Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the law of the State of Illinois.
ADMINISTRATIVE
QUESTIONNAIRE
(Schedule
to be supplied by Closing Unit or Trading Documentation Unit)
(For
Forms for Primary Syndication call _____________ at
________________)
(For
Forms after Primary Syndication call _____________ at
________________)
Annex
1
US
AND NON-US TAX INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
(Schedule
to be supplied by Closing Unit or Trading Documentation Unit)
(For
Forms for Primary Syndication call _____________ at
________________)
(For
Forms after Primary Syndication call _____________ at
________________)
Annex
1
EXHIBIT
D
COMPLIANCE
CERTIFICATE
To:
|
The
Banks parties to the
|
Credit Agreement Described Below |
This
Compliance Certificate is furnished pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated
as of
November 18, 2004 (as amended or otherwise modified from time to time, the
“Agreement”) among the MidAmerican Energy Company (the “Company”), the banks
party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Unless
otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate
have the respective meanings ascribed thereto in the Agreement.
THE
UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY THAT:
1. |
I
am the duly elected
of
the Company;
|
2. |
I
have reviewed the terms of the Agreement and I have made, or have
caused
to be made under my supervision, a detailed review of the transactions
and
conditions of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the accounting
period covered by the attached financial statements;
and
|
3. |
TheCompany’s
Consolidated Debt as of the end of the most recently ended fiscal
quarter
is $_________________.
|
4. |
The
Company’s Consolidated Net Worth as of the end of the most recently ended
fiscal quarter is as set forth
below:
|
(a) |
Capital stock
and additional paid-in capital plus retained earnings (or
minus accumulated
deficit)
|
$
|
|
(b) | Preferred securities | $ | |
Consolidated Net Worth (sum of Items 4(a) and (b)) | $ |
5.
|
The
Company’s Capitalization as of the end of the most recently ended fiscal
quarter is $_________________________ (sum
of Items 3 and 4).
|
6. |
The
Company’s Debt to Capitalization Ratio as of the end of the most recently
ended fiscal quarter is
divided by
=
:1.0
|
(Item 3) (Item 5) |
The
foregoing certifications are made and delivered this
day of
,
200
.
Annex
1
EXHIBIT
E
INCREASE
REQUEST
_________________________,
20___
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
under
the
Credit Agreement referred to below
Ladies/Gentlemen:
Please
refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 18, 2004 among MidAmerican
Energy Company (the “Company”), various financial institutions and JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (as amended, modified, extended or
restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used but
not defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit
Agreement.
In
accordance with Section
2.4.12(ii)
of the
Credit Agreement, the Company hereby requests an increase in the Aggregate
Commitment from $__________ to $__________. Such increase shall be made by
[increasing the Commitment of ____________ from $________ to $________] [adding
_____________ as a Bank under the Credit Agreement with a Commitment of
$____________] as set forth in the letter attached hereto. Such increase shall
be effective three Business Days after the date that the Administrative Agent
accepts the letter attached hereto or such other date as is agreed among the
Company, the Administrative Agent and the [increasing] [new] Bank.
Very
truly yours,
MIDAMERICAN
ENERGY COMPANY
By:
_________________________________
Name:
_______________________________
Title:
________________________________
Annex
1
ANNEX
I
TO EXHIBIT E
[Date]
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
under
the
Credit Agreement referred to below
Ladies/Gentlemen:
Please
refer to the letter dated __________, 20__ from MidAmerican Energy Company(the
“Company”)
requesting an increase in the Aggregate Commitment from $__________ to
$__________ pursuant to Section 2.4.12(ii) of the Credit Agreement dated as
of
November 18, 2004 among the Company, various financial institutions and JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (as amended, modified, extended or
restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used but
not defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit
Agreement.
The
undersigned hereby confirms that it has agreed to increase its Commitment under
the Credit Agreement from $__________ to $__________ effective on the date
which
is three Business Days after the acceptance hereof by the Administrative Agent
or on such other date as may be agreed among the Company, the Administrative
Agent and the undersigned.
Very
truly yours,
[NAME
OF
INCREASING BANK]
By:_________________________
Title:______________________
Accepted
as of
_________,
____
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., as
Administrative
Agent
By:
_______________________________
Name:
_____________________________
Title:
______________________________
Annex
1
ANNEX
II
TO EXHIBIT E
[Date]
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
under
the
Credit Agreement referred to below
Ladies/Gentlemen:
Please
refer to the letter dated __________, 20___ from MidAmerican Energy Company
(the
“Company”)
requesting an increase in the Aggregate Commitment from $__________ to
$__________ pursuant to Section 2.4.12(ii) of the Credit Agreement dated as
of
November 18, 2004 among the Company, various financial institutions and JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (as amended, modified, extended or
restated from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used but
not defined herein have the respective meanings set forth in the Credit
Agreement.
The
undersigned hereby confirms that it has agreed to become a Bank under the Credit
Agreement with a Commitment of $__________ effective on the date which is three
Business Days after the acceptance hereof, and consent hereto, by the
Administrative Agent or on such other date as may be agreed among the Company,
the Administrative Agent and the undersigned.
The
undersigned (a) acknowledges that it has received a copy of the Credit
Agreement and the Schedules and Exhibits thereto, together with copies of the
most recent financial statements delivered by the Company pursuant to the Credit
Agreement, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate
to make its own credit and legal analysis and decision to become a Bank under
the Credit Agreement; and (b) agrees that it will, independently and
without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Bank and based
on
such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit and legal decisions in taking or not taking
action under the Credit Agreement.
The
undersigned represents and warrants that (i) it is duly organized and
existing and it has full power and authority to take, and has taken, all action
necessary to execute and deliver this letter and to become a Bank under the
Credit Agreement; and (ii) no notices to, or consents, authorizations or
approvals of, any Person are required (other than any already given or obtained)
for its due execution and delivery of this letter and the performance of its
obligations as a Bank under the Credit Agreement.
The
undersigned agrees to execute and deliver such other instruments, and take
such
other actions, as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this letter.
Annex
1
The
following administrative details apply to the undersigned:
(A) Notice
Address:
Legal
name: __________________________
Address:
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Attention:
_____________________________
Telephone:
(___) _______________________
Facsimile:
(___) ______________________
(B) Payment
Instructions:
Account
No.: ___________________________
At:
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Reference:
___________________________
Attention:
___________________________
The
undersigned acknowledges and agrees that, on the date on which the undersigned
becomes a Bank under the Credit Agreement as set forth in the second paragraph
hereof, the undersigned will be bound by the terms of the Credit Agreement
as
fully and to the same extent as if the undersigned were an original Bank under
the Credit Agreement.
Very
truly yours,
[NAME
OF
NEW BANK]
By:_________________________
Title:______________________
Accepted
and consented to as of
______________,
20___
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Administrative Agent
By:
_____________________________
Name:
___________________________
Title:____________________________
Annex
1
CONTENTS
Clause
|
Subject
Matter
|
Page
|
|
ARTICLE
I
|
DEFINITIONS;
RULES OF INTERPRETATION
|
1
|
|
1.1
|
Definitions
|
1
|
|
1.2
|
Interpretation
|
11
|
|
1.3
|
Accounting
Terms
|
11
|
|
ARTICLE
II
|
THE
FACILITY
|
12
|
|
2.1
|
The
Facility
|
12
|
|
2.1.1
|
Description
of Facility
|
12
|
|
2.1.2
|
Facility
Amount
|
12
|
|
2.1.3
|
Availability
of Facility
|
12
|
|
2.2
|
Advances
|
12
|
|
2.2.1
|
Advances
|
12
|
|
2.2.2
|
Rate
Options
|
12
|
|
2.2.3
|
Method
of Selecting Rate Options and Interest Periods for
Advances
|
12
|
|
2.2.4
|
Conversion
and Continuation of Outstanding Advances
|
13
|
|
2.3
|
Fees
|
13
|
|
2.3.1
|
Facility
Fee
|
13
|
|
2.3.2
|
Administrative
Agent’s Fees and Arrangers’ Fees
|
13
|
|
2.3.3
|
Upfront
Fee
|
14
|
|
2.3.4
|
Utilization
Fee
|
14
|
|
2.4
|
General
Facility Terms
|
14
|
|
2.4.1
|
Method
of Borrowing
|
14
|
|
2.4.2
|
Minimum
Amount of Each Advance
|
14
|
|
2.4.3
|
Payment
on the Termination Date
|
14
|
|
2.4.4
|
Optional
Principal Payments
|
14
|
|
2.4.5
|
Interest
Rates and Periods
|
15
|
|
2.4.6
|
Rate
after Maturity
|
15
|
|
2.4.7
|
Payment
Dates; Interest and Fee Basis
|
15
|
|
2.4.8
|
Method
of Payment
|
15
|
|
2.4.9
|
Evidence
of Indebtedness; Telephonic Notices
|
16
|
|
2.4.10
|
Notification
of Advances, Interest Rates and Prepayments
|
17
|
|
2.4.11
|
Non-Receipt
of Funds by the Administrative Agent
|
17
|
|
2.4.12
|
Changes
in Aggregate Commitment
|
18
|
|
2.5
|
Lending
Installations
|
18
|
-i-
CONTENTS
Clause
|
Subject
Matter
|
Page
|
|
2.6
|
Withholding
Tax Exemption
|
19
|
|
2.7
|
Facility
LCs
|
19
|
|
2.7.1
|
Issuance
|
19
|
|
2.7.2
|
Participations
|
19
|
|
2.7.3
|
Notice
|
20
|
|
2.7.4
|
LC
Fees
|
20
|
|
2.7.5
|
Administration;
Reimbursement by Banks
|
20
|
|
2.7.6
|
Reimbursement
by Company
|
21
|
|
2.7.7
|
Obligations
Absolute
|
21
|
|
2.7.8
|
Actions
of LC Issuer
|
22
|
|
2.7.9
|
Indemnification
|
22
|
|
2.7.10
|
Banks’
Indemnification
|
23
|
|
2.7.11
|
Facility
LC Collateral Account
|
23
|
|
2.7.12
|
Rights
as a Bank
|
24
|
|
ARTICLE
III
|
CHANGE
IN CIRCUMSTANCES
|
24
|
|
3.1
|
Yield
Protection
|
24
|
|
3.2
|
Availability
of Rate Options
|
25
|
|
3.3
|
Funding
Indemnification
|
25
|
|
3.4
|
Bank
Statements; Survival of Indemnity
|
25
|
|
3.5
|
Substitution
of Bank
|
26
|
|
ARTICLE
IV
|
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
|
26
|
|
4.1
|
Conditions
to Effectiveness
|
26
|
|
4.2
|
Each
Credit Extension
|
27
|
|
ARTICLE
V
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
|
28
|
|
5.1
|
Organization,
etc.
|
28
|
|
5.2
|
Due
Authorization, Non-Contravention, etc.
|
28
|
|
5.3
|
Government
Approval, Regulation, etc.
|
28
|
|
5.4
|
Validity,
etc.
|
29
|
|
5.5
|
Financial
Information
|
29
|
|
5.6
|
No
Material Adverse Change
|
29
|
|
5.7
|
Litigation,
Labor Controversies, etc.
|
29
|
|
5.8
|
Subsidiaries
|
29
|
|
5.9
|
Taxes
|
29
|
-ii-
CONTENTS
Clause
|
Subject
Matter
|
Page
|
|
5.10
|
Regulations
U and X
|
29
|
|
5.11
|
ERISA
|
30
|
|
5.12
|
Environmental
Matters
|
30
|
|
ARTICLE
VI
|
COVENANTS
|
30
|
|
6.1
|
Financial
Information, Reports, Notices, etc.
|
30
|
|
6.2
|
Use
of Proceeds
|
31
|
|
6.3
|
Corporate
Existence
|
31
|
|
6.4
|
Books
and Records
|
31
|
|
6.5
|
Litigation
Notice
|
32
|
|
6.6
|
Notice
of Default or Unmatured Default
|
32
|
|
6.7
|
FERC
Approvals
|
32
|
|
6.8
|
Maintenance
of Property; Insurance
|
32
|
|
6.9
|
Compliance
with Laws
|
32
|
|
6.10
|
Debt
to Capitalization Ratio
|
32
|
|
6.11
|
Liens
|
32
|
|
ARTICLE
VII
|
DEFAULTS
|
33
|
|
7.1
|
Non-Payment
of Obligations
|
33
|
|
7.2
|
Breach
of Warranty
|
33
|
|
7.3
|
Non-Performance
of Certain Covenants and Obligations
|
33
|
|
7.4
|
Non-Performance
of Other Covenants and Obligations
|
33
|
|
7.5
|
Default
on Other Indebtedness
|
33
|
|
7.6
|
Judgments
|
34
|
|
7.7
|
Bankruptcy,
Insolvency etc.
|
34
|
|
7.8
|
Unfunded
Liabilities
|
35
|
|
7.9
|
Environmental
Matters
|
35
|
|
ARTICLE
VIII
|
ACCELERATION,
WAIVERS, AMENDMENTS AND REMEDIES
|
35
|
|
8.1
|
Acceleration;
Facility LC Collateral Account
|
35
|
|
8.2
|
Amendments
|
36
|
|
8.3
|
Preservation
of Rights
|
37
|
|
ARTICLE
IX
|
GENERAL
PROVISIONS
|
37
|
|
9.1
|
Survival
of Representations
|
37
|
|
9.2
|
Governmental
Regulation
|
37
|
|
9.3
|
Taxes
|
38
|
-iii-
CONTENTS
Clause
|
Subject
Matter
|
Page
|
|
9.4
|
Headings
|
38
|
|
9.5
|
Entire
Agreement
|
38
|
|
9.6
|
Several
Obligations
|
38
|
|
9.7
|
Expenses;
Indemnification
|
38
|
|
9.8
|
Numbers
of Documents
|
39
|
|
9.9
|
USA
PATRIOT ACT NOTIFICATION
|
39
|
|
9.10
|
Severability
of Provisions
|
39
|
|
9.11
|
Nonliability
of Banks
|
39
|
|
9.12
|
CHOICE
OF LAW
|
39
|
|
9.13
|
CONSENT
TO JURISDICTION
|
39
|
|
9.14
|
WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL
|
39
|
|
9.15
|
Confidentiality
|
40
|
|
ARTICLE
X
|
THE
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
|
40
|
|
10.1
|
Appointment
|
40
|
|
10.2
|
Powers
|
41
|
|
10.3
|
General
Immunity
|
41
|
|
10.4
|
No
Responsibility for Loan Documents, Recitals, etc.
|
41
|
|
10.5
|
Action
on Instructions of Banks
|
41
|
|
10.6
|
Employment
of Agents and Counsel
|
41
|
|
10.7
|
Reliance
on Documents; Counsel
|
41
|
|
10.8
|
Administrative
Agent’s Reimbursement and Indemnification
|
41
|
|
10.9
|
Rights
as a Bank
|
42
|
|
10.10
|
Bank
Credit Decision
|
42
|
|
10.11
|
Successor
Administrative Agent
|
42
|
|
10.12
|
Other
Agents, Etc.
|
43
|
|
ARTICLE
XI
|
SETOFF;
RATABLE PAYMENTS
|
43
|
|
11.1
|
Setoff
|
43
|
|
11.2
|
Ratable
Payments
|
43
|
|
ARTICLE
XII
|
BENEFIT
OF AGREEMENT; ASSIGNMENTS; PARTICIPATIONS
|
43
|
|
12.1
|
Successors
and Assigns
|
||
12.2
|
Participations
|
||
12.2.1
|
Permitted
Participants; Effect
|
||
12.2.2
|
Voting
Rights
|
-iv-
CONTENTS
Clause
|
Subject
Matter
|
Page
|
|
12.2.3
|
Benefit
of Setoff
|
44
|
|
12.3
|
Assignments
|
45
|
|
12.3.1
|
Permitted
Assignments
|
45
|
|
12.3.2
|
Effect;
Effective Date
|
45
|
|
12.4
|
Dissemination
of Information
|
45
|
|
12.5
|
Tax
Treatment
|
45
|
|
ARTICLE
XIII
|
NOTICES
|
45
|
|
13.1
|
Giving
Notice
|
45
|
|
13.2
|
Change
of Address
|
45
|
|
ARTICLE
XIV
|
COUNTERPARTS;
TERMINATION OF EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT
|
46
|
|
EXHIBITS
|
|||
EXHIBIT
A
|
Form
of Note
|
||
EXHIBIT
B
|
Form
of Opinion of Counsel
|
||
EXHIBIT
C
|
Form
of Assignment Agreement
|
||
EXHIBIT
D
|
Form
of Compliance Certificate
|
||
EXHIBIT
E
|
Form
of Increase Request
|
-v-