CREDIT AGREEMENT among AGL RESOURCES INC., as Guarantor, AGL CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Borrower, The Several Lenders from Time to Time Parties Hereto, SUNTRUST BANK, as Administrative Agent, WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Syndication Agent, and...
Exhibit
10
Β
Β
Β
Β
among
as
Guarantor,
AGL
CAPITAL CORPORATION,
as
Borrower,
The
Several Lenders
from
Time
to Time Parties Hereto,
SUNTRUST
BANK,
as
Administrative Agent,
WACHOVIA
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as
Syndication Agent,
and
THE
BANK
OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD.,
NEW
YORK
BRANCH,
CALYON
NEW YORK BRANCH, and
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Co-Documentation Agents
Dated
as
of August 31, 2006
SUNTRUST
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX CAPITAL MARKETS,
a
Division of SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc.,
as
Co-Lead Arranger and Co-Book Manager,
and
WACHOVIA
CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC,
as
Co-Lead Arranger and Co-Book Manager
Β
Β
Β
Β
Table
of Contents
Β
Section
|
Β |
Page
|
SECTION
1.
|
DEFINITIONS
|
1
|
1.1
|
Defined
Terms
|
1
|
1.2
|
Other
Definitional Provisions
|
17
|
SECTION
2.
|
AMOUNT
AND TERMS OF COMMITMENTS
|
18
|
2.1
|
Revolving
Commitments
|
18
|
2.2
|
Procedure
for Revolving Loan Borrowing
|
18
|
2.3
|
Swingline
Commitment
|
19
|
2.4
|
Procedure
for Swingline Borrowing; Refunding of Swingline Loans
|
19
|
2.5
|
Evidence
of Debt
|
21
|
2.6
|
Facility
Fees, etc.
|
22
|
2.7
|
Termination
or Reduction of Revolving Commitments
|
22
|
2.8
|
Optional
Prepayments
|
22
|
2.9
|
Prepayments
on Revolving Commitment Reductions
|
22
|
2.10
|
Conversion
and Continuation Options
|
23
|
2.11
|
Limitations
on Eurodollar Tranches
|
23
|
2.12
|
Interest
Rates and Payment Dates
|
23
|
2.13
|
Computation
of Interest and Fees
|
24
|
2.14
|
Inability
to Determine Interest Rate
|
24
|
2.15
|
Pro
Rata Treatment and Payments
|
25
|
Β 2.16
|
Requirements of Law |
26Β
|
Β 2.17
|
Taxes |
27
|
2.18
|
Indemnity
|
29
|
2.19
|
Change
of Lending Office
|
30
|
2.20
|
Illegality
|
30
|
2.21
|
Replacement
of Lenders
|
30
|
Β 2.22
|
Extension
of Revolving Termination Date
|
31
|
Β 2.23
|
Increase in Revolving Commitments |
32
|
SECTION
3.
|
LETTERS
of CREDIT
|
34
|
3.1
|
L/C
Commitment
|
34
|
3.2
|
Procedure
for Issuance of Letter of Credit
|
34
|
3.3
|
Fees
and Other Changes
|
35
|
3.4
|
L/C
Participations
|
35
|
3.5
|
Reimbursement
Obligation of the Borrower
|
36
|
3.6
|
Obligations
Absolute
|
37
|
3.7
|
Letter
of Credit Payments
|
37
|
3.8
|
Applications
|
37
|
SECTION
4.
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
|
37
|
4.1
|
Financial
Condition
|
37
|
4.2
|
No
Change
|
38
|
4.3
|
Existence;
Compliance with Law
|
38
|
4.4
|
Power;
Authorization; Enforceable Obligations
|
38
|
4.5
|
No
Legal Bar
|
38
|
4.6
|
Litigation
|
39
|
4.7
|
No
Default
|
39
|
4.8
|
Ownership
of Property; Liens
|
39
|
4.9
|
Intellectual
Property
|
39
|
4.10
|
Taxes
|
39
|
4.11
|
Federal
Regulations
|
39
|
4.12
|
ERISA
|
40
|
4.13
|
Investment
Company Act; Other Regulations
|
40
|
4.14
|
Subsidiaries
|
40
|
4.15
|
Use
of Proceeds
|
40
|
4.16
|
Environmental
Matters
|
41
|
4.17
|
Accuracy
of Information, etc.
|
41
|
4.18
|
Solvency
|
42
|
4.19
|
Status
of Loans and Guarantee Agreement
|
42
|
4.20
|
OFAC
|
42
|
4.21
|
USA
Patriot Act
|
42
|
SECTION
5.
|
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
|
42
|
5.1
|
Conditions
to Initial Extension of Credit
|
42
|
5.2
|
Conditions
to Each Extension of Credit
|
43
|
SECTION
6.
|
AFFIRMATIVE
COVENANTS
|
44
|
6.1
|
Financial
Statements
|
44
|
6.2
|
Certificates;
Other Information
|
45
|
6.3
|
Payment
of Obligations
|
45
|
6.4
|
Maintenance
of Existence; Compliance
|
45
|
6.5
|
Maintenance
of Property; Insurance
|
46
|
6.6
|
Inspection
of Property; Books and Records; Discussions
|
46
|
6.7
|
Notices
|
46
|
6.8
|
Environmental
Laws
|
47
|
6.9
|
Maintenance
of Ownership
|
47
|
SECTION
7.
|
NEGATIVE
COVENANTS
|
47
|
7.1
|
Financial
Condition Covenant
|
47
|
7.2
|
Liens
|
47
|
7.3
|
Fundamental
Changes
|
49
|
7.4
|
Disposition
of Property
|
49
|
7.5
|
Restricted
Payments
|
49
|
7.6
|
Intentionally
Omitted
|
50
|
7.7
|
Investments
|
50
|
7.8
|
Negative
Pledge Clauses
|
50
|
7.9
|
Clauses
Restricting Subsidiary Distributions
|
51
|
7.10
|
Lines
of Business and Hedge Activities
|
51
|
7.11
|
Designation
of Subsidiaries
|
51
|
SECTION
8.
|
EVENTS
OF DEFAULT
|
51
|
SECTION
9.
|
THE
AGENTS
|
54
|
9.1
|
Appointment
|
54
|
9.2
|
Delegation
of Duties
|
55
|
9.3
|
Exculpatory
Provisions
|
55
|
9.4
|
Reliance
by Administrative Agent
|
55
|
9.5
|
Notice
of Default
|
56
|
9.6
|
Non-Reliance
on Agents and Other Lenders
|
56
|
9.7
|
Indemnification
|
56
|
9.8
|
Agent
in Its Individual Capacity
|
57
|
9.9
|
Successor
Administrative Agent
|
57
|
9.10
|
Co-Documentation
Agents and Syndication Agent
|
57
|
SECTION
10.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
58
|
10.1
|
Amendments
and Waivers
|
58
|
10.2
|
Notices
|
58
|
10.3
|
No
Waiver; Cumulative Remedies
|
60
|
10.4
|
Survival
of Representations and Warranties
|
60
|
10.5
|
Payment
of Expenses and Taxes
|
60
|
10.6
|
Successors
and Assigns; Participations and Assignments
|
61
|
10.7
|
Adjustments;
Set-Off
|
64
|
10.8
|
Counterparts
|
64
|
10.9
|
Severability
|
64
|
10.10
|
Integration
|
65
|
10.11
|
GOVERNING
LAW
|
65
|
10.12
|
Submission
to Jurisdiction; Waivers
|
65
|
10.13
|
Acknowledgments
|
65
|
10.14
|
Confidentiality
|
66
|
10.15
|
WAIVERS
OF JURY TRIAL
|
66
|
10.16
|
USA
Patriot Act Notice
|
66
|
10.17
|
Termination
of Existing Credit Agreement
|
67
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
Β
Schedules:
Schedule
1.1Β -Β Revolving
Commitments
Schedule
4.14 -Β Subsidiaries
Schedule
4.16 -Β Environmental
Matters
Schedule
7.2(i) -Β Existing
Liens
Schedule
7.8Β -Β Agreements
Prohibiting or Limiting Liens
Exhibits:
Exhibit
AΒ -Β Form
of
Guarantee Agreement
Exhibit
BΒ -Β Form
of
Compliance Certificate
Exhibit
CΒ -Β Form
of
Closing Certificate
Exhibit
DΒ -Β Form
of
Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit
EΒ -Β Form
of
Legal Opinion
Exhibit
FΒ -Β Form
of
Exemption Certificate
Β
CREDIT
AGREEMENT (this βAgreementβ),
dated
as of August 31, 2006, among AGL RESOURCES INC., a Georgia corporation
(βHoldingsβ),
AGL
CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Nevada corporation (the βBorrowerβ),
the
several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time
parties to this Agreement (the βLendersβ),
SUNTRUST BANK, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the βAdministrative
Agentβ)
and as
issuer of any letters of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement (in such
capacity, the βIssuing
Lenderβ),
WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as syndication agent (in such capacity,
the
βSyndication
Agentβ),
and
THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD., NEW YORK BRANCH, CALYON NEW YORK BRANCH,
and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as co-documentation agents (in such capacities,
the βCo-Documentation
Agentsβ).
Β
Β
W
I T N E S S E T H:
Β
WHEREAS,
the
Borrower has requested that the Lenders establish a $1,000,000,000Β revolving
credit facility in favor of the Borrower; and
Β
WHEREAS,
subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders, to the extent of
their respective Commitments as defined herein, are willing severally to
establish the requested revolving credit facility in favor of the
Borrower;
Β
NOW,
THEREFORE,
in
consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, the
Borrower, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent agree as
follows:
Β
Β
SECTION
1. Β Β DEFINITIONS
Β
1.1Β Β Defined
Terms.
As used
in this Agreement, the terms listed in this Section 1.1 shall have the
respective meanings set forth in this Section 1.1.
Β
βABRβ:
for
any day, a rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16
of
1%) equal to the greater of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day and (b)
the
Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus Β½ of 1%. For purposes
hereof, βPrime
Rateβ
shall
mean the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by
SunTrust Bank as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in Atlanta
(the Prime Rate not being intended to be the lowest rate of interest charged
by
SunTrust Bank in connection with extensions of credit to debtors). Any change
in
the ABR due to a change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate
shall be effective as of the opening of business on the effective day of such
change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate,
respectively.
Β
βABR
Loansβ:
Loans
the rate of interest applicable to which is based upon the ABR.
Β
βAdministrative
Agentβ:
SunTrust Bank, as the administrative agent for the Lenders under this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents, together with any of its successors.
Β
1
βAffiliateβ:
as to
any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, is in Control of,
is
Controlled by, or is under common Control with, such Person. For purposes of
this definition, βControlβ means the power to direct or to cause the direction
of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of
voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
Β
βAgentsβ:
the
collective reference to the Administrative Agent, the Co-Documentation Agents
and the Syndication Agent.
Β
βAggregate
Exposureβ:
with
respect to any Lender at any time, an amount equal to (a) until the Closing
Date, the aggregate amount of such Lenderβs Revolving Commitment at such time
and (b) thereafter, the amount of such Lenderβs Revolving Commitment then in
effect or, if the Revolving Commitments have expired or been terminated, the
amount of such Lenderβs Revolving Extensions of Credit then
outstanding.
Β
βAggregate
Exposure Percentageβ:
with
respect to any Lender at any time, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of
such
Lenderβs Aggregate Exposure at such time to the Aggregate Exposure of all
Lenders at such time.
Β
βAgreementβ:
as
defined in the preamble hereto.
Β
βApplicable
Marginβ:
for
each Type of Loan outstanding on any day, the rate per annum set forth below
opposite the Level in effect on such day:
Β
Level
Β
|
ABR
Loans
Β
|
Eurodollar
Loans
Β
|
Level
I
|
0.000%
|
0.195%
|
Level
II
|
0.000%
|
0.240%
|
Level
III
|
0.000%
|
0.280%
|
Level
IV
|
0.000%
|
0.360%
|
Level
V
|
0.000%
|
0.490%
|
Level
VI
|
0.000%
|
0.625%
|
provided,
however,
that on
any day that the total Revolving Extensions of Credit for all Lenders exceed
fifty percent (50%) of the Total Revolving Commitments then in effect, the
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans for each pricing Level listed above
shall
automatically increase by an amount equal to the Utilization Premium for such
Level.
βApplicationβ:
an
application, in such form as the Issuing Lender may specify from time to time,
requesting the Issuing Lender to issue a Letter of Credit.
Β
βApproved
Fundβ:
any
Person (other than a natural Person) that is (or will be) engaged in making,
purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar
extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is
administered or managed by (i) a Lender, (ii) an Affiliate of a Lender or (iii)
an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a
Lender.
Β
2
βAssetsβ:
with
respect to any Person, all or any part of its business, property and assets
wherever situated.
Β
βAssigneeβ:
as
defined in Section 10.6(c).
Β
βAssignment
and Acceptanceβ:
an
Assignment and Acceptance, substantially in the form of Exhibit D.
Β
βAssignorβ:
as
defined in Section 10.6(c).
Β
βAvailable
Revolving Commitmentsβ:
at any
time, an amount equal to (a) the Total Revolving Commitments then in effect,
minus
(b) the
Total Revolving Extensions of Credit then outstanding.
Β
βBenefitted
Lenderβ:
as
defined in Section 10.7(a).
Β
βBoardβ:
the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States (or any
successor).
Β
βBorrowerβ:
as
defined in the preamble hereto.
Β
βBorrowing
Dateβ:
any
Business Day specified by the Borrower as a date on which the Borrower requests
the relevant Lenders to make Loans hereunder.
Β
βBusinessβ:
as
defined in Section 4.16(b).
Β
βBusiness
Dayβ:
a day
other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Atlanta,
Georgia and New York, New York are authorized or required by law to close,
provided,
that
with respect to notices and determinations in connection with, and payments
of
principal and interest on, Eurodollar Loans, such day is also a day for trading
by and between banks in Dollar deposits in the interbank eurodollar
market.
Β
βCapital
Stockβ:
any
and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however
designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all equivalent ownership
interests in a partnership, limited liability company or other Person (other
than a corporation), and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase
any
of the foregoing.
Β
βCash
Equivalentsβ:
(a)
marketable direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by,
the
United States Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the
full
faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing within one year
from the date of acquisition; (b) certificates of deposit, time deposits,
eurodollar time deposits or overnight bank deposits having maturities of six
months or less from the date of acquisition issued by any Lender or by any
commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States or any state
thereof having combined capital and surplus of not less than $500,000,000;
(c)
commercial paper of an issuer rated at least A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Xxxxxβx,
or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency,
if
both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of commercial
paper issuers generally, and maturing within six months from the date of
acquisition; (d) repurchase obligations of any
Β
3
Lender
or
of any commercial bank satisfying the requirements of clause (b) of this
definition, having a term of not more than 30 days, with respect to securities
issued or fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government; (e)
securities with maturities of one year or less from the date of acquisition
issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United
States, by any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such state,
commonwealth or territory or by any foreign government, the securities of which
state, commonwealth, territory, political subdivision, taxing authority or
foreign government (as the case may be) are rated at least A by S&P or A2 by
Xxxxxβx; (f) securities with maturities of six months or less from the date of
acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any Lender or any
commercial bank satisfying the requirements of clause (b) of this definition;
or
(g) shares of money market mutual or similar funds which invest exclusively
in
assets satisfying the requirements of clauses (a) through (f) of this
definition.
Β
βClosing
Dateβ:
the
date of this Agreement as set forth in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.
Β
βCodeβ:
the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Β
βCo-Documentation
Agentsβ:
as
defined in the preamble hereto.
Β
βCommonly
Controlled Entityβ:
an
entity, whether or not incorporated, that is under common control with the
Borrower within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA or is part of a group
that
includes the Borrower and that is treated as a single employer under
SectionΒ 414 of the Code.
Β
βCompliance
Certificateβ:
a
certificate duly executed by a Responsible Officer substantially in the form
of
Exhibit B.
Β
βConduit
Lenderβ:
any
special purpose corporation organized and administered by any Lender for the
purpose of making Loans otherwise required to be made by such Lender and
designated by such Lender in a written instrument, subject to the consent of
the
Administrative Agent and the Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed); provided,
that
the designation by any Lender of a Conduit Lender shall not relieve the
designating Lender of any of its obligations to fund a Loan or purchase
participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under this Agreement
if,
for any reason, its Conduit Lender fails to fund any such Loan or purchase
such
participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans, and the designating
Lender (and not the Conduit Lender) shall have the sole right and responsibility
to deliver all consents, amendments and waivers required or requested under
this
Agreement with respect to its Conduit Lender, and provided,
further,
that no
Conduit Lender shall (a) be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant
to
Section 2.16, 2.17, 2.18 or 10.5 than the designating Lender would have been
entitled to receive in respect of the extensions of credit made by such Conduit
Lender or (b) be deemed to have any Revolving Commitment.
Β
βConfidential
Executive Summaryβ:
the
Executive Summary dated August 2006 and furnished to the Lenders.
Β
βConsolidated
Net Worthβ:
at any
date, the aggregate amount of Capital Stock, minority interests, and other
equity accounts (including, without limitation, retained earnings,
Β
4
paid
in
capital and accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (but without giving
effect to any non-cash pension and other post-retirement benefits liability
adjustments recorded in accordance with GAAP)) of Holdings and the other Group
Members at such date determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
GAAP.
Β
βConsolidated
Total Debtβ:
at any
date, the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness of Holdings and the
other Group Members at such date (excluding Indebtedness of the type described
in clause (k) of the definition of the term Indebtedness), determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Β
βContinuing
Directorsβ:
the
directors of Holdings on the Closing Date and each other director, if, in each
case, such other directorβs nomination for election to the board of directors of
Holdings is recommended by at least a majority of the then Continuing
Directors.
Β
βContractual
Obligationβ:
as to
any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any
agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party
or by
which it or any of its property is bound.
Β
βDefaultβ:
any of
the events specified in SectionΒ 8, whether or not any requirement for the
giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, has been satisfied.
Β
βDispositionβ:
with
respect to any property, any sale, lease, sale and leaseback, assignment,
conveyance, transfer or other disposition thereof. The terms βDisposeβ
and
βDisposed
ofβ
shall
have correlative meanings.
Β
βDollarsβ
and
β$β:
dollars in lawful currency of the United States.
Β
βEligible
Assigneeβ:
(i) a
Lender; (ii) an Affiliate of a Lender; (iii) an Approved Fund; and (iv) any
other Person (other than a natural Person) approved by the Administrative Agent,
the Issuing Lender (each such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or
delayed), and unless (x) such Person is taking delivery of an assignment in
connection with physical settlement of a credit derivatives transaction or
(y)
an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower (each such
approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If the consent of the
Borrower to an assignment or to an Eligible Assignee is required hereunder,
the
Borrower shall be deemed to have given its consent ten Business Days after
the
date notice thereof has actually been delivered by the assigning Lender (through
the Administrative Agent) to the Borrower, unless such consent is expressly
refused by the Borrower prior to such tenth Business Day.
Β
βEnvironmental
Lawsβ:
any
and all foreign, Federal, state, local or municipal laws, rules, orders,
regulations, statutes, ordinances, codes, decrees, requirements of any
Governmental Authority or other Requirements of Law (including common law)
regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning
protection of human health or the environment, as now or may at any time
hereafter be in effect.
Β
βERISAβ:
the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to
time.
Β
5
βEurocurrency
Reserve Requirementsβ:
for
any day as applied to a Eurodollar Loan, the maximum rates (expressed as a
decimal fraction) of reserve requirements in effect on such day (including
basic, supplemental, marginal and emergency reserves) under any regulations
of
the Board or other Governmental Authority having jurisdiction with respect
thereto dealing with reserve requirements prescribed for eurocurrency funding
(currently referred to as βEurocurrency Liabilitiesβ in Regulation D of the
Board) maintained by a member bank of the Federal Reserve System.
Β
βEurodollar
Base Rateβ:
with
respect to each day during each Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar
Loan,
the rate per annum determined on the basis of the rate for deposits in Dollars
for a period equal to such Interest Period commencing on the first day of such
Interest Period appearing on Page 3750 of the Telerate screen as of 11:00 A.M.,
London time, two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period.
In the event that such rate does not appear on Page 3750 of the Telerate screen
(or otherwise on such screen), the βEurodollar
Base Rateβ
shall
be determined by reference to such other comparable publicly available service
for displaying eurodollar rates as may be selected by the Administrative Agent
or, in the absence of such availability, by reference to the rate at which
the
Administrative Agent is offered Dollar deposits at or about 11:00 A.M., Atlanta
time, two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period in the
interbank eurodollar market where its eurodollar and foreign currency and
exchange operations are then being conducted for delivery on the first day
of
such Interest Period for the number of days comprised therein.
Β
βEurodollar
Loansβ:
Loans
the rate of interest applicable to which is based upon the Eurodollar
Rate.
Β
βEurodollar
Rateβ:
with
respect to each day during each Interest Period pertaining to a Eurodollar
Loan,
a rate per annum determined for such day in accordance with the following
formula (rounded upward to the nearest 1/100th ofΒ 1%):
Β
_______Eurodollar
Base Rate_______
Β
1.00
-
Eurocurrency Reserve Requirements
Β
βEurodollar
Trancheβ:
the
collective reference to Eurodollar Loans under the Facility, the then current
Interest Periods with respect to all of which begin on the same date and end
on
the same later date (whether or not such Loans shall originally have been made
on the same day).
Β
βEvent
of Defaultβ:
any of
the events specified in Section 8, provided
that any
requirement for the giving of notice, the lapse of time, or both, has been
satisfied.
Β
βExisting
Credit Agreementβ:
the
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 31, 2005, by and among
the Guarantor, the Borrower, the lenders parties thereto, and SunTrust Bank,
as
administrative agent, as the same may have been amended, restated, supplemented
or otherwise modified and in effect immediately prior to the Closing
Date.
Β
βFacilityβ:
the
Revolving Commitments and the extensions of credit made thereunder.
Β
6
βFacility
Fee Rateβ:
for
each day during each quarterly calculation period, a rate per annum set forth
below opposite the Level in effect on such day:
Β
Level
Β
|
Facility
Fee Rate
Β
|
Level
I
|
0.055%
|
Level
II
|
0.060%
|
Level
III
|
0.070%
|
Level
IV
|
0.090%
|
Level
V
|
0.110%
|
Level
VI
|
0.125%
|
βFederal
Funds Effective Rateβ:
for
any day, 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 on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal
Reserve Bank of NewΒ York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day
that is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for the day of such
transactions received by SunTrust Bank from three federal funds brokers of
recognized standing selected by it.
Β
βFunding
Officeβ:
the
office of the Administrative Agent specified in SectionΒ 10.2 or such other
office as may be specified from time to time by the Administrative Agent as
its
funding office by written notice to the Borrower and the Lenders.
Β
βGAAPβ:
those
accounting principles, standards and practices generally accepted in the United
States as in effect from time to time.
Β
βGovernmental
Authorityβ:
any
nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any
agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or
other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory
or
administrative functions of or pertaining to government, any securities exchange
and any self-regulatory organization (including the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners).
Β
βGroup
Membersβ:
the
collective reference to Holdings, the Borrower and their respective Restricted
Subsidiaries.
Β
βGuarantee
Agreementβ:
the
Guarantee Agreement to be executed and delivered by Holdings, substantially
in
the form of Exhibit A.
Β
βGuarantee
Obligationβ:
as to
any Person (the βguaranteeing
personβ),
any
obligation of (a) the guaranteeing person or (b) another Person (including
any
bank under any letter of credit) to induce the creation of which the
guaranteeing person has issued a reimbursement, counterindemnity or similar
obligation, in either case guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any
Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations (the βprimary
obligationsβ)
of any
other third Person (the βprimary
obligorβ)
in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of the
guaranteeing person, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such primary
obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,
(ii) to advance or supply funds (1) for the purchase or payment of any such
primary obligation or (2) to maintain working capital or equity capital of
the
primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the
Β
7
net
worth
or solvency of the primary obligor, (iii) to purchase property, securities
or
services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary
obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary
obligation or (iv) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of any such
primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided,
however,
that
the term Guarantee Obligation shall not include endorsements of instruments
for
deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any
Guarantee Obligation of any guaranteeing person shall be deemed to be the lower
of (a) an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary
obligation in respect of which such Guarantee Obligation is made and (b) the
maximum amount for which such guaranteeing person may be liable pursuant to
the
terms of the instrument embodying such Guarantee Obligation, unless such primary
obligation and the maximum amount for which such guaranteeing person may be
liable are not stated or determinable, in which case the amount of such
Guarantee Obligation shall be such guaranteeing personβs maximum reasonably
anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the Borrower in good
faith.
Β
βGuarantorβ:
Holdings.
Β
βHedge
Agreementsβ:
all
interest rate swaps, caps or collar agreements or similar arrangements dealing
with interest rates or currency exchange rates or the exchange of nominal
interest obligations, either generally or under specific contingencies, and
all
commodity price protection agreements, or any other hedging
arrangements.
Β
βHoldingsβ:
as
defined in the preamble hereto.
Β
βHybrid
Securitiesβ:
any
trust preferred securities, or deferrable interest subordinated debt with a
maturity of at least 20 years, which provides for the optional or mandatory
deferral of interest or distributions, issued by Holdings
or the Borrower,
or any
business trusts, limited liability companies, limited partnerships or similar
entities (i) substantially all of the common equity, general partner or similar
interests of which are owned (either directly or indirectly through one or
more
wholly owned Subsidiaries) at all times by Holdings or the Borrower or any
Subsidiaries, (ii) that have been formed for the purpose of issuing such
securities or deferrable interest subordinated debt, and (iii) substantially
all
the assets of which consist of (A) subordinated debt of Holdings or the Borrower
or any Subsidiary, and (B) payments made from time to time on the subordinated
debt.
βIndebtednessβ:
of any
Person at any date, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness of such Person
for
borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase
price of property or services (other than trade payables incurred in the
ordinary course of such Personβs business that are not more than 90 days past
due unless being contested in good faith and for which any reserves required
by
GAAP have been provided), (c) all obligations of such Person evidenced by notes,
bonds, debentures or other similar instruments, (d) all indebtedness created
or
arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with
respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies
of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited
to repossession or sale of such property), (e) all capital lease (within the
meaning of GAAP) obligations of such Person, (f) all Securitization Facility
Attributed Debt, (g) all obligations of such Person, contingent or otherwise,
as
an account party or applicant under or in respect of acceptances,
Β
8
letters
of credit, surety bonds or similar arrangements, (h) the liquidation value
of
all mandatorily redeemable preferred Capital Stock of such Person, (i) all
Guarantee Obligations of such Person in respect of obligations of the kind
referred to in clauses (a) through (h) above, (j) all obligations of the kind
referred to in clauses (a) through (i) above secured by (or for which the holder
of such obligation has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured
by) any Lien on property (including accounts and contract rights) owned by
such
Person, whether or not such Person has assumed or become liable for the payment
of such obligation, (k) all obligations of such Person in respect of Hedge
Agreements and (l) all Off-Balance Sheet Liabilities. The Indebtedness of any
Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any
partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person
is liable therefor as a result of such Personβs ownership interest in or other
relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such
Indebtedness expressly provide that such Person is not liable therefor.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, obligations of any Person with respect to Park
and Loan Transactions shall not be considered Indebtedness.
Β
βInsolvencyβ:
with
respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition that such Plan is insolvent
within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA.
Β
βIntellectual
Propertyβ:
the
collective reference to all rights, priorities and privileges relating to
intellectual property, whether arising under United States, multinational or
foreign laws or otherwise, including copyrights, copyright licenses, patents,
patent licenses, trademarks, trademark licenses, technology, know-how and
processes, and all rights to xxx at law or in equity for any infringement or
other impairment thereof, including the right to receive all proceeds and
damages therefrom.
Β
βInterest
Payment Dateβ:
(a) as
to any Revolving Loan that is an ABR Loan, the last day of each March, June,
September and December to occur while such Loan is outstanding and the final
maturity date of such Loan, (b) as to any Eurodollar Loan having an Interest
Period of three months or less, the last day of such Interest Period, (c) as
to
any Eurodollar Loan having an Interest Period longer than three months, each
day
that is three months, or a whole multiple thereof, after the first day of such
Interest Period and the last day of such Interest Period, and (d) as to any
Loan
(including any Swingline Loan, but excluding any Revolving Loan that is an
ABR
Loan), the date of any repayment or prepayment made or required to be made
in
respect thereof.
Β
βInterest
Periodβ:
as to
any Eurodollar Loan, (a) initially, the period commencing on the borrowing
or
conversion date, as the case may be, with respect to such Eurodollar Loan and
ending one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrower
in
its notice of borrowing or notice of conversion, as the case may be, given
with
respect thereto; and (b) thereafter, each period commencing on the last day
of
the next preceding Interest Period applicable to such Eurodollar Loan and ending
one, two, three or six months thereafter or such other period as the Borrower
and the Lenders may agree, as selected by the Borrower by irrevocable notice
to
the Administrative Agent not less than three Business Days prior to the last
day
of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto; provided
that,
all of the foregoing provisions relating to Interest Periods are subject to
the
following:
Β
9
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β (i)Β if
any Interest
Period would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest
Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless the result
of such extension would be to carry such Interest Period into another calendar
month in which event such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding
Business Day;
Β
(ii)Β Β the
Borrower may not select an Interest Period under the Facility that would extend
beyond the Revolving Termination Date; and
Β
(iii)Β Β any
Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or
on
a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month
at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of a
calendar month.
Β
βInvestmentsβ:
as
defined in Section 7.7.
Β
βIssuing
Lenderβ:
SunTrust Bank in its capacity as issuer of any Letter of Credit, or any other
Lender approved by the Administrative Agent (such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld).
Β
βL/C
Commitmentβ:
at any
time, an amount equal to $250,000,000.
Β
βL/C
Fee Payment Dateβ:
the
last day of each March, June, September and December and the last day of the
Revolving Commitment Period.
Β
βL/C
Obligationsβ:
at any
time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate then undrawn and unexpired
amount of the then outstanding Letters of Credit and (b) the aggregate amount
of
drawings under Letters of Credit that have not then been reimbursed pursuant
to
Section 3.5.
Β
βL/C
Participantsβ:
the
collective reference to all the Lenders other than the Issuing
Lender.
Β
βLender
Affiliateβ:
(a)
any Affiliate of any Lender, (b) any Person that is administered or managed
by
any Lender and that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise
investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary
course of its business and (c) with respect to any Lender which is a fund that
invests in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit, any other fund
that invests in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit and is managed
or advised by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an Affiliate
of
such Lender or investment advisor.
Β
βLendersβ:
as
defined in the preamble hereto; provided,
that
unless the context otherwise requires, each reference herein to the Lenders
shall be deemed to include the Swingline Lender and any Conduit
Lender.
Β
βLetters
of Creditβ:
as
defined in Section 3.1(a).
Β
10
Β
Β
βLevel
Iβ,
βLevel
IIβ,
βLevel
IIIβ,
βLevel
IVβ,
βLevel
Vβ
and
βLevel
VIβ:
the
respective Level set forth below:
Β
Β |
S&P
Rating
Β
|
Xxxxxβx
Rating
Β
|
Level
I
|
A
or higher
|
A2
or higher
|
Level
II
|
A-
|
A3
|
Level
III
|
BBB+
|
Baa1
|
Level
IV
|
BBB
|
Baa2
|
Level
V
|
BBB-
|
Baa3
|
Level
VI
|
BB+
or below
|
Ba1
or below
|
provided
that if
on any day the Ratings of the Rating Agencies do not coincide for any rating
category and the Level differential is (x) one level, then the higher Rating
will be the applicable Level; (y) two levels, the Level at the midpoint will
be
the applicable Level; and (z) more than two levels, the higher of the
intermediate Levels will be the applicable Level.
Β
βLienβ:
any
mortgage, pledge, lien, hypothecation, security interest or other charge,
encumbrance, or other arrangement in the nature of a security interest in
property to secure the payment or performance of Indebtedness or other
obligations of any Person; provided,
however,
the
term βLienβ shall not mean any easements, rights-of-way, zoning restrictions,
leases, sub-leases, licenses, sublicenses, other restrictions on the use of
property, defects in title to property or other similar encumbrances.
Β
βLoanβ:
any
loan made by any Lender (including, without limitation, the Swingline Lender)
pursuant to this Agreement.
Β
βLoan
Documentsβ:
this
Agreement, the Guarantee Agreement, the Letters of Credit, the Applications,
the
Specified Hedge Agreements, if any, and the Notes.
Β
βLoan
Partiesβ:
the
Borrower and the Guarantor.
Β
βMaterial
Adverse Effectβ:
a
material adverse effect on (a) the business, property, operations or condition
(financial or otherwise) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole
or
(b)Β the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any of the other
Loan Documents or the rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent or the
Lenders hereunder or thereunder.
Β
βMaterials
of Environmental Concernβ:
any
gasoline or petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof) or petroleum
products or any hazardous or toxic substances, materials or wastes, defined
or
regulated as such in or under any Environmental Law, including asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyls and urea-formaldehyde insulation.
Β
βMoodyβsβ:
Xxxxxβx Investor Service, Inc.
Β
βMultiemployer
Planβ:
a Plan
that is a multiemployer plan as defined in SectionΒ 4001(a)(3) of
ERISA.
Β
11
βNon-Excluded
Taxesβ:
as
defined in Section 2.17(a).
Β
βNon-U.S.
Lenderβ:
as
defined in Section 2.17(d).
βNotesβ:
the
collective reference to any promissory note evidencing Loans.
Β
βObligationsβ:
the
collective reference to the unpaid principal of and interest on (including
interest accruing at the then applicable rate provided in this Agreement after
the maturity of the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations and after the filing
of
any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency,
reorganization or like proceeding, relating to the Borrower, whether or not
a
claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding)
the Loans, the Reimbursement Obligations, and all other obligations and
liabilities of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender,
or
any Lender (or, in the case of Specified Hedge Agreements, any affiliate of
any
Lender), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become
due, or now existing or hereafter incurred pursuant to this Agreement, any
other
Loan Document, the Letters of Credit, any Specified Hedge Agreement or any
other
document made, delivered or given in connection herewith or therewith, whether
on account of principal, interest, reimbursement obligations, fees, indemnities,
costs, expenses or otherwise (including all fees, charges and disbursements
of
counsel to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, or to any Lender that
are required to be paid by the Borrower pursuant hereto) or
otherwise.
Β
βOff-Balance
Sheet Liabilitiesβ:
as to
any Person (i) any repurchase obligation or liability of such Person with
respect to notes or accounts receivable sold by such Person, (ii) any liability
of such Person under any sale and leaseback transactions that do not create
a
liability on the balance sheet of such Person, (iii) any liability of such
Person under any so-called "synthetic" lease transaction and (iv) any obligation
under any other transaction which is the functional equivalent of, or takes
the
place of, a borrowing but which does not constitute a liability on the balance
sheet of such Person.
Β
βOther
Taxesβ:
any
and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or
property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made
hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with
respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
Β
βPark
and Loan Transactionsβ:
any
tariff transaction offered by pipelines or other storage facilities, where
the
pipelines or other storage facilities allow the customers to park gas on or
borrow gas from the pipelines or other storage facilities in one period and
reclaim gas from or repay gas to the pipelines or other storage facilities
in a
subsequent period.
Β
βParticipantβ:
as
defined in Section 10.6(b).
Β
βPBGCβ:
the
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of
Title
IV of ERISA (or any successor).
Β
βPermitted
Acquisitionsβ:
as
defined in Section 7.7(e).
Β
12
βPersonβ:
an
individual, company, corporation, firm, partnership, joint venture, undertaking,
association, organization, trust, state or agency of a state (in each case
whether or not having a separate legal personality).
βPlanβ:
at a
particular time, any employee benefit plan that is covered by ERISA and in
respect of which the Borrower or a Commonly Controlled Entity is (or, if such
plan were terminated at such time, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed
to be) an βemployerβ as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
Β
βPropertiesβ:
as
defined in Section 4.16(a).
Β
βRating
Agenciesβ:
collectively, S&P and Moodyβs.
Β
βRatingsβ:
the
ratings of the Rating Agencies applicable to the long-term, non-credit enhanced
senior unsecured debt of the Borrower or, if no such ratings then exist for
such
debt of the Borrower, the long-term non-credit enhanced senior unsecured debt
of
Holdings, in each case as announced by the Rating Agencies.
Β
βRecovery
Eventβ:
any
settlement of or payment in respect of any property or casualty insurance claim
or any condemnation proceeding relating to any asset of any Group
Member.
Β
βRefunded
Swingline Loansβ:
as
defined in Section 2.4(b).
Β
βRefunding
Dateβ:
as
defined in Section 2.4(c).
Β
βRegisterβ:
as
defined in Section 10.6(d).
Β
βRegulation
Uβ:
Regulation U of the Board as in effect from time to time.
Β
βReimbursement
Obligationβ:
the
obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Issuing Lender pursuant to Section
3.5 for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit.
Β
βReorganizationβ:
with
respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition that such plan is in
reorganization within the meaning of Section 4241 of ERISA.
Β
βReportable
Eventβ:
any of
the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than those events as
to
which the thirty day notice period is waived under Sections .27, .28, .29,
.30,
.31, .32, .34 or .35 of PBGC Reg. § 4043.
Β
βRequired
Lendersβ:
at any
time, the holders of more than 50% of (a) until the Closing Date, the Revolving
Commitments then in effect and (b) thereafter, the Total Revolving Commitments
then in effect or, if the Revolving Commitments have expired or been terminated,
the Total Revolving Extensions of Credit then outstanding.
Β
βRequirement
of Lawβ:
as to
any Person, the articles or certificate of incorporation or organization,
by-laws, partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, operating
agreement, management agreement, or other organizational or governing documents
of such Person, and any constitution, decree, judgment, legislation, order,
ordinance, regulation, rule, statute or treaty, in each case applicable to
or
binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or
any
of its property is subject.
Β
13
βResponsible
Officerβ:
the
chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer or
controller of Holdings or the Borrower, as the case may be, but in any event,
with respect to financial matters, the chief financial officer or treasurer
of
Holdings.
Β
βRestricted
Paymentsβ:
as
defined in Section 7.5.
Β
βRestricted
Subsidiaryβ:
any
Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Β
βRevolving
Commitmentβ:
as to
any Lender, the obligation of such Lender, if any, to make Revolving Loans
and
to purchase participations in Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit in an
aggregate principal and/or face amount not to exceed the amount set forth under
the heading βRevolving Commitmentβ opposite such Lenderβs name on Schedule
1.1
or in
the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which such Lender became a party
hereto, as the same may be increased pursuant to Section 2.23 or otherwise
changed from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof.
Β
βRevolving
Commitment Periodβ:
the
period from and including the Closing Date to the Revolving Termination
Date.
Β
βRevolving
Extensions of Creditβ:
as to
any Lender at any time, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the aggregate
principal amount of all Revolving Loans held by such Lender then outstanding,
(b) such Lenderβs Revolving Percentage of the L/C Obligations then outstanding
and (c) such Lenderβs Revolving Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of
Swingline Loans then outstanding.
Β
βRevolving
Loansβ:
as
defined in Section 2.1(a).
Β
βRevolving
Percentageβ:
as to
any Lender at any time, the percentage which such Lenderβs Revolving Commitment
then constitutes of the Total Revolving Commitments or, at any time after the
Revolving Commitments shall have expired or been terminated, the percentage
which the aggregate principal amount of such Lenderβs Revolving Loans then
outstanding constitutes of the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving
Loans
then outstanding, provided,
that,
in the event that the Revolving Loans are paid in full prior to the reduction
to
zero of the Total Revolving Extensions of Credit, the Revolving Percentages
shall be determined in a manner designed to ensure that the other outstanding
Revolving Extensions of Credit shall be held by the Lenders on a comparable
basis.
Β
βRevolving
Termination Dateβ:
the
earlier of: (i) August 31, 2011, or any such later date to which such date
has
been extended pursuant to Section 2.22, and (ii) the date of any termination
of
the Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 2.7 or Section 8.
Β
βSECβ:
the
Securities and Exchange Commission, any successor thereto and any analogous
Governmental Authority.
Β
14
βSecuritization
Facility Attributed Debtβ:
at any
time, the aggregate net outstanding amount theretofore paid to any of the Group
Members (without duplication) in respect of securitization assets (whether
accounts receivable, general intangibles, instruments, documents, chattel paper
or other similar assets) sold or transferred in connection with any securitization
financing program established by any of the Group Members in respect of such
securitization assets (it being the intent of the parties that such
Securitization Facility Attributed Debt at any time outstanding approximate
as
closely as possible the principal amount of Indebtedness that would be
outstanding at such time under such financing program if the same were
structured as a secured lending arrangement rather than a sale or securitization
arrangement).
Β
βSingle
Employer Planβ:
any
Plan that is covered by Title IV of ERISA, but that is not a Multiemployer
Plan.
Β
βS&Pβ:
Standard & Poorβs Rating Service, a division of the McGraw Hill Companies,
Inc.
Β
βSolventβ:
when
used with respect to any Person, means that, as of any date of determination,
(a) the sum of the assets of such Person will, as of such date, exceed the
sum
of the liabilities of such Person as of such date, (b) such Person will be
able
to pay its debts as they mature and (c) such Person has sufficient capital
to
conduct its business. For purposes of this definition, (i) βdebtβ means
liability on a βclaimβ, and (ii) βclaimβ means any (x) right to payment, whether
or not such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed,
contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal equitable, secured
or unsecured or (y) right to an equitable remedy for breach of performance
if
such breach gives rise to a right to payment, whether or not such right to
an
equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured or
unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured.
Β
βSpecified
Hedge Agreementβ:
any
Hedge Agreement (a) entered into by the Borrower and any Lender or Lender
Affiliate and (b) that has been designated by the relevant Lender and the
Borrower, by written notice to the Administrative Agent, as a Specified Hedge
Agreement.
Β
βSubsidiaryβ:
as to
any Person, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other
entity of which shares of stock or other ownership interests having ordinary
voting power (other than stock or such other ownership interests having such
power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to elect a majority
of
the board of directors or other managers of such corporation, partnership or
other entity are at the time owned, or the management of which is otherwise
controlled, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both,
by such Person. Unless otherwise qualified, all references to a βSubsidiaryβ or
to βSubsidiariesβ in this Agreement shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries
of either or both of the Borrower and Holdings.
Β
βSwingline
Commitmentβ:
the
obligation of the Swingline Lender to make Swingline Loans pursuant to Section
2.3 in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed
$75,000,000.
Β
15
βSwingline
Index Rateβ
means,
for any day, (a)Β the rate per annum appearing on Page 3750 of the Bridge
Telerate Service (formerly Dow Xxxxx Market Service) (or on any successor or
substitute page of such Service, or any successor to or substitute for such
Service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on
such page of such Service, as
determined by the Swingline Lender from time to time for purposes of providing
quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London
interbank market) at approximately 11:00Β a.m., London time for such day,
provided, if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business
Day, as the rate for dollar deposits with a one-month maturity; (b)Β if for
any reason the rate specified in clause (a) of this definition does not so
appear on Page 3750 of the Bridge Telerate Service (or any successor or
substitute page or any such successor to or substitute for such Service), the
rate per annum appearing on Reuters Screen LIBO page (or any successor or
substitute page) as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in dollars
at
approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, for such day, provided, if such day
is
not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day, for a one-month
maturity; and (c) if the rate specified in clause (a) of this definition does
not so appear on Page 3750 of the Bridge Telerate Service (or any successor
or
substitute page or any such successor to or substitute for such Service) and
if
no rate specified in clause (b) of this definition so appears on Reuters Screen
LIBO page (or any successor or substitute page), the average of the interest
rates per annum at which dollar deposits of $5,000,000 and for a one-month
maturity are offered by the respective principal London offices of two reference
banks designated by the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds
in
the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, for such
day.
βSwingline
Lenderβ:
SunTrust Bank, in its capacity as the lender of Swingline Loans.
Β
βSwingline
Loansβ:
as
defined in Section 2.3.
Β
βSwingline
Participation Amountβ:
as
defined in Section 2.4(c).
Β
βSyndication
Agentβ:
as
defined in the preamble hereto.
Β
βTotal
Capitalizationβ:
at any
date, the sum of Consolidated Net Worth and Consolidated Total Debt of the
Group
Members at such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
GAAP.
Β
βTotal
Revolving Commitmentsβ:
at any
time, the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments then in effect. The
Total Revolving Commitments as of the Closing Date is
$1,000,000,000.
Β
βTotal
Revolving Extensions of Creditβ:
at any
time, the aggregate amount of the Revolving Extensions of Credit of the Lenders
outstanding at such time.
Β
βTransfereeβ:
any
Assignee or Participant.
Β
βTypeβ:
as to
any Loan, its nature as an ABR Loan, a Eurodollar Loan or a Swingline Loan
bearing interest at an agreed rate and interest period as provided in the last
sentence of Section 2.3(a).
Β
16
βUnited
Statesβ:
the
United States of America.
Β
βUnrestricted
Subsidiaryβ:
any
Subsidiary which (i) is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance
with Section 7.11, and (ii) has not incurred any Indebtedness that is guaranteed
or otherwise supported by the credit of Holdings, the Borrower or any other
of
their respective Restricted Subsidiaries (but excluding any such guarantee
or
other credit support arrangement pursuant to which the liability of such
guarantor or credit support provider is limited to loan amounts advanced by
another Person against inventory claimed (by rights or claims of offset,
ownership or similar claim) by such guarantor or credit support provider, and
such guarantor or credit support provider is entitled to receive a pro rata
interest in such inventory corresponding to the amounts paid in respect of
such
inventory).
Β
βUtilization
Premiumβ:
for
each Level and on each day, the rate per annum set forth below opposite such
Level in effect on such day:
Β
Level
Β
|
Utilization
Premium
Β
|
Level
I
|
0.05%
|
Level
II
|
0.05%
|
Level
III
|
0.05%
|
Level
IV
|
0.05%
|
Level
V
|
0.10%
|
Level
VI
|
0.10%
|
βWholly
Owned Subsidiaryβ:
as to
any Person, any other Person all of the Capital Stock of which (other than
directorsβ qualifying shares required by law) is owned by such Person directly
and/or through other Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
Β
1.2Β Β Other
Definitional Provisions.
Β
(a)Β Β Unless
otherwise specified therein, all terms defined in this Agreement shall have
the
defined meanings when used in the other Loan Documents or any certificate or
other document made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.
Β
(b)Β Β As
used
herein and in the other Loan Documents, and any certificate or other document
made or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto, (i) accounting terms relating
to
any Group Member not defined in Section 1.1 and accounting terms partly defined
in Section 1.1, to the extent not defined, shall have the respective meanings
given to them under GAAP; provided,
however,
that
for purposes of determining compliance with the covenants contained in Section
7, all accounting terms herein shall be interpreted and all accounting
determinations hereunder shall be made in accordance with GAAP as in effect
on
the date of this Agreement and applied on a basis consistent with the
application used in the financial statements referred to in Section 4.1, (ii)
the words βincludeβ, βincludesβ and βincludingβ shall be deemed to be followed
by the phrase βwithout limitationβ, (iii) the word βincurβ shall be construed to
mean incur, create, issue, assume, become liable in respect of or suffer to
exist (and the words βincurredβ and βincurrenceβ shall have correlative
meanings), (iv) the words βassetβ and βpropertyβ shall be construed to have the
same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible
assets and properties, including cash, Capital Stock, securities, revenues,
accounts, leasehold interests and contract
rights, and (v) references to agreements or other Contractual Obligations shall,
unless
otherwise
specified, be deemed to refer to such agreements or Contractual Obligations
as
amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to
time.
Β
17
(c)Β Β The
words
βhereofβ, βhereinβ and βhereunderβ and words of similar import, when used in
this Agreement, shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any
particular provision of this Agreement, and Section, Schedule and Exhibit
references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
Β
(d)Β Β The
meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both
the
singular and plural forms of such terms.
Β
SECTION
2. Β Β AMOUNT
AND TERMS OF COMMITMENTS
Β
2.1Β Β Revolving
Commitments.
Β
(a)Β Β Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender severally agrees to make
revolving credit loans (βRevolving
Loansβ)
to the
Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Commitment Period in an
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding which, when added to
such
Lenderβs Revolving Percentage of the sum of (i) the L/C Obligations then
outstanding and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the Swingline Loans
then
outstanding, does not exceed the amount of such Lenderβs Revolving Commitment.
During the Revolving Commitment Period, the Borrower may use the Revolving
Commitments by borrowing, prepaying the Revolving Loans in whole or in part,
and
reborrowing, all in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof. The
Revolving Loans may from time to time be Eurodollar Loans or ABR Loans, as
determined by the Borrower and notified to the Administrative Agent in
accordance with Sections 2.2 and 2.10.
Β
(b)Β Β Notwithstanding
the foregoing, no Lender shall be obligated to make a Revolving Loan hereunder
if the aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding of such Lenderβs
Revolving Percentage of the Total Revolving Extensions of Credit exceeds such
Lenderβs Revolving Commitment.
Β
(c)Β Β The
Borrower shall repay all outstanding Revolving Loans on the Revolving
Termination Date.
Β
2.2Β Β Procedure
for Revolving Loan Borrowing.
The
Borrower may borrow under the Revolving Commitments during the Revolving
Commitment Period on any Business Day, provided that the Borrower shall give
the
Administrative Agent irrevocable notice (which notice must be received by the
Administrative Agent prior to 11:00 a.m., Atlanta time, (a) three Business
Days
prior to the requested Borrowing Date, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, or
(b)
on the requested Borrowing Date, in the case of ABR Loans), specifying (i)
the
amount and Type of Revolving Loans to be borrowed, (ii) the requested Borrowing
Date and (iii) in the case of Eurodollar Loans, the respective lengths of the
initial Interest Period therefor. Each borrowing under the Revolving Commitments
shall be in an amount equal to (x) in the case of ABR Loans, $1,000,000 or
a
whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof, and (y) in the case of Eurodollar
Loans, $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof;
provided,
however,
that
the Swingline Lender may request, on behalf of the Borrower, borrowings under
the Revolving Commitments that are ABR Loans in other amounts pursuant to
Section 2.4. Upon receipt of
Β
18
Β
2.3Β Β Swingline
Commitment.
Β
(a)Β Β Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swingline Lender agrees to make a
portion of the credit otherwise available to the Borrower under the Revolving
Commitments from time to time during the Revolving Commitment Period by making
swing line loans (βSwingline
Loansβ)
to the
Borrower; provided
that (i)
the aggregate principal amount of Swingline Loans outstanding at any time shall
not exceed the Swingline Commitment then in effect (notwithstanding that the
Swingline Loans outstanding at any time, when aggregated with the Swingline
Lenderβs other outstanding Revolving Loans, may exceed the Swingline Commitment
then in effect) and (ii) the Borrower shall not request, and the Swingline
Lender shall not make, any Swingline Loan if, after giving effect to the making
of such Swingline Loan, the aggregate amount of the Available Revolving
Commitments would be less than zero. During the Revolving Commitment Period,
the
Borrower may use the Swingline Commitment by borrowing, repaying and
reborrowing, all in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.
Each
Swingline Loan shall accrue interest (x) at the Swingline Index Rate plus the
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Loans at all times prior to the acquisition
by
any Lender of a participating interest therein as provided in Section 2.4,
and
(y) at the ABR plus the Applicable Margin at all times thereafter, in each
case
as such rate is in effect from time to time while such Swingline Loan is
outstanding.
Β
(b)Β Β The
Borrower shall repay (i) each outstanding Swingline Loan not later than seven
(7) Business Days after the date such Swingline Loan was advanced pursuant
to
Section 2.3(a), and (ii) all outstanding Swingline Loans on the Revolving
Termination Date.
Β
2.4Β Β Procedure
for Swingline Borrowing; Refunding of Swingline Loans.
Β
(a)Β Β Whenever
the Borrower desires that the Swingline Lender make Swingline Loans, it shall
give the Administrative Agent and the Swingline Lender irrevocable telephonic
notice confirmed promptly in writing (which telephonic notice must be received
by the Swingline Lender not later than 1:00 P.M., Atlanta time, on the proposed
Borrowing Date), specifying (i) the amount to be borrowed and (ii) the requested
Borrowing Date (which shall be a Business Day during the Revolving Commitment
Period). Each borrowing under
Β
19
Β
(b)Β Β The
Swingline Lender, at any time and from time to time in its sole and absolute
discretion may, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably directs
the
Swingline Lender to act on its behalf), on one Business Dayβs notice given by
the Swingline Lender to the Administrative Agent no later than 12:00 Noon,
Atlanta time, request each Lender to make, and each Lender hereby agrees to
make, a Revolving Loan, in an amount equal to such Lenderβs Revolving Percentage
of the aggregate amount of the Swingline Loans (the βRefunded
Swingline Loansβ)
outstanding on the date of such notice, together with all interest accrued
and
unpaid thereon, to repay the Swingline Lender. Revolving Loans made pursuant
to
this Section 2.4(b) initially shall bear interest at the ABR plus the Applicable
Margin. Each Lender shall make the amount of such Revolving Loan available
to
the Administrative Agent at the Funding Office in immediately available funds,
not later than 10:00 A.M., Atlanta time, one Business Day after the date of
such
notice. The proceeds of such Revolving Loans shall be immediately made available
by the Administrative Agent to the Swingline Lender for application by the
Swingline Lender to the repayment of the Refunded Swingline Loans and all
interest accrued and unpaid thereon. The Borrower irrevocably authorizes the
Swingline Lender to charge the Borrowerβs accounts with the Administrative Agent
(up to the amount available in each such account) in order to immediately pay
the amount of such Refunded Swingline Loans and all interest accrued and unpaid
thereon to the extent amounts received from the Lenders are not sufficient
to
repay in full such Refunded Swingline Loans and all interest accrued and unpaid
thereon.
The
Administrative Agent shall give the Borrower prompt notice of any such charge
against the Borrowerβs account.
Β
(c)Β Β If
prior
to the time a Revolving Loan would have otherwise been made pursuant to Section
2.4(b), one of the events described in Section 8(f) shall have occurred and
be
continuing with respect to the Borrower or if for any other reason, as
determined by the Swingline Lender in its sole discretion, Revolving Loans
may
not be made as contemplated by Section 2.4(b), each Lender shall, on the date
such Revolving Loan was to have been made pursuant to the notice referred to
in
Section 2.4(b) (the βRefunding
Dateβ),
purchase for cash an undivided participating interest in the then outstanding
Swingline Loans by paying to the Swingline Lender an amount (the βSwingline
Participation Amountβ)
equal
to (i) such Lenderβs Revolving Percentage times
(ii) the
sum of the aggregate principal amount of Swingline Loans then outstanding,
together with all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, that were to have been
repaid with such Revolving Loans.
Β
(d)Β Β Whenever,
at any time after the Swingline Lender has received from any Lender such
Lenderβs Swingline Participation Amount, the Swingline Lender receives any
payment on account of the Swingline Loans, the Swingline Lender will distribute
to such LenderΒ its
Swingline Participation Amount (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest
Β
20
Β
(e)Β Β Each
Lenderβs obligation to make the Loans referred to in Section 2.4(b) and to
purchase participating interests pursuant to Section 2.4(c) shall be absolute
and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including
(i)
any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that such Lender
or
the Borrower may have against the Swingline Lender, the Borrower or any other
Person for any reason whatsoever; (ii) the occurrence or continuance of a
Default or an Event of Default or the failure to satisfy any of the other
conditions specified in Section 5; (iii) any adverse change in the condition
(financial or otherwise) of the Borrower or any other Loan Party; (iv) any
breach of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by the Borrower, any other
Loan Party or any other Lender; or (v) any other circumstance, happening or
event whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.
Β
2.5Β Β Evidence
of Debt.
Β
(a)Β Β Each
Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice appropriate records
evidencing indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each
Loan
of such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and
interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time in respect of such
Loans. The Administrative Agent shall maintain the Register pursuant to Section
10.6(d), and a record therein for each Lender, in which shall be recorded (i)
the amount of each Loan made by such Lender, the interest rate applicable
thereto and each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto, and (ii) the amount
of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower
on
account of such Loan. The entries made in the Register and the records of each
Lender maintained pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall, to the extent permitted
by
applicable law, be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the
obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; provided,
however,
that
the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain the Register
or any such record, or any error therein, shall not in any manner affect the
obligation of the Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the Loans made
by
such Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Β
(b)Β Β At
the
request of any Lender (including the Swingline Lender) at any time, the Borrower
agrees that it will execute and deliver to such Lender a Note evidencing the
Revolving Loans of such Lender and, in the case of the Swingline Lender only,
a
Note evidencing the Swingline Loans of the Swingline Lender, payable to the
order of such Lender.
Β
21
2.6Β Β Facility
Fees, etc.Β
Β
(a)Β Β The
Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each
Lender a facility fee for the period from and including the date hereof to
the
Revolving
Β
(b)Β Β Termination
Date, computed at the Facility Fee Rate on the average daily amount of the
Revolving Commitment of such Lender in effect (whether or not then being used)
during the period for which payment is made, payable quarterly in arrears on
the
last day of each March, June, September and December and on the Revolving
Termination Date, commencing on the first of such dates to occur after the
date
hereof.
Β
(c)Β Β The
Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent the fees in the amounts
and
on the dates previously agreed to in writing by the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent.
Β
2.7Β Β Termination
or Reduction of Revolving Commitments.
The
Borrower shall have the right, upon not less than three Business Daysβ notice to
the Administrative Agent, to terminate the Revolving Commitments or, from time
to time, to reduce the amount of the Revolving Commitments; provided
that no
such termination or reduction of Revolving Commitments shall be permitted if,
after giving effect thereto and to any prepayments of the Loans made on the
effective date thereof pursuant to Section 2.9, the Total Revolving Extensions
of Credit would exceed the Total Revolving Commitments. Any such reduction
shall
be in an amount equal to $10,000,000, or an integral multiple of $1,000,000
in
excess thereof, and shall reduce permanently the Revolving Commitments then
in
effect.
Β
2.8Β Β Optional
Prepayments.
The
Borrower may at any time and from time to time prepay the Loans, in whole or
in
part, without premium or penalty, upon irrevocable notice delivered to the
Administrative Agent at least three Business Days prior thereto in the case
of
Eurodollar Loans and no later than 11:00 a.m., Atlanta time, on the date of
such
prepayment in the case of ABR Loans, which notice shall specify the date and
amount of prepayment and whether the prepayment is of Eurodollar Loans or ABR
Loans; provided, that if a Eurodollar Loan is prepaid on any day other than
the
last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the Borrower shall also
pay
any amounts owing pursuant to Section 2.18. Upon receipt of any such notice
the
Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each relevant Lender thereof. If
any
such notice is given, the amount specified in such notice shall be due and
payable on the date specified therein, together with
accrued interest to such date on the amount prepaid. Partial
prepayments of the Loans shall be in an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000
or an integral multiple
of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Partial prepayments of Swingline Loans shall
be
in an aggregate principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000
in excess thereof.Β
Β
2.9Β Β Prepayments
on Revolving Commitment Reductions.
Any
reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be accompanied by prepayment of
the
Revolving Loans and/or Swingline Loans to the extent, if any, that the Total
Revolving Extensions of Credit would exceed the amount of the Total Revolving
Commitments as so reduced, provided that if the aggregate principal amount
of
Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans then outstanding is less than the amount
of
such excess (because L/C Obligations constitute a portion thereof), the Borrower
shall, to the extent of the balance of such excess, replace outstanding Letters
of Credit and/or deposit an amount in cash in a cash collateral account
Β
22
Β
2.10Β Β Conversion
and Continuation Options.Β
Β
(a)Β Β The
Borrower may elect from time to time to convert Eurodollar Loans to ABR Loans
by
giving the Administrative Agent at least two Business Daysβ prior irrevocable
notice of such election, provided
that any
such conversion of Eurodollar Loans may only be made on the last day of an
Interest Period with respect thereto. The Borrower may elect from time to time
to convert ABR Loans to Eurodollar Loans by giving the Administrative Agent
at
least three Business Daysβ prior irrevocable notice of such election (which
notice shall specify the length of the initial Interest Period therefor),
provided
that no
ABR Loan may be converted into a Eurodollar Loan when both (i) a Default or
an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, and (ii) the Administrative
Agent or the Required Lenders have determined in its or their sole discretion
not to permit such conversions. Upon receipt of any such notice the
Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each relevant Lender
thereof.
Β
(b)Β Β Any
Eurodollar Loan may be continued as such upon the expiration of the then current
Interest Period with respect thereto by the Borrower giving irrevocable notice
to the Administrative Agent, in accordance with the applicable provisions of
the
term βInterest Periodβ set forth in Section 1.1, of the length of the next
Interest Period to be applicable to such Loans, provided
that no
Eurodollar Loan may be continued as such when any Default or Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent has or the Required
Lenders have determined in its or their sole discretion not to permit such
continuations, and provided,
further,
that if
the Borrower shall fail to give any required notice as described above in this
paragraph or if such continuation is not permitted pursuant to the preceding
proviso such Loans shall be automatically converted to ABR Loans on the last
day
of such then expiring Interest Period. Upon receipt of any such notice the
Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each relevant Lender
thereof.
Β
2.11Β Β Limitations
on Eurodollar Tranches.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, all borrowings,
conversions and continuations of Eurodollar Loans and all selections of Interest
Periods shall be in such amounts and be made pursuant to suchΒ elections
so that, (a) after giving effect thereto, the aggregate principal amount of
the
Eurodollar Loans comprising each Eurodollar Tranche shall be equal to $5,000,000
or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (b) no more than
six
Eurodollar Tranches shall be outstanding at any one time.
Β
2.12Β Β Interest
Rates and Payment Dates.
Β
(a)Β Β Each
Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest for each day during each Interest Period
with respect thereto at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate determined
for such day plus the Applicable Margin.
Β
23
(b)Β Β Each
ABR
Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the ABR plus the
Applicable Margin.
Β
(c)Β Β Each
Swingline Loan (other than an ABR Loan) shall bear interest at the rate set
forth in Section 2.3(a).
Β
(d)Β Β (i)
If
all or a portion of the principal amount of any Revolving Loan, Swingline Loan
or Reimbursement Obligation shall not be paid when due (whether at the stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), such overdue amount shall bear interest
at a rate per annum equal to (x) in the case of the Loans, the rate that would
otherwise be applicable thereto pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this
Section plus
2% or
(y) in the case of Reimbursement Obligations, the rate applicable to ABR Loans
plus
2%, and
(ii) if all or a portion of any interest payable on any Revolving Loan,
Swingline Loan, or Reimbursement Obligation or any facility fee or other amount
payable hereunder shall not be paid when due (whether at the stated maturity,
by
acceleration or otherwise), such overdue amount shall bear interest at a rate
per annum equal to the rate then applicable to ABR Loans plus
2%, in
each case, with respect to clauses (i) and (ii) above, from the date of such
non-payment until such amount is paid in full (as well after as before
judgment).
Β
(e)Β Β Interest
in respect of all Revolving Loans and all Swingline Loans shall be payable
in
arrears on each Interest Payment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest
accruing pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable from time
to
time on demand.
Β
2.13Β Β Computation
of Interest and Fees.
Β
(a)Β Β Interest
and fees payable pursuant hereto shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day
year for the actual days elapsed, except that, with respect to ABR Loans the
rate of interest on which is calculated on the basis of the Prime Rate, the
interest thereon shall be calculated on the basis of a 365- (or 366-, as the
case may be) day year for the actual days elapsed. The Administrative Agent
shall as soon as practicable notify the Borrower and the relevant Lenders of
each determination of a Eurodollar Rate. Any change in the interest rate on
a
Loan resulting from a change in the ABR or the Eurocurrency Reserve Requirements
shall become effective as of the opening of business on the day on which such
change becomes effective. The Administrative Agent shall as soon as practicable
notify the Borrower and the relevant Lenders of the effective date and the
amount of each such change in interest rate.
Β
(b)Β Β Each
determination of an interest rate by the Administrative Agent pursuant to any
provision of this Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower
and
the Lenders in the absence of manifest error. The Administrative Agent shall,
at
the request of the Borrower, deliver to the Borrower a statement showing the
quotations used by the Administrative Agent in determining any interest rate
pursuant to Section 2.12(a).
Β
2.14Β Β Inability
to Determine Interest Rate.
If
prior to the first day of any Interest Period:
Β
(i)Β Β the
Administrative Agent shall have determined in its good faith judgment (which
determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Borrower) that, by reason
of circumstances affecting the relevant market, adequate means do not exist
for
ascertaining the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period, or
Β
24
(ii)Β Β the
Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Required Lenders that
the Eurodollar Rate determined or to be determined for such Interest Period
will
not reflect the actual cost to such Lenders (as conclusively certified by such
Lenders) of making or maintaining their affected Loans during such Interest
Period;
Β
the
Administrative Agent shall give telecopy or telephonic notice thereof to the
Borrower and the relevant Lenders as soon as practicable thereafter. If such
notice is given (x) any Eurodollar Loans requested to be made on the first
day
of such Interest Period shall be made as ABR Loans, (y)Β any Loans that were
to have been converted on the first day of such Interest Period to Eurodollar
Loans shall be continued as ABR Loans and (z) any outstanding Eurodollar Loans
shall be converted, on the last day of the then-current Interest Period, to
ABR
Loans. Until such notice has been withdrawn by the Administrative Agent, no
further Eurodollar Loans shall be made or continued as such, nor shall the
Borrower have the right to convert Loans to Eurodollar Loans. The Administrative
Agent shall promptly withdraw such notice when Eurodollar Loans are again
available.
Β
2.15Β Β Pro
Rata Treatment and Payments.Β
Β
(a)Β Β Each
borrowing by the Borrower from the Lenders hereunder (other than the borrowing
of Swingline Loans), each payment by the Borrower on account of any facility
fee
and any reduction of the Revolving Commitments of the Lenders shall be made
proΒ rata
according to the respective Revolving Commitments of the relevant
Lenders.
Β
(b)Β Β Each
payment (including each prepayment) by the Borrower on account of principal
of
and interest on the Loans shall be made proΒ rata
according to the respective outstanding principal amounts of the Loans then
held
by the Lenders.
Β
(c)Β Β All
payments (including prepayments) to be made by the Borrower hereunder, whether
on account of principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall be made without
setoff or counterclaim and shall be made prior to 12:00 Noon, Atlanta time,
on
the due date thereof to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the
Lenders, at the Funding Office, in Dollars and in immediately available funds.
The Administrative Agent shall distribute such payments to the Lenders promptly
upon receipt in like funds as received. If any payment hereunder (other than
payments on the Eurodollar Loans) becomes due and payable on a day other than
a
Business Day, such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business
Day. If any payment on a Eurodollar Loan becomes due and payable on a day other
than a Business Day, the maturity thereof shall be extended to the next
succeeding Business Day unless the result of such extension would be to extend
such payment into another calendar month, in which event such payment shall
be
made on the immediately preceding Business Day. In the case of any extension
of
any payment of principal pursuant to the preceding two sentences, interest
thereon shall be payable at the then applicable rate during such
extension.
Β
25
(d)Β Β Unless
the Administrative Agent shall have been notified in writing by any Lender
prior
to a borrowing that such Lender will not make the amount that would constitute
its share of such borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, the
Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender is making such amount available
to the Administrative Agent, and the Β Administrative
Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower
a
corresponding amount. If such amount is not made available to the Administrative
Agent by the required time on the Borrowing Date therefor, such Lender shall
pay
to the Administrative Agent, on demand, such amount with interest thereon at
a
rate equal to the daily average Federal Funds Effective Rate for the period
until such Lender makes such amount immediately available to the Administrative
Agent. A certificate of the Administrative Agent submitted to any Lender with
respect to any amounts owing under this paragraph shall be conclusive in the
absence of manifest error. If such Lenderβs share of such borrowing is not made
available to the Administrative Agent by such Lender within three Business
Days
after such Borrowing Date, the Administrative Agent shall also be entitled
to
recover such amount with interest thereon at the rate per annum applicable
to
ABR Loans, on demand, from the Borrower.
Β
(e)Β Β Unless
the Administrative Agent shall have been notified in writing by the Borrower
prior to the date of any payment due to be made by the Borrower hereunder that
the Borrower will not make such payment to the Administrative Agent, the
Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower is making such payment, and
the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be required to, in reliance upon
such assumption, make available to the Lenders their respective proΒ rata
shares
of a corresponding amount. If such payment is not made to the Administrative
Agent by the Borrower within three Business Days after such due date, the
Administrative Agent shall be entitled to recover, on demand, from each Lender
to which any amount which was made available pursuant to the preceding sentence,
such amount with interest thereon at the rate per annum equal to the daily
average Federal Funds Effective Rate. Nothing herein shall be deemed to limit
the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender against the
Borrower.
Β
2.16Β Β Requirements
of Law.Β
Β
(a)Β Β If
the
adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation
or
application thereof or compliance by any Lender with any request or directive
(whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or other
Governmental Authority made subsequent to the date hereof:
Β
(i)Β Β shall
subject any Lender to any tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this
Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any Application or any Eurodollar Loan made
by
it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender in respect
thereof (except for Non-Excluded Taxes covered by Section 2.17 and changes
in
the rate of tax on the overall net income of such Lender);
Β
(ii)Β Β shall
impose, modify or hold applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory
loan
or similar requirement against assets held by, deposits or other liabilities
in
or for the account of, advances, loans or other extensions of credit by, or
any
other acquisition of funds by, any office of such Lender that is not otherwise
included in the determination of the Eurodollar Rate; or
Β
26
(iii)Β Β shall
impose on such Lender any other condition;Β
Β
and
the
result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to such Lender, by
an
amount that such Lender deems to be material, of making, converting into,
continuing or maintaining Eurodollar Loans or issuing or participating in
Letters of Credit, or to reduce any amount receivable hereunder in respect
thereof, then, in any such case, the Borrower shall promptly pay such Lender,
upon its demand, any additional amounts necessary to compensate such Lender
for
such increased cost or reduced amount receivable. If any Lender becomes entitled
to claim any amounts pursuant to this paragraph, it shall promptly notify
the
Borrower in writing (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of the event
by
reason of which it has become so entitled; provided
that the
Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this paragraph
for any amounts incurred more than three months prior to the date that such
Lender notifies the Borrower of such Lenderβs intention to claim compensation
therefor; and providedΒ further
that, if
the circumstances giving rise to such claim have a retroactive effect, then
such
period for which the Borrower shall be required to compensate the Lenders
shall
be extended to include the period of such retroactive effect.
Β
(b)Β Β If
any
Lender shall have determined that the adoption of or any change in any
Requirement of Law regarding capital adequacy or in the interpretation or
application thereof or compliance by such Lender or any corporation controlling
such Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether
or
not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority made subsequent
to
the date hereof shall have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such
Lenderβs or such corporationβs capital as a consequence of its obligations
hereunder or under or in respect of any Letter of Credit to a level below that
which such Lender or such corporation could have achieved but for such adoption,
change or compliance (taking into consideration such Lenderβs or such
corporationβs policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by
such Lender to be material, then from time to time, after submission by such
Lender to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of a written
request therefor, the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amount
or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such corporation for such
reduction; provided
that the
Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this paragraph
for any amounts incurred more than three months prior to the date that such
Lender notifies the Borrower of such Lenderβs intention to claim compensation
therefor; and providedΒ further
that, if
the circumstances giving rise to such claim have a retroactive effect,
then
such
period for which the Borrower shall be required to compensate the Lenders shall
be extended to include the period of such retroactive effect
Β
(c)Β Β A
certificate as to any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section
submitted by any Lender to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative
Agent) shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. The obligations
of
the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall survive the termination of this
Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable
hereunder.
Β
2.17Β Β Taxes.
Β
(a)Β Β All
payments made by the Borrower under this Agreement shall be made free and clear
of, and without deduction or withholding for or on account of, any
Β
27
Β
(b)Β Β In
addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental
Authority in accordance with applicable law.
Β
(c)Β Β Whenever
any Non-Excluded Taxes or Other Taxes are payable by the Borrower, as promptly
as possible thereafter the Borrower shall send to the Administrative Agent
for
its own account or for the account of the relevant Lender, as the case may
be, a
certified copy of an original official receipt received by the Borrower showing
payment thereof. If the Borrower fails to pay any Non-Excluded Taxes or Other
Taxes when due to the appropriate taxing authority or fails to remit to the
Administrative Agent the required receipts or other required documentary
evidence, the Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders
for any incremental taxes, interest or penalties that may become payable by
the
Administrative Agent or any Lender as a result of any such failure.
Β
(d)Β Β Each
Lender (or Transferee) that is not a βU.S. Personβ as defined in Section
7701(a)(30) of the Code (a βNon-U.S.
Lenderβ)
shall
deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a
Participant, to the Lender from which the related participation shall have
been
purchased) two copies of either U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or
Form W-8ECI, or, in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender claiming exemption from U.S.
federal withholding tax under Section 871(h) or 881(c) of the Code with respect
to payments of βportfolio interestβ, a statement substantially in the form of
Exhibit F and a Form W-8BEN, or any subsequent versions thereof or successors
thereto, properly completed and duly executed by such Non-U.S. Lender claiming
complete exemption from, or a reduced rate of, U.S. federal withholding tax
on
all payments by the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Such forms shall be delivered by each Non-U.S. Lender on or before the date
it
becomes a party to this Agreement (or, in the case of any Participant, on or
before the date
Β
28
Β
(e)Β Β A
Lender
that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of non-U.S. withholding
tax
under the law of the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, or any
treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments under
this Agreement shall deliver to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative
Agent), at the time or times prescribed by applicable law or reasonably
requested by the Borrower, such properly completed and executed documentation
prescribed by applicable law as will permit such payments to be made without
withholding or at a reduced rate, provided
that
such Lender is legally entitled to complete, execute and deliver such
documentation and in such Lenderβs judgment such completion, execution or
submission would not materially prejudice the legal position of such
Lender.
Β
(f)Β Β The
agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement
and
the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder and for a
period of one year after the indefeasible payment in full of all Obligations
and
the termination of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Β
2.18Β Β Indemnity.
The
Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender for, and to hold each Lender harmless
from, any loss or expense that such Lender may sustain or incur as a consequence
of (a)Β default by the Borrower in making a borrowing of, conversion into or
continuation of Eurodollar Loans after the Borrower has given a notice
requesting the same in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, (b)
default by the Borrower in making any prepayment of or conversion from
Eurodollar Loans after the Borrower has given a notice thereof in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement or (c) the making of a prepayment of
Eurodollar Loans on a day that is not the last day of an Interest Period with
respect thereto. Such indemnification may include an amount equal to the excess,
if any, of (i) the amount of interest that would have accrued on the amount
so
prepaid, or not so borrowed, converted or continued, for the period from the
date of such prepayment or of such failure to borrow, convert or continue to
the
last day of such Interest Period (or, in the case of a failure to borrow,
convert or continue, the Interest Period that would have commenced on the date
of such failure) in each case at the applicable rate of interest for such Loans
provided for herein (excluding, however, the Applicable Margin included therein,
if any) over (ii) the amount of interest (as reasonablyΒ determined
by such Lender) that would have accrued to such Lender on such amount by placing
such amount on deposit for a comparable period with leading banks in the
interbank eurodollar market. A certificate as to any amounts payable pursuant
to
this Section submitted to the Borrower by any Lender shall be conclusive in
the
absence of manifest error. This covenant shall survive the termination of this
Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable
hereunder.
Β
29
2.19Β Β Change
of Lending Office.
Each
Lender agrees that, upon the occurrence of any event giving rise to the
operation of Section 2.16, 2.17(a) or 2.20 with respect to such Lender, to
the
extent permitted by law, it will designate another lending office for any Loans
affected by such event with the object of avoiding the consequences of such
event; provided, that such designation is made on terms that, in the sole
judgment of such Lender, are not disadvantageous to such Lender, and provided,
further, that nothing in this Section shall affect or postpone any of the
obligations of the Borrower or the rights of any Lender pursuant to Section
2.16, 2.17(a), or 2.20.
Β
2.20Β Β Illegality.Β If
the
adoption of or any change in any Requirement of Law or in the interpretation
or
application thereof or compliance by any Lender with any request or directive
(whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or other
Governmental Authority made subsequent to the date hereof shall make it
unlawful, impossible or impracticable for any Lender to make, maintain or fund
any Eurodollar Loan and such Lender shall so notify the Administrative Agent
and
the Borrower thereof (with supporting documentation) of such event, then such
Lender's Revolving Commitment shall be suspended and, 30 days following such
notification, shall be canceled if such unlawfulness, impossibility or
impracticability shall then be continuing. The Borrower shall prepay such
Lender's Loans or convert such Eurodollar Loans to ABR Loans at the time or
times and to the extent necessary to avoid such unlawfulness, together with
unpaid accrued interest thereon, unpaid accrued fees and any other amounts
due
and payable to such Lender, unless, in either case, prior thereto, the Borrower
shall have given notice to such Lender that the Borrower will require such
Lender to assign and transfer all of its interests in this Agreement pursuant
to
Section 2.19 and shall have caused such Lender to have so assigned and
transferred such interests.Β Β
Β
2.21Β Β Replacement
of Lenders.
The
Borrower shall be permitted to replace any Lender that (a) requests
reimbursement for amounts owing pursuant to Section 2.16 or 2.17(a), (b)
requires relief pursuant to Section 2.20 or (c) refuses to consent to certain
proposed amendments, modifications, waivers, discharges or terminations with
respect to this Agreement that require the consent of all Lenders (or all
affected Lenders) pursuant to Section
10.1
and the
same have been approved by the Required Lenders, in each case with a replacement
financial institution; provided that (i) such replacement does not conflict
with
any Requirement of Law, (ii) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing at the time of such replacement, (iii) prior to any such replacement,
such Lender shall have taken no action under Section 2.19 so as to eliminate
the
continued need for payment of amounts owing pursuant to Section 2.16 or 2.17(a)
or relief pursuant to Section 2.20, (iv) the replacement financial institution
shall purchase, at par, all Loans and other amounts owing to such
replaced Lender on or prior to the date of replacement, (v) the Borrower shall
be liable to such replaced Lender for any amounts owing under Section 2.18
if
any Eurodollar Loan owing to such replaced Lender shall be purchased other
than
on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto, (vi) the replacement
financial institution, if not already a Lender, shall be an Eligible Assignee,
(vii) the replaced Lender shall be obligated to make such replacement in
accordance with the provisions of Section 10.6 (provided that the Borrower
shall
be obligated to pay the registration and processing fee referred to therein),
(viii) until such time as such replacement shall be consummated, the Borrower
shall pay to the Lender being replaced all additional amounts (if any) required
pursuant to Section 2.16 or 2.17(a), as the case may be, and (ix)Β any such
replacement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any rights that the Borrower,
the Administrative Agent or any other Lender
Β
30
Β
2.22Β Β Extension
of Revolving Termination Date.Β
Β
(a)Β Β No
earlier than 60 days and at least 45 days prior to each of the first and second
anniversary of the Closing Date, the Borrower may, by written notice to the
Administrative Agent (who shall promptly notify each Lender thereof), request
that the Revolving Termination Date then in effect be extended for a one-year
period.
Β
(b)Β Β If
a
Lender agrees, in its individual and sole discretion, to so extend its Revolving
Commitment (an "Extending
Lender"),
it
shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a written notice of its agreement
to
do so at least 30 days prior to such anniversary date and the Administrative
Agent shall promptly thereafter notify the Borrower of such Extending Lender's
agreement to extend its Revolving Commitment (and such agreement shall be
irrevocable until such anniversary date). The Revolving Commitment of any Lender
that fails to accept or respond to the Borrower's request for extension of
the
Revolving Termination Date (a "Declining
Lender")
shall
be terminated on the Revolving Termination Date then in effect for such Lender
(without regard to any extension by other Lenders). The Administrative Agent
shall promptly notify the Borrower and each Extending Lender of the aggregate
Revolving Commitments of the Declining Lenders. Each Extending Lender may offer
to increase its respective Revolving Commitment by an aggregate amount up to
the
aggregate amount of the Declining Lenders' Revolving Commitments and such
Extending Lender shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a notice of its
offer
to so increase its Revolving Commitment no later than 15 days prior to such
anniversary date (and such offer shall be irrevocable until such anniversary
date).
Β
(c)Β Β To
the
extent the aggregate amount of extended Revolving Commitments is less than
the
aggregate amount of Revolving Commitments so requested to be extended pursuant
to the foregoing, the Borrower shall have the right to require any Declining
Lender to (and any such Declining Lender shall) assign in full its rights and
obligations under this Agreement to one or more banks or other financial
institutions (which may be, but need not be, one or more of the existing
Lenders) which at the time agree to, in the case of any such Person that is
an
existing Lender, increase its Revolving Commitment and in the case of any other
such Person (a βReplacement
Lenderβ)
become
a party to this Agreement; provided
that (i)
such assignment is otherwise in compliance with Section
10.6,
(ii)
such Declining Lender receives payment in full of the unpaid principal amount
of
all Revolving Loans owing to such Declining Lender, together with all accrued
and unpaid interest thereon and all fees accrued and unpaid under this Agreement
to the date of such payment of principal and all other amounts then due to
such
Declining Lender under this Agreement and (iii) any such assignment shall be
effective on the date on or before such anniversary date as may be specified
by
the Borrower and agreed to byΒ the
Replacement Lenders or the Extending Lenders, as the case may be, and the
Administrative Agent.
Β
31
(d)Β Β On
the
Revolving Termination Date for each Declining Lender, (x) the Borrower shall
pay
in full the unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Loans owing to such
Declining Lender, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon and
all
fees accrued and unpaid under this Agreement to the date of such payment of
principal and all other amounts then due to such Declining Lender under this
Agreement, and (y) the amount of the participating interests held by each
remaining Lender in respect of each Letter of Credit and Swingline Loan then
outstanding shall be adjusted automatically such that, after giving effect
to
such adjustments, the remaining Lenders shall hold participating interests
in
respect of each such Letter of Credit and Swingline Loan in proportion to their
respective Revolving Commitments.
Β
(e)Β Β Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if, but only if, Extending Lenders and Replacement Lenders have
agreed to provide Revolving Commitments in an aggregate amount greater than
50%
of the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments outstanding immediately
prior to such anniversary date, the Revolving Termination Date of such Extending
Lenders and Replacement Lenders shall be extended by one year.
Β
(f)Β Β The
Revolving Termination Date of such Extending Lenders and Replacement Lenders
may
be extended by one year under the terms of this Section
2.22
not more
than a total of two times during the term of this Agreement.
Β
2.23Β Β Increase
in Revolving Commitments.
Β
(a)Β Β On
not
more than three occasions during any calendar year, the Borrower may submit
to
the Administrative Agent the Borrowerβs written request that the Revolving
Commitments be increased up to a total amount not to exceed on any such occasion
$1,250,000,000 (the requested amount on each such occasion being the
βMaximum
Revolving Commitmentsβ),
and
the Administrative Agent shall promptly give notice of such request to each
Lender (the βRevolving
Commitment Increase Noticeβ).
Within fifteen (15) Business Days after its receipt from the Administrative
Agent of a Revolving Commitment Increase Notice, each Lender that desires to
increase its Revolving Commitment in response to such request (each such Lender,
a βConsenting
Lenderβ)
shall
deliver written notice to the Administrative Agent of its election to increase
its Revolving Commitment and the maximum amount of such increase (for each
Consenting Lender, its βAdditional
Revolving Commitmentβ),
which
may not be larger than the excess of (a) the Maximum Revolving Commitments,
over
(b) the
Revolving Commitments then in effect. The failure of any Lender to so notify
the
Administrative Agent of its election and its Additional Revolving Commitment,
if
any, shall be deemed to be a refusal by such Lender to increase its Revolving
Commitment. If the sum of the Revolving Commitments then in effect plus
the
aggregate Additional Revolving Commitments does not exceed the Maximum Revolving
Commitments, the Revolving Commitment of each Consenting Lender shall be
increased by its Additional Revolving Commitment as hereinafter provided. If
the
sum of the Revolving Commitments then in effect plus
the
aggregate Additional Revolving Commitments exceeds the Maximum Revolving
Commitments, the Revolving Commitment of each Consenting Lender shall be
increased by an amount equal to the product of (i) such Consenting Lenderβs
Additional Revolving Commitment multiplied
by
(ii) the
quotient of (a) the
Β
32
Β
(b)Β Β If
the
sum of the Revolving Commitments then in effect plus
the
aggregate Additional Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 2.23(a) is less
than the Maximum Revolving Commitments, then the Borrower may obtain the
remainder of the Maximum Revolving Commitment from one or more new banks or
other financial institutions acceptable to the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent (which acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld) (each a
βNew
Lenderβ).
Upon
(i) the execution of a joinder agreement with respect to this Agreement by
such
New Lender and acceptance thereof by the Administrative Agent, (ii) the
execution and delivery by the Borrower of any Notes requested by the New Lender
evidencing its Loans, and (iii) delivery of notice to the Lenders by the
Administrative Agent setting forth the effective date of the addition of the
New
Lender(s) hereunder and the amount of such New Lender(s)β Revolving
Commitment(s), such New Lender(s) shall be for all purposes Lender(s) party
to
this Agreement to the same extent as if original parties hereto with Revolving
Commitment(s) as set forth on the joinder agreement executed by the New
Lender(s); provided,
however,
(i) the
total Revolving Commitments of all Lenders (including any New Lenders) shall
not
exceed in the aggregate the Maximum Revolving Commitments, and (ii) the
Revolving Commitments of all Lenders that are parties hereto prior to the
addition of any New Lender shall not be affected by the addition of such New
Lender.
Β
(c)Β Β Prior
to
any increase in the Revolving Commitments becoming effective pursuant to this
Section 2.23, Borrower and Guarantor shall deliver such opinions of counsel
for
the Borrower and the Guarantor with respect thereto as the Administrative Agent
may reasonably request, no Default or Event of Default shall then exist or
have
occurred and be continuing, and the other conditions set forth in Section 5.2
shall have been satisfied. Effective on the date on which the increase in
Revolving Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.23 takes effect, which date
shall be mutually agreed upon by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and
each Lender or New Lender increasing or providing, as the case may be, its
Revolving Commitments, (i) all Loans outstanding hereunder shall be converted
into, and shall be advanced as, Eurodollar Loans or ABR Loans (or both) as
selected by the Borrower by notice to the Administrative Agent in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2.2, such that all such Loans are held by the
Lenders (including any New Lenders) in the proportion of their Revolving
Percentages, as determined taking into account the increase in the Revolving
Commitments, and (ii) each New Lender and each other Lender increasing its
Revolving Commitment shall advance any additional amounts to be advanced by
it
hereunder, by making funds available to the Administrative Agent, in immediately
available funds, not later than 1:00 p.m. Atlanta, Georgia time on such date.
After the Administrative Agentβs receipt of such funds, the Administrative Agent
shall disburse to the non-Consenting Lenders any resulting repayments of such
outstanding Loans. If any conversion or payment of a Eurodollar Loan pursuant
to
the foregoing provisions occurs on a day that is not the last day of the
applicable Interest Period, the provisions of Section 2.16 shall apply
thereto.]
Β
33
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SECTION
3.Β LETTERS
OF
CREDIT
Β
3.1Β Β L/C
Commitment.
Β
(a)Β Β Subject
to the terms and conditions hereof, the Issuing Lender, in reliance on the
agreements of the other Lenders set forth in Section 3.4(a), agrees to issue
letters of credit (βLetters
of Creditβ)
for
the account of the Borrower on any Business Day during the Revolving Commitment
Period in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Issuing Lender;
provided
that the
Borrower shall not request the Issuing Lender to issue any Letter of Credit
if,
after giving effect to such issuance, (i) the L/C Obligations would exceed
the
L/C Commitment or (ii) the aggregate amount of the Available Revolving
Commitments would be less than zero. Each Letter of Credit shall (i) be
denominated in Dollars, (ii) have a face amount of at least $2,500,000 (unless
otherwise agreed by the Issuing Lender) and (iii) expire no later than the
date
that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Termination Date.
Β
(b)Β Β The
Issuing Lender shall not at any time be obligated to issue any Letter of Credit
if such issuance would conflict with, or cause the Issuing Lender or any L/C
Participant to exceed any limits imposed by, any applicable Requirement of
Law.
Β
3.2Β Β Procedure
for Issuance of Letter of Credit.
The
Borrower may from time to time request that the Issuing Lender issue a Letter
of
Credit by delivering to the Issuing Lender at its address for notices specified
herein an Application therefor, completed to the satisfaction of the Issuing
Lender, and such other certificates, documents and other papers and information
as the Issuing Lender may reasonably request. Upon receipt of any Application,
the Issuing Lender will process such Application and the certificates, documents
and other papers and information delivered to it in connection therewith in
accordance with its customary procedures and shall promptly issue the Letter
of
Credit requested thereby (but in no event shall the Issuing Lender be required
to issue any Letter of Credit earlier than twoΒ Business
Days after its receipt of the Application therefor and all such other
certificates, documents and other papers and information relating thereto)
by
issuing the original of such Letter of Credit to the beneficiary thereof or
as
otherwise may be agreed to by the Issuing Lender and the Borrower. The Issuing
Lender shall furnish a copy of such Letter of Credit to the Borrower promptly
following the issuance thereof. The Issuing Lender shall promptly furnish to
the
Administrative Agent, which shall in turn promptly furnish to the Lenders,
notice of the issuance of each Letter of Credit (including the amount
thereof).
Β
Β
34
3.3Β Β Fees
and Other Charges.
Β
(a)Β Β The
Borrower will pay a fee on all outstanding Letters of Credit at a per annum
rate
equal to the Applicable Margin then in effect with respect to Eurodollar Loans,
shared ratably among the Lenders according to their respective Revolving
Commitments and payable quarterly in arrears on each L/C Fee Payment Date after
the issuance date. In addition, the Borrower shall pay to the Issuing Lender
for
its own account a fronting fee of 0.100% per annum on the undrawn and unexpired
amount of each Letter of Credit, payable quarterly in arrears on each L/C Fee
Payment Date after the Issuance Date.
Β
(b)Β Β In
addition to the foregoing fees, the Borrower shall pay or reimburse the Issuing
Lender for such normal and customary costs and expenses as are incurred or
charged by the Issuing Lender in issuing, negotiating, effecting payment under,
amending or otherwise administering any Letter of Credit.
Β
3.4Β Β L/C
Participations.
Β
(a)Β Β The
Issuing Lender irrevocably agrees to grant and hereby grants to each L/C
Participant, and, to induce the Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit,
each
L/C Participant irrevocably agrees to accept and purchase and hereby accepts
and
purchases from the Issuing Lender, on the terms and conditions set forth below,
for such L/C Participantβs own account and risk an undivided interest equal to
such L/C Participantβs Revolving Percentage in the Issuing Lenderβs obligations
and rights under and in respect of each Letter of Credit and the amount of
each
draft paid by the Issuing Lender thereunder. Each L/C Participant
unconditionally and irrevocably agrees with the Issuing Lender that, if a draft
is paid under any Letter of Credit for which the Issuing Lender is not
reimbursed in full by the Borrower in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement or which is not converted to ABR Loans pursuant to Section 3.5 of
this
Agreement, such L/C Participant shall pay to the Issuing Lender upon demand
at
the Issuing Lenderβs address for notices specified herein an amount equal to
such L/C Participantβs Revolving Percentage of the amount of such draft, or any
part thereof, that is not so reimbursed.
Β
(b)Β Β If
any
amount required to be paid by any L/C Participant to the Issuing Lender pursuant
to Section 3.4(a) in respect of any unreimbursed portion of any payment made
by
the Issuing Lender under any Letter of Credit is not paid to the Issuing Lender
on the date such payment is due, such L/C Participant shall pay to the Issuing
Lender on demand an amount equal to the product of (i) such amount, times (ii)
the daily average Federal Funds Effective Rate during the period from and
including the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment
is
immediately available to the Issuing Lender, times (iii) a fraction the
numerator of which is the number of days that elapse during such period and
the
denominator of which is 360, provided
that if
any such amount required to be paid by any L/C Participant pursuant to
SectionΒ 3.4(a) is not made available to the Issuing Lender by such L/C
Participant within three Business Days after the date such payment is due,
the
Issuing Lender shall be entitled to recover from such L/C Participant, on
demand, such amount with interest thereon calculated from such due date at
the
rate per annum applicable to ABR Loans under the Revolving Facility. A
certificate of the Issuing Lender submitted to any L/C Participant with respect
to any amounts owing under this Section shall be conclusive in the absence
of
manifest error.
Β
35
(c)Β Β Whenever,
at any time after the Issuing Lender has made payment under any Letter of Credit
and has received from any L/C Participant its proΒ rata
share of
such payment in accordance with Section 3.4(a), the Issuing Lender receives
any
payment related to such Letter of Credit (whether directly from the Borrower
or
otherwise, including proceeds of collateral applied thereto by the Issuing
Lender), or any payment of interest on account thereof, the Issuing Lender
will
distribute to such L/C Participant its proΒ rata
share
thereof; provided,
however,
that in
the event that any such payment received by the Issuing Lender shall be required
to be returned by the Issuing Lender, such L/C Participant shall return to
the
Issuing Lender the portion thereof previously distributed by the Issuing Lender
to it.
Β
3.5Β Β Reimbursement
Obligation of the Borrower.
Β
(a)Β Β The
Borrower agrees to reimburse the Issuing Lender on the Business Day next
succeeding the Business Day on which the Issuing Lender notifies the Borrower
of
the date and amount of a draft presented under any Letter of Credit and paid
by
the Issuing Lender for the amount of (a) such draft so paid and (b) any taxes,
fees, charges or other costs or expenses incurred by the Issuing Lender in
connection with such payment. Each such payment shall be made to the Issuing
Lender at its address for notices referred to herein in Dollars and in
immediately available funds. Interest shall be payable on any such amounts
from
the date on which the relevant draft is paid until payment in full at the rate
set forth in (i) until the Business Day next succeeding the date of the relevant
notice, Section 2.12(b) and (ii) thereafter, SectionΒ 2.12(c).Β
Β
(b)Β Β Unless
the Borrower shall have notified the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent
prior to 11:00 a.m., Atlanta time, on the Business Day immediately prior to
the
date on which such draft is honored that the Borrower intends to reimburse
the
Issuing Bank for the amount of such draft in funds other than from the proceeds
of Loans, the Borrower shall be deemed to have timely given a notice of
borrowing to the Administrative Agent requesting the Lenders to make an ABR
Loan
on the date on which such draft is honored in an exact amount due to the Issuing
Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of such borrowing in
accordance with Section 2.2, and each Lender shall make the proceeds of its
ABR
Loan included in such borrowing available to the Administrative Agent for the
account of the Issuing Bank in accordance with Section 2.2. The proceeds of
such
borrowing shall be applied directly by the Administrative Agent to reimburse
the
Issuing Bank for the
amount of (a) such draft so paid and (b) any taxes, fees, charges or other
costs
or expenses incurred by the Issuing Lender in connection with such
payment.
Β
(c)Β Β If
for
any reason an ABR Loan may not be (as determined in the sole discretion of
the
Administrative Agent), or is not, made in accordance with the foregoing
provisions, then each L/C
Participant
(other
than the Issuing Bank) shall be obligated to fund the participation that such
L/C
Participant
purchased pursuant to Section 3.4(a) in an amount equal
to
such L/C Participantβs Revolving Percentage in the Issuing Lenderβs obligations
and rights under and in respect of each Letter of Credit and the amount of
each
draft paid by the Issuing Lender thereunder on
and as
of the date which such ABR Loan should have occurred pursuant to this Section
3.5.
Β
36
3.6Β Β Obligations
Absolute.
The
Borrowerβs obligations under this Section 3 shall be absolute and unconditional
under any and all circumstances and irrespective of any setoff, counterclaim
or
defense to payment that the Borrower may have or have had against the Issuing
Lender, any beneficiary of a Letter of Credit or any other Person. The Borrower
also agrees with the Issuing Lender that the Issuing Lender shall not be
responsible for, and the Borrowerβs Reimbursement Obligations under Section 3.5
shall not be affected by, among other things, the validity or genuineness of
documents or of any endorsements thereon, even though such documents shall
in
fact prove to be invalid, fraudulent or forged, or any dispute between or among
the Borrower and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any other party
to
which such Letter of Credit may be transferred or any claims whatsoever of
the
Borrower against any beneficiary of such Letter of Credit or any such
transferee. The Issuing Lender shall not beΒ liable
for any error, omission, interruption or delay in transmission, dispatch or
delivery of any message or advice, however transmitted, in connection with
any
Letter of Credit, except for errors or omissions found by a final and
nonappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted
from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Issuing Lender. The
Borrower agrees that any action taken or omitted by the Issuing Lender under
or
in connection with any Letter of Credit or the related drafts or documents,
if
done in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct and in accordance
with the standards of care specified in the Uniform Commercial Code of the
State
of New York, shall be binding on the Borrower and shall not result in any
liability of the Issuing Lender to the Borrower.
Β
3.7Β Β Letter
of Credit Payments.
If any
draft shall be presented for payment under any Letter of Credit, the Issuing
Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower of the date and amount thereof. The
responsibility of the Issuing Lender to the Borrower in connection with any
draft presented for payment under any Letter of Credit shall, in addition to
any
payment obligation expressly provided for in such Letter of Credit, be limited
to determining that the documents (including each draft) delivered under such
Letter of Credit in connection with such presentment are substantially in
conformity with such Letter of Credit.
Β
3.8Β Β Applications.
To the
extent that any provision of any Application related to any Letter of Credit
is
inconsistent with the provisions of this Section 3, the provisions of this
Section 3 shall apply.
Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SECTION
4.
Β Β REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
Β
To
induce
the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to
make the Loans and issue or participate in the Letters of Credit, Holdings
and
the Borrower hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to the
Administrative Agent and each Lender that:
Β
4.1Β Β Financial
Condition.
The
audited consolidated balance sheets of Holdings as at December 31, 2005, and
the
related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows
for
the fiscal year ended on such date, reported on by and accompanied by an
unqualified report from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, fairly present in all
material respects the consolidated financial condition of Holdings as at such
date, and the consolidated results of its operations and its consolidated cash
flows for the fiscal year then ended. The unaudited consolidated balance sheet
of Holdings as at June 30, 2006, and the related unaudited
Β
37
Β
4.2Β Β No
Change.
Since
December 31, 2005, no event or condition has occurred or changed that has had
or
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
4.3Β Β Existence;
Compliance with Law.
Each
Group Member (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) has the power and
authority, and the legal right, to own and operate its property, to lease the
property it operates as lessee and to conduct the business in which it is
currently engaged, (c) is duly qualified as a foreign corporation and in good
standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or
operation of property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification
except to the extent that the failure to comply therewith could not, in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (d)
is
in compliance with all Requirements of Law except to the extent that such
non-compliance, singly or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected
to
have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
4.4Β Β Power;
Authorization; Enforceable Obligations.
Each
Loan Party has the power and authority, and the legal right, to make, deliver
and perform the Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case of the
Borrower, to obtain extensions of credit hereunder. Each Loan Party has taken
all necessary organizational action to authorize the execution, delivery and
performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case of
the
Borrower, to authorize the extensions of credit on the terms and conditions
of
this Agreement. No authorization or approval of, filing with, notice to or
other
act by or in respect of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is
required in connection with the extensions of credit hereunder or with the
execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Agreement
or any of the Loan Documents, other than any such consents, authorizations,
filings and notices which have been obtained or made and are in full force
and
effect. Each Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of
each Loan Party party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan
Document upon execution will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation
of each Loan Party party thereto, enforceable against each such Loan Party
in
accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting
the
enforcement of creditorsβ rights generally and by general equitable principles
(whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).
Β
4.5Β Β No
Legal Bar.
The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents, the issuance of Letters of Credit, the borrowings hereunder and
the
use of the proceeds thereof will not violate any material Requirement of Law
or
any material Contractual Obligation of any of Holdings, the Borrower or their
respective Subsidiaries and will not result in, or require, the creation or
imposition of any Lien on any of
Β
38
Β
4.6Β Β Litigation.
No
litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding of or before any arbitrator
or Governmental Authority is pending or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the
Borrower, threatened (i) against Holdings or the Borrower or any of their
respective Subsidiaries to restrain the entry by Holdings or the Borrower into,
the enforcement of or exercise of any rights by the Lenders or the
Administrative Agent under, or the performance or compliance by the Borrower
with any obligations under, thisΒ Agreement,
the Notes, or the Guarantee Agreement, or (ii) against Holdings or the Borrower
or any of their Subsidiaries which has had or would reasonably be expected
to
have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
4.7Β Β No
Default.
No
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
Β
4.8Β Β Ownership
of Property; Liens.
Each
Group Member has title in fee simple to, or a valid leasehold interest in,
all
its real property which is material to the operation of such Group Memberβs
business, and good title to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all its other
property which is material to the operation of such Group Memberβs business, and
none of such property is subject to any Lien except as permitted by Section
7.2.
Β
4.9Β Β Intellectual
Property.
(i)
Each Group Member owns, or is licensed to use, all Intellectual Property
necessary for the conduct of its business as currently conducted; (ii) no
material claim has been asserted and is pending by any Person challenging or
questioning the use of any Intellectual Property or the validity or
effectiveness of any Intellectual Property, nor does Holdings or the Borrower
know of any valid basis for any such claim and (iii) the use of Intellectual
Property which is material to the operation of each Group Memberβs business does
not infringe on the rights of any Person in any material respect.
Β
4.10Β Β Taxes.
Each
Group Member has filed or caused to be filed all Federal, state and other
material tax returns that are required to be filed and has paid all taxes shown
to be due and payable on said returns or on any assessments made against it
or
any of its property and all other taxes, fees or other charges imposed on it
or
any of its property by any Governmental Authority (other than any the amount
or
validity of which are currently being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings and with respect to which reserves in conformity with GAAP have
been
provided on the books of the relevant Group Member); no tax Lien has been filed,
and, to the knowledge of Holdings and the Borrower, no claim is being asserted,
with respect to any such tax, fee or other charge.
Β
4.11Β Β Federal
Regulations.
No part
of the proceeds of any Loans, and no other extensions of credit hereunder,
will
be used in any manner which violates Regulation U as now and from time to time
hereafter in effect or for any purpose that violates the provisions of the
Regulations of the Board. If requested by any Lender or the Administrative
Agent, the Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent and each Lender
a
statement to the foregoing effect in conformity with the requirements of FR
Form
G-3 or FR Form U-1, as applicable, referred to in
Β
39
Β
Regulation
U.
After
application of the proceeds of all Loans and any purchases funded thereby,
less
than 25% of the assets of Holdings and the Borrower and their Subsidiaries
consist of βmargin stockβ (as defined in RegulationΒ U).
Β
4.12Β Β ERISA.
Neither
a Reportable Event nor an βaccumulated funding deficiencyβ (within the meaning
of SectionΒ 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) has occurred during the
five-year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or
deemed made with respect to any Plan, and, to the knowledge and belief of
Holdings and the Borrower, each Plan has complied in all material respects
with
the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code except where non-compliance,
either singly or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have
a
Material Adverse Effect. No termination of a Single EmployerΒ Plan
has
occurred, and no Lien in favor of the PBGC or a Plan has arisen, during such
five-year period. The present value of all accrued benefits under each Single
Employer Plan (based on those assumptions used to fund such Plans) did not,
as
of the last annual valuation date prior to the date on which this representation
is made or deemed made, exceed the value of the assets of such Plan allocable
to
such accrued benefits by an amount that could reasonably be expected to have
a
Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled Entity
has had a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan that has
resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a liability or loss under
ERISA, and neither the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled Entity would become
subject to any liability or loss under ERISA if the Borrower or any such
Commonly Controlled Entity were to withdraw completely from all Multiemployer
Plans as of the valuation date most closely preceding the date on which this
representation is made or deemed made, in any case where, either singly or
in
the aggregate, the aggregate amount of loss or liability could not reasonably
be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
4.13Β Β Investment
Company Act; Other Regulations.
No Loan
Party is an βinvestment companyβ, or a company βcontrolledβ by an βinvestment
companyβ, within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
No Loan Party is subject to regulation under any Requirement of Law (other
than
Regulation X of the Board and the Public Utility Holding Company Act) that
limits its ability to borrow Loans or obtain other Revolving Extensions of
Credit under this Agreement.
Β
4.14Β Β Subsidiaries.
As of
the Closing Date, (a) Schedule
4.14
sets
forth the name and jurisdiction of incorporation of each Subsidiary of each
of
Holdings and the Borrower and, as to each such Subsidiary, the percentage of
each class of Capital Stock owned by any Loan Party, and whether such Subsidiary
is then a Restricted Subsidiary or Unrestricted Subsidiary, and (b) except
as
set forth on Schedule
4.14,
there
are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights or other
agreements or commitments (other than stock performance grants granted to
employees or directors and directorsβ qualifying shares) of any nature relating
to any Capital Stock of Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective
Subsidiaries, except as created by the Loan Documents.
Β
4.15Β Β Use
of
Proceeds.
The
proceeds of the Loans and the Letters of Credit shall be used to repay existing
Indebtedness, to support the issuance of commercial paper by the Borrower,
to
fund Permitted Acquisitions, capital expenditures, repurchases of shares of
Capital
Β
40
Β
4.16Β Β Environmental
Matters.
Except
(i) as may be disclosed on Schedule
4.16,
or (ii)
as, either singly or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to
have
a Material Adverse Effect:
Β
(a)Β Β the
facilities and properties owned, leased or operated by any of Holdings, the
Borrower, or their respective Subsidiaries (the βPropertiesβ)
do not
contain, and have not previously contained, any Materials of Environmental
Concern in amounts or concentrations or under circumstances that constitute
or
constituted a violation of, or could give rise to liability under, any
Environmental Law;
Β
(b)Β Β none
of
Holdings, the Borrower, or their respective Subsidiaries has received or is
aware of any notice of violation, alleged violation, non-compliance, liability
or potential liability regarding environmental matters or compliance with
Environmental Laws with regard to any of the Properties or the business operated
by any of them (the βBusinessβ),
nor
does Holdings or the Borrower have knowledge or reason to believe that any
such
notice will be received or is being threatened;
Β
(c)Β Β Materials
of Environmental Concern have not been transported or disposed of from the
Properties in violation of, or in a manner or to a location that could give
rise
to liability under, any Environmental Law, nor have any Materials of
Environmental Concern been generated, treated, stored or disposed of at, on
or
under any of the Properties in violation of, or in a manner that could give
rise
to liability under, any applicable Environmental Law;
Β
(d)Β Β no
judicial proceeding or governmental or administrative action is pending or,
to
the knowledge of Holdings and the Borrower, threatened, under any Environmental
Law to which any of Holdings, the Borrower, or their respective Subsidiaries
is
or will be named as a party with respect to the Properties or the Business,
nor
are there any consent decrees or other decrees, consent orders, administrative
orders or other orders, or other administrative or judicial requirements
outstanding under any Environmental Law with respect to the Properties or the
Business;
Β
(e)Β Β there
has
been no release or threat of release of Materials of Environmental Concern
at or
from the Properties, or arising from or related to the operations in connection
with the Properties or otherwise in connection with the Business, in violation
of or in amounts or in a manner that could give rise to liability under
Environmental Laws;
Β
(f)Β Β the
Properties and all operations at the Properties are in compliance, and have
in
the last five years been in compliance, with all applicable Environmental Laws,
and there is no contamination at, under or about the Properties or violation
of
any Environmental Law with respect to the Properties or the Business;
and
Β
(g)Β Β no
Group
Member has assumed any liability of any other Person under Environmental
Laws.
Β
4.17Β Β Accuracy
of Information, etc.
No
statement or information contained in this Agreement, any other Loan Document,
the Confidential Executive Summary or any other document, certificate or written
statement furnished by any Loan Party or other statement made or furnished
by a
Responsible Officer of any Loan Party, in each case to the Administrative Agent
or the Lenders, or any of them, for use in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, contained as of
the
Β
41
Β
4.18Β Β Solvency.
Each
Loan Party is, and after giving effect to the incurrence of all Obligations
being incurred in connection herewith, will be and will continue to be,
Solvent.
Β
4.19Β Β Status
of Loans and Guarantee Agreement.
The
obligations of Borrower and Holdings in respect of the Loans, the Reimbursement
Obligations, and Guarantee Agreement, respectively, constitute senior,
unsubordinated, unsecured, direct obligations of such Loan Parties and rank
pari
passu
with
such Loan Partiesβ other senior, unsubordinated, unsecured
obligations.
Β
4.20Β Β OFAC.
No Loan
Party (i) is a person whose property or interest in property is blocked or
subject to blocking pursuant to Section 1 of Executive Order 13224 of September
23, 2001 Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit,
Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism (66 Fed. Reg. 49079 (2001)), (ii)
engages in any dealings or transactions prohibited by Section 2 of such
executive order, or is otherwise associated with any such person in any manner
violative of Section 2, or (iii) is a person on the list of Specially Designated
Nationals and Blocked Persons or subject to the limitations or prohibitions
under any other U.S. Department of Treasuryβs Office of Foreign Assets Control
regulation or executive order.
Β
4.21Β Β USA
Patriot Act.
Each
Loan Party is in compliance, in all material respects, with (i)Β the Trading
with the Enemy Act, as amended, and each of the foreign assets control
regulations of the United States Treasury Department (31 CFR, Subtitle B,
Chapter V, as amended) and any other enabling legislation or executive order
relating thereto, and (ii) the Uniting And Strengthening America By Providing
Appropriate Tools Required To Intercept And Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot
Act
of 2001, Title III of Pub. L. 107-56, as amended). No part of the proceeds
of
the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any
governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political
party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official
capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper
advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
of
1977, as amended
Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SECTION
5.
Β Β CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β 5.1
Β Β CONDITIONS
TO INITIAL EXTENSION OF CREDIT.
The
aggreement of each lender to make the initial extension of credit requesteed
to
beΒ made by it is subject to the satisfaction on theΒ Closing Date of
the following conditions precedent:
Β
42
(a)Β Β Credit
Agreement; Guarantee Agreement.
The
Administrative Agent shall have received (i)Β Β this
Agreement executed and delivered by the Agents, Holdings, the Borrower and
each
Lender, (ii)
the
Notes requested by the Lenders as executed and delivered by the Borrower, and
(iii) the Guarantee Agreement executed and delivered by Holdings.
Β
(b)Β Β Fees.
The
Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received all fees required
to be
paid (including, without limitation, the upfront fees), and all expenses for
which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and expenses
of legal counsel to the Administrative Agent), on or before the Closing Date.
Β
(c)Β Β Closing
Certificate.
The
Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of each Loan Party,
dated
the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit
C,
with
appropriate insertions and attachments.
Β
(d)Β Β Legal
Opinions.
The
Administrative Agent shall have received the executed legal opinions of (1)
XxXxxxx Long & Xxxxxxxx LLP, counsel to Holdings and (2) Xxxxxxxx and Wedge,
counsel to the Borrower, substantially in the forms of Exhibits
E-1,
and
E-2.
Such
legal opinions shall cover such other matters incident to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement as the Administrative Agent may reasonably
require.Β
Β
(e)Β Β Certificate
of Officers.
The
Administrative Agent shall have received certificates of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Borrower and Holdings containing specimen signatures
of the persons authorized to execute the Loan Documents on behalf of the
Borrower and Holdings, and any other documents provided for herein or therein,
together with (x) copies of resolutions of the Boards of Directors of the
Borrower and Holdings authorizing the execution and delivery of the Loan
Documents, (y) copies of the Borrowerβs and Holdingsβ articles or certificate of
incorporation, by-laws, and other governing or organizational documents, and
(z)
a certificate of good standing from the Office of the Secretary of State of
the
state of organization of each of the Borrower and Holdings.
Β
(f)Β Β Commercial
Paper Rating.
The
Borrower has delivered to the Lenders satisfactory evidence that the Borrower
has a short-term commercial paper rating of at least A2 from S&P and at
least P2 from Xxxxxβx.
Β
(g)Β Β Termination
of Existing Credit Agreement.
Prior
to or simultaneously with the effectiveness of this Agreement, the Borrower
shall have repaid all outstanding advances and shall have paid all other amounts
payable under the Existing Credit Agreement, and the commitments under such
Existing Credit Agreement shall have been terminated.
Β
5.2Β Β Conditions
to Each Extension of Credit.
The
agreement of each Lender to make any extension of credit requested to be made
by
it on any date (including its initial extension of credit) is subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
Β
(a)Β Β Representations
and Warranties.
Each of
the representations and warranties made by any Loan Party in or pursuant to
the
Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as
of
such date as if made on and as of such date, except (i) to the extent any
representation and warranty expressly relates to any earlier date, in which
case
such representation and warranty shall have been true and correct in all
material respects on and as of such earlier date, and (ii) no representation
or
warranty shall be deemed made as of any date subsequent to the Closing Date
as
to the matters set forth in Section 4.2 and Section 4.6(ii).
Β
43
(b)Β Β No
Default.
No
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on such date
or after giving effect to the extensions of credit requested to be made on
such
date.
Β
(c)Β Β Other
Documents.
The
Administrative Agent shall have received such other documents, certificates,
information and legal opinions as it or the Required Lenders may have reasonably
requested.
Β
Each
borrowing by, and issuance of a Letter of Credit on behalf of, the Borrower
hereunder shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower as
of
the date of such extension of credit that the conditions contained in this
Section 5.2 have been satisfied.
Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β SECTION
6.
Β Β AFFIRMATIVE
COVENANTS
Β
Holdings
and the Borrower hereby jointly and severally agree that, so long as the
Revolving Commitments remain in effect, any Letter of Credit remains outstanding
or any Loan or other amount is owing to any Lender or the Administrative Agent
hereunder, each of Holdings and the Borrower shall and shall cause each other
Group Member to:
Β
6.1Β Β Financial
Statements.
Furnish
to the Administrative Agent for delivery to the Lenders:
Β
(a)Β Β as
soon
as available, but in any event within 90Β days after the end of each fiscal
year of Holdings, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings
and its consolidated Subsidiaries and a copy of the separate unaudited balance
sheet (or, if audited financial statements are otherwise prepared or required
to
be prepared for such Unrestricted Subsidiary, audited balance sheet) of each
Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case as at the end of such year and the related
audited (or, in the case of any Unrestricted Subsidiary for which audited
statements are not required by this Section 6.1(a), unaudited) consolidated
statements of income and of cash flows for such year, setting forth in each
case
in comparative form the figures for the previous year, reported on for such
fiscal year without a βgoing concernβ or like qualification or exception, or
qualification arising out of the scope of the audit, by Holdingsβ independent
certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing; and
Β
(b)Β Β as
soon
as available, but in any event not later than 45 days after the end of each
of
the first three quarterly periods of each fiscal year of Holdings (other than
the last fiscal quarter of each fiscal year), a copy of the unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its consolidated Subsidiaries, and
a
copy of the separate unaudited consolidated balance sheet of each Unrestricted
Subsidiary, in each case as at the end of such quarter and the related unaudited
statements of income and of cash flows for such quarter and the portion of
the
fiscalΒ year
through the end of such quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative
form
the figures for the previous year, certified by a Responsible Officer as having
been prepared in accordance with GAAP (subject to normal year-end audit
adjustments).
Β
44
All
such
financial statements shall be complete and correct in all material respects
and
shall be prepared in reasonable detail and in accordance with GAAP applied
consistently throughout the periods reflected therein and with prior periods
(except as approved by such accountants or officer, as the case may be, and
disclosed therein and except for the omission of footnotes in the quarterly
financial statements).
Β
6.2Β Β Certificates;
Other Information.
Furnish
to the Administrative Agent for delivery to the Lenders (or, in the case of
clause (d), to the relevant Lender):
Β
(a)Β Β concurrently
with the delivery of any financial statements pursuant to Section 6.1, (i)
a
certificate of a Responsible Officer stating that, to the best of each such
Responsible Officerβs knowledge, each Loan Party during such period has observed
or performed all of its covenants and other agreements, and satisfied every
condition, contained in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which
it
is a party to be observed, performed or satisfied by it, and that such
Responsible Officer has obtained no knowledge of any Default or Event of Default
except as specified in such certificate and (ii) a Compliance Certificate
containing all information and calculations necessary for determining compliance
by each Group Member with the provisions of this Agreement referred to therein
as of the last day of the fiscal quarter or fiscal year of Holdings, as the
case
may be;
Β
(b)Β Β (i)
prompt notice to the Administrative Agent of any failure by Holdings or the
Borrower to file with the SEC any annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report
on Form 10-Q on or before the date such report is required to be filed pursuant
to SEC regulations, and (ii) within five days after the same is filed, notice
to
the Administrative Agent of the filing of any such annual report on Form 10-K
or
quarterly report on Form 10-Q that had not previously been filed by Holdings
or
the Borrower as described in the preceding clause (i), and the availability
to
the Lenders of such filing through electronic access;
Β
(c)Β Β within
five days after the same is filed, notice to the Administrative Agent of the
filing by Holdings or the Borrower with the SEC of any proxy statement, and
the
availability to the Lenders of such filing through electronic access;
and
Β
(d)Β Β promptly,
such additional financial and other information as any Lender may from time
to
time reasonably request.
Β
6.3Β Β Payment
of Obligations.
Pay,
discharge or otherwise satisfy at or before maturity or before they become
delinquent, as the case may be, all its Federal, state and other material taxes
and other material obligations of whatever nature, except where the amount
or
validity thereof is currently being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings and reserves in conformity with GAAP with respect thereto have
been
provided on the books of the relevant Group Member.
Β
6.4Β Β Maintenance
of Existence; Compliance.
(a) (i)
Preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its organizational existence
and (ii) take all reasonable action to maintain all
rights, privileges and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct
of its business, except, in each case, as otherwise permitted by Section 7.3
and
except, in the case of clause (ii) above, to the extent that failure to do
so
could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (b)
comply with all Contractual Obligations and Requirements of Law except to the
extent that failure to comply therewith would not, in the aggregate, reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
45
6.5Β Β Maintenance
of Property; Insurance.
(a)
Keep all property useful and necessary in its business in good working order
and
condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and (b)Β maintain insurance
(either with financially sound insurance companies or through self-insurance)
on
all its property in at least such amounts and against at least such risks (but
including in any event public liability and business interruption) as are
usually insured against in the same general area by companies engaged in the
same or a similar business.
Β
6.6Β Β Inspection
of Property; Books and Records; Discussions.
(a)
Keep proper books of records and account in respect of Holdings, the Borrower,
and their respective Subsidiaries in which full, true and correct entries in
conformity with GAAP and all Requirements of Law shall be made of all dealings
and transactions in relation to their business and activities and (b) permit
representatives of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to visit and inspect
any of its properties and examine and make abstracts from any of its books
and
records during normal business hours and, if no Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing, upon reasonable notice and as often as may reasonably be
desired and to discuss their respective businesses, operations, properties
and
financial and other condition with their respective officers and employees
and
with their independent certified public accountants; provided, that unless
an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent and
the Lenders shall use their reasonable efforts to coordinate any such visits
or
inspections so as to minimize disruption of the conduct of their respective
businesses, as applicable.
Β
6.7Β Β Notices.
Promptly give notice to the Administrative Agent and each Lender
of:
Β
(a)Β Β the
occurrence of any Default or Event of Default;
Β
(b)Β Β the
following events, at such time as a Responsible Officer has knowledge thereof;
any (i) default or event of default under any material Contractual Obligation
of
any of Holdings, the Borrower, or their respective Subsidiaries or (ii)
litigation or governmental proceeding that may exist at any time between any
of
Holdings, the Borrower, or their respective Subsidiaries and any Governmental
Authority, and (iii) the occurrence of any Reportable Event with respect to
any
Plan, a failure to make any required contribution to a Plan, the creation of
any
Lien in favor of the PBGC or a Plan or any withdrawal from, or the termination,
Reorganization or Insolvency of, any Multiemployer Plan or the institution
of
proceedings or the taking of any other action by the PBGC or the Borrower or
any
Commonly Controlled Entity or any Multiemployer Plan with respect to the
withdrawal from, or the termination, Reorganization or Insolvency of, any Plan,
that in any of the foregoing cases (i) through (iii) singly or in the aggregate,
could reasonably be expected to result in liabilities, losses or claims to
the
Group Members in an aggregate amount in excess of $100,000,000; and
Β
(c)Β Β any
change in, or withdrawal or suspension of, the Ratings of which Holdings or
the
Borrower has received written notification or of which Holdings or the Borrower
becomes aware of the public announcement thereof.
Β
Β
46
Each
notice pursuant to this Section 6.7 shall be accompanied by a statement of
a
Responsible Officer setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein
and stating what action the relevant Group Member proposes to take with respect
thereto.
Β
6.8Β Β Environmental
Laws.
Β
(a)Β Β Comply
in
all material respects with, and contractually require compliance in all material
respects by all tenants and subtenants, if any, with, all applicable
Environmental Laws, and obtain and comply in all material respects with and
maintain, and contractually require that all tenants and subtenants obtain
and
comply in all material respects with and maintain, any and all licenses,
approvals, notifications, registrations or permits required by applicable
Environmental Laws except where such non-compliance would not reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Β
(b)Β Β Conduct
and complete in all material respects all investigations, studies, sampling
and
testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required under
Environmental Laws and comply in a timely manner in all material respects with
all lawful orders and directives of all Governmental Authorities regarding
Environmental Laws.
Β
6.9Β Β Maintenance
of Ownership.
In the
case of Holdings, own 100% of the Capital Stock of the Borrower, Atlanta Gas
Light Company, Chattanooga Gas Company, and Virginia Natural Gas,
Inc.
Β
SECTION
7. Β Β
NEGATIVE
COVENANTS
Β
Holdings
and the Borrower hereby jointly and severally agree that, during the term of
this Agreement, and so long as the Revolving Commitments remain in effect,
any
Letter of Credit remains outstanding or any Loan or other amount is owing to
any
Lender or the Administrative Agent hereunder, each of Holdings and the Borrower
shall not, and shall not permit any of the other Group Members to, directly
or
indirectly:
Β
7.1Β Β Financial
Condition Covenant.
Permit
the ratio of Consolidated Total Debt to Total Capitalization to be greater
than
0.70:1.00 as of the end of any fiscal month of Holdings (as determined by
Holdings and the Borrower based on their internal fiscal month-end consolidated
balance sheet prepared not later than ten (10) days following the end of such
fiscal month) or at the end of any fiscal quarter of Holdings (as reflected
on
the consolidated financial statements delivered to the Lenders pursuant to
Section 6.1).
For
purposes of the foregoing, to the extent Consolidated Total Debt includes
outstanding amounts under Hybrid Securities, then a portion of the amount of
such Hybrid Securities not to exceed a total of 15% of Total Capitalization
may
be excluded from Consolidated Total Debt.
Β
7.2Β Β Liens.
Create,
incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, whether
now
owned or hereafter acquired, except:Β
Β
(a)Β Β Mechanicsβ,
materialmenβs, carriersβ, and other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course
of business that are not overdue for a period longer than 30 days or that are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings;
Β
47
(b)Β Β Pledges
or deposits in connection with workersβ compensation, unemployment insurance,
and other social security legislation;
Β
(c)Β Β Liens
for
taxes not yet due or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings, provided that adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained
on the consolidated books of Holdings in conformity with GAAP;
Β
(d)Β Β Liens
in
respect of judgments or awards pending appeal so long as execution is not levied
thereunder, and Liens in favor of plaintiff or defendant in any action before
a
court or a tribunal as security for costs or expenses where such action is
being
prosecuted or defended in the bona fide interest of Holdings or any other Group
Member;
Β
(e)Β Β Liens
on
deposits to secure, or any Lien otherwise securing, the performance of bids,
trade contracts (other than for borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations,
surety bonds, appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like
nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
Β
(f)Β Β Liens
on
any fixed or capital assets to secure the purchase of or the cost of
construction or improvement of such fixed or capital assets or to secure
Indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition,
construction or improvement of such fixed or capital assets (including Liens
securingΒ capital
lease obligations); provided,
that
(i) such Lien secures Indebtedness which on the date incurred and after giving
pro forma effect thereto is permitted under Section 7.1, (ii)Β such Lien
attaches to such asset concurrently or within 90 days after the acquisition,
improvement or completion of the construction thereof; (iii)Β such Lien does
not extend to any other asset of any Group Member; and (iv)Β the
Indebtedness secured by such Lien does not exceed the cost of acquiring,
constructing or improving such fixed or capital assets;
Β
(g)Β Β Liens
(x)
outstanding on or over any Assets acquired after the Closing Date, (y) in
existence at the date of such acquisition and not created in contemplation
thereof, and (z) where the principal amount secured thereby is not increased
over the amount so secured and outstanding at the time of such acquisition
(other than in the case of Liens for a fluctuating balance facility, by way
of
utilization of that facility within the limits applicable thereto at the time
of
acquisition);
Β
(h)Β Β Liens
constituted by a right of set off, or rights over a margin call account, or
any
form of cash collateral, or any similar arrangement, in any such case for
obligations incurred in respect of any Hedge Agreements, as renewed or extended
upon the renewal or extension or refinancing or replacement of the obligations
secured thereby;
Β
(i)Β Β Liens
existing on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule
7.2(i)
as
renewed, extended, refinanced or replaced, provided that such renewal,
extension, refinancing, or replacement does not cover any other Assets or
increase the obligations secured thereby;
Β
(j)Β Β Liens
on
the property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or
consolidated with Holdings or any other Group Member and not incurred in
contemplation with such merger or consolidation; and
Β
48
(k)Β Β Liens
created or outstanding on Assets of Holdings or other Group Members, provided
that the aggregate outstanding principal, capital and nominal amounts secured
by
all Liens created or outstanding as permitted under clauses (f) through (j)
above and this clause (k) shall not at any time exceed 10% of Consolidated
Net
Worth;
Β
7.3Β Β Fundamental
Changes.
Merge,
consolidate or amalgamate, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself (or suffer
any liquidation or dissolution), or Dispose of all or substantially all of
its
property or business, except that so long as no Default or Event of Default
has
occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom:
Β
(a)Β Β any
entity may be merged or consolidated with or into Holdings (provided
that
Holdings shall be the continuing or surviving corporation) or any other
Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (provided
that
such Restricted Subsidiary shall be the continuing or surviving corporation);
and
Β
(b)Β Β any
Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings may Dispose of any or all of its Assets (i)
to
Holdings or any other Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings (upon voluntary
liquidation or otherwise) or (ii) pursuant to a Disposition permitted by Section
7.4 and may thereafter liquidate, wind up or dissolve.
Β
7.4Β Β Disposition
of Property.
Dispose
of any of its Assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or, in the case
of Holdings or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, issue or sell any shares
of
such Restricted Subsidiaryβs Capital Stock to any Person, except:
Β
(a)Β Β Dispositions
of obsolete or worn out property in the ordinary course of
business;
Β
(b)Β Β sales
of
inventory in the ordinary course of business;
Β
(c)Β Β Dispositions
permitted by Section 7.3(b)(i);
Β
(d)Β Β sales
or
issuances of any Restricted Subsidiaryβs Capital Stock to Holdings or to any
Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings; and
Β
(e)Β Β the
Disposition of other Assets, the aggregate net book value of which, when
combined with all such other Assets sold, leased, transferred or otherwise
disposed of since June 30, 2006, would not exceed 20% of Holdingβs consolidated
Assets at the end of the preceding fiscal quarter (including the fourth fiscal
quarter) of Holdings for which financial statements have most recently been
delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to SectionΒ 6.1.
Β
7.5Β Β Restricted
Payments.
Declare
or pay any dividend (other than dividends payable solely in common stock of
the
Person making such dividend) on, or make any payment on account of, or set
apart
assets for a sinking or other analogous fund for, the purchase,Β redemption,
defeasance, retirement or other acquisition of, any Capital Stock of any Group
Member, whether now or hereafter outstanding, or make any other distribution
in
respect thereof, either directly or indirectly, whether in cash or property
or
in obligations of any Group Member (collectively, βRestricted Paymentsβ), except
that:
Β
49
(a)Β Β any
Restricted Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to Holdings or to any
Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings or to any third-party investors in any
Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings;
Β
(b)Β Β so
long
as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Holdings may
pay
dividends on shares of its Capital Stock; and
Β
(c)Β Β so
long
as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Holdings may
buy
back any outstanding shares of its Capital Stock.
Β
7.6Β Β Intentionally
Omitted.
Β
7.7Β Β Investments.
Make
any advance, loan, extension of credit (by way of guaranty or otherwise) or
capital contribution to, or purchase any Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures
or other debt securities of, or any assets constituting a business unit of,
or
make any other investment in, any Person (all of the foregoing, βInvestmentsβ),
except:
Β
(a)Β Β extensions
of trade credit in the ordinary course of business;
Β
(b)Β Β investments
in Cash Equivalents;
Β
(c)Β Β Guarantee
Obligations otherwise permitted by this Agreement;
Β
(d)Β Β loans
and
advances to employees of any Group Member in the ordinary course of business
(including for travel, entertainment and relocation expenses) in an aggregate
amount for all Group Members not to exceed $2,000,000 at any one time
outstanding;
Β
(e)Β Β other
Investments made by Holdings or its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the
Borrower) subsequent to June 30, 2006 where such Investments consist of
purchases of, or other investments in, the Capital Stock or other equity or
ownership interests, assets, obligations or other interests in, Subsidiaries,
joint ventures, or other Persons, in each case that are engaged principally
in
the business of purchasing, gathering, compression, transportation,
distribution, exploration, production, processing or storage of natural gas,
or
asset management with respect to the foregoing (the foregoing collectively
referred to as βPermitted
Acquisitionsβ);
and
Β
(f)Β Β $150,000,000
in respect of Investments other than those described in the preceding clause
(e).
Β
7.8Β Β Negative
Pledge Clauses.
Except
for the agreements listed on Schedule
7.8,
enter
into or suffer to exist or become effective any agreement that prohibits or
limits the ability of any Group Member to create, incur, assume or suffer to
exist any Lien upon any of its property or revenues, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, other than (a) this AgreementΒ and
the
other Loan Documents and (b) any agreements governing any purchase money Liens
or capital lease obligations otherwise permitted hereby (in which case, any
prohibition or limitation shall only be effective against the assets financed
thereby).
Β
50
7.9Β Β Clauses
Restricting Subsidiary Distributions.
Enter
into or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings to (a)
make
Restricted Payments in respect of any Capital Stock of such Restricted
Subsidiary held by, or pay any Indebtedness owed to, Holdings or any other
Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings, (b) make loans or advances to, or other
Investments in, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings
or
(c) transfer any of its assets to Holdings or any other Restricted Subsidiary
of
Holdings, except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by
reason of (i) any restrictions with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed
pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into in connection with the
Disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such
Restricted Subsidiary (in which case, any restriction shall only be effective
against such Capital Stock or assets), and (ii) any agreements with joint
venture partners in connection with joint ventures permitted by this
Agreement.
Β
7.10Β Β Lines
of Business
and
Hedge Activities.
(a)
With respect to Holdings and each Subsidiary (other than the Borrower), enter
into any business, either directly or through any Subsidiary, except for (i)
those businesses in which Holdings and its Subsidiaries (other than the
Borrower) and its existing joint ventures are engaged on the date of this
Agreement, (ii) that are reasonably related to the businesses referred to in
the
preceding clause (i), or (iii) that are being undertaken by comparable companies
in the natural gas industry, (b) with respect to the Borrower, enter into any
business, except for that in which the Borrower is engaged on the Closing Date,
or (c) with respect to Holdings, the Borrower, and each other Group Member,
enter into any Hedge Agreement except in the ordinary course of their business
and consistent with industry practices.
Β
7.11Β Β Designation
of Subsidiaries.
Holdings may not designate or redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a
Restricted Subsidiary, or designate or redesignate any Restricted Subsidiary
as
an Unrestricted Subsidiary, unless (a) Holdings shall have given not less than
ten (10) daysβ prior written notice to the Lenders that the Board of Directors
of Holdings has made such determination, (b) at the time of such designation
or
redesignation, and immediately after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event
of Default would exist, (c) in the case of the designation of a Restricted
Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary and after giving effect thereto, (i)
such Unrestricted Subsidiary so designated shall not, directly, or indirectly,
hold or own any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of Holdings or any Restricted
Subsidiary, and (ii) such designation shall be deemed a sale of assets and
shall
be permitted by the provisions of Section 7.4, (d) in the case of the
designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary and after
giving effect thereto, all outstanding Indebtedness and all existing Liens
of
such Restricted Subsidiary so designated shall be permitted within the
applicable limitations of Sections 7.1 and 7.2, (e) in the case of the
designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such
Restricted Subsidiary shall not at any time after the date of this Agreement
have previously been designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary more than once,
and (f) in the case of the designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a
Restricted Subsidiary, such Unrestricted Subsidiary shall not at any time after
the date of this Agreement have previously been designated as a Restricted
Subsidiary more than once.
Β
SECTION
8.Β Β EVENTS
OF
DEFAULT
Β
If
any of
the following events shall occur and be continuing:
Β
51
(a)Β Β the
Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation
when due in accordance with the terms hereof; or the Borrower shall fail to
pay
any interest on any Loan or Reimbursement Obligation, or any other amount
payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document, within five days after
any
such interest or other amount becomes due in accordance with the terms hereof;
or
Β
(b)Β Β any
representation or warranty made or deemed made by any Loan Party herein or
in
any other Loan Document or that is contained in any certificate, document or
financial or other statement furnished by it at any time under or in connection
with this Agreement or any such other Loan Document shall prove to have been
inaccurate in any material respect on or as of the date made or deemed made;
or
Β
(c)Β Β (i)
any
Loan Party shall default in the observance or performance of any agreement
contained in clause (i) or (ii) of Section 6.4(a) (with respect to Holdings
and
the Borrower only), Section 6.7(a), Section 6.9 or Section 7 of this Agreement;
or
Β
(d)Β Β any
Loan
Party shall default in the observance or performance of any other agreement
contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than as provided
in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Section), and such default shall continue
unremedied for a period of 30 days after the earlier of (i) knowledge thereof
by
any Responsible Officer of any Loan Party or (ii) notice to the Borrower from
the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders; or
Β
(e)Β Β any
Group
Member shall (i) default in making any payment of any principal of any
Indebtedness (including any Guarantee Obligation, but excluding the Loans)
on
the scheduled or original due date with respect thereto; or (ii) default in
making any payment of any interest on any such Indebtedness beyond the period
of
grace or notice and cure, if any, provided in any instrument or agreement under
which such Indebtedness was created; or (iii) any other event shall occur or
condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to any such
Indebtedness and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any,
specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such event or
condition is to accelerate the maturity of such Indebtedness; or any such
Indebtedness shall be declared due and payable, or be required to be prepaid
or
redeemed (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment or
redemption), purchased or defeased, or an offer to prepay, redeem, purchase
or
defease such Indebtedness shall be required to be made, in each case prior
to
the scheduled maturity thereof by reason of such event or condition;
provided,
that a
default, event or condition described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of this
paragraph (e) shall not at any time constitute an Event of Default unless,
at
such time, one or more defaults, events or conditions of the type described
in
clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph (e) shall have occurred and be
continuing with respect to Indebtedness the total principal amount of which
exceeds in the aggregate $100,000,000 (which, in the case of Indebtedness
arising under any Hedge Agreement, shall be determined as the amount, if any,
that would then be payable by the Group Member thereunder if such Hedge
Agreement were to be terminated as a result of default by such Group Member);
or
Β
(f)Β Β (i)
any
Group Member shall commence any case, proceeding or other action (A) under
any
existing or future law of any jurisdiction, domestic or foreign, relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or relief of debtors, seeking to have
an
order for relief entered with respect to it, or seeking to adjudicate it a
bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking
Β
52
Β
(g)Β Β (i)
any
Person shall engage in any βprohibited transactionβ (as defined in Section 406
of ERISA or SectionΒ 4975 of the Code) involving any Plan, (ii) any
βaccumulated funding deficiencyβ (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA), whether
or not waived, shall exist with respect to any Plan or any Lien in favor of
the
PBGC or a Plan shall arise on the assets of the Borrower or any Commonly
Controlled Entity, (iii) a Reportable Event shall occur with respect to, or
proceedings shall commence to have a trustee appointed, or a trustee shall
be
appointed, to administer or to terminate, any Single Employer Plan, which
Reportable Event or commencement of proceedings or appointment of a trustee
is,
in the reasonable opinion of the Required Lenders, likely to result in the
termination of such Plan for purposes of Title IV of ERISA, (iv) any Single
Employer Plan shall terminate for purposes of Title IV of ERISA, (v)Β the
Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity shall, or in the reasonable opinion
of the Required Lenders is likely to, incur any liability in connection with
a
withdrawal from, or the Insolvency or Reorganization of, a Multiemployer Plan
or
(vi) any other event or condition shall occur or exist with respect to a Plan;
and in each case in clauses (i) through (vi) above, such event or condition,
together with all other such events or conditions, if any, results in
liabilities of the Group Members in respect thereof in excess of $100,000,000;
or
Β
(h)Β Β one
or
more judgments or decrees shall be entered against any Group Member involving
in
the aggregate liabilities (not paid or not fully covered by insurance as to
which the relevant insurance company has acknowledged coverage) of $100,000,000
or more, and all such judgments or decrees shall not have been vacated,
discharged, stayed or bonded pending appeal within 30 days from the entry
thereof; or
Β
(i)Β Β the
guarantee contained in Section 2 of the Guarantee Agreement shall cease, for
any
reason, to be in full force and effect or any Loan Party or any Affiliate of
any
Loan Party shall so assert; or
Β
(j)Β Β (i)
Β any βpersonβ or βgroupβ (as such terms are used in SectionsΒ 13(d) and
14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the βExchange Actβ))
shall become the βbeneficial ownerβ (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5
under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 30% of the
outstanding common stock of Holdings or (ii)Β the board of directors of
Holdings shall cease to consist of a majority of Continuing Directors;
Β
53
then,
and
in any such event, (A) if such event is an Event of Default specified in clause
(i) or (ii) of paragraph (f) above with respect to the Borrower, automatically
the Revolving Commitments shall immediately terminate and the Loans (with
accrued interest thereon) and all other amounts owing under this Agreement
and
the other Loan Documents (including all amounts of L/C Obligations, whether
or
not the beneficiaries of the then outstanding Letters of Credit shall have
presented the documents required thereunder) shall immediately become due and
payable, and (B) if such event is any other Event of Default, either or both
of
the following actions may be taken: (i) with the consent of the Required
Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, or upon the request of the Required
Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall, by notice to the Borrower declare
the
Revolving Commitments to be terminated forthwith, whereupon the Revolving
Commitments shall immediately terminate; and (ii) with the consent of the
Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent may, or upon the request of the
Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall, by notice to the Borrower,
declare the Loans (with accrued interest thereon) and all other amounts owing
under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including all amounts of
L/C
Obligations, whether or not the beneficiaries of the then outstanding Letters
of
Credit shall have presented the documents required thereunder) to be due and
payable forthwith, whereupon the same shall immediately become due and payable.
With respect to all Letters of Credit with respect to which presentment for
honor shall not have occurred at the time of an acceleration pursuant to this
paragraph, the Borrower shall at such time deposit in a cash collateral account
opened by the Administrative Agent an amount equal to the aggregate then undrawn
and unexpired amount of such Letters of Credit. Amounts held in such cash
collateral account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to the payment
of drafts drawn under such Letters of Credit, and the unused portion thereof
after all such Letters of Credit shall have expired or been fully drawn upon,
if
any, shall be applied to repay other obligations of the Borrower hereunder
and
under the other Loan Documents. After all such Letters of Credit shall have
expired or been fully drawn upon, all Reimbursement Obligations shall have
been
satisfied and all other obligations of the Borrower hereunder and under the
other Loan Documents shall have been paid in full, the balance, if any, in
such
cash collateral account shall be returned to the Borrower (or such other Person
as may be lawfully entitled thereto). Except as expressly provided above in
this
Section, presentment, demand, protest and all other notices of any kind are
hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.
Β
SECTION
9. Β Β THE
AGENTS
Β
9.1Β Β Appointment.
Each
Lender hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Administrative Agent
as
the Agent of such Lender under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
and
each such Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent, in such
capacity, to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to exercise such powers and perform
such duties as are expressly delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms
of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, together with such other powers
as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding anyΒ provision
to the contrary elsewhere in this Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall
not
have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein,
or
any fiduciary relationship with any Lender, and no implied covenants, functions,
responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the
Administrative Agent.
Β
54
9.2Β Β Delegation
of Duties.
The
Administrative Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement and
the
other Loan Documents by or through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be
entitled to advice of counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties.
The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or
misconduct of any agents or attorneys in-fact selected by it with reasonable
care.
Β
9.3Β Β Exculpatory
Provisions.
Neither
any Agent nor any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents,
attorneys-in-fact or affiliates shall be (i) liable for any action lawfully
taken or omitted to be taken by it or such Person under or in connection with
this Agreement or any other Loan Document (except to the extent that any of
the
foregoing are found by a final and nonappealable decision of a court of
competent jurisdiction to have resulted from its or such Personβs own gross
negligence or willful misconduct) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any
of
the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made
by
any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other
Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document
referred to or provided for in, or received by the Agents under or in connection
with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity,
effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement
or
any other Loan Document or for any failure of any Loan Party a party thereto
to
perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. The Agents shall not be under
any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance
or
performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this
Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or
records of any Loan Party.
Β
9.4Β Β Reliance
by Administrative Agent.
The
Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected
in
relying, upon any instrument, writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate,
affidavit, letter, telecopy, telex or teletype message, statement, order or
other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and
to
have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons and upon advice
and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to Holdings or the Borrower),
independent accountants and other experts selected by the Administrative Agent.
The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee of any Note as the owner
thereof for all purposes unless a written notice of assignment, negotiation
or
transfer thereof shall have been filed with the Administrative Agent. The
Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take
any
action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document unless it shall first
receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders (or, if so specified
by this Agreement, all Lenders) as it deems appropriate or it shall first be
indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability
and
expense that may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take
any
such action. The Administrative Agent shall in all cases be fully protected
in
acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents in accordance with a request of the Required Lenders (or, if so
specified by this Agreement, all Lenders), and suchΒ request
and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon
all the Lenders and all future holders of the Loans.
Β
55
9.5Β Β Notice
of Default.
The
Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the
occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless the Administrative Agent
has received notice from a Lender, Holdings or the Borrower referring to this
Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such
notice is a βnotice of defaultβ. In the event that the Administrative Agent
receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof
to
the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to
such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by the Required
Lenders (or, if so specified by this Agreement, all Lenders); provided that
unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have received such directions,
the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action,
or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of
Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of the
Lenders.
Β
9.6Β Β Non-Reliance
on Agents and Other Lenders.
Each
Lender expressly acknowledges that neither the Agents nor any of their
respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates have made any representations or warranties to it and that no act
by
any Agent hereafter taken, including any review of the affairs of a Loan Party
or any affiliate of a Loan Party, shall be deemed to constitute any
representation or warranty by any Agent to any Lender. Each Lender represents
to
the Agents that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or
any
other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business,
operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of
the
Loan Parties and their affiliates and made its own decision to make its Loans
hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also represents that it
will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or any other Lender,
and
based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the
time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in
taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to
the
business, operations, property, financial and other condition and
creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their affiliates. Except for notices,
reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders
by
the Administrative Agent hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall not have
any
duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other
information concerning the business, operations, property, condition (financial
or otherwise), prospects or creditworthiness of any Loan Party or any affiliate
of a Loan Party that may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent
or
any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates.
Β
9.7Β Β Indemnification.
The
Lenders agree to indemnify each Agent in its capacity as such (to the extent
not
reimbursed by Holdings or the Borrower and without limiting the obligation
of
Holdings or the Borrower to do so), ratably according to their respective
Aggregate Exposure Percentages in effect on the date on which indemnification
is
sought under this Section (or, if indemnification is sought after the date
upon
which the Revolving Commitments shall have terminated and the Loans and any
Letters of Credit outstanding shall have been paid in full, ratably in
accordance with such Aggregate Exposure PercentagesΒ immediately
prior to such date), from and against any and all liabilities, obligations,
losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses, claims,
demands, causes of action or disbursements of any kind whatsoever (whether
or
not an
Β
56
Β
9.8Β Β Agent
in Its Individual Capacity.
Each
Agent and its affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and generally
engage in any kind of business with any Loan Party as though such Agent were
not
an Agent. With respect to its Loans made or renewed by it and with respect
to
any Letter of Credit issued or participated in by it, each Agent shall have
the
same rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as
any
Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not an Agent, and the terms
βLenderβ and βLendersβ shall include each Agent in its individual
capacity.
Β
9.9Β Β Successor
Administrative Agent.
The
Administrative Agent may resign as Administrative Agent upon 10 daysβ notice to
the Lenders and the Borrower. If the Administrative Agent shall resign as
Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, then
the
Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for
the
Lenders, which successor agent shall (unless an Event of Default under Section
8(a) or Section 8(f) with respect to the Borrower shall have occurred and be
continuing) be subject to approval by the Borrower (which approval shall not
be
unreasonably withheld or delayed), whereupon such successor agent shall succeed
to the rights, powers and duties of the Administrative Agent, and the term
βAdministrative Agentβ shall mean such successor agent effective upon such
appointment and approval, and the former Administrative Agentβs rights, powers
and duties as Administrative Agent shall be terminated, without any other or
further act or deed on the part of such former Administrative Agent or any
of
the parties to this Agreement or any holders of the Loans. If no successor
agent
has accepted appointment as Administrative Agent by the date that is 10 days
following a retiring Administrative Agentβs notice of resignation, the retiring
Administrative Agentβs resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become
effective, and the Lenders shall assume and perform all of the duties of the
Administrative Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders
appoint a successor agent as provided for above. After any retiring
Administrative Agentβs resignation as Administrative Agent, the provisions of
this Section 9 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted
to
be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents.
Β
9.10Β Β Co-Documentation
Agents and Syndication Agent.
None of
the Co-Documentation Agents or the Syndication Agent shall have any duties
or
responsibilities hereunder in its capacity as such.Β
Β
57
SECTION
10. Β Β MISCELLANEOUS
Β
10.1Β Β Amendments
and Waivers.
Neither
this Agreement, any other Loan Document, nor any terms hereof or thereof may
be
amended, supplemented or modified except in accordance with the provisions
of
this Section 10.1. The Required Lenders and each Loan Party (any required
response to the matters described in clauses (a) or (b) of this Section 10.1
not
to be unreasonably delayed by any party) party to the relevant Loan Document
may, or, with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative
Agent and each Loan Party (any required response to the matters described in
clauses (a) or (b) of this Section 10.1 not to be unreasonably delayed by any
party) party to the relevant Loan Document may, from time to time, (a) enter
into written amendments, supplements or modifications hereto and to the other
Loan Documents for the purpose of adding any provisions to this Agreement or
the
other Loan Documents or changing in any manner the rights of the Lenders or
of
the Loan Parties hereunder or thereunder or (b) waive, on such terms and
conditions as the Required Lenders or the Administrative Agent, as the case
may
be, may specify in such instrument, any of the requirements of this Agreement
or
the other Loan Documents or any Default or Event of Default and its
consequences; provided, however, that no such waiver and no such amendment,
supplement or modification shall (i) forgive any principal amount or extend
the
final scheduled date of maturity of any Loan or extend the expiry date of any
Letter of Credit beyond the Revolving Termination Date, reduce the stated rate
of any interest or fee payable hereunder or extend the scheduled date of any
payment thereof, or increase the amount or extend the expiration date of any
Lenderβs Revolving Commitment, in each case without the written consent of each
Lender directly affected thereby; (ii) eliminate or reduce the voting rights
of
any Lender under this Section 10.1 without the written consent of such Lender;
(iii) reduce any percentage specified in the definition of Required Lenders,
consent to the assignment or transfer by the Borrower of any of its rights
and
obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, release the
Guarantor from its obligations under the Guarantee Agreement without the written
consent of all Lenders; (iv) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section
9
without the written consent of the Administrative Agent; (v) amend, modify
or
waive any provision of Section 2.3 or 2.4 without the written consent of the
Swingline Lender, or (iv) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section 3
without the written consent of the Issuing Lender. Any such waiver and any
such
amendment, supplement or modification shall apply equally to each of the Lenders
and shall be binding upon the Loan Parties, the Lenders, the Administrative
Agent and all future holders of the Loans. In the case of any waiver, the Loan
Parties, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall be restored to their
former position and rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and
any
Default or Event of Default waived shall be deemed to be cured and not
continuing; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default
or Event of Default, or impair any right consequent thereon.
Β
10.2Β Β Notices.
All
notices, requests and demands to or upon the respective parties hereto to be
effective shall be in writing (including by telecopy), and, unless otherwise
expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given or made
when
delivered, or three Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage
prepaid, or, in the case of telecopyΒ notice,
when received, addressed as follows in the case of Holdings, the Borrower and
the Administrative Agent, and as set forth in an administrative questionnaire
delivered to the Administrative Agent in the case of the Lenders, or to such
other address as may be hereafter notified by the respective parties
hereto:
Β
58
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
To
HoldingsΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
AGLΒ Resources
Inc.
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Xxx
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx XX, Xxxxx 0000
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000
|
Attention:
Treasurer
Telecopy:
(000) 000-0000
Telephone:
(000) 000-0000
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
To the Borrower:Β Β AGL
Capital Corporation
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
0000-X
Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 00
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Xxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxx 00000
|
Attention:
President
Telecopy:
000-000-0000
Telephone:
000-000-0000
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
To the Administrative Agent:Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
or Swingline Lender:Β Β SunTrust
Bank
Agency
Services
000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X./00xx
Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention:
Xx. Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Telecopy
Number: (000) 000-0000
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
with a copy to:Β SunTrust
Bank
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X.
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Attention:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Telecopy
Number: (000) 000-0000
|
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
To the Issuing Lender:Β Β SunTrust
Bank
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
00
Xxxx Xxxxx, X.X.
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Attention:
International Operations/Xxxx
Xxxxxx
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Telecopy
Number: (000) 000-0000
|
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
with copies to:Β SunTrust
Bank
000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X.
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Telecopy
Number: (000) 000-0000
Β
and:Β
Β
SunTrust
Bank
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Agency
Services
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
000
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X./00xx
Xxxxx
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Attention:
Xx. Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Telecopy
Number: (000) 000-0000
|
59
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
To any other Lender:Β the
address set forth in the Administrative
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Questionnaire
or the Assignment and Acceptance
|
Β | Β | Β | Β | Β | Β |
Agreement
executed by such Lender
|
provided
that any
notice, request or demand to or upon the Administrative Agent or the Lenders
shall not be effective until received.
Β
10.3Β Β No
Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.
No
failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of the
Administrative Agent or any Lender, any right, remedy, power or privilege
hereunder or under the other Loan Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof;
nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or
privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the
exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies,
powers and privileges herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any
rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.
Β
10.4Β Β Survival
of Representations and Warranties.
All
representations and warranties made hereunder, in the other Loan Documents
and
in any document, certificate or statement delivered pursuant hereto or in
connection herewith shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the making of the Loans and other extensions of credit hereunder and for
a
period of one year after the indefeasible payment in full of all Obligations
and
the termination of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Β
10.5Β Β Payment
of Expenses and Taxes.
The
Borrower agrees (a) to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all its
reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the
development, preparation and execution of, and any amendment, supplement or
modification to, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and any other
documents prepared in connection herewith or therewith, and the consummation
and
administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including
the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent
and
filing and recording fees and expenses, with statements with respect to the
foregoing to be submitted to the Borrower prior to the Closing Date (in the
case
of amounts to be paid on the Closing Date) and from time to time thereafter
on a
quarterly basis or such other periodic basis as the Administrative Agent shall
deem appropriate, (b) to pay or reimburse each Lender and the Administrative
Agent for all its costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement
or preservation of any rights under this Agreement, the other Loan Documents
and
any such other documents, including the fees and disbursements of counsel
(including the allocated fees and expenses of in-house counsel) to each Lender
and of counsel to the Administrative Agent, (c) to pay, indemnify, and hold
each
Lender and the Administrative Agent harmless from, any and all recording and
filing fees and any and all liabilities with respect to, or resulting from
any
delay in paying, stamp,Β excise
and other taxes, if any, that may be payable or determined to be payable in
connection with the execution and delivery of, or consummation or administration
of any of the transactions contemplated by, or any amendment, supplement or
modification of, or any waiver or consent under or in respect of, this
Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any such other documents, and (d) to
pay, indemnify, and hold each Lender, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing
Lender and their respective officers, directors, employees, affiliates, agents
and controlling persons (each, an βIndemniteeβ) harmless from and against any
and all other liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or
Β
60
Β
10.6Β Β Successors
and Assigns; Participations and Assignments.
Β
(a)Β Β This
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Holdings, the
Borrower, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, all future holders of the
Loans
and their respective successors and assigns, except that the Borrower may not
assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without
the prior written consent of each Lender.
Β
(b)Β Β Any
Lender other than any Conduit Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower,
in accordance with applicable law, at any time sell to one or more banks,
financial institutions or other entities (each, a βParticipantβ)
participating interests in any Loan owing to such Lender, any Commitment of
such
Lender or any other interest of such Lender hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents. In the event of any such sale by a Lender of a participating interest
to a Participant, such Lenderβs obligations under this Agreement to
theΒ other
parties to this Agreement shall remain unchanged, such Lender shall remain
solely responsible for the performance thereof, such Lender shall remain the
holder of any such Loan for all purposes under this Agreement and the other
Loan
Documents, and the Borrower and the Administrative Agent shall continue to
deal
solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lenderβs rights and
obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. In no event
shall
any Participant under any such participation have any right to approve any
amendment or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document, or any consent to
any
departure by any Loan Party therefrom, except to the extent that such amendment,
waiver or consent would reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Loans
or
any fees payable hereunder, postpone the date of the final maturity of the
Β
61
Β
(c)Β Β Any
Lender may assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its
rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of
its
Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided
that (i)
except in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the
assigning Lenderβs Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the
case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved
Fund
with respect to a Lender, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for
this
purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) of the assigning Lender subject
to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance
with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall
not be less than $5,000,000, in the case of any assignment of a Loan, unless
each of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower otherwise consents to such
lesser amount, (ii) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment
of a
proportionate part of all the assigning Lenderβs rights and obligations under
this Agreement with respect to the Loan or the Commitment assigned and (iii)
the
parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative
Agent
an Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing and recordation fee
of
$3,500, and the Eligible Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender,
Β
62
Β
(d)Β Β The
Administrative Agent shall, on behalf of the Borrower, maintain at its address
referred to in Section 10.2 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered
to it and a register (the βRegisterβ)
for
the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment
of,
and the principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Lender from time to time.
The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of manifest
error, and the Borrower, each other Loan Party, the Administrative Agent and
the
Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as the
owner of the Loans and any Notes evidencing the Loans recorded therein for
all
purposes of this Agreement. Any assignment of any Loan, whether or not evidenced
by a Note, shall be effective only upon appropriate entries with respect thereto
being made in the Register (and each Note shall expressly so provide). Any
assignment or transfer of all or part of a Loan evidenced by a Note shall be
registered on the Register only upon surrender for registration of assignment
or
transfer of the Note evidencing such Loan, accompanied by a duly executed
Assignment and Acceptance, and thereupon one or more new Notes shall be issued
to the designated Assignee.
Β
(e)Β Β Upon
its
receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an Assignor, an Assignee
and
any other Person whose consent is required by Section 10.6(c), together with
payment to the Administrative Agent of a registration and processing fee of
$3,500, the Administrative Agent shall (i) promptly accept such Assignment
and
Acceptance and (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register
on
the effective date determined pursuant thereto.
Β
(f)Β Β For
avoidance of doubt, the parties to this Agreement acknowledge that the
provisions of this Section 10.6 concerning assignments relate only to absolute
assignments and that such provisions do not prohibit assignments creating
security interests, including any pledge or assignment by a Lender to any
Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with applicable law.
Β
(g)Β Β The
Borrower, upon receipt of written notice from the relevant Lender, agrees to
issue Notes to any Lender requiring Notes to facilitate transactions of the
type
described in paragraph (f) above.
Β
(h)Β Β Each
of
Holdings, the Borrower, each Lender and the Administrative Agent hereby confirms
that it will not institute against a Conduit Lender or join any other Person
in
instituting against a Conduit Lender any bankruptcy, reorganization,
arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceeding under any state bankruptcy
or
similar law, for one year and one day after the payment in full of the latest
maturing commercial paper note issued by such Conduit Lender; provided,
however, that each Lender designating any Conduit Lender hereby agrees to
indemnify, save and hold harmless each other party hereto for any loss, cost,
damage or expense arising out of its inability to institute such a proceeding
against such Conduit Lender during such period of forbearance.
Β
63
10.7Β Β Adjustments;
Set-off.
Β
(a)Β Β Except
to
the extent that this Agreement expressly provides for payments to be allocated
to a particular Lender or to the Lenders under the Facility, if any Lender
(a
βBenefitted
Lenderβ)
shall,
at any time after the Loans and other amounts payable hereunder shall
immediately become due and payable pursuant to Section 8, receive any payment
of
all or part of the Obligations owing to it, or receive any collateral in respect
thereof (whether voluntarily or involuntarily, by set-off, pursuant to events
or
proceedings of the nature referred to in Section 8(f), or otherwise), in a
greater proportion than any such payment to or collateral received by any other
Lender, if any, in respect of the Obligations owing to such other Lender, such
Benefitted Lender shall purchase for cash from the other Lenders a participating
interest in such portion of the Obligations owing to each such other Lender,
or
shall provide such other Lenders with the benefits of any such collateral,
as
shall be necessary to cause such Benefitted Lender to share the excess payment
or benefits of such collateral ratably with each of the Lenders; provided,
however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment or benefits is
thereafter recovered from such Benefitted Lender, such purchase shall be
rescinded, and the purchase price and benefits returned, to the extent of such
recovery, but without interest.
Β
(b)Β Β In
addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by law, each Lender
shall have the right, unless they have agreed to the contrary, without prior
notice to Holdings or the Borrower, any such notice being expressly waived
by
Holdings and the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law, upon any
amount becoming due and payable by Holdings or the Borrower hereunder (whether
at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), to set off and
appropriate and apply against such amount any and all deposits (general or
special, time or demand, provisional or final), in any currency, and any other
credits, indebtedness or claims, in any currency, in each case whether direct
or
indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, at any time held or
owing by such Lender or any branch or agency thereof to or for the credit or
the
account of Holdings or the Borrower, as the case may be. Each Lender agrees
promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any such
setoff and application made by such Lender, provided
that the
failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and
application.
Β
10.8Β Β Counterparts.
This
Agreement may be executed by one or more of the parties to this Agreement on
any
number of separate counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together
shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an
executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be
effective asΒ delivery
of a manually executed counterpart hereof. A set of the copies of this Agreement
signed by all the parties shall be lodged with the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent.
Β
10.9Β Β Severability.
Any
provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of
such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining
provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any
jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in
any
other jurisdiction.
Β
64
10.10Β Β Integration.
This
Agreement and the other Loan Documents represent the entire agreement of
Holdings, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders with respect
to
the subject matter hereof and thereof, and there are no promises, undertakings,
representations or warranties by the Administrative Agent or any Lender relative
to the subject matter hereof not expressly set forth or referred to herein
or in
the other Loan Documents.
Β
10.11Β Β GOVERNING
LAW.
THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Β
10.12Β Β Submission
To Jurisdiction; Waivers.
Each of
Holdings and the Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:
Β
(a)Β Β submits
for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating to this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, or for
recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the exclusive
general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York, the courts of
the
United States for the Southern District of NewΒ York, and appellate courts
from any thereof;
Β
(b)Β Β consents
that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such courts and waives
any
objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action
or
proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought
in an
inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;
Β
(c)Β Β agrees
that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by
mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially
similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to Holdings or the Borrower, as the case
may be at its address set forth in Section 10.2 or at such other address of
which the Administrative Agent shall have been notified pursuant
thereto;
Β
(d)Β Β agrees
that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in
any
other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to xxx in any other
jurisdiction; and
Β
(e)Β Β waives,
to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim
or
recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in this Section any
special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.
Β
10.13Β Β Acknowledgements.
Each of
Holdings and the Borrower hereby acknowledges that:
Β
(a)Β Β it
has
been advised by counsel in the negotiation, execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents;
Β
65
(b)Β Β neither
the Administrative Agent nor any Lender has any fiduciary relationship with
or
duty to Holdings or the Borrower arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and the relationship between
Administrative Agent and Lenders, on one hand, and Holdings and the Borrower,
on
the other hand, in connection herewith or therewith is solely that of debtor
and
creditor; and
Β
(c)Β Β no
joint
venture is created hereby or by the other Loan Documents or otherwise exists
by
virtue of the transactions contemplated hereby among the Lenders or among
Holdings, the Borrower and the Lenders.
Β
10.14Β Β Confidentiality.
Each of
the Administrative Agent and each Lender agrees to keep confidential all
non-public information provided to it by any Loan Party pursuant to this
Agreement that is designated by such Loan Party as confidential; provided that
nothing herein shall prevent the Administrative Agent or any Lender from
disclosing any such information (a) to the Administrative Agent, any other
Lender or any Lender Affiliate, (b) subject to an agreement to comply with
the
provisions of this Section, to any actual or prospective Transferee or any
direct or indirect counterparty to any Hedge Agreement (or any professional
advisor to such counterparty), (c) subject to an agreement to comply with the
provisions of this Section, to its employees, directors, agents, attorneys,
accountants and other professional advisors or those of any of its affiliates,
(d) upon the request or demand of any Governmental Authority, (e) in response
to
any order of any court or other Governmental Authority or as may otherwise
be
required pursuant to any Requirement of Law, (f) if requested or required to
do
so in connection with any litigation or similar proceeding, (g) that has been
publicly disclosed, (h) to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
or any similar organization or any nationally recognized rating agency that
requires access to information about a Lenderβs investment portfolio in
connection with ratings issued with respect to such Lender, or (i) in connection
with the exercise of any remedy hereunder or under any other Loan
Document.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that this Agreement does not
limit the ability of any party hereto (or any employee, representative, or
other
agent of such party) to disclose to any Person the tax treatment or tax
structure of the financing transactions evidenced by this Agreement;
provided,
however,
the
foregoing is not intended to waive the attorney-client privilege or any other
privileges, including the tax advisor privilege under SectionΒ 7525 of the
Code.
Β
10.15Β Β WAIVERS
OF JURY TRIAL.
HOLDINGS, THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION
ORΒ PROCEEDING
RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM
THEREIN.
Β
10.16Β Β USA
Patriot Act Notice.
Each of
the Lenders and the Agents hereby notifies the Borrower and Holdings that
pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L.
107-56, as amended), it is required to obtain, verify and record information
that identifies the Borrower and Holdings, which information includes the names
and addresses of the Borrower and Holdings and any other information that will
allow such Lender or Agent, as applicable, to identify the Borrower and Holdings
in accordance with such Act.
Β
66
10.17Β Β Termination
of Existing Credit Agreement.
Each of
the Borrower, Holdings, and the Lenders that are parties to the Existing Credit
Agreement acknowledge and agree that, simultaneously with the effectiveness
of
this Agreement on the Closing Date, (i) the Existing Credit Agreement and the
commitments of the Lenders thereunder shall terminate and cease to be of any
further force or effect (subject only to those provisions of the Existing Credit
Agreement that expressly provide for the survival of such provisions following
the termination of the Existing Credit Agreement), and (ii) all other notices
that may be required with respect to such termination are hereby waived. The
Borrower and Holdings shall repay all outstanding advances and all other amounts
payable under the Existing Credit Agreement as provided in Section
5.1(g).
Β
Β
67
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of the
day and year first above written.
Β
By:
/s/
Xxxxxx X. XxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
AGL
CAPITAL CORPORATION
Β
By:
/s/
Xxxx X. XxxxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Title:
President
Β
Β
Β
SUNTRUST
BANK, as Administrative
Agent,
a
Lender, and Issuing Lender
By:/s/Β Xxxxxxx
X. XxxxxΒ Β
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title:
Managing Director
WACHOVIA
BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Syndication Agent and as a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxx XxxxxxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Title:
Vice President
THE
BANK
OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD., NEW YORK BRANCH, as Co-Documentation Agent and
a
Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxxx XxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxxx Xxx
Title:
Authorized Signatory
CALYON
NEW YORK BRANCH, as Co-Documentation Agent and a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxxxxx XxxxxxΒ Β
Name:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Title:
Director
By:
/s/
Xxxxxx XxxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Title:
Managing Director
JPMORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as
Co-Documentation Agent and a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxxΒ
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. XxXxxxx
Title:
Vice President
BANK
OF
AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxxxxxx X. XxxxxxxxΒ Β
Name:
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Title:
Senior Vice President
XXXXXX
XXXXXXX BANK, as a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxxxx XxxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Title:
Authorized Signatory
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Bank
THE
ROYAL
BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC,
as
a
Lender
By:
/s/Β Xxxxxxx
X. MainΒ Β
Name:
Xxxxxxx X. Main
Title:
Managing Director
THE
BANK
OF NEW YORK, as a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxx X. XxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxx X. Xxxx
Title:
Vice President
XXXXX
FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxxx XxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxxx Xxxxx
Title:
Vice President
XXXXXXX
STREET COMMITMENT CORPORATION (Recourse only to assets of Xxxxxxx Street
Commitment Corporation), as a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxx XxxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Title:
Assistant Vice President
FIRST
HORIZON BANK, a division of First Tennessee Bank, National Association, as
a
Lender
By:
/s/
C. Xxxx XxxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
C.
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Title:
Vice President
KBC
BANK
N.V., as a Lender
By:
/s/
Xxxx XxxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxx Xxxxxx
Title:
Vice President
By:
/s/
Xxxxxx XxxxxxxxΒ Β Β
Name:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx
Title:
First Vice President
Β
SCHEDULE
1.1
REVOLVING
COMMITMENTS
LENDER
|
REVOLVING
COMMITMENT
|
SunTrust
Bank
|
$110,000,000
|
Wachovia
Bank, National Association
|
$110,000,000
|
The
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New
York Branch
|
$87,500,000
|
Calyon
New York Branch
|
$87,500,000
|
JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A.
|
$87,500,000
|
Bank
of America, N.A.
|
$87,500,000
|
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Bank
|
$87,500,000
|
The
Royal Bank of Scotland plc
|
$87,500,000
|
The
Bank of New York
|
$65,000,000
|
Xxxxx
Fargo Bank, National Association
|
$65,000,000
|
Xxxxxxx
Street Commitment Corporation
|
$65,000,000
|
First
Horizon Bank
|
$30,000,000
|
KBC
Bank N.V.
|
$30,000,000
|
Total
Revolving Commitments
|
$1,000,000,000
|
SCHEDULE
4.14
Β
SUBSIDIARIES
Β
Name*
|
Jurisdiction
of Organization
|
%
of Capital Stock owned by AGL Resources Inc. or its
Subsidiaries
|
AGL
Capital Corporation
|
Nevada
|
100%
|
AGL
Capital Trust I
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
AGL
Capital Trust II
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
AGL
Energy Corporation
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
AGL
Investments, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
AGL
Macon Holdings, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
AGL
Networks, LLC
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
AGL
Peaking Services, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
AGL
Propane Services, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
AGL
Resources Inc. Political Action Committee, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
Nonprofit
Corporation
|
AGL
Resources Inc. Private Foundation Inc.
|
Georgia
|
Nonprofit
Corporation
|
AGL
Rome Holdings, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
AGL
Services Company
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Atlanta
Gas Light Company
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Atlanta
Gas Light Services, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Chattanooga
Gas Company
|
Tennessee
|
100%
|
Customer
Care Services, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Diligence
Investment Company, L.L.C.
|
Virginia
|
100%
|
Energy
Risk Insurance Services Corporation
|
British
Virgin Islands
|
100%
|
Georgia
Energy Company
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Georgia
Gas Company
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Georgia
Natural Gas Company
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Georgia
Natural Gas Services, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Global
Energy Resources Insurance Company
|
British
Virgin Islands
|
100%
|
HPMT,
Kft.
|
Hungary
|
100%
|
NUI
Capital Corp.
|
Florida
|
100%
|
NUI
Corporation
|
New
Jersey
|
100%
|
NUI
Energy Brokers, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI
Energy Solutions, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI
Energy, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI
Hungary, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI
International, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI
Richton Storage, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI
Sales Management, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI
Saltville Storage, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI
Service, Inc.
|
New
Jersey
|
100%
|
NUI
Storage, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
NUI/Caritrade
International LLC
|
Delaware
|
90%
|
OAS
Group, Inc.
|
New
Jersey
|
100%
|
Pinnacle
LNG, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Pivotal
Energy Services, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Pivotal
Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, LLC
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
Pivotal
LNG, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
Pivotal
Propane of Virginia Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
Pivotal
Storage, Inc.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
Pivotal
Utility Holdings, Inc.
|
New
Jersey
|
100%
|
Richton
Gas Storage Company, LLC
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
Sequent
Energy Canada Corp.
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
Sequent
Energy Management, L.P.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Sequent
Energy Marketing, L.P.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Sequent
Holdings, LLC
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Sequent,
LLC
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Southeastern
LNG, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
SouthStar
Energy Services LLC
|
Delaware
|
70%
|
T.I.C.
Enterprises, LLC
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
TES,
Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Trustees
Investments, Inc.
|
Georgia
|
100%
|
Virginia
Gas Company
|
Delaware
|
100%
|
Virginia
Natural Gas, Inc.
|
Virginia
|
100%
|
Β | Β | Β |
(b)
Under Article 12 of the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company
Agreement of SouthStar Energy Services LLC, Guarantor's wholly owned
subsidiary, Georgia Natural Gas Company, has the option to purchase
membership interest in SouthStar from Piedmont Energy Company, its
partner
in the company.
|
||
*
As of the date of execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement,
all the
Subsidiaries are Restricted Subsidiaries within the meaning of the
Credit
Agreement.
|
Β
Β
Β
Β
Β
Β
SCHEDULE
4.16
Β
ENVIRONMENTAL
MATTERS
Β
1)Β Β |
Manufactured
Gas Plants.
|
Β
Β
Georgia.
AGLC is
required to investigate possible environmental contamination at manufactured
gas
plants (βMGPβ)
and,
if necessary, clean up any contamination. AGLC has been associated with ten
MGP
sites in Georgia and three in Florida. Based on investigations to date, cleanup
has either already occurred or is likely at most of these sites. As of June
30,
2006, the remediation program in Georgia was approximately 100% complete, with
the exception of ground water conditions. As reported in Holdings Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 (the "2nd
Quarter 2005 10-Q"),
the
projected costs of the remaining remediation at these sites are estimated to
be
$21 million, with additional future costs for the Florida sites in the range
of
$7 million to $16 million.
Β
Β
New
Jersey:
In New
Jersey, Pivotal Utility Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a NUI Utilities, Inc.)
(βPUHIβ)
. the
utility subsidiary of NUI Corporation (βNUIβ)
owns
five properties where former MGPs were operated. A sixth MGP site, formerly
operated by Elizabethtown Gas, a division of PUHI, operating in New Jersey
(βETGβ),
is
now owned by a church.
Β
Β
Five
of
the six sites in New Jersey are under a Memorandum Agreement (MOA), and the
sixth site is subject to an Administration Consent Order (ACO) with the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The MOAs and ACO require
PUHI to investigate on-site contamination, and if required by the NJDEP,
investigate off-site impacts as well. Various investigation and cleanup
investigations have been conducted and are progressing slowly, but cleanups
are
likely at most sites. Based upon our review of these sites to date, the likely
estimated cost range to address the New Jersey MGP sites is $60 million to
$118
million. These cost ranges are estimates.
Β
Β
ETGβs
prudently incurred remediation costs for the New Jersey properties have been
authorized by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to be recoverable in
rates through ETGβs Remediation Adjustment Clause. As a result, ETG has recorded
a regulatory asset of approximately $63 million, inclusive of interest, as
a
regulatory asset, reflecting both recorded future costs and accrued interest.
PUHI has also recovered a portion of MGP remediation costs incurred in New
Jersey from the company's insurance carriers.
Β
Other
States.
Outside
of New Jersey, NUI Corporation owns,
or
previously owned, ten properties located in the states of North Carolina, South
Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland on which MGPs were operated by
NUI
or by other parties in the past.
Two
sites (Athens, Pennsylvania; Reidsville, North Carolina) have been sold to
third
parties, who have agreed to indemnify NUI against environmental liabilities.
Of
these
ten sites, only one site (Elizabeth City, North Carolina) has had any regulatory
activity over the past ten years. The Xxxxxxxxx City site is subject to an
Administrative Consent Order with the North Carolina Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (βNCDENRβ), dated October 31, 2001, and under such order,
the Company has been directly by the NCDENR to enter the formal site
investigation stage.
Currently,
there is only limited information available to assess the potential
environmental liability associated with these non-New Jersey sites, and the
liability for these sites will remain an uncertainty until a more vigorous
environmental assessment is performed. Regarding the Xxxxxxxxx City site,
experience at other similar sites suggests that the costs for remediation of
this site will likely range from $4 to $19 million. There is one other site
in
North Carolina where investigation and remediation is probable, although no
regulatory order exists and there is not currently any basis to reasonably
estimate the costs of such actions. For the remaining sites, no basis for
liability has been asserted.
Β
NUI
Environmental Reserves:
Β Although
the actual total cost of future environmental investigation and remediation
efforts cannot be reasonably estimated, we have recorded on an undiscounted
basis a total reserve of approximately $70 million, which we believe represents
the probable minimum amount we may expend over the next 30 years. Of this
reserve, approximately $61 million relates to remediation of the New Jersey
MGP
properties and approximately $9 million relates to remediation of the MGP
properties located outside the state of New Jersey.
Β
2)Β Β |
AGLC
Pipeline Replacement.
|
Β
Β
On
January 8, 1998, the Georgia Public Service Commission (βGPSCβ)
issued
procedures and set a schedule for hearings regarding alleged pipeline safety
violations. On July 21, 1998, the GPSC approved a settlement between AGLC and
the staff of the GPSC that details a 10-year pipeline replacement program
(βPRP)
for
approximately 2,300 miles of cast iron and bare steel pipe. October 1, 2004
marked the beginning of the seventh year of the original 10-year
PRP.
Β
Β
On
June
10, 2005, AGLC and the GPSC entered into a Settlement Agreement that, among
other things, extends AGLCβs PRP by five years to require that all replacements
be completed by December 2013, with the timing of such replacements to be
subsequently determined through discussions with GPSC staff. Under the
Settlement Agreement, rates charged to customers will remain unchanged through
April 30, 2010, but AGLC will recognize reduced base rate revenues of $5 million
on an annual basis through April 30, 2010. The five-year total reduction in
recognized base rate revenues of $25 million will be applied to the amount
of
costs incurred to replace pipe and subsequently recovered from
customers.
Β
Β
For
a further description of environmental and pipeline replacement matters, see
the
AGL Resourcesβ 2005 10-K filing.
Β
Β
Β
Β
Β
SCHEDULE
7.2(i)
Β
EXISTING
LIENS
Β
NONE
SCHEDULE
7.8
Β
AGREEMENTS
PROHIBITING OR LIMITING LIENS
Β
1)Β Β |
Indenture,
dated December 1, 1989, as amended, between Atlanta Gas Light Company
and
The Bank of New York, as successor trustee, pursuant to which Atlanta
Gas
Light Company issued its medium term notes.
|
Β
2)Β Β |
Agreements
pursuant to which Pivotal Utility Holdings Inc. (f/k/a NUI Utilities,
Inc.) issued $39.0 million Variable Rate Bonds, due June 1, 2026:
|
Β
a.Β Β |
Amended
and Restated Standby Bond Purchase Agreement, dated June 1, 2005,
among
Pivotal Utility Holdings, Inc., the Participating Banks, the Bank of New
York, as Purchasing Bank and Administrative Agent and BNY Capital
Markets,
Inc., as Lead Arranger and Book Runner.
|
Β
b.Β Β |
Loan
Agreement, dated June 1, 1996, between NUI Utilities, Inc. (f/k/a
NUI
Corporation) and New Jersey Economic Development
Authority.
|
Β
3)Β Β |
Loan
Agreement, dated June 1, 1997, between NUI Utilities, Inc. (f/k/a
NUI
Corporation) and New Jersey Economic Development Authority, pursuant
to
which NUI Utilities issued $54.6 million 5.70% bonds due June 1,
2032.
|
Β
4)Β Β |
Loan
Agreement, dated December 1, 1998, between NUI Utilities, Inc. (f/k/a
NUI
Corporation) and New Jersey Economic Development Authority, pursuant
to
which NUI Utilities issued $40.0 million 5.25% bonds due November
1, 2033.
|
Β
Β
EXHIBIT
A
FORM
OF GUARANTEE
GUARANTEE,
dated as of August 31, 2006, made by AGL RESOURCES INC., a Georgia corporation
(the βGuarantorβ),
in
favor of SUNTRUST BANK, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the
βAdministrative
Agentβ)
for
the lenders (the βLendersβ)
parties to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2006 (as amended,
restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the
βCredit
Agreementβ),
among
Guarantor, AGL CAPITAL CORPORATION (the βBorrowerβ),
the
Lenders, and SUNTRUST
BANK,
as
Administrative Agent.
W
I T
N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS,
pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have severally agreed to make
Loans to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
therein;
WHEREAS,
it is a condition precedent to the obligation of the Lenders to make their
respective Loans to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, to the obligation
of the Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower
thereunder, and to the obligation of the Lenders to participate in the Letters
of Credit, that the Guarantor shall have executed and delivered this Guarantee
to the Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders;
and
WHEREAS,
the Guarantor is the parent of the Borrower, and it is to the advantage of
Guarantor that the Lenders make the Loans to the Borrower, the Issuing Lender
issue the Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower, and the Lenders
participate in the Letters of Credit;
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Administrative
Agent and the Lenders to enter into the Credit Agreement and to induce the
Lenders to make their respective Loans to the Borrower under the Credit
Agreement, the Issuing Lender to issue Letters of Credit for the account of
the
Borrower thereunder, and the Lenders to participate in the Letters of Credit
thereunder, the Guarantor hereby agrees with the Administrative Agent, for
the
ratable benefit of the Lenders, as follows:
1.Β Defined
Terms.
(a)
Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and
used
herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit
Agreement.
(b)Β The
following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
βLenderβ:
Each
Person that at any time, and from time to time, is a party to the Credit
Agreement as a Lender, and any such Lender or Affiliate of such Lender that
is a
party to a Specified Hedge Agreement.
βObligationsβ:
the
collective reference to the unpaid principal of and interest on (including
interest accruing at the then applicable rate provided in the Credit Agreement
after the maturity of the Loans and Reimbursement Obligations and after the
filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency,
reorganization or like proceeding, relating to the Borrower, whether or not
a
claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding)
the Loans, the Reimbursement Obligations, and all other obligations and
liabilities of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender,
or
any Lender (or, in the case of Specified Hedge Agreements, any affiliate of
any
Lender), whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become
due, or now existing or hereafter incurred pursuant to the Credit Agreement,
any
other Loan Document, the Letters of Credit, any Specified Hedge Agreement or
any
other document made, delivered or given in connection herewith or therewith,
whether on account of principal, interest, reimbursement obligations, fees,
indemnities, costs, expenses or otherwise (including all fees, charges and
disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Lender, or
to
any Lender that are required to be paid by the Borrower pursuant thereto) or
otherwise.
(c)Β The
words
βhereof,β βhereinβ and βhereunderβ and words of similar import when used in this
Guarantee shall refer to this Guarantee as a whole and not to any particular
provision of this Guarantee, and section and paragraph references are to this
Guarantee unless otherwise specified.
(d)Β The
meanings given to terms defined herein shall be equally applicable to both
the
singular and plural forms of such terms.
2.Β Guarantee.
(a) The
Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the
Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders and their
respective successors, indorsees, transferees and assigns, the prompt and
complete payment and performance by the Borrower when due (whether at the stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations.
(b)Β The
Guarantor further agrees to pay any and all expenses (including, without
limitation, all fees and disbursements of counsel actually incurred) which
may
be paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in enforcing,
or
obtaining advice of counsel in respect of, any rights with respect to, or
collecting, any or all of the Obligations and/or enforcing any rights with
respect to, or collecting against, the Guarantor under this Guarantee. This
Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until the Obligations are paid
in full, no Letter of Credit shall be outstanding and the Revolving Commitments
are terminated, notwithstanding that from time to time prior thereto the
Borrower may be free from any Obligations.
(c)Β No
payment or payments made by the Borrower or any other Person or received or
collected by the Administrative Agent or any Lender from the Borrower or any
other Person by virtue of any action or proceeding or any set-off or
appropriation or application, at any time or from time to time, in reduction
of
or in payment of the Obligations shall be deemed to modify, reduce, release
or
otherwise affect the liability of the Guarantor hereunder which shall,
notwithstanding any such payment or payments (other than payments made by the
Guarantor in respect of the Obligations or payments received or collected from
the Guarantor in respect of the Obligations), remain liable for the Obligations
until the Obligations are paid in full, no Letter of Credit shall be outstanding
and the Revolving Commitments are terminated.
(d)Β The
Guarantor agrees that whenever, at any time, or from time to time, it shall
make
any payment to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on account of its
liability hereunder, it will notify the Administrative Agent and such Lender
in
writing that such payment is made under this Guarantee for such
purpose.
3.Β Right
of Set-off.
Upon
the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent and each Lender
is hereby irrevocably authorized at any time and from time to time (unless
the
Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, has agreed to the contrary)
without notice to the Guarantor, any such notice being expressly waived by
the
Guarantor, to set off and appropriate and apply any and all deposits (general
or
special, time or demand, provisional or final), in any currency, and any other
credits, indebtedness or claims, in any currency, in each case whether direct
or
indirect, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, at any time held or
owing by the Administrative Agent or such Lender to or for the credit or the
account of the Guarantor, or any part thereof in such amounts as the
Administrative Agent or such Lender may elect, against or on account of the
Obligations and liabilities of the Guarantor to the Administrative Agent or
such
Lender hereunder and claims of every nature and description of the
Administrative Agent or such Lender against the Guarantor, in any currency,
whether arising hereunder, under the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document
or otherwise, as the Administrative Agent or such Lender may elect, whether
or
not the Administrative Agent or such Lender has made any demand for payment
and
although such obligations, liabilities and claims may be contingent or
unmatured. The Administrative Agent and each Lender shall notify the Guarantor
promptly as of any such set-off and the application made by the Administrative
Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, of the proceeds thereof; provided
that the
failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and
application. The rights of the Administrative Agent and each Lender under this
paragraph are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without
limitation, other rights of set-off) which the Administrative Agent or such
Lender may have.
4.Β No
Subrogation.
Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by the Guarantor hereunder, or
any
set-off or application of funds of the Guarantor by the Administrative Agent
or
any Lender, the Guarantor shall not be entitled to be subrogated to any of
the
rights of the Administrative Agent or any Lender against the Borrower or against
any collateral security or guarantee or right of offset held by the
Administrative Agent or any Lender for the payment of the Obligations, nor
shall
the Guarantor seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement
from
the Borrower in respect of payments made by the Guarantor hereunder, until
all
amounts owing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders by the Borrower on
account of the Obligations are paid in full, no Letter of Credit shall be
outstanding and the Revolving Commitments terminated. If any amount shall be
paid to the Guarantor on account of such subrogation rights at any time when
all
of the Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held
by the Guarantor in trust for the Administrative Agent and the Lenders,
segregated from other funds of the Guarantor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt
by the Guarantor, be turned over to the Administrative Agent in the exact form
received by the Guarantor (duly indorsed by the Guarantor to the Administrative
Agent, if required), to be applied against the Obligations, whether matured
or
unmatured, in such order as the Administrative Agent may determine.
5.Β Amendments,
etc. with respect to the Obligations; Waiver of Rights.
The
Guarantor shall remain obligated hereunder notwithstanding that, without any
reservation of rights against the Guarantor, and without notice to or further
assent by the Guarantor, any demand for payment of any of the Obligations made
by the Administrative Agent or any Lender may be rescinded by the Administrative
Agent or such Lender, and any of the Obligations continued, and the Obligations,
or the liability of any other party upon or for any part thereof, or any
collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect
thereto, may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended,
amended, modified, accelerated, compromised, waived, surrendered or released
by
the Administrative Agent or any Lender, and the Credit Agreement, any other
Loan
Document and any other documents executed and delivered in connection therewith
may be amended, modified, supplemented or terminated, in whole or in part,
as
the Administrative Agent (or the Required Lenders, as the case may be) may
deem
advisable from time to time, and any guarantee or right of offset at any time
held by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for the payment of the
Obligations may be sold, exchanged, waived, surrendered or released. Neither
the
Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to protect,
secure, perfect or insure any Lien at any time held by it as security for the
Obligations or for this Guarantee or any property subject thereto. When making
any demand hereunder against the Guarantor, the Administrative Agent or any
Lender may, but shall be under no obligation to, make a similar demand on the
Borrower or any other guarantor, and any failure by the Administrative Agent
or
any Lender to make any such demand or to collect any payments from the Borrower
or any such other guarantor or any release of the Borrower or such other
guarantor shall not relieve the Guarantor of its obligations or liabilities
hereunder, and shall not impair or affect the rights and remedies, express
or
implied, or as a matter of law, of the Administrative Agent or any Lender
against the Guarantor. For the purposes hereof βdemandβ shall include the
commencement and continuance of any legal proceedings.
6.Β Guarantee
Absolute and Unconditional.
The
Guarantor waives any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension or
accrual of any of the Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by the
Administrative Agent or any Lender upon this Guarantee or acceptance of this
Guarantee; the Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to
have been created, contracted or incurred, or renewed, extended, amended or
waived, in reliance upon this Guarantee; and all dealings between the Borrower
or the Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Lenders,
on the other, shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or
consummated in reliance upon this Guarantee. The Guarantor waives diligence,
presentment, protest, demand for payment and notice of default or nonpayment
to
or upon the Borrower or the Guarantor with respect to the Obligations. This
Guarantee shall be construed as a continuing, absolute and unconditional
guarantee of payment without regard to (a) the validity, regularity or
enforceability of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, any of the
Obligations or any other collateral security therefor or guarantee or right
of
offset with respect thereto at any time or from time to time held by the
Administrative Agent or any Lender, (b) any defense, set-off or counterclaim
(other than a defense of payment or performance) which may at any time be
available to or be asserted by the Borrower against the Administrative Agent
or
any Lender, or (c) any other circumstance whatsoever (with or without notice
to
or knowledge of the Borrower or the Guarantor) which constitutes, or might
be
construed to constitute, an equitable or legal discharge of the Borrower for
the
Obligations, or of the Guarantor under this Guarantee, in bankruptcy or in
any
other instance. When pursuing its rights and remedies hereunder against the
Guarantor, the Administrative Agent and any Lender may, but shall be under
no
obligation to, pursue such rights and remedies as it may have against the
Borrower or any other Person or against any collateral security or guarantee
for
the Obligations or any right of offset with respect thereto, and any failure
by
the Administrative Agent or any Lender to pursue such other rights or remedies
or to collect any payments from the Borrower or any such other Person or to
realize upon any such collateral security or guarantee or to exercise any such
right of offset, or any release of the Borrower or any such other Person or
of
any such collateral security, guarantee or right of offset, shall not relieve
the Guarantor of any liability hereunder, and shall not impair or affect the
rights and remedies, whether express, implied or available as a matter of law,
of the Administrative Agent or any Lender against the Guarantor. This Guarantee
shall remain in full force and effect and be binding in accordance with and
to
the extent of its terms upon the Guarantor and its successors and assigns
thereof, and shall inure to the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders, and their respective successors, indorsees, transferees and assigns,
until all the Obligations and the obligations of the Guarantor under this
Guarantee shall have been satisfied by payment in full and the Revolving
Commitments shall be terminated, notwithstanding that from time to time during
the term of the Credit Agreement the Borrower may be free from any
Obligations.
7.Β Reinstatement.
This
Guarantee shall continue to be effective, or be reinstated, as the case may
be,
if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any of the Obligations is
rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Administrative Agent
or any Lender upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution, liquidation or
reorganization of the Borrower or upon or as a result of the appointment of
a
receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for,
the
Borrower or any substantial part of its property, or otherwise, all as though
such payments had not been made.
8.Β Payments.
The
Guarantor hereby agrees that the Obligations will be paid to the Administrative
Agent without set-off or counterclaim in U.S. Dollars at the office of the
Administrative Agent located at 000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X., Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx
00000.
9.Β Authority
of Administrative Agent.
The
Guarantor acknowledges that the rights and responsibilities of the
Administrative Agent under this Guarantee with respect to any action taken
by
the Administrative Agent or the exercise or non-exercise by the Administrative
Agent of any option, right, request, judgment or other right or remedy provided
for herein or resulting or arising out of this Guarantee shall, as between
the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders, be governed by the Credit Agreement and
by
such other agreements with respect thereto as may exist from time to time among
them, but, as between the Administrative Agent and the Guarantor, the
Administrative Agent shall be conclusively presumed to be acting as agent for
the Lenders with full and valid authority so to act or refrain from acting,
and
the Guarantor shall not be under any obligation, or entitlement, to make any
inquiry respecting such authority.
10.Β Notices.
All
notices, requests and demands to or upon the Administrative Agent, any Lender
or
the Guarantor to be effective shall be in writing (or by telex, fax or similar
electronic transfer confirmed in writing) and shall be deemed to have been
duly
given or made (1) when delivered by hand or (2) if given by mail, when deposited
in the mails by certified mail, return receipt requested, or (3) if by telex,
fax or similar electronic transfer, when sent and receipt has been confirmed,
addressed as follows:
(a)Β if
to the
Administrative Agent or any Lender, at its address or transmission number for
notices provided in Section 10.2 of the Credit Agreement; and
(b)Β if
to the
Guarantor, at its address or transmission number for notices set forth under
its
signature below.
The
Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Guarantor may change its address
and
transmission numbers for notices by notice in the manner provided in this
Section.
11.Β Severability.
Any
provision of this Guarantee which is prohibited or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of
such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining
provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any
jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in
any
other jurisdiction.
12.Β Integration.
This
Guarantee represents the agreement of the Guarantor with respect to the subject
matter hereof and there are no promises or representations by the Administrative
Agent or any Lender relative to the subject matter hereof not reflected
herein.
13.
Amendments
in Writing; No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.
(a)
None of the terms or provisions of this Guarantee may be waived, amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified except by a written instrument executed
by
the Guarantor and the Administrative Agent, provided
that any
provision of this Guarantee may be waived by the Administrative Agent and the
Lenders in a letter or agreement executed by the Administrative Agent or by
telex or facsimile transmission from the Administrative Agent.
(b)Β Neither
the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall by any act (except by a written
instrument pursuant to paragraph 13(a) hereof), delay, indulgence, omission
or
otherwise be deemed to have waived any right or remedy hereunder or to have
acquiesced in any Default or Event of Default or in any breach of any of the
terms and conditions hereof. No failure to exercise, nor any delay in
exercising, on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any right,
power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof. No single or
partial exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder shall preclude
any
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power
or
privilege. A waiver by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of any right
or
remedy hereunder on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any
right or remedy which the Administrative Agent or such Lender would otherwise
have on any future occasion.
(c)Β The
rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly
or
concurrently and are not exclusive of any other rights or remedies provided
by
law.
14.Β Section
Headings.
The
section headings used in this Guarantee are for convenience of reference only
and are not to affect the construction hereof or be taken into consideration
in
the interpretation hereof.
15.Β Successors
and Assigns.
This
Guarantee shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Guarantor
and
shall inure to the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and
their
successors and assigns.
16.Β GOVERNING
LAW.
THIS
GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
17.Β Submission
to Jurisdiction; Waivers.
The
Guarantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:
(a)Β Submits
for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating to this
Guarantee and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, or for
recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the
non-exclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York,
the
courts of the United States of America for the Southern District of New York,
and appellate courts from any thereof;
(b)Β consents
that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such courts and waives
any
objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action
or
proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought
in an
inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;
(c)Β agrees
that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by
mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially
similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to the Guarantor at its address referred
to in Section 10(b) hereof or at such other address of which the Administrative
Agent shall have been notified pursuant thereto;
(d)Β agrees
that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in
any
other manner permitted by law or shall limit the right to xxx in any other
jurisdiction; and
(e)Β waives,
to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim
or
recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in this Section 17 any
special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.
18.Β WAIVER
OF JURY TRIAL.
THE
GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT
AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
[SIGNATURES
ON FOLLOWING PAGES]
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Guarantee to be duly executed
and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the day and year first above
written.
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:
Title:
Address
for Notices:
Xxx
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx XX, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx,
Xxxxxxx 00000
Attention:
Treasurer
Telecopy:
(000) 000-0000
Telephone:
(000) 000-0000
EXHIBIT
B
FORM
OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
This
Compliance Certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 6.2(a) of the
Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2006, as amended, restated,
supplemented or modified from time to time (the βCredit
Agreementβ),
among
AGL RESOURCES INC., a Georgia corporation (βHoldingsβ),
AGL
CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Nevada corporation (the βBorrowerβ),
the
several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time
parties thereto (the βLendersβ)
and
SUNTRUST BANK, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the βAdministrative
Agentβ).
Terms
defined in the Credit Agreement and not otherwise defined herein are used herein
with the meanings so defined.
1.Β I
am the
duly elected, qualified and acting [Chief Financial Officer] [Treasurer] of
Holdings.
2.Β I
have
reviewed and am familiar with the contents of this Certificate.
3.Β I
have
reviewed the terms of the Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents and have
made
or caused to be made under my supervision, a review in reasonable detail of
the
transactions and condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries (including any
Unrestricted Subsidiaries) during the accounting period covered by the financial
statements (including the separate financial statements of any Unrestricted
Subsidiaries) attached hereto as Attachment
1
(the
βFinancial
Statementsβ).
Such
review did not disclose the existence during or at the end of the accounting
period covered by the Financial Statements, and I have no knowledge of the
existence, as of the date of this Certificate, of any condition or event which
constitutes a Default or Event of Default [, except as set forth
below].
4.Β Attached
hereto as Attachment
2
are the
computations showing compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.1
of
the Credit Agreement.
[SIGNATURE
ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]
Β
Β
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, I execute this Certificate this ___ day of _________,
______.
AGL
RESOURCES INC.
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:
Title:
Attachment
1
to
Exhibit B
[Attach
Applicable Financial Statements]
Attachment
2
to
Exhibit B
The
information described herein is as of ____________, 200__, and pertains to
the
period from ____________________, 200__ to _________________,
200__.
[Set
forth Covenant Calculations]
EXHIBIT
C
CLOSING
CERTIFICATE
Pursuant
to Section 5.1(c) of the Credit Agreement dated as of August 31, 2006 (the
βCredit
Agreementβ;
terms
defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among AGL RESOURCES
INC.,
a Georgia corporation (βHoldingsβ),
AGL
CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Nevada corporation (the βBorrowerβ),
the
several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time
parties thereto (the βLendersβ),
and
SUNTRUST BANK, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the βAdministrative
Agentβ),
the
undersigned ______________________, in his/her capacity as
______________________ of [INSERT NAME OF COMPANY] (the βCompanyβ)
hereby
certifies as follows:
1.Β The
representations and warranties of the Company set forth in each of the Loan
Documents to which it is a party or which are contained in any certificate
furnished by or on behalf of the Company pursuant to any of the Loan Documents
to which it is a party are true and correct in all material respects on and
as
of the date hereof with the same effect as if made on the date hereof, except
for representations and warranties expressly stated to relate to a specific
earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties were true and
correct in all material respects as of such earlier date.
2.Β No
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of the date hereof
or after giving effect to any Loans to be made on the date hereof.
3.Β The
conditions precedent set forth in Section 5.1 of the Credit Agreement were
satisfied as of the Closing Date except as set forth on Schedule
I
hereto.
Β
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have hereunto set our names as of the date
set
forth below.
Β
Name:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Title:Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Date:Β August
31, 2006
SCHEDULE
I
Waived
Conditions Precedent
[Describe
any conditions precedent waived on the
Closing
Date and terms of any waiver]
ANNEX
1
Board
Resolutions
ANNEX
2
By-Laws
ANNEX
3
Articles
of Incorporation
EXHIBIT
D
FORM
OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
Reference
is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2006 (as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the βCredit
Agreementβ),
among
AGL Resources Inc. (βHoldingsβ),
AGL
Capital Corporation (the βBorrowerβ),
the
several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time
parties thereto (the βLendersβ),
and
SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the
βAdministrative
Agentβ).
Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and
used
herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit
Agreement.
The
Assignor identified on Schedule
1
hereto
(the βAssignorβ)
and
the Assignee identified on Schedule
1
hereto
(the βAssigneeβ)
agree
as follows:
1.Β The
Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee without recourse
to the Assignor, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes
from
the Assignor without recourse to the Assignor, as of the Effective Date (as
defined below), the interest described in Schedule
1
hereto
(the βAssigned
Interestβ)
in and
to the Assignorβs rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement with respect
to those credit facilities contained in the Credit Agreement as are set forth
on
Schedule
1
hereto
(individually, an βAssigned
Facilityβ;
collectively, the βAssigned
Facilitiesβ),
in a
principal amount for each Assigned Facility as set forth on Schedule
1
hereto.
2.Β The
Assignor (a) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility
with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in
connection with the Credit Agreement or with respect to the execution, legality,
validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit
Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished
pursuant thereto, other than that the Assignor has not created any adverse
claim
upon the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is
free
and clear of any such adverse claim; (b) makes no representation or warranty
and
assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the
Borrower or Holdings, or any obligor or the performance or observance by the
Borrower or Holdings, or any obligor of any of their respective obligations
under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other instrument
or
document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto; and (c) attaches any Notes held
by it evidencing the Assigned Facilities and [(i)] requests that the
Administrative Agent, upon request by the Assignee, exchange the attached Notes,
if any, for a new Note or Notes payable to the Assignee [and (ii) if the
Assignor has retained any interest in an Assigned Facility, requests that the
Administrative Agent exchange the attached Notes, if any, for a new Note or
Notes payable to the Assignor, in each case] in amounts which reflect the
assignment being made hereby (and after giving effect to any other assignments
which have become effective on the Effective Date).
3.Β The
Assignee (a) represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter
into
this Assignment and Acceptance; (b) confirms that it has received a copy of
the
Credit Agreement and each other Loan Document which such Assignee has requested,
together with copies of the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section
4.1 thereof 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 Acceptance; (c) agrees that it will, independently and without
reliance upon the Assignor, the Agents or any other Lender and based on such
documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue
to
make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit
Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other instrument or document
furnished pursuant hereto or thereof; (d) appoints and authorizes the Agents
to
take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers and
discretion under the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other
instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto or thereto as are delegated
to
the Agents by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are incidental
thereto; and (e) agrees that it will be bound by the provisions of the Credit
Agreement and will perform in accordance with its terms all the obligations
which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by
it as
a Lender including, if it is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside
the United States, its obligations pursuant to Section 2.17 of the Credit
Agreement.
4.Β The
effective date of this Assignment and Acceptance shall be the Effective Date
of
Assignment described in Schedule
1
hereto
(the βEffective
Dateβ).
Following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance, it will be delivered
to the Administrative Agent for acceptance by it and recording by the
Administrative Agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement, effective as of the
Effective Date (which shall not, unless otherwise agreed to by the
Administrative Agent, be earlier than five Business Days after the date of
such
acceptance and recording by the Administrative Agent).
5.Β Upon
such
acceptance and recording, from and after the Effective Date, the Administrative
Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including
payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) [to the Assignor for
amounts which have accrued to the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts
which have accrued subsequent to the Effective Date] [to the Assignee whether
such amounts have accrued prior to the Effective Date or accrue subsequent
to
the Effective Date. The Assignor and the Assignee shall make all appropriate
adjustments in payments by the Administrative Agent for periods prior to the
Effective Date or with respect to the making of this assignment directly between
themselves.]
6.Β From
and
after the Effective Date, (a) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit
Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, have
the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and under the other Loan
Documents and shall be bound by the provisions thereof and (b) the Assignor
shall, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish
its
rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit
Agreement.
7.Β This
Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with
the laws of the State of New York.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Assignment and Acceptance
to be executed as of the date first above written by their respective duly
authorized officers on Schedule
1
hereto.
Schedule
1
to
Assignment and Acceptance
Β
Β
Β Name of Assignor:Β | Β | Β |
Β Name of Assignee: | Β | Β |
Β Effective Date of Assignment: | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Β Credit Facility AssignedΒ | Β Principal Amount Assigned | Β Commitment Percentage AssignedΒ |
Β | Β | Β |
Β | Β $ |
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β %Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
|
Β | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Β [Name of Assignee] | Β Β [Name of Assignor] | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Β By: | Β By: | Β |
Β Title | Β Title | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Β Accepted: | Β Consented to: | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Β SUNTRUST BANK, | Β AGL CAPITAL CORPORATION | Β |
Β as Administrative Agent | Β | Β |
Β | Β | Β |
Β By:Β Β Β Β | Β By: | Β |
Β Title: | Β Title | Β |
Β
Β
Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β
Β
Β Β Β
Β
Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β
Β
Β
EXHIBIT
E
FORMS
OF LEGAL OPINIONS
[See
Attached]
EXHIBIT
F
FORM
OF EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
Reference
is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2006 (as amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the βCredit
Agreementβ)
among
AGL RESOURCES INC., a Georgia corporation (βHoldingsβ),
AGL
CAPITAL CORPORATION, a Nevada corporation (the βBorrowerβ),
the
several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time
parties to this Agreement (the βLendersβ)
and
SUNTRUST BANK, as administrative agent (in such capacity, the βAdministrative
Agentβ).
Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined herein shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement. __________________ (the
βNon-U.S.
Lenderβ)
is
providing this certificate pursuant to Section 2.17(d) of the Credit Agreement.
The Non-U.S. Lender hereby represents and warrants that:
1.Β The
Non-U.S. Lender is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loans and the
obligations evidenced by Note(s) in respect of which it is providing this
certificate.
2.Β The
Non-U.S. Lender is not a βbankβ for purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the βCodeβ). In this regard, the
Non-U.S. Lender further represents and warrants that:
(a)Β the
Non-U.S. Lender is not subject to regulatory or other legal requirements as
a
bank in any jurisdiction; and
(b)Β the
Non-U.S. Lender has not been treated as a bank for purposes of any tax,
securities law or other filing or submission made to any Governmental Authority,
any application made to a rating agency or qualification for any exemption
from
tax, securities law or other legal requirements;
3.Β The
Non-U.S. Lender is not a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower within the
meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code; and
4.Β The
Non-U.S. Lender is not a controlled foreign corporation receiving interest
from
a related person within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the
Code.
IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed this
certificate.
[NAME
OF
NON-U.S. LENDER]
By:Β Β Β Β Β Β
Name:
Title:
Date:Β Β Β Β Β
Β
Β