CREDIT AGREEMENT Dated as of December 14, 2010 among VONAGE AMERICA INC. and VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP. as the Borrowers, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and The Other Lenders Party Hereto MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,...
Exhibit 10.1
Execution Version
Published CUSIP Numbers
Deal: 0000XXX0
Term Loan: 00000XXX0
Dated as of December 14, 2010
among
VONAGE AMERICA INC.
and
as the Borrowers,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent,
and
The Other Lenders Party Hereto
XXXXXXX LYNCH, PIERCE, XXXXXX & XXXXX INCORPORATED,
as Lead Arranger and Sole Book Runner
and
DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.
and
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.,
as Co-Arrangers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section |
Page | |||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS | ||||||
1.01. | Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
1.02. | Other Interpretive Provisions | 22 | ||||
1.03. | Accounting Terms | 22 | ||||
1.04. | Rounding | 23 | ||||
1.05. | Times of Day | 23 | ||||
1.06. | Currency Equivalents | 23 | ||||
1.07. | Cumulative Credit Transactions | 23 | ||||
1.08. | Pro Forma Calculations | 23 | ||||
ARTICLE II THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS | ||||||
2.01. | The Loans | 24 | ||||
2.02. | Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans | 24 | ||||
2.03. | Prepayments | 25 | ||||
2.04. | Termination of Commitments | 27 | ||||
2.05. | Repayment of Loans | 27 | ||||
2.06. | Interest | 27 | ||||
2.07. | Fees | 27 | ||||
2.08. | Computation of Interest and Fees | 27 | ||||
2.09. | Evidence of Debt | 28 | ||||
2.10. | Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback | 28 | ||||
2.11. | Sharing of Payments by Lenders | 29 | ||||
2.12. | Increase in Commitments | 30 | ||||
2.13. | Joint and Several Liability | 31 | ||||
ARTICLE III TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY | ||||||
3.01. | Taxes | 33 | ||||
3.02. | Illegality | 35 | ||||
3.03. | Inability to Determine Rates | 35 | ||||
3.04. | Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans | 35 | ||||
3.05. | Compensation for Losses | 37 | ||||
3.06. | Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders | 37 | ||||
3.07. | Survival | 37 | ||||
ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS | ||||||
4.01. | Conditions of Initial Credit Extension | 38 | ||||
4.02. | Conditions to All Credit Extensions | 40 | ||||
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | ||||||
5.01. | Existence, Qualification and Power | 40 | ||||
5.02. | Authorization; No Contravention | 40 | ||||
5.03. | Governmental Authorization; Other Consents | 41 | ||||
5.04. | Binding Effect | 41 | ||||
5.05. | Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect | 41 | ||||
5.06. | Litigation | 41 |
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5.07. | No Default | 41 | ||||
5.08. |
Ownership of Property; Liens | 42 | ||||
5.09. |
Environmental Compliance | 42 | ||||
5.10. |
Insurance | 42 | ||||
5.11. |
Taxes | 42 | ||||
5.12. |
ERISA Compliance | 42 | ||||
5.13. |
Subsidiaries; Equity Interests; Loan Parties | 43 | ||||
5.14. |
Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act | 43 | ||||
5.15. |
Disclosure | 44 | ||||
5.16. |
Compliance with Laws | 44 | ||||
5.17. |
Intellectual Property/Proprietary Rights, Etc. | 44 | ||||
5.18. |
Solvency | 45 | ||||
5.19. |
Casualty, Etc. | 45 | ||||
5.20. |
Labor Matters | 45 | ||||
5.21. |
Collateral Documents | 45 | ||||
5.22. |
Anti-Terrorism Laws | 45 | ||||
5.23. |
Regulatory Matters | 46 | ||||
ARTICLE VI AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | ||||||
6.01. |
Financial Statements | 47 | ||||
6.02. |
Certificates; Other Information | 47 | ||||
6.03. |
Notices | 49 | ||||
6.04. |
Payment of Obligations | 49 | ||||
6.05. |
Preservation of Existence, Etc. | 50 | ||||
6.06. |
Maintenance of Properties | 50 | ||||
6.07. |
Maintenance of Insurance | 50 | ||||
6.08. |
Compliance with Laws | 50 | ||||
6.09. |
Books and Records | 50 | ||||
6.10. |
Inspection Rights | 50 | ||||
6.11. |
Use of Proceeds | 51 | ||||
6.12. |
Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security | 51 | ||||
6.13. |
Compliance with Environmental Laws | 52 | ||||
6.14. |
Maintenance of Ratings | 52 | ||||
6.15. |
Further Assurances | 52 | ||||
6.16. |
Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds | 52 | ||||
6.17. |
Reserved | 53 | ||||
6.18. |
Information Regarding Collateral and Loan Documents | 53 | ||||
6.19. |
Post Closing Matters | 53 | ||||
ARTICLE VII NEGATIVE COVENANTS | ||||||
7.01. |
Liens | 53 | ||||
7.02. |
Indebtedness | 54 | ||||
7.03. |
Investments | 56 | ||||
7.04. |
Fundamental Changes | 57 | ||||
7.05. |
Dispositions | 57 | ||||
7.06. |
Restricted Payments | 58 | ||||
7.07. |
Change in Nature of Business | 59 | ||||
7.08. |
Transactions with Affiliates | 59 | ||||
7.09. |
Burdensome Agreements | 59 | ||||
7.10. |
Use of Proceeds | 59 | ||||
7.11. |
Financial Covenants | 59 | ||||
7.12. |
Capital Expenditures | 60 | ||||
7.13. |
Amendments of Organization Documents | 60 | ||||
7.14. |
Accounting Changes | 60 | ||||
7.15. | Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness | 60 |
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ARTICLE VIII EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES | ||||||
8.01. | Events of Default | 61 | ||||
8.02. | Remedies upon Event of Default | 62 | ||||
8.03. | Application of Funds | 63 | ||||
ARTICLE IX ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | ||||||
9.01. | Appointment and Authority | 63 | ||||
9.02. | Rights as a Lender | 64 | ||||
9.03. | Exculpatory Provisions | 64 | ||||
9.04. | Reliance by Administrative Agent | 64 | ||||
9.05. | Delegation of Duties | 65 | ||||
9.06. | Resignation of Administrative Agent | 65 | ||||
9.07. | Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders | 65 | ||||
9.08. | No Other Duties, Etc. | 65 | ||||
9.09. | Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim | 66 | ||||
9.10. | Collateral and Guaranty Matters | 66 | ||||
9.11. | Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements | 67 | ||||
9.12. | Withholding Tax | 67 | ||||
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS | ||||||
10.01. | Amendments, Etc. | 67 | ||||
10.02. | Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications | 68 | ||||
10.03. | No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement | 70 | ||||
10.04. | Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver | 70 | ||||
10.05. | Payments Set Aside | 72 | ||||
10.06. | Successors and Assigns | 72 | ||||
10.07. | Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality | 74 | ||||
10.08. | Right of Setoff | 75 | ||||
10.09. | Interest Rate Limitation | 75 | ||||
10.10. | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 75 | ||||
10.11. | Survival of Representations and Warranties | 75 | ||||
10.12. | Severability | 75 | ||||
10.13. | Replacement of Lenders | 76 | ||||
10.14. | Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc. | 76 | ||||
10.15. | WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 77 | ||||
10.16. | No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility | 77 | ||||
10.17. | Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents | 77 | ||||
10.18. | USA PATRIOT Act | 77 | ||||
10.19. | Time of the Essence | 78 |
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SCHEDULES | ||
2.01 | Commitments and Applicable Percentages | |
5.06 | Litigation | |
5.17(d) | Proprietary Rights | |
6.12 | Guarantors | |
6.19 | Post Closing Matters | |
7.01(b) | Liens | |
7.02(d) | Existing Indebtedness | |
7.03(f) | Investments | |
7.09 | Burdensome Agreements | |
10.02 | Administrative Agent’s Office, Certain Addresses for Notices | |
EXHIBITS | ||
Form of | ||
A | Committed Loan Notice | |
B | Note | |
C | Compliance Certificate | |
D-1 | Assignment and Assumption | |
D-2 | Administrative Questionnaire | |
E | Guaranty | |
F | Security Agreement | |
G-1 | Perfection Certificate | |
X-0 | Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx | |
X | Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Tax Compliance Certificate | |
I | Solvency Certificate |
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This CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is entered into as of December 14, 2010 among VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS:
The Borrowers have requested that the Lenders provide a term loan facility and the Lenders have indicated their willingness to do so on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
1.01. Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Administrative Agent” means Bank of America in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
“Administrative Agent’s Office” means the Administrative Agent’s address and, as appropriate, account as set forth on Schedule 10.02, or such other address or account with respect to such currency as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify to the Borrower and the Lenders.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in substantially the form of Exhibit D-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls, or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
“Aggregate Commitments” means the Commitments of all the Lenders.
“Agreement” means this Credit Agreement.
“Anti-Terrorism Laws” shall mean any Requirement of Law related to terrorism financing or money laundering including the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (“USA PATRIOT Act”) of 2001 (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56), The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (also known as the “Bank Secrecy Act”, 31 U.S.C. §§ 5311-5330 and 12 U.S.C. §§ 1818(s), 1820(b) and 1951-1959), the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., as amended) and Executive Order 13224 (effective September 24, 2001).
“Applicable Percentage” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the percentage (carried out to the ninth decimal place) of the Facility represented by the principal amount of such Lender’s Loans and outstanding Commitments at such time. The initial Applicable Percentage of each Lender is set forth opposite the name of such Lender on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable.
“Applicable Rate” means 7.00% per annum for Base Rate Loans and 8.00% per annum for Eurodollar Rate Loans.
“Appropriate Lender” means, at any time, a Lender.
“Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
“Arrangers” means, collectively, Xxxxxxx Lynch, Pierce, Xxxxxx & Xxxxx Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
“Assignee Group” means two or more Eligible Assignees that are Affiliates of one another or two or more Approved Funds managed by the same investment advisor.
“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.06(b)), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit D-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Attributable Indebtedness” means, on any date, (a) in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP, (b) in respect of any Synthetic Lease Obligation, the capitalized amount of the remaining lease or similar payments under the relevant lease or other applicable agreement or instrument that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP if such lease or other agreement or instrument were accounted for as a Capitalized Lease and (c) all Synthetic Debt of such Person.
“Audited Financial Statements” means the audited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for such fiscal year of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, including the notes thereto provided, however, that for the purposes of Section 5.05(c), “Audited Financial Statements” shall mean the audited financial statements of Holdings and its Subsidiaries most recently delivered to the Administrative Agreement pursuant to Section 6.01(a).
“Bank of America” means Bank of America, N.A. and its successors.
“Base Rate” means for any day a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America as its “prime rate,” and (c) the Eurodollar Rate applicable to one month Interest Periods plus 1.00% (which Eurodollar Rate shall be deemed to be not less than 1.75% with respect to Term Loans). The “prime rate” is a rate set by Bank of America based upon various factors including Bank of America’s costs and desired return, general economic conditions and other factors, and is used as a reference point for pricing some loans, which may be priced at, above, or below such announced rate. Any change in such prime rate announced by Bank of America shall take effect at the opening of business on the day specified in the public announcement of such change.
“Base Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest based on the Base Rate. All Base Rate Loans shall be denominated in Dollars.
“Borrowers” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
“Borrower Materials” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
“Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Loans of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agent’s Office is located and if such day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, means any such day that is also a London Banking Day.
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“Capital Expenditures” means, with respect to any Person for any period, any expenditure in respect of the purchase or other acquisition of any fixed or capital asset (excluding (i) Investments made pursuant to Section 7.03(g), (ii) normal replacements and maintenance which are properly charged to current operations and (iii) replacements funded with the proceeds of insurance claims or condemnation awards.
“Capitalized Leases” means all leases that have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases.
“Cash Equivalents” means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries free and clear of all Liens (other than Liens created under the Collateral Documents and other Liens permitted hereunder):
(a) readily marketable obligations issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof; provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof;
(b) time deposits with, or insured certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of, any commercial bank that (i) (A) is a Lender or (B) is organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or is the principal banking subsidiary of a bank holding company organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, and is a member of the Federal Reserve System, (ii) issues (or the parent of which issues) commercial paper rated as described in clause (c) of this definition and (iii) has combined capital and surplus of at least $1,000,000,000, in each case with maturities of not more than 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof;
(c) commercial paper issued by any Person organized under the laws of any state of the United States and rated at least “Prime-1” (or the then equivalent grade) by Xxxxx’x or at least “A-1” (or the then equivalent grade) by S&P, in each case with maturities of not more than 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof; and
(d) Investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, in money market investment programs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which are administered by financial institutions that have one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either Xxxxx’x or S&P, and the portfolios of which are limited solely to Investments of the character, quality and maturity described in clauses (a) through (c) of this definition.
“Cash Management Agreement” means any agreement to provide cash management services, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer and other cash management arrangements.
“Cash Management Bank” means any Person that, at the time it enters into a Cash Management Agreement, is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, in its capacity as a party to such Cash Management Agreement.
“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement, or, in the case of an Assignee, after the date on which such Assignee becomes a party to this Agreement and, in the case of a Participant after the date on which it acquires its participation, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority.
“Change of Control” means an event or series of events by which:
(a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its subsidiaries, and any person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such
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plan other than any Permitted Holder, becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except that a person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all securities that such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time (such right, an “option right”)), directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the equity securities of Holdings entitled to vote for members of the board of directors or equivalent governing body of Holdings on a fully diluted basis (and taking into account all such securities that such “person” or “group” has the right to acquire pursuant to any option right); or
(b) during any period of 24 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of Holdings cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or other equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii) and clause (iii), any individual whose initial nomination for, or assumption of office as, a member of that board or equivalent governing body occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more directors by any person or group other than a solicitation for the election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the board of directors); or
(c) Holdings shall cease, directly or indirectly, to own and control legally and beneficially all of the Equity Interests in Vonage America; or
(d) a “change of control” or any comparable term under and as defined in any agreement governing any other Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount.
“Closing Date” means the first date all the conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 10.01.
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Collateral” means all of the “Collateral” and “Mortgaged Property” referred to in the Collateral Documents and all of the other property that is or is intended under the terms of the Collateral Documents to be subject to Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreement, the Mortgages, each of the mortgages, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements or other similar agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with applicable local law to grant a valid, perfected security interest in any property as collateral for the Obligations, all UCC or other financing statements or instruments of perfection required by the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, any Mortgage or any other such security document or pledge agreement to be filed with respect to the security interests in property and fixtures created pursuant to the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements or any Mortgage and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that create or purport to create a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
“Commercial Software” means packaged commercially available software programs generally available to the public which have been licensed to either Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries pursuant to end-user licenses and which are used in Vonage America’s business but not a component of or incorporated into any of its products.
“Commitment” means, as to each Lender, its obligation to make Loans to the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.01 in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite
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such Lender’s name on Schedule 2.01 under the caption “Commitment” or opposite such caption in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement. As of the Closing Date, the aggregate Commitment under this Agreement is $200.0 million.
“Committed Loan Notice” means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A.
“Company Software” means proprietary rights in the software for which Proprietary Rights are owned by either Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries, including copyrights, trademarks, patents and trade secrets.
“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C.
“Consolidated Cash Interest Charges” means, for any Measurement Period, all Consolidated Interest Charges paid or currently payable in cash by Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
“Consolidated Current Assets” means, at any date, all amounts that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption “total current assets” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries at such date (other than (i) cash and Cash Equivalents and (ii) amounts related to current or deferred Taxes based on income or profits).
“Consolidated Current Liabilities” means, at any date, all amounts that would, in conformity with GAAP, be set forth opposite the caption “total current liabilities” (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries at such date, but excluding the current portion of any Consolidated Funded Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries.
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, at any date of determination, an amount equal to Consolidated Net Income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period plus (i) the sum of the following amounts for such period (to the extent deducted in the determination of Consolidated Net Income for such period and without duplication):
(a) consolidated interest expense, plus
(b) provisions for taxes based on income, plus
(c) total depreciation expense, plus
(d) total amortization expense (other than amortization of deferred customer acquisitions costs), plus
(e) non-cash stock compensation expense arising during such period from the granting of equity-based compensation, consistent with past practice, and other non-cash stock expense, plus
(f) any financial advisory fees, financing arrangement fees, accountant fees, legal fees, rating agency fees, transfer or mortgage recording taxes and other out-of-pocket expenses of Holdings or any of its subsidiaries (including expenses of third parties paid or reimbursed by Holdings or any of its subsidiaries) incurred directly in connection with the Loan Documents or any amendments thereto, the Transaction, any acquisition permitted under the terms of the Loan Documents or the issuance of any debt or equity securities, any refinancing transaction or any amendment or other modification of any debt instruments to the extent not prohibited by the terms of the Loan Documents plus
(g) amendment fees and consent fees payable in connection with the Transaction and with amendments to any of the Loan Documents, plus
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(h) prepayment premiums and make-whole payments payable in connection with the Refinancing and with any permitted repayments of Indebtedness in accordance with the terms of such Indebtedness, plus
(i) amortization of costs associated with permitted issuances of Indebtedness, plus
(j) amortization of beneficial conversions or original issue discount associated with any capital stock of Holdings (other than Disqualified Capital Stock), plus
(k) non-cash loss attributable to the xxxx-to-market movement in the valuation of obligations under Swap Contracts (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such loss has not been realized) or other derivative instruments pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 815, plus
(l) non-recurring costs payable in connection with the establishment of rate management transactions permitted under the Loan Documents, plus
(m) realized and unrealized losses on foreign currencies incurred in the ordinary course of business (provided that any such loss that was added back while unrealized shall not be added back when realized without a corresponding reversal of such unrealized loss), plus
(n) extraordinary losses (as determined in accordance with GAAP and reflected below operating costs), plus
(o) any losses attributable to asset sales outside of the ordinary course of business, plus
(p) any loss on early extinguishment of Indebtedness, minus
(ii) the sum, without duplication of the following amounts of such period:
(a) interest income, plus
(b) extraordinary gains and other extraordinary income (as determined in accordance with GAAP and reflected below operating income); plus
(c) non-cash gains attributable to the xxxx-to-market movement in the valuation of obligations under Swap Contracts (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such loss has not been realized) or other derivative instruments pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 815, plus
(d) realized and unrealized gains on foreign currencies incurred in the ordinary course of business (provided that any such gain that was subtracted while unrealized shall not be deducted when realized without a corresponding reversal of such unrealized gain); plus
(e) any non-cash stock compensation income and other non-cash income or credits arising from the granting of stock options or the granting of stock appreciation rights (for example, those arising from the reversal of accruals or the reversal of previously recorded non-cash expense), plus
(f) any gains attributable to asset sales outside of the ordinary course of business, plus
(g) any gain on early extinguishment of Indebtedness.
“Consolidated Funded Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, without duplication, for Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of all obligations, whether current or long-term, for borrowed money and all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments, (b) all purchase money Indebtedness (for avoidance of doubt, without duplication of amounts in clause (e) below), (c) all direct obligations arising under letters of credit, whether drawn or
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undrawn (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments, (d) all obligations in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business), (e) all Attributable Indebtedness, (f) without duplication, all Guarantees with respect to outstanding Indebtedness of the types specified in clauses (a) through (e) above of Persons other than Holdings or any Subsidiary, and (g) all Indebtedness of the types referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which Holdings or any Subsidiary is a general partner or joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to Holdings or such Subsidiary.
“Consolidated Interest Charges” means, for any Measurement Period, without duplication, the sum of (a) all interest, premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses in connection with borrowed money (including capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, (b) all interest paid or payable with respect to discontinued operations and (c) the portion of rent expense under Capitalized Leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, in each case, of or by Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, for purposes of determining Consolidated Interest Charges for any period ending prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, Consolidated Interest Charges in respect of Indebtedness under the Loan Documents shall be an amount equal to actual Consolidated Interest Charges in respect of Indebtedness under the Loan Documents from the Closing Date through the date of determination multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is 365 and the denominator of which is the number of days from the Closing Date through the date of determination.
“Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA to (b) Consolidated Cash Interest Charges of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period.
“Consolidated Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Funded Indebtedness as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, at any date of determination, the net income (or loss) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period; provided that Consolidated Net Income shall exclude:
(a) the income (or loss) of any person (other than a Subsidiary of Holdings) in which any other person (other than Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries) has a joint interest, except to the extent of the amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries by such person during such period, plus
(b) the income (or loss) of any person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of Holdings or is merged into or consolidated with Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or that person’s assets are acquired by Holdings or any of its subsidiaries, plus
(c) the income of any Subsidiary of Holdings to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of such income is not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Subsidiary.
“Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Secured Indebtedness as of such date to (b) Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the most recently completed Measurement Period.
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“Consolidated Working Capital” means, at any date, the excess of Consolidated Current Assets on such date minus Consolidated Current Liabilities on such date.
“Contractual Obligation” means, 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.
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
“Credit Extension” means the making of a Loan by a Lender.
“Cumulative Credit” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(a) the Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount at such time; plus
(b) the cumulative amount of cash and Cash Equivalent proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of Holdings or of any direct or indirect parent of Holdings after the Closing Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) which proceeds have been contributed as common equity to the capital of Holdings, in each case, not otherwise applied for a purpose other than use in the Cumulative Credit; plus
(c) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the common capital of Holdings (other than from a Subsidiary) received in cash and Cash Equivalents after the Closing Date, not otherwise applied for a purpose other than use in the Cumulative Credit; minus
(d) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make Investments pursuant to Section 7.03(h) after the Closing Date and prior to such time; minus
(e) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 7.06(e) after the Closing Date and prior to such time; minus
(f) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make payments or distributions in respect of Junior Indebtedness pursuant to Section 7.15 after the Closing Date and prior to such time; minus
(g) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make Capital Expenditures pursuant to Section 7.12 after the Closing Date and prior to such time.
“Cumulative Retained Excess Cash Flow Amount” means, at any date, the amount of Excess Cash Flow for each fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 that (i) is not required to be applied as a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 2.03(b)(i) and (ii) has been calculated and included in a Compliance Certificate delivered in accordance with Section 6.02(b).
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
“Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
“Default Rate” means an interest rate equal to (i) the Base Rate plus (ii) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Base Rate Loans plus (iii) 2% per annum; provided, however, that with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan plus 2% per annum.
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“Deposit Account Control Agreement” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale of any Equity Interest, but excluding any issuance by such Person of its own Equity Interest) of any property by any Person (or the granting of any option or other right to do any of the foregoing), including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith; provided, however, that Disposition shall not include transactions involving sales, transfers, licenses, leases or other dispositions of assets for consideration of less than $250,000 with respect to any transaction or series of related transactions.
“Disqualified Capital Stock” shall mean any Equity Interest which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, (a) matures (excluding any maturity as the result of an optional redemption by the issuer thereof) or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the first anniversary of the Maturity Date, (b) is convertible into or exchangeable (unless at the sole option of the issuer thereof) for (i) debt securities or (ii) any Equity Interests referred to in (a) above, in each case at any time on or prior to the first anniversary of the Maturity Date, or (c) contains any repurchase obligation which may come into effect prior to payment in full of all Obligations; provided, however, that any Equity Interests that would not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock but for provisions thereof giving holders thereof (or the holders of any security into or for which such Equity Interests is convertible, exchangeable or exercisable) the right to require the issuer thereof to redeem such Equity Interests upon the occurrence of a change in control or an asset sale occurring prior to the first anniversary of the Maturity Date shall not constitute Disqualified Capital Stock if such Equity Interests provide that the issuer thereof will not redeem any such Equity Interests pursuant to such provisions prior to the repayment in full of the Obligations.
“Dollar” and “$” mean lawful money of the United States.
“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of any political subdivision of the United States.
“Eligible Assignee” means any Person that meets the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii) and (v) (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii)).
“Embargoed Person” shall mean any party that (i) is publicly identified on the most current list of “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons” published by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) or resides, is organized or chartered, or has a place of business in a country or territory subject to OFAC sanctions or embargo programs or (ii) is publicly identified as prohibited from doing business with the United States under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, or any other Requirement of Law.
“Embedded Products” means all licenses, sublicenses and other agreements to which Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries is a party and pursuant to which such Person is authorized to use any third party patents, patent rights, trademarks, service marks, trade secrets or copyrights, including software, which are distributed by any such Person or incorporated in any existing product or service of any such Person.
“Environment” means ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, soil, surface and subsurface strata, and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.
“Environmental Laws” means the common law and any and all Federal, state, local, and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, franchises, licenses, agreements or governmental restrictions relating to pollution, the protection of the Environment or human health (to the extent related to exposure to Hazardous Materials), including those relating to Release or threat of Release, generation, storage, treatment, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials.
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“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Borrower, any other Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
“Environmental Permit” means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.
“Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares (or such other interests), and all of the other ownership or profit interests in such Person (including partnership, member or trust interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting, and whether or not such shares, warrants, options, rights or other interests are outstanding on any date of determination.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) under common control with any Borrower within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).
“ERISA Event” means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) with respect to any Pension Plan, the failure to meet all applicable requirements under the Pension Funding Rules, whether or not waived, or the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (c) the withdrawal of any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (d) a complete or partial withdrawal by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (e) receipt by any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of a notice of intent to terminate a Pension Plan under Section 4041(c) of ERISA or notice to any Borrower or ERISA Affiliate of either a notice of intent to terminate a Multiemployer Plan or the treatment of a Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041A of ERISA; (f) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate a Pension Plan; (g) the occurrence of any event or condition which constitutes grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan; (h) the determination that any Pension Plan is considered an at-risk plan or a plan in endangered or critical status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 and 432 of the Code or Sections 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA; (i) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate; or (j) the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction (within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which could result in liability to any Borrower.
“Eurodollar Rate” means:
(a) for any Interest Period with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per annum equal to (i) the British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“BBA LIBOR”), as published by Reuters (or such other commercially available source providing quotations of BBA LIBOR as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, for Dollar deposits (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period or (ii) if such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the “Eurodollar Rate” for such Interest Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Eurodollar Rate Loan being
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made, continued or converted by Bank of America and with a term equivalent to such Interest Period would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank eurodollar market at their request at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two London Banking Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; and
(b) for any interest calculation with respect to a Base Rate Loan on any date, the rate per annum equal to (i) BBA LIBOR, at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time determined two London Banking Days prior to such date for Dollar deposits being delivered in the London interbank market for a term of one month commencing that day or (ii) if such published rate is not available at such time for any reason, the rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate at which deposits in Dollars for delivery on the date of determination in same day funds in the approximate amount of the Base Rate Loan being made or maintained and with a term equal to one month would be offered by Bank of America’s London Branch to major banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market at their request at the date and time of determination;
provided that, solely with respect to a Eurodollar Rate Loan that is a Term Loan, the Eurodollar Rate shall not be less than 1.75%.
“Eurodollar Rate Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurodollar Rate.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 8.01.
“Excess Cash Flow” means, for any fiscal year of Holdings, the excess (if any) of (a) the sum of (i) Consolidated EBITDA for such fiscal year, (ii) decreases in Consolidated Working Capital and (iii) all cash income or gain to the extent excluded from Consolidated Net Income in the calculation thereof or subtracted from Consolidated Net Income in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA minus (b) the sum (for such fiscal year) of (i) Consolidated Cash Interest Charges, (ii) scheduled principal payments, to the extent actually made, in respect of Indebtedness of Holdings or any Subsidiary, in each case made with Internally Generated Cash, (iii) all income taxes paid in cash by Holdings and its Subsidiaries, (iv) Capital Expenditures of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in such fiscal year, to the extent funded with Internally Generated Cash, (v) increase in Consolidated Working Capital and (vi) cash expenses or charges that were excluded from Consolidated Net Income in the calculation thereof or added to Consolidated Net Income in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Excluded Taxes” means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by its net or overall gross income (however denominated), and franchise taxes imposed on it (in lieu thereof), by any jurisdiction as a result of such recipient being organized or having its principal office in, or, in the case of any Lender, having its applicable Lending Office in, such jurisdiction or as a result of any other present or former connection of such recipient with such jurisdiction (other than any connection deemed to arise from such Person having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations or received payments under, or enforced and/or engaged in any other activities contemplated with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document), (b) any Tax in the nature of the branch profits tax under Section 884(a) of the Code imposed by any jurisdiction described in clause (a) above, (c) any withholding tax imposed by any Governmental Authority that is attributable to such recipient’s failure to comply with Section 3.0l (e), (d) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrowers under Section 10.13), any United States federal any withholding tax imposed on any amounts payable to such Foreign Lender pursuant to the Laws in force at the time such Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new Lending Office), except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrowers with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.01(a) and (e) United States federal withholding taxes that would not have been imposed but for a failure by a Lender (or any financial institution through which any payment is made to such Lender) to comply with the procedures, certifications, information reporting, disclosure, or other related requirements of current Sections 1471-1474 of the Code (and any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable) or any published administrative guidance implementing such law to establish relief or exemption from the tax imposed by such provisions.
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“Existing Credit Agreements” means, collectively, the Existing First Lien Credit Agreement, the Existing Second Lien Credit Agreement and the Existing Third Lien Note Purchase Agreement.
“Existing First Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain First Lien Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2008, among the Borrowers, the other parties thereto from time to time and Silver Point Finance, LLC, as Administrative Agent.
“Existing Second Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain Second Lien Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2008, among the Borrowers, the other parties thereto from time to time and Silver Point Finance, LLC, as Administrative Agent.
“Existing Third Lien Note Purchase Agreement” means that certain Third Lien Note Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2008 by and among Borrowers, the other parties thereto and Silverpoint Finance, LLC.
“Extraordinary Receipt” means any cash received by or paid to or for the account of any Person not in the ordinary course of business, including pension plan reversions, proceeds of insurance (other than proceeds of business interruption insurance to the extent such proceeds constitute compensation for lost earnings), condemnation awards (and payments in lieu thereof) and indemnity payments; provided, however, that an Extraordinary Receipt shall not include (i) the proceeds of the sale or issuance of any Equity Interests of Holdings or (ii) cash receipts from proceeds of insurance, condemnation awards (or payments in lieu thereof) or indemnity payments to the extent that such proceeds, awards or payments (a) in respect of loss or damage to equipment, fixed assets or real property are applied (or in respect of which expenditures were previously incurred) to replace or repair the equipment, fixed assets or real property in respect of which such proceeds were received in accordance with the terms of Section 2.05(b)(iv) or (b) are received by any Person in respect of any third party claim against such Person and applied to pay (or to reimburse such Person for its prior payment of) such claim and the costs and expenses of such Person with respect thereto.
“Facility” means the facility providing for the Borrowing of Loans. The initial aggregate amount of the Facility is $200.0 million.
“FASB ASC” means the Accounting Standards Codification of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
“Federal Funds Rate” means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published on such next succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate (rounded upward, if necessary, to a whole multiple of 1/100 of 1%) charged to Bank of America on such day on such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent.
“Fee Letter” means the letter agreement, dated December 14, 2010 among the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.
“Flood Insurance Laws” means collectively (i) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (ii) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (iii) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto and (iv) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto.
“Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is organized under the Laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which any Borrower is a resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.
“Foreign Plan” has the meaning specified in Section 5.12(d).
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“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
“FRB” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“Fund” means 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 activities.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or such other principles as may be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States, that are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of determination, consistently applied.
“Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).
“Guarantee” means, as to any Person, any (a) obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation payable or performable by another Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
“Guarantors” means, collectively, the Subsidiaries of Holdings listed on Schedule 6.12 and each other Subsidiary of Holdings that shall be required to execute and deliver a guaranty or guaranty supplement pursuant to Section 6.12.
“Guaranty” means, collectively, the Guaranty made by the Guarantors in favor of the Secured Parties, substantially in the form of Exhibit E, together with each other guaranty and guaranty supplement delivered pursuant to Section 6.12.
“Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, electromagnetic or radio frequency emissions, and all other chemicals, substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
“Hedge Bank” means any Person that, at the time it enters into a Swap Contract required or permitted under Article VI or VII, is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, in its capacity as a party to such Swap Contract.
“Holdings” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
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“IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board from time to time.
“Increase Effective Date” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12.
“Incremental Commitments” means, with respect to any Lender, such Lender’s Commitments under any Incremental Facility.
“Incremental Facility” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12.
“Incremental Revolving Credit Facility” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12.
“Incremental Term Facility” has the meaning specified in Section 2.12.
“Incremental Term Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to an Incremental Term Facility.
“Incremental Term Loan Maturity Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.12(c).
“Indebtedness” means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following, whether or not included as indebtedness or liabilities in accordance with GAAP:
(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(b) the maximum amount of all direct or contingent obligations of such Person arising under letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers’ acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds and similar instruments;
(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than trade accounts payable in the ordinary course of business and not past due for more than 120 days or otherwise subject to a good faith dispute);
(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;
(f) all Attributable Indebtedness in respect of Capitalized Leases and Synthetic Lease Obligations of such Person and all Synthetic Debt of such Person;
(g) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise make any payment in respect of any Equity Interest in such Person or any other Person or any warrant, right or option to acquire such Equity Interest, valued, in the case of a redeemable preferred interest, at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends; and
(h) all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, unless such Indebtedness is expressly made non-recourse to such Person. The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date.
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“Indemnified Taxes” means any Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.
“Indemnitee” has the meaning specified in Section 10.04(b).
“Information” has the meaning specified in Section 10.07.
“Intellectual Property Security Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(a)(iv).
“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) as to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date; provided, however, that if any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates; and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan, the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date.
“Interest Period” means, as to each Eurodollar Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurodollar Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter, as selected by the Borrowers in their Committed Loan Notice or nine or twelve months if requested by the Borrowers and consented to by all the Appropriate Lenders; provided that:
(a) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;
(b) 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 the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and
(c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.
“Internally Generated Cash” means any cash of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries that is not generated from an Asset Sale, an Extraordinary Receipt, an incurrence of Indebtedness, an issuance of Equity Interests or a capital contribution.
“Investment” means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or interest in, another Person, or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of assets of another Person that constitute a business unit or all or a substantial part of the assets of, such Person and excluding Capital Expenditures. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment shall be the amount actually invested, without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
“Latest Maturity Date” means, as of any date, the latest of (i) the Maturity Date and (ii) the Incremental Term Loan Maturity Date with respect to any Incremental Term Loans outstanding on such date.
“Laws” means, collectively, all international, foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority, in each case whether or not having the force of law.
“Lender” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
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“Lending Office” means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lender’s Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.
“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement in the nature of a security interest of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
“Loan” means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrowers under Article II.
“Loan Documents” means, collectively, (a) this Agreement, (b) the Notes, (c) the Guaranty, (d) the Collateral Documents, and (e) the Fee Letter.
“Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrowers and each Guarantor.
“London Banking Day” means any day on which dealings in Dollar deposits are conducted by and between banks in the London interbank eurodollar market.
“Majority-Owned Affiliate” of a specified Person means another Person that is a controlled Affiliate of such specified Person, with respect to which such specified Person (directly or indirectly) owns an economic and voting interest in more than 50% of such controlled Affiliate’s outstanding Equity Interests.
“Material Adverse Effect” means (a) a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of Holdings or Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; (b) a material impairment of the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent or any Lender under any Loan Document, or of the ability of any Loan Party to perform its obligations under any Loan Document to which it is a party; or (c) a material adverse effect upon the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against any Loan Party of any Loan Document to which it is a party.
“Maturity Date” means the fifth anniversary of the date hereof; provided, however, that, in each case, if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next preceding Business Day.
“Measurement Period” means, at any date of determination, the most recently completed four fiscal quarters of Holdings.
“Moody’s” means Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
“Mortgage” means an agreement, including, but not limited to, a mortgage, deed of trust or any other document, creating and evidencing a Lien on a Mortgaged Property, which shall be in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, in each case, with such schedules and including such provisions as shall be necessary to conform such document to applicable local or foreign law or as shall be customary under applicable local or foreign law.
“Mortgaged Property” means each Real Property of the Loan Parties subject to a Mortgage.
“Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding five plan years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
“Net Cash Proceeds” means:
(a) with respect to any Disposition by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Extraordinary Receipt received or paid to the account of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, the excess, if any, of (i)
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the sum of cash and Cash Equivalents received in connection with such transaction (including any cash or Cash Equivalents received by way of deferred payment pursuant to, or by monetization of, a note receivable or otherwise, but only as and when so received) over (ii) the sum of (A) the principal amount of any Indebtedness that is secured by the applicable asset and that is required to be repaid in connection with such transaction (other than Indebtedness under the Loan Documents), (B) the reasonable and customary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Holdings or such Subsidiary in connection with such transaction and (C) Taxes, including, without limitation, income taxes reasonably estimated to be payable within two years of the date of the relevant transaction as a result of any gain recognized in connection therewith; provided that, if the amount of any estimated taxes pursuant to subclause (C) exceeds the amount of taxes actually required to be paid in cash within two years of the relevant transaction in respect of such Disposition, the aggregate amount of such excess shall constitute Net Cash Proceeds at the end of such two year period; and
(b) with respect to the incurrence or issuance of any Indebtedness by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, the excess of (i) the sum of the cash and Cash Equivalents received in connection with such transaction over (ii) the underwriting discounts and commissions, and other reasonable and customary out-of-pocket expenses, incurred by Holdings or such Subsidiary in connection therewith.
“Note” means a promissory note made by the Borrowers in favor of a Lender, evidencing Loans made by such Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
“Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan, Secured Cash Management Agreement or Secured Hedge Agreement, in each case whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding.
“Organization Documents” means (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
“Other Taxes” means any and all present or future stamp or documentary Taxes or any other excise, property or similar Taxes arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
“Outstanding Amount” means, on any date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Loans hereunder after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Loans occurring on such date.
“Overnight Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the greater of (i) the Federal Funds Rate and (ii) an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in an Alternative Currency, the rate of interest per annum at which overnight deposits in the applicable Alternative Currency, in an amount approximately equal to the amount with respect to which such rate is being determined, would be offered for such day by a branch or Affiliate of Bank of America in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency to major banks in such interbank market.
“Participant” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(d).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
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“Pension Act” means the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
“Pension Funding Rules” means the rules of the Code and ERISA regarding minimum required contributions (including any installment payment thereof) to Pension Plans and set forth in, with respect to plan years ending prior to the effective date of the Pension Act, Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, each as in effect prior to the Pension Act and, thereafter, Section 412, 430, 431, 432 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302, 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA.
“Pension Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (excluding a Multiemployer Plan) that is maintained or is contributed to by any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate and is either covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code.
“Perfection Certificate” means a certificate in the form of Exhibit G-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent, as the same shall be supplemented from time to time by a Perfection Certificate Supplement or otherwise.
“Perfection Certificate Supplement” means a certificate supplement in the form of Exhibit G-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Permitted Holder” means (i) Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, (ii) any member of his “immediate family” (as defined in Rule 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual), (iii) the Persons listed in Note (1) to the “Stock Ownership Information” table contained in the Statement on Schedule 14A of Holdings, dated as of April 28, 2010, (iv) any Majority-Owned Affiliate of Xx. Xxxxxx or (v) any trust whose sole beneficiaries are persons listed in clauses (i) and (ii) above.
“Permitted Liens” means the Liens identified in Section 7.01.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Plan” means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (including a Pension Plan), maintained for employees of any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate or any such Plan to which any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate contributes to on behalf of any of its employees.
“Platform” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
“Pledged Securities” has the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.
“Pro Forma Basis” means on a basis in accordance with GAAP and Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and for purposes of calculating the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.11 or any other financial ratio or test, such calculation shall be made in accordance with Section 1.08 hereof.
“Proprietary Rights” means (a) all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and all patents, patent applications, and patent disclosures, together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof, (b) all trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names, and corporate names, together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, and combinations thereof and including all goodwill associated therewith, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (c) all copyrightable works, all copyrights, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (d) all mask works and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (e) all trade secrets and confidential business information (including ideas, research and development, know-how, formulas, compositions, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, technical data, designs, drawings, specifications, customer and supplier lists, pricing and cost information, and business and marketing plans and proposals), (f) all computer software (including data and related documentation), (g) all other proprietary rights, and (h) all copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium).
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“Public Lender” has the meaning specified in Section 6.02.
“Qualified Capital Stock” of any person shall mean any Equity Interests of such person that are not Disqualified Capital Stock.
“Real Property” means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property owned, leased or operated by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.
“Register” has the meaning specified in Section 10.06(c).
“Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees and advisors of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.
“Release” means any release, spill, emission, discharge, deposit, disposal, leaking, pumping, pouring, dumping, emptying, injection or leaching into the Environment, or into, from or through any building, structure or facility.
“Reportable Event” means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA, other than events for which the 30 day notice period has been waived.
“Required Lenders” means, as of any date of determination, Lenders holding more than 50% of the sum of the Total Outstandings.
“Requirements of Law” means, collectively, any and all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority, including any and all Laws.
“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer, controller, secretary or assistant secretary of a Loan Party. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party.
“Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any capital stock or other Equity Interest of any Person or any of its Subsidiaries, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such capital stock or other Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to any Person’s stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent of any thereof), or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such dividend or other distribution or payment.
“Revolving Credit Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to an Incremental Revolving Credit Facility.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The XxXxxx-Xxxx Companies, Inc., and any successor thereto.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
“Secured Cash Management Agreement” means any Cash Management Agreement that is entered into by and between a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and any Cash Management Bank.
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“Secured Hedge Agreement” means any Swap Contract permitted under VII that is entered into by and between a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and any Hedge Bank.
“Secured Indebtedness” means Consolidated Funded Indebtedness secured by a Lien.
“Secured Parties” means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Hedge Banks, the Cash Management Banks, each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.05, and the other Persons to whom the Obligations are owing and which Obligations are or are purported to be secured by the Collateral under the terms of the Collateral Documents.
“Security Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 4.01(a)(iii).
“Solvent” and “Solvency” mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair salable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature, (d) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital, and (e) such Person is able to pay its debts and liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the ordinary course of business. The amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in the light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.
“Specified Transaction” means any (a) Disposition of all or substantially all the assets of or all the Equity Interests of any Subsidiary or of any business unit, line of business or division of any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, (b) acquisition pursuant to Section 7.03(g) or (c) the proposed incurrence of Indebtedness or making of a Restricted Payment in respect of which compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.11 is by the terms of this Agreement required to be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis.
“Subordinated Indebtedness” shall mean Indebtedness of any Borrower or any Guarantor that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations of such Borrower and such Guarantor, as applicable.
“Subsidiary” of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a “Subsidiary” or to “Subsidiaries” shall refer to a direct or indirect Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of Holdings.
“Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a “Master Agreement”), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
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“Swap Termination Value” means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the xxxx-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
“Synthetic Debt” means, with respect to any Person as of any date of determination thereof, all obligations of such Person in respect of transactions entered into by such Person that are intended to function primarily as a borrowing of funds (including any minority interest transactions that function primarily as a borrowing) but are not otherwise included in the definition of “Indebtedness” or as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.
“Synthetic Lease Obligation” means the monetary obligation of a Person under (a) a so-called synthetic, off-balance sheet or tax retention lease, or (b) an agreement for the use or possession of property (including sale and leaseback transactions), in each case, creating obligations that do not appear on the balance sheet of such Person but which, upon the application of any Debtor Relief Laws to such Person, would be characterized as the indebtedness of such Person (without regard to accounting treatment).
“Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
“Threshold Amount” means $10.0 million.
“Total Outstandings” means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans.
“Transaction” means, collectively, (a) the entering into by the Loan Parties and their applicable Subsidiaries of the Loan Documents to which they are or are intended to be a party, (b) the refinancing of certain outstanding Indebtedness of the Borrowers and the termination of all commitments with respect thereto, including the Indebtedness and commitments under the Existing Credit Agreements and (c) the payment of the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the consummation of the foregoing (including to the lenders, agents and noteholders under the Existing Credit Agreements).
“Type” means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York; provided that, if perfection or the effect of perfection or non-perfection or the priority of any security interest in any Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, “UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection, effect of perfection or non-perfection or priority.
“United States” and “U.S.” mean the United States of America.
“Vonage America” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph hereto.
“Voting Stock” means Equity Interests of the class or classes pursuant to which the holders thereof have the general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of a corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time Equity Interests of any other class or classes shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).
“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, (a) any corporation 100% of whose capital stock (other than directors’ qualifying shares) is at the time owned by such Person and/or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person and (b) any partnership, association, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity in which such Person and/or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person have a 100% equity interest at such time.
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1.02. Other Interpretive Provisions. With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
(i) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Organization Document) shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein or in any other Loan Document), (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns, (iii) the words “hereto,” “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to refer to such Loan Document in its entirety and not to any particular provision thereof, (iv) all references in a Loan Document to Articles, Sections, Preliminary Statements, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Preliminary Statements, Exhibits and Schedules to, the Loan Document in which such references appear, (v) any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, and (vi) the words “asset” and “property” 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, securities, accounts and contract rights.
(ii) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”; and the word “through” means “to and including.”
(iii) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
1.03. Accounting Terms.
(a) Generally. All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP applied on a consistent basis, as in effect from time to time, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.
(b) Changes in GAAP. If at any time any change in GAAP (or a requirement that Holdings and its Subsidiaries commence the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS) would affect the computation of any financial ratio or requirement set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Borrowers shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP or the adoption of IFRS, as the case may be (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders); provided that, until so amended, (i) such ratio or requirement shall continue to be computed in accordance with GAAP prior to such change therein and (ii) the Borrowers shall provide to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders financial statements and other documents required under this Agreement or as reasonably requested hereunder setting forth a reconciliation between calculations of such ratio or requirement made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP or the adoption of IFRS, as the case may be.
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1.04. Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrowers pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding-up if there is no nearest number).
1.05. Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
1.06. Currency Equivalents. Any amount specified in this Agreement (other than in Articles II and IX) or any of the other Loan Documents to be in Dollars shall also include the equivalent of such amount in any currency other than Dollars, such equivalent amount thereof in the applicable currency to be determined by the Administrative Agent at such time on the basis of the Spot Rate (as defined below) for the purchase of such currency with Dollars. For purposes of this Section 1.06, the “Spot Rate” for a currency means the rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be the rate quoted by the Person acting in such capacity as the spot rate for the purchase by such Person of such currency with another currency through its principal foreign exchange trading office at approximately 11:00 a.m. on the date two Business Days prior to the date of such determination; provided that the Administrative Agent may obtain such spot rate from another financial institution designated by the Administrative Agent if the Person acting in such capacity does not have as of the date of determination a spot buying rate for any such currency.
1.07. Cumulative Credit Transactions. If more than one action occurs on any given date the permissibility of the taking of which is determined hereunder by reference to the amount of the Cumulative Credit immediately prior to the taking of such action, the permissibility of the taking of each such action shall be determined independently and in no event may any two or more such actions be treated as occurring simultaneously.
1.08. Pro Forma Calculations.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, financial ratios and tests (including the Consolidated Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Secured Leverage Ratio) pursuant to this Agreement shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.08.
(b) In the event that Holdings or any Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees, redeems, repays, retires or extinguishes any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and has not been replaced) during the applicable Measurement Period or subsequent to the end of the Measurement Period for which such financial ratio or test is being calculated but prior to or simultaneously with the event for which such calculation is being made, then such financial ratio or test shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, repayment, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, as if the same had occurred on the last day of the applicable Measurement Period (except in the case of the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (or similar ratio), such incurrence, assumption, guarantee, redemption, repayment, retirement or extinguishment of Indebtedness, as if the same had occurred on the first day of the applicable Measurement Period).
(c) For purposes of calculating any financial ratio or test, Specified Transactions that have been made by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries during the applicable Measurement Period or subsequent to such Measurement Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which such calculation is being made shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Specified Transactions (and the change in Consolidated EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the applicable Measurement Period.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, when calculating the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Leverage Ratio for the purposes of Section 2.03(b)(i) and Section 7.11, the events described in Sections 1.08(b) and (c) above that occurred subsequent to the end of the Measurement Period shall not be given pro forma effect.
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ARTICLE II
THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS
2.01. The Loans. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees to make a single Loan to the Borrowers on the Closing Date in an amount equal to such Lender’s Commitment. Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01 and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Rate Loans as further provided herein.
2.02. Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans.
(a) Each Borrowing, each conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrowers’ irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than (i) 1:00 p.m. three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or of any conversion of Eurodollar Rate Loans to Base Rate Loans and (ii) 11:00 a.m. on the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans; provided, however, that if the Borrower wishes to request Eurodollar Rate Loans having an Interest Period other than one, two, three or six months in duration as provided in the definition of “Interest Period,” the applicable notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. four Business Days prior to the requested date of such Borrowing, conversion or continuation, whereupon the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Appropriate Lenders of such request and determine whether the requested Interest Period is acceptable to all of them. Not later than 11:00 a.m., three Business Days before the requested date of such Borrowing, conversion or continuation, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers (which notice may be by telephone) whether or not the requested Interest Period has been consented to by all the Lenders. Each telephonic notice by the Borrowers pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of each Borrower. Each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrowers is requesting a Borrowing, a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Loans are to be converted, and (v) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrowers fail to specify a Type of Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or if the Borrowers fail to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Loans shall be made as, or converted to, Base Rate Loans. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurodollar Rate Loans. If the Borrowers request a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fail to specify an Interest Period, they will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one month.
(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount of its Applicable Percentage of the Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans described in Section 2.02(a). In the case of a Borrowing, each Appropriate Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. Upon satisfaction of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (and, if such Borrowing is the initial Borrowing, Section 4.01), the Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrowers in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent either by (i) crediting the account of the Borrowers on the books of Bank of America with the amount of such funds or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrowers.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Loan. During the existence of a Default, no Loans may be requested as, converted to or continued as Eurodollar Rate Loans without the consent of the Required Lenders.
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(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrowers and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate, but in no event later than the first day of the applicable Interest Period. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers and the Lenders of any change in Bank of America’s prime rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the public announcement of such change.
(e) After giving effect to all Loans, all conversions of Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than six Interest Periods in effect in respect of the Loans.
2.03. Prepayments.
(a) Optional.
(i) Subject to the last sentence of this Section 2.03(a)(i), the Borrowers may, upon notice to the Administrative Agent, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Loans (subject to payment of any prepayment premium required by Section 2.03(a)(ii)) in whole or in part; provided that (A) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than (1) 1:00 p.m. three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans and (2) 11:00 a.m. on the date of prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (B) any prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (C) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid and, if Eurodollar Rate Loans are to be prepaid, the Interest Period(s) of such Loans. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lender’s ratable portion of such prepayment (based on such Lender’s Applicable Percentage in respect of the relevant Facility). If such notice is given by the Borrowers, the Borrowers shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein; provided that a notice of prepayment delivered by the Borrowers may state that such notice is conditioned upon the consummation of an acquisition, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrowers (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest on the amount prepaid, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. Each prepayment of the outstanding Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(a) shall be applied to the principal repayment installments thereof, as directed by Holdings and absent such direction, in direct order to such scheduled repayments, and subject to Section 2.13, each such prepayment shall be paid to the Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages in respect of the Facility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Borrowers shall not be permitted to prepay the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(a)(i) during the period from the Closing Date through the date ten Business Days thereafter.
(ii) In the event that, prior to the first anniversary of the Closing Date, the Borrowers make any voluntary prepayment of the Loans of any Lender using proceeds from a substantially concurrent issuance or incurrence of Indebtedness by a Loan Party, such prepayment shall be accompanied by a prepayment fee equal to 1.0% of the principal amount of such Loans prepaid.
(b) Mandatory.
(i) Within ten Business Days after financial statements have been, or should have been, delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) and the related Compliance Certificate has been, or should have been, delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(b), the Borrowers shall, in each fiscal year commencing with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, prepay an aggregate principal amount of Loans equal to the excess (if any) of (A) 75% of Excess Cash Flow for the fiscal year covered by such financial statements over (B) the
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aggregate principal amount of Loans prepaid pursuant to Section 2.03(a)(i) (such prepayments to be applied as set forth in clause (v) below); provided that for each such fiscal year, the percentage of Excess Cash Flow specified in clause (A) above will be 50% if Holdings’ Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the end of the fiscal year or period covered by such financial statements is less than 1.00:1.0.
(ii) If Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries Disposes of any property (other than any Disposition of any property permitted by Section 7.05(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f)) which results in the realization by such Person of Net Cash Proceeds, the Borrowers shall prepay an aggregate principal amount of Loans equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds promptly upon receipt thereof by such Person (such prepayments to be applied as set forth in clause (v) below); provided, however, that, with respect to any Net Cash Proceeds realized under a Disposition described in this Section 2.03(b)(ii), at the election of the Borrowers (as notified by the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date of such Disposition), and so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Holdings or such Subsidiary may reinvest all or any portion of such Net Cash Proceeds in operating assets so long as within 365 days after the receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, such purchase shall have been consummated; and provided further, however, that any Net Cash Proceeds not so reinvested shall be promptly applied to the prepayment of the Loans as set forth in this Section 2.03(b)(ii).
(iii) Upon the incurrence or issuance by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness expressly permitted to be incurred or issued pursuant to Section 7.02), the Borrowers shall prepay an aggregate principal amount of Loans equal to 100% of all Net Cash Proceeds received therefrom promptly upon receipt thereof by Holdings or such Subsidiary (such prepayments to be applied as set forth in clause (v) below).
(iv) Upon any Extraordinary Receipt received by or paid to or for the account of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, and not otherwise included in clause (ii) or (iii) of this Section 2.03(b), the Borrowers shall prepay an aggregate principal amount of Loans equal to 100% of all Net Cash Proceeds received therefrom promptly upon receipt thereof by Holdings or such Subsidiary (such prepayments to be applied as set forth in clause (v) below); provided, however, that with respect to any proceeds of insurance, condemnation awards (or payments in lieu thereof) or indemnity payments, at the election of the Borrowers (as notified by the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date of receipt of such insurance proceeds, condemnation awards or indemnity payments), and so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Holdings or such Subsidiary may reinvest all or any portion of such proceeds in operating assets so long as within 365 days after the receipt of such proceeds, such purchase shall have been consummated; and provided, further, however, that any cash proceeds not so applied shall be promptly applied to the prepayment of the Loans as set forth in this Section 2.03(b)(iv).
(v) Each prepayment of Loans pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(b) shall be applied to the principal repayment installments thereof in inverse order of maturity.
(vi) Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 2.03(b), so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if, on any date on which a prepayment would otherwise be required to be made pursuant to clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) of this Section 2.03(b), the aggregate amount of Net Cash Proceeds required by such clause to be applied to prepay Loans on such date is less than or equal to $2,500,000, the Borrower may defer such prepayment until the first date on which the aggregate amount of Net Cash Proceeds or other amounts otherwise required under clause (ii) or (iv) of this Section 2.03(b) to be applied to prepay Loans exceeds $2,500,000. Upon the occurrence of a Default during any such deferral period, the Borrowers shall promptly prepay the Loans in the amount of all Net Cash Proceeds received by the Borrowers and other amounts, as applicable, that are required to be applied to prepay Loans under this Section 2.03(b) (without giving effect to the first and second sentences of this clause (vi)) but which have not previously been so applied.
2.04. Termination of Commitments. The Aggregate Commitments shall be automatically and permanently reduced to zero on the Closing Date.
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2.05. Repayment of Loans. The Borrowers shall repay to the Lenders 2.50% of the aggregate principal amount of all Loans initially issued hereunder on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing on March 31, 2011 (which amounts shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.03) and the remaining principal amount of the Loans outstanding on the Maturity Date.
2.06. Interest. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.06(b), (i) each Eurodollar Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate and (ii) each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
(a) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (x) any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrowers hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, (y) any of the Events of Default set forth in clause (f) or (g) of Section 8.01 has occurred and is continuing or (z) any other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and, only with respect to this subclause (z), if requested by the Required Lenders and following prior written notice to the Borrower from the Administrative Agent, then the Obligations shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to the Default Rate.
(b) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
2.07. Fees.
(a) Closing Fee. The Borrowers agree to pay on the Closing Date to each Lender party to this Agreement as a Lender on the Closing Date, as fee compensation for the funding of such Lender’s Loan, a closing fee in an amount equal to 3.00% of the stated principal amount of such Lender’s Loan, payable to each Lender out of the proceeds of such Lender’s Loan as and when funded on the Closing Date. Such closing fee will be in all respects fully earned, due and payable upon the funding of the Loans on the Closing Date and non-refundable and non-creditable thereafter.
(b) Other Fees.
(i) The Borrowers shall pay to the Administrative Agent fees in the amounts and at the times specified in the Fee Letter. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
(ii) The Borrowers shall pay to the Lenders such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever.
2.08. Computation of Interest and Fees. All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans including Base Rate Loans determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate shall be made on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed (which results in more fees or interest, as applicable, being paid than if computed on the basis of a 365-day year). Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid, provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.10(a), bear interest for one day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
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2.09. Evidence of Debt. The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and by the Administrative Agent in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrowers and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrowers hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
2.10. Payments Generally; Administrative Agent’s Clawback.
(a) General. All payments to be made by the Borrowers shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments by the Borrowers hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the Administrative Agent’s Office in Dollars and in immediately available funds not later than 2:00 p.m. on the date specified herein. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Lender its Applicable Percentage (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lender’s Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after 2:00 p.m. shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue. If any payment to be made by the Borrowers shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected on computing interest or fees, as the case may be.
(b) (i) Funding by Lenders; Presumption by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing of Eurodollar Rate Loans (or, in the case of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, prior to 12:00 noon on the date of such Borrowing) that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.02 (or, in the case of a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans, that such Lender has made such share available in accordance with and at the time required by Section 2.02) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrowers a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrowers severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount in immediately available funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrowers to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (A) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, plus any administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing, and (B) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrowers, the interest rate applicable to Base Rate Loans. If the Borrowers and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrowers the amount of such interest paid by the Borrowers for such period. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Borrowing to the Administrative Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing. Any payment by the Borrowers shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrowers may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Administrative Agent.
(c) Payments by Borrowers; Presumptions by Administrative Agent. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrowers prior to the time at which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrowers will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrowers have made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Appropriate Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrowers have not in fact made such payment, then each of the Appropriate Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender, in immediately available
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funds with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrowers with respect to any amount owing under this subsection (b) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(d) Failure to Satisfy Conditions Precedent. If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrowers by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the Credit Extension set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(e) Obligations of Lenders Several. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to make payments pursuant to Section 10.04(c) are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to make any payment under Section 10.04(c) on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan, to purchase its participation or to make its payment under Section 10.04(c).
(f) Funding Source. Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
(g) Insufficient Funds. If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, toward payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, toward payment of principal then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal then due to such parties.
2.11. Sharing of Payments by Lenders. If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of (a) Obligations due and payable to such Lender hereunder and under the other Loan Documents at such time in excess of its ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such Obligations due and payable to such Lender at such time to (ii) the aggregate amount of the Obligations due and payable to all Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents at such time) of payments on account of the Obligations due and payable to all Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents at such time obtained by all the Lenders at such time or (b) Obligations owing (but not due and payable) to such Lender hereunder and under the other Loan Documents at such time in excess of its ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such Obligations owing (but not due and payable) to such Lender at such time to (ii) the aggregate amount of the Obligations owing (but not due and payable) to all Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Parties at such time) of payment on account of the Obligations owing (but not due and payable) to all Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents at such time obtained by all of the Lenders at such time then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of Obligations then due and payable to the Lenders or owing (but not due and payable) to the Lenders, as the case may be, provided that:
(i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest; and
(ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (x) any payment made by or on behalf of the Borrowers pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or (y) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant, other than an assignment to any Borrower or any of its Affiliates (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).
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Each Loan Party consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Loan Party rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Loan Party in the amount of such participation.
2.12. Increase in Commitments.
(a) Borrower Request. The Borrower may by written notice to the Administrative Agent elect to request the establishment of one or more new term loan commitments (each, an “Incremental Term Facility”) and/or revolving credit facilities (each an “Incremental Revolving Credit Facility”; the Incremental Term Facility and the Incremental Revolving Facility are collectively referred to as “Incremental Facilities”), by an aggregate amount not in excess of $40.0 million. Each such notice shall specify (i) the date (each, an “Increase Effective Date”) on which the Borrower proposes that the Incremental Facilities shall be effective, which shall be a date not less than 10 Business Days after the date on which such notice is delivered to the Administrative Agent; provided that any existing Lender approached to provide all or a portion of such increase may elect or decline, in its sole discretion, to provide such Incremental Facility.
(b) Conditions. The Incremental Facilities shall become effective on the Increase Effective Date; provided that:
(i) each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 shall be satisfied;
(ii) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from the borrowings to be made on the Increase Effective Date;
(iii) the representations and warranties contained in Article V and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Increase Effective Date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall have been true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 2.12(b), the representations and warranties contained in Section 5.05(a) and Section 5.05(b) shall be deemed to refer to the most recent financial statements furnished pursuant to subsections (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01;
(iv) on a Pro Forma Basis (assuming, in the case of Incremental Revolving Credit Facility, that such Incremental Revolving Credit Facility is fully drawn), the Borrower shall be in compliance with each of the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 and the Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio shall be less than 1.50:1.00 as of the end of the latest fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available; and
(v) the Borrower shall deliver or cause to be delivered officer’s certificates and legal opinions of the type delivered on the Closing Date to the extent reasonably requested by, and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent.
(c) Terms of New Loans and Commitments. The terms and provisions of Loans made pursuant to Incremental Facilities shall be as follows:
(i) terms and provisions of Incremental Term Loans shall be, except as otherwise set forth herein or in the Increase Joinder, identical to the Loans (it being understood that Incremental Term Loans may be a part of the Loans) and to the extent that the terms and provisions of Incremental Term Loans are not identical to the Loans (except to the extent permitted by clause (iii), (iv) or (v) below) they shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; provided that in any event the Incremental Term Loans must comply with clauses (iii), (iv) and (v) below;
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(ii) the terms and provisions of Revolving Credit Loans shall be set forth in an amendment to this Agreement;
(iii) the weighted average life to maturity of any Incremental Term Loans shall be no shorter than the remaining weighted average life to maturity of the then existing Loans;
(iv) the maturity date of Incremental Term Loans (the “Incremental Term Loan Maturity Date”) shall not be earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date;
(v) the Applicable Rate for Incremental Term Loans shall be determined by the Borrower and the Lenders of the Incremental Term Loans; provided that in the event that the Applicable Rate for any Incremental Term Loan is greater than the Applicable Rate for the Loans by more than 25 basis points, then the Applicable Rate for the Loans shall be increased to the extent necessary so that the Applicable Rate for the Incremental Term Loans is 25 basis points higher than the Applicable Rate for the Loans; provided, further, that in determining the Applicable Rate applicable to the Loans and the Incremental Term Loans, (x) original issue discount (“OID”) or upfront fees (which shall be deemed to constitute like amounts of OID) payable by the Borrower to the Lenders of the Loans or the Incremental Term Loans in the primary syndication thereof shall be included (with OID being equated to interest based on an assumed four-year life to maturity), (y) customary arrangement or commitment fees payable to the Arranger (or its respective affiliates) in connection with the Loans or to one or more arrangers (or their affiliates) of the Incremental Term Loans shall be excluded, and (z) if the LIBOR or Base Rate “floor” for the Incremental Term Loans is greater than the LIBOR or Base Rate “floor,” respectively, for the existing Loans, the difference between such floor for the Incremental Term Loans and the existing Loans shall be equated to an increase in the Applicable Rate for purposes of this clause (v).
The Incremental Commitments shall be effected by a joinder agreement (the “Increase Joinder”) executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender making such Incremental Commitment, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to each of them. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10.01, the Increase Joinder may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.12. In addition, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, all references in Loan Documents or Loans shall be deemed, unless the context otherwise requires, to include references to Revolving Credit Loans and Incremental Term Loans, respectively, made pursuant to this Agreement. This Section 2.12 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.11 or Section 10.01 to the contrary.
(d) Making of New Term Loans. On any Increase Effective Date on which new Commitments for Loans are effective, subject to the satisfaction of the foregoing terms and conditions, each Lender of such new Commitment shall make a Loan to the Borrowers in an amount equal to its new Commitment.
(e) Equal and Ratable Benefit. The Loans and Commitments established pursuant to this paragraph shall constitute Loans and Commitments under, and shall be entitled to all the benefits afforded by, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall, without limiting the foregoing, benefit equally and ratably from the Guarantees and security interests created by the Collateral Documents, except that the new Loans may be subordinated in right of payment or the Liens securing the new Loans may be subordinated, in each case, to the extent set forth in the Increase Joinder. The Loan Parties shall take any actions reasonably required by the Administrative Agent to ensure and/or demonstrate that the Lien and security interests granted by the Collateral Documents continue to be perfected under the UCC or otherwise after giving effect to the establishment of any such class of Loans or any such new Commitments.
2.13. Joint and Several Liability.
(a) Each Borrower agrees that it is jointly and severally liable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders for the payment of all Obligations arising under this Agreement, and that such liability is independent of the obligations of the other Borrowers. Each obligation, promise, covenant, representation and warranty in this Agreement shall be deemed to have been made by, and be binding upon, each Borrower, unless this Agreement expressly provides otherwise. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders may bring an action against any Borrower, whether or not an action is brought against the other Borrowers.
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(b) Each Borrower agrees that any release which may be given by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders to the other Borrowers or any Guarantor will not release such Borrower from its Obligations under this Agreement.
(c) Each Borrower waives, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, any right to assert against the Administrative Agent or the Lenders any defense, setoff or counterclaim it may have against the other Borrowers arising hereunder, or claims which such Borrower may have against the other Borrowers arising hereunder.
(d) Each Borrower waives, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, any defense it may have against the Administrative Agent or the Lenders by reason of any other Borrower’s defense, disability, or release from liability, except payment in full of the outstanding Obligations. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders can exercise their rights against each Borrower even if any other Borrower or any other person no longer is liable because of a statute of limitations or for other reasons.
(e) Each Borrower agrees that it is solely responsible for keeping itself informed as to the financial condition of the other Borrowers and of all circumstances which bear upon the risk of nonpayment. Each Borrower waives, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, any right it may have to require the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to disclose to such Borrower any information which the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may now or hereafter acquire concerning the financial condition of the other Borrowers.
(f) Each Borrower waives, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, all rights to notices of default or nonperformance by any other Borrower under this Agreement. Each Borrower further waives, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, all rights to notices of the existence or the creation of new Indebtedness by any other Borrower and all rights to any other notices to any party liable on any of the credit extended under this Agreement.
(g) The Borrowers represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that each will derive benefit, directly and indirectly, from the collective administration and availability of credit under this Agreement. The Borrowers agree that the Administrative Agent and the Lenders will not be required to inquire as to the disposition by any Borrower of funds disbursed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(h) Until all outstanding Obligations of the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement have been paid in full and the Commitments of the Lenders under this Agreement have been terminated, each Borrower, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, (a) waives any right of subrogation, reimbursement, indemnification and contribution (contractual, statutory or otherwise), including without limitation, any claim or right of subrogation under the Bankruptcy Code (Title 11, United States Code) or any successor statute, which such Borrower may now or hereafter have against any other Borrower with respect to the Obligations incurred under this Agreement; and (b) waives any right to enforce any remedy which the Administrative Agent or the Lenders now have or may hereafter have against any other Borrower, and waives any benefit of, and any right to participate in, any security now or hereafter held by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders.
(i) Each Borrower waives any right to require the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to proceed against any other Borrower or any other person; proceed against or exhaust any security; or pursue any other remedy. Further, each Borrower consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of the Borrowers under this Agreement or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of the Borrowers.
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ARTICLE III
TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY
3.01. Taxes.
(a) Payments Free of Taxes; Obligation to Withhold; Payments on Account of Taxes.
(i) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall, to the extent permitted by applicable Laws, be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding of any Taxes. If, however, applicable Laws require the applicable withholding agent to withhold or deduct any Tax (as determined in the good faith discretion of the applicable withholding agent), such Tax shall be withheld or deducted in accordance with such Laws.
(ii) If the applicable withholding agent shall be required to withhold or deduct any Taxes from any payment, then (A) the applicable withholding agent shall withhold or make such deductions as are required, (B) the applicable withholding agent shall timely pay the full amount withheld or deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws and (C) to the extent that the withholding or deduction is made on account of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after any required withholding and deductions have been made (including withholding and deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01), the applicable Lender, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such withholding or deduction been made.
(b) Payment of Other Taxes. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) above, the relevant Loan Party shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws.
(c) Indemnification. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) above, the Borrowers shall, jointly and severally, indemnify the Administrative Agent and each Lender, and shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after a written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 3.01) payable by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate setting forth the amount of any such payment or liability and the reasons for such payment or liability in reasonable detail delivered to the Borrowers by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be prima facie evidence of the matters set forth therein.
(d) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority as provided in this Section 3.01, the Borrowers shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of any return required by applicable Laws to report such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(e) Status of Lenders; Tax Documentation. Each Lender shall deliver to the Borrowers and to the Administrative Agent, whenever reasonably requested by the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by applicable Laws and such other reasonably requested information as will permit the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, (A) to determine whether or not payments made hereunder or under any other Loan Document are subject to Taxes,(B) to determine, if applicable, the required rate of withholding or deduction, and (C) to establish such Lender’s entitlement to any available exemption from, or reduction of, applicable Taxes in respect of any payments to be made to such Lender by the Borrowers pursuant to any Loan Document or otherwise to establish such Lender’s status for withholding tax purposes in an applicable jurisdiction.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(1) Any Lender that is a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code shall deliver to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent executed originals of IRS Form W-9 or such other documentation or information prescribed by applicable Laws or reasonably requested by the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements; and
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(2) Each Foreign Lender that is entitled under the Code or any applicable treaty to an exemption from or reduction of U.S. federal withholding tax with respect to any payments hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent (in such number of signed originals as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter (1) if any documentation previously delivered has expired or become obsolete, invalid or incorrect, or (2) upon the request of the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:
(I) IRS Form W-8BEN (or any successor thereto) claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party,
(II) IRS Form W-8ECI (or any successor thereto),
(III) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Sections 881(c) or 871(h) of the Code (the “Portfolio Interest Exemption”), (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit H (a “Tax Status Certificate”), to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrowers within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and that no payments to be received in connection with the Loan Documents is effectively connected with such Lender’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business and (y) duly completed and executed original copies of IRS Form W-8BEN (or any successor thereto),
(IV) where such Lender is a partnership (for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or otherwise not a beneficial owner (e.g. where such Lender has sold a typical participation), IRS Form W-8IMY (or any successor thereto) and all required supporting documentation (including, where one or more of the underlying beneficial owner(s) is claiming the benefits of the Portfolio Interest Exemption, a Tax Status Certificate of such beneficial owner(s) (provided that, if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and not a participating Lender, the Tax Status Certificate from the beneficial owner(s) shall be provided by the Foreign Lender on the beneficial owner’s behalf)), or
(V) any other form prescribed by applicable Laws as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States federal withholding tax together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable Laws to permit the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.
Each Lender shall promptly notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent of any change in circumstances which would modify or render invalid any documentation previously provided and provide any appropriate updated documentation.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.01(e), no Lender shall be required to deliver any documentation that it is not legally eligible to deliver.
(f) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If the Administrative Agent or any Lender determines, in its good faith sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by any Loan Party or with respect to which any Loan Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall pay to the Borrowers an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Loan Party under this Section 3.01 with respect to the Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) incurred by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund; provided that each Borrower, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to any Loan Party (plus any penalties,
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interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent, or such Lender, in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such amount to such Governmental Authority. This subsection shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrowers or any other Person.
(g) Payment by Administrative Agent. For purposes of this Section 3.01, any payment made by the Administrative Agent to a Lender shall be deemed to be a payment made by the Borrowers to such Lender.
3.02. Illegality. If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Loans whose interest is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, Dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrowers through the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurodollar Rate Loans or to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining Base Rate Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrowers shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, convert all Eurodollar Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans (the interest rate on which Base Rate Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Rate Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Eurodollar Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurodollar Rate. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.
3.03. Inability to Determine Rates. If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason in connection with any request for a Eurodollar Rate Loan or a conversion to or continuation thereof that (a) Dollar deposits are not being offered to banks in the London interbank eurodollar market for the applicable amount and Interest Period of such Eurodollar Rate Loan, (b) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan or in connection with an existing or proposed Base Rate Loan, or (c) the Eurodollar Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurodollar Rate Loan does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrowers and each Lender. Thereafter, (x) the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended, and (y) in the event of a determination described in the preceding sentence with respect to the Eurodollar Rate component of the Base Rate, the utilization of the Eurodollar Rate component in determining the Base Rate shall be suspended, in each case until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrowers may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request into a request for a Borrowing of, or conversion to, Base Rate Loans in the amount specified therein.
3.04. Increased Costs; Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans.
(a) Increased Costs Generally. If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement contemplated by Section 3.04(e));
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(ii) subject any Lender to any Tax of any kind whatsoever with respect to this Agreement or any Loan made by it, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such Lender in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.01 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax payable by such Lender); or
(iii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Rate Loans made by such Lender;
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Loan the interest on which is determined by reference to the Eurodollar Rate (or, in the case of clause (ii) above, any Loan), or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender, the Borrowers will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered; provided, however, that in the case of any increase resulting from clause (iii) above, the Borrowers may (x) if the affected Eurodollar Rate Loan is then being made pursuant to a Borrowing, cancel such Borrowing by giving the Administrative Agent telephonic notice (confirmed promptly in writing) thereof on the same date that the Borrowers receive any such demand from such Lender or (y) if the affected Eurodollar Rate Loan is then outstanding, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, required the affected Lender to convert such Eurodollar Rate Loan into a Base Rate Loan, subject to the requirements of Section 3.05 to the extent applicable.
(b) Capital Requirements. If any Lender determines that any Change in Law affecting such Lender or any Lending Office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) Certificates for Reimbursement. A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and delivered to the Borrowers shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.
(d) Delay in Requests. Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrowers of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine-month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).
(e) Reserves on Eurodollar Rate Loans. The Borrowers shall pay to each Lender, as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Loan equal to the actual costs of such reserves allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), which shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan, provided the Borrowers shall have received at least 10 days’ prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice 10 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest shall be due and payable 10 days from receipt of such notice.
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3.05. Compensation for Losses. Upon demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrowers shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any actual loss, cost or expense incurred by it as a result of:
(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan (whether voluntary, mandatory, automatic, by reason of acceleration, or otherwise);
(b) any failure by the Borrowers (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Loan other than a Base Rate Loan on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrowers; or
(c) any assignment of a Eurodollar Rate Loan on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period therefor as a result of a request by the Borrowers pursuant to Section 10.13;
including any loss or expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained; provided, that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate any Lender pursuant to this Section 3.05 for any loss, cost or expense incurred more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower, in writing, of such loss or expense and such Lender’s intention to claim compensation thereof. The Borrowers shall also pay any customary administrative fees charged by such Lender in connection with the foregoing.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrowers to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurodollar Rate Loan made by it at the Eurodollar Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the offshore interbank market for such currency for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurodollar Rate Loan was in fact so funded.
3.06. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
(a) Designation of a Different Lending Office. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any Lender gives a notice pursuant to Section 3.02, then such Lender shall, as applicable, use reasonable efforts to designate a different Lending Office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.04, as the case may be, or eliminate the need for the notice pursuant to Section 3.02, as applicable, and (ii) in each case, would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender; provided that nothing in this Section 3.06(a) shall affect or postpone any of the obligations of the Borrowers or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Sections 3.01, 3.02 or 3.04. The Borrowers hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, the Borrowers may replace such Lender in accordance with Section 10.13.
3.07. Survival. All of the Borrowers’ obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, repayment of all other Obligations hereunder, and resignation of the Administrative Agent.
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ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS
4.01. Conditions of Initial Credit Extension. The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Credit Extension hereunder is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
(a) The Administrative Agent’s receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or telecopies (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of the signing Loan Party, each dated the Closing Date (or, in the case of certificates of governmental officials, a recent date before the Closing Date) and each in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders:
(i) executed counterparts of this Agreement, the Guaranty and the Perfection Certificate, sufficient in number for distribution to the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers;
(ii) a Note executed by each Borrower in favor of each Lender requesting a Note;
(iii) a security agreement, in substantially the form of Exhibit F (together with each other security agreement and security agreement supplement delivered pursuant to Section 6.12, in each case as amended, the “Security Agreement”), duly executed by each Loan Party, together with:
(A) certificates representing the Pledged Securities referred to therein accompanied by undated stock powers executed in blank in the case of equity and instruments indorsed in blank in the case of debt,
(B) copies of UCC, United States Patent and Trademark Office and United States Copyright Office, tax and judgment lien searches, bankruptcy and pending lawsuit searches or equivalent reports or searches, each of a recent date listing all effective financing statements, lien notices or comparable documents that name any Loan Party as debtor and that are filed in those state and county jurisdictions in which any Loan Party is organized or maintains its principal place of business and such other searches that are required by the Perfection Certificate or that the Administrative Agent deems necessary or appropriate, none of which encumber the Collateral covered or intended to be covered by the Collateral Documents (other than Permitted Liens or any other Liens acceptable to the Administrative Agent),
(C) the Deposit Account Control Agreements and the Securities Account Control Agreements, in each case referred to in the Security Agreement and duly executed by the appropriate parties, and
(D) evidence that all other action that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or desirable in order to perfect the Liens created under the Security Agreement has been taken (including receipt of duly executed payoff letters and UCC-3 termination statements);
(iv) an intellectual property security agreement for each of copyrights, patents and trademarks (in each case, if applicable) in substantially the forms attached to the Security Agreement (the “Intellectual Property Security Agreement”), duly executed by each Loan Party;
(v) such certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or is to be a party;
(vi) such documents and certifications as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require to evidence that each Loan Party is duly organized or formed, and that each Loan Party is validly existing, in
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good standing and qualified to engage in business in each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(vii) a favorable opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Xxxxxx LLP, counsel to the Loan Parties, addressed to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(viii) a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of each Borrower certifying that (A) that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied and (B) there has been no event or circumstance since the date of the Audited Financial Statements that has had or could be reasonably expected to have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect;
(ix) a business plan and budget of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, including forecasts prepared by management of Holdings, of consolidated balance sheets and statements of income or operations and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a quarterly basis for the first year following the Closing Date;
(x) a certificate attesting to the Solvency of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, before and after giving effect to the Transaction and the incurrence of the Indebtedness related thereto, from the chief financial officer of Holdings in the form of Exhibit I;
(xi) certificates of insurance, naming the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, as an additional insured or loss payee, as the case may be, under all insurance policies maintained with respect to the assets and properties of the Loan Parties that constitute Collateral;
(xii) evidence that (A) the Existing First Lien Credit Agreement, (B) the Existing Second Lien Credit Agreement and (C) the Existing Third Lien Note Purchase Agreement have been, or concurrently with the Closing Date are being, terminated and all Liens securing obligations under each such Existing Credit Agreement have been, or concurrently with the Closing Date are being, released;
(xiii) all documentation and other information that may be required by the Lenders in order to enable compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the United States PATRIOT Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Patriot Act”) including the information described in Section 10.18; and
(xiv) such other assurances, certificates, documents, consents or opinions as the Administrative Agent reasonably may require.
(b) (i) All fees and expenses required to be paid to the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid and (ii) all fees required to be paid to the Lenders on or before the Closing Date shall have been paid.
(c) Unless waived by the Administrative Agent, the Borrowers shall have paid all reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent (directly to such counsel if requested by the Administrative Agent) to the extent invoiced prior to or on the Closing Date, plus such additional amounts of such fees, charges and disbursements as shall constitute its reasonable estimate of such fees, charges and disbursements incurred or to be incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude a final settling of accounts between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent).
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 9.03, for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
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4.02. Conditions to All Credit Extensions. The obligation of each Lender to honor any Committed Loan Notice (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrowers and each other Loan Party contained in Article V or any other Loan Document, or which are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection herewith or therewith, shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects, subject to such qualification) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects, subject to such qualification) as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Section 4.02, the representations and warranties contained in Sections 5.05(a) and (b) shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to Sections 6.01(a) and (b), respectively.
(b) No Default shall exist, or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds thereof.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Committed Loan Notice in accordance with the requirements hereof.
Each Committed Loan Notice (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrowers shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that:
5.01. Existence, Qualification and Power. Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries (a) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite corporate power and authority and all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business and (ii) execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party and consummate the Transaction, and (c) is duly qualified and is licensed and, as applicable, in good standing under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification or license; except in each case referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.02. Authorization; No Contravention. The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which such Person is or is to be a party have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and do not and will not (a) contravene the terms of any of such Person’s Organization Documents; (b) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under, or require any payment to be made under (i) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) any order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject; or (c) violate any Law; except, in each case referred to in clause (b), to the extent such conflict, violation or breach could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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5.03. Governmental Authorization; Other Consents. No approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or (except as contemplated by Section 5.21) filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the consummation of the Transaction, (b) the grant by any Loan Party of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (c) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Collateral Documents (including the first priority nature thereof) or (d) the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents except (i) those obtained or made on or prior to the Closing Date and (ii) those the failure of which to obtain or make could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. All applicable waiting periods in connection with the Transaction have expired without any action having been taken by any Governmental Authority restraining, preventing or imposing materially adverse conditions upon the Transaction or the rights of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries freely to transfer or otherwise dispose of, or to create any Lien on, any properties now owned or hereafter acquired by any of them.
5.04. Binding Effect. This Agreement has been, and each other Loan Document, when delivered hereunder, will have been, duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party that is party thereto. This Agreement constitutes, and each other Loan Document when so delivered will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable against each Loan Party that is party thereto in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws generally affecting creditors’ rights and by equitable principles (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in equity or at law).
5.05. Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.
(a) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other liabilities, direct or contingent, of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for Taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness.
(b) The unaudited consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries dated September 30, 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter ended on that date (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present the financial condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their results of operations for the period covered thereby, subject, in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments.
(c) Since the date of the Audited Financial Statements, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) The consolidated forecasted balance sheet, statements of income and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries delivered to the Lenders prior to the Closing Date or delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(c) were prepared in good faith based on assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were fair in light of the conditions existing at the time of delivery of such forecasts, and represented, at the time of delivery, the Borrowers’ best estimate of its future financial condition and performance.
5.06. Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.06, there are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of Holdings after due and diligent investigation, threatened or contemplated, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that (a) purport to affect or pertain to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or the consummation of the Transaction, or (b) either individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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5.07. No Default. Neither any Loan Party nor any Subsidiary thereof is in default under or with respect to, or a party to, any Contractual Obligation that could, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the consummation of the Transaction.
5.08. Ownership of Property; Liens. Each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries has title in fee simple to, or a valid leasehold interest in, all real property necessary or used in the ordinary conduct of its business, except for such defects in title as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.09. Environmental Compliance. Except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect: (i) the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and their respective operations and facilities are in compliance with applicable Environmental Laws, which compliance includes, without limitation, having obtained and being in compliance with any permits, licenses or other governmental authorizations or approvals, and having made all filings and provided all financial assurances and notices, required for the ownership and operation of the business, properties and facilities of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries under applicable Environmental Laws, and compliance with the terms and conditions thereof; (ii) none of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries has received any written communication that alleges that any Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries are in violation of any Environmental Law; (iii) there is no claim, action or cause of action filed with a court or governmental authority, no investigation with respect to which any Loan Party has received written notice, and no written notice by any person or entity alleging actual or potential liability on the part of any Loan Party or any of their respective Subsidiaries based on or pursuant to any Environmental Law pending or, to the Loan Parties’ or their Subsidiaries’ knowledge, threatened against any of them; (iv) none of the Loan Parties or their respective Subsidiaries is conducting or paying for, in whole or in part, any investigation, response or other corrective action pursuant to any Environmental Law at any site or facility, nor is any of them subject or a party to any order, judgment, decree, contract or agreement which imposes any obligation or liability under any Environmental Law; and (v) there are no actions, conditions or occurrences, including, without limitation, the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials, that could reasonably be expected to result in a violation of or liability under any Environmental Law on the part of the Loan Parties and their respective Subsidiaries.
5.10. Insurance. The properties of Holdings and its Subsidiaries are insured with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of Holdings, in such amounts, with such deductibles and covering such risks as are customarily carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in localities where Holdings or the applicable Subsidiary operates.
5.11. Taxes. Each of the Borrowers and each of their respective Subsidiaries has timely filed all federal, state, foreign and other tax returns and reports required to be filed, and has timely paid all federal, state, foreign and other Taxes (whether or not shown on a tax return), including in its capacity as a withholding agent, levied or imposed upon it or its properties, income or assets otherwise due and payable, except (a) those Taxes which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which adequate reserves have been provided in accordance with GAAP or (b) where the failure to file or pay could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect. There is no proposed material tax deficiency assessment or other claim against, and no material tax audit with respect to, the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries. Except as could not be reasonably expected to, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Borrowers nor any of their respective Subsidiaries has ever “participated” in a “listed transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.6011-4.
5.12. ERISA Compliance.
(a) Except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other Federal or state laws. Each Pension Plan that is intended to be a qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that the form of such Pension Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code or an application for such a letter is currently being processed by the Internal Revenue Service. To the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of Holdings, nothing has occurred that would prevent or cause the loss of such tax-qualified status.
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(b) There are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of Holdings, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or action by any Governmental Authority, with respect to any Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (i) no ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur and (ii) neither any Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or Section 4212(c) of ERISA.
(d) Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, with respect to each employee benefit plan maintained or contributed to by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party that is not subject to United States law (a “Foreign Plan”):
(i) each such Foreign Plan is in compliance with applicable law and the terms of the Foreign Plan;
(ii) solely to the extent that any Foreign Plan is required to be funded (or satisfy any applicable funding requirements of the jurisdiction under which such Foreign Plan is governed) by any Loan Party, the fair market value of the assets of each funded Foreign Plan, the liability of each insurer for any Foreign Plan funded through insurance or the book reserve established for any Foreign Plan, together with any accrued contributions, is sufficient to procure or provide for the accrued benefit obligations, as of the date hereof, with respect to all current and former participants in such Foreign Plan according to the actuarial assumptions and valuations most recently used to account for such obligations in accordance with applicable generally accepted accounting principles; and
(iii) each Foreign Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities.
5.13. Subsidiaries; Equity Interests; Loan Parties. (a) As of the Closing Date, Schedules 1(a), 5(a) and 5(b) of the Perfection Certificate set forth the name and jurisdiction of incorporation of each Subsidiary and, as to each such Subsidiary, the number of each class of its Equity Interests authorized, and the number outstanding, on the Closing Date, the number of shares covered by all outstanding options, warrants, rights of conversion or purchase and similar rights at the Closing Date and the percentage of each class of Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party, (b) all Equity Interests of Vonage America and each other Subsidiary of Holdings are duly and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, are owned by Holdings, directly or indirectly through Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, (c) each Loan Party is the record and beneficial owner of, and has good and marketable title to, the Equity Interests pledged by it under the Security Agreement, free of any and all Liens, rights or claims of other Persons, except the security interest created by the Security Agreement and (d) there are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, rights or other agreements or commitments (other than stock options granted to employees or directors and directors’ qualifying shares) of any nature relating to any Equity Interest of Vonage America or any of the other Subsidiaries of Holdings, except as created by the Loan Documents. No consent of any Person including any other general or limited partner, any other member of a limited liability company, any other shareholder or any other trust beneficiary is necessary in connection with the creation, perfection or first priority status of the security interest of the Administrative Agent in any Equity Interests pledged to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties under the Security Agreement or the exercise by the Administrative Agent of the voting or other rights provided for in the Security Agreement or the exercise of remedies in respect thereof.
5.14. Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.
(a) The Borrowers are not engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U issued by the FRB), or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock in violation of such regulation.
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(b) No Loan Party, any Person Controlling any Loan Party, or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party is or is required to be registered as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
5.15. Disclosure. Holdings has disclosed to the Administrative Agent all agreements, instruments and corporate or other restrictions to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, and all other matters known to it, that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No report, financial statement, certificate or other factual information (taken as a whole) furnished (whether in writing or orally) by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (in each case as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein (taken as a whole), in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrowers represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time prepared (it being understood that projections are subject to uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Borrowers, and that no assurance can be given that such projections will be realized).
5.16. Compliance with Laws. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary thereof is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its properties, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted or (b) the failure to comply therewith, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.17. Intellectual Property/Proprietary Rights, Etc.
(a) To the knowledge of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, each of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed, or otherwise possesses legally enforceable rights, to use, sell or license, as applicable, all Proprietary Rights used or held for use in the business as currently conducted of each such Person. Schedules 7(a), (b) and (c) to the Perfection Certificate contains a complete and correct list of all of the Borrowers’ and each of their respective Subsidiaries’ patents and patent applications; trademark and service xxxx registrations and applications for registration thereof; domain names; and copyright registrations and applications for registration thereof. The Borrowers and each of their respective Subsidiaries have licenses for all Commercial Software used in their respective businesses, except in such instances in which the failure to have such licenses, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Neither of the Borrowers nor any of their respective Subsidiaries is in violation, in any material respect, of any license, sublicense or the agreement pursuant to which the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries are authorized to use, sell, distribute or license any Proprietary Right and such license, sublicense and agreements will continue to be legal, valid, binding enforceable and in full force and effect following the Closing Date, except in such instances in which such violation, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Except for Commercial Software and Embedded Products for which the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries have valid non-exclusive licenses or have otherwise been validly granted the rights to use such Commercial Software and Embedded Products, the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries are the sole and exclusive owners of the Proprietary Rights that the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries purport to own (free and clear of any Liens, other than Permitted Liens).
(d) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.17(d), to the knowledge of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, except in such instances, either individually or in the aggregate, as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) none of the Proprietary Rights used in the business of the Borrowers and/or their respective Subsidiaries infringes on any intellectual property rights of any third Persons, (ii) no Person is infringing any of the Proprietary Rights of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries and (iii) no Person has made a claim of ownership over any Proprietary Right adverse to the ownership interest of the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries. The Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries have not received a written demand, claim, notice or inquiry from any Person in respect of registered intellectual property owned by a Borrower or one of its respective Subsidiaries which challenges or threatens to challenge the validity of such registered intellectual property that has not been resolved.
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(e) All software products sold or licensed by the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries to customers or used in providing services to customers (i) were authored by employees of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries within the scope of their employment and the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries thus were the original author pursuant to the work made for hire doctrine, (ii) are software products that the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries license from providers thereof that purport to have the right to grant such licenses and the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries have no reason to believe such providers do not have the right to grant such licenses with appropriate rights to resell or sublicense to third parties or use in providing services to customers, as applicable, (iii) were authored by third party contractors who have agreed in writing to assign all of their rights in such software products to the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, or (iv) were authored by third party contractors who have granted rights in such software products to the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries such that the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries can operate their business as currently conducted and proposed to be conducted. Each of the Borrowers represent and warrant that the Borrowers and/or each of their respective Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable steps and implemented measures to safeguard the secrecy and confidentiality of any material trade secrets within the Borrowers’ and their respective Subsidiaries’ Proprietary Rights.
(f) (i) The Proprietary Rights listed on Schedule 7.01(b) are not material to the operation of the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries and (ii) to the extent that any of the Proprietary Rights of the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries are material to the operation of one of their respective Affiliates, Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries have the right to grant such Affiliates the rights to use such Proprietary Rights.
5.18. Solvency. Each Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, is and after giving effect to the Transaction and the incurrence of the Indebtedness and obligations being incurred in connection herewith will be, individually and together with its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, Solvent.
5.19. Casualty, Etc. Neither the businesses nor the properties of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries are affected by any fire, explosion, accident, strike, lockout or other labor dispute, drought, storm, hail, earthquake, embargo, act of God or of the public enemy or other casualty (whether or not covered by insurance) that, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.20. Labor Matters. Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (i) there are no collective bargaining agreements or Multiemployer Plans covering the employees of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, and (ii) neither of the Borrowers nor any Subsidiary has suffered any strikes, walkouts, work stoppages or other material labor difficulty within the last three years prior to the Closing Date.
5.21. Collateral Documents. The provisions of the Collateral Documents are effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a legal, valid and enforceable first priority Lien (subject to Permitted Liens) on all right, title and interest of the respective Loan Parties in the Collateral described therein, subject to the exceptions provided herein or therein. Except for filings completed prior to the Closing Date or as otherwise contemplated hereby and by the Collateral Documents, no filing or other action will be necessary to perfect or protect such Liens.
5.22. Anti-Terrorism Laws.
(a) No Loan Party, none of its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of each Loan Party, none of its Affiliates and none of the respective officers, directors, brokers or agents of such Loan Party, such Subsidiary or Affiliate (i) has violated or is in violation of Anti-Terrorism Laws or (ii) has engaged or engages in any transaction, investment, undertaking or activity that conceals the identity, source or destination of the proceeds from any category of offenses designated in the “Forty Recommendations” and “Nine Special Recommendations” published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering.
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(b) No Loan Party, none of its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of each Loan Party, none of its Affiliates and none of the respective officers, directors, brokers or agents of such Loan Party, such Subsidiary or such Affiliate that is acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the Loans is an Embargoed Person.
(c) No Loan Party, none of its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of each Loan Party, none of its Affiliates and none of the respective officers, directors, brokers or agents of such Loan Party, such Subsidiary or such Affiliate acting or benefiting in any capacity in connection with the Loans (i) conducts any business or engages in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of any Embargoed Person, (ii) deals in, or otherwise engages in any transaction related to, any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to any Anti-Terrorism Law or (iii) engages in or conspires to engage in any transaction that evades or avoids, or has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate, any of the prohibitions set forth in any Anti-Terrorism Law.
5.23. Regulatory Matters.
(a) The business of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries is being conducted in compliance with (a) applicable requirements under the federal Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and with all relevant rules, regulations and published policies of the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”); and (b) any applicable state communications laws and regulations of a state public service commission or similar state governmental authority (“State PUC”) (collectively, the “Communications Laws”), except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrowers and their Subsidiaries possess all registrations, licenses, authorizations, and certifications issued by the FCC and State PUCs necessary to conduct their respective businesses as currently conducted. All licenses and authorizations issued by the FCC and State PUCs required for the operations of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries are in full force and effect (the “FCC Licenses” and the “State PUC Licenses”).
(b) There is no condition, event or occurrence existing, nor, to the best of the Borrowers’ knowledge, is there any proceeding being conducted or threatened by any Governmental Authority, which would reasonably be expected to cause the termination, suspension, cancellation, or nonrenewal of any of the FCC Licenses or State Licenses, or the imposition of any penalty or fine by any Governmental Authority with respect to any of the FCC Licenses, State Licenses, the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries, in each case which would have a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) There is no (a) outstanding decree, decision, judgment, or order that has been issued by the FCC or State PUCs against the Borrowers, any of their Subsidiaries, the FCC Licenses or the State Licenses or (b) notice of violation, order to show cause, complaint, investigation or other administrative or judicial proceeding pending or, to the best of the Borrowers’ knowledge, threatened by or before the FCC or State PUC against the Borrowers, any of their Subsidiaries, the FCC Licenses or the State PUC Licenses that, in the case of each of (a) or (b) above, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) No consent, approval, authorization, order or waiver of, or filing with, the FCC or State PUCs is required under the Communications Laws to be obtained or made by the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein and therein.
(e) The Borrowers and their Subsidiaries each have filed with the FCC and State PUCs all necessary reports, documents, instruments, information, or applications required to be filed pursuant to the Communications Laws, and have paid all fees required to be paid pursuant to the Communications Laws, except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
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ARTICLE VI
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than contingent indemnification obligations) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, each of the Borrowers shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02, 6.03, 6.11, 6.14 and 6.17) cause each Subsidiary to:
6.01. Financial Statements. Deliver to the Administrative Agent, in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:
(a) as soon as available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of Holdings (or such earlier date on which Holdings is required to file a Form 10-K under the Exchange Act), a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, such consolidated statements to be audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of BDO USA, LLP or such other independent registered accounting firm of nationally recognized standing reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any “going concern” or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit;
(b) as soon as available, but in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of Holdings (or such earlier date on which Holdings is required to file a Form 10-Q under the Exchange Act), a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for such fiscal quarter and for the portion of Holdings’ fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, such consolidated statements to be certified by the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, treasurer or controller of Holdings as fairly presenting the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes; and
(c) as soon as available, but in any event no later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year of Holdings, an annual business plan and budget of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, including forecasts prepared by management of Holdings, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, of consolidated balance sheets and statements of income or operations and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a quarterly basis for the immediately following fiscal year (including the fiscal year in which the Maturity Date occurs).
As to any information contained in materials furnished pursuant to Section 6.02(d), the Borrowers shall not be separately required to furnish such information under Section 6.01(a) or (b) above, but the foregoing shall not be in derogation of the obligation of the Borrowers to furnish the information and materials described in Sections 6.01(a) and (b) above at the times specified therein.
6.02. Certificates; Other Information. Deliver to the Administrative Agent, in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent:
(a) concurrently with the delivery of the annual financial statements referred to in Section 6.01(a), a certificate of its independent registered accounting firm certifying such financial statements and stating that in making the examination necessary therefor no knowledge was obtained of any Default under the financial covenants set forth in Section 7.11 (it being understood that such independent registered accounting firm will limit its statements to compliance with such covenants at fiscal year end and not at the end of the previous three fiscal quarters) or, if any such Default shall exist, stating the nature and status of such event;
(b) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of Holdings (which delivery may, unless the Administrative Agent, or a Lender requests executed originals, be by electronic communication including fax or email and shall be deemed to be an original authentic counterpart thereof for all purposes);
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(c) promptly after any request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, copies of any detailed audit reports, management letters or recommendations submitted to the board of directors (or the audit committee of the board of directors) of any Loan Party by independent accountants in connection with the accounts or books of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, or any audit of any of them;
(d) promptly after the same are available, copies of each annual report, proxy or financial statement or other report or communication sent to the stockholders (in their capacity as stockholders and not any other capacity) of Holdings, and copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which Holdings may file or be required to file with the SEC under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or with any national securities exchange, and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto;
(e) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any statement or report furnished to any holder of debt securities of any Loan Party or of any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders;
(f) upon the Administrative Agent’s request, which request shall not be made more than once during each fiscal year of Holdings, a report summarizing any changes in the insurance coverage (specifying type, amount and carrier) in effect for each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries since the preceding report delivered pursuant to this section and containing such additional information as the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably specify;
(g) promptly, and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by such agency regarding financial or other operational results of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof;
(h) not later than five Business Days after receipt thereof by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, copies of all notices, requests and other documents (including amendments, waivers and other modifications) so received under or pursuant to any instrument, indenture, loan or credit or similar agreement regarding or related to any breach or default by any party thereto or any other event that would materially impair the value of the interests or the rights of any Loan Party or otherwise have a Material Adverse Effect and, from time to time upon request by the Administrative Agent, such instruments, indentures and loan and credit and similar agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request;
(i) promptly after the assertion or occurrence thereof, notice of any action or proceeding against or of any noncompliance by any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries with any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(j) concurrently with the delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 6.01(a), a Perfection Certificate Supplement (or a certificate confirming that there has been no change in information since the date of the Perfection Certificate or latest Perfection Certificate Supplement), signed by a Responsible Officer of each Borrower and in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent; and
(k) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, financial, legal or corporate affairs of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent, or any Lender through the Administrative Agent, may from time to time reasonably request.
Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) or Section 6.02(d) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrowers post such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrowers’ website on the Internet at the website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrowers’ behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that (i) the Borrowers shall deliver paper copies of such documents to
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the Administrative Agent for itself or any Lender upon its reasonable request to the Borrowers to deliver such paper copies until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent or such Lender and (ii) the Borrowers shall notify the Administrative Agent and each Lender (by telecopier or electronic mail) of the posting of any such documents and provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions (i.e., soft copies) of such documents. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Borrowers with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for requesting delivery to it or maintaining its copies of such documents.
The Borrowers hereby acknowledge that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Arranger will make available to the Lenders materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrowers hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “Public Lender”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrowers or their respective Affiliates, or the respective securities of any of the foregoing, and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Borrowers hereby agree that they will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that (w) all such Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrowers shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any material non-public information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrowers or their securities for purposes of United States Federal and state securities laws (provided, however, that to the extent such Borrower Materials constitute Information, they shall be treated as set forth in Section 10.07); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information”; and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall be entitled to treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.”
6.03. Notices. Promptly notify the Administrative Agent:
(a) of the occurrence of any Default, with such notice describing with particularity any and all provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document that have been breached;
(b) of any matter that has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, including, to the extent such matters would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) breach or non-performance of, or any default under, a Contractual Obligation of Holdings or any Subsidiary; (ii) any dispute, litigation, investigation, proceeding or suspension between Holdings or any Subsidiary and any Governmental Authority; or (iii) the commencement of, or any material development in, any litigation or proceeding affecting Holdings or any Subsidiary, including pursuant to any applicable Environmental Laws;
(c) of the occurrence of any ERISA Event;
(d) of any material change in accounting policies or financial reporting practices by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof; and
(e) of the (i) occurrence of any Disposition of property or assets for which the Borrowers are required to make a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 2.03(b)(ii), (ii) incurrence or issuance of any Indebtedness for which the Borrowers are required to make a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 2.03(b)(iii), and (iii) receipt of any Extraordinary Receipt for which the Borrowers are required to make a mandatory prepayment pursuant to Section 2.03(b)(iv).
Each notice pursuant to Section 6.03 (other than Section 6.03(e)) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer of each Borrower setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.
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6.04. Payment of Obligations.
(a) Pay and discharge as the same shall become due and payable, except to the extent that the failure to pay or discharge the same could not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, all its obligations and liabilities including, (i) all Tax liabilities, assessments and governmental charges or levies upon it or its properties or assets, unless the same are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are being maintained by the Borrowers or such Subsidiary; (ii) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, would by law become a Lien upon its property; and (iii) all Indebtedness, as and when due and payable, but subject to any subordination provisions contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing such Indebtedness.
(b) Timely and correctly file all Tax returns required to be filed by it, except for failures to file that could not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.05. Preservation of Existence, Etc.
(a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence and good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Section 7.04 or 7.05; provided, however, that Holdings and its Subsidiaries may consummate any merger or consolidation permitted under Section 7.04; (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges, permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) preserve or renew all of its registered patents, trademarks, trade names and service marks, the non-preservation of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.06. Maintenance of Properties. Maintain, preserve and protect all of its material properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and (b) make all necessary repairs thereto and renewals and replacements thereof except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.07. Maintenance of Insurance.
(a) Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies not Affiliates of any Borrower, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons and providing for not less than 30 days’ prior notice to the Administrative Agent of termination, lapse or cancellation of such insurance. All such insurance shall name the Administrative Agent as additional insured or loss payee, as applicable.
(b) If any portion of any Mortgaged Property is at any time located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) as a Special Flood Hazard Area with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (as now or hereafter in effect or successor act thereto), then the Borrowers shall, or shall cause each Loan Party to (i) maintain or cause to be maintained with a financially sound and reputable insurer, flood insurance in an amount and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws and (ii) deliver to the Administrative Agent evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
6.08. Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except in such instances in which (a) such requirement of Law or order, writ, injunction or decree is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted; or (b) the failure to comply therewith would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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6.09. Books and Records. Maintain proper books of record and account, in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP consistently applied shall be made of all financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrowers or such Subsidiary, as the case may be; and (b) maintain such books of record and account in material conformity with all applicable requirements of any Governmental Authority having regulatory jurisdiction over the Borrowers or such Subsidiary, as the case may be.
6.10. Inspection Rights. Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent, twice each year, to visit and inspect any of its properties, examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants, all at the expense of the Borrowers and at such reasonable times during normal business hours, upon reasonable advance notice of not less than 10 Business Days to the Borrowers; provided, however, that when an Event of Default exists the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrowers at any time during normal business hours and without advance notice.
6.11. Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of the Borrowings to finance the Transaction and for general corporate purposes not in contravention of any Law or of any Loan Document.
6.12. Covenant to Guarantee Obligations and Give Security.
(a) With respect to any property acquired after the date hereof (other than property referred to in Section 6.12(c)) by any Loan Party that is intended to be subject to the Lien created by any of the Collateral Documents but is not so subject, promptly (and in any event within 45 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may approve) after the acquisition thereof) (i) execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent such amendments or supplements to the relevant Collateral Documents or such other documents as the Administrative Agent shall deem necessary or advisable to grant to the Administrative Agent, for its benefit and for the benefit of the other Secured Parties, a Lien on such property subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens and (ii) take all actions necessary or advisable in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent to cause such Lien to be duly perfected to the extent required by such Collateral Document in accordance with all applicable Requirements of Law, including the filing of financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent. The Borrowers shall otherwise take such actions and execute and/or deliver to the Administrative Agent such documents as the Administrative Agent shall require to confirm the validity, perfection and priority of the Lien of the Collateral Documents on such after-acquired properties.
(b) With respect to any Person that is or becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof (i) deliver to the Administrative Agent the certificates, if any, representing all of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary, together with undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed and delivered in blank by a duly authorized officer of the holder(s) of such Equity Interests, and all intercompany notes owing from such Subsidiary to any Loan Party together with instruments of transfer executed and delivered in blank by a duly authorized officer of such Loan Party and (ii) cause such Subsidiary promptly (and in any event within 30 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may approve) after such Person becomes a Subsidiary) (A) to execute a joinder agreement or such comparable documentation to become a Guarantor and party to the Security Agreement, substantially in the form annexed thereto and (B) to take all actions necessary or advisable in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent to cause the Lien created by the Security Agreement to be duly perfected to the extent required by such agreement in accordance with all applicable Requirements of Law, including the filing of financing statements in such jurisdictions as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) in no event shall more than 65% of the total outstanding Voting Stock in any first-tier Foreign Subsidiary be required to be so pledged and (2) no Foreign Subsidiary that is or becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof shall be required to take the actions specified in clause (ii) of this Section 6.12(b).
(c) The Borrowers may, at their option, designate a Foreign Subsidiary to be a Guarantor. If any Foreign Subsidiary becomes a Guarantor after the date hereof, in addition to the requirements to deliver Equity Interests of such Foreign Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.12(b), such Foreign Subsidiary shall (i) xxxxx x Xxxx to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties on all or substantially all of its assets to the same extent as if it was a Domestic Subsidiary, (ii) enter into a security agreement to be governed by applicable local laws and reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iii) deliver opinions, certificates and any other documents or
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information as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and (iv) take all other actions necessary or advisable in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent to cause the Lien created by such security documents to be duly perfected to extent required by such security documents in accordance with all applicable Requirements of Law.
(d) Promptly grant to the Administrative Agent, within 60 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may approve) of the acquisition thereof, a security interest in and Mortgage on each Real Property owned in fee by such Loan Party as is acquired by such Loan Party after the Closing Date and that, together with any improvements thereon, individually has a fair market value of at least $1,000,000, as additional security for the Obligations (unless the subject property is already mortgaged to a third party to the extent permitted by Section 7.01). Such Mortgages shall be granted pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent and shall constitute valid and enforceable perfected Liens subject only to Liens acceptable to the Administrative Agent. The Mortgages or instruments related thereto shall be duly recorded or filed in such manner and in such places as are required by law to establish, perfect, preserve and protect the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent required to be granted pursuant to the Mortgages and all taxes, fees and other charges payable in connection therewith shall be paid in full. Such Loan Party shall otherwise take such actions and execute and/or deliver to the Administrative Agent such documents as the Administrative Agent shall require to confirm the validity, perfection and priority of the Lien of any existing Mortgage or new Mortgage against such after-acquired Real Property (including a “Life-of-Loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency Standard Flood Hazard Determination (together with notice relating thereto), title policy, a survey and local counsel opinion (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) in respect of such Mortgage).
6.13. Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except where the failure to do so could not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, comply, and cause all lessees operating or occupying properties owned or leased by it to comply, in all material respects, with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; obtain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and conduct any investigation, study, sampling and testing, and undertake any cleanup, removal, remedial or other action necessary to remove and clean up all Hazardous Materials at, on, under or emanating from any properties owned or leased by it, as required and in accordance with the requirements of all Environmental Laws; provided, however, that neither the Borrowers nor any of their respective Subsidiaries shall be required to undertake any such cleanup, removal, remedial or other action to the extent that its obligation to do so is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and appropriate reserves are being maintained with respect to such circumstances in accordance with GAAP.
6.14. Maintenance of Ratings. Use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Loans and each Borrower’s corporate credit to continue to be rated by S&P and Xxxxx’x (but not to maintain a specific rating).
6.15. Further Assurances. Promptly, upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, at the Borrowers’ expense:
(a) execute, acknowledge and deliver, or cause the execution, acknowledgment and delivery of, and thereafter register, file or record, or cause to be registered, filed or recorded, in an appropriate governmental office, any document or instrument supplemental to or confirmatory of the Collateral Documents or otherwise deemed by the Administrative Agent reasonably necessary or desirable for the continued validity, perfection and priority of the Liens on the Collateral covered thereby subject to no other Liens except as permitted by the applicable Collateral Document, or obtain any consents or waivers as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith;
(b) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent from time to time such other documentation, consents, authorizations, approvals and orders in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably deem necessary to perfect or maintain the Liens on the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents; and
(c) upon the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of any power, right, privilege or remedy pursuant to any Loan Document which requires any consent, approval, registration, qualification or authorization of any Governmental Authority, execute and deliver all applications, certifications, instruments and other documents and papers that the Administrative Agent or such Lender may require.
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If the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders determine that they are required by a Requirement of Law to have appraisals prepared in respect of the Real Property of any Loan Party constituting Collateral, the Borrowers shall provide to the Administrative Agent appraisals that satisfy the applicable requirements of the Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments of FIRREA and are otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
6.16. Compliance with Terms of Leaseholds. Make all payments and otherwise perform all obligations in respect of all leases of real property to which any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, keep such leases in full force and effect and not allow such leases to lapse or be terminated or any rights to renew such leases to be forfeited or cancelled (except for any such actions by the Borrowers or any of their respective Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business), notify the Administrative Agent of any default by any party with respect to such leases and cooperate with the Administrative Agent in all respects to cure any such default, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to do so, except, in any case, where the failure to do so, either individually or in the aggregate, would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
6.17. Reserved.
6.18. Information Regarding Collateral and Loan Documents. Not effect any change (i) in any Loan Party’s legal name, (ii) in the location of any Loan Party’s chief executive office, (iii) in any Loan Party’s identity or organizational structure, (iv) in any Loan Party’s Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or organizational identification number, if any, or (v) in any Loan Party’s jurisdiction of organization (in each case, including by merging with or into any other entity, reorganizing, dissolving, liquidating, reorganizing or organizing in any other jurisdiction), until (A) it shall have given the Administrative Agent not less than 30 days’ prior written notice (in the form of a certificate by a Responsible Officer), or such lesser notice period agreed to by the Administrative Agent, of its intention so to do, clearly describing such change and providing such other information in connection therewith as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (B) it shall have taken all action reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in the Collateral, if applicable. Each Loan Party agrees to promptly provide the Administrative Agent with certified Organization Documents reflecting any of the changes described in the preceding sentence. Each Loan Party also agrees to promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any change in the location of any office in which it maintains books or records relating to Collateral owned by it or any office or facility at which Collateral with a value in excess of (i) in the case of network infrastructure, $2.5 million and (ii) in the case of all other Collateral, $1.5 million, is located (including the establishment of any such new office or facility), other than changes in location to a Mortgaged Property.
6.19. Post Closing Matters. Within sixty (60) days of the Closing Date (unless waived or extended in the Administrative Agent’s sole discretion), use its commercially reasonable efforts to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent, the Deposit Account Control Agreements identified on Schedule 6.19.
ARTICLE VII
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than contingent indemnification obligations) shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, neither of the Borrowers shall, nor shall they permit any Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:
7.01. Liens. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or sign or file or suffer to exist under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction a financing statement that names Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries as debtor, or assign any accounts or other right to receive income, other than the following (the “Permitted Liens”):
(a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;
(b) Liens existing on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.01(b) and any renewals or extensions thereof, provided that (i) the property covered thereby is not changed, (ii) the amount secured or benefited thereby is not increased except as contemplated by Section 7.02(d), (iii) the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed (other than as a result of intercompany transactions permitted pursuant to Section 7.04), and (iv) any renewal or extension of the obligations secured or benefited thereby is permitted by Section 7.02(d);
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(c) Liens for Taxes not yet due or Liens for Taxes which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP, and if such proceedings have the effect of preventing the forfeiture or sale of the property subject to any such Lien;
(d) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, suppliers or other like Liens imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business which are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person in accordance with GAAP;
(e) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with tax obligations, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation;
(f) Liens or deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar encumbrances affecting real property which do not in any case materially detract from the value of the property subject thereto or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the applicable Person;
(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h);
(i) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.02(f); provided that (i) such Liens do not at any time encumber any property other than the property financed by such Indebtedness and (ii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of the property being acquired on the date of acquisition;
(j) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged into or consolidated with Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings or becomes a Subsidiary of Holdings; provided that such Liens were not created in contemplation of such merger, consolidation or Investment and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with Holdings or such Subsidiary or acquired by Holdings or such Subsidiary, and the applicable Indebtedness secured by such Lien is permitted under Section 7.02(g);
(k) the interests of lessors under operating leases;
(l) non-exclusive licenses of patents, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business;
(m) rights of setoff or bankers’ Liens upon deposits of cash in favor of banks or other depository institutions, solely to the extent incurred in connection with the maintenance of such deposit accounts in the ordinary course of business;
(n) other Liens securing Indebtedness outstanding in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $10.0 million; provided that no such Lien shall extend to or cover any Collateral;
(o) in the case of Real Property leased by any Loan Party as tenant, Liens to which the fee interest (or any superior interest) in such Real Property is subject;
(p) Liens on cash and Cash Equivalents, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15.0 million, securing Indebtedness permitted under Sections 7.02(a) or (i); and
(q) the replacement, extension or renewal of any Lien permitted by clauses (a) through (p) above upon or in the same property theretofore subject thereto or the replacement, extension or renewal (without increase in the amount (except as permitted under Section 7.02(d)) or change in any direct or contingent obligor) of the Indebtedness secured thereby.
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7.02. Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) obligations (contingent or otherwise) existing or arising under any Swap Contract, provided that (i) such obligations are (or were) entered into by such Person in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of directly mitigating risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates, utility rates or foreign exchange rates and (ii) such Swap Contract does not contain any provision exonerating the non-defaulting party from its obligation to make payments on outstanding transactions to the defaulting party;
(b) Indebtedness of a Subsidiary of Holdings owed to Holdings or a Subsidiary of Holdings, which Indebtedness shall (i) in the case of Indebtedness owed to a Loan Party, be represented in writing by an intercompany note that constitutes “Pledged Securities” under the Security Agreement, (ii) in the case of Indebtedness owed by a Loan Party, be subordinated to the Facility on customary terms and (iii) be otherwise permitted under the provisions of Section 7.03;
(c) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;
(d) Indebtedness outstanding on the date hereof and listed on Schedule 7.02(d) and any refinancings, refundings, renewals or extensions thereof; provided that the amount of such Indebtedness is not increased at the time of such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension except by an amount equal to a reasonable premium or other reasonable amount paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such refinancing and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder and the direct or any contingent obligor with respect thereto is not changed, as a result of or in connection with such refinancing, refunding, renewal or extension (other than as a result of intercompany transactions permitted pursuant to Section 7.04); and provided, still further, that the terms relating to principal amount, amortization, maturity, collateral (if any) and subordination (if any), and other material terms taken as a whole, of any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness, and of any agreement entered into and of any instrument issued in connection therewith, are no less favorable in any material respect to the Loan Parties or the Lenders than the terms of any agreement or instrument governing the Indebtedness being refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended and the interest rate applicable to any such refinancing, refunding, renewing or extending Indebtedness does not exceed the then applicable market interest rate;
(e) Guarantees of a Borrower or any Guarantor in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereunder of any other Borrower or any other Guarantor;
(f) Indebtedness in respect of Capitalized Leases, Synthetic Lease Obligations and purchase money obligations for fixed or capital assets within the limitations set forth in Section 7.01(i); provided, however, that the aggregate amount of all such Indebtedness at any one time outstanding under this clause (f) shall not exceed $15.0 million so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom;
(g) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of Holdings after the date hereof in accordance with the terms of Section 7.03(g), which Indebtedness is existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of Holdings (other than Indebtedness incurred solely in contemplation of such Person’s becoming a Subsidiary of Holdings);
(h) endorsement of instruments or other payment items for deposit in the ordinary course of business;
(i) Indebtedness of Loan Parties (including letters of credit) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $35.0 million at any time outstanding so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom;
(j) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder or any Investment expressly permitted hereunder; and
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(k) Indebtedness incurred by Holding or any Subsidiary constituting reimbursement obligations issued or created in the ordinary course of business, including in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or self insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claim, health, disability or other employee benefits; provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within thirty (30) days following the date thereof.
7.03. Investments. Make any Investments, except:
(a) Investments held by Holdings and its Subsidiaries in the form of Cash Equivalents;
(b) advances to officers, directors and employees of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.5 million at any time outstanding (i) for travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes or (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of Holdings;
(c) (i) Investments by Holdings and its Subsidiaries in their respective Subsidiaries outstanding on the date hereof; provided that if such Investments are in the form of intercompany Indebtedness owed to a Loan Party, such Investments (x) will be represented by an intercompany note that constitutes “Pledged Securities” under the Security Agreement and (y) may be converted to equity (solely to the extent required to comply with applicable Law), (ii) additional Investments by Holdings and its Subsidiaries in Loan Parties (other than Holdings), (iii) additional Investments by Subsidiaries of Holdings that are not Loan Parties in other Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties and (iv) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Investment, additional Investments by the Loan Parties in Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties in the form of intercompany Indebtedness represented by an intercompany note that constitutes “Pledged Securities” under the Security Agreement or equity (solely to the extent required to comply with applicable Law), in an aggregate amount invested from the date hereof not to exceed $10.0 million at any one time outstanding;
(d) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit loss;
(e) Guarantees permitted by Section 7.02;
(f) Investments existing on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 7.03(f);
(g) the purchase or other acquisition of all Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares), in, or all or substantially all of the property of, any Person; provided that, with respect to each purchase or other acquisition made pursuant to this Section 7.03(g):
(i) any such newly-created or acquired Subsidiary shall comply with the requirements of Section 6.12;
(ii) upon the consummation thereof, such Person will be (A) a direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Holdings (including as a result of a merger or consolidation) or (B) a joint venture that is a Foreign Subsidiary of Holdings or one or more of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries;
(iii) the consideration in respect of such purchase or other acquisition shall consist solely of the Equity Interests of Holdings; provided that the total consideration in respect of purchases or other acquisitions of Persons that do not become Loan Parties from the date hereof shall not exceed $50.0 million at any one time outstanding;
(iv) (A) immediately before and immediately after giving pro forma effect to any such purchase or other acquisition, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (B) immediately after giving effect to such purchase or other acquisition, Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with all of the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, such compliance to be determined on
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the basis of the financial information most recently delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) as though such purchase or other acquisition had been consummated as of the first day of the fiscal period covered thereby; and
(v) the Borrowers shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and each Lender, at least five Business Days prior to the date on which any such purchase or other acquisition is to be consummated (or such shorter period as the Administrative Agent may approve), a certificate of a Responsible Officer, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders, certifying that all of the requirements set forth in this clause (g) have been satisfied or will be satisfied on or prior to the consummation of such purchase or other acquisition;
(h) other cash Investments in an aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this clause (h) (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write-downs or write-offs thereof) at any time not to exceed the sum of (i) $50.0 million and (ii) the portion, if any, of the Cumulative Credit on the date of such election that the Borrowers elect to apply to this clause (h), such election to be specified in a written notice of a Responsible Officer of each Borrower calculating in reasonable detail the amount of Cumulative Credit immediately prior to such election and the amount thereof elected to be so applied;
(i) Investments in negotiable instruments deposited or to be deposited for collection in the ordinary course of business; and
(j) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business.
7.04. Fundamental Changes. Merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that, so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom and, so long as the Lien on and security interest in such property granted or to be granted in favor of the Administrative Agent under the Collateral Documents shall be maintained or created in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.12 and 6.15 (subject to Section 9.10):
(a) any Subsidiary may merge with (i) Vonage America, provided that Vonage America shall be the continuing or surviving Person, or (ii) any one or more other Subsidiaries, provided that when any Loan Party (other than Holdings) is merging with another Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, such Loan Party shall be the continuing or surviving Person;
(b) any Loan Party may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to Vonage America or to another Loan Party (other than Holdings);
(c) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may dispose of all or substantially all its assets (including any Disposition that is in the nature of a liquidation) to (i) another Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party or (ii) to a Loan Party;
(d) in connection with any acquisition permitted under Section 7.03, any Subsidiary of any Borrower may merge into or consolidate with any other Person or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it; provided that (i) the Person surviving such merger shall be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such Borrower and (ii) in the case of any such merger to which any Loan Party (other than a Borrower) is a party, such Loan Party is the surviving Person; and
(e) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, any Subsidiary of either Borrower may merge into or consolidate with any other Person or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it; provided, however, that in each case, immediately after giving effect thereto (i) in the case of any such merger to which any Borrower is a party, such Borrower is the surviving corporation and (ii) in the case of any such merger to which any Loan Party (other than a Borrower) is a party, such Loan Party is the surviving corporation.
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7.05. Dispositions. Make any Disposition or enter into any agreement to make any Disposition, except:
(a) Dispositions of obsolete or worn out property and assets no longer useful in the business of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business;
(b) Dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business;
(c) Dispositions of equipment or real property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are reasonably promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;
(d) Dispositions of property by any Subsidiary to any Borrower or to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is a Guarantor, the transferee thereof must either be a Borrower or a Guarantor;
(e) Dispositions permitted by Section 7.04;
(f) Non-exclusive licenses of patents, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(g) Dispositions by Holdings and its Subsidiaries not otherwise permitted under this Section 7.05; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition, no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition, (ii) the aggregate book value of all property Disposed of in reliance on this clause (h) shall not exceed $15.0 million and (iii) with respect to any disposition of assets with a fair market value of $500,000 or greater, at least 75% of the purchase price for such asset shall be paid to the Borrower or such Subsidiary in cash and Cash Equivalents; and
(h) so long as no Default shall occur and be continuing, the grant of any option or other right to purchase any asset in a transaction that would be permitted under the provisions of Section 7.05(g).
provided, however, that any Disposition pursuant to Section 7.05(a) through Section 7.05(h) shall be for fair market value.
7.06. Restricted Payments. Declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, or incur any obligation (contingent or otherwise) to do so, or, solely with respect to Holdings and its Subsidiaries, issue or sell any Equity Interests or accept any capital contributions, except that, so long as no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of any action described below or would result therefrom:
(a) each Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrowers, any Subsidiaries of the Borrowers that are Guarantors and any other Person that owns a direct Equity Interest in such Subsidiary, ratably according to their respective holdings of the type of Equity Interest in respect of which such Restricted Payment is being made;
(b) Holdings may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable solely in the common stock or other common Equity Interests of Holdings;
(c) Holdings may purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire its common Equity Interests with the proceeds received from the substantially concurrent issue of new common Equity Interests;
(d) the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition for value of Equity Interests of Holdings held by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant (or such person’s heirs or decedents) of the Borrowers or any Subsidiary of the Borrowers pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or other agreement or arrangement; provided, however, that the aggregate amounts paid under this clause (d) (net of any proceeds received by Holdings after the date hereof in connection with resales of any Equity Interests so repurchased, retired or acquired) do not exceed $1.5 million in any calendar year plus any amount received by Holdings from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) to officers and employees; and
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(e) so long as (x) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom and (y) Holdings’ Consolidated Leverage Ratio is less than or equal to 1.00:1.0, Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed the sum of (i) $10.0 million and (ii) the portion, if any, of the Cumulative Credit on the date of such election that the Borrowers elect to apply pursuant to this clause (e), such election to be specified in a written notice of a Responsible Officer of each Borrower calculating in reasonable detail the amount of the Cumulative Credit immediately prior to such election and the amount thereof elected to be so applied; and
(f) the repurchase of Equity Interests of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries deemed to occur upon “cashless” exercise of stock options or warrants or in respect of withholding taxes payable with respect to any compensatory Equity Interests.
7.07. Change in Nature of Business. Engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by Holdings and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof or any business related or incidental thereto.
7.08. Transactions with Affiliates. Enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of any Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, other than on fair and reasonable terms substantially as favorable to such Borrower or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by such Borrower or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate; provided that the foregoing restriction shall not apply (a) to transactions between or among the Loan Parties, (b) reasonable or customary indemnification and compensation arrangements for members of the board of directors (or similar governing body), officers and other employees of Holdings and its respective Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, transactions specific director fees and retirement, health, stock option and other benefit plans and arrangements, (c) any transaction with an Affiliate where the only consideration paid by any Loan Party is Qualified Capital Stock of Holdings and (d) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 7.06 and Investments permitted under Section 7.03.
7.09. Burdensome Agreements. Enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that (a) limits the ability (i) of any Subsidiary to make Restricted Payments to any Borrower or any Guarantor or to otherwise transfer property to or invest in any Borrower or any Guarantor, except for any agreement in effect (A) on the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 7.09 or (B) at the time any Subsidiary becomes a Subsidiary of Holdings, so long as such agreement was not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Subsidiary of Holdings, (ii) of any Subsidiary or of Holdings, to Guarantee the Indebtedness of the Borrowers or (iii) of Holdings or any Subsidiary to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person; provided, however, that this clause (iii) shall not prohibit any negative pledge incurred or provided in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.02(f) solely to the extent any such negative pledge relates to the property financed by or the subject of such Indebtedness; or (b) requires the grant of a Lien to secure an obligation of such Person if a Lien is granted to secure another obligation of such Person.
7.10. Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of any Credit Extension, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the FRB) or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose.
7.11. Financial Covenants.
(a) Consolidated Leverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Leverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter of Holdings set forth below to be greater than the ratio set forth below opposite such period:
Fiscal Quarters Ending |
Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio | |
December 31, 2010 |
2.25 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2011 |
2.25 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2011 |
2.25 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2011 |
2.25 to 1.00 | |
December 31, 2011 |
2.00 to 1.00 |
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Fiscal Quarters Ending |
Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio | |
March 31, 2012 |
2.00 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2012 |
2.00 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2012 |
2.00 to 1.00 | |
December 31, 2012 |
1.75 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2013 |
1.75 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2013 |
1.75 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2013 |
1.75 to 1.00 | |
December 31, 2013 |
1.50 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2014 |
1.50 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2014 |
1.50 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2014 |
1.50 to 1.00 | |
December 31, 2014 and each fiscal quarter thereafter |
1.25 to 1.00 |
(b) Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio. Permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter of Holdings to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite such fiscal quarter:
Fiscal Quarters Ending |
Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio | |
December 31, 2010 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2011 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2011 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2011 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
December 31, 2011 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2012 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2012 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2012 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
December 31, 2012 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
March 31, 2013 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
June 30, 2013 |
3.00 to 1.00 | |
September 30, 2013 and each fiscal quarter thereafter |
3.50 to 1.00 |
7.12. Capital Expenditures. Beginning on January 1, 2011, make or become legally obligated to make any Capital Expenditure, except for Capital Expenditures in the ordinary course of business not exceeding, in the aggregate for Holdings and its Subsidiaries during any fiscal year, $55.0 million; provided that so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from such expenditure, any portion of any amount set forth above, if not expended in the fiscal year for which it is permitted above, may be carried over for expenditure in the next following fiscal year; and provided, further, if any such amount is so carried over, it will be deemed used in the applicable subsequent fiscal year.
In addition to the Capital Expenditures permitted pursuant to the preceding paragraph, Holdings and its Subsidiaries may make additional Capital Expenditures in an amount not to exceed the portion, if any, of the Cumulative Credit on the date of such Capital Expenditure that the Borrower elects to apply to this Section 7.12.
7.13. Amendments of Organization Documents. Amend any of its Organization Documents in a manner materially adverse to the Lenders.
7.14. Accounting Changes. Make any material change in (a) accounting policies or reporting practices, except as required by GAAP, or (b) fiscal year.
7.15. Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness. Prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner, or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of, any Indebtedness, except (a) the prepayment of the Credit Extensions in accordance with the terms of this
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Agreement, (b) regularly scheduled or required repayments or redemptions of Indebtedness and refinancings and refundings of Indebtedness in compliance with Section 7.02(d) and (c) if Holdings shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 after giving effect thereto, prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of Indebtedness prior to its scheduled maturity in an aggregate amount not to exceed the portion, if any, of the Cumulative Credit on such date that the Borrower elects to apply to this paragraph, such election to be specified in a written notice of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower calculating in reasonable detail the amount of Cumulative Credit immediately prior to such election and the amount thereof elected to be so applied.
ARTICLE VIII
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
8.01. Events of Default. Any of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:
(a) Non-Payment. The Borrowers or any other Loan Party fail to (i) pay when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan or (ii) pay within three Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any fee due hereunder, or (iii) pay within five Business Days after notice to the Borrowers that the same becomes due, any other amount payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document; or
(b) Specific Covenants. (i) The Borrowers fail to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.03, 6.05, 6.11, 6.12 or Article VII or (ii) any of the Guarantors fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in the Guaranty corresponding to any such section; or
(c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Section 8.01(a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for 30 days from the earlier of (i) any Borrower’s knowledge of such Default and (ii) notice thereof from the Administrative Agent; or
(d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrowers or any other Loan Party herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made; or
(e) Cross-Default. (i) Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof (A) fails to make any payment when due (subject to applicable grace or cure periods) (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness or Guarantee (other than Indebtedness hereunder and Indebtedness under Swap Contracts) having an aggregate principal amount (including undrawn committed or available amounts and including amounts owing to all creditors under any combined or syndicated credit arrangement) of more than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails (beyond any applicable grace or cure period) to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or Guarantee or contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating thereto, or any other event occurs, the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness or the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such Guarantee (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to be demanded or to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity, or such Guarantee to become payable or cash collateral in respect thereof to be demanded; or (ii) there occurs under any Swap Contract an Early Termination Date (as defined in such Swap Contract) resulting from (A) any event of default under such Swap Contract as to which a Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is the Defaulting Party (as defined in such Swap Contract) or (B) any Termination Event (as so defined) under such Swap Contract as to which a Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is an Affected Party (as so defined) and, in either event, the Swap Termination Value owed by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary as a result thereof is greater than the Threshold Amount; or
(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator
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or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for 60 calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for 60 calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) Any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of any such Person and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 45 days after its issue or levy; or
(h) Judgments. There is entered against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof (i) one or more final judgments or orders for the payment of money in an aggregate amount (as to all such judgments and orders) exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer is rated at least “A” by A.M. Best Company, has been notified of the potential claim and does not dispute coverage), or (ii) any one or more non-monetary final judgments that have, or would reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and, in either case, (A) enforcement proceedings are commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order, or (B) there is a period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, is not in effect; or
(i) ERISA. Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (i) an ERISA Event occurs with respect to a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan which has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in liability of any Borrower under Title IV of ERISA to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC, or (ii) any Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan; or
(j) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder or satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party contests in any manner the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document; or any Loan Party denies that it has any or further liability or obligation under any provision of any Loan Document, or purports to revoke, terminate or rescind any provision of any Loan Document; or
(k) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control; or
(l) Collateral Documents. Any Collateral Document after delivery thereof pursuant to Section 4.01 or 6.12 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms thereof) cease to create a valid and perfected first priority Lien (subject to Permitted Liens) on the Collateral purported to be covered thereby where the value of the collateral purported to be covered thereby is in excess of $2.5 million.
8.02. Remedies upon Event of Default. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, at the request of, or may, with the consent of, the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions:
(a) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;
(b) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrowers; and
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(c) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents;
provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to any Borrower under the Debtor Relief Laws, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable.
8.03. Application of Funds. After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order:
First, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as such;
Second, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel to the respective Lenders arising under the Loan Documents and amounts payable under Article III, ratably among them in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
Third, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and other Obligations arising under the Loan Documents, ratably among the Lenders in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
Fourth, to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and Obligations then owing under Secured Hedge Agreements and Secured Cash Management Agreements, ratably among the Lenders, the Hedge Banks and the Cash Management Banks in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them; and
Last, the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full, to the Borrowers or as otherwise required by Law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligations arising under Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements shall be excluded from the application described above if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank, as the case may be. Each Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank not a party to the Credit Agreement that has given the notice contemplated by the preceding sentence shall, by such notice, be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted the appointment of the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of Article IX hereof for itself and its Affiliates as if a “Lender” party hereto.
ARTICLE IX
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
9.01. Appointment and Authority.
(a) Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints Bank of America to act on its behalf as the Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, and neither of the Borrowers nor any other Loan Party shall have rights (other than the Borrowers’ rights under Sections 9.06 and 9.10) as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
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(b) The Administrative Agent shall also act as the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents, and each of the Lenders (including in its capacities as a potential Hedge Bank and a potential Cash Management Bank) hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the agent of such Lender for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Administrative Agent, as “collateral agent” and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.05 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Administrative Agent, shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX and Article X (including Section 10.04(c)), as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the “collateral agent” under the Loan Documents as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.
9.02. Rights as a Lender. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with Holdings or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.
9.03. Exculpatory Provisions. The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent:
(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing;
(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents), provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law; and
(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrowers or any of their respective Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 10.01 and 8.02) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until notice describing such Default is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrowers or a Lender.
(e) The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or the creation, perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created by the Collateral Documents, (v) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.
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9.04. Reliance by Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of such Loan. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrowers), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.
9.05. Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.
9.06. Resignation of Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation to the Lenders and the Borrowers. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, in consultation with the Borrowers, to appoint a successor, which shall be a bank with an office in the United States, or an Affiliate of any such bank with an office in the United States. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrowers and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (a) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (except that in the case of any collateral security held by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders under any of the Loan Documents, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to hold such collateral security until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed) and (b) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Administrative Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Administrative Agent as provided for above in this Section. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrowers to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrowers and such successor. After the retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Article and Section 10.04 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent.
9.07. Non-Reliance on Administrative Agent and Other Lenders. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
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9.08. No Other Duties, Etc.. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, none of the Arrangers or Arrangers listed on the cover page hereof shall have any powers, duties or responsibilities under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, except in its capacity, as applicable, as the Administrative Agent hereunder.
9.09. Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or any other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrowers) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, if the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.09 and 10.04.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or in any such proceeding.
9.10. Collateral and Guaranty Matters. Each of the Lenders (including in its capacities as a potential Cash Management Bank and a potential Hedge Bank) irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion,
(a) to release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than (A) contingent indemnification obligations and (B) obligations and liabilities under Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements, (ii) that is sold or to be sold as part of or in connection with any sale permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document to a Person that is not a Loan Party, or (iii) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing in accordance with Section 10.01;
(b) to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted hereunder; and\
(c) to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 7.01(i).
Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.10. In each case as specified in this Section 9.10, the Administrative Agent will, at the Borrowers’ expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as such Loan Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents or to subordinate its interest in such item, or to release such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.10.
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9.11. Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements. No Cash Management Bank or Hedge Bank that obtains the benefits of Section 8.03, the Guaranty or any Collateral by virtue of the provisions hereof or of the Guaranty or any Collateral Document shall have any right to notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise in respect of the Collateral (including the release or impairment of any Collateral) other than in its capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IX to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, Obligations arising under Secured Cash Management Agreements and Secured Hedge Agreements.
9.12. Withholding Tax. To the extent required by any applicable Law, the Administrative Agent may deduct or withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax. If the Internal Revenue Service or any other authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender for any reason (including, without limitation, because the appropriate form was not delivered or not property executed, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of withholding Tax ineffective, or for any other reason), such Lender shall indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent (to the extent that the Administrative Agent has not already been reimbursed by the Borrowers pursuant to Sections 3.01 and 3.04 and without limiting any obligation of the Borrowers to do so pursuant to such Sections) fully for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as Taxes or otherwise (including any and all related losses, claims, liabilities, penalties, and interest), together with all expenses incurred, including legal expenses and any other out-of-pocket expenses, whether or not such Tax was correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender shall make payment in respect thereof within 10 days after demand therefor. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this Section 9.12. The agreements in this Section 9.12 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of this Agreement and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations. Unless required by applicable Laws, at no time shall the Administrative Agent have any obligation to file for or otherwise pursue on behalf of a Lender any refund of Taxes withheld or deducted from funds paid for the account of such Lender.
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
10.01. Amendments, Etc. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by the Borrowers or any other Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders and the Borrowers or the applicable Loan Party, as the case may be, and acknowledged by the Administrative Agent, and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(a) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.01 (other than Section 4.01(b)(i) or (c)), or, in the case of the initial Borrowing, Section 4.02, without the written consent of each Lender;
(b) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender (or reinstate any Commitment terminated pursuant to Section 8.02) without the written consent of such Lender;
(c) postpone any date fixed by this Agreement or any other Loan Document for (i) any payment (excluding mandatory prepayments) of principal, interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any of them) hereunder or under such other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender entitled to such payment or (ii) any scheduled reduction of the Facility hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender adversely affected thereby;
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(d) reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan, or any premium, fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the written consent of each Lender entitled to such amount; provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary (i) to amend the definition of “Default Rate” or to waive any obligation of the Borrowers to pay interest or Letter of Credit Fees at the Default Rate or (ii) to amend any financial covenant hereunder (or any defined term used therein) even if the effect of such amendment would be to reduce the rate of interest on any Loan or to reduce any fee payable hereunder;
(e) change (i) Section 8.03 in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender adversely affected thereby or (ii) the order of application of any reduction in the Commitments or any prepayment of Loans from the application thereof set forth in the applicable provisions of Section 2.03(b) or 2.04(b), respectively, in any manner that materially and adversely affects the Lenders without the written consent of the Required Lenders;
(f) change any provision of this Section 10.01 or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision hereof specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to amend, waive or otherwise modify any rights hereunder or make any determination or grant any consent hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender;
(g) release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions, without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of such Collateral is permitted pursuant to Section 9.10 (in which case such release may be made by the Administrative Agent acting alone);
(h) release all or substantially all of the value of the Guaranty, without the written consent of each Lender, except to the extent the release of any Subsidiary from the Guaranty is permitted pursuant to Section 9.10 (in which case such release may be made by the Administrative Agent acting alone); or
(i) impose any greater restriction on the ability of any Lender to assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the written consent of such Lender.
Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be amended with the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers (i) to add one or more additional revolving credit or term loan facilities to this Agreement and to permit the extensions of credit and all related obligations and liabilities arising in connection therewith from time to time outstanding to share ratably (or on a basis subordinated to the existing facilities hereunder) in the benefits of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents with the obligations and liabilities from time to time outstanding in respect of the existing facilities hereunder, and (ii) in connection with the foregoing, to permit, as deemed appropriate by the Administrative Agent and approved by the Required Lenders, the Lenders providing such additional credit facilities to participate in any required vote or action required to be approved by the Required Lenders or by any other number, percentage or class of Lenders hereunder.
If any Lender does not consent to a proposed amendment, waiver, consent or release with respect to any Loan Document that requires the consent of each Lender and that has been approved by the Required Lenders, the Borrowers may replace such non-consenting Lender in accordance with Section 10.13; provided that such amendment, waiver, consent or release can be effected as a result of the assignment contemplated by such Section (together with all other such assignments required by the Borrowers to be made pursuant to this paragraph).
10.02. Notices; Effectiveness; Electronic Communications.
(a) Notices Generally. Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and except as provided in subsection (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopier as follows, and all notices and other communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02; and
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(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, telecopier number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire (including, as appropriate, notices delivered solely to the Person designated by a Lender on its Administrative Questionnaire then in effect for the delivery of notices that may contain material non-public information relating to the Borrowers).
Notices and other communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices and other communications sent by telecopier shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices and other communications delivered through electronic communications to the extent provided in subsection (b) below shall be effective as provided in such subsection (b).
(b) Electronic Communications. Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet or intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent, provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices to any Lender pursuant to Article II if such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication. The Administrative Agent or the Borrowers may, in its or their discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it, provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if such notice or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient, and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i) of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor.
(c) The Platform. THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS IN OR OMISSIONS FROM THE BORROWER MATERIALS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY ANY AGENT PARTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE BORROWER MATERIALS OR THE PLATFORM. In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (collectively, the “Agent Parties”) have any liability to the Borrowers, any Lender or any other Person for losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses of any kind (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) arising out of the Borrowers’ or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Borrower Materials through the Internet, except to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Agent Party; provided, however, that in no event shall any Agent Party have any liability to the Borrowers, any Lender or any other Person for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages).
(d) Change of Address, Etc. Each of the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. Each other Lender may change its address, telecopier or telephone number for notices and other
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communications hereunder by notice to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent. In addition, each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent from time to time to ensure that the Administrative Agent has on record (i) an effective address, contact name, telephone number, telecopier number and electronic mail address to which notices and other communications may be sent and (ii) accurate wire instructions for such Lender. Furthermore, each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the “Private Side Information” or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lender’s compliance procedures and applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws, to make reference to Borrower Materials that are not made available through the “Public Side Information” portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States Federal or state securities laws.
(e) Reliance by Administrative Agent and Lenders. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrowers even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrowers shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Related Parties of each of them from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrowers. All telephonic notices to and other telephonic communications with the Administrative Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
10.03. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies; Enforcement. No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document 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, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by law.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, the authority to enforce rights and remedies hereunder and under the other Loan Documents against the Loan Parties or any of them shall be vested exclusively in, and all actions and proceedings at law in connection with such enforcement shall be instituted and maintained exclusively by, the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 8.02 for the benefit of all the Lenders; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit (a) the Administrative Agent from exercising on its own behalf the rights and remedies that inure to its benefit (solely in its capacity as Administrative Agent) hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, (b) any Lender from exercising setoff rights in accordance with Section 10.08 (subject to the terms of Section 2.11), or (c) any Lender from filing proofs of claim or appearing and filing pleadings on its own behalf during the pendency of a proceeding relative to any Loan Party under any Debtor Relief Law; and provided, further, that if at any time there is no Person acting as Administrative Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, then (i) the Required Lenders shall have the rights otherwise ascribed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.02 and (ii) in addition to the matters set forth in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of the preceding proviso and subject to Section 2.11, any Lender may, with the consent of the Required Lenders, enforce any rights and remedies available to it and as authorized by the Required Lenders.
10.04. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.
(a) Costs and Expenses. The Borrowers shall pay (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of one counsel for the Administrative Agent), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and (ii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent or any Lender), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan
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Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with Loans made hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.04(a) shall not apply to Excluded Taxes, which shall be governed exclusively by Section 3.01 hereof.
(b) Indemnification by the Borrower. The Borrowers shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the reasonable and documented fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrowers or any other Loan Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or, in the case of the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof) and its Related Parties only, the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, (ii) any actual or alleged presence or Release or threat of Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, under or from any property owned or operated by the Borrowers or any of their Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrowers or any other Loan Party or any of the Borrowers’ or such Loan Party’s directors, shareholders or creditors, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by any Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if such Borrower or such Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.04(b) shall not apply to Taxes (except to the extent of any Taxes that are imposed in connection with any losses, claims, damages, etc. resulting from a non-Tax claim).
(c) Reimbursement by Lenders. To the extent that the Borrowers for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof) or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) in connection with such capacity. The obligations of the Lenders under this subsection (c) are subject to the provisions of Section 2.10(d).
(d) Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrowers shall not assert, and hereby waive, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in subsection (b) above shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed to such unintended recipients by such Indemnitee through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby other than for direct or actual damages resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee as determined by a final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(e) Payments. All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than ten Business Days after demand therefor.
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(f) Survival. The agreements in this Section shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations.
10.05. Payments Set Aside. To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to the Administrative Agent or any Lender, or the Administrative Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share (without duplication) of any amount so recovered from or repaid by the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect, in the applicable currency of such recovery or payment. The obligations of the Lenders under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall survive the payment in full of the Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
10.06. Successors and Assigns.
(a) Successors and Assigns Generally. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither the Borrowers nor any other Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.06(b), (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.06(d), or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.06(f) (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in subsection (d) of this Section and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) Assignments by Lenders. Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment(s) and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i) Minimum Amounts.
(A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s 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, no minimum amount need be assigned; and
(B) (in any case not described in subsection (b)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment, determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption, as of the Trade Date, shall not be less than $1,000,000, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrowers otherwise consent (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided, however, that concurrent assignments to members of an Assignee Group and concurrent assignments from members of an Assignee Group to a single Eligible Assignee (or to an Eligible Assignee and members of its Assignee Group) will be treated as a single assignment for purposes of determining whether such minimum amount has been met;
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(ii) Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans or the Commitment assigned;
(iii) Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by subsection (b)(i)(B) of this Section and, in addition:
(A) the consent of the Borrowers (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) shall be required unless an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) or (f) has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment; provided that the Borrowers shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless they shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof; and
(B) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments in respect of (1) any Commitment if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender with a Commitment, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender or (2) any Loan to a Person that is not a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund.
(iv) Assignment and Assumption. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee in the amount of $3,500; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, elect to waive such processing and recordation fee in the case of any assignment. The assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.
(v) No Assignment to Certain Persons. No such assignment shall be made (A) to any Borrower or any of the Borrowers’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries, or (B) to a natural person.
Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05 and 10.04 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Upon request, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this subsection shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.06(d).
(c) Register. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower (and such agency being solely for tax purposes), shall maintain at the Administrative Agent’s Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrowers and any Lender (with respect to such Lender’s interest), at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(d) Participations. Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or any Borrower or any of the Borrowers’ Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it);
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provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that affects such Participant. Subject to subsection (e) of this Section, the Borrowers agree that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and limitations of such Sections) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.06(b). To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender.
Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrowers, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of each participant’s interest in the Loans or other Obligations under this Agreement (the “Participant Register”). The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.
(e) Limitations upon Participant Rights. A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 3.01 or 3.04 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, except to the extent such entitlement to a greater payment resulted from a Change in Law occurring after the Participant became a Participant.
(f) Certain Pledges. Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
10.07. Treatment of Certain Information; Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and to its and its Affiliates’ respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, advisors and representatives (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over it (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower and its obligations, (g) with the consent of the Borrowers or (h) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Borrowers.
For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from Holdings or any Subsidiary relating to Holdings or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by Holdings or any Subsidiary, provided that, in the case of information received from Holdings or any Subsidiary after the date hereof, such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as confidential. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
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Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders acknowledges that (a) the Information may include material non-public information concerning the Borrowers or a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (b) it has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of material non-public information and (c) it will handle such material non-public information in accordance with applicable Law, including United States Federal and state securities Laws.
10.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrowers or any other Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of the Borrowers or such Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Borrowers or such Loan Party may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch or office of such Lender different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness. The rights of each Lender and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender or its respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender agrees to notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
10.09. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the “Maximum Rate”). If the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrowers. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by the Administrative Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
10.10. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto in different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or other electronic imaging means shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
10.11. Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by the Administrative Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Borrowing, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied.
10.12. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, (a) the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby and (b) the parties shall endeavor in good
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faith negotiations to replace the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provisions. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
10.13. Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender requests compensation under Section 3.04, or if the Borrowers are required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 3.01, or if any other circumstance exists hereunder that gives the Borrowers the right to replace a Lender as a party hereto, then the Borrowers may, at their sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 10.06), all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be one or more other Lenders, if such Lender or Lenders accept such assignment), provided that:
(a) the Borrowers shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 10.06(b) (unless waived by the Administrative Agent);
(b) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees, premium, and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 3.01, 3.04 or 3.05) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrowers (in the case of all other amounts);
(c) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and
(d) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Laws.
A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.
10.14. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Etc.
(a) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(b) SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. EACH BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.
(c) WAIVER OF VENUE. EACH BORROWER AND EACH OTHER LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF
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ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (B) OF THIS SECTION. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
(d) SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW
10.15. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
10.16. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), each of the Borrowers acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates’ understanding, that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrowers and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers, on the other hand, (B) each of the Borrowers has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) each of the Borrowers is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) the Administrative Agent and each Arranger each is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrowers, any of their respective Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) neither the Administrative Agent nor any Arranger has any obligation to the Borrowers or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrowers and their respective Affiliates, and neither the Administrative Agent nor any Arranger has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrowers or any of their respective Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each of the Borrowers hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.
10.17. Electronic Execution of Assignments and Certain Other Documents. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption or in any amendment or other modification hereof (including waivers and consents) shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
10.18. USA PATRIOT Act. Each Lender that is subject to the Act (as hereinafter defined) and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrowers that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the “Act”), it
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is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of each Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify each Loan Party in accordance with the Act. The Borrowers shall, promptly following a request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, provide all documentation and other information that the Administrative Agent or such Lender reasonably requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” an anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the Act.
10.19. Time of the Essence. Time is of the essence of the Loan Documents.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.
VONAGE AMERICA INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxx X. Xxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President and Secretary | ||
VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP. | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer |
[Credit Agreement Signature Page]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Credit Agreement Signature Page]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Lender | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx van der Xxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx van der Xxxxx | ||
Title: Senior Vice President |
[Credit Agreement Signature Page]
SCHEDULE 2.01
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Commitments and Applicable Percentages
Lender |
Commitment | Applicable Percentage | ||||||
Bank of America, N.A. |
$ | 200,000,000 | 100.000000000 | % | ||||
Total |
$ | 200,000,000 | 100.000000000 | % |
SCHEDULE 5.06
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Litigation1
1. | Alcatel-Lucent. On November 4, 2008, Vonage received a letter from Alcatel-Lucent initiating an opportunity for Vonage to obtain a non-exclusive patent license to certain of its patents that may be relevant to Vonage’s business. Vonage is currently analyzing the applicability of such patents to its business, as well as additional patents subsequently identified by Alcatel-Lucent. If Vonage determines that these patents are applicable to its business and valid, it may incur expense in licensing them. If Vonage determines that these patents are not applicable to its business or invalid, it may incur expense and damages if there is litigation. |
2. | Ceres Communications Technologies LLC. On October 6, 2010, Ceres Communications Technologies LLC (“Ceres”) filed a lawsuit against Vonage Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries Vonage America, Inc. and Vonage Marketing LLC in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that Vonage’s products and services are covered by a patent held by Ceres, United States Patent No. 5,774,526, entitled “Reconfigurable On-Demand Telephone and Data Line System.” The suit also named numerous other companies as defendants, including AT&T, Inc., Cablevision Systems Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Xxx Communications Inc., Skype Global S.a.r.l, Skype Inc., Time Warner Cable, and Verizon Communications Inc. Vonage is currently reviewing the validity of the Ceres patent and whether any of Vonage’s products and services are covered by it. On November 16, 2010, the company filed its Answer and Counterclaims and a Motion to Dismiss Ceres’ claims for induced infringement, contributory infringement and willful infringement. Ceres’ opposition to that Motion is due December 3, 2010. |
3. | j2 Global Communications Inc. Vonage received a letter, dated November 13, 2009, from j2 Global Communications Inc. (“j2”) asserting that Vonage is violating j2’s patent rights with respect to four (4) j2 patents related to messaging and communication technologies, and inviting Vonage enter into licensing negotiations with j2. j2 has not sent any additional letters since this initial letter. |
4. | Hitachi, Ltd. Vonage received a letter, dated June 25, 2010, from Hitachi, Ltd. (“Hitachi”) inviting Vonage to license certain Hitachi patents related to telephone technology. No specific patents were identified in the letter. |
1 | Note: Inclusion of any matter on this schedule is not an acknowledgement by Borrowers or Borrower’s Subsidiaries that any of these matters are reasonably to be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the business of Borrowers or Borrower’s Subsidiaries. Such matters are included herein solely in an abundance of caution. |
SCHEDULE 5.17(d)
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Proprietary rights2
1. | Alcatel-Lucent. On November 4, 2008, Vonage received a letter from Alcatel-Lucent initiating an opportunity for Vonage to obtain a non-exclusive patent license to certain of its patents that may be relevant to Vonage’s business. Vonage is currently analyzing the applicability of such patents to its business, as well as additional patents subsequently identified by Alcatel-Lucent. If Vonage determines that these patents are applicable to its business and valid, it may incur expense in licensing them. If Vonage determines that these patents are not applicable to its business or invalid, it may incur expense and damages if there is litigation. |
2. | Ceres Communications Technologies LLC. On October 6, 2010, Ceres Communications Technologies LLC (“Ceres”) filed a lawsuit against Vonage Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries Vonage America, Inc. and Vonage Marketing LLC in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that Vonage’s products and services are covered by a patent held by Ceres, United States Patent No. 5,774,526, entitled “Reconfigurable On-Demand Telephone and Data Line System.” The suit also named numerous other companies as defendants, including AT&T, Inc., Cablevision Systems Corporation, Comcast Corporation, Xxx Communications Inc., Skype Global S.a.r.l, Skype Inc., Time Warner Cable, and Verizon Communications Inc. Vonage is currently reviewing the validity of the Ceres patent and whether any of Vonage’s products and services are covered by it. On November 16, 2010, the company filed its Answer and Counterclaims and a Motion to Dismiss Ceres’ claims for induced infringement, contributory infringement and willful infringement. Ceres’ opposition to that Motion is due December 3, 2010. |
3. | j2 Global Communications Inc. Vonage received a letter, dated November 13, 2009, from j2 Global Communications Inc. (“j2”) asserting that Vonage is violating j2’s patent rights with respect to four (4) j2 patents related to messaging and communication technologies, and inviting Vonage enter into licensing negotiations with j2. j2 has not sent any additional letters since this initial letter. |
4. | Hitachi, Ltd. Vonage received a letter, dated June 25, 2010, from Hitachi, Ltd. (“Hitachi”) inviting Vonage to license certain Hitachi patents related to telephone technology. No specific patents were identified in the letter. |
2 | Note: Inclusion of any matter on this schedule is not an acknowledgement by Borrowers or Borrower’s Subsidiaries that any of these matters are reasonably to be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the business of Borrowers or Borrower’s Subsidiaries. Such matters are included herein solely in an abundance of caution. |
SCHEDULE 6.12
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Guarantors
Entity |
Vonage Network LLC |
Vonage Marketing LLC |
Vonage Worldwide Inc. |
Vonage International Inc. |
Novega Venture Partners, Inc. |
DSP LLC |
Vonage Applications Inc. |
SCHEDULE 6.19
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Deposit Account Control Agreements
Owner |
Bank |
Account Numbers | ||
Vonage Holdings Corp. | XX Xxxxxx Xxxxx | 957083467 | ||
Vonage America Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Chase | 904026868 | ||
Vonage America Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Xxxxx | 957083440 | ||
Vonage America Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Chase | 957083491 | ||
Vonage America Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Xxxxx | 957087071 | ||
Vonage America Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Chase | 707638938 | ||
Vonage America Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Xxxxx | 2908462811 | ||
Vonage America Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Chase | 2908462829 | ||
Vonage Network LLC | XX Xxxxxx Xxxxx | 957082185 | ||
Vonage Marketing LLC | XX Xxxxxx Chase | 957082622 | ||
Novega Venture Partners, Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Xxxxx | 957085257 | ||
Vonage Worldwide Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Chase | 886511146 | ||
Vonage International Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Xxxxx | 886511237 | ||
Vonage Applications Inc. | XX Xxxxxx Chase | 886511096 |
SCHEDULE 7.01(b)
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Liens
1. Liens on cash and Cash Equivalents securing the Indebtedness listed on Schedule 7.02(d).
2. The Liens against such immaterial Proprietary Rights identified below; provided that the Borrowers shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Liens to be released during the period which is sixty (60) days following the Closing Date (or such later date as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent as agreed to in writing by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion).
Title |
Appl. #/ Date |
Pub. No./ |
Patent # / Issue Date |
Owner/ |
Status/Unreleased Security Interests | |||||
Packet Switching Communication System | 08090439 7/9/93 |
5444707 8/22/95 |
Vonage Network, LLC | Granted
Assignment: 1 Reel/Frame: 008855/0368 Recorded: 12/19/1997 Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST Assignor: NETRIX CORPORATION Exec Dt: 11/18/1997 Assignee: COAST BUSINESS CREDIT, A DIVISION OF SOUTHERN PACIFIC BANK
Assignment: 2 Reel/Frame: 012745/0864 Recorded: 03/26/2002 Conveyance: SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignor: XXXXXXX.XXX, INC. Exec Dt: 03/08/2002 Assignee: NXNETWORKS, INC. | ||||||
Multiplexed Digital Packet Telephone System | 07119273 11/9/87 |
4782485 11/1/88 |
Vonage Network, LLC | Granted
Assignment: 1 Reel/Frame: 005646/0070 Recorded: 02/25/1991 Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST Assignor: REPUBLIC TELCOM SYSTEMS CORPORATION, A |
CORP. OF DE Exec Dt: 02/11/1991 Assignee: NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION A NATIONAL BANKING ASSOCIATION
Assignment: 2 Reel/Frame: 008855/0368 Recorded: 12/19/1997 Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST Assignor: NETRIX CORPORATION Exec Dt: 11/18/1997 Assignee: COAST BUSINESS CREDIT, A DIVISION OF SOUTHERN PACIFIC BANK
Assignment: 3 Reel/Frame: 012745/0864 Recorded: 03/26/2002 Conveyance: SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignor: XXXXXXX.XXX, INC. Exec Dt: 03/08/2002 Assignee: NXNETWORKS, INC. | ||||||||||
Multiplexed Digital Packet Telephone System | 07579189 9/5/90 |
5018136 5/21/91 |
Vonage Network, LLC | Granted
Assignment: 1 Reel/Frame: 008855/0368 Recorded: 12/19/1997 Conveyance: SECURITY INTEREST Assignor: NETRIX CORPORATION Exec Dt: 11/18/1997 Assignee: COAST BUSINESS CREDIT, A DIVISION OF SOUTHERN PACIFIC BANK
Assignment: 2 Reel/Frame: 012745/0864 Recorded: 03/26/2002 Conveyance: SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignor: XXXXXXX.XXX, INC. Exec Dt: 03/08/2002 Assignee: NXNETWORKS, INC. |
SCHEDULE 7.02(d)
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Existing Indebtedness
Letters of Credit:
Beneficiary |
Instrument Number |
Liability Amount (USD) |
Expiry Date | |||||
Vonage America Inc. |
T623110 | $ | 7,000,000.00 | 3/14/2011 | ||||
Vonage America Inc. |
TTS317265 | $ | 10,000,000.00 | 3/2/2011 | ||||
Vonage America Inc. |
2950713459 | $ | 535,000.00 | 6/24/2011 |
SCHEDULE 7.03(f)
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Investments
None.
SCHEDULE 7.09
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Burdensome Agreements
None.
SCHEDULE 10.02
TO
THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
Administrative Agent’s Office,
Certain Addresses for Notices
BORROWERS:
Street Address: 00 X. Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxx, Xxxxx ZIP Code: Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxx, Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: 000.000.0000
Telecopier: 732.817.0293
Electronic Mail: xxxxx.xxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
Website Address: xxx.xxxxxx.xxx
U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number: 00-0000000
With a copy to:
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxx.
Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx: 00 X. Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxx, Xxxxx ZIP Code: Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxx, Chief Legal Officer
Telephone: 000.000.0000
Telecopier: 732.202.5221
Electronic Mail: xxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx
Website Address: xxx.xxxxxx.xxx
U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number: 00-0000000
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT:
Administrative Agent’s Office
(for payments and Requests for Credit Extensions):
Bank of America, N.A.
Street Address: 000 X. Xxxxx Xx
Mail Code: NC1-001-04-39
City, State ZIP Code: Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Telephone: 000-000-0000
Telecopier: 000-000-0000
Electronic Mail: xxxxxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx
Account No.: 1366212250600
Ref: Vonage America, Inc
ABA# 000000000
Other Notices as Administrative Agent: (financials and all notices to lenders)
Bank of America, N.A.
Agency Management
Street Address: 000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Mail Code: TX1-492-14-11
City, State ZIP Code: Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Antonikia (Xxxx) X. Xxxxxx
Telephone: 000-000-0000
Telecopier: 000-000-0000
Electronic Mail: xxxxxxxxx.x.xxxxxx@xxxx.xxx
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF COMMITTED LOAN NOTICE
Date: ,
To: | Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2010 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
The undersigned hereby requests (select one):
¨ A Borrowing of Loans
¨ A [conversion] [continuation] of Loans
1. | On (a Business Day). |
2. | In the amount of $ |
3. | Comprised of [Base Rate Loan] [Eurodollar Rate Loan] |
[4. | For Eurodollar Rate Loans: with an Interest Period of months.]1 |
1 | To be included for Eurodollar Rate Loans only. |
A - 1
Form of Committed Loan Notice
[Each Borrower hereby represents and warrants that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(a) and (b) shall be satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.]2
VONAGE AMERICA INC. | ||
By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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By: |
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Title: |
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2 | Not required to be included in a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type or a continuation of Eurodollar Rate Loans. |
A - 2
Form of Committed Loan Notice
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF NOTE
,
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “Borrowers”), hereby promise to pay to or registered assigns (the “Lender”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of the Loan from time to time made by the Lender to the Borrowers under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2010 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the Borrowers, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
The Borrowers promise to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of the Loan made by the Lender from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lender in Dollars in immediately available funds at the Administrative Agent’s Office. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.
This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. This Note is also entitled to the benefits of the Guaranty and is secured by the Collateral. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. The Loan made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
Each Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.
B - 1
Form of Note
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
VONAGE AMERICA INC. | ||
By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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By: |
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Name: |
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Title: |
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B - 2
Form of Note
LOANS AND PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT THERETO
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Amount of |
End of |
Amount of |
Outstanding |
Notation | ||||||||||||||||||||
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B - 3
Form of Note
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
Financial Statement Date: ,
To: | Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2010 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Agreement;” the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), the lenders from time to time party thereto, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent.
The undersigned Responsible Officer hereby certifies as of the date hereof that he/she is the of Holdings, and that, as such, he/she is authorized to execute and deliver this Compliance Certificate to the Administrative Agent on the behalf of the Borrowers, and that:
[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal year-end financial statements]
1. Holdings has delivered the year-end audited financial statements required by Section 6.01(a) of the Agreement for the fiscal year of Holdings ended as of the above date, together with the report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant required by such section.
[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal quarter-end financial statements]
1. Holdings has delivered the unaudited financial statements required by Section 6.01(b) of the Agreement for the fiscal quarter of Holdings ended as of the above date. Such consolidated financial statements fairly present the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP as at such date and for such period, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.
2. A review of the activities of the Borrowers during such fiscal period has been made under the supervision of the undersigned with a view to determining whether during such fiscal period the Borrowers performed and observed all their respective Obligations under the Loan Documents, and
[select one:]
[to the best knowledge of the undersigned, during such fiscal period the Borrowers performed and observed each covenant and condition of the Loan Documents applicable to them, and no Default has occurred and is continuing.]
C - 1
Form of Compliance Certificate
—or—
[to the best knowledge of the undersigned, the following covenants or conditions have not been performed or observed and the following is a list of each such Default and its nature and status:]
4. The representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in Article V of the Agreement and all representations and warranties of any Loan Party that are contained in any document furnished at any time under or in connection with the Loan Documents, are true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects, subject to such qualification) on and as of the date hereof, except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is already qualified as to “materiality” or “Material Adverse Effect” shall be true and correct in all respects, subject to such qualification) as of such earlier date, and except that for purposes of this Compliance Certificate, the representations and warranties contained in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5.05 of the Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the most recent statements furnished pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), respectively, of Section 6.01 of the Agreement, including the statements in connection with which this Compliance Certificate is delivered.
5. The financial covenant analyses and information set forth on Schedules 1 [and 2] [through 3] attached hereto are true and accurate on and as of the date of this Certificate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate as of , .
VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: |
| |
Title: |
|
C - 2
Form of Compliance Certificate
For the Quarter/Year ended ,
(“Statement Date”)
SCHEDULE 1
to the Compliance Certificate
($ in 000’s)
I. | Section 7.11(a) – Consolidated Leverage Ratio. | |||||||||
A. | Consolidated Funded Indebtedness at Statement Date: | $ | ||||||||
B. | Consolidated EBITDA for Measurement Period ending on above date (“Subject Period”): | |||||||||
1. | Consolidated Net Income for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
2. | Consolidated interest expense for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
3. | Provisions for taxes based on income for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
4. | Total depreciation expense for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
5. | Total amortization expense (other than amortization of deferred customer acquisitions costs) for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
6. | Non-cash stock compensation expense arising during such period from the granting of equity-based compensation, consistent with past practice, and other non-cash stock expense for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
7. | Any financial advisory fees, financing arrangement fees, accountant fees, legal fees, rating agency fees, transfer or mortgage recording taxes and other out-of-pocket expenses of Holdings or any of its subsidiaries (including expenses of third parties paid or reimbursed by Holdings or any of its subsidiaries) incurred directly in connection with the Loan Documents or any amendments thereto, the Transaction, any acquisition permitted under the terms of the Loan Documents or the issuance of any debt or equity securities, any refinancing transaction or any amendment or other modification of any debt instruments to the extent not prohibited by the terms of the Loan Documents for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
8. | Amendment fees and consent fees payable in connection with the Transaction and with amendments to any of the Loan Documents for Subject Period: | $ |
C - 3
Form of Compliance Certificate
9. | Prepayment premiums and make-whole payments payable in connection with the Refinancing and with any permitted repayments of Indebtedness in accordance with the terms of such Indebtedness for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
10. | Amortization of costs associated with permitted issuances of Indebtedness for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
11. | Amortization of beneficial conversions or original issue discount associated with any capital stock of Holdings (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
12. | Non-cash loss attributable to the xxxx-to-market movement in the valuation of obligations under Swap Contracts (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such loss has not been realized) or other derivative instruments pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 815 for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
13. | Non-recurring costs payable in connection with the establishment of rate management transactions permitted under the Loan Documents for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
14. | Realized and unrealized losses on foreign currencies incurred in the ordinary course of business (provided that any such loss that was added back while unrealized shall not be added back when realized without a corresponding reversal of such unrealized loss) for Subject Period | $ | ||||||||
15. | Extraordinary losses (as determined in accordance with GAAP and reflected below operating costs) for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
16. | Any losses attributable to asset sales outside of the ordinary course of business for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
17. | Any loss on early extinguishment of Indebtedness for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
18. | Interest income for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
19. | Extraordinary gains and other extraordinary income (as determined in accordance with GAAP and reflected below operating income) for Subject Period: | $ |
C - 4
Form of Compliance Certificate
20. | Non-cash gains attributable to the xxxx-to-market movement in the valuation of obligations under Swap Contracts (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such loss has not been realized) or other derivative instruments pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 815 for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
21. | Realized and unrealized gains on foreign currencies incurred in the ordinary course of business (provided that any such gain that was subtracted while unrealized shall not be deducted when realized without a corresponding reversal of such unrealized gain) | $ | ||||||||
22. | Any non-cash stock compensation income and other non-cash income or credits arising from the granting of stock options or the granting of stock appreciation rights (for example, those arising from the reversal of accruals or the reversal of previously recorded non-cash expense) for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
23. | Any gains attributable to asset sales outside of the ordinary course of business for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
24. | Any gain on early extinguishment of Indebtedness for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
25. | Consolidated EBITDA (Lines I.B.1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 +7 + 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 + 12 + 13 +14 + 15 + 16 + 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 – 22 -23 -24): | $ | ||||||||
C. | Consolidated Leverage Ratio (Line I.A ÷ Line I.B.25): | to 1 | ||||||||
Consolidated Leverage Ratio is in compliance with Section 7.11(a)? Yes/No |
C - 5
Form of Compliance Certificate
II. | Section 7.11(b) - Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio | |||||||||
A. | Consolidated EBITDA for Subject Period (Line I.B.25 above): | $ | ||||||||
B. | Consolidated Cash Interest Charges for Subject Period: | |||||||||
1. | All interest, premium payments, debt discount, fees, charges and related expenses in connection with borrowed money (including capitalized interest) or in connection with the deferred purchase price of assets, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP paid or currently payable in cash, for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
2. | All interest paid or payable with respect to discontinued operations paid or currently payable in cash, for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
3. | The portion of rent expense under Capitalized Leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, in each case, of or by Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, paid or currently payable in cash, for Subject Period: | $ | ||||||||
4. | Consolidated Cash Interest Charges (Lines II.B.1 + 2 + 3): | $ | ||||||||
C. | Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (Line II.A ÷ Line II.B.4): | to 1 | ||||||||
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio is in compliance with Section 7.11(b)? Yes/No | ||||||||||
III. | Section 7.12 - Capital Expenditures. | |||||||||
A. | Capital Expenditures made during fiscal year to date: | $ | ||||||||
B. | Capital Expenditures permitted, but not expended, in prior fiscal year (£ $55,000,000): | $ | ||||||||
C. | Maximum permitted Capital Expenditures ($55,000,000 + Line III.B): | $ | ||||||||
D. | Excess (deficit) for covenant compliance (Line III.C – III.A): | $ |
C - 6
Form of Compliance Certificate
For the Quarter/Year ended (“Statement Date”)
SCHEDULE 2
to the Compliance Certificate
($ in 000’s)
Consolidated EBITDA
(in accordance with the definition of Consolidated EBITDA
as set forth in the Agreement)
Consolidated EBITDA |
Quarter Ended |
Quarter Ended |
Quarter Ended |
Quarter Ended |
Twelve Ended | |||||
Consolidated Net Income |
||||||||||
+ consolidated interest expense |
||||||||||
+ provisions for taxes based on income |
||||||||||
+ total depreciation expense |
||||||||||
+ total amortization expense (other than amortization of deferred customer acquisitions costs) |
C - 1
Form of Compliance Certificate
+ non-cash stock compensation expense arising during such period from the granting of equity-based compensation, consistent with past practice, and other non-cash stock expense |
||||||||||
+ any financial advisory fees, financing arrangement fees, accountant fees, legal fees, rating agency fees, transfer or mortgage recording taxes and other out-of-pocket expenses of Holdings or any of its subsidiaries (including expenses of third parties paid or reimbursed by Holdings or any of its subsidiaries) incurred directly in connection with the Loan Documents or any amendments thereto, the Transaction, any acquisition permitted under the terms of the Loan Documents or the issuance of any debt or equity securities, any refinancing transaction or any amendment or other modification of any debt instruments to the extent not prohibited by the terms of the Loan Documents for |
C - 2
Form of Compliance Certificate
+ amendment fees and consent fees payable in connection with the Transaction and with amendments to any of the Loan Documents |
||||||||||
+ prepayment premiums and make-whole payments payable in connection with the Refinancing and with any permitted repayments of Indebtedness in accordance with the terms of such Indebtedness |
||||||||||
+ amortization of costs associated with permitted issuances of Indebtedness |
||||||||||
+ amortization of beneficial conversions or original issue discount associated with any capital stock of Holdings (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) |
||||||||||
+ non-cash loss attributable to the xxxx-to-market movement in the valuation of obligations under Swap Contracts (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such loss has not been realized) or other derivative instruments pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 815 |
C - 3
Form of Compliance Certificate
+ non-recurring costs payable in connection with the establishment of rate management transactions permitted under the Loan Documents |
||||||||||
+ realized and unrealized losses on foreign currencies incurred in the ordinary course of business (provided that any such loss that was added back while unrealized shall not be added back when realized without a corresponding reversal of such unrealized loss) |
||||||||||
+ extraordinary losses (as determined in accordance with GAAP and reflected below operating costs) |
||||||||||
+ any losses attributable to asset sales outside of the ordinary course of business |
||||||||||
+ any loss on early extinguishment of Indebtedness |
||||||||||
- interest income |
||||||||||
- extraordinary gains and other extraordinary income (as determined in accordance with GAAP and reflected below operating income) |
C - 4
Form of Compliance Certificate
- non-cash gains attributable to the xxxx-to-market movement in the valuation of obligations under Swap Contracts (to the extent the cash impact resulting from such loss has not been realized) or other derivative instrument pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 815 |
||||||||||
- realized and unrealized gains on foreign currencies incurred in the ordinary course of business (provided that any such gain that was subtracted while unrealized shall not be deducted when realized without a corresponding reversal of such unrealized gain) |
||||||||||
- any non-cash stock compensation income and other non-cash income or credits arising from the granting of stock options or the granting of stock appreciation rights (for example, those arising from the reversal of accruals or the reversal of previously recorded non-cash expense) |
||||||||||
- any gains attributable to asset sales outside of the ordinary course of business |
C - 5
Form of Compliance Certificate
- any gain on early extinguishment of Indebtedness |
||||||||||
= Consolidated EBITDA |
C - 6
Form of Compliance Certificate
Excess Cash Flow
(in accordance with the definition of Excess Cash Flow
as set forth in the Agreement)
Excess Cash Flow |
Twelve Months Ended |
|||
Consolidated EBITDA |
||||
+ decreases in Consolidated Working Capital |
||||
+ all cash income or gain to the extent excluded from Consolidated Net Income in the calculation thereof or subtracted from Consolidated Net Income in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA |
||||
- Consolidated Cash Interest Charges |
||||
- scheduled principal payments actually paid with Internally Generated Cash |
||||
- income taxes paid in cash |
||||
- Capital Expenditures to the extent funded with Internally Generated Cash |
||||
- increase in Consolidated Working Capital |
||||
- cash expenses or charges that were excluded from Consolidated Net Income in the calculation thereof or added to Consolidated Net Income in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA |
||||
= Excess Cash Flow |
C - 1
Form of Compliance Certificate
EXHIBIT D-1
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [the][each]3 Assignor identified in item 1 below ([the][each, an] “Assignor”) and [the][each]4 Assignee identified in item 2 below ([the][each, an] “Assignee”). [It is understood and agreed that the rights and obligations of [the Assignors][the Assignees]5 hereunder are several and not joint.]6 Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
For an agreed consideration, [the][each] Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to [the Assignee][the respective Assignees], and [the][each] Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from [the Assignor][the respective Assignors], subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of [the Assignor’s][the respective Assignors’] rights and obligations in [its capacity as a Lender][their respective capacities as Lenders] under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of [the Assignor][the respective Assignors] under the respective facilities identified below and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of [the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender)][the respective Assignors (in their respective capacities as Lenders)] against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned by [the][any] Assignor to [the][any] Assignee pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as [the][an] “Assigned Interest”). Each such sale and assignment is without recourse to [the][any] Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by [the][any] Assignor.
3 | For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignor(s), if the assignment is from a single Assignor, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is from multiple Assignors, choose the second bracketed language. |
4 | For bracketed language here and elsewhere in this form relating to the Assignee(s), if the assignment is to a single Assignee, choose the first bracketed language. If the assignment is to multiple Assignees, choose the second bracketed language. |
5 | Select as appropriate. |
6 | Include bracketed language if there are either multiple Assignors or multiple Assignees. |
D-1 - 1
Form of Assignment and Assumption
1. | Assignor[s]: |
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2. | Assignee[s]: |
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[for each Assignee, indicate [Affiliate][Approved Fund] of [identify Lender]] | ||||||
3. | Borrowers: | Vonage America Inc. and | ||||
Vonage Holdings Corp. |
4. | Administrative Agent: Bank of America, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement |
5. | Credit Agreement: Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2010, among Vonage America Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), Vonage Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent |
6. | Assigned Interest: |
Assignor[s]7 |
Assignee[s]8 | Aggregate Amount of Commitment/Loans for all Lenders9 |
Amount of Commitment/ Loans Assigned |
Percentage Assigned of Commitment/ Loans10 |
CUSIP Number |
|||||||||||||||
$ | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | $ | % |
[7. | Trade Date: ]11 | |||||
Effective Date: , 20 [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.] |
7 | List each Assignor, as appropriate. |
8 | List each Assignee, as appropriate. |
9 | Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date. |
10 | Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder. |
11 | To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date. |
D-1 - 2
Form of Assignment and Assumption
The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
ASSIGNOR | ||
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR] | ||
By: |
| |
Title: | ||
ASSIGNEE | ||
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE] | ||
By: |
| |
Title: |
[Consented to and]12 Accepted: | ||
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as | ||
By: |
| |
Title: | ||
[VONAGE AMERICA INC., as | ||
By: |
| |
Title: | ||
VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., as | ||
By: |
| |
Title:]13 |
12 | To be added if consent of the Administrative Agent is required under Section 10.06 of the Credit Agreement. |
13 | To be added if consent of the Borrowers is required under Section 10.06 of the Credit Agreement. |
D-1 - 3
Form of Assignment and Assumption
ANNEX 1 TO ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
1. Representations and Warranties.
1.1. Assignor. [The][Each] Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of [the][[the relevant] Assigned Interest, (ii) [the][such] Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.
1.2. Assignee. [The][Each] Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all the requirements to be an assignee under Section 10.06(b)(iii) and (v) of the Credit Agreement (subject to such consents, if any, as may be required under Section 10.06(b)(iii) of the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of [the][the relevant] Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by [the][such] Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire [the][such] Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, and has received or has been accorded the opportunity to receive copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it deems appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, (vi) if it is not already a Lender under the Credit Agreement, attached to the Assignment and Assumption is an Administrative Questionnaire in the form of Exhibit D-2 to the Credit Agreement, (vii) the Administrative Agent has received a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 as of the Effective Date, unless the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, elects to waive such processing and recordation fee, (viii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase [the][such] Assigned Interest, and (ix) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by [the][such] Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently
D-1 - 4
Form of Assignment and Assumption
and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, [the][any] Assignor 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 Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.
2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of [the][each] Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to [the][the relevant] Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to [the][the relevant] Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.
3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.
D-1 - 5
Form of Assignment and Assumption
EXHIBIT D-2
FORM OF ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE
FAX ALONG WITH COMMITMENT LETTER TO: FAX #:
I. | Borrower Name: Vonage America, Inc. and Vonage Holdings Corp. |
II. | Legal Name of Lender of Record for Signature Page: |
• | Signing Credit Agreement YES NO |
• | Coming in via Assignment YES NO |
III. | Type of Lender: |
|
(Bank, Asset Manager, Broker/Dealer, CLOICDO, Finance Company, Hedge Fund, Insurance, Mutual Fund, Pension Fund, Other Regulated Investment Fund, Special Purpose Vehicle, Other - please specify)
IV. Domestic Address: |
V. Eurodollar Address: | |||
VI. | Contact Information: |
Syndicate level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrower and its related parties or their respective securities will be made available to the Credit Contact(s). The Credit Contacts identified must be able to receive such information in accordance with his/her institution’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and State securities laws.
Credit Contact |
Primary Operations Contact |
Secondary Credit Contact | ||||
Name: | ||||||
Title: | ||||||
Address: | ||||||
Telephone: | ||||||
Facsimile: | ||||||
E-Mail Address: | ||||||
IntraLinks E-Mail Address: |
Does Secondary Operations Contact need copy of notices? YES NO
D-2 - 1
Form of Administrative Questionnaire
Letter of Credit Contact |
Draft Documentation Contact |
Legal Counsel | ||||
Name: | ||||||
Title: | ||||||
Address: | ||||||
Telephone: | ||||||
Facsimile: | ||||||
E-Mail Address: | ||||||
IntraLinks E-Mail Address: |
VII. | Lender’s Standby Letter of Credit, Commercial Letter of Credit, and Bankers’ Acceptance Fed Wire Payment Instructions (if applicable): |
Pay to:
|
||||
(Bank Name) | ||||
|
||||
(ABA #) | ||||
|
||||
(Account #) | ||||
|
||||
(Attention) |
VIII. Lender’s Fed Wire Payment Instructions:
Pay to:
| ||
(Bank Name) | ||
| ||
(ABA #) | (City/State) | |
| ||
(Account #) | (Account Name) | |
| ||
(Attention) |
D-2 - 2
Form of Administrative Questionnaire
IX. | Organizational Structure and Tax Status |
Please refer to the enclosed withholding tax instructions below and then complete this section accordingly:
Lender Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN): -
Tax Withholding Form Delivered to Bank of America*: W-9
|
W-9 | |||
|
W-8BEN | |||
|
W-8ECI | |||
|
W-8EXP | |||
|
W-81MY |
Tax Contact | ||||
Name: |
|
|||
Title: |
|
|||
Address: |
|
|||
Telephone: |
|
|||
Facsimile: |
|
|||
E-Mail Address: |
|
NON-U.S. LENDER INSTITUTIONS
1. | Corporations: |
If your institution is incorporated outside of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and is the beneficial owner of the interest and other income it receives, you must complete one of the following three tax forms, as applicable to your institution: a.) Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner), b.) Form W-8ECI (Income Effectively Connected to a U.S. Trade or Business), or c.) Form W-BEXP (Certificate of Foreign Government or Governmental Agency).
A U.S. taxpayer identification number is required for any institution submitting a Form W-8 ECI. It is also required on Form W-8BEN for certain institutions claiming the benefits of a tax treaty with the U.S. Please refer to the instructions when completing the form applicable to your institution. In addition, please be advised that U.S. tax regulations do not permit the acceptance of faxed forms. An original tax form must be submitted.
D-2 - 3
Form of Administrative Questionnaire
2. | Flow-Through Entities |
If your institution is organized outside the U.S., and is classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as either a Partnership, Trust, Qualified or Non-Qualified Intermediary, or other non-U.S. flow-through entity, an original Form W-81MY (Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. branches for United States Tax Withholding) must be completed by the intermediary together with a withholding statement. Flow-through entities other than Qualified Intermediaries are required to include tax forms for each of the underlying beneficial owners.
Please refer to the instructions when completing this form. In addition, please be advised that U.S. tax regulations do not permit the acceptance of faxed forms. Original tax form(s) must be submitted.
U.S. LENDER INSTITUTIONS:
If your institution is incorporated or organized within the United States, you must complete and return Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification). Please be advised that we require an original form W-9.
Pursuant to the language contained in the tax section of the Credit Agreement, the applicable tax form for your institution must be completed and returned on or prior to the date on which your institution becomes a lender under this Credit Agreement. Failure to provide the proper tax form when requested will subject your institution to U.S. tax withholding.
*Additional guidance and instructions as to where to submit this documentation can be found at this link:
X. | Bank of America Payment Instructions: |
Pay to: | Bank of America, N.A. New York, NY ABA# 000000000 Account No. 1366212250600 Attn: Credit Services Ref: Vonage America Inc |
D-2 - 4
Form of Administrative Questionnaire
EXHIBIT E
FORM OF GUARANTY
[See attached]
E - 1
Form of Guaranty
Execution Version
GUARANTY
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and in consideration of credit and/or financial accommodation heretofore or hereafter from time to time made or granted to VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”) by BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. (the “Administrative Agent”) and the other Secured Parties, the undersigned Guarantor (whether one or more the “Guarantor,” and if more than one jointly and severally) hereby furnishes its guaranty of the Guaranteed Obligations (as hereinafter defined) as set forth below.
Reference is made to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 14, 2010 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, each lender from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”) and the other parties thereto. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein are used with the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
1. Guaranty. The Guarantor hereby absolutely and unconditionally guarantees, as a guaranty of payment and performance and not merely as a guaranty of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, upon acceleration, demand or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all of the Obligations whether for principal, interest, premiums, fees indemnities, damages, costs, expenses or otherwise, of each Borrower to the Secured Parties, and whether arising under the Credit Agreement or under any other Loan Document, or under any Secured Cash Management Agreement or any Secured Hedge Agreement (including all renewals, extensions, amendments, refinancings and other modifications thereof and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Secured Parties in connection with the collection or enforcement thereof), and whether recovery upon such indebtedness and liabilities may be or hereafter become unenforceable or shall be an allowed or disallowed claim under any proceeding or case commenced by or against the Guarantor or any Borrower under Debtor Relief Laws, and including interest that accrues after the commencement by or against any Borrower of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws (collectively, the “Guaranteed Obligations”). The Administrative Agent’s books and records showing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be admissible in evidence in any action or proceeding, and shall be binding upon the Guarantor and conclusive for the purpose of establishing the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations, absent a showing of manifest error. This Guaranty shall not be affected by the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing any Guaranteed Obligations, or by the existence, validity, enforceability, perfection, non-perfection or extent of any collateral therefor, or by any fact or circumstance relating to the Guaranteed Obligations which might otherwise constitute a defense to the obligations of the Guarantor under this Guaranty (other than payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations), and the Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any defenses it may now have or hereafter acquire in any way relating to any or all of the foregoing.
1
2. Limitation of Guaranty. Any term or provision of this Guaranty or any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding, the maximum aggregate amount for which the Guarantor shall be liable hereunder shall not exceed the maximum amount for which the Guarantor can be liable without rendering this Guaranty or any other Loan Document, as it relates to the Guarantor, subject to avoidance under applicable Requirements of Law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer (including the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act and Section 548 of title 11 of the United States Code or any applicable provisions of comparable Requirements of Law) (collectively, “Fraudulent Transfer Laws”). Any analysis of the provisions of this Guaranty for purposes of Fraudulent Transfer Laws shall take into account the right of contribution established in Section 14 and, for purposes of such analysis, give effect to any discharge of intercompany debt as a result of any payment made under the Guaranty.
3. No Setoff or Deductions; Taxes; Payments. The Guarantor represents and warrants that it is organized and resident in the United States of America or a political subdivision thereof. The Guarantor shall make all payments hereunder without setoff or counterclaim and free and clear of and without deduction for any taxes, levies, imposts, duties, charges, fees, deductions, withholdings, compulsory loans, restrictions or conditions of any nature now or hereafter imposed or levied by any jurisdiction or any political subdivision thereof or taxing or other authority therein unless the Guarantor is compelled by law to make such deduction or withholding. If any such obligation (other than one arising with respect to Excluded Taxes) is imposed upon the Guarantor with respect to any amount payable by it hereunder, the Guarantor will pay to such Secured Party, on the date on which such amount is due and payable hereunder, such additional amount in U.S. dollars as shall be necessary to enable such Secured Party to receive the same net amount it would have received on such due date had no such obligation been imposed upon the Guarantor. The Guarantor will deliver promptly to the Administrative Agent certificates or other valid vouchers for all taxes or other charges deducted from or paid with respect to payments made by the Guarantor hereunder. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.
4. Rights of Lenders. The Guarantor consents and agrees that the Secured Parties may, at any time and from time to time, without notice or demand, and without affecting the enforceability or continuing effectiveness hereof: (a) amend, extend, renew, compromise, discharge, accelerate or otherwise change the time for payment or the terms of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof; (b) take, hold, exchange, enforce, waive, release, fail to perfect, sell, or otherwise dispose of any security for the payment of this Guaranty or any Guaranteed Obligations; (c) apply such security and direct the order or manner of sale thereof as the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in their sole discretion may determine; and (d) release or substitute one or more of any endorsers or other guarantors of any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Guarantor consents to the taking of, or failure to take, any action which might in any manner or to any extent vary the risks of the Guarantor under this Guaranty or which, but for this provision, might operate as a discharge of the Guarantor.
5. Certain Waivers. The Guarantor waives (a) any defense arising by reason of any disability or other defense of any Borrower or any other guarantor, or the cessation from any cause whatsoever (including any act or omission of any Secured Party) of the liability of any
2
Borrower; (b) any defense based on any claim that the Guarantor’s obligations exceed or are more burdensome than those of the Borrowers; (c) the benefit of any statute of limitations affecting the Guarantor’s liability hereunder; (d) any right to proceed against any Borrower, proceed against or exhaust any security for the Guaranteed Obligations, or pursue any other remedy in the power of any Secured Party whatsoever; (e) any benefit of and any right to participate in any security now or hereafter held by any Secured Party; and (f) to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all other defenses or benefits that may be derived from or afforded by applicable law limiting the liability of or exonerating guarantors or sureties. The Guarantor expressly waives all setoffs and counterclaims and all presentments, demands for payment or performance, notices of nonpayment or nonperformance, protests, notices of protest, notices of dishonor and all other notices or demands of any kind or nature whatsoever with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations, and all notices of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the existence, creation or incurrence of new or additional Guaranteed Obligations.
6. Obligations Independent. The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder are those of primary obligor, and not merely as surety, and are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations and the obligations of any other guarantor, and a separate action may be brought against the Guarantor to enforce this Guaranty whether or not any Borrower or any other person or entity is joined as a party.
7. Subrogation. The Guarantor shall not exercise any right of subrogation, contribution, indemnity, reimbursement or similar rights with respect to any payments it makes under this Guaranty until all of the Guaranteed Obligations and any amounts payable under this Guaranty have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full and the Commitments and the Facility are terminated. If any amounts are paid to the Guarantor in violation of the foregoing limitation, then such amounts shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Secured Parties and shall forthwith be paid to the Secured Parties to reduce the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether matured or unmatured.
8. Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty is a continuing and irrevocable guaranty of all Guaranteed Obligations now or hereafter existing and shall remain in full force and effect until all Guaranteed Obligations are indefeasibly paid in full in cash and the Commitments and the Facility with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations are terminated. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect or be revived, as the case may be, if any payment by or on behalf of any Borrower or the Guarantor is made, or any of the Secured Parties exercises its right of setoff, in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into any of the Secured Parties in their discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws or otherwise, all as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred and whether or not the Secured Parties are in possession of or have released this Guaranty and regardless of any prior revocation, rescission, termination or reduction. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive termination of this Guaranty.
9. Subordination. The Guarantor hereby subordinates the payment of all obligations and indebtedness of any Borrower owing to the Guarantor, whether now existing or hereafter
3
arising, including but not limited to any obligation of any Borrower to the Guarantor as subrogee of the Secured Parties or resulting from the Guarantor’s performance under this Guaranty, to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations. If the Secured Parties so request, any such obligation or indebtedness of any Borrower to the Guarantor shall be enforced and performance received by the Guarantor as trustee for the Secured Parties and the proceeds thereof shall be paid over to the Secured Parties on account of the Guaranteed Obligations, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the liability of the Guarantor under this Guaranty.
10. Stay of Acceleration. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed, in connection with any case commenced by or against any Borrower under any Debtor Relief Laws, or otherwise, all such amounts shall nonetheless be payable by the Guarantor immediately upon demand by the Secured Parties.
11. Expenses. The Guarantor shall pay on demand all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) in any way relating to the enforcement or protection of the Secured Parties’ rights under this Guaranty or in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, including any incurred during any “workout” or restructuring in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations and any incurred in the preservation, protection or enforcement of any rights of the Secured Parties in any proceeding any Debtor Relief Laws. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.
12. Miscellaneous. No provision of this Guaranty may be waived, amended, supplemented or modified, except by a written instrument executed by the Administrative Agent and the Guarantor (with the consent of the Lenders or the Required Lenders if required under the Credit Agreement). No failure by the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law or in equity. The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision of this Guaranty shall not affect the enforceability or validity of any other provision herein. Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the Guarantor in writing, this Guaranty is not intended to supersede or otherwise affect any other guaranty now or hereafter given by the Guarantor for the benefit of the Secured Parties or any term or provision thereof.
13. Guarantor Supplements. Upon the execution and delivery by any Person of a Joinder Agreement to the Security Agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit 3 thereto (a “Guarantor Supplement”), (a) such Person shall be referred to as an “Additional Guarantor” and shall become and be a Guarantor hereunder, and each reference in this Guaranty to a “Guarantor” shall also mean and be a reference to such Additional Guarantor, and each reference in any other Loan Document to a “Guarantor” shall also mean and be a reference to such Additional Guarantor, and (b) each reference herein to “this Guaranty,” “hereunder,” “hereof” or words of like import referring to this Guaranty, and each reference in any other Loan Document to the “Guaranty,” “thereunder,” “thereof” or words of like import referring to this Guaranty, shall mean and be a reference to this Guaranty as supplemented by such Guaranty Supplement
4
14. Contribution. To the extent that any Guarantor shall be required hereunder to pay a portion of the Guaranteed Obligations exceeding the greater of (a) the amount of the economic benefit actually received by such Guarantor from the Loans and (b) the amount such Guarantor would otherwise have paid if such Guarantor had paid the aggregate amount of the Guaranteed Obligations (excluding the amount thereof repaid by the Borrowers) in the same proportion as such Guarantor’s net worth at the date enforcement is sought hereunder bears to the aggregate net worth of all the Guarantors (taken together with the aggregate net worth of all other “Guarantors” (as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement) obligated with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations (the “Other Guarantors”)) at the date of enforcement is sought hereunder, then each Other Guarantor shall reimburse such other Guarantors for the amount of such excess, pro rata, based on the respective net worths of such Other Guarantors at the date enforcement hereunder is sought.
15. Condition of the Borrowers. The Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that it has the sole responsibility for, and has adequate means of, obtaining from each Borrower and any other guarantor such information concerning the financial condition, business and operations of such Borrower and any such other guarantor as the Guarantor requires, and that none of the Secured Parties has any duty, and the Guarantor is not relying on the Secured Parties at any time, to disclose to the Guarantor any information relating to the business, operations or financial condition of any Borrower or any other guarantor (the Guarantor waiving any duty on the part of the Secured Parties to disclose such information and any defense relating to the failure to provide the same).
16. Setoff. If and to the extent any payment is not made when due hereunder, the Administrative Agent may setoff and charge from time to time any amount so due against any or all of the Guarantor’s accounts or deposits with the Administrative Agent.
17. Representations and Warranties. The Guarantor represents and warrants that (a) it is duly organized and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization and has full capacity and right to make and perform this Guaranty, and all necessary authority has been obtained; (b) this Guaranty constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable in accordance with its terms; (c) the making and performance of this Guaranty does not and will not violate the provisions of any applicable law, regulation or order, and does not and will not result in the breach of, or constitute a default or require any consent under, any material agreement, instrument or document to which it is a party or by which it or any of its property may be bound or affected; and (d) all consents, approvals, licenses and authorizations of, and filings and registrations with, any governmental authority required under applicable law and regulations for the making and performance of this Guaranty have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.
18. Indemnification and Survival. Without limitation on any other obligations of the Guarantor or remedies of the Administrative Agent under this Guaranty, the Guarantor shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify, defend and save and hold harmless the Secured Parties from and against, and shall pay on demand, any and all damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and the allocated cost and disbursements of internal legal counsel) that may be suffered or incurred by the Secured Parties in connection with or as a result of any failure of any Guaranteed Obligations to be the legal, valid
5
and binding obligations of each Borrower enforceable against each Borrower in accordance with their terms. The obligations of the Guarantor under this paragraph shall survive the payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations and termination of this Guaranty.
19. GOVERNING LAW. THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
20. SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION. THE GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK COUNTY AND OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY, OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE COURT OR, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.
21. WAIVER OF VENUE. THE GUARANTOR IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT IN ANY COURT REFERRED TO IN SECTION 20. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE DEFENSE OF AN INCONVENIENT FORUM TO THE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT.
22. SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 10.02 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT. NOTHING IN THIS GUARANTY WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
23. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER
6
PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
7
Executed this day of December, 2010.
VONAGE NETWORK LLC VONAGE MARKETING LLC VONAGE WORLDWIDE INC. VONAGE INTERNATIONAL INC. NOVEGA VENTURE PARTNERS, INC. VONAGE APPLICATIONS INC., as Guarantors | ||||
By: |
| |||
Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxx | |||
Title: | Vice President & Secretary | |||
DSP LLC, | ||||
as Guarantor | ||||
By: |
| |||
Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxx | |||
Title: | President |
S-1
Accepted and Agreed:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A, | ||
as Administrative Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
S-2
EXHIBIT F
FORM OF SECURITY AGREEMENT
[See attached]
F - 1
Form of Security Agreement
Execution Version
SECURITY AGREEMENT
By
VONAGE AMERICA INC.
and
VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP.,
as the Borrowers
and
THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO
and
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
Dated as of December 14, 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
PREAMBLE |
1 | |||||
RECITALS |
1 | |||||
AGREEMENT |
2 | |||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
| |||||
SECTION 1.1. |
DEFINITIONS | 2 | ||||
SECTION 1.2. |
INTERPRETATION | 8 | ||||
SECTION 1.3. |
RESOLUTION OF DRAFTING AMBIGUITIES | 8 | ||||
SECTION 1.4. |
PERFECTION CERTIFICATE | 8 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
GRANT OF SECURITY AND SECURED OBLIGATIONS |
| |||||
SECTION 2.1. |
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST | 9 | ||||
SECTION 2.2. |
FILINGS | 10 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
PERFECTION; SUPPLEMENTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES; USE OF COLLATERAL |
| |||||
SECTION 3.1. |
DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATED SECURITIES COLLATERAL | 11 | ||||
SECTION 3.2. |
PERFECTION OF UNCERTIFICATED SECURITIES COLLATERAL | 11 | ||||
SECTION 3.3. |
FINANCING STATEMENTS AND OTHER FILINGS; MAINTENANCE OF PERFECTED SECURITY INTEREST | 12 | ||||
SECTION 3.4. |
OTHER ACTIONS | 12 | ||||
SECTION 3.5. |
JOINDER OF ADDITIONAL GUARANTORS | 15 | ||||
SECTION 3.6. |
SUPPLEMENTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES | 15 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | ||||||
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS |
| |||||
SECTION 4.1. |
TITLE | 16 | ||||
SECTION 4.2. |
VALIDITY OF SECURITY INTEREST | 16 |
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SECTION 4.3. |
DEFENSE OF CLAIMS | 17 | ||||
SECTION 4.4. |
OTHER FINANCING STATEMENTS | 17 | ||||
SECTION 4.5. |
LOCATION OF INVENTORY AND EQUIPMENT | 17 | ||||
SECTION 4.6. |
DUE AUTHORIZATION AND ISSUANCE | 17 | ||||
SECTION 4.7. |
CONSENTS, ETC. | 17 | ||||
SECTION 4.8. |
COLLATERAL | 17 | ||||
SECTION 4.9. |
INSURANCE | 18 | ||||
ARTICLE V | ||||||
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING SECURITIES COLLATERAL |
| |||||
SECTION 5.1. |
PLEDGE OF ADDITIONAL SECURITIES COLLATERAL | 18 | ||||
SECTION 5.2. |
VOTING RIGHTS; DISTRIBUTIONS; ETC. | 18 | ||||
SECTION 5.3. |
DEFAULTS, ETC. | 19 | ||||
SECTION 5.4. |
CERTAIN AGREEMENTS OF PLEDGORS AS ISSUERS AND HOLDERS OF EQUITY INTERESTS | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | ||||||
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL |
| |||||
SECTION 6.1. | GRANT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LICENSE | 20 | ||||
SECTION 6.2. | PROTECTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S SECURITY | 21 | ||||
SECTION 6.3. | AFTER-ACQUIRED PROPERTY | 21 | ||||
SECTION 6.4. | LITIGATION | 22 | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
| |||||
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING RECEIVABLES |
| |||||
SECTION 7.1. |
MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS | 22 | ||||
SECTION 7.2. |
LEGEND | 23 | ||||
SECTION 7.3. |
MODIFICATION OF TERMS, ETC. | 23 | ||||
SECTION 7.4. |
COLLECTION | 23 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
| |||||
TRANSFERS |
| |||||
SECTION 8.1. |
TRANSFERS OF COLLATERAL | 24 |
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ARTICLE IX |
| |||||
REMEDIES |
| |||||
SECTION 9.1. |
REMEDIES | 24 | ||||
SECTION 9.2. |
NOTICE OF SALE | 26 | ||||
SECTION 9.3. |
WAIVER OF NOTICE AND CLAIMS | 26 | ||||
SECTION 9.4. |
CERTAIN SALES OF COLLATERAL | 26 | ||||
SECTION 9.5. |
NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES | 27 | ||||
SECTION 9.6. |
CERTAIN ADDITIONAL ACTIONS REGARDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY | 28 | ||||
ARTICLE X | ||||||
APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS |
| |||||
SECTION 10.1. |
APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS | 28 | ||||
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
MISCELLANEOUS |
| |||||
SECTION 11.1. |
CONCERNING ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | 28 | ||||
SECTION 11.2. |
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT MAY PERFORM; ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT APPOINTED |
30 | ||||
SECTION 11.3. |
CONTINUING SECURITY INTEREST; ASSIGNMENT | 30 | ||||
SECTION 11.4. |
TERMINATION; RELEASE | 31 | ||||
SECTION 11.5. |
MODIFICATION IN WRITING | 31 | ||||
SECTION 11.6. |
NOTICES | 31 | ||||
SECTION 11.7. |
GOVERNING LAW, CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL |
31 | ||||
SECTION 11.8. |
SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.9. |
EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.10. |
BUSINESS DAYS | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.11. |
NO CLAIMS AGAINST ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.12. |
NO RELEASE | 32 | ||||
SECTION 11.13. |
OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE | 33 | ||||
SIGNATURES |
S-1 |
EXHIBIT 1 |
Form of Issuer’s Acknowledgment | |
EXHIBIT 2 |
Form of Securities Pledge Amendment | |
EXHIBIT 3 |
Form of Joinder Agreement | |
EXHIBIT 4 |
Form of Copyright Security Agreement | |
EXHIBIT 5 |
Form of Patent Security Agreement | |
EXHIBIT 6 |
Form of Trademark Security Agreement |
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SECURITY AGREEMENT
This SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of December 14, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof, this “Agreement”) made by VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), and the Guarantors from to time to time party hereto (the “Guarantors”), as pledgors, assignors and debtors (the Borrowers and the Guarantors, in such capacities and together with any successors in such capacities, the “Pledgors,” and each, a “Pledgor”), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), as pledgee, assignee and secured party (in such capacities and together with any successors in such capacities, the “Administrative Agent”).
R E C I T A L S :
A. The Borrowers, the Administrative Agent and the lending institutions listed therein have, in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, entered into that certain credit agreement, dated as of December 14, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”; which term shall also include and refer to any increase in the amount of indebtedness under the Credit Agreement).
B. Each Guarantor has, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, entered into that certain guaranty agreement, dated as of December 14, 2010 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Guaranty Agreement”), and unconditionally guaranteed the Obligations.
C. Each Borrower and each Guarantor will receive substantial benefits from the execution, delivery and performance of the obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and each is, therefore, willing to enter into this Agreement.
D. This Agreement is given by each Pledgor in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to secure the payment and performance of all of the Obligations.
F. It is a condition to (i) the obligations of the Lenders to make the Loans under the Credit Agreement and (ii) the performance of the obligations of the Secured Parties under Secured Hedge Agreements and Secured Cash Management Agreements that constitute Obligations that each Pledgor execute and deliver the applicable Loan Documents, including this Agreement.
A G R E E M E N T :
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Pledgor and the Administrative Agent hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
SECTION 1.1. Definitions.
(a) Unless otherwise defined herein or in the Credit Agreement, capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the UCC shall have the meanings assigned to them in the UCC; provided that in any event, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned to them in the UCC:
“Accounts”; “Bank”; “Chattel Paper”; “Commercial Tort Claim”; “Commodity Account”; “Commodity Contract”; “Commodity Intermediary”; “Documents”; “Electronic Chattel Paper”; “Entitlement Order”; “Equipment”; “Financial Asset”; “Fixtures”; “General Intangibles”, “Goods”, “Inventory”; “Letter-of-Credit Rights”; “Letters of Credit”; “Money”; “Payment Intangibles”; “Proceeds”; “ Records”; “Securities Account”; “Securities Intermediary”; “Security Entitlement”; “Supporting Obligations”; and “Tangible Chattel Paper.”
(b) Terms used but not otherwise defined herein that are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement. Section 1.02 of the Credit Agreement shall apply herein mutatis mutandis.
(c) The following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Account Debtor” shall mean each person who is obligated on a Receivable or Supporting Obligation related thereto.
“Administrative Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
“Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
“Borrowers” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
“Collateral” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1 hereof.
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“Collateral Support” shall mean all property (real or personal) assigned, hypothecated or otherwise securing any Collateral and shall include any security agreement or other agreement granting a lien or security interest in such real or personal property.
“Commodity Account Control Agreement” shall mean a control agreement in a form that is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent establishing the Administrative Agent’s Control with respect to any Commodity Account.
“Contracts” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, all sale, service, performance, equipment or property lease contracts, agreements and grants and all other contracts, agreements or grants (in each case, whether written or oral, or third party or intercompany), between such Pledgor and any third party, and all assignments, amendments, restatements, supplements, extensions, renewals, replacements or modifications thereof.
“Control” shall mean (i) in the case of each Deposit Account, “control,” as such term is defined in Section 9-104 of the UCC, (ii) in the case of any Security Entitlement, “control,” as such term is defined in Section 8-106 of the UCC, and (iii) in the case of any Commodity Contract, “control,” as such term is defined in Section 9-106 of the UCC.
“Control Agreements” shall mean, collectively, the Deposit Account Control Agreement, the Securities Account Control Agreement and the Commodity Account Control Agreement.
“Copyrights” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, all copyrights (whether statutory or common law, whether established or registered in the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, whether registered or unregistered and whether published or unpublished) and all copyright registrations and applications made by such Pledgor, in each case, whether now owned or hereafter created or acquired by or assigned to such Pledgor, together with any and all (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable law with respect to such Pledgor’s use of such copyrights, (ii) reissues, renewals, continuations and extensions thereof and amendments thereto, (iii) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable with respect thereto, including damages and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (iv) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (v) rights to xxx for past, present or future infringements thereof.
“Copyright Security Agreement” shall mean an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 4 hereto.
“Credit Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Recital A hereof.
“Deposit Account Control Agreement” shall mean an agreement in a form that is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent establishing the Administrative Agent’s Control with respect to any Deposit Account.
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“Deposit Accounts” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, (i) all “deposit accounts” as such term is defined in the UCC and in any event shall include all accounts and sub-accounts relating to any of the foregoing accounts and (ii) all cash, funds, checks, notes and instruments from time to time on deposit in any of the accounts or sub-accounts described in clause (i) of this definition.
“Distributions” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, all dividends, cash, options, warrants, rights, instruments, distributions, returns of capital or principal, income, interest, profits and other property, interests (debt or equity) or proceeds, including as a result of a split, revision, reclassification or other like change of the Pledged Securities, from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed to such Pledgor in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes.
“Excluded Deposit Account” shall mean (i) zero balance Deposit Accounts the funds of which are transferred at the end of each Business Day to a Deposit Account subject to the Administrative Agent’s Control, (ii) Deposit Accounts which are exclusively used to fund payroll so long as the funds on deposit in all such payroll accounts of the Pledgors do not at any time exceed the then aggregate accrued payroll obligations of the Pledgors and their Subsidiaries and (iii) each Deposit Account holding at all times less than $250,000 in the aggregate together with all such other Deposit Accounts excluded pursuant to this clause (iii).
“Excluded Property” shall mean
(a) any permit or license issued by a Governmental Authority to any Pledgor or any agreement to which any Pledgor is a party, in each case, only to the extent and for so long as the terms of such permit, license or agreement or any Requirement of Law applicable thereto, validly prohibit the creation by such Pledgor of a security interest in such permit, license or agreement in favor of the Administrative Agent (after giving effect to Sections 9-406(d), 9-407(a), 9-408(a) or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) or any other applicable law (including the Bankruptcy Code) or principles of equity);
(b) assets owned by any Pledgor on the date hereof or hereafter acquired and any proceeds thereof that are subject to a Lien permitted by Section 7.01(i) of the Credit Agreement to the extent and for so long as the contract or other agreement in which such Lien is granted (or the documentation providing for the Capitalized Lease Obligation, Synthetic Lease Obligations or purchase money obligation subject to such Lien) validly prohibits the creation of any other Lien on such assets and proceeds;
(c) any property of a person existing at the time such person is acquired or merged with or into or consolidated with any Pledgor that is subject to a Lien permitted by Section 7.01(j) of the Credit Agreement to the extent and for so long as the contract or other agreement pursuant to which such Lien is granted validly prohibits the creation of any other Lien on such property;
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(d) any Equity Interests of the type not required to be pledged pursuant to Section 6.12(b) of the Credit Agreement;
(e) any intent-to-use trademark application to the extent and for so long as creation by a Pledgor of a security interest therein would result in the loss by such Pledgor of any material rights therein; and
(f) any property or assets in circumstances where the cost, burden or consequences (including adverse tax consequences) of obtaining or perfecting a security interest in such property or assets, as reasonably determined in writing by the Administrative Agent, is excessive in relation to the practical benefit to the Secured Parties afforded thereby;
provided, however, that Excluded Property shall not include any Proceeds, substitutions or replacements of any Excluded Property referred to in clause (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) of (f) (unless such Proceeds, substitutions or replacements would constitute Excluded Property referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) of (f)).
“Goodwill” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, the goodwill connected with such Pledgor’s business including all goodwill connected with (i) the use of and symbolized by any Trademark or Intellectual Property License with respect to any Trademark in which such Pledgor has any interest, (ii) all know-how, trade secrets, customer and supplier lists, proprietary information, inventions, methods, procedures, formulae, descriptions, compositions, technical data, drawings, specifications, name plates, catalogs, confidential information and the right to limit the use or disclosure thereof by any person, pricing and cost information, business and marketing plans and proposals, consulting agreements, engineering contracts and such other assets which relate to such goodwill and (iii) all product lines of such Pledgor’s business.
“Guarantors” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
“Instruments” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, all “instruments,” as such term is defined in Article 9, rather than Article 3, of the UCC.
“Intellectual Property Collateral” shall mean, collectively, the Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Intellectual Property Licenses and Goodwill.
“Intellectual Property Licenses” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, all license and distribution agreements with, and covenants not to xxx, any other party with respect to any Patent, Trademark or Copyright or any other patent, trademark or copyright, whether such Pledgor is a licensor or licensee, distributor or distributee under any such license or distribution agreement, together with any and all (i) renewals, extensions, supplements and continuations thereof, (ii) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now and hereafter due and/or payable thereunder and with respect thereto including damages and payments for past, present or future infringements or violations thereof, (iii) rights to xxx for past, present and future infringements or violations thereof and (iv) other rights to use, exploit or practice any or all of the Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights or any other patent, trademark or copyright.
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“Intercompany Notes” shall mean, with respect to each Pledgor, all intercompany notes described in Schedule 10 to the Perfection Certificate and intercompany notes hereafter acquired by such Pledgor and all certificates, instruments or agreements evidencing such intercompany notes, and all assignments, amendments, restatements, supplements, extensions, renewals, replacements or modifications thereof to the extent permitted pursuant to the terms hereof except, in each case, to extent constituting Excluded Property.
“Investment Property” shall mean a security, whether certificated or uncertificated, Security Entitlement, Securities Account, Commodity Contract or Commodity Account, excluding, however, the Securities Collateral.
“Joinder Agreement” shall mean an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 3 hereto.
“Material Intellectual Property Collateral” shall mean any Intellectual Property Collateral that is material (i) to the use and operation of the Collateral or Mortgaged Property or (ii) to the business, results of operations, or financial condition of any Pledgor.
“Mortgaged Property” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Mortgages.
“Patents” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, all patents issued or assigned to, and all patent applications and registrations made by, such Pledgor (whether established or registered or recorded in the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof), together with any and all (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable law with respect to such Pledgor’s use of any patents, (ii) inventions and improvements claimed therein, (iii) reissues, divisions, continuations, renewals, extensions and continuations-in-part thereof and amendments thereto, (iv) income, fees, royalties, damages, claims and payments now or hereafter due and/or payable thereunder and with respect thereto including damages and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (v) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (vi) rights to xxx for past, present or future infringements thereof.
“Patent Security Agreement” shall mean an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 5 hereto.
“Perfection Certificate” shall mean that certain perfection certificate dated December 14, 2010, executed and delivered by each Pledgor in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and each other Perfection Certificate (which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) executed and delivered by the applicable Guarantor in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of each Joinder Agreement executed in accordance with Section 3.5 hereof, in each case, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
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“Pledge Amendment” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.1 hereof.
“Pledged Securities” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, (i) all issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each issuer set forth on Schedules 9(a) and 9(b) to the Perfection Certificate as being owned by such Pledgor and all options, warrants, rights, agreements and additional Equity Interests of whatever class of any such issuer acquired by such Pledgor (including by issuance), together with all rights, privileges, authority and powers of such Pledgor relating to such Equity Interests in each such issuer or under any Organization Document of each such issuer, and the certificates, instruments and agreements representing such Equity Interests and any and all interest of such Pledgor in the entries on the books of any financial intermediary pertaining to such Equity Interests, excluding, in each case, to the extent constituting Excluded Property, (ii) all Equity Interests of any issuer, which Equity Interests are hereafter acquired by such Pledgor (including by issuance) and all options, warrants, rights, agreements and additional Equity Interests of whatever class of any such issuer acquired by such Pledgor (including by issuance), together with all rights, privileges, authority and powers of such Pledgor relating to such Equity Interests or under any Organization Document of any such issuer, and the certificates, instruments and agreements representing such Equity Interests and any and all interest of such Pledgor in the entries on the books of any financial intermediary pertaining to such Equity Interests, from time to time acquired by such Pledgor in any manner, except, in each case, to the extent constituting Excluded Property, and (iii) all Equity Interests issued in respect of the Equity Interests referred to in clause (i) or (ii) upon any consolidation or merger of any issuer of such Equity Interests.
“Pledgor” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereof.
“Receivables” shall mean all (i) Accounts, (ii) Chattel Paper, (iii) Payment Intangibles, (iv) General Intangibles, (v) Instruments and (vi) all other rights to payment, whether or not earned by performance, for goods or other property sold, leased, licensed, assigned or otherwise disposed of, or services rendered or to be rendered, regardless of how classified under the UCC together with all of Pledgors’ rights, if any, in any goods or other property giving rise to such right to payment and all Collateral Support and Supporting Obligations related thereto and all Records relating thereto.
“Securities Account Control Agreement” shall mean an agreement in a form that is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent establishing the Administrative Agent’s Control with respect to any Securities Account.
“Securities Collateral” shall mean, collectively, the Pledged Securities, the Intercompany Notes and the Distributions.
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“Trademarks” shall mean, collectively, with respect to each Pledgor, all trademarks (including service marks), slogans, logos, certification marks, trade dress, uniform resource locations (URL’s), domain names, corporate names and trade names, whether registered or unregistered, owned by or assigned to such Pledgor and all registrations and applications for the foregoing (whether statutory or common law and whether established or registered in the United States or any other country or any political subdivision thereof), together with any and all (i) rights and privileges arising under applicable law with respect to such Pledgor’s use of any trademarks, (ii) reissues, continuations, extensions and renewals thereof and amendments thereto, (iii) income, fees, royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due and/or payable thereunder and with respect thereto, including damages, claims and payments for past, present or future infringements thereof, (iv) rights corresponding thereto throughout the world and (v) rights to xxx for past, present and future infringements thereof.
“Trademark Security Agreement” shall mean an agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 6 hereto.
“UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York; provided, however, that, at any time, if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, any or all of the perfection or priority of the Administrative Agent’s and the Secured Parties’ security interest in any item or portion of the Collateral is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in a jurisdiction other than the State of New York, the term “UCC” shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect, at such time, in such other jurisdiction for purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or priority and for purposes of definitions relating to such provisions.
SECTION 1.2. Interpretation. The rules of interpretation specified in the Credit Agreement shall be applicable to this Agreement.
SECTION 1.3. Resolution of Drafting Ambiguities. Each Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that it was represented by counsel in connection with the execution and delivery hereof, that it and its counsel reviewed and participated in the preparation and negotiation hereof and that any rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party (i.e., the Administrative Agent) shall not be employed in the interpretation hereof.
SECTION 1.4. Perfection Certificate. The Administrative Agent and each Secured Party agree that the Perfection Certificate and all descriptions of Collateral, schedules, amendments and supplements thereto are and shall at all times remain a part of this Agreement.
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ARTICLE II
GRANT OF SECURITY AND SECURED OBLIGATIONS
SECTION 2.1. Grant of Security Interest. As collateral security for the payment and performance in full of all the Obligations, each Pledgor hereby pledges and grants to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a lien on and security interest in all of the right, title and interest of such Pledgor in, to and under the following property, wherever located, and whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired from time to time (collectively, the “Collateral”):
(i) | all Accounts; |
(ii) | all Equipment, Goods, Inventory and Fixtures; |
(iii) | all Documents, Instruments and Chattel Paper; |
(iv) | all Letters of Credit and Letter-of-Credit Rights; |
(v) | all Securities Collateral; |
(vi) | all Investment Property; |
(vii) | all Intellectual Property Collateral; |
(viii) | the Commercial Tort Claims described on Schedule 12 to the Perfection Certificate; |
(ix) | all General Intangibles; |
(x) | all Money and all Deposit Accounts; |
(xi) | all Supporting Obligations; |
(xii) | all books and records relating to the Collateral; and |
(xiii) | to the extent not covered by clauses (i) through (xii) of this sentence, all other personal property of such Pledgor, whether tangible or intangible, and all Proceeds and products of each of the foregoing and all accessions to, substitutions and replacements for, and rents, profits and products of, each of the foregoing, any and all Proceeds of any insurance, indemnity, warranty or guaranty payable to such Pledgor from time to time with respect to any of the foregoing. |
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in clauses (i) through (xiii) above, the security interest created by this Agreement shall not extend to, and the term “Collateral” shall not include, any Excluded Property. The Pledgors shall from time to time at the request of the Administrative Agent (which, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, request shall not be made more frequently than once in any period of twelve (12) consecutive months) give written notice to the Administrative Agent identifying in reasonable detail the Excluded Property and shall provide to the Administrative Agent such other information regarding the Excluded Property as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request. From and after the Closing Date, no Pledgor shall permit to become effective in any document creating, governing or providing for any permit, license or agreement a provision that would prohibit the creation of a Lien on such permit, license or agreement in favor of the Administrative Agent unless such Pledgor believes, in its reasonable judgment, that such prohibition is usual and customary in transactions of such type.
SECTION 2.2. Filings. (a) Each Pledgor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time to file in any relevant jurisdiction any financing statements (including fixture filings) and amendments thereto that contain the information required by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of each applicable jurisdiction for the filing of any financing statement or amendment relating to the Collateral, including (i) whether such Pledgor is an organization, the type of organization and any organizational identification number issued to such Pledgor, (ii) any financing or continuation statements or other documents without the signature of such Pledgor where permitted by law, including the filing of a financing statement describing the Collateral as “all assets now owned or hereafter acquired by the Pledgor or in which Pledgor otherwise has rights” and (iii) in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or covering Collateral constituting minerals or the like to be extracted or timber to be cut, a sufficient description of the real property to which such Collateral relates. Each Pledgor agrees to provide all information described in the immediately preceding sentence to the Administrative Agent promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent.
(b) Each Pledgor hereby ratifies its authorization for the Administrative Agent to file in any relevant jurisdiction any financing statements relating to the Collateral if filed prior to the date hereof.
(c) Each Pledgor hereby further authorizes the Administrative Agent to file filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office (or any successor office or any similar office in any other country), including the Copyright Security Agreement, the Patent Security Agreement and the Trademark Security Agreement, or other documents for the purpose of perfecting, confirming, continuing, enforcing or protecting the security interest granted by such Pledgor hereunder, without the signature of such Pledgor, and naming such Pledgor, as debtor, and the Administrative Agent, as secured party.
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ARTICLE III
PERFECTION; SUPPLEMENTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES;
USE OF COLLATERAL
SECTION 3.1. Delivery of Certificated Securities Collateral. Each Pledgor represents and warrants that all certificates, agreements or instruments representing or evidencing the Securities Collateral in existence on the date hereof have been delivered to the Administrative Agent in suitable form for transfer by delivery or accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank and that, subject to the Administrative Agent maintaining possession thereof in the State of New York or another state, the Administrative Agent has a perfected first priority security interest therein. Each Pledgor hereby agrees that all certificates, agreements or instruments representing or evidencing Securities Collateral acquired by such Pledgor after the date hereof shall promptly (but in any event within ten days (or such longer period as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent) after receipt thereof by such Pledgor) be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto. All certificated Securities Collateral shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery or shall be accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall have the right, at any time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, to endorse, assign or otherwise transfer to or to register in the name of the Administrative Agent or any of its nominees or endorse for negotiation any or all of the Securities Collateral, without any indication that such Securities Collateral is subject to the security interest hereunder. In addition, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall have the right at any time to exchange certificates representing or evidencing Securities Collateral for certificates of smaller or larger denominations.
SECTION 3.2. Perfection of Uncertificated Securities Collateral. Each Pledgor represents and warrants that the Administrative Agent has a perfected first priority security interest in all uncertificated Pledged Securities pledged by it hereunder that are in existence on the date hereof. Each Pledgor hereby agrees that if any of the Pledged Securities that are “securities” for purposes of the UCC are at any time not evidenced by certificates of ownership, then each applicable Pledgor shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, (i) cause the issuer to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an acknowledgment of the pledge of such Pledged Securities substantially in the form of Exhibit 1 hereto or such other form that is reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (ii) if necessary or desirable to perfect a security interest in such Pledged Securities, cause such pledge to be recorded on the equityholder register or the books of the issuer, execute any customary pledge forms or other documents necessary or appropriate to complete the pledge and give the Administrative Agent the right to transfer such Pledged Securities under the terms hereof, and (iii) after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, upon request by the Administrative Agent, (A) cause the Organization Documents of each such issuer that is a Subsidiary of any Borrower to be amended to provide that such Pledged Securities shall be treated as “securities” for purposes of the UCC and (B) cause such Pledged Securities to become certificated and delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.1.
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SECTION 3.3. Financing Statements and Other Filings; Maintenance of Perfected Security Interest. Each Pledgor agrees that at the sole cost and expense of the Pledgors, such Pledgor will maintain the security interest created by this Agreement in the Collateral as a perfected first priority security interest subject only to Permitted Liens.
SECTION 3.4. Other Actions. In order to further ensure the attachment, perfection and priority of, and the ability of the Administrative Agent to enforce, the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral, each Pledgor represents and warrants (as to itself) as follows and agrees, in each case at such Pledgor’s own expense, to take the following actions with respect to the following Collateral:
(a) Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper. As of the date hereof, no amounts payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral are evidenced by any Instrument or Tangible Chattel Paper other than such Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper listed in Schedule 10 to the Perfection Certificate. Each Instrument and each item of Tangible Chattel Paper listed in Schedule 10 to the Perfection Certificate has been properly endorsed, assigned and delivered to the Administrative Agent, accompanied by instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank. If any amount then payable exceeding $250,000 under or in connection with any of the Collateral shall be evidenced by any Instrument or Tangible Chattel Paper, and such amount, together with all amounts payable evidenced by any Instrument or Tangible Chattel Paper not previously delivered to the Administrative Agent exceeds $500,000 in the aggregate for all Pledgors, the Pledgor acquiring such Instrument or Tangible Chattel Paper shall promptly (but in any event within ten days (or such longer period as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent) after receipt thereof) endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Administrative Agent, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Administrative Agent may from time to time specify.
(b) Deposit Accounts. As of the date hereof, no Pledgor has any Deposit Accounts other than the accounts listed in Schedule 13 to the Perfection Certificate. The Administrative Agent has a first priority security interest in each such Deposit Account, other than Excluded Deposit Accounts, which security interest is perfected by Control (unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent). No Pledgor shall hereafter establish and maintain any Deposit Account unless (1) it shall have given the Administrative Agent 10 days’ prior written notice of its intention to establish such new Deposit Account with a Bank (or such other or shorter notice as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent) and (2) if such Deposit Account is not an Excluded Deposit Account, such Bank and such Pledgor shall have duly executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent a Deposit Account Control Agreement with respect to such Deposit Account. The Administrative Agent agrees with each Pledgor that the Administrative Agent shall not give any instructions directing the disposition of funds from time to time credited to any Deposit Account or withhold any withdrawal rights from such Pledgor with respect to funds from
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time to time credited to any Deposit Account unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Each Pledgor agrees that once the Administrative Agent sends an instruction or notice to a Bank exercising its Control over any Deposit Account such Pledgor shall not give any instructions or orders with respect to such Deposit Account including, without limitation, instructions for distribution or transfer of any funds in such Deposit Account. No Pledgor shall grant Control of any Deposit Account to any person other than the Administrative Agent.
(c) Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts. (i) As of the date hereof, no Pledgor has any Securities Accounts or Commodity Accounts other than those listed in Schedule 13 to the Perfection Certificate. The Administrative Agent has a first priority security interest in each such Securities Account and Commodity Account, which security interest is perfected by Control. No Pledgor shall hereafter establish and maintain any Securities Account or Commodity Account with any Securities Intermediary or Commodity Intermediary unless (1) it shall have given the Administrative Agent ten days’ prior written notice of its intention to establish such new Securities Account or Commodity Account with such Securities Intermediary or Commodity Intermediary (or such other or shorter notice as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (2) such Securities Intermediary or Commodity Intermediary shall be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and (3) such Securities Intermediary or Commodity Intermediary, as the case may be, and such Pledgor shall have duly executed and delivered a Control Agreement with respect to such Securities Account or Commodity Account, as the case may be. Each Pledgor shall promptly deposit any and all cash and Investment Property received by it into a Deposit Account or Securities Account subject to Administrative Agent’s Control, except with respect to Investment Property with an aggregate value not exceeding $250,000 at any time. The Administrative Agent agrees with each Pledgor that the Administrative Agent shall not give any Entitlement Orders or instructions or directions to any issuer of uncertificated securities, Securities Intermediary or Commodity Intermediary, and shall not withhold its consent to the exercise of any withdrawal or dealing rights by such Pledgor, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or, after giving effect to any such investment and withdrawal rights, would occur. Each Pledgor agrees that once the Administrative Agent sends an instruction or notice to a Securities Intermediary or Commodity Intermediary exercising its Control over any Securities Account and Commodity Account such Pledgor shall not give any instructions or orders with respect to such Securities Account and Commodity Account including, without limitation, instructions for investment, distribution or transfer of any Investment Property or financial asset maintained in such Securities Account or Commodity Account. No Pledgor shall grant Control over any Investment Property to any person other than the Administrative Agent.
(ii) As between the Administrative Agent and the Pledgors, the Pledgors shall bear the investment risk with respect to the Investment Property and Pledged Securities, whether in the possession of, or maintained as a Security Entitlement or deposit by, or subject to the Control of, the Administrative Agent, a Securities Intermediary, a Commodity Intermediary, any Pledgor or any other person.
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(d) Electronic Chattel Paper and Transferable Records. As of the date hereof, no amount under or in connection with any of the Collateral is evidenced by any Electronic Chattel Paper or any “transferable record” (as that term is defined in Section 201 of the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, or in Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction) other than such Electronic Chattel Paper and transferable records listed in Schedule 10 to the Perfection Certificate. If any amount payable under or in connection with any of the Collateral shall be evidenced by any Electronic Chattel Paper or any transferable record, the Pledgor acquiring such Electronic Chattel Paper or transferable record shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof and shall take such action as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to vest in the Administrative Agent control of such Electronic Chattel Paper under Section 9-105 of the UCC or control under Section 201 of the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or, as the case may be, Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, as so in effect in such jurisdiction, of such transferable record. The requirement in the preceding sentence shall not apply to the extent that such amount, together with all amounts payable evidenced by Electronic Chattel Paper or any transferable record in which the Administrative Agent has not been vested control within the meaning of the statutes described in the immediately preceding sentence, does not exceed $500,000 in the aggregate for all Pledgors. The Administrative Agent agrees with such Pledgor that the Administrative Agent will arrange, pursuant to procedures satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and so long as such procedures will not result in the Administrative Agent’s loss of control, for the Pledgor to make alterations to the Electronic Chattel Paper or transferable record permitted under Section 9-105 of the UCC or, as the case may be, Section 201 of the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act for a party in control to allow without loss of control, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur after taking into account any action by such Pledgor with respect to such Electronic Chattel Paper or transferable record.
(e) Letter-of-Credit Rights. If any Pledgor is at any time a beneficiary under a Letter of Credit now or hereafter issued, such Pledgor shall notify the Administrative Agent within 30 days thereof and such Pledgor shall, at the request of the Administrative Agent, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, either (i) arrange for the issuer and any confirmer of such Letter of Credit to consent to an assignment to the Administrative Agent of the proceeds of any drawing under the Letter of Credit or (ii) arrange for the Administrative Agent to become the transferee beneficiary of such Letter of Credit, with the Administrative Agent agreeing, in each case, that the proceeds of any drawing under the Letter of Credit are to be applied as provided in the Credit Agreement. The actions in the preceding sentence shall not be required to the extent that the amount of any such Letter of Credit, together with
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the aggregate amount of all other Letters of Credit for which the actions described above in clause (i) and (ii) have not been taken, does not exceed $250,000 individually or $1,000,000 in the aggregate for all Pledgors.
(f) Commercial Tort Claims. As of the date hereof, each Pledgor hereby represents and warrants that it holds no Commercial Tort Claims other than those listed in Schedule 12 to the Perfection Certificate. If any Pledgor shall at any time hold or acquire a Commercial Tort Claim, such Pledgor shall, within 10 business days, notify the Administrative Agent in writing signed by such Pledgor of the brief details thereof and grant to the Administrative Agent in such writing a security interest therein and in the Proceeds thereof, all upon the terms of this Agreement, with such writing to be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent. The requirement in the preceding sentence shall not apply to the extent that the amount of such Commercial Tort Claim, together with the amount of all other Commercial Tort Claims held by any Pledgor in which the Administrative Agent does not have a security interest, does not exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate for all Pledgors.
SECTION 3.5. Joinder of Additional Guarantors. The Pledgors shall cause each Subsidiary of any Borrower which, from time to time, after the date hereof shall be required to pledge any assets to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to the provisions of the Credit Agreement to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (i) a Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit 3 hereto and (ii) a Perfection Certificate, in each case, within thirty (30) days of the date on which it was acquired or created (or such longer period as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent), upon such execution and delivery, such Subsidiary shall constitute a “Guarantor” and a “Pledgor” for all purposes hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Guarantor and Pledgor herein. The execution and delivery of such Joinder Agreement shall not require the consent of any Pledgor hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Pledgor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Guarantor and Pledgor as a party to this Agreement.
SECTION 3.6. Supplements; Further Assurances. Each Pledgor shall take such further actions, and execute and/or deliver to the Administrative Agent such additional financing statements, amendments, assignments, agreements, supplements, powers and instruments, as the Administrative Agent may in its reasonable judgment deem necessary or appropriate in order to create, perfect, preserve and protect the security interest in the Collateral as provided herein and the rights and interests granted to the Administrative Agent hereunder, to carry into effect the purposes hereof or better to assure and confirm the validity, enforceability and priority of the Administrative Agent’s security interest in the Collateral or permit the Administrative Agent to exercise and enforce its rights, powers and remedies hereunder with respect to any Collateral, including the filing of financing statements, continuation statements and other documents (including this Agreement) under the Uniform Commercial Code (or other similar laws) in effect in any jurisdiction with respect to the security interest created hereby and the execution and delivery of Control Agreements, all in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and in such offices (including the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States
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Copyright Office) wherever required by law to perfect, continue and maintain the validity, enforceability and priority of the security interest in the Collateral as provided herein and to preserve the other rights and interests granted to the Administrative Agent hereunder, as against third parties, with respect to the Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Pledgor shall make, execute, endorse, acknowledge, file or refile and/or deliver to the Administrative Agent from time to time upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent such lists, schedules, descriptions and designations of the Collateral, copies of warehouse receipts, receipts in the nature of warehouse receipts, bills of lading, documents of title, vouchers, invoices, schedules, confirmatory assignments, supplements, additional security agreements, conveyances, financing statements, transfer endorsements, powers of attorney, certificates, reports and other assurances or instruments as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may institute and maintain, in its own name or in the name of any Pledgor, such suits and proceedings as the Administrative Agent may be advised by counsel shall be necessary or expedient to prevent any impairment of the security interest in or the perfection thereof in the Collateral. All of the foregoing shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Pledgors.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
Each Pledgor represents, warrants and covenants as follows:
SECTION 4.1. Title. Except for the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to this Agreement and Permitted Liens, such Pledgor has rights and, as to Collateral acquired by it from time to time after the date hereof, will have rights in each item of Collateral pledged by it hereunder, free and clear of any and all Liens or claims of others.
SECTION 4.2. Validity of Security Interest. The security interest in and Lien on the Collateral granted to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties hereunder constitutes (a) a legal and valid security interest in all the Collateral securing the payment and performance of the Obligations, and (b) subject to the filing of financing statements in the applicable jurisdictions, the Copyright Security Agreement in the United States Copyright Office, and the Patent Security Agreement and Trademark Security Agreement with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a perfected security interest in all the Collateral to the extent such security interest and Lien can be perfected by filing in the applicable jurisdictions, the United States Copyright Office, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or by possession or by control to the extent such possession or control are required herein. The security interest and Lien granted to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to this Agreement in and on the Collateral will at all times constitute a perfected, continuing security interest therein, prior to all other Liens on the Collateral except for Permitted Liens. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Credit Agreement, the Pledgors make no representation
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regarding the attachment, perfection or priority of any lien on or security interest in any of the Intercompany Notes executed by a Foreign Subsidiary except to the extent the UCC is applicable thereto.
SECTION 4.3. Defense of Claims. Each Pledgor shall, at its own cost and expense, defend title to the Collateral pledged by it hereunder and the security interest therein and Lien thereon granted to the Administrative Agent and the priority thereof against all claims and demands of all persons, at its own cost and expense, at any time claiming any interest therein adverse to the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party other than Permitted Liens.
SECTION 4.4. Other Financing Statements. It has not filed, nor authorized any third party to file (nor will there be), any valid or effective financing statement (or similar statement, instrument of registration or public notice under the law of any jurisdiction) covering or purporting to cover any interest of any kind in the Collateral, except such as have been filed in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement or in favor of any holder of a Permitted Lien with respect to such Permitted Lien. No Pledgor shall execute, authorize or permit to be filed in any public office any financing statement (or similar statement, instrument of registration or public notice under the law of any jurisdiction) relating to any Collateral, except financing statements and other statements and instruments filed or to be filed in respect of and covering the interests granted by such Pledgor to the holder of the Permitted Liens.
SECTION 4.5. Location of Inventory and Equipment. It shall not move any Equipment or Inventory to any location outside of the continental United States other than in the ordinary course of business.
SECTION 4.6. Due Authorization and Issuance. All of the Pledged Securities existing on the date hereof have been, and to the extent any Pledged Securities are hereafter issued, such Pledged Securities will be, upon such issuance, duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable to the extent applicable. There is no amount or other obligation owing by any Pledgor to any issuer of the Pledged Securities in exchange for or in connection with the issuance of the Pledged Securities or any Pledgor’s status as a partner or a member of any issuer of the Pledged Securities.
SECTION 4.7. Consents, etc. In the event that the Administrative Agent desires to exercise any remedies, voting or consensual rights or attorney-in-fact powers set forth in this Agreement and determines it necessary to obtain any approvals or consents of any Governmental Authority or any other person therefor, then, upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, such Pledgor agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to assist and aid the Administrative Agent to obtain as soon as practicable any necessary approvals or consents for the exercise of any such remedies, rights and powers.
SECTION 4.8. Collateral. All information set forth herein, including the schedules hereto, and all information contained in any documents, schedules and lists heretofore delivered to any Secured Party, including the Perfection Certificate and the schedules thereto, in connection with this Agreement, in each case, relating to the Collateral, is accurate and complete
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in all material respects. The Collateral described on the schedules to the Perfection Certificate constitutes all of the property of such type of Collateral owned or held by the Pledgors, other than Collateral acquired since delivery of the immediately preceding Perfection Certificate Supplement pursuant to Section 6.02(j) of the Credit Agreement.
SECTION 4.9. Insurance. In the event that the proceeds of any insurance claim are paid to any Pledgor after the Administrative Agent has exercised its right to foreclose after an Event of Default, such Net Cash Proceeds shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and promptly after receipt thereof shall be paid to the Administrative Agent for application in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
ARTICLE V
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING SECURITIES COLLATERAL
SECTION 5.1. Pledge of Additional Securities Collateral. Each Pledgor shall, upon obtaining any Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes of any person, except in each case to the extent constituting Excluded Property and except with respect to Pledged Securities with an aggregate value not exceeding $250,000 at any time, accept the same in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and promptly (but in any event within ten days after receipt thereof, or such longer period as may be acceptable to the Administrative Agent) deliver to the Administrative Agent a pledge amendment, duly executed by such Pledgor, in substantially the form of Exhibit 2 hereto (each, a “Pledge Amendment”), and the certificates and other documents required under Section 3.1 and Section 3.2 hereof in respect of the additional Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes which are required to be pledged pursuant to this Agreement, and confirming the attachment of the Lien hereby created on and in respect of such additional Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes. Each Pledgor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Agreement and agrees that all Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes listed on any Pledge Amendment delivered to the Administrative Agent shall for all purposes hereunder be considered Collateral except to the extent constituting Excluded Property.
SECTION 5.2. Voting Rights; Distributions; etc.
(a) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:
(i) Each Pledgor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and other consensual rights pertaining to the Securities Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose not inconsistent with the terms or purposes hereof, the Credit Agreement or any other document evidencing the Obligations; provided, however, that no Pledgor shall in any event exercise such rights in any manner which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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(ii) Each Pledgor shall be entitled to receive and retain, and to utilize free and clear of the Lien hereof, any and all Distributions, but only if and to the extent made in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement; provided, however, that any and all such Distributions consisting of rights or interests in the form of securities shall be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent to the extent and as required by this Agreement to hold as Collateral.
(b) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Administrative Agent shall be deemed without further action or formality to have granted to each Pledgor all necessary consents relating to voting rights and shall, if necessary, upon written request of any Pledgor and at the sole cost and expense of the Pledgors, from time to time execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to such Pledgor all such instruments as such Pledgor may reasonably request in order to permit such Pledgor to exercise the voting and other rights which it is entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 5.2(a)(i) hereof and to receive the Distributions which it is authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 5.2(a)(ii) hereof.
(c) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and after notice to the Borrowers:
(i) All rights of each Pledgor to exercise the voting and other consensual rights it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 5.2(a)(i) hereof shall immediately cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Administrative Agent, which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise such voting and other consensual rights.
(ii) All rights of each Pledgor to receive Distributions which it would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section 5.2(a)(ii) hereof shall immediately cease and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Administrative Agent, which shall thereupon have the sole right to receive and hold as Collateral such Distributions.
(d) Each Pledgor shall, at its sole cost and expense, from time to time execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent appropriate instruments as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in order to permit the Administrative Agent to exercise the voting and other rights which it may be entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 5.2(c)(i) hereof and to receive all Distributions which it may be entitled to receive under Section 5.2(c)(ii) hereof.
(e) All Distributions which are received by any Pledgor contrary to the provisions of Section 5.2(a)(ii) hereof shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, shall be segregated from other funds of such Pledgor and shall promptly be paid over to the Administrative Agent as Collateral in the same form as so received (with any necessary endorsement).
SECTION 5.3. Defaults, etc. Each Pledgor hereby represents and warrants that, to the knowledge of the Responsible Officers of such Pledgor, (i) such Pledgor is not in
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default in the payment of any material portion of any mandatory capital contribution, if any, required to be made under any agreement to which such Pledgor is a party relating to the Pledged Securities pledged by it, and such Pledgor is not in violation of any other material provisions of any such agreement to which such Pledgor is a party, (ii) no Securities Collateral pledged by such Pledgor is subject to any defense, material offset or material counterclaim, nor have any of the foregoing been asserted or alleged against such Pledgor by any person with respect thereto, and (iii) as of the date hereof, there are no certificates, instruments, or similar writings (other than the Organization Documents and certificates representing such Pledged Securities that have been delivered to the Administrative Agent) which evidence any Pledged Securities of such Pledgor.
SECTION 5.4. Certain Agreements of Pledgors As Issuers and Holders of Equity Interests.
(a) In the case of each Pledgor which is an issuer of Securities Collateral, such Pledgor agrees to be bound by the terms of this Agreement relating to the Securities Collateral issued by it and will comply with such terms insofar as such terms are applicable to it.
(b) In the case of each Pledgor which is a partner, shareholder or member, as the case may be, in a partnership, limited liability company or other entity, such Pledgor hereby consents to the extent required by the applicable Organization Document to the pledge by each other Pledgor, pursuant to the terms hereof, of the Pledged Securities in such partnership, limited liability company or other entity and, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to the transfer of such Pledged Securities to the Administrative Agent or its nominee and to the substitution of the Administrative Agent or its nominee as a substituted partner, shareholder or member in such partnership, limited liability company or other entity with all the rights, powers and duties of a general partner, limited partner, shareholder or member, as the case may be.
ARTICLE VI
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY COLLATERAL
SECTION 6.1. Grant of Intellectual Property License. For the purpose of enabling the Administrative Agent, during the continuance of an Event of Default, to exercise rights and remedies under Article IX hereof at such time as the Administrative Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, and for no other purpose, each Pledgor hereby grants to the Administrative Agent effective upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, to the extent assignable, an irrevocable, non-exclusive license to use, assign, license or sublicense any of the Intellectual Property Collateral now owned or hereafter acquired by such Pledgor, wherever the same may be located. Such license shall include access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer programs used for the
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compilation or printout hereof. In the event the Administrative Agent uses, licenses, or sublicenses any of the Trademarks, such usage and/or licenses must conform with all of Pledgor’s standards and quality control requirements and any licensees and/or sublicensees must enter into written agreements whereby they agree to comply with all of Pledgor’s standards and quality control requirements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 6.2. Protection of Administrative Agent’s Security. On a continuing basis, each Pledgor shall, at its sole cost and expense, (i) promptly following its becoming aware thereof, notify the Administrative Agent of any final, non-appealable material adverse determination in any proceeding or the institution of any proceeding in any federal, state or local court or administrative body or in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office regarding any Material Intellectual Property Collateral, such Pledgor’s right to register such Material Intellectual Property Collateral or its right to keep and maintain such registration in full force and effect, (ii) maintain all Material Intellectual Property Collateral in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement, (iii) not permit to lapse or become abandoned any Material Intellectual Property Collateral, and not settle or compromise any pending or future litigation or administrative proceeding with respect to any such Material Intellectual Property Collateral, in either case except as shall be consistent with commercially reasonable business judgment, (iv) upon such Pledgor obtaining knowledge thereof, promptly notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any event which may be reasonably expected to materially and adversely affect the value or utility of any Material Intellectual Property Collateral or the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent in relation thereto including a levy or any legal process against any Material Intellectual Property Collateral, (v) not license any Material Intellectual Property Collateral other than licenses entered into by such Pledgor in, or incidental to, the ordinary course of business, or amend or permit the amendment of any of the licenses in a manner that materially and adversely affects the right to receive payments thereunder, or in any manner that would materially impair the value of any Material Intellectual Property Collateral or the Lien on and security interest in the Material Intellectual Property Collateral created therein hereby, without the consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent will not unreasonably withheld, or as otherwise permitted by the Credit Agreement (vi) diligently keep adequate records respecting all Intellectual Property Collateral and (vii) furnish to the Administrative Agent from time to time upon the Administrative Agent’s reasonable request therefor reasonably detailed statements and amended schedules further identifying and describing the Intellectual Property Collateral and such other materials evidencing or reports pertaining to any Intellectual Property Collateral as the Administrative Agent may from time to time request.
SECTION 6.3. After-Acquired Property. If any Pledgor shall at any time after the date hereof (i) obtain any rights to any additional Intellectual Property Collateral or (ii) become entitled to the benefit of any additional Intellectual Property Collateral or any renewal or extension thereof, including any reissue, division, continuation, or continuation-in-part of any Intellectual Property Collateral, or any improvement on any Intellectual Property Collateral, or if any intent-to use trademark application becomes registered or becomes an “actual use” application, and is thus no longer subject to clause (e) of the definition of Excluded Property, the provisions hereof shall automatically apply thereto and any such item enumerated in the preceding
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clause (i) or (ii) shall automatically constitute Intellectual Property Collateral as if such would have constituted Intellectual Property Collateral at the time of execution hereof and be subject to the Lien and security interest created by this Agreement without further action by any party. Each Pledgor shall promptly provide to the Administrative Agent written notice of any of the foregoing (in connection with delivery of the Perfection Certificate Supplement pursuant to Section 6.02(j) of the Credit Agreement) and confirm the attachment of the Lien and security interest created by this Agreement to any rights described in clauses (i) and (ii) above by execution of an instrument in form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the filing of any instruments or statements as shall be reasonably necessary to create, preserve, protect or perfect the Administrative Agent’s security interest in such Intellectual Property Collateral. Further, each Pledgor authorizes the Administrative Agent to modify this Agreement by amending Schedules 11(a), 11(b) and 11(c) to the Perfection Certificate to include any Intellectual Property Collateral of such Pledgor acquired or arising after the date hereof.
SECTION 6.4. Litigation. Unless there shall occur and be continuing any Event of Default, each Pledgor shall have the right to commence and prosecute in its own name, as the party in interest, for its own benefit and at the sole cost and expense of the Pledgors, such applications for protection of the Intellectual Property Collateral and suits, proceedings or other actions to prevent the infringement, counterfeiting, unfair competition, dilution, diminution in value or other damage as are necessary to protect the Intellectual Property Collateral. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall have the right but shall in no way be obligated to file applications for protection of the Intellectual Property Collateral and/or bring suit in the name of any Pledgor, the Administrative Agent or the Secured Parties to enforce the Intellectual Property Collateral and any license thereunder. In the event of such suit, each Pledgor shall, at the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, do any and all lawful acts and execute any and all documents reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in aid of such enforcement and the Pledgors shall promptly reimburse and indemnify the Administrative Agent for all costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in the exercise of its rights under this Section 6.4 in accordance with Section 11.04 of the Credit Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
CERTAIN PROVISIONS CONCERNING RECEIVABLES
SECTION 7.1. Maintenance of Records. Each Pledgor shall keep and maintain at its own cost and expense complete records of each Receivable, in a manner consistent with past or otherwise prudent business practice, including records of all payments received, all credits granted thereon, all merchandise returned and all other documentation relating thereto. Each Pledgor shall, at such Pledgor’s sole cost and expense, upon the Administrative Agent’s demand made at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, deliver all tangible evidence of Receivables, including all documents evidencing Receivables and any books and records relating thereto to the Administrative Agent or to its representatives (copies of
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which evidence and books and records may be retained by such Pledgor). Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may transfer a full and complete copy of any Pledgor’s books, records, credit information, reports, memoranda and all other writings relating to the Receivables to and for the use by any person that has acquired or is contemplating acquisition of an interest in the Receivables or the Administrative Agent’s security interest therein without the consent of any Pledgor.
SECTION 7.2. Legend. Each Pledgor shall legend, at the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent and in form and manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, the Receivables and the other books, records and documents of such Pledgor evidencing or pertaining to the Receivables with an appropriate reference to the fact that the Receivables have been assigned to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and that the Administrative Agent has a security interest therein.
SECTION 7.3. Modification of Terms, etc. No Pledgor shall rescind or cancel any obligations evidenced by any Receivable or modify any term thereof or make any adjustment with respect thereto except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past or otherwise prudent business practice, or extend or renew any such obligations except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past or otherwise prudent business practice or compromise or settle any dispute, claim, suit or legal proceeding relating thereto or sell any Receivable or interest therein except in the ordinary course of business consistent with prudent business practice without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent. Each Pledgor shall timely fulfill all obligations on its part to be fulfilled under or in connection with the Receivables.
SECTION 7.4. Collection. Each Pledgor shall cause to be collected from the Account Debtor of each of the Receivables, as and when due in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past or otherwise prudent business practice (including Receivables that are delinquent, such Receivables to be collected in accordance with generally accepted commercial collection procedures), any and all amounts owing under or on account of such Receivable, and apply forthwith upon receipt thereof all such amounts as are so collected to the outstanding balance of such Receivable, except that any Pledgor may, with respect to a Receivable, allow in the ordinary course of business (i) a refund or credit due as a result of returned or damaged or defective merchandise and (ii) such extensions of time to pay amounts due in respect of Receivables and such other modifications of payment terms or settlements in respect of Receivables as shall be commercially reasonable in the circumstances, all in accordance with such Pledgor’s ordinary course of business consistent with its collection practices as in effect from time to time. The costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) of collection, in any case, whether incurred by any Pledgor, the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party, shall be paid by the Pledgors.
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ARTICLE VIII
TRANSFERS
SECTION 8.1. Transfers of Collateral. No Pledgor shall sell, convey, assign or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, any of the Collateral pledged by it hereunder except as expressly permitted by the Credit Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
REMEDIES
SECTION 9.1. Remedies. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may from time to time exercise in respect of the Collateral, in addition to the other rights and remedies provided for herein or otherwise available to it, the following remedies to the extent permitted by applicable law:
(i) Personally, or by agents or attorneys, immediately take possession of the Collateral or any part thereof, from any Pledgor or any other person who then has possession of any part thereof with or without notice or process of law, and for that purpose may enter upon any Pledgor’s premises where any of the Collateral is located, remove such Collateral, remain present at such premises to receive copies of all communications and remittances relating to the Collateral and use in connection with such removal and possession any and all services, supplies, aids and other facilities of any Pledgor;
(ii) Demand, xxx for, collect or receive any money or property at any time payable or receivable in respect of the Collateral including instructing the obligor or obligors on any agreement, instrument or other obligation constituting part of the Collateral to make any payment required by the terms of such agreement, instrument or other obligation directly to the Administrative Agent, and in connection with any of the foregoing, compromise, settle, extend the time for payment and make other modifications with respect thereto; provided, however, that in the event that any such payments are made directly to any Pledgor, after Administrative Agent has notified Pledgor that it has given such instruction, such Pledgor shall segregate all amounts received pursuant thereto in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and shall promptly (but in no event later than five (5) Business Day after receipt thereof) pay such amounts to the Administrative Agent;
(iii) Sell, assign, grant a license to use or otherwise liquidate, or direct any Pledgor to sell, assign, grant a license to use or otherwise liquidate, any and all investments made in whole or in part with the Collateral or any part thereof, and take possession of the proceeds of any such sale, assignment, license or liquidation;
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(iv) Take possession of the Collateral or any part thereof, by directing any Pledgor in writing to deliver the same to the Administrative Agent at any reasonable place or places so designated by the Administrative Agent, in which event such Pledgor shall at its own expense: (A) forthwith cause the same to be moved to the place or places designated by the Administrative Agent and therewith delivered to the Administrative Agent, (B) store and keep any Collateral so delivered to the Administrative Agent at such place or places pending further action by the Administrative Agent and (C) while the Collateral shall be so stored and kept, provide such security and maintenance services as shall be necessary to protect the same and to preserve and maintain them in good condition. Each Pledgor’s obligation to deliver the Collateral as contemplated in this Section 9.1(iv) is of the essence hereof. Upon application to a court of equity having jurisdiction, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to a decree requiring specific performance by any Pledgor of such obligation;
(v) Withdraw all moneys, instruments, securities and other property in any bank, financial securities, deposit or other account of any Pledgor constituting Collateral for application to the Obligations as provided in Article X hereof;
(vi) Retain and apply the Distributions to the Obligations as provided in Article X hereof;
(vii) Exercise any and all rights as beneficial and legal owner of the Collateral, including perfecting assignment of and exercising any and all voting, consensual and other rights and powers with respect to any Collateral; and
(viii) Exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured party on default under the UCC, and the Administrative Agent may also in its sole discretion, without notice except as specified in Section 9.2 hereof, sell, assign or grant a license to use the Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels at public or private sale, at any exchange, broker’s board or at any of the Administrative Agent’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future delivery, and at such price or prices and upon such other commercially reasonable terms as the Administrative Agent may deem appropriate in its discretion. The Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party or any of their respective Affiliates may be the purchaser, licensee, assignee or recipient of the Collateral or any part thereof at any such sale and shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold, assigned or licensed at such sale, to use and apply any of the Obligations owed to such person as a credit on account of the purchase price of the Collateral or any part thereof payable by such person at such sale. Each purchaser, assignee, licensee or recipient at any such sale shall acquire the property sold, assigned or licensed absolutely free from any claim or right on the part of any Pledgor, and each Pledgor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all rights of redemption, stay and/or appraisal which it now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted. The Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of the Collateral or any part thereof regardless of notice of sale having been given. The Administrative Agent may adjourn any public or private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which it was so adjourned. Each Pledgor hereby waives,
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to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims against the Administrative Agent arising by reason of the fact that the price at which the Collateral or any part thereof may have been sold, assigned or licensed at such a private sale was less than the price which might have been obtained at a public sale.
SECTION 9.2. Notice of Sale. Each Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent notice of sale or other disposition of the Collateral or any part thereof shall be required by law, ten (10) days’ prior notice to such Pledgor of the time and place of any public sale or of the time after which any private sale or other intended disposition is to take place shall be commercially reasonable notification of such matters. No notification need be given to any Pledgor if it has signed, after the occurrence of an Event of Default, a statement renouncing or modifying any right to notification of sale or other intended disposition.
SECTION 9.3. Waiver of Notice and Claims. Each Pledgor hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, notice or judicial hearing in connection with, after and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent’s taking possession or the Administrative Agent’s disposition of the Collateral or any part thereof, including any and all prior notice and hearing for any prejudgment remedy or remedies and any such right which such Pledgor would otherwise have under law, and each Pledgor hereby further waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law: (i) all damages occasioned by such taking of possession, (ii) all other requirements as to the time, place and terms of sale or other requirements with respect to the enforcement of the Administrative Agent’s rights hereunder and (iii) all rights of redemption, appraisal, valuation, stay, extension or moratorium now or hereafter in force under any applicable law. The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any incorrect or improper payment made pursuant to this Article IX in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Administrative Agent. Any sale of, or the grant of options to purchase, or any other realization upon, any Collateral shall operate to divest all right, title, interest, claim and demand, either at law or in equity, of the applicable Pledgor therein and thereto, and shall be a perpetual bar both at law and in equity against such Pledgor and against any and all persons claiming or attempting to claim the Collateral so sold, optioned or realized upon, or any part thereof, from, through or under such Pledgor.
SECTION 9.4. Certain Sales of Collateral.
(a) Each Pledgor recognizes that, by reason of certain prohibitions contained in law, rules, regulations or orders of any Governmental Authority, the Administrative Agent may be compelled, with respect to any sale of all or any part of the Collateral, to limit purchasers to those who meet the requirements of such Governmental Authority. Each Pledgor acknowledges that any such sales may be at prices and on terms less favorable to the Administrative Agent than those obtainable through a public sale without such restrictions, and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such restricted sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that, except as may be required by applicable law, the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to engage in public sales.
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(b) Each Pledgor recognizes that, by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the Securities Act, and applicable state securities laws, the Administrative Agent may be compelled, with respect to any sale of all or any part of the Securities Collateral and Investment Property, to limit purchasers to persons who will agree, among other things, to acquire such Securities Collateral or Investment Property for their own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof. Each Pledgor acknowledges that any such private sales may be at prices and on terms less favorable to the Administrative Agent than those obtainable through a public sale without such restrictions (including a public offering made pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act), and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to engage in public sales and no obligation to delay the sale of any Securities Collateral or Investment Property for the period of time necessary to permit the issuer thereof to register it for a form of public sale requiring registration under the Securities Act or under applicable state securities laws, even if such issuer would agree to do so.
(c) [Reserved]
(d) If the Administrative Agent determines to exercise its right to sell any or all of the Securities Collateral or Investment Property, upon written request, the applicable Pledgor shall from time to time furnish to the Administrative Agent all such information as the Administrative Agent may request in order to determine the number of securities included in the Securities Collateral or Investment Property which may be sold by the Administrative Agent as exempt transactions under the Securities Act and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, as the same are from time to time in effect.
(e) Each Pledgor further agrees that a breach of any of the covenants contained in this Section 9.4 will cause irreparable injury to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, that the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties have no adequate remedy at law in respect of such breach and, as a consequence, that each and every covenant contained in this Section 9.4 shall be specifically enforceable against such Pledgor, and such Pledgor hereby waives and agrees not to assert any defenses against an action for specific performance of such covenants except for a defense that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
SECTION 9.5. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.
(a) No failure on the part of the Administrative Agent to exercise, no course of dealing with respect to, and no delay on the part of the Administrative Agent in exercising, any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power, privilege or remedy hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, privilege or remedy; nor shall the Administrative Agent be required to look first to, enforce or exhaust any other security, collateral or guaranties. All rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law or otherwise available.
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(b) In the event that the Administrative Agent shall have instituted any proceeding to enforce any right, power, privilege or remedy under this Agreement or any other Loan Document by foreclosure, sale, entry or otherwise, and such proceeding shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Administrative Agent, then and in every such case, the Pledgors, the Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party shall be restored to their respective former positions and rights hereunder with respect to the Collateral, and all rights, remedies, privileges and powers of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall continue as if no such proceeding had been instituted.
SECTION 9.6. Certain Additional Actions Regarding Intellectual Property. If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, upon the written demand of the Administrative Agent, each Pledgor shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an assignment or assignments of the registered Patents, Trademarks and/or Copyrights and Goodwill and such other documents as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent and purposes hereof. Within ten (10) Business Days of written notice thereafter from the Administrative Agent, each Pledgor shall make available to the Administrative Agent, to the extent within such Pledgor’s power and authority, such personnel in such Pledgor’s employ on the date of the Event of Default as the Administrative Agent may reasonably designate to permit such Pledgor to continue, directly or indirectly, to produce, advertise and sell the products and services sold by such Pledgor under the registered Patents, Trademarks and/or Copyrights, and such persons shall be available to perform their prior functions on the Administrative Agent’s behalf.
ARTICLE X
APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
SECTION 10.1. Application of Proceeds. The proceeds received by the Administrative Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral pursuant to the exercise by the Administrative Agent of its remedies shall be applied, together with any other sums then held by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Agreement, in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 11.1. Concerning Administrative Agent.
(a) The Administrative Agent has been appointed as administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement. The actions of the Administrative Agent hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have the right hereunder to make demands, to give notices, to exercise or refrain from exercising any rights, and to take
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or refrain from taking action (including the release or substitution of the Collateral), in accordance with this Agreement and the Credit Agreement. The Administrative Agent may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact in connection herewith. The Administrative Agent may resign and a successor Administrative Agent may be appointed in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, that successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent under this Agreement, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall thereupon be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation, the provisions hereof shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it under this Agreement while it was the Administrative Agent.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Collateral in its possession if such Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equivalent to that which the Administrative Agent, in its individual capacity, accords its own property consisting of similar instruments or interests, it being understood that neither the Administrative Agent nor any of the Secured Parties shall have responsibility for (i) ascertaining or taking action with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders or other matters relating to any Securities Collateral, whether or not the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters or (ii) taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any person with respect to any Collateral.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any written notice, statement, certificate, order or other document or any telephone message believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper person, and, with respect to all matters pertaining to this Agreement and its duties hereunder, upon advice of counsel reasonably selected by it.
(d) If any item of Collateral also constitutes collateral granted to the Administrative Agent under any other deed of trust, mortgage, security agreement, pledge or instrument of any type, in the event of any conflict between the provisions hereof and the provisions of such other deed of trust, mortgage, security agreement, pledge or instrument of any type in respect of such collateral, the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, shall select which provision or provisions shall control.
(e) The Administrative Agent may rely on advice of counsel as to whether any or all UCC financing statements of the Pledgors need to be amended as a result of any of the changes described in Section 6.18 of the Credit Agreement. If any Pledgor fails to provide information to the Administrative Agent about such changes on a timely basis, the Administrative Agent shall not be liable or responsible to any party for any failure to maintain a perfected security interest in such Pledgor’s property constituting Collateral, for which the Administrative Agent needed to have information relating to such changes. The Administrative Agent shall have no duty to inquire about such changes if any Pledgor does not inform the Administrative Agent of such changes, the parties acknowledging and agreeing that it would not be feasible or practical for the Administrative Agent to search for information on such changes if such information is not provided by any Pledgor.
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SECTION 11.2. Administrative Agent May Perform; Administrative Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact. If any Pledgor shall fail to perform any covenants contained in this Agreement or the Credit Agreement (including such Pledgor’s covenants to (i) pay the premiums in respect of all required insurance policies hereunder, (ii) pay and discharge any material taxes, assessments and special assessments, levies, fees and governmental charges imposed upon or assessed against, and landlords’, carriers’, mechanics’, workmen’s, repairmen’s, laborers’, materialmen’s, suppliers’ and warehousemen’s Liens and other claims arising by operation of law against, all or any portion of the Collateral, (iii) make repairs, (iv) discharge Liens or (v) pay or perform any obligations of such Pledgor under any Collateral) or if any representation or warranty on the part of any Pledgor contained herein shall be breached beyond any applicable notice or cure period, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) do the same or cause it to be done or remedy any such breach, and may expend funds for such purpose; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall in no event be bound to inquire into the validity of any tax, Lien, imposition or other obligation which such Pledgor fails to pay or perform as and when required hereby and which such Pledgor does not contest in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement. Any and all amounts so expended by the Administrative Agent shall be paid by the Pledgors in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.04 of the Credit Agreement. Neither the provisions of this Section 11.2 nor any action taken by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Section 11.2 shall prevent any such failure to observe any covenant contained in this Agreement nor any breach of representation or warranty from constituting an Event of Default. Each Pledgor hereby appoints the Administrative Agent its attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in the place and stead of such Pledgor and in the name of such Pledgor, or otherwise, from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s discretion to take any action and to execute any instrument consistent with the terms of the Credit Agreement, this Agreement and the other Security Documents which the Administrative Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes hereof (but the Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to and shall have no liability to such Pledgor or any third party for failure to so do or take action). The foregoing grant of authority is a power of attorney coupled with an interest and such appointment shall be irrevocable for the term hereof. Each Pledgor hereby ratifies all that such attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
SECTION 11.3. Continuing Security Interest; Assignment. This Agreement shall create a continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall (i) be binding upon the Pledgors, their respective successors and assigns and (ii) inure, together with the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent hereunder, to the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and each of their respective successors, transferees and assigns. No other persons (including any other creditor of any Pledgor) shall have any interest herein or any right or benefit with respect hereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (ii), any Secured Party may assign or otherwise transfer any indebtedness held by it secured by this Agreement to any other person, and such other person shall thereupon become vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to such Secured Party, herein or otherwise, subject however, to the
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provisions of the Credit Agreement and, in the case of a Secured Party that is a party to a Secured Hedge Agreement or a Secured Cash Management Agreements, such Secured Hedge Agreement or Secured Cash Management Agreement, as applicable. Each of the Pledgors agrees that its obligations hereunder and the security interest created hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as applicable, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of all or any part of the Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by the Secured Party upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of any Pledgor or otherwise.
SECTION 11.4. Termination; Release. Upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations), this Agreement shall terminate. Upon termination of this Agreement the Collateral shall be released from the Lien of this Agreement. Upon such release or any release of Collateral or any part thereof in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall, upon the request and at the sole cost and expense of the Pledgors, assign, transfer and deliver to Pledgor, against receipt and without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent except as to the fact that the Administrative Agent has not encumbered the released assets, such of the Collateral or any part thereof to be released (in the case of a release) as may be in possession of the Administrative Agent and as shall not have been sold or otherwise applied pursuant to the terms hereof, and, with respect to any other Collateral, proper documents and instruments (including UCC-3 termination financing statements or releases) acknowledging the termination hereof or the release of such Collateral, as the case may be.
SECTION 11.5. Modification in Writing. No amendment, modification, supplement, termination or waiver of or to any provision hereof, nor consent to any departure by any Pledgor therefrom, shall be effective unless the same shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent. Any amendment, modification or supplement of or to any provision hereof, any waiver of any provision hereof and any consent to any departure by any Pledgor from the terms of any provision hereof in each case shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given. Except where notice is specifically required by this Agreement or any other document evidencing the Obligations, no notice to or demand on any Pledgor in any case shall entitle any Pledgor to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
SECTION 11.6. Notices. Unless otherwise provided herein or in the Credit Agreement, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be given in the manner and become effective as set forth in the Credit Agreement, as to any Pledgor, addressed to it at the address of the Borrowers set forth in the Credit Agreement and as to the Administrative Agent, addressed to it at the address set forth in the Credit Agreement, or in each case at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other party complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section 11.6.
SECTION 11.7. Governing Law, Consent to Jurisdiction and Service of Process; Waiver of Jury Trial. Sections 10.14 and 10.15 of the Credit Agreement are incorporated herein, mutatis mutandis, as if a part hereof.
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SECTION 11.8. Severability of Provisions. Any provision hereof which is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity, legality or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 11.9. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements hereto may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Delivery of any executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
SECTION 11.10. Business Days. In the event any time period or any date provided in this Agreement ends or falls on a day other than a Business Day, then such time period shall be deemed to end and such date shall be deemed to fall on the next succeeding Business Day, and performance herein may be made on such Business Day, with the same force and effect as if made on such other day.
SECTION 11.11. No Claims Against Administrative Agent. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute any consent or request by the Administrative Agent, express or implied, for the performance of any labor or services or the furnishing of any materials or other property in respect of the Collateral or any part thereof, nor as giving any Pledgor any right, power or authority to contract for or permit the performance of any labor or services or the furnishing of any materials or other property in such fashion as would permit the making of any claim against the Administrative Agent in respect thereof or any claim that any Lien based on the performance of such labor or services or the furnishing of any such materials or other property is prior to the Lien hereof.
SECTION 11.12. No Release. Nothing set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor the exercise by the Administrative Agent of any of the rights or remedies hereunder, shall relieve any Pledgor from the performance of any term, covenant, condition or agreement on such Pledgor’s part to be performed or observed under or in respect of any of the Collateral or from any liability to any person under or in respect of any of the Collateral or shall impose any obligation on the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to perform or observe any such term, covenant, condition or agreement on such Pledgor’s part to be so performed or observed or shall impose any liability on the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party for any act or omission on the part of such Pledgor relating thereto or for any breach of any representation or warranty on the part of such Pledgor contained in this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or under or in respect of the Collateral or made in connection herewith or therewith. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Administrative Agent nor any other Secured Party shall have any obligation or liability under any contracts, agreements and other documents included in the Collateral by reason of this Agreement, nor shall the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party be obligated to perform any of the obligations or duties of any Pledgor thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any such contract, agreement or other document included in the Collateral hereunder.
-32-
SECTION 11.13. Obligations Absolute. All obligations of each Pledgor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:
(i) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment, composition, liquidation or the like of any other Pledgor;
(ii) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any Secured Hedge Agreement, any Secured Cash Management Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;
(iii) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit Agreement, any Secured Hedge Agreement, Secured Cash Management Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;
(iv) any pledge, exchange, release or non-perfection of any other collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to any departure from any guarantee, for all or any of the Obligations;
(v) any exercise, non-exercise or waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege under or in respect hereof, the Credit Agreement, any Secured Hedge Agreement, any Secured Cash Management Agreement or any other Loan Document except as specifically set forth in a waiver granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 11.5 hereof; or
(vi) any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Pledgor.
[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.]
-33-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Pledgor and the Administrative Agent have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.
VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., | ||||
as Pledgor | ||||
By: |
| |||
Name: |
Xxxxx Xxxxx | |||
Title: |
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer & Treasurer | |||
VONAGE AMERICA INC. | ||||
VONAGE NETWORK LLC | ||||
VONAGE MARKETING LLC | ||||
VONAGE WORLDWIDE INC. | ||||
VONAGE INTERNATIONAL INC. | ||||
VONAGE APPLICATIONS INC. | ||||
NOVEGA VENTURE PARTNERS, INC., | ||||
as Pledgors | ||||
By: |
| |||
Name: |
Xxxx Xxxxxx | |||
Title: |
Vice President & Secretary | |||
DSP LLC, | ||||
as Pledgor | ||||
By: |
| |||
Name: |
Xxxx Xxxxxx | |||
Title: |
President |
S-1
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
S-2
EXHIBIT 1
[Form of]
ISSUER’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The undersigned hereby (i) acknowledges receipt of the Security Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement;” capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Security Agreement), dated as of December 14, 2010, made by VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), the Guarantors party thereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity and together with any successors in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”), (ii) agrees promptly to note on its books the security interests granted to the Administrative Agent and confirmed under the Security Agreement, (iii) agrees that it will comply with instructions of the Administrative Agent with respect to the applicable Securities Collateral (including all Pledged Securities issued by the undersigned) without further consent by the applicable Pledgor, (iv) agrees to notify the Administrative Agent upon obtaining knowledge of any interest in favor of any person in the applicable Securities Collateral that is adverse to the interest of the Administrative Agent therein and (v) waives any right or requirement at any time hereafter to receive a copy of the Security Agreement in connection with the registration of any Securities Collateral thereunder in the name of the Administrative Agent or its nominee or the exercise of voting rights by the Administrative Agent or its nominee.
[ ] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
EXHIBIT 2
[Form of]
SECURITIES PLEDGE AMENDMENT
This Securities Pledge Amendment, dated as of [ ], 20[ ], is delivered pursuant to Section 5.1 of the Security Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement;” capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Security Agreement), dated as of December 14, 2010, made by VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), the Guarantors party thereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity and together with any successors in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”). The undersigned hereby agrees that this Securities Pledge Amendment may be attached to the Security Agreement and that the Pledged Securities and/or Intercompany Notes listed on this Securities Pledge Amendment shall be deemed to be and shall become part of the Collateral and shall secure all Obligations.
PLEDGED SECURITIES
ISSUER |
CLASS OF STOCK OR INTERESTS |
PAR VALUE |
CERTIFICATE NO(S). |
NUMBER OF SHARES OR INTERESTS |
PERCENTAGE OF OR OTHER EQUITY | |||||
INTERCOMPANY NOTES
ISSUER |
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT |
DATE OF ISSUANCE |
INTEREST RATE |
MATURITY DATE | ||||
[ ], | ||
as Pledgor | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
-2-
EXHIBIT 3
[Form of]
JOINDER AGREEMENT
[Name of New Pledgor]
[Address of New Pledgor]
[Date]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to (i) the Security Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement;” capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Security Agreement), dated as of December 14, 2010, made by VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), the Guarantors party thereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity and together with any successors in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”) and (ii) the Guaranty Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Guaranty”), dated as of December 14, 2010, made by the Guarantors party thereto.
This Joinder Agreement supplements (i) the Security Agreement and (ii) the Guaranty, and is delivered by the undersigned, [ ] (the “New Pledgor”), pursuant to Section 3.5 of the Security Agreement and Section 6.12(b) of the Credit Agreement. The New Pledgor hereby agrees to be bound as a Guarantor and as a Pledgor party to the Security Agreement by all of the terms, covenants and conditions set forth in the Security Agreement to the same extent that it would have been bound if it had been a signatory to the Security Agreement on the date of the Security Agreement. The New Pledgor also hereby agrees to be bound as a party by all of the terms, covenants and conditions applicable to it set forth in the Guaranty as to the same extent that it would have been bound if it had been a signatory to the Guaranty on the
date of the Guaranty. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the New Pledgor hereby (i) grants and pledges to the Administrative Agent, as collateral security for the full, prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) of the Obligations, a Lien on and security interest in, all of its right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral and expressly assumes all obligations and liabilities of a Guarantor and Pledgor thereunder and (ii) absolutely, unconditionally, irrevocably, jointly and severally guarantees, as a guaranty of payment and performance, as a primary obligor and not as a surety, and not merely as a guaranty of collection, prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, upon acceleration, demand or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of any and all of the Obligations. The New Pledgor hereby makes each of the representations and warranties and agrees to each of the covenants applicable to the Pledgors contained in the Security Agreement and the Guaranty.
Annexed hereto are supplements to each of the schedules to the Security Agreement and the Credit Agreement, as applicable, with respect to the New Pledgor. Such supplements shall be deemed to be part of the Security Agreement or the Credit Agreement, as applicable.
This Joinder Agreement and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements hereto may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
All notices, requests and demands to or upon the New Pledgor, the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall be governed by the terms of Section 10.02 of the Credit Agreement.
THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
-2-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Pledgor has caused this Joinder Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first above written.
[NEW PLEDGOR] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Schedules to be attached]
-3-
EXHIBIT 4
[Form of]
Copyright Security Agreement
Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of [ ], 20[ ], by [ ] and [ ] (individually, a “Pledgor”, and, collectively, the “Pledgors”), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Pledgors are party to a Security Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”) in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Pledgors are required to execute and deliver this Copyright Security Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to enter into the Credit Agreement, the Pledgors hereby agree with the Administrative Agent as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Security Agreement and used herein have the meaning given to them in the Security Agreement.
SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest in Copyright Collateral. Each Pledgor hereby pledges and grants to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a lien on and security interest in and to all of its right, title and interest in, to and under all the following Collateral of such Pledgor:
(a) Copyrights of such Pledgor listed on Schedule I attached hereto; and
(b) all Proceeds of any and all of the foregoing (other than Excluded Property).
SECTION 3. Security Agreement. The security interest granted pursuant to this Copyright Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement and Pledgors hereby acknowledge and affirm that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the security interest in the Copyrights made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein. In the event that any provision of this Copyright Security Agreement is deemed to conflict with the Security Agreement, the provisions of the Security Agreement shall control unless the Administrative Agent shall otherwise determine.
SECTION 4. Termination. Upon the payment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Security Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Pledgors an instrument in writing in recordable form releasing the collateral pledge, grant, assignment, lien and security interest in the Copyrights under this Copyright Security Agreement.
SECTION 5. Counterparts. This Copyright Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Copyright Security Agreement by signing and delivering one or more counterparts.
SECTION 6. Governing Law. This Copyright Security Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and all disputes between the parties under or relating to this Copyright Security Agreement or the facts or circumstances leading to its execution, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws (including statutes of limitation) of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of law principles that would require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
[signature page follows]
-2-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Pledgor has caused this Copyright Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.
Very truly yours, | ||
[PLEDGORS] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Accepted and Agreed:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., | ||
as Administrative Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
-3-
SCHEDULE I
to
COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT
COPYRIGHT REGISTRATIONS AND COPYRIGHT APPLICATIONS
Copyright Registrations:
OWNER |
REGISTRATION NUMBER |
TITLE | ||||||
|
Copyright Applications:
OWNER |
TITLE | |||
|
-4-
EXHIBIT 5
[Form of]
Patent Security Agreement
Patent Security Agreement, dated as of [ ], 20[ ], by [ ] and [ ] (individually, a “Pledgor”, and, collectively, the “Pledgors”), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Pledgors are party to a Security Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”) in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Pledgors are required to execute and deliver this Patent Security Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to enter into the Credit Agreement, the Pledgors hereby agree with the Administrative Agent as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Security Agreement and used herein have the meaning given to them in the Security Agreement.
SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest in Patent Collateral. Each Pledgor hereby pledges and grants to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a lien on and security interest in and to all of its right, title and interest in, to and under all the following Collateral of such Pledgor:
(a) Patents of such Pledgor listed on Schedule I attached hereto; and
(b) all Proceeds of any and all of the foregoing (other than Excluded Property).
SECTION 3. Security Agreement. The security interest granted pursuant to this Patent Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement and Pledgors hereby acknowledge and affirm that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the security interest in the Patents made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement,
the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein. In the event that any provision of this Patent Security Agreement is deemed to conflict with the Security Agreement, the provisions of the Security Agreement shall control unless the Administrative Agent shall otherwise determine.
SECTION 4. Termination. Upon the payment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Security Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Pledgors an instrument in writing in recordable form releasing the collateral pledge, grant, assignment, lien and security interest in the Patents under this Patent Security Agreement.
SECTION 5. Counterparts. This Patent Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Patent Security Agreement by signing and delivering one or more counterparts.
SECTION 6. Governing Law. This Patent Security Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and all disputes between the parties under or relating to this Patent Security Agreement or the facts or circumstances leading to its execution, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws (including statutes of limitation) of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of law principles that would require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
[signature page follows]
-2-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Pledgor has caused this Patent Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.
Very truly yours, | ||
[PLEDGORS] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Accepted and Agreed:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., | ||
as Administrative Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
-3-
SCHEDULE I
to
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT
PATENT REGISTRATIONS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS
Patent Registrations:
OWNER |
REGISTRATION NUMBER |
NAME | ||||||
Patent Applications:
OWNER |
APPLICATION NUMBER |
NAME | ||||||
-4-
EXHIBIT 6
[Form of]
Trademark Security Agreement
Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of [ ], 20[ ], by [ ] and [ ] (individually, a “Pledgor”, and, collectively, the “Pledgors”), in favor of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Pledgors are party to a Security Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Security Agreement”) in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to which the Pledgors are required to execute and deliver this Trademark Security Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and to induce the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to enter into the Credit Agreement, the Pledgors hereby agree with the Administrative Agent as follows:
SECTION 1. Defined Terms. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Security Agreement and used herein have the meaning given to them in the Security Agreement.
SECTION 2. Grant of Security Interest in Trademark Collateral. Each Pledgor hereby pledges and grants to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a lien on and security interest in and to all of its right, title and interest in, to and under all the following Collateral of such Pledgor:
(a) Trademarks of such Pledgor listed on Schedule I attached hereto;
(b) all Goodwill associated with such Trademarks; and
(c) all Proceeds of any and all of the foregoing (other than Excluded Property).
SECTION 3. Security Agreement. The security interest granted pursuant to this Trademark Security Agreement is granted in conjunction with the security interest granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Security Agreement and Pledgors hereby acknowledge and
affirm that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the security interest in the Trademarks made and granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein. In the event that any provision of this Trademark Security Agreement is deemed to conflict with the Security Agreement, the provisions of the Security Agreement shall control unless the Administrative Agent shall otherwise determine.
SECTION 4. Termination. Upon the payment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Security Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall execute, acknowledge, and deliver to the Pledgors an instrument in writing in recordable form releasing the collateral pledge, grant, assignment, lien and security interest in the Trademarks under this Trademark Security Agreement.
SECTION 5. Counterparts. This Trademark Security Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument, and any party hereto may execute this Trademark Security Agreement by signing and delivering one or more counterparts.
SECTION 6. Governing Law. This Trademark Security Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and all disputes between the parties under or relating to this Trademark Security Agreement or the facts or circumstances leading to its execution, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws (including statutes of limitation) of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of law principles that would require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
[signature page follows]
-2-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Pledgor has caused this Trademark Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of the date first set forth above.
Very truly yours, | ||
[PLEDGORS] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
Accepted and Agreed:
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., | ||
as Administrative Agent | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
-3-
SCHEDULE I
to
TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT
TRADEMARK REGISTRATIONS AND TRADEMARK APPLICATIONS
Trademark Registrations:
OWNER |
REGISTRATION NUMBER |
TRADEMARK | ||||||
Trademark Applications:
OWNER |
APPLICATION NUMBER |
TRADEMARK | ||||||
-4-
EXHIBIT G-1
FORM OF PERFECTION CERTIFICATE
[See attached]
G-1- 1
Form of Perfection Certificate
PERFECTION CERTIFICATE
Reference is hereby made to (i) that certain Security Agreement dated as of December 14, 2010 (the “Security Agreement”), among Vonage America Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), Vonage Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, collectively, jointly and severally, the “Borrowers” and each individually a “Borrower”), the Guarantors party thereto (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Agent”), and (ii) that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 14, 2010 (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Borrowers, the Guarantors, certain other parties thereto and the Agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Credit Agreement.
As used herein, the term “Companies” means Holdings and each of its U.S. Subsidiaries, and “Company” means Holdings or any of its U.S. Subsidiaries.
The undersigned hereby certify to the Agents as follows:
1. Names.
(a) The exact legal name of each Company, as such name appears in its respective certificate of incorporation or any other organizational document, is set forth in Schedule 1(a). Each Company is (i) the type of entity disclosed next to its name in Schedule 1(a) and (ii) a registered organization except to the extent disclosed in Schedule 1(a). Also set forth in Schedule 1(a) is the organizational identification number, if any, of each Company that is a registered organization, the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number of each Company and the jurisdiction of formation of each Company.
(b) Set forth in Schedule 1(b) hereto is a list of any other corporate or organizational names each Company has had in the past five years, together with the date of the relevant change.
(c) Set forth in Schedule 1(c) is a list of all other names used by each Company, or any other business or organization to which each Company became the successor by merger, consolidation, acquisition, change in form, nature or jurisdiction of organization or otherwise, on any filings with the Internal Revenue Service at any time within the five years preceding the date hereof. Except as set forth in Schedule 1(c), no Company has changed its jurisdiction of organization at any time during the past four months.
2. Current Locations. The chief executive office of each Company is located at the address set forth in Schedule 2 hereto.
3. Extraordinary Transactions. Except for those purchases, acquisitions and other transactions described in Schedule 3 attached hereto, all of the Collateral has been originated by each Company in the ordinary course of business or consists of goods which have been acquired by such Company in the ordinary course of business from a person in the business of selling goods of that kind.
4. File Search Reports. Attached hereto as Schedule 4 are true and complete file search reports from the Uniform Commercial Code filing offices (i) in each jurisdiction identified in Schedule 1(a) or Schedule 2 with respect to each legal name set forth in Schedules 1(a), (b) and (c) and (ii) in each jurisdiction described in Schedule 1(c) or Schedule 3 relating to any of the transactions described in Schedule (1)(c) or Schedule 3 with respect to each legal name of the person or entity from which each Company purchased or otherwise acquired any of the Collateral. A true copy of each financing statement, including judgment and tax liens, bankruptcy and pending lawsuits or other filing identified in such file search reports has been delivered to the Agent.
5. UCC Filings. The financing statements (duly authorized by each Company constituting the debtor therein), including the indications of the collateral, attached as Schedule 5 relating to the Security Agreement are in the appropriate forms for filing in the filing offices in the jurisdictions identified in Schedule 6 hereof.
6. Schedule of Filings. Attached hereto as Schedule 6 is a schedule of (i) the appropriate filing offices for the financing statements attached hereto as Schedule 5 and (ii) the appropriate filing offices for the Patent Security Agreement, the Trademark Security Agreement and the Copyright Security Agreement.
7. Real Property. (a) Attached hereto as Schedule 7(a) is a list of all real property owned or leased by each Company located in the United States as of the Closing Date. Except as described in Schedule 7(b) attached hereto: (i) no Company has entered into any leases, subleases, tenancies, franchise agreements, licenses or other occupancy arrangements as owner, lessor, sublessor, licensor, franchisor or grantor with respect to any of the real property described in Schedule 7(a) and (ii) no Company has any Leases which require the consent of the landlord, tenant or other party thereto to the Transactions.
8. Termination Statements. Attached hereto as Schedule 8(a) are the duly authorized termination statements.
9. Stock Ownership and Other Equity Interests. Attached hereto as Schedule 9(a) is a true and correct list of all of the authorized, and the issued and outstanding, stock, partnership interests, limited liability company membership interests or other equity interest held by each Company and its Subsidiaries, setting forth the percentage of such equity interests pledged under the Security Agreement. Also set forth in Schedule 9(b) is each equity investment of each Company that represents 50% or less of the equity of the entity in which such investment was made setting forth the percentage of such equity interests pledged under the Security Agreement.
10. Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper. Attached hereto as Schedule 10 is a true and correct list of all promissory notes, instruments (other than checks to be deposited in the ordinary course of business), tangible chattel paper, electronic chattel paper and other evidence of indebtedness held by each Company as of the date hereof, including all intercompany notes between or among any two or more Companies or any of their Subsidiaries, stating if such instruments, chattel paper or other evidence of indebtedness is pledged under the Security Agreement.
11. Intellectual Property. (a) Attached hereto as Schedule 11(a) is a schedule setting forth all of each Company’s Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security Agreement) applied for or registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), and all other Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security Agreement), including the name of the registered owner or applicant and the registration, application, or publication number, as applicable, of each Patent or Trademark owned by each Company.
(b) Attached hereto as Schedule 11(b) is a schedule setting forth all of each Company’s United States Copyrights (each as defined in the Security Agreement), and all other Copyrights, including the name of the registered owner and the registration number of each Copyright owned by each Company.
(c) Attached hereto as Schedule 11(c) is a schedule setting forth all Intellectual Property Licenses, whether or not recorded with the USPTO or the United States Copyright Office (the “USCO”),
as applicable, including, but not limited to, the relevant signatory parties to each license along with the date of execution thereof and, if applicable, a recordation number or other such evidence of recordation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Schedule 11(c) shall not include Intellectual Property Licenses between the Company and its marketing partners made in the ordinary course of business.
12. Commercial Tort Claims. Attached hereto as Schedule 12 is a true and correct list of all Commercial Tort Claims (as defined in the Security Agreement) held by each Company, including a brief description thereof and stating if such commercial tort claims are required to be pledged under the Security Agreement.
13. Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts. Attached hereto as Schedule 13 is a true and complete list of all Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts (each as defined in the Security Agreement) maintained by each Company, including the name of each institution where each such account is held, the name of each such account, the name of each entity that holds each account and stating if such account is required to be subject to a control agreement pursuant to the Security Agreement and the reason for such account to be excluded from the control agreement requirement.
14. Letter-of-Credit Rights. Attached hereto as Schedule 14 is a true and correct list of all Letters of Credit issued in favor of each Company, as beneficiary thereunder, stating if letter-of-credit rights with respect to such Letters of Credit are required to be subject to a control arrangement pursuant to the Security Agreement.
[The Remainder of this Page has been intentionally left blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto signed this Perfection Certificate as of this day of December, 2010.
Vonage Holdings Corp. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxx | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer & Treasurer | ||
Vonage America Inc. | ||
Vonage Network LLC | ||
Vonage Marketing LLC | ||
Vonage Worldwide Inc. | ||
Vonage International Inc. | ||
Vonage Applications Inc. | ||
Novega Venture Partners, Inc. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Title: Vice President & Secretary | ||
DSP LLC | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Xxxx Xxxxxx | ||
Title: President |
Schedules
[Attachments omitted]
EXHIBIT G-2
FORM OF PERFECTION CERTIFICATE SUPPLEMENT
Reference is hereby made to (i) that certain Security Agreement dated as of December 14, 2010 (the “Security Agreement”), among Vonage America Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), Vonage Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, collectively, jointly and severally, the “Borrowers” and each individually a “Borrower”), the Guarantors party thereto (collectively, the “Guarantors”) and Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Collateral Agent”), and (ii) that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 14, 2010 (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Borrowers, the Guarantors, certain other parties thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent” and, together with the Collateral Agent, the “Agents”). This Perfection Certificate Supplement, dated as of [ ], 20[ ] is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(j) of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Credit Agreement. As used herein, the term “Companies” means Holdings and each of its U.S. Subsidiaries, and the terms “Patent”, “Trademark”, “Copyright” and “Intellectual Property License” each have the meaning specified in the Security Agreement.
The undersigned, the [ ] of each of the Borrowers, hereby certifies (in his/her capacity as [ ] and not in his/her individual capacity) to the Agents and each of the other Secured Parties that, as of the date hereof, there has been no change in the information described in the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Closing Date (as supplemented by any perfection certificate supplements delivered prior to the date hereof, the “Prior Perfection Certificate”), other than as follows:
1. Names.
(a) Except as listed in Schedule 1(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof, (x) Schedule 1(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth the exact legal name of each Company, as such name appears in its respective certificate of incorporation or any other organizational document; (y) each Company is (i) the type of entity disclosed next to its name in Schedule 1(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate and (ii) a registered organization except to the extent disclosed in Schedule 1(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate and (z) set forth in Schedule 1(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is the organizational identification number, if any, of each Company that is a registered organization, the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number of each Company and the jurisdiction of formation of each Company.
(b) Except as listed in Schedule 1(b) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 1(b) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a list of any other corporate or organizational names each Company has had in the past five years, together with the date of the relevant change.
(c) Except as listed in Schedule 1(c) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 1(c) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a list of all other names used by each
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Form of Perfection Certificate Supplement
Company, or any other business or organization to which each Company became the successor by merger, consolidation, acquisition, change in form, nature or jurisdiction of organization or otherwise, on any filings with the Internal Revenue Service at any time within the five years preceding the date hereof. Except as set forth in Schedule 1(c), no Company has changed its jurisdiction of organization at any time during the past four months
2. Current Locations. Except as listed in Schedule 2 attached hereto and made a part hereof, the chief executive office of each Company is located at the address set forth in Schedule 2 of the Prior Perfection Certificate.
3. Extraordinary Transactions. Except for those purchases, acquisitions and other transactions described in Schedule 3 attached hereto and in Schedule 3 to the Prior Perfection Certificate, all of the Collateral has been originated by each Company in the ordinary course of business or consists of goods which have been acquired by such Company in the ordinary course of business from a person in the business of selling goods of that kind.
4. [Intentionally omitted].
5. UCC Filings. Except as listed in Schedule 5 attached hereto and made a part hereof, the financing statements (duly authorized by each Company constituting the debtor therein), including the indications of the collateral relating to the Security Agreement, are set forth in Schedule 5 of the Prior Perfection Certificate and are in the appropriate forms for filing in the filing offices in the jurisdictions identified in Schedule 6 hereto and thereto.
6. Schedule of Filings. Except as listed in Schedule 6 attached hereto and made a part hereof, attached to the Prior Perfection Certificate as Schedule 6 is a schedule of (i) the appropriate filing offices for the financing statements attached hereto and thereto as Schedule 5 and (ii) the appropriate filing offices for the Patent Security Agreement, the Trademark Security Agreement and the Copyright Security Agreement.
7. Real Property. Except as listed in Schedule 7(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 7(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a list of all real property owned, leased or otherwise held by each Company located in the United States. Except as described in Schedule 7(b) attached hereto: (i) no Company has entered into any leases, subleases, tenancies, franchise agreements, licenses or other occupancy arrangements as owner, lessor, sublessor, licensor, franchisor or grantor with respect to any of the real property described in Schedule 7(a) or Schedule 7(a) of the Prior Perfection Certificate, other than those listed in Schedule 7(b) of the Prior Perfection Certificate, and (ii) no Company has any Leases which require the consent of the landlord, tenant or other party thereto to the Transactions other than those listed in Schedule 7(b) of the Prior Perfection Certificate.
8. Stock Ownership and Other Equity Interests. Except as listed in Schedule 8(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 8(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a true and correct list of all of the issued and outstanding, stock, partnership interests, limited liability company membership interests or other equity interest held by each Company and its Subsidiaries, setting forth the percentage of such equity interests pledged under the Security
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Form of Perfection Certificate Supplement
Agreement. Except as set forth in Schedule 8(b) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 8(b) to the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth each equity investment of each Company that represents 50% or less of the equity of the entity in which such investment was made setting forth the percentage of such equity interests pledged under the Security Agreement.
9. Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper. Except as listed in Schedule 9 attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 9 to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a true and correct list of all promissory notes, instruments (other than checks to be deposited in the ordinary course of business), tangible chattel paper, electronic chattel paper and other evidence of indebtedness held by each Company as of the date hereof, including all intercompany notes between or among any two or more Companies or any of their Subsidiaries, stating if such instruments, chattel paper or other evidence of indebtedness is pledged under the Security Agreement.
10. Intellectual Property.
(a) Except as listed in Schedule 10(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 10(a) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a schedule setting forth all of each Company’s Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security Agreement) applied for or registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), and all other Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security Agreement), including the name of the registered owner or applicant and the registration, application, or publication number, as applicable, of each Patent or Trademark owned by each Company.
(b) Except as listed in Schedule 10(b) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 10(b) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a schedule setting forth all of each Company’s United States Copyrights (each as defined in the Security Agreement), and all other Copyrights, including the name of the registered owner and the registration number of each Copyright owned by each Company.
(c) Except as listed in Schedule 10(c) attached hereto and made a part hereof, Schedule 10(c) to the Prior Perfection Certificate is a schedule setting forth all Intellectual Property Licenses (as defined in the Security Agreement), whether or not recorded with the USPTO or United States Copyright Office (the “USCO”), as applicable, including, but not limited to, the relevant signatory parties to each license along with the date of execution thereof and, if applicable, a recordation number or other such evidence of recordation.
11. Commercial Tort Claims. Except as listed in Schedule 11 attached hereto and made a part hereof, attached to the Prior Perfection Certificate as Schedule 11 is a true and correct list of all Commercial Tort Claims (as defined in the Security Agreement) held by each Company, including a brief description thereof and stating if such commercial tort claims are required to be pledged under the Security Agreement.
12. Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts. Except as listed in Schedule 12 attached hereto and made a part hereof, attached to the Prior
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Form of Perfection Certificate Supplement
Perfection Certificate as Schedule 12 is a true and complete list of all Deposit Accounts, Securities Accounts and Commodity Accounts (each as defined in the Security Agreement) maintained by each Company, including the name of each institution where each such account is held, the name of each such account, the name of each entity that holds each account and stating if such account is required to be subject to a control agreement pursuant to the Security Agreement and the reason for such account to be excluded from the control agreement requirement.
13. Letter-of-Credit Rights. Except as listed in Schedule 13 attached hereto and made a part hereof, attached to the Prior Perfection Certificate as Schedule 13 is a true and correct list of all Letters of Credit issued in favor of each Company, as beneficiary thereunder, stating if letter-of-credit rights with respect to such Letters of Credit are required to be subject to a control arrangement pursuant to the Security Agreement.
[The Remainder of this Page has been intentionally left blank]
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Form of Perfection Certificate Supplement
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto signed this Perfection Certificate as of this day of , 20[ ].
VONAGE AMERICA INC. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[Each of the Guarantors] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: |
G-2 - 5
Form of Perfection Certificate Supplement
EXHIBIT X-0
XXXX XX
XXXXXX XXXXXX TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Non-U.S. Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Reference is made to the CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) entered into as of December 14, 2010, among VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such term in the Agreement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(e) of the Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”), (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrowers within the meaning of Code Section 881(c)(3)(B), (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (v) no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with a United States trade or business conducted by the undersigned.
The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers with a certificate of its non-U.S. person status on Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent in writing and (2) the undersigned shall furnish the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which payment is to be made by the Borrowers or the Administrative Agent to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payment.
[Signature Page Follows]
H - 1
Tax Certificate
[Lender] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[Address] |
Dated: , 20[ ]
H - 2
Tax Certificate
EXHIBIT X-0
XXXX XX
XXXXXX XXXXXX TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Non-U.S. Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Reference is made to the CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) entered into as of December 14, 2010, among VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such term in the Agreement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(e) of the Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) neither the undersigned nor any of its partners/members is a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”), (iv) none of its partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrowers within the meaning of Code Section 881(c)(3)(B), (v) none of its partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (vi) no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with the a United States trade or business conducted by the undersigned or its partners/members.
The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers with Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY accompanied by an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN from each of its partners/members claiming the portfolio interest exemption, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall not limit the obligation of the Lender to provide, in the case of a partner/member not claiming the portfolio interest exemption, a Form W-8ECI, Form W-9 or Form W-8IMY (including appropriate underlying certificates from each interest holder of such partner/member), in each case establishing such partner/member’s available exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent in writing with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.
[Signature Page Follows]
H - 3
Tax Certificate
[Lender] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[Address] |
Dated: , 20[ ]
H - 4
Tax Certificate
EXHIBIT X-0
XXXX XX
XXXXXX XXXXXX TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Non-U.S. Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Reference is made to the CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) entered into as of December 14, 2010, among VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such term in the Agreement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(e) and Section 10.06(d) of the Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”), (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrowers within the meaning of Code Section 881(c)(3)(B), (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (v) no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with a United States trade or business conducted by the undersigned.
The undersigned has furnished its participating non-U.S. Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. person status on Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such non-U.S. Lender in writing and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such non-U.S. Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.
[Signature Page Follows]
H - 5
Tax Certificate
[Participant] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[Address] |
Dated: , 20[ ]
H - 6
Tax Certificate
EXHIBIT X-0
XXXX XX
XXXXXX XXXXXX TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Non-U.S. Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
Reference is made to the CREDIT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) entered into as of December 14, 2010, among VONAGE AMERICA INC., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”), VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings” and, together with Vonage America, the “Borrowers” and each a “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such term in the Agreement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(e) and Section 10.06(d) of the Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) neither the undersigned nor any of its partners/members is a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”), (iv) none of its partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrowers within the meaning of Code Section 881(c)(3)(B), (v) none of its partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (vi) no payments in connection with any Loan Document are effectively connected with a United States trade or business conducted by the undersigned’s or its partners/members.
The undersigned has furnished its participating non-U.S. Lender with Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY accompanied by an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN from each of its partners/members claiming the portfolio interest exemption, provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall not limit the obligation of the undersigned to provide, in the case of a partner/member not claiming the portfolio interest exemption, a Form W-8ECI, Form W-9 or Form W-8IMY (including appropriate underlying certificates from each interest holder of such partner/member), in each case establishing such partner/member’s available exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such non-U.S. Lender in writing and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such non-U.S. Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.
[Signature Page Follows]
H - 7
Tax Certificate
[Participant] | ||
By: |
| |
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[Address] |
Dated: , 20[ ]
H - 8
Tax Certificate
EXHIBIT I
FORM OF SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE
This certificate is furnished pursuant to Section 4.01(a)(x) of the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2010 (the “Credit Agreement”; unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement), among Vonage Holdings Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Holdings”), Vonage America Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Vonage America”, and together with Holdings, the “Borrowers”), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Administrative Agent”), and the other parties from time to time party thereto.
I, Xxxxx Xxxxx, the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer of Holdings, hereby certify, solely in my capacity as an officer of Holdings, and not in an individual capacity, on behalf of Holdings, that both immediately prior to and immediately following the consummation of the Transaction and the incurrence of the Indebtedness related thereto:
A. | the fair value of the property of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; |
B. | the present fair salable value of the assets of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, on their debts as they become absolute and matured; |
C. | the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries do not intend to, and do not believe that they will, incur debts or liabilities beyond the Borrowers’ and their respective Subsidiaries’ ability, taken as a whole, to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature; |
D. | the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries are not engaged in business or a transaction, and are not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which the Borrowers’ and their respective Subsidiaries’ property, taken as a whole, would constitute an unreasonably small capital; and |
E. | the Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the ordinary course of business. |
[Signature Page Follows]
I - 1
Form of Solvency Certificate
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this th day of December, 2010.
VONAGE HOLDINGS CORP. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxx | ||
Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer |
I - 2
Form of Solvency Certificate