Exhibit 99.4
(Multicurrency-Cross Border)
SCHEDULE
to the
Master Agreement
dated as of September 8, 2006
between
XXXXXX BROTHERS SPECIAL FINANCING INC. ("Party A"),
a corporation organized under the laws of
the State of Delaware
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK, not in its individual or corporate capacity but solely
as Swap Contract Administrator for CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust
2006-14, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-14, pursuant to a Swap
Contract Administration Agreement ("Party B")
All terms used herein and not otherwise defined are given their meaning in the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of August 1st, 2006 among CWABS, Inc.
as Depositor, Park Monaco Inc., as a Seller, Park Sienna LLC, as a Seller,
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. as a Seller, Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP,
as Master Servicer and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the "Pooling and
Servicing Agreement") and in the Swap Contract Administration Agreement dated
as of September 8, 2006, among the Bank of New York, as Swap Contract
Administrator (in such capacity, the "Swap Contract Administrator") and as
Trustee under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement referred to above (in such
capacity, the "Trustee"), and Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.(the "Swap Contract
Administration Agreement").
Part 1: Termination Provisions
In this Agreement:-
(a) "Specified Entity" means in relation to Party A for the purpose of:-
Section 5(a)(v), Not applicable.
Section 5(a)(vi), Not applicable.
Section 5(a)(vii), Not applicable.
Section 5(b)(iv), Not applicable.
and in relation to Party B for the purpose of:-
Section 5(a)(v), Not applicable.
Section 5(a)(vi), Not applicable.
Section 5(a)(vii), Not applicable.
Section 5(b)(iv), Not applicable.
(b) "Specified Transaction" will have the meaning specified in Section 14
of this Agreement.
(c) Events of Default.
(i) The "Breach of Agreement" provisions of Section 5(a)(ii) will not
apply to Party A and will not apply to Party B.
(ii) The "Credit Support Default" provisions of Section 5(a)(iii)
will apply to Party A and will not apply to Party B.
(iii) The "Misrepresentation" provisions of Section 5(a)(iv) will not
apply to Party A and will not apply to Party B.
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(iv) The "Default under Specified Transaction" provisions of Section
5(a)(v) will not apply to Party A and will not apply to Party B.
(v) "Cross Default" provisions of Section 5(a)(vi) will not apply to
Party A and will not apply to Party B.
(vi) Clause (2) of the "Bankruptcy" provisions of Section 5(a)(vii)
will not apply to Party B with respect to its inability to pay its
subordinated debt.
(d) Termination Events.
(i) The "Credit Event Upon Merger" provisions of Section 5(b)(iv)
will not apply to Party A and will not apply to Party B.
(e) The "Automatic Early Termination" provision of Section 6(a) will not
apply to Party A and will not apply to Party B.
(f) Payments on Early Termination. For the purpose of Section 6(e) of
this Agreement, Market Quotation and the Second Method will apply.
(g) "Termination Currency" means USD.
(h) Additional Termination Events will apply. Each of the following shall
constitute an Additional Termination Event:
(A) Approved Ratings Threshold. Upon the occurrence of a
Collateralization Event (as defined below) if Party A has not, within
30 days after such ratings downgrade (unless, within 30 days after
such downgrade, each such Swap Rating Agency has reconfirmed the
ratings of the Swap Certificates and any notes backed by the Swap
Certificates (the "Notes") which were in effect immediately prior to
such downgrade without regard to any financial guarantee insurance
policy, if applicable, unless the ratings of the Swap Certificates
and any Notes were changed due to a circumstance other than the
downgrading of Party A's (or its Credit Support Provider's) rating),
complied with one of the four solutions listed below, then an
Additional Termination Event shall have occurred with respect to
Party A and Party A shall be the sole Affected Party with respect to
such Additional Termination Event.
In the event that (A) either (i) the unsecured, long-term senior debt
obligations of Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated
below "A1" by Xxxxx'x or are rated "A1" by Xxxxx'x and such rating is
on watch for possible downgrade (but only for so long as it is on
watch for possible downgrade) or (ii) the unsecured, short-term debt
obligations of Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated
below "P-1" by Xxxxx'x or are rated "P-1" by Xxxxx'x and such rating
is on watch for possible downgrade (but only for so long as it is on
watch for possible downgrade), (B) no short-term rating is available
from Xxxxx'x and the unsecured, long-term senior debt obligations of
Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated below "Aa3" by
Xxxxx'x or are rated "Aa3" by Xxxxx'x and such rating is on watch for
possible downgrade (but only for so long as it is on watch for
possible downgrade), or (C) either (i) the unsecured, short-term debt
obligations of Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated
below "A-1" by S&P or (ii) if Party A (or its Credit Support
Provider) does not have a short-term rating from S&P, the unsecured,
long-term senior debt obligations of Party A (or its Credit Support
Provider) are rated below "A+" by S&P (such event a
"Collateralization Event"), then, Party A, at its own cost and
subject to Rating Agency Condition (other than with respect to
sub-clause (iii) below), shall within 30 days either (i) cause
another entity to replace Party A as party to this Agreement that
satisfies the Swap Counterparty Ratings Requirement and that is
approved by the Trustee (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld) on terms substantially similar to this Agreement; (ii)
obtain a guaranty of, or a contingent agreement of another person
that satisfies the Swap Counterparty Ratings Requirement), to honor
Party A's obligations under this Agreement, provided that such other
person is approved by the Trustee such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld; (iii) post collateral in accordance with the
Credit Support Annex attached hereto; or (iv) establish any other
arrangement satisfactory to the applicable Swap Rating Agency which
will be sufficient to restore the
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immediately prior ratings of the Swap Certificates and any Notes
without regard to any financial guarantee policy, if applicable, that
satisfies the Swap Counterparty Ratings Requirements. If Party A
posts collateral in any circumstance described in this paragraph, and
if required at the time by S&P or necessary to satisfy the Rating
Agency Condition, concurrently with such delivery of Eligible
Collateral, Party A shall cause its outside counsel to deliver to
Party B an opinion in form and substance acceptable to S&P, as to the
enforceability, perfection and priority of Party B's security
interest in such Eligible Collateral in all relevant jurisdictions
(i.e., that, notwithstanding Party A's insolvency, the collateral
will be available to meet swap obligations free from any preference
claim or moratorium). All collateral posted by Party A shall be
returned to Party A immediately upon Party A securing a substitute
counterparty that satisfies the Swap Counterparty Ratings
Requirements.
"Swap Counterparty Ratings Requirement" shall mean (a) either (i) the
unsecured, short-term debt obligations of the substitute counterparty
(or its Credit Support Provider) are rated at least "A-1" by S&P or
(ii) if the substitute counterparty does not have a short-term rating
from S&P, the unsecured, long-term senior debt obligations of the
substitute counterparty (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated at
least "A+" by S&P, and (b) either (i) the unsecured, long-term senior
debt obligations of such substitute counterparty (or its Credit
Support Provider) are rated at least "A1" by Xxxxx'x (and if rated
"A1" by Xxxxx'x, such rating is not on watch for possible downgrade)
and the unsecured, short-term debt obligations of such substitute
counterparty (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated at least
"P-1" by Xxxxx'x (and if rated "P-1" by Xxxxx'x, such rating is not
on watch for possible downgrade and remaining on watch for possible
downgrade), or (ii) if such substitute counterparty (or its Credit
Support Provider) does not have a short-term debt rating from
Xxxxx'x, the unsecured, long-term senior debt obligations of such
substitute counterparty (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated at
least "Aa3" by Xxxxx'x (and if rated "Aa3" by Xxxxx'x, such rating is
not on watch for possible downgrade).
(B) Ratings Event. Upon the occurrence of a Ratings Event (as defined
below) if Party A has not, within 10 days after such rating
withdrawal or downgrade (unless, within 10 days after such withdrawal
or downgrade, each such Swap Rating Agency has reconfirmed the
ratings of the Swap Certificates and any Notes which were in effect
immediately prior to such withdrawal or downgrade without regard to
any financial guarantee insurance policy, if applicable unless the
ratings of the Swap Certificates and any Notes were changed due to a
circumstance other than the withdrawal or downgrading of Party A's
(or its Credit Support Provider's) rating), complied with one of the
solutions listed below, then an Additional Termination Event shall
have occurred with respect to Party A and Party A shall be the sole
Affected Party with respect to such Additional Termination Event.
It shall be a ratings event ("Ratings Event") if at any time after
the date hereof Party A shall fail to satisfy the Swap Counterparty
Ratings Threshold. Swap Counterparty Ratings Threshold shall mean
that both (A) the unsecured, long-term senior debt obligations of
Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated at least "BBB-" by
S&P, and (B) either (i) the unsecured, long-term senior debt
obligations of Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated at
least "A2" by Xxxxx'x (including if such rating is on watch for
possible downgrade) and the unsecured, short-term debt obligations of
Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated at least "P-1" by
Xxxxx'x (including if such rating is on watch for possible downgrade)
or (ii) if Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) does not have a
short-term rating from Xxxxx'x, the unsecured, long-term senior debt
obligations of Party A (or its Credit Support Provider) are rated at
least "A1" by Xxxxx'x (including if such rating is on watch for
possible downgrade).
Following a Ratings Event, Party A shall take the following actions
at its own expense and subject to the Rating Agency Condition (other
than with respect to sub-clause (A) hereafter), (A) immediately post
collateral in accordance with the Credit Support Annex attached
hereto (until such time as it has secured a substitute counterparty
or a guarantor that satisfies the Swap Counterparty Ratings
Requirement, and (B) not later than 10 days after the occurrence of
such a downgrade or withdrawal by S&P or Xxxxx'x, either (I) assign
all of its rights and obligations under the Transactions to a
counterparty that satisfies the Swap Counterparty Ratings Requirement
or whose guarantor satisfies the Swap Counterparty Ratings
Requirement pursuant to documentation substantially similar to the
documentation then in place and subject to prior notification to the
Swap Rating Agencies, or (II) provide a guaranty from a guarantor
that satisfies the Swap Counterparty Ratings Requirement pursuant to
documentation substantially similar to the documentation then in
place and subject to prior notification to the Swap Rating Agencies.
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The occurrence of the Additional Termination Event described in Part
1(h)(A) and (B) shall have no effect on Party A's obligation to
undertake the steps set forth hereunder in the event Party B does not
exercise its right to terminate hereunder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in the event that S&P has other published criteria with
respect to the downgrade of a counterparty in effect at the time of
such a downgrade of Party A, Party A shall be entitled to elect to
take such other measures specified in such published criteria subject
to the satisfaction of the Rating Agency Condition.
(C) Amendment or Supplement to Pooling and Servicing Agreement
without Party A's Prior Written Consent. Party B enters into an
amendment and or supplement to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement or
other modification to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement that could
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Party A
without the prior written consent of Party A (such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld). For the purpose of the foregoing Additional
Termination Event, Party B shall be the sole Affected Party.
(D) Return of Collateral. Party B or its Custodian fails to transfer
any Return Amount pursuant to the terms of the Credit Support Annex
following any applicable notice, cure and grace periods provided for
thereunder. For the purpose of the foregoing Additional Termination
Event, Party B shall be the sole Affected Party.
Part 2: Tax Representations
(a) Payer Tax Representations. For the purpose of Section 3(e) of this
Agreement, Party A and Party B will each make the following
representation:
It is not required by any applicable law, as modified by the practice
of any relevant governmental revenue authority, of any Relevant
Jurisdiction to make any deduction or withholding for or on account
of any Tax from any payment (other than interest under Sections 2(e),
6(d)(ii) or 6(e) of this Agreement) to be made by it to the other
party under this Agreement. In making this representation, it may
rely on (i) the accuracy of any representation made by the other
party pursuant to Section 3(f) of this Agreement, (ii) the
satisfaction(s) of the agreement of the other party contained in
Section 4(a)(i) or 4(a)(iii) of this Agreement and the accuracy and
effectiveness of any document provided by the other party pursuant to
Section 4(a)(i) or 4(a)(iii) of this Agreement; and (iii) the
satisfaction of the agreement of the other party contained in Section
4(d) of this Agreement, provided that it shall not be a breach of
this representation where reliance is placed on clause (ii) and the
other party does not deliver a form or document under Section
4(a)(iii) of this Agreement by reason of material prejudice to its
legal or commercial position.
(b) Payee Tax Representations.
For the purpose of Section 3(f) of this Agreement, Party A represents
that it is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under
the laws of the State of Delaware and Party B represents that it is a
"United States person" as such term is defined in Section 7701(a)(30)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(c) Tax Representations in Confirmations. For purposes of Sections
2(d)(i)(4) and 3(f), any payee tax representation specified in a
Confirmation under this Agreement shall be deemed to be specified in
this Schedule.
(d) Deduction or Withholding for Tax. The provisions of Section
2(d)(i)(4) and 2(d)(ii) will not apply to Party B and Party B shall
not be required to pay any additional amounts referred to therein.
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Part 3: Agreement to Deliver Documents
For the purpose of Sections 4(a)(i) and (ii) of this Agreement, each party
agrees to deliver the following documents, as applicable:-
(a) Tax forms, documents or certificates to be delivered are:-
Party required to Form/Document/ Date by which
deliver document Certificate to be Delivered
---------------- ----------- ---------------
Party A and Party B Forms and/or documents described in Upon reasonable demand by the other party.
Section 4(a)(iii) of the Agreement.
(b) Other documents to be delivered are:-
Party required to Form/Document/ Date by which Covered by
deliver document Certificate to be Delivered Section 3(d)
---------------- ----------- --------------- ------------
Party A and Party B For each party, an incumbency certificate with Upon execution of this Yes
respect to each signatory to this Agreement and Agreement.
the Credit Support Documents.
Party A A copy of the annual report of its Credit Upon request. Yes
Support Provider containing audited consolidated
financial statements for such fiscal year
certified by independent public accountants and
prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied.
Party A For its most recent fiscal quarter, a copy of Upon request. Yes
the unaudited financial statements of its
Credit Support Provider, prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied.
Party A and Party B Any documents required or reasonably requested Upon execution of this Yes
by the receiving party to evidence authority of Agreement.
the delivering party or its Credit Support
Provider, if any, to execute and deliver this
Agreement, any Confirmation, and any Credit
Support Documents to which it is a party, and to
evidence the authority of the delivering party
to its Credit Support Provider to perform its
obligations under this Agreement, such
Confirmation and/or Credit Support Document, as
the case may be.
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Party required to Form/Document/ Date by which Covered by
deliver document Certificate to be Delivered Section 3(d)
---------------- ----------- --------------- ------------
Party A A guarantee of Xxxxxx Brothers Holdings Inc. Upon execution of this No
("Holdings") substantially in the form of Agreement.
Exhibit A to this Schedule.
Party B Opinions of counsel to Party B substantially in Upon execution of this No
the form of Exhibit C and D to this Schedule. Agreement.
Party A An opinion of counsel to Party A and Party A's Upon execution of this No
Credit Support Provider substantially in the Agreement.
form of Exhibit B to this Schedule.
Party B Monthly Report At such time as each Monthly Yes
Report is delivered to the
Trustee.
Party B Copy of any notice delivered under the Pooling Upon availability. Yes
and Servicing Agreement that impacts this
Agreement.
Party B Executed copy of the Credit Support Document Upon execution of this Yes
specified in Part 4 to this Schedule. Agreement.
Party B Executed copy of the Swap Contract Upon execution of this Yes
Administration Agreement. Agreement.
Part 4: Miscellaneous
(a) Addresses for Notices. For the purpose of Section 12(a) of this
Agreement:-
Address for notices or communications to Party A:-
Address: Xxxxxx Brothers Special Financing Inc.
c/x Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
Corporate Advisory Division
Transaction Management Group
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: Documentation Manager
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
For all purposes.
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Address for notices or communications to Party B:-
Address: The Bank of New York
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration MBS
Administration, CWABS, Series 2006-14
Telephone No.: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
For all purposes.
(b) Process Agent. For the purpose of Section 13(c) of this Agreement:-
Party A appoints as its Process Agent: Not applicable.
Party B appoints as its Process Agent: Not applicable.
(c) Offices. The provisions of Section 10(a) will apply to this Agreement.
(d) Multibranch Party. For the purpose of Section 10(c) of this Agreement:-
Party A is not a Multibranch Party.
Party B is not a Multibranch Party.
(e) Calculation Agent. The Calculation Agent is Party A; provided,
however, that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing
with respect to Party A, then the parties will mutually appoint a
financial institution acceptable to both parties which would qualify
as a Reference Market-maker to act as Calculation Agent until the
earlier of (i) a designation under Section 6(c)(ii), or (ii) the
discontinuance of such Event of Default with respect to Party A.
(f) Credit Support Document. Details of any Credit Support Document, each
of which is incorporated by reference in, constitutes part of, and is
in connection with, this Agreement and each Confirmation as if set
forth in full in this Agreement or such Confirmation:-
In the case of Party A: (1) A guarantee of Party A's obligations
hereunder substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A to
this Schedule. (2) The Credit Support Annex which supplements, forms
part of, and is subject to this Agreement.
In the case of Party B: From and including the date of its execution,
the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
(g) Credit Support Provider.
Credit Support Provider means in relation to Party A:
Xxxxxx Brothers Holdings Inc.
Credit Support Provider means in relation to Party B: None.
(h) Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without reference
to choice of law doctrine other than Sections 5-1401 and 5-1402 of
the New York General Obligations Law).
(i) Jurisdiction. Section 13(b) is hereby amended by: (i) deleting in the
second line of subparagraph (i) thereof the word "non-"; and (ii)
deleting the final paragraph thereof.
(j) Netting of Payments. Subparagraph (ii) of Section 2(c) of this
Agreement will apply.
(k) "Affiliate" will have the meaning specified in Section 14 of this
Agreement, except that Party B shall be deemed to have no Affiliates;
and provided, however, that with respect to Party A, such definition
shall be understood to exclude Xxxxxx Brothers Derivative Products
Inc. and Xxxxxx Brothers Financial Products Inc.
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Part 5: Other Provisions
(a) Accuracy of Specified Information. Section 3(d) is hereby amended by
inserting in the third line thereof after the words "in every
material respect" and before the period the phrase "or, in the case
of audited or unaudited financial statements, a fair presentation, in
all material respects, of the financial condition of the relevant
person."
(b) No Violation or Conflict Representation. Section 3(a)(iii) is hereby
amended by inserting in the second line thereof after the words
"constitutional documents" and before the words ", any order or
judgment" the phrase "(including, but not limited to, the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement as amended, and any and all resolutions,
investment policies, guidelines, procedures or restrictions).";
provided, such amendment shall be applicable only with respect to the
Representations of Party B.
(c) Representations. Section 3 is hereby amended by adding the following
subsections after subsection (f) thereof:
(g) No Agency. It is entering into this Agreement, any Credit
Support Document to which it is a party, and each
Transaction, and any other documentation relating to this
Agreement or any Transaction, as principal (and not as agent
or in any other capacity, fiduciary or otherwise).
(h) Eligible Contract Participant. It is an "eligible contract
participant" within the meaning of Section 1a(12) of the
Commodity Exchange Act, as amended.
(i) Non-Reliance. It is acting for its own account, and it has
made its own independent decisions to enter into each
Transaction and as to whether that Transaction is
appropriate or proper for it based upon its own judgment and
upon advice from such advisers as it has deemed necessary.
It is not relying on any communication (written or oral) of
the other party as investment advice or as a recommendation
to enter into that Transaction; it being understood that
information and explanations related to the terms and
conditions of a Transaction shall not be considered
investment advice or a recommendation to enter into that
Transaction. No communication (written or oral) received
from the other party shall be deemed to be an assurance or
guarantee as to the expected results of that Transaction.
(j) Assessment and Understanding. It is capable of assessing the
merits of and understanding (on its own behalf or through
independent professional advice), and understands and
accepts, the terms, conditions and risks of that
Transaction. It is also capable of assuming, and assumes,
the risks of that Transaction.
(k) Status of Parties. The other party is not acting as a
fiduciary for or an adviser to it in respect of that
Transaction.
(d) Additional Representations and Warranties of Party B. Party B
represents to Party A in accordance with Section 3 of the Agreement
(which representations will be deemed to be repeated by Party B at
all times until the termination of this Agreement) that all
representations and warranties in the Swap Contract Administration
Agreement are incorporated hereby as if made under this Agreement and
all references to the Swap Contract Administration Agreement are
references to this Agreement.
(e) Third-Party Beneficiary. Party B agrees with Party A that Party A
shall be an express third-party beneficiary of the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement and the Swap Contract Administration Agreement.
(f) No Set-off. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any
other existing or future agreements, each of Party A and Party B
irrevocably waives as to itself any and all contractual rights it may
have to set-off, net, recoup or otherwise withhold or suspend or
condition its payment or performance of any obligation to the other
party under this Agreement against any obligation of one party hereto
to the other party hereto arising outside of this Agreement (which
Agreement includes, without limitation, the Master Agreement to
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which this Schedule is attached, this Schedule, the Confirmations and
any Credit Support Document). The provisions for Set-Off set forth in
Section 6(e) shall not apply.
(g) Transfer and Assignment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
Section 7 and Section 6(b)(ii) of the Agreement, Party A may assign
its rights and obligations under the Agreement, in whole or in part,
to any Affiliate of Holdings effective upon delivery to Party B of
the guarantee by Holdings, in favor of Party B, of the obligations of
such Affiliate, such guarantee to be substantially the same as the
guarantee then in effect of the obligations of the transferor. Party
A will provide prior written notice to each Swap Rating Agency of any
such assignment. Any transfer pursuant to the foregoing or Section 7
of this Agreement shall meet the following requirements:
1. No Event of Default nor Termination Event would occur immediately
as a result of such transfer;
2. Party A delivers to Party B both (a) an executed acceptance and
assumption by the Assignee of this Agreement and all Transactions
(the "Transferred Obligations") and (b) an executed guarantee from
Party A's Credit Support Provider on behalf of the Assignee, with
respect to the Transferred Obligations, substantially and in all
material respects in the form of the guaranty provided hereunder;
3. As a result of the Transfer, on the next scheduled payment date
Party B is not required to make payments (tax or otherwise) that are
more than or receive payments (tax or otherwise) that are less than
the payments that Party B would be required to make or receive under
the Transactions or the Agreement had the transfer not occurred.
On the Effective Date, (1) Party A shall be released from all
obligations and liabilities arising under the Transferred
Obligations; (2) the Assignee shall assume all obligations and
liabilities under the Transferred Obligations; and (3) the
Transferred Obligations shall cease to be Transaction(s) under this
Agreement and shall be deemed to be Transaction(s) under the master
agreement between Assignee and Party B.
In addition, any transfer pursuant to Section 7 of this Agreement
other than the foregoing shall be subject to Rating Agency Condition
and Party A and Party B will provide prior written notice to each
Swap Rating Agency of any transfer under Section 6(b)(ii).
(h) Notices. For the purposes of subsections (iii) and (v) of Section
12(a), the date of receipt shall be presumed to be the date sent if
sent on a Local Business Day or, if not sent on a Local Business Day,
the date of receipt shall be presumed to be the first Local Business
Day following the date sent.
(i) Service of Process. The third sentence of Section 13(c) shall be
amended by adding the following language at the end thereof: "if
permitted in the jurisdiction where the proceedings are initiated and
in the jurisdiction where service is to be made."
(j) Amendments. Section 9(b) is hereby amended by adding at the end
thereof the sentence: "In addition, any amendment or modification of
this Agreement shall be subject to the Rating Agency Condition."
(k) Amendments to Operative Documents. Party B agrees that it will obtain
Party A's written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld) at least ten (10) Business Days prior to amending or
supplementing the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (or any other
transaction document), if such amendment and/or supplement would: (a)
materially adversely affect any of Party A's rights or obligations
hereunder; or (b) modify the obligations of, or impact the ability
of, Party B to fully perform any of Party B's obligations hereunder.
(l) No Bankruptcy Petition. Party A agrees that it will not, until a
period of one year and one day (or if longer, the applicable
preference period), after the payment in full of all of the Swap
Certificates and any Notes, acquiesce, petition, invoke or otherwise
cause Party B to invoke the process of any governmental authority for
the purpose of commencing or sustaining a case (whether voluntary or
involuntary) against Party B under any bankruptcy, insolvency or
similar law or appointing a receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee,
custodian, sequestrator or other similar official of Party B or any
substantial part of its property or ordering the winding-up or
liquidation of the affairs of Party B; provided, that this provision
shall not
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restrict or prohibit Party A from joining any other person,
including, without limitation, the Trustee, in any bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium or liquidation
proceedings already commenced or other analogous proceedings already
commenced under applicable law.
(m) Additional Definition. Section 14 is hereby amended by adding the
following definitions in their appropriate alphabetical order:
"Moody's" means Xxxxx'x Investor Services, Inc.
"Rating Agency Condition" means, with respect to any particular
proposed act or omission to act hereunder, that the party acting or
failing to act has consulted with each Rating Agency then providing a
rating of any Swap Certificates and any Notes and has received from
each Swap Rating Agency a written confirmation that the proposed
action or inaction would not cause such Swap Rating Agency to
downgrade or withdraw its then-current rating of any Swap
Certificates and any Notes determined without regards to any
financial guarantee insurance policy, if applicable.
"S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of
XxXxxx-Xxxx, Inc.
"Swap Rating Agencies " means Moody's and S&P.
"USD" means United States Dollars.
All terms used herein and not otherwise defined are given their
meaning in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
(n) Waiver of Trial By Jury. Insofar as is permitted by law, each party
irrevocably waives any and all rights to trial by jury in any legal
proceeding in connection with this agreement or any transaction, and
acknowledges that this waiver is a material inducement to the other
party's entering into this agreement and each transaction hereunder.
(o) Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or condition of this
Agreement, or the application thereof to any party or circumstance,
shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable (in whole or in part)
for any reason, the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and
conditions hereof shall continue in full force and effect as if this
Agreement had been executed with the invalid or unenforceable portion
eliminated, so long as this Agreement as so modified continues to
express, without material change, the original intentions of the
parties as to the subject matter of this Agreement and the deletion
of such portion of this Agreement will not substantially impair the
respective benefits or expectations of the parties to this Agreement;
provided, however, that this severability provision shall not be
applicable if any provision of Section 2, 5, 6 or 13 (or any
definition or provision in Section 14 to the extent it relates to, or
is used in or connection with any such Section) shall be held to be
invalid or unenforceable.
(p) Limited Liability. Party A and Party B agree to the following: (a)
The Bank of New York ("BNY") is entering into this Agreement not in
its individual or corporate capacity, but solely in its capacity as
Swap Contract Administrator under the Swap Contract Administration
Agreement; (b) in no case shall BNY (or any person acting as
successor Swap Contract Administrator under the Swap Contract
Administration Agreement) be personally liable for or on account of
any of the statements, representations, warranties, covenants or
obligations stated to be those of Party B under the terms of this
Agreement, all such liability, if any, being expressly waived by
Party A and any person claiming by, through or under Party A; and (c)
recourse against Party B shall be limited to the assets available
under the Swap Contract Administration Agreement or the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement.
(q) Regulation AB Compliance. Party A and Party B agree that the terms of
the Item 1115 Agreement dated as of February 24, 2006, as amended
from time to time (the "Regulation AB Agreement"), between
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., CWABS, INC., CWMBS, Inc., CWALT, Inc.,
CWHEQ, Inc. and Xxxxxx Brothers Special Financing Inc. shall be
incorporated by reference into this Agreement so that Party B shall
be an express third party beneficiary of the Regulation AB Agreement.
A copy of the Regulation AB Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit
E.
28
The parties executing this Schedule have executed the Master
Agreement and have agreed as to the contents of this Schedule.
XXXXXX BROTHERS THE BANK OF NEW YORK, not in its individual
SPECIAL FINANCING INC. or corporate capacity but solely as Swap Contract
Administrator for CWABS Asset-Backed
Certificates Trust 2006-14, Asset-Backed
Certificates, Series 2006-14, pursuant to a Swap
Contract Administration Agreement
Party A Party B
Name: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Name: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Title: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Title: Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Date: September 8, 2006 Date: September 8, 2006
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
29
XXXXXX BROTHERS
EXHIBIT A to Schedule
---------------------
GUARANTEE OF XXXXXX BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
------------------------------------------
Filed as Ex. 99.6 herein
------------------------
1
XXXXXX BROTHERS HOLDINGS INC.
000 XXXXXXX XXXXXX, XXX XXXX, XXX XXXX 00000
EXHIBIT B to Schedule
---------------------
[Form of Opinion of Counsel for
Xxxxxx Brothers Special Financing Inc. and
Xxxxxx Brothers Holdings Inc.]
September 8, 2006
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
not in its individual or corporate capacity
but solely as Swap Contract Administrator for
CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust 2006-14,
Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-14
pursuant to a Swap Contract Administration Agreement
x/x Xxx Xxxx xx Xxx Xxxx
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Corporate Trust Administration MBS Administration,
CWABS, Series 2006-14
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have acted as counsel to Xxxxxx Brothers Special Financing Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("Party A") and Xxxxxx Brothers Holdings Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Guarantor"), and am familiar with matters pertaining to the
execution and delivery of the Master Agreement (the "Master Agreement") dated
as of September 8, 2006 between Party A and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, not in its
individual or corporate capacity but solely as Swap Contract Administrator for
CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust 2006-14, Asset-Backed Certificates,
Series 2006-14, pursuant to a Swap Contract Administration Agreement and the
guarantee of Guarantor (the "Guarantee") delivered in connection with the
Master Agreement.
In connection with this opinion, I have examined, or have had
examined on my behalf, an executed copy of the Master Agreement and the
Guarantee, certificates and statements of public officials and officers of
Party A and Guarantor and such other agreements, instruments, documents and
records as I have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this
opinion.
Except as expressly set forth herein, no independent investigation
(including, without limitation, conducting any review, search or investigation
of any public files, records or dockets) has been undertaken to determine the
existence or absence of the facts that are material to my opinions, and no
inference as to my knowledge concerning such facts should be made.
When used herein the phrase "to my knowledge" means to my actual
knowledge without independent investigation.
References in this letter to "Applicable Laws" are to those laws,
rules and regulations of the State of New York which, in my experience, are
normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by the Master
Agreement and the Guarantee. References in this letter to "Governmental
Authorities" are to executive, legislative, judicial, administrative or
regulatory bodies of the State of New York. References in
1
this letter to "Governmental Approval" are to any consent, approval, license,
authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, any
Governmental Authority pursuant to Applicable Laws.
Based on the foregoing but subject to the assumptions, exceptions,
qualifications and limitations hereinafter expressed, I am of the opinion
that:
(i) Each of Party A and Guarantor is a corporation duly
incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Delaware.
(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of the Master
Agreement in the case of Party A, and the Guarantee, in the
case of Guarantor, are within its corporate power, have been
duly authorized by all corporate action and do not conflict
with any provision of its certificate of incorporation or
by-laws.
(iii) The Master Agreement, in the case of Party A, and the
Guarantee, in the case of Guarantor, have been duly executed
and delivered and each constitutes a legal, valid and
binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance
with its respective terms.
(iv) To the best of my knowledge, no Governmental Approval is
required in connection with the execution, delivery and
performance of the Master Agreement in the case of Party A,
or the Guarantee, in the case of Guarantor, except those
that have been obtained and, to my knowledge, are in effect.
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following assumptions,
exceptions, qualifications and limitations:
A. My opinion in paragraph 3 above is subject to: (i) bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally (including, without limitation, the effect of
statutory or other laws regarding fraudulent or other similar transfers or
conveyances); (ii) general principles of equity, regardless of whether
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law; (iii) laws
and considerations of public policy that may limit the enforceability of
provisions (a) regarding indemnification and contribution rights and
obligations, (b) regarding the waiver or limitation of rights to trial by
jury, oral amendments to written agreements or rights of setoff, (c) relating
to submission to jurisdiction, venue or service of process, and (d) purporting
to prohibit or restrict, or require the consent of the "account debtor" (as
defined in Section 9-102 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the
State of New York (the "NYUCC" )) for, the creation, perfection or enforcement
of a security interest in "accounts" or "general intangibles" (in each case,
as defined in Section 9-102 of the NYUCC).
B. I am a member of the Bar of the State of New York and render no
opinion on the laws of any jurisdiction other than the laws of the State of
New York and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Except as
described, I have not examined, or had examined on my behalf, and I do not
express any opinion with respect to, Delaware law.
C. My opinions are limited to the present laws and to the facts as
they presently exist, and no opinion is to be inferred or implied beyond the
matters expressly so stated. I assume no obligation to revise or supplement
this opinion should the present laws of the jurisdictions referred to in
paragraph B above be changed by legislative action, judicial decision or
otherwise.
D. This letter is rendered solely to you solely for your benefit in
connection with the Master Agreement and the Guarantee and the transactions
related thereto and may not be relied upon by any other person, entity or
agency or by you in any other context or for any other purpose. This letter
may not be circulated, used or quoted in whole or in part, nor may copies
thereof be furnished or delivered to any other person, without the prior
written consent of Xxxxxx Brothers Holdings Inc., except that you may furnish
2
copies hereof (i) to your independent auditors and attorneys, (ii) to any
United States, state or local authority having jurisdiction over you or over
Party A or Guarantor, (iii) pursuant to the order of any legal process of any
court of competent jurisdiction or any governmental agency, and (iv) in
connection with any legal action arising out of the Master Agreement or the
Guarantee.
E. I have assumed with your permission (i) the genuineness of all
signatures by each party other than Party A or Guarantor, (ii) the
authenticity of documents submitted to me as originals and the conformity to
authentic original documents of all documents submitted to me as copies, (iii)
the accuracy of the matters set forth in the documents, agreements and
instruments I reviewed, (iv) that each party other than Party A and Guarantor
is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization, (v) the due execution and delivery, pursuant to
due authorization, of the Master Agreement by each party other than Party A,
and (vi) that the Master Agreement is the legal, valid, binding and
enforceable obligation of each party other than Party A, enforceable against
each such party in accordance with its terms.
F. My opinion in paragraph 3 is subject to the qualification that
certain provisions contained in the Agreement and the Guarantee may not be
enforceable, but such unenforceability will not render the Agreement or the
Guarantee invalid as a whole or substantially interfere with the practical
realization of the principal benefits provided thereby.
The foregoing opinions are given on the express understanding that
the undersigned is an officer of Xxxxxx Brothers Inc. and shall in no event
incur any personal liability in connection with said opinions.
Very truly yours,
3
EXHIBIT C to Schedule
[Form of Opinion for Party B]
September 8, 2006
Xxxxxx Brothers Special Financing Inc.
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Re: CWABS, Inc.
Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-14
-----------------------------------------
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special counsel for CWABS, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Depositor"), in connection with the issuance of the CWABS,
Inc. Asset-Backed Certificates of the above-referenced Series (the
"Certificates"). The Certificates represent the entire beneficial ownership
interest in a trust fund (the "Trust Fund") created pursuant to a Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2006 (the "Pooling and Servicing
Agreement") among the Depositor, as depositor, Countrywide Home Loans Inc.
("CHL"), as a seller, Park Monaco Inc., as a seller, Park Sienna LLC, as a
seller, Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP, as master servicer and The Bank
of New York ("BNY"), as trustee. The assets of the Trust Fund will consist
primarily of a pool of conventional, credit-blemished mortgage loans secured
by first liens on one- to four-family residential properties.
In connection with the issuance of the Certificates, we have also
acted as special counsel to the Depositor in connection with the execution and
delivery of the following documents relating to the Certificates: (i) the Swap
Contract Administration Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2006 (the "Swap
Contract Administration Agreement"), between BNY, in its capacity as swap
contract administrator (in such capacity, the "Swap Contract Administrator")
and in its capacity as Trustee under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, and
CHL, (ii) a confirmation with a reference number of Global Deal ID 2643788 and
a trade date of August 29, 2006 (the "Confirmation") between CHL and Xxxxxx
Brothers Special Financing Inc. (the "Swap Counterparty"), (iii) the ISDA
Master Agreement, Schedule and Credit Support Annex dated as of September 8,
2006 (collectively, the "Master Agreement"), between the Swap Counterparty and
the Swap Contract Administrator and (iv) the Swap Contract Assignment
Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2006 (the "Swap Contract Assignment
Agreement"), between CHL, the Swap Counterparty and the Swap Contract
Administrator. The Master Agreement and the transaction evidenced by the
Confirmation, taken together with the applicable provisions of the Swap
Contract Assignment Agreement, are referred to herein collectively as the
"Swap Agreement".
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings
ascribed to such terms in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
In arriving at the opinion expressed below, we have examined and
relied on originals or copies of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Swap
Contract Administration Agreement, the Swap Contract Assignment Agreement, the
Master Agreement and the Confirmation (collectively, the "Agreements"). In
addition, we have made such investigations of law as we have deemed
appropriate as a basis for the opinion expressed below.
Based upon the foregoing, and having regard to legal considerations
which we deem relevant, subject to the assumptions, qualifications and
limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Swap Agreement
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Swap Contract
Administrator, enforceable against the Swap Contract Administrator in
accordance with its terms.
The opinion set forth above is subject to certain qualifications,
assumptions and exceptions as set out below.
In rendering the foregoing opinion, we have assumed, without any
independent investigation or verification, the following: (a) the authenticity
of original documents, the legal capacity of all individuals and the
genuineness of all
signatures; (b) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to
us as certified, conformed or photostatic copies; (c) the truth, accuracy and
completeness of the information, representations and warranties made in
conference or contained in the records, documents, instruments and
certificates we have reviewed; (d) the due organization of the parties to the
Agreements and the power and authority of the parties to the Agreements to
enter into and perform all of their obligations thereunder; (e) the due
authorization, execution and delivery of the Agreements on behalf of the
respective parties thereto; (f) except as expressly covered in the opinion set
forth above, the legal, valid, and binding effect of the Agreements and the
enforceability thereof (in accordance with their terms) against the respective
parties thereto; (g) that the parties have complied and will comply with all
material provisions of the Agreements; (h) the absence of any evidence
extrinsic to the provisions of the written agreements between the parties that
the parties intended a meaning contrary to that expressed by those provisions;
(i) the absence of any agreement or understanding among the parties other than
those contained in the Agreements (or referred to therein or incidental
thereto); (j) that the terms and provisions of the Agreements do not, and the
execution, delivery and performance of the Agreements by any party thereto
does not and will not, violate the organizational documents of such party or
any law, rule, regulation, order or decree of any court, administrative agency
or other governmental authority or agency applicable to such party, or result
in the breach of or a default under any contract or undertaking to which it is
a party or by which it or its property is bound; and (k) that there is nothing
in the laws or public policy of any relevant jurisdiction (other than the
State of New York or the United States of America) that would affect the
opinion set forth above.
Our opinion is qualified as to:
(i) limitations imposed by any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or
other similar law of general application affecting the enforcement of
creditors' or secured creditors' rights generally;
(ii) general principles of equity including, without limitation,
concepts of materiality and fair dealing, the possible unavailability of
specific performance or injunctive relief, and other similar doctrines
affecting the enforceability of agreements generally (regardless of whether
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);
(iii) rights to indemnification or contribution which may be limited
by applicable law or equitable principles or otherwise unenforceable as
against public policy,
(iv) the effect of any other limitations imposed by public policy,
although (except as noted in sub-paragraph (iii) above and sub-paragraphs (v)
through (vii) below) we are not aware of any limitation that would be relevant
to such enforcement;
(v) the effect of any requirement conditioning enforcement on the
party seeking enforcement having acted in a commercially reasonable manner and
in good faith in performing its obligations and exercising its rights and
remedies thereunder;
(vi) the discretion of a court to invalidate or decline to enforce
any right, remedy or provision of the Swap Agreement, determined by it, in any
such case, to be a penalty; and
(vii) the unenforceability of any provision requiring the payment of
attorney's fees, except to the extent that a court determines such fees to be
reasonable.
Certain of the remedial provisions of the Swap Agreement may be
limited or rendered ineffective or unenforceable in whole or in part, but the
inclusion of such provisions does not make the remedies provided by such
Agreement inadequate for the practical realization of the respective rights
and benefits purported to be provided thereby (except for the economic
consequences of procedural or other delay, as to which we express no opinion).
We express no opinion:
(a) as to any provision in the Swap Agreement to the extent that such
provision refers to, or incorporates by reference, the provisions of any
agreement other than the Swap Agreement;
(b) regarding any severability provision;
(c) with respect to the creation, perfection or priority of any
security interest or as to the effect thereof or the rights and remedies or
obligations of any party to the Swap Agreement in respect thereof;
(d) as to the effect of: (i) the compliance or non-compliance of
Xxxxxx Brothers Special Financing Inc. with any United States state or federal
laws or regulations or any other laws or regulations applicable to Xxxxxx
Brothers Special Financing Inc., including limitations or restrictions that
apply to financial institutions; or (ii) the failure of Xxxxxx Brothers
Special Financing Inc. to be duly authorized to conduct business in any
jurisdiction;
(e) with respect to any federal or state securities, "blue sky" or
other similar laws;
(f) as to the enforceability of any rights to specific performance
provided for in the Swap Agreement; or
(g) as to whether a federal court of the United States of America or
a state court outside the State of New York would give effect to the choice of
New York law provided for in the Swap Agreement.
Our opinion herein, as it pertains to the enforceability of
provisions contained in the Swap Agreement pursuant to which the parties
thereto agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the United States federal
courts referred to herein, is subject to the power of such courts to transfer
actions pursuant to 28 U.S.C. ss. 1404(a) or to dismiss such actions or
proceedings on the ground that such a federal court is an inconvenient forum
for such an action or proceeding and we note that such issues may be raised by
the court sua sponte. In addition, we express no opinion as to the subject
matter jurisdiction of any United States federal court to adjudicate any
action relating to the Agreements where jurisdiction based on diversity of
citizenship under 27 U.S.C. ss. 1332 does not exist.
As noted above, the conclusions set forth herein are subject to the
accuracy of the factual assumptions described above and the absence of
additional facts that would materially affect the validity of the assumptions
set forth herein. Our conclusions as to any legal matters in this letter speak
only as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation to revise or supplement
this letter should such factual matters change or should such laws or
regulations be changed by legislative or regulatory action, judicial decision
or otherwise, and we hereby express no opinion as to the effect any such
changes may have on the foregoing opinion. We do not express any opinion,
either implicitly or otherwise, on any issue not expressly addressed in the
third paragraph of this letter.
We express no opinion as to matters of law other than the law of the
State of New York and the federal law of the United States of America. In
rendering the foregoing opinion we have assumed that enforcement of the Swap
Agreement in accordance with New York law would not violate any provision of
any law of any jurisdiction (other than the State of New York) or any public
policy of any jurisdiction that bears a reasonable relation to the Agreements
or the transaction in which the Swap Agreement is being executed and delivered
by the parties thereto.
The opinion expressed herein is solely for your benefit in connection
with the transactions contemplated by the Agreements and may not be relied on
in any manner or for any purpose by any other individual, partnership,
corporation or other governmental or non-governmental entity (each a
"Person"), nor may any copies thereof be published, communicated, filed with
or otherwise made available in whole or in part to any other Person without
our specific prior written consent. By accepting this letter, each Person to
whom this letter is addressed recognizes and acknowledges that (i) no
attorney-client relationship exists or has existed between the lawyers in our
firm representing the Depositor and such Person in connection with the
execution of the Agreements or by virtue of this letter and (ii) this letter
may not be appropriate or sufficient for such Person's purposes.
Very truly yours,
EXHIBIT D to Schedule
[Form of Opinion for Trustee]
September 8, 2006
TO THE PARTIES LISTED ON THE SCHEDULE HERETO
Re: CWABS 2006-14
We have acted as counsel to The Bank of New York, a New York banking
corporation ("BNY"), in connection with the issuance of Asset-Backed
Certificates, Series 2006-14 (the "Certificates") and the execution and
delivery by BNY of (i) the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of August
1, 2006 (the "Pooling and Servicing Agreement"), among CWABS, Inc., (the
"Depositor"), Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. ("CHL"), Park Monaco Inc., as
Seller, Park Sienna LLC as Seller, Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP as
Master Servicer and BNY, as trustee (the "Trustee") and (ii) the Swap Contract
Administration Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2006 (the "Swap Contract
Administration Agreement"), among CHL, the Trustee and BNY, as swap contract
administrator (the "Swap Contract Administrator"). This opinion is being
delivered to you at the request of the Trustee. Capitalized terms used herein
and not otherwise defined are used as defined in the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement. The Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the Swap Contract
Administration Agreement shall be referred to herein collectively as the
"Transaction Documents."
We have examined originals or copies of the Transaction Documents and have
examined originals or copies of such other documents and such corporate
records, certificates and other statements of governmental officials and
corporate officers and other representatives of BNY as we have deemed
necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the opinions expressed herein. As
to certain facts material to the opinions expressed herein, we have relied
without investigation on the representations and warranties contained in the
Transaction Documents.
Based on the foregoing and on an examination of such questions of law as we
have deemed necessary or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions,
exceptions and qualifications set forth below, we advise you that, in our
opinion:
1. BNY has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a New
York banking corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of New
York and has full power and authority (corporate and other) to enter into and
to perform all its obligations under the Transaction Documents;
2. the Pooling and Servicing Agreement has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by the Trustee and constitutes legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Trustee, enforceable against the Trustee and in accordance
with its terms;
3. The Swap Contract Administration Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by BNY as the Swap Contract Administrator
and by the Trustee and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of
the Swap Contract Administrator and the Trustee, enforceable against the Swap
Contract Administrator in accordance with its terms;
4. the Certificates have been duly authenticated and delivered by the
Trustee;
5. the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents by BNY and
the performance by BNY of its terms, does not conflict with or result in a
violation of (a) any law or regulation of the State of New York or the United
States of America governing the banking or trust powers of BNY, or (b) the
Articles of Association or By-Laws of BNY;
6. no approval, authorization or other action by, or giving of notice
to, registration or filing with or other action with respect to, any
governmental authority of the United States of America or the State of New
York having jurisdiction over the banking or trust powers of BNY is required
in connection with the execution and delivery by BNY of the Transaction
Documents or the performance by BNY thereunder; and
7. to our actual knowledge, without independent investigation, there
are no actions, proceedings or investigations pending or threatened against or
affecting BNY before or by any court, arbitrator, administrative agency or
other governmental authority which, if adversely decided, would materially and
adversely affect the ability of the BNY to carry out the transactions
contemplated in the Transaction Documents.
The foregoing opinions are subject to the following exceptions,
qualifications and assumptions:
(A) The foregoing opinions are limited to the laws of the State of
New York and the federal laws of the United States of America (except that we
express no opinion with respect to, and assume compliance with, (i) state
securities or blue sky laws and (ii) federal securities laws, including,
without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended,
and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) and we have not considered
and express no opinion on the laws, rules and regulations of any other
jurisdiction.
(B) The foregoing opinions regarding enforceability are subject to
(i) bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, moratorium,
conservatorship, receivership or other similar laws now or hereafter in effect
relating to the enforcement of creditors' rights in general, as such laws
would apply in the event of a bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation,
reorganization, moratorium, conservatorship, receivership or similar
occurrence affecting BNY, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of
whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law)
as well as concepts of reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, and (iii)
the effect of federal or state securities laws on the enforceability of
provisions relating to indemnification or contribution.
(C) We have assumed the due authorization, execution and delivery by
each of the parties thereto, other than BNY, of the Transaction Documents and
that each of such parties has the full power, authority and legal right to
execute, deliver and perform such document.
(D) We have assumed without investigation that all signatures (other
than those of officers of BNY) on documents examined by us are genuine, that
all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, and that all
documents submitted to us as copies or specimens conform with authentic
originals.
(E) We do not express any opinion as to the creation, attachment,
perfection or priority of any security interest or the nature or validity of
title to any property.
(F) We have not participated in the preparation of any offering
materials with respect to the Certificates and assume no responsibility for
their contents.
This opinion is rendered solely for your benefit in connection with the
matters addressed herein and is not to be used, published, circulated or
relied upon by any other person for any purpose without our prior written
consent. This opinion letter speaks only as of its date, and we disclaim any
express or implied understanding or obligation to advise of any subsequent
change of law or fact.
Very truly yours,
SCHEDULE
The Bank of New York
The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.
CWABS, Inc.
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
[Park Monaco Inc.]
[Park Sienna LLC]
Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP
Countrywide Securities Corporation
Bear, Xxxxxxx & Co. Inc.
Xxxxxx Brothers Inc.
Xxxxxx Brothers Special Financing Inc.
Xxxxx'x Investors Service, Inc.
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of
The XxXxxx-Xxxx Companies, Inc.
EXHIBIT E to Schedule
---------------------
[REGULATION AB AGREEMENT]
-------------------------
Item 1115 Agreement dated as of February 24, 2006 (this "Agreement"),
between COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC., a New York corporation ("CHL"), CWABS,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("CWABS"), CWMBS, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("CWMBS"), CWALT, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("CWALT"), CWHEQ, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("CWHEQ") and XXXXXX BROTHERS SPECIAL FINANCING INC., as
counterparty (the "Counterparty").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, CWABS, CWMBS, CWALT and CWHEQ each have filed
Registration Statements on Form S-3 (each, a "Registration Statement") with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") for purposes of
offering mortgage backed or asset-backed notes and/or certificates (the
"Securities") through special purpose vehicles (each, an "SPV").
WHEREAS, from time to time, on the closing date (the "Closing
Date") of a transaction pursuant to which Securities are offered (each, a
"Transaction"), the Counterparty and CHL or an underwriter or dealer with
respect to the Transaction, enter into certain derivative agreements (each, a
"Derivative Agreement"), including interest rate caps and interest rate or
currency swaps, for purposes of providing certain yield enhancements that are
assigned to the SPV or the related trustee on behalf of the SPV or a swap or
corridor contract administrator (each, an "Administrator").
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements set
forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions
Company Information: As defined in Section 4(a)(i).
Company Financial Information: As defined in Section 2(a)(ii).
Depositor: Means CWABS, CWMBS, CWALT or CWHEQ with respect
to the related Registration Statement for which the entity of the registrant.
GAAP: As defined in Section 3(a)(v).
XXXXX: The Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and
Retrieval system.
Exchange Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Exchange Act Reports: All Distribution Reports on Form 10-D,
Current Reports on Form 8-K and Annual Reports on Form 10-K that are to be
filed with respect to the related SPV pursuant to the Exchange Act.
Master Agreement: The ISDA Master Agreement between the
Counterparty and CHL, or if no such Master Agreement exists, the ISDA Master
Agreement assumed to apply to the Derivative Agreement pursuant to its terms.
Prospectus Supplement: The prospectus supplement prepared in
connection with the public offering and sale of the related Securities.
Regulation AB: Subpart 229.1100 - Asset Backed Securities
(Regulation AB), 17 C.F.R. ss.ss.229.1100-229.1123, as such may be amended
from time to time, and subject to such clarification and interpretation as
have been provided by the Commission in the adopting release (Asset-Backed
Securities, Securities Act Release No. 33-8518, 70 Fed. Reg. 1,506, 1,531
(Jan. 7, 2005)) or by the staff of the Commission, or as may be provided by
the Commission or its staff from time to time.
Securities Act: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Section 2. Information to be Provided by the Counterparty.
(a) Prior to printing the related Prospectus Supplement,
(i) the Counterparty shall provide to the related
Depositor such information regarding the
Counterparty, as a derivative instrument
counterparty, as is reasonably requested by the
related Depositor for the purpose of compliance
with Item 1115(a)(1) of Regulation AB. Such
information shall include, at a minimum:
(A) The Counterparty's legal name (and any d/b/a);
(B) the organizational form of the Counterparty;
(C) a description of the general character of the
business of the Counterparty;
(D) a description of any affiliation or
relationship (as set forth in Item 1119)
between the Counterparty and any of the
following parties:
(1) CHL (or any other sponsor identified to the
Counterparty by CHL);
(2) the related Depositor (as identified to the
Counterparty by CHL);
(3) the SPV;
(4) Countrywide Home Loans Servicing LP (or
any other servicer or master servicer
identified to the Counterparty by CHL);
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(5) The Bank of New York (or any other trustee
identified to the Counterparty by CHL);
(6) any originator identified to the Counterparty
by CHL;
(7) any enhancement or support provider identified to
the Counterparty by CHL; and
(8) any other material transaction party identified
to the Counterparty by CHL.
(ii) if requested by the related Depositor prior to the
related Depositor taking the steps necessary to
suspend its obligation to file Exchange Act
Reports, with respect to the SPV, under Sections 13
and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, in accordance with
the requirements of Regulation AB, the Counterparty
shall:
(A) provide the financial data required by Item
1115(b)(1) or (b)(2) of Regulation AB (as specified
by the related Depositor to the Counterparty) with
respect to the Counterparty (or any entity that
consolidates the Counterparty) and any affiliated
entities providing derivative instruments to the
SPV (the "Company Financial Information"), in a
form appropriate for use in the Prospectus
Supplement and in an XXXXX-compatible form (if not
incorporated by reference) and hereby authorizes
the related Depositor to incorporate by reference
the financial data required by Item 1115(b)(2) of
Regulation AB; and
(B) if applicable, cause its accountants to issue their
consent to the filing or the incorporation by
reference of such financial statements in the
Registration Statement.
(b) Following the Closing Date and until the related Depositor takes
the steps necessary to suspend its obligation to file Exchange
Act Reports, with respect to the SPV, under Sections 13 and 15(d)
of the Exchange Act, with respect to a Transaction,
(i) no later than the 25th calendar day of each month, the
Counterparty shall (1) notify the related Depositor in
writing of any affiliations or relationships that develop
following the Closing Date between the Counterparty and any
of the parties specified in Section 2(a)(i)(D) (and any
other parties identified in writing by the related
Depositor) and (2) provide to the related Depositor a
description of such proceedings, affiliations or
relationships as described in Section 2(b)(i)(1);
(ii) if the Counterparty provided Company Financial Information
to the related Depositor for the Prospectus Supplement,
within 5 Business Days of the release of any updated
financial data, the Counterparty shall (1)
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provide current Company Financial Information as required
under Item 1115(b) of Regulation AB to the related Depositor
in an XXXXX-compatible form (if not incorporated by
reference) and hereby authorizes the related Depositor to
incorporate by reference the financial data required by Item
1115(b)(2) of Regulation AB, and (2) if applicable, cause its
accountants to issue their consent to filing or
incorporation by reference of such financial statements in
the Exchange Act Reports of the SPV; and
(iii) if the related Depositor requests Company Financial
Information from the Counterparty, for the purpose of
compliance with Item 1115(b) of Regulation AB following the
Closing Date, the Counterparty shall upon five Business
Days written notice either (A), (1) provide current Company
Financial Information as required under Item 1115(b) of
Regulation AB to the related Depositor in an
XXXXX-compatible form (if not incorporated by reference)
and hereby authorizes the related Depositor to incorporate
by reference the financial data required by Item 1115(b)(2)
of Regulation AB, (2) if applicable, cause its accountants
to issue their consent to filing or incorporation by
reference of such financial statements in the Exchange Act
Reports of the SPV and (3) within 5 Business Days of the
release of any updated financial data, provide current
Company Financial Information as required under Item
1115(b) of Regulation AB to the related Depositor in an
XXXXX-compatible form and if applicable, cause its
accountants to issue their consent to filing or
incorporation by reference of such financial statements in
the Exchange Act Reports of the SPV or (B) assign the
Derivative Agreement as provided below.
Section 3. Representations and Warranties and Covenants of the Counterparty.
(a) The Counterparty represents and warrants to the related
Depositor, as of the date on which information is first
provided to the related Depositor under Section 2(a)(ii),
Section 2(b)(ii) or Section 2(b)(iii)(A), that, except as
disclosed in writing the related Depositor prior to such
date:
(i) The Counterparty or the entity that consolidates the
Counterparty is required to file reports with the
Commission pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act.
(ii) The Counterparty or the entity that consolidates the
Counterparty has filed all reports and other materials
required to be filed by such requirements during the
preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that such party
was required to file such reports and materials).
(iii) The reports filed by the Counterparty, or entity that
consolidates the Counterparty, include (or properly
incorporate by reference) the financial statements of the
Counterparty.
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(iv) The accountants who certify the financial statements and
supporting schedules included in the Company Financial
Information (if applicable) are independent registered
public accountants as required by the Securities Act.
(v) If applicable, the financial statements included in the
Company Financial Information present fairly the
consolidated financial position of the Counterparty (or the
entity that consolidates the Counterparty) and its
consolidated subsidiaries as at the dates indicated and the
consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for
the periods specified; except as otherwise stated in the
Company Financial Information, said financial statements
have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP") applied on a consistent
basis; and the supporting schedules included in the Company
Financial Information present fairly in accordance with
GAAP the information required to be stated therein. The
selected financial data and summary financial information
included in the Company Financial Information present
fairly the information shown therein and have been compiled
on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial
statements of the Counterparty.
(vi) The Company Financial Information and other Company
Information included or incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement (including through filing on an
Exchange Act Report), at the time they were or hereafter
are filed with the Commission, complied in all material
respects with the requirements of Item 1115(b) of
Regulation AB (in the case of the Company Financial
Information) and, did not and will not contain an untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(b) If the Counterparty has provided Company Financial Information
that is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement
of the related Depositor, the Counterparty, so long as the
related Depositor is required to file Exchange Act Reports with
respect to the SPV, will file promptly all documents required to
be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 14 of the
Exchange Act. If permitted by the Exchange Act, the related
Depositor will take the steps necessary to suspend its obligation
to file Exchange Act Reports, with respect to the SPV, under
Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(c) If at any time, the Counterparty ceases to meet the requirements
of Item 1101(c)(1) of Regulation AB with respect to the
incorporation by reference of the financial information of third
parties, the Counterparty shall provide notice to the related
Depositor, and if any Company Financial Information is required
to be included in the Registration Statement, or the Exchange Act
Reports of the SPV, will provide to the related Depositor such
Company Financial Information in
5
XXXXX-compatible format no later than the 25th calendar day of the
month following the date on which the Counterparty ceased to meet
the requirements.
(d) The Counterparty agrees that the terms of this Agreement shall be
incorporated by reference into any Derivative Agreement so that
each SPV who is a beneficiary of a Derivative Agreement shall be
an express third party beneficiary of this Agreement.
Section 4. Indemnification; Remedies
(a) The Counterparty shall indemnify CHL and the related Depositor,
each person responsible for execution of a certification pursuant
to Rule 13a-14(d) or Rule 15d-14(d) under the Exchange Act; each
broker dealer acting as underwriter, each person who controls any
of such parties (within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act); and the
respective present and former directors, officers, employees and
agents of each of the foregoing, and shall hold each of them
harmless from and against any losses, damages, penalties, fines,
forfeitures, legal fees and expenses and related costs,
judgments, and any other costs, fees and expenses that any of
them may sustain arising out of or based upon:
(i) (A) any untrue statement of a material fact contained or
alleged to be contained in any information, report,
accountants' consent or other material provided in written
or electronic form under Section 2 by or on behalf of the
Counterparty (collectively, the "Company Information"), or
(B) the omission or alleged omission to state in the
Company Information a material fact required to be stated
in the Company Information or necessary in order to make
the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
under which they were made, not misleading;
(ii) any breach by the Counterparty of a representation or
warranty set forth in Section 3(a) and made as of a date
prior to the Closing Date, to the extent that such breach
is not cured by the Closing Date, or any breach by the
Counterparty of a representation or warranty pursuant to
Section 3 to the extent made as of a date subsequent to the
Closing Date.
(b) (i) Any failure by the Counterparty to deliver any
information, report, accountants' consent or other material
when and in any case only as required under Section 2 or
any breach by the Counterparty of a representation or
warranty set forth in Section 3 and made as of a date prior
to the Closing Date, to the extent that such breach is not
cured by the Closing Date (or in the case of information
needed for purposes of printing the Prospectus Supplement,
the date of printing of the Prospectus Supplement), shall,
except as provided in clause (ii) of this paragraph,
immediately and automatically, without notice or grace
period, constitute an Additional Termination Event (as
defined in the Master Agreement) with the Counterparty as
the sole Affected Party (as defined in the Master
6
Agreement) under the Derivative
Agreement. Following such termination, a termination
payment (if any) shall be payable by the applicable party
as determined by the application of Section 6(e)(ii) of the
Master Agreement, with Market Quotation and Second Method
being the applicable method for determining the termination
payment (notwithstanding anything in the Derivative
Agreement to the contrary).
(ii) If the Counterparty has failed to deliver any information,
report, certification or accountants' consent when and as
required under Section 2, which continues unremedied for
the lesser of ten calendar days after the date on which
such information, report, certification or accountants'
consent was required to be delivered or such period in
which the applicable Exchange Act Report for which such
information is required can be timely filed (without taking
into account any extensions permitted to be filed), or if
the Counterparty has provided Company Information, any
breach by the Counterparty of a representation or warranty
pursuant to Section 3 to the extent made as of a date
subsequent to such closing date, and the Counterparty has
not, at its own cost, within the period in which the
applicable Exchange Act Report for which such information
is required can be timely filed caused another entity
(which meets any applicable ratings threshold in the
Derivative Agreement) to replace the Counterparty as party
to the Derivative Agreement that (i) has signed an
agreement with CHL and the Depositors substantially in the
form of this Agreement, (ii) has agreed to deliver any
information, report, certification or accountants' consent
when and as required under Section 2 hereof and (iii) is
approved by the Depositor (which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld) and any rating agency, if
applicable, on terms substantially similar to the
Derivative Agreement, then an Additional Termination Event
(as defined in the Master Agreement) shall have occurred
with the Counterparty as the sole Affected Party. Following
such termination, a termination payment (if any) shall be
payable by the applicable party as determined by the
application of Section 6(e)(ii) of the Master Agreement,
with Market Quotation and Second Method being the
applicable method for determining the termination payment
(notwithstanding anything in the Derivative Agreement to
the contrary).
(iii) In the event that the Counterparty or the SPV has found a
replacement entity in accordance with Section 2(b)(ii), the
Counterparty shall promptly reimburse the SPV for all
reasonable incidental expenses incurred by the SPV, as such
are incurred, in connection with the termination of the
Counterparty as counterparty and the entry into a new
Derivative Agreement. The provisions of this paragraph
shall not limit whatever rights the SPV may have under
other provisions of this Agreement or otherwise, whether in
equity or at law, such as an action for damages, specific
performance or injunctive relief.
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Section 5. Miscellaneous.
(a) Construction. Throughout this Agreement, as the context requires,
(a) the singular tense and number includes the plural, and the
plural tense and number includes the singular; (b) the past tense
includes the present, and the present tense includes the past;
and (c) references to parties, sections, schedules, and exhibits
mean the parties, sections, schedules, and exhibits of and to
this Agreement. The section headings in this Agreement are
inserted only as a matter of convenience, and in no way define,
limit, extend, or interpret the scope of this Agreement or of any
particular section.
(b) Assignment. None of the parties may assign their rights under
this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other
parties. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be
binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties and their
respective successors and permitted assigns.
(c) No Third-Party Benefits Except as Specified. None of the
provisions of this Agreement are intended to benefit, or to be
enforceable by, any third-party beneficiaries except the related
SPV and any trustee of an SPV or any Administrator.
(d) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York
without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
(e) Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may not be modified or
amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties
hereto. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or of any
rights or obligations of any party under this Agreement shall be
effective unless in writing and signed by the party or parties
waiving compliance, and shall be effective only in the specific
instance and for the specific purpose stated in that writing.
(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all
of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
(g) Additional Documents. Each party hereto agrees to execute any and
all further documents and writings and to perform such other
actions which may be or become reasonably necessary or expedient
to effectuate and carry out this Agreement.
(h) Severability. Any provision hereof which is prohibited or
unenforceable shall be ineffective only to the extent of such
prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the
remaining provisions hereof.
(i) Integration. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of
the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. There are
no restrictions, agreements, promises, representations,
warranties, covenants or undertakings with respect to
8
the subject matter hereof other than those expressly set forth or
referred to herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior
agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to
its subject matter.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their names to
be signed hereto by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of
the day and year first above written.
CWABS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxx
---------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
CWMBS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxx
---------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
CWALT, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxx
---------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
CWHEQ, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxx
---------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxxx
---------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Title: Senior Vice President
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XXXXXX BROTHERS SPECIAL FINANCING INC.
By: /s/ Xxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
----------------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Title: Vice President
11
