SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. AND THE GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN 11.25% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2014 INDENTURE Dated as of July 23, 2008 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON Trustee THE BANK OF NEW YORK (LUXEMBOURG) S.A. Luxembourg Paying Agent
Exhibit 4.1
EXECUTION VERSION
AND
THE GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN
€141,000,000
11.25% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2014
Dated as of July 23, 0000
XXX XXXX XX XXX XXXX MELLON
Trustee
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (LUXEMBOURG) S.A.
Luxembourg Paying Agent
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*
Trust Indenture |
Indenture Section | |||
310 |
(a)(1) |
7.10 | ||
(a)(2) |
7.10 | |||
(a)(3) |
N.A. | |||
(a)(4) |
N.A. | |||
(a)(5) |
7.10 | |||
(b) |
7.10 | |||
(c) |
N.A. | |||
311 |
(a) |
7.11 | ||
(b) |
7.11 | |||
(c) |
N.A. | |||
312 |
(a) |
2.05 | ||
(b) |
13.03 | |||
(c) |
13.03 | |||
313 |
(a) |
7.06 | ||
(b)(1) |
N.A. | |||
(b)(2) |
7.06; 7.07 | |||
(c) |
7.06; 13.02 | |||
(d) |
7.06 | |||
314 |
(a) |
4.03; 13.02; 13.05 | ||
(b) |
N.A. | |||
(c)(1) |
13.04 | |||
(c)(2) |
13.04 | |||
(c)(3) |
N.A. | |||
(d) |
N.A. | |||
(e) |
13.05 | |||
(f) |
N.A. | |||
315 |
(a) |
7.01 | ||
(b) |
7.05; 13.02 | |||
(c) |
7.01 | |||
(d) |
7.01 | |||
(e) |
6.11 | |||
316 |
(a) (last sentence) |
2.09 | ||
(a)(1)(A) |
6.05 | |||
(a)(1)(B) |
6.04 | |||
(a)(2) |
N.A. | |||
(b) |
6.07 | |||
(c) |
2.12 | |||
317 |
(a)(1) |
6.08 | ||
(a)(2) |
6.09 | |||
(b) |
2.04 | |||
318 |
(a) |
13.01 | ||
(b) |
N.A. | |||
(c) |
13.01 |
N.A. means not applicable.
* | This Cross Reference Table is not part of this Indenture. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE | ||||
Section 1.01 |
Definitions | 1 | ||
Section 1.02 |
Other Definitions | 40 | ||
Section 1.03 |
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act | 40 | ||
Section 1.04 |
Rules of Construction | 41 | ||
ARTICLE 2 THE NOTES | ||||
Section 2.01 |
Form and Dating | 41 | ||
Section 2.02 |
Execution and Authentication | 43 | ||
Section 2.03 |
Registrar and Paying Agent | 43 | ||
Section 2.04 |
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust | 44 | ||
Section 2.05 |
Holder Lists | 45 | ||
Section 2.06 |
Transfer and Exchange | 45 | ||
Section 2.07 |
Replacement Notes | 59 | ||
Section 2.08 |
Outstanding Notes | 59 | ||
Section 2.09 |
Treasury Notes | 60 | ||
Section 2.10 |
Temporary Notes | 60 | ||
Section 2.11 |
Cancellation | 60 | ||
Section 2.12 |
Defaulted Interest | 60 | ||
Section 2.13 |
ISIN and Common Code Numbers | 61 | ||
ARTICLE 3 REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT | ||||
Section 3.01 |
Notices to Trustee | 61 | ||
Section 3.02 |
Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed | 61 | ||
Section 3.03 |
Notice of Redemption | 62 | ||
Section 3.04 |
Effect of Notice of Redemption | 63 | ||
Section 3.05 |
Deposit of Redemption Price | 63 | ||
Section 3.06 |
Notes Redeemed in Part | 63 | ||
Section 3.07 |
Optional Redemption | 63 | ||
Section 3.08 |
Mandatory Redemption | 66 | ||
Section 3.09 |
Intentionally Omitted | 66 | ||
ARTICLE 4 COVENANTS | ||||
Section 4.01 |
Payment of Notes | 66 |
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Page | ||||
Section 4.02 |
Maintenance of Office or Agency | 69 | ||
Section 4.03 |
Reports | 70 | ||
Section 4.04 |
Compliance Certificate | 71 | ||
Section 4.05 |
Corporate Existence | 71 | ||
Section 4.06 |
Limitation on Layering | 71 | ||
Section 4.07 |
Restricted Payments | 72 | ||
Section 4.08 |
Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries | 79 | ||
Section 4.09 |
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock | 80 | ||
Section 4.10 |
Asset Sales | 85 | ||
Section 4.11 |
Transactions with Affiliates | 88 | ||
Section 4.12 |
Liens | 90 | ||
Section 4.13 |
Business Activities | 91 | ||
Section 4.14 |
Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. | 91 | ||
Section 4.15 |
Offer to Repurchase upon Change of Control | 91 | ||
Section 4.16 |
Payments for Consent | 93 | ||
Section 4.17 |
Additional Guarantees | 93 | ||
Section 4.18 |
Maintenance of Properties and Insurance. | 93 | ||
Section 4.19 |
Changes in Covenants upon Change in Ratings | 94 | ||
Section 4.20 |
Compliance with Laws | 94 | ||
Section 4.21 |
Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws | 95 | ||
ARTICLE 5 SUCCESSORS | ||||
Section 5.01 |
Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets | 95 | ||
ARTICLE 6 DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES | ||||
Section 6.01 |
Events of Default | 97 | ||
Section 6.02 |
Acceleration | 98 | ||
Section 6.03 |
Other Remedies | 99 | ||
Section 6.04 |
Waiver of Past Defaults | 100 | ||
Section 6.05 |
Control by Majority | 100 | ||
Section 6.06 |
Limitation on Suits | 100 | ||
Section 6.07 |
Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment | 101 | ||
Section 6.08 |
Collection Suit by Trustee | 101 | ||
Section 6.09 |
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim | 101 | ||
Section 6.10 |
Priorities | 102 | ||
Section 6.11 |
Undertaking for Costs | 102 | ||
ARTICLE 7 TRUSTEE | ||||
Section 7.01 |
Duties of Trustee | 102 | ||
Section 7.02 |
Rights of Trustee | 104 | ||
Section 7.03 |
Individual Rights of Trustee | 105 |
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Page | ||||
Section 7.04 |
Trustee’s Disclaimer | 105 | ||
Section 7.05 |
Notice of Defaults | 105 | ||
Section 7.06 |
Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes | 106 | ||
Section 7.07 |
Compensation and Indemnity | 106 | ||
Section 7.08 |
Replacement of Trustee | 107 | ||
Section 7.09 |
Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc. | 108 | ||
Section 7.10 |
Eligibility; Disqualification | 108 | ||
Section 7.11 |
Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company | 108 | ||
ARTICLE 8 LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE | ||||
Section 8.01 |
Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance | 108 | ||
Section 8.02 |
Legal Defeasance and Discharge | 109 | ||
Section 8.03 |
Covenant Defeasance | 109 | ||
Section 8.04 |
Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance | 110 | ||
Section 8.05 |
Deposited Money and European Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions | 112 | ||
Section 8.06 |
Repayment to Company | 112 | ||
Section 8.07 |
Reinstatement | 113 | ||
ARTICLE 9 AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER | ||||
Section 9.01 |
Without Consent of Holders of Notes | 113 | ||
Section 9.02 |
With Consent of Holders of Notes | 114 | ||
Section 9.03 |
Effect on Senior Debt | 115 | ||
Section 9.04 |
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act | 115 | ||
Section 9.05 |
Revocation and Effect of Consents | 115 | ||
Section 9.06 |
Notation on or Exchange of Notes | 116 | ||
Section 9.07 |
Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc. | 116 | ||
ARTICLE 10 SUBORDINATION | ||||
Section 10.01 |
Agreement to Subordinate | 117 | ||
Section 10.02 |
Suspension of Payment When Designated Senior Debt Is in Default | 117 | ||
Section 10.03 |
Notes Subordinated to Prior Payment of All Senior Debt on Dissolution, Liquidation or Reorganization of the Company | 119 | ||
Section 10.04 |
Payments May Be Made Prior to Dissolution | 120 | ||
Section 10.05 |
Holders To Be Subrogated to Rights of Holders of Senior Debt | 121 | ||
Section 10.06 |
Obligations of the Company Unconditional | 121 | ||
Section 10.07 |
Notice to Trustee | 121 | ||
Section 10.08 |
Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent | 122 | ||
Section 10.09 | Trustee’s Relation to Senior Debt | 122 |
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Page | ||||
Section 10.10 | Subordination Rights Not Impaired by Acts or Omissions of the Company or Holders of Senior Debt | 122 | ||
Section 10.11 | Holders Authorize Trustee To Effectuate Subordination of Notes | 123 | ||
Section 10.12 | This Article Ten Not To Prevent Events of Default | 123 | ||
Section 10.13 | Trustee’s Compensation Not Prejudiced | 124 | ||
ARTICLE 11 GUARANTEES | ||||
Section 11.01 | Guarantee | 124 | ||
Section 11.02 | Limitation on Guarantor Liability | 125 | ||
Section 11.03 | Execution and Delivery of Guarantee | 125 | ||
Section 11.04 | Guarantors May Consolidate, Etc., on Certain Terms | 126 | ||
Section 11.05 | Releases | 126 | ||
Section 11.06 | Subordination of Guarantee | 127 | ||
ARTICLE 12 SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE | ||||
Section 12.01 | Satisfaction and Discharge | 127 | ||
Section 12.02 | Application of Trust Money | 128 | ||
ARTICLE 13 MISCELLANEOUS | ||||
Section 13.01 | Trust Indenture Act Controls | 128 | ||
Section 13.02 | Notices | 129 | ||
Section 13.03 | Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes | 130 | ||
Section 13.04 | Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent | 130 | ||
Section 13.05 | Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion | 130 | ||
Section 13.06 | Rules by Trustee and Agents | 131 | ||
Section 13.07 | No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders | 131 | ||
Section 13.08 | Governing Law | 131 | ||
Section 13.09 | Jurisdiction | 131 | ||
Section 13.10 | Waiver of Immunities | 131 | ||
Section 13.11 | Currency Rate Indemnity | 132 | ||
Section 13.12 | Successors | 132 | ||
Section 13.13 | Severability | 132 | ||
Section 13.14 | Counterpart Originals | 132 | ||
Section 13.15 | Table of Contents, Headings, Etc | 132 | ||
Section 13.16 |
Waiver of Jury Trial | 132 |
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EXHIBITS
Exhibit A | FORM OF GLOBAL NOTE | |
Exhibit B | FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER | |
Exhibit C | FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE | |
Exhibit D | FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE | |
Exhibit E | FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE |
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INDENTURE dated as of July 23, 2008 among Sensata Technologies B.V., a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands (the “Company”), the Guarantors (as defined herein), The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee, and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A., as Luxembourg Paying Agent.
The Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) of (a) the €141,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 11.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (the “Initial Notes”), (b) any Additional Notes (as defined herein) that may be issued after the date hereof and (c) if and when issued pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (as defined herein), the Company’s Exchange Notes (as defined herein) issued in the Exchange Offer (as defined herein) in exchange for any outstanding Initial Notes or Additional Notes (all such securities in clauses (a), (b) and (c) being referred to collectively as the “Notes”):
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Section 1.01 Definitions.
“144A Global Note” means a Global Note substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of, and registered in the name of, the Common Depositary or its nominee that will be issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes sold in reliance on Rule 144A.
“Acquired Debt” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, including Indebtedness incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized in connection with, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of, such specified Person; and
(2) Indebtedness secured by an existing Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.
“Additional Interest” means all additional interest then owing pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Additional Notes” means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.02 and 4.09 hereof, as part of the same series as the Initial Notes.
“Advisory Agreement” means the Advisory Agreement dated April 27, 2006, by and among the Sponsors, the Company and Affiliates of each of the Sponsors, as in effect on the Issue Date.
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.
“Agent” means any Registrar, co-registrar, transfer agent, Paying Agent or additional paying agent.
“Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note, on any applicable redemption date, the greater of:
(1) 1.0% of the then outstanding principal amount of such Note; and
(2) the excess of (x) the present value at such redemption date of the sum of the redemption price of such Note (such redemption price being set forth in the table appearing above under Section 3.07(c)) plus all required interest payments due on such Note, through January 15, 2010 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Bund Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points over (y) the then outstanding principal amount of such Note.
“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of Euroclear and Clearstream that apply to such transfer or exchange.
“Asset Sale” means: (1) the sale, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of property or assets (including by way of a sale and leaseback) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (each referred to in this definition as a “disposition”); or (2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions), in each case, other than:
(1) a disposition of Cash Equivalents or obsolete, damaged or worn out property or equipment in the ordinary course of business or inventory (or other assets) held for sale in the ordinary course of business and dispositions of property no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or the disposition of inventory in the ordinary course of business;
(2) the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in a manner permitted pursuant to Section 5.01 or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to this Indenture;
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(3) the making of any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made, and is made, pursuant to Section 4.07 or the granting of a Lien permitted by Section 4.12;
(4) any disposition of assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) in any transaction or series of transactions with an aggregate fair market value of less than $10.0 million;
(5) any disposition of property or assets or issuance of securities by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to another Restricted Subsidiary;
(6) the lease, assignment, sublease, license or sublicense of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business;
(7) any sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary (with the exception of Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries made pursuant to clause (10) of the definition of “Permitted Investments”);
(8) foreclosures on assets or transfers by reason of eminent domain;
(9) disposition of an account receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof;
(10) sales of Securitization Assets and related assets of the type specified in the definition of “Securitization Financing” to a Securitization Subsidiary in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing; and
(11) a transfer of Securitization Assets and related assets of the type specified in the definition of “Securitization Financing” (or a fractional undivided interest therein) by a Securitization Subsidiary in a Qualified Securitization Financing.
“Bank Indebtedness” means all Obligations pursuant to the Credit Agreement.
“Bankruptcy Law” means (i) Xxxxx 00, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Code or any similar U.S. federal or state law for the relief of debtors or the administration or liquidation of debtors’ estates for the benefit of their creditors, (ii) the Dutch Bankruptcy Law or any similar Dutch federal or state law for the relief of debtors or the administration or liquidation of debtors’ estates for the benefit of their creditors and (iii) any other similar federal or local law for the relief of debtors or the administration or liquidation of debtors’ estates for the benefit of their creditors in any other applicable jurisdiction, now or hereinafter in effect.
“Beneficial Owner” or “beneficial owner” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such
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“person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition. The terms “Beneficially Owns,” “Beneficially Owned” and “Beneficial Ownership” have a corresponding meaning.
“Board of Directors” means:
(1) | with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation; |
(2) | with respect to a partnership having only one general partner, the board of directors of the general partner of the partnership; and |
(3) | with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person serving a similar function. |
“Broker-Dealer” means any broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act.
“Bund Rate” means, as of any applicable redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption date of direct obligations of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bunds or Bundesanleihen) with a constant maturity (as officially compiled and published in the most recent financial statistics that have become publicly available at least two Business Days (but not more than five Business Days) prior to such redemption date (or, if such financial statistics are not so published or available, any publicly available source of similar market data selected by the Company in good faith)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to January 15, 2010; provided, however, that if the period from the redemption date to January 15, 2010 is not equal to the constant maturity of direct obligations of the Federal Republic of Germany for which a weekly average yield is given, the Bund Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of direct obligations of the Federal Republic of Germany for which such yields are given, except that if the period from such redemption date to such date is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded direct obligations of the Federal Republic of Germany adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.
“Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets are open, or not authorized to close, in The City of New York, the City of London or in Luxembourg.
“Capital Stock” means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, capital stock;
(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock;
(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and
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(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person.
“Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) prepared in accordance with GAAP (except for temporary treatment of construction-related expenditures under EITF 97-10, “The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction,” which will ultimately be treated as operating leases upon a sale-leaseback transaction).
“Cash Contribution Amount” means the aggregate amount of cash contributions made to the capital of the Company or any Guarantor described in the definition of “Contribution Indebtedness.”
“Cash Equivalents” means any of the following:
(1) readily marketable obligations issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States, any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, having (i) one of the three highest ratings from either Moody’s or S&P and (ii) maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition thereof; provided, that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof;
(2) time deposits with, or insured certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of, any commercial bank that (i) is a lender under the Credit Agreement or (ii)(A) 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, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and is a member of the Federal Reserve System and (B) has combined capital and surplus of at least $250.0 million (any such bank in the foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) being an “Approved Domestic Bank”), in each case with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition thereof;
(3) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes issued by an Approved Domestic Bank (or by the parent company thereof) or any variable rate note issued by, or guaranteed by a domestic corporation rated “A-1” (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or “P-1” (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s, in each case with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition thereof;
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(4) repurchase agreements entered into by any Person with a bank or trust company or recognized securities dealer (including any lender under the Credit Agreement), in each case, having capital and surplus in excess of $250.0 million for direct obligations issued by or fully guaranteed or insured by the government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States;
(5) Investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in money market investment programs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which are administered by financial institutions having capital of at least $250.0 million and the portfolios of which are limited such that 95% of such investments are of the character, quality and maturity described in clauses (1), (2), (3), or (4) of this definition;
(6) solely with respect to the Company and any Foreign Subsidiary, non-U.S. dollar denominated (i) certificates of deposit of, bankers acceptances of, or time deposits with, any commercial bank which is organized and existing under the laws of the country in which such Person maintains its chief executive office and principal place of business, provided such country is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and whose short-term commercial paper rating from S&P is at least “A-1” or the equivalent thereof or from Xxxxx’x is at least “P-1” or the equivalent thereof (any such bank being an “Approved Foreign Bank”) and maturing within one year of the date of acquisition and (ii) equivalents of demand deposit accounts which are maintained with an Approved Foreign Bank; and
(7) readily marketable obligations issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the government or any agency or instrumentality of the Netherlands or any member nation of the European Union whose legal tender is the euro and which are denominated in euro or any other foreign currency comparable in credit quality and tenor to those referred to above and customarily used by corporations for cash management purposes in any jurisdiction outside the United States to the extent reasonably required in connection with any business conducted by any Restricted Subsidiary organized in such jurisdiction, having (i) one of the three highest ratings from either Moody’s or S&P and (ii) maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition thereof; provided, that the full faith and credit of the Netherlands or any such member nation of the European Union is pledged in support thereof.
“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) the sale, lease, transfer or other conveyance, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than to a Permitted Holder;
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(2) the Company becomes aware of (by way of a report or any other filing pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy, vote, written notice or otherwise) the acquisition by any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision), including any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act), other than the Permitted Holders, in a single transaction or in a related series of transactions, by way of merger, consolidation or other business combination or purchase of Beneficial Ownership, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any entity of which it is a Subsidiary; or
(3) the first day on which the majority of the Board of Directors of the Company then in office shall cease to consist of individuals who (i) were members of such Board of Directors on the Issue Date or (ii) were either (x) nominated for election by such Board of Directors, a majority of whom were directors on the Issue Date or whose election or nomination for election was previously approved by a majority of such directors or who were designated or appointed pursuant to clause (y) below, or (y) designated or appointed by a Permitted Holder.
“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, S.A. and any successor thereto.
“Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder. Section references to the Code are to the Code, as in effect on the Issue Date, and any subsequent provisions of the Code, amendatory thereof, supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.
“Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Depositary” means a depositary common to Euroclear and Clearstream, being initially The Bank of New York Depository (Nominees) Limited until a successor Common Depositary, if any, shall have become such pursuant to this Indenture, and thereafter Common Depositary shall mean or include each Person who is then a Common Depositary hereunder.
“Company” means Sensata Technologies B.V., a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands.
“Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees, and other noncash charges (excluding any noncash item that represents an accrual or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of: (a) consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (including amortization of original issue discount,
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noncash interest payments (other than imputed interest as a result of purchase accounting), commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing, the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, net payments (if any) pursuant to interest rate Hedging Obligations (any net receipts pursuant to such interest rate Hedging Obligations shall be included as a reduction to Consolidated Interest Expense), but excluding amortization of deferred financing fees or expensing of any bridge or other financing fees, and any loss on the early extinguishment of Indebtedness, in each case, relating to the Specified Financings) and (b) consolidated capitalized interest of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued and less (c) interest income actually received or receivable in cash for such period; provided, however, that Securitization Fees shall be deemed not to constitute Consolidated Interest Expense.
“Consolidated Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Total Consolidated Indebtedness as of the date of determination to (b) the aggregate amount of EBITDA of the Company for the period of the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters prior to the date of such determination for which financial statements are available. The Consolidated Leverage Ratio shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio,” including any pro forma calculations to EBITDA.
“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that
(1) any net after-tax extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring gains or losses (including, without limitation, severance, relocation, signing bonus, transition and other restructuring costs and litigation settlements or losses) shall be excluded;
(2) the Net Income for such period shall not include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle(s) during such period;
(3) any net after-tax gains or losses attributable to asset dispositions other than in the ordinary course of business (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company) and any gain (or loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person shall be excluded;
(4) the Net Income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of such Person, or that is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided, that, to the extent not already included, Consolidated Net Income of such Person shall be (A) increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period (subject in the case of dividends paid or distributions made to a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Guarantor) to the limitations contained in clause (5) below) and (B) decreased by the amount of any equity of the Company in a net loss of any such Person for such period to the extent the Company has funded such net loss;
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(5) solely for the purpose of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.07(a)(iii), the Net Income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Guarantor) shall be excluded if the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its Net Income is not permitted at the date of determination without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided, that the Consolidated Net Income of such Person shall be, subject to the exclusion contained in clause (3) above, increased by the amount of dividends or similar distributions that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to such Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof (subject to the provisions of this clause (5)) in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein.
(6) non-cash compensation charges, including any such charges arising from stock options, restricted stock grants or other equity-incentive programs shall be excluded;
(7) any net after-tax gains or losses (less all fees and expenses or charges relating thereto) attributable to the early extinguishment or conversion of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations shall be excluded;
(8) unrealized gains and losses from Hedging Obligations or “embedded derivatives” that require the same accounting treatment as Hedging Obligations shall be excluded;
(9) the effect of any non-cash items resulting from any amortization, write-up, write-down, write-off or impairment of assets (including intangible assets, goodwill and deferred financing costs but excluding inventory) in connection with the Transactions or any future acquisition, merger, consolidation or similar transaction or any other non-cash impairment charges incurred subsequent to April 27, 2006 resulting from the application of SFAS Nos. 142 and 144 (excluding any such non-cash item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any future period except to the extent such item is subsequently reversed) shall be excluded; and
(10) any purchase accounting adjustments (including the impact of writing up inventory or deferred revenue at fair value), amortization, impairments, write-offs, or non-cash charges with respect to purchase accounting with respect to any acquisition, merger, consolidation, disposition or similar transaction, shall be excluded.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of Section 4.07 only, there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any income arising from any sale or other disposition of Restricted Investments made by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, any repurchases and redemptions of Restricted Investments made by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, any repayments of loans and advances which constitute Restricted Investments made by the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary, any sale of the stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any distribution or dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case only to the extent such amounts increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted under Section 4.07(a)(iv).
“Consolidated Total Assets” means the total consolidated total assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that Consolidated Total Assets as of any date prior to April 27, 2006 shall be measured after giving pro forma effect to the Transactions.
“Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent, (i) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (ii) to advance or supply funds (A) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or (B) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, or (iii) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.
“Contribution Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor in an aggregate principal amount not greater than twice the aggregate amount of cash contributions (other than Excluded Contributions) made to the capital of the Company or such Guarantor after April 27, 2006; provided, that:
(1) if the aggregate principal amount of such Contribution Indebtedness is greater than one times such cash contributions to the capital of the Company or such Guarantor, as applicable, the amount of such excess shall be (A)(x) Subordinated Indebtedness (other than Secured Indebtedness) or (y) Senior Subordinated Indebtedness (other than Secured Indebtedness) and (B) Indebtedness with a Stated Maturity later than the Stated Maturity of the Notes; and
(2) such Contribution Indebtedness (a) is incurred within 180 days after the making of such cash contributions and (b) is so designated as Contribution Indebtedness pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate on the date of the incurrence thereof.
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“Controls Business” means the assets and operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries related to the manufacture, marketing or sale of controls.
“Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” will be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 13.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Company.
“Credit Agreement” means that certain credit agreement, dated as of April 27, 2006, among the Company, the “Parent” (as defined therein), the “U.S. Borrower” (as defined therein), the other lender parties thereto and Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Senior Funding, Inc., as Administrative Agent, the lenders party thereto, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx Senior Funding, Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC and Xxxxxxx Sachs Credit Partners, L.P., in each case, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, Bank of America, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Credit Partners, L.P., as Documentation Agent, including any related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, restated, supplemented, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced (whether at maturity or thereafter) or refinanced from time to time in one or more agreements or indentures (in each case with the same or new lenders or institutional investors), including any agreement adding or changing the borrower or guarantor or extending the maturity thereof or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness thereunder or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof (provided, that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 4.09).
“Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.
“Definitive Note” means a certificated Note registered in the name of the Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 2.06 hereof, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto except that such Note shall not bear the Global Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.
“Designated Asset Sales” means Asset Sales of the Controls Business substantially as an entirety, which are designated as “Designated Asset Sales,” pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate executed by the principal executive or financial officer of, or any other duly authorized Person performing a similar function on behalf of, the Company on the date of sale provided, however, that the Company shall apply the Net Proceeds of any Designated Asset Sale, (x) first, to repay Secured Indebtedness, but only to the extent necessary, to ensure that after giving pro forma effect to such Designated Asset Sale and the application of such Net Proceeds, the Company’s Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio would be no greater than the Company’s Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such Designated Asset Sale, (y) second, to redeem the Senior Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Notes, in aggregate principal amounts on a pro rata basis based on outstanding principal amounts thereof as of the end of the Company’s most recently concluded fiscal quarter for which a balance sheet is available, in the case of the Notes in accordance with Section 3.07 in amounts sufficient to ensure that, after giving pro forma effect to such Designated Asset Sale and the application of such Net Proceeds, the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio would be no greater than the
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Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such Designated Asset Sale, provided further that, if the terms of Section 3.07 will not allow the Company to redeem the Notes in amounts sufficient to satisfy this clause (y), then the Company shall be permitted to repay any other Indebtedness in amounts sufficient to satisfy this clause (y) and (z) thereafter, in any other manner otherwise permitted under the Indenture, including without limitation, to make a Restricted Payment pursuant to Section 4.07(c)(xvi).
“Designated Noncash Consideration” means the fair market value of noncash consideration received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Noncash Consideration pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of such Designated Noncash Consideration.
“Designated Preferred Stock” means Preferred Stock of the Company or any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock), that is issued for cash (other than to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and is so designated as Designated Preferred Stock, pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate, on the issuance date thereof, the cash proceeds of which are excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 4.07(a)(iii).
“Designated Senior Debt” means:
(1) any Bank Indebtedness that constitutes Senior Debt;
(2) the Senior Notes and Guarantees relating thereto; and
(3) any other Senior Debt permitted under this Indenture the principal amount of which is $25.0 million or more and that has been designated by the Company in the instrument evidencing that Senior Debt as “Designated Senior Debt.”
“Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date 91 days after the earlier of the final maturity date of the Notes or the date such Notes are no longer outstanding; provided, however, that if such Capital Stock is issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or transferred by any such plan to such employees, such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.
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“Domestic Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the laws of the United States, any state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.
“EBITDA” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus, without duplication,
(1) the provision for taxes based on income or profits, plus franchise or similar taxes, of such Person for such period deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus
(2) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such period to the extent the same was deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income, plus
(3) Consolidated Depreciation and Amortization Expense of such Person for such period to the extent such depreciation and amortization were deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus
(4) any reasonable expenses or charges incurred in connection with any Equity Offering, Permitted Investment, acquisition, recapitalization or Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture (in each case whether or not consummated) or the Transactions (including, without limitation, the fees payable to the Sponsors pursuant to the Advisory Agreement in connection with the Transactions) and, in each case, deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus
(5) the amount of any restructuring charges or reserves (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include retention, severance, systems establishment cost, excess pension charges, contract termination costs, including future lease commitments, and costs to consolidate facilities and relocate employees) deducted in such period in computing Consolidated Net Income, plus
(6) any other noncash charges, expenses or losses (including any impairment charges and the impact of purchase accounting, including, but not limited to, the amortization of inventory step-up) reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (excluding any such charge that represents an accrual or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period), plus
(7) any net gain or loss resulting from Hedging Obligations relating to currency exchange risk, plus
(8) the amount of any expense for minority interests consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any Guarantor deducted (and not added back) in such period in calculating Consolidated Net Income; plus
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(9) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting, advisory fees, termination payments and related expenses paid to the Sponsors (or any accruals relating to such fees and related expenses) during such period pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, plus
(10) Securitization Fees to the extent deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus
(11) any net after-tax income or loss from discontinued operations and any net after-tax gains or losses on disposal of discontinued operations, less
(12) noncash items increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period (excluding any items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or cash reserve for, anticipated cash charges made in any prior period).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization and non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Guarantor) shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute EBITDA only to the extent (and in the same proportion, including by reason of minority interests) that the net income or loss of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating Consolidated Net Income and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to the Company by such Restricted Subsidiary without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) and would not be restricted from being so dividended, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders, unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived.
“EMU” means economic and monetary union as contemplated in the Treaty on European Union.
“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
“Equity Offering” means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations (excluding Disqualified Stock of the Company), other than (i) public offerings with respect to common stock of the Company or of any of its direct or indirect parent corporations registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8, (ii) any such public or private sale that constitutes an Excluded Contribution or (iii) an issuance to any Subsidiary of the Company.
“euro” or “€” means the single currency of participating member states of the EMU.
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“Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system, and any successor thereto.
“European Government Securities” means any security that is (a) a direct obligation of any country that is a member state of the European Monetary Union for the payment of which the full faith and credit of such country is pledged or (b) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of any such country the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such country, which, in either case under the preceding clause (a) or (b), is not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
“Exchange Notes” means the Notes issued in the Exchange Offer pursuant to Section 2.06(f) hereof.
“Exchange Offer” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Exchange Offer Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Excluded Contributions” means net cash proceeds, marketable securities or Qualified Proceeds, in each case received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from:
(1) contributions to its common equity capital; and
(2) the sale (other than to a Subsidiary or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock and Designated Preferred Stock),
in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate on the date such capital contributions are made or the date such Equity Interests are sold, as the case may be, which are excluded from the calculation set forth in Section 4.07(a)(iii).
“Existing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries in existence on the date of this Indenture.
“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person for any period consisting of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries’ most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available, the ratio of EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs, assumes, guarantees or repays any Indebtedness or issues or redeems Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence,
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assumption, guarantee or repayment of Indebtedness, or such issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period and as if the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary had not earned the interest income actually earned during such period in respect of such cash used to repay, repurchase, defease or otherwise discharge such Indebtedness.
If Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers or consolidations (as determined in accordance with GAAP) have been made by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to or simultaneously with the Calculation Date, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Investments, acquisitions, dispositions, mergers or consolidations (and the change in any associated Fixed Charge obligations and the change in EBITDA resulting therefrom) had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period.
If since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period) shall have made any Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger or consolidation that would have required adjustment pursuant to this definition, then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect thereto for such period as if such Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger or consolidation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period.
For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to an Investment, acquisition, disposition, merger or consolidation (including, without limitation, the Transactions) and the amount of income or earnings relating thereto, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting Officer of the Company and shall comply with the requirements of Rule 11-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission, except that such pro forma calculations may include operating expense reductions for such period resulting from the transaction which is being given pro forma effect that (A) have been realized or (B) for which the steps necessary for realization have been taken (or are taken concurrently with such transaction) or (C) for which the steps necessary for realization are reasonably expected to be taken within the twelve month period following such transaction or (D) that have been added to pro forma EBITDA to calculate pro forma Adjusted EBITDA as set forth in the Offering Memorandum in footnote 4 under “Summary — Summary Historical and Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data” (without duplication of amounts otherwise included in the calculation of EBITDA) and, in each case, including, but not limited to, (a) reduction in personnel expenses, (b) reduction of costs related to administrative functions, (c) reduction of costs related to leased or owned properties and (d) reductions from the consolidation of operations and streamlining of corporate overhead, provided, that, in each case, such adjustments are set forth in an Officers’ Certificate signed by the Company’s chief financial officer and another Officer which states (i) the amount of such adjustment or adjustments, (ii) in the case of items (B) or (C) above, that such adjustment or adjustments are based on the reasonable good faith beliefs of the Officers executing such Officers’ Certificate at the time of such execution and (iii) that any related incurrence of Indebtedness is permitted pursuant to this Indenture. If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma
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effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligations applicable to such Indebtedness if the related hedge has a remaining term in excess of twelve months).
Interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at the interest rate reasonably determined by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of making the computation referred to above, interest on any Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility computed on a pro forma basis shall be computed based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period. Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be deemed to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or, if none, then based upon such optional rate chosen as the Company may designate.
“Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of, without duplication, (a) Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding all noncash interest expense and amortization/accretion of original issue discount, in each case, in connection with the Specified Financings (including any original issue discount created by fair value adjustments to Existing Indebtedness as a result of purchase accounting)) of such Person for such period, (b) all cash dividends paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued (other than dividends that are payable only at such time as there are no Notes outstanding) during such period (excluding items eliminated in consolidation or combination) on any series of Preferred Stock of such Person and its Subsidiaries and (c) all cash dividends paid, accrued and/or scheduled to be paid or accrued (other than dividends that are payable only at such time as there are no Notes outstanding) during such period (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Stock of such Person and its Subsidiaries.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect on the date of the Indenture. For purposes of this description, the term “consolidated” with respect to any Person means such Person consolidated with its Restricted Subsidiaries and does not include any Unrestricted Subsidiary.
“Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(ii) hereof, which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this Indenture.
“Global Notes” means the 144A Global Note and the Regulation S Global Note.
“guarantee” means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including, without limitation, through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations. When used as a verb, “guarantee” shall have a corresponding meaning.
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“Guarantee” means any guarantee of the obligations of the Company under the Indenture and the Notes issued hereunder by a Guarantor in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. When used as a verb, “Guarantee” shall have a corresponding meaning.
“Guarantor” means any Person that issues a Guarantee of the Notes, either on or after the Issue Date in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; provided, that upon the release and discharge of such Person from its Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture, such Person shall cease to be a Guarantor. On the Issue Date, the Guarantors will be each Restricted Subsidiary that is a guarantor under the Credit Agreement.
“Guarantor Senior Debt” means, with respect to any Guarantor, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition of bankruptcy at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed or allowable claim under applicable law) on any Indebtedness and any Securitization Repurchase Obligation of such Guarantor, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, unless, in the case of any particular obligation, the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding expressly provides that such obligation shall be subordinate or pari passu in right of payment to the Guarantee of such Guarantor. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, “Guarantor Senior Debt” shall also include the principal of, premium, if any, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition of bankruptcy at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed or allowable claim under applicable law) on, and all other amounts owing in respect of (including guarantees of the foregoing obligations):
(1) all monetary obligations of every nature of such Guarantor under, or with respect to, the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, obligations to pay principal, premium and interest, reimbursement obligations under letters of credit, fees, expenses and indemnities (and guarantees thereof);
(2) all monetary obligations of every nature of such Guarantor under, or with respect to, the Senior Notes, including, without limitation, obligations to pay principal, premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, fees, expenses and indemnities (and guarantees thereof); and
(3) all Hedging Obligations (and guarantees thereof),
in each case whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Guarantor Senior Debt” shall not include:
(1) any Indebtedness of such Guarantor to a Subsidiary of such Guarantor (other than any Securitization Repurchase Obligation);
(2) Indebtedness to, or guaranteed on behalf of, any shareholder, director, officer or employee of such Guarantor or any Subsidiary of such Guarantor (including, without limitation, amounts owed for compensation), other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement;
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(3) Indebtedness to trade creditors and other amounts incurred in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services (including guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such liabilities);
(4) Indebtedness represented by Capital Stock;
(5) any liability for federal, foreign, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by such Guarantor;
(6) that portion of any Indebtedness incurred in violation of any of Sections 4.06 and 4.09;
(7) Indebtedness which, when incurred and without respect to any election under Section 1111(b) of Xxxxx 00, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Code, is without recourse to such Guarantor; and
(8) any Indebtedness which is, by its express terms, subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of such Guarantor.
“Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under:
(1) currency exchange, interest rate or commodity swap agreements, currency exchange, interest rate or commodity cap agreements and currency exchange, interest rate or commodity collar agreements; and
(2) other agreements or arrangements designed to manage, hedge or protect such Person with respect to fluctuations in currency exchange, interest rates or commodity prices.
“Holder” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered.
“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person,
(a) any indebtedness (including principal and premium) of such Person, whether or not contingent:
(i) in respect of borrowed money,
(ii) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof),
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(iii) representing the deferred and unpaid balance of the purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (a) any such balance that constitutes a trade payable or similar obligation to a trade creditor in each case accrued in the ordinary course of business and (b) any earn-out obligations, until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP, or
(iv) representing any interest rate Hedging Obligations,
if and to the extent that any of the foregoing Indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon the balance sheet (excluding the notes thereto) of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP;
(b) Disqualified Stock of such Person;
(c) to the extent not otherwise included, any obligation by such Person to be liable for, or to pay, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, on the Indebtedness of another Person (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business); and
(d) to the extent not otherwise included, Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien (other than a Lien on Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary) on any asset owned by such Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person);
provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall be deemed not to include (a) Contingent Obligations incurred in the normal course of business and not in respect of borrowed money, (b) obligations under or in respect of Securitization Financings, or (c) items that would appear as a liability on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP as a result of the application of EITF 97-10, “The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction.”
“Indenture” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
“Independent Financial Advisor” means an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm or consultant to Persons engaged in a Permitted Business of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged
“Indirect Participant” means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note through a Participant.
“Institutional Accredited Investor” means an institution that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act, who are not also QIBs.
“Investment Grade” means (1) BBB — (with a stable outlook) or above, in the case of S&P (or its equivalent under any successor Rating Categories of S&P) and Baa3 (with a stable outlook) or above, in the case of Moody’s (or its equivalent under any successor Rating Categories of Moody’s), or (2) the equivalent in respect of the Rating Categories of any Rating Agencies.
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“Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including guarantees or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (including by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others, but excluding accounts receivable, trade credit, advances to customers, commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees, in each case made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person and investments that are required by GAAP to be classified on the balance sheet (excluding the footnotes) of such Person in the same manner as the other investments included in this definition to the extent such transactions involve the transfer of cash or other property. If the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.07(d).
For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 4.07, (i) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to (x) the Company’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less (y) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; (ii) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company and (iii) any transfer of Capital Stock that results in an entity which became a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to be an Investment in an amount equal to the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith as of the date of initial acquisition) of the Capital Stock of such entity owned by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries immediately after such transfer.
“Issue Date” means the first date Notes are issued under this Indenture.
“Legended Regulation S Global Note” means a Global Note in the form of Exhibit A bearing the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Common Depositary or its nominee, issued in a denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount at maturity of the Notes initially sold in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.
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“Letter of Transmittal” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Company and sent to all Holders of the Notes for use by such Holders in connection with the Exchange Offer.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction; provided, that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.
“Material Foreign Subsidiary” means, any Foreign Subsidiary that (a) contributed 5.0% or more of the consolidated EBITDA of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the period of four fiscal quarters most recently ended on or prior to the date of determination, (b) had consolidated assets representing 5.0% or more of the total consolidated assets of the Company on the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter ended for which internal financial statements are available on or prior to the date of determination or (c) owns any Material Intellectual Property or any Material Real Property; provided, that the Company shall be required to designate one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that would not otherwise satisfy the foregoing requirements as Material Foreign Subsidiaries to the extent that (a) the aggregate amount of the consolidated EBITDA of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the period of four fiscal quarters most recently ended for which internal financial statements are available attributable to all Foreign Subsidiaries that are not Material Foreign Subsidiaries or otherwise Guarantors would otherwise exceed 10.0% or more of the consolidated EBITDA of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period or (b) the total consolidated assets of all Foreign Subsidiaries that are not Material Foreign Subsidiaries or otherwise Guarantors would otherwise exceed 10.0% or more of the total consolidated assets of the Company on the last day of the most recently-ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Foreign Subsidiary shall be deemed a Material Foreign Subsidiary if the jurisdiction of its incorporation or formation prohibits by law, rule, regulation or order such Foreign Subsidiary from providing a Guarantee that would otherwise be required pursuant to Section 4.17, provided, that the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee citing the applicable provision of local law that prohibits the Guarantee.
“Material Intellectual Property” means any intellectual property that in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors or senior management of the Company (x) is material to the operation of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (y) could reasonably be expected to become material to such operation.
“Material Real Property” means fee owned real property (a) with a value in excess of $5.0 million or (b) in the good faith determination of the Board of Directors or senior management of the Company, where manufacturing operations that are material to the operation or the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are conducted.
“Moody’s” means Xxxxx’x Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating business.
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“Net Income” means, with respect to any Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of Preferred Stock dividends or accretion of any Preferred Stock.
“Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Asset Sale, in each case net of legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), repayment of Indebtedness that is secured by the property or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Company as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Company after such sale or other disposition thereof, including, without limitation, pension and other post employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.
“Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person.
“Notes” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Indenture. The Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture, and unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Notes shall include the Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes.
“Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including, without limitation, reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit), damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of payment of such principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
“Offering Memorandum” means that certain offering memorandum, dated July 18, 2008, relating to the initial offering of the Notes.
“Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, Managing Director, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of, or any duly authorized Person performing a similar function on behalf of, the Company.
“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by two Officers of the Company, one of whom is the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer, or any duly authorized Person performing a similar function on behalf of, the Company.
“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion from legal counsel that meets the requirements of Section 13.05 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.
“Participant” means, with respect to Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who has an account with Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively.
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“Permitted Asset Swap” means any transfer of property or assets by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in which at least 90% of the consideration received by the transferor consists of properties or assets (other than cash) that will be used in a Permitted Business; provided, that the aggregate fair market value of the property or assets being transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is not greater than the aggregate fair market value of the property or assets received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in such exchange (provided, however, that in the event such aggregate fair market value of the property or assets being transferred or received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is (x) less than $30.0 million, such determination shall be made in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company and (y) greater than or equal to $30.0 million, such determination shall be made by an Independent Financial Advisor).
“Permitted Business” means the business and any services, activities or businesses incidental, or directly related or similar to, any line of business engaged in by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the Issue Date or any business activity that is a reasonable extension, development or expansion thereof or ancillary thereto.
“Permitted Debt” is defined under Section 4.09.
“Permitted Holders” means (i) each of the Sponsors and their respective Affiliates, but not including, however, any portfolio companies of any of the Sponsors, (ii) Officers, provided, that if such Officers beneficially own more shares of Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent entities than the number of such shares beneficially owned by all the Officers as of the Issue Date or acquired by Officers within 90 days immediately following the Issue Date, such excess shall be deemed not to be beneficially owned by Permitted Holders, and (iii) any “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act or any successor provision) of which any of the foregoing are members, provided, that in the case of such “group” and without giving effect to the existence of such “group” or any other “group,” such Sponsors, Affiliates and Officers (subject, in the case of Officers, to the foregoing limitation), collectively, have beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent entities held by such “group”.
“Permitted Investments” means:
(1) any Investment by the Company in any Restricted Subsidiary or by a Restricted Subsidiary in another Restricted Subsidiary;
(2) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person that is engaged in a Permitted Business if as a result of such Investment (A) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or (B) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;
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(4) any Investment in securities or other assets not constituting cash or Cash Equivalents and received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to Section 4.10 or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;
(5) any Investment existing either on April 27, 2006 or as of the Issue Date and any modification, replacement, renewal or extension thereof; provided, that the amount of any such Investment may be increased (x) as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the Issue Date or (y) as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;
(6) loans and advances to employees and any guarantees made in the ordinary course of business, but in any event not in excess of $10.0 million in the aggregate outstanding at any one time;
(7) any Investment acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable or (B) as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;
(8) Hedging Obligations permitted under Section 4.09(b)(ix);
(9) loans and advances to officers, directors and employees for business-related travel expenses, moving expenses and other similar expenses, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(10) any Investments by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in a Permitted Business having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (10) that are at that time outstanding (without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash and/or marketable securities), not to exceed the greater of (x) $100.0 million and (y) 3.0% of Consolidated Total Assets of the Company as of the end of the Company’s fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to the date on which such Investment is made for which financial statements are available (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided, that if such Investment is in Capital Stock of a Person that subsequently becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed permitted under clause (1) above and shall not be included as having been made pursuant to this clause (10);
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(11) Investments the payment for which consists of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations (exclusive of Disqualified Stock);
(12) guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under the covenant described in Section 4.09;
(13) Investments consisting of licensing of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;
(14) Investments of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or at the time such Person merges or consolidates with the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in either case, in compliance with this Indenture; provided, that such Investments were not made by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or such merger or consolidation;
(15) any Investment in a Securitization Subsidiary or any Investment by a Securitization Subsidiary in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing, including, without limitation, Investments of funds held in accounts permitted or required by the arrangements governing such Qualified Securitization Financing or any related Indebtedness; provided, however, that any Investment in a Securitization Subsidiary is in the form of a Purchase Money Note, contribution of additional Securitization Assets or an equity interest; and
(16) Investments consisting of xxxxxxx money deposits required in connection with a purchase agreement or other acquisition.
“Permitted Junior Securities” means:
(1) Equity Interests in the Company, any other Guarantor or any direct or indirect parent of the Company issued pursuant to a plan of reorganization or readjustment; or
(2) unsecured debt securities of the Company issued pursuant to a plan of reorganization or readjustment that are subordinated to all Senior Debt of the Company or, as applicable, Guarantor Senior Debt of the relevant Guarantor (and any debt securities issued in exchange for Senior Debt or such Guarantor Senior Debt) to substantially the same extent as, or to a greater extent than, the Notes are subordinated to Senior Debt under this Indenture;
provided, that to the extent that any Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt, as the case may be, outstanding on the date of consummation of any such plan of reorganization or readjustment is not paid in full in cash on such date, the holders of any such Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt not so paid in full in cash have consented to the terms of such plan of reorganization or readjustment.
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“Permitted Liens” means the following types of Liens:
(1) deposits of cash or government bonds made in the ordinary course of business to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party;
(2) Liens in favor of issuers of performance, surety, bid, indemnity, warranty, release, appeal or similar bonds or with respect to other regulatory requirements or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptance issued, and completion guarantees provided for, in each case pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business or consistent with past practice;
(3) Liens on property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized in connection with, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided, further, however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) Liens on property at the time the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized for, such acquisition; provided, further however, that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(5) Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as the related Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under this Indenture and is secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligation;
(6) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;
(7) Liens in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(8) Liens to secure any Indebtedness that is incurred to refinance any Indebtedness that has been secured by a Lien existing on April 27, 2006 or referred to in clauses (3), (4) and (20)(B) of this definition; provided, however, that such Liens (x) are no less favorable to the holders of the Notes, taken as a whole, and are not more favorable to the lienholders with respect to such Liens than the Liens in respect of the Indebtedness being refinanced; and (y) do not extend to or cover any property or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries not securing the Indebtedness so refinanced;
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(9) Liens on Securitization Assets and related assets of the type specified in the definition of “Securitization Financing” incurred in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing;
(10) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies not yet delinquent or the failure to pay would not result in a material adverse effect, or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted or for property taxes on property that the Company or one of its Subsidiaries has determined to abandon if the sole recourse for such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim is to such property;
(11) judgment liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default so long as such Liens are adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;
(12) pledges, deposits or security under workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations, or deposits to secure the performance of tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, or deposits or other security securing liabilities to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements or xxxxxxx money deposits required in connection with a purchase agreement or other acquisition, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(13) Liens imposed by law, including carriers’, warehousemen’s, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not overdue by more than 30 days or if more than 30 days overdue, are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted;
(14) encumbrances, ground leases, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens incidental to the conduct of business or to the ownership of properties that do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business;
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(15) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business that do not (x) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Company or any of its material Restricted Subsidiaries (including the Company) or (y) secure any Indebtedness;
(16) the rights reserved or vested in any Person by the terms of any lease, license, franchise, grant or permit held by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or by a statutory provision, to terminate any such lease, license, franchise, grant or permit, or to require annual or periodic payments as a condition to the continuance thereof;
(17) banker’s Liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depositary institution, provided, that (a) such deposit account is not a dedicated cash collateral account and is not subject to restrictions against access by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of those set forth by regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board or other applicable law and (b) such deposit account is not intended by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to provide collateral to the depositary institution;
(18) Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases or consignments entered into by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(19) Liens modifying or replacing Liens in existence on April 27, 2006; provided, however, that such Liens are no less favorable to the holders of the Notes, taken as a whole;
(20) (A) other Liens securing Indebtedness having a principal amount not to exceed $50.0 million at any time outstanding and (B) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred to finance the construction, purchase or lease of, or repairs, improvements or additions to, property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that (x) the Lien may not extend to any other property (except for accessions to such property) owned by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries at the time the Lien is incurred, (y) such Liens attach concurrently with or within 270 days after the acquisition, repair, replacement, construction or improvement (as applicable) of the property subject to such Liens and (z) with respect to Capitalized Lease Obligations, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for accessions to such assets) other than the assets subject to such Capitalized Lease Obligations; provided, that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;
(21) Liens (A) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (B) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage
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accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (C) in favor of a banking institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;
(22) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(23) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (A) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (B) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (C) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;
(24) Liens solely on any xxxx xxxxxxx money deposits made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted under this Indenture;
(25) Liens with respect to the assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor securing Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary incurred in accordance with Section 4.09;
(26) Liens arising by operation of law under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code in favor of a reclaiming seller of goods or buyer of goods;
(27) security given to a public or private utility or any governmental authority as required in the ordinary course of business;
(28) Liens to secure Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Sections 4.09(b)(xi) and 4.09(b)(xxii);
(29) landlords’ and lessors’ liens in respect of rent not in default for more than sixty (60) days or the existence of which, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect;
(30) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities imposed by applicable law arising in the ordinary course of business in connection with the importation of goods and securing obligations, in each case for sums not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or if more than thirty (30) days overdue, are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted;
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(31) Liens on securities which are the subject of repurchase agreements incurred in the ordinary course of business; and
(32) Liens on the Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.
“Placement Agents” means Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx & Co. Incorporated, Banc of America Securities Limited and Xxxxxxx, Sachs & Co.
“Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential rights of payment of dividends upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
“Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 2.06(g)(i) hereof to be placed on all Notes issued under this Indenture except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of this Indenture.
“Purchase Money Note” means a promissory note of a Securitization Subsidiary evidencing a line of credit, which may be irrevocable, issued by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company to such Securitization Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing, which note is intended to finance that portion of the purchase price that is not paid in cash or a contribution of equity and which (a) shall be repaid from cash available to the Securitization Subsidiary, other than (i) amounts required to be established as reserves, (ii) amounts paid to investors in respect of interest, (iii) principal and other amounts owing to such investors and (iv) amounts paid in connection with the purchase of newly generated receivables and (b) may be subordinated to the payments described in clause (a).
“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.
“Qualified Proceeds” means assets that are used or useful in, or Capital Stock of any Person engaged in, a Permitted Business; provided, that the fair market value of any such assets or Capital Stock shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith, except that in the event the value of any such assets or Capital Stock exceeds $25.0 million, the fair market value thereof shall be determined by an Independent Financial Advisor.
“Qualified Securitization Financing” means any Securitization Financing of a Securitization Subsidiary that meets the following conditions: (i) the Board of Directors of the Company shall have determined in good faith that such Qualified Securitization Financing (including financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions) is in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Company and the Securitization Subsidiary, (ii) all sales of Securitization Assets and related assets to the Securitization Subsidiary are made at fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Company) and (iii) the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms (as determined in good faith by the Company) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings. The grant of a security interest in any Securitization Assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Subsidiary) to secure Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement and any Refinancing Indebtedness with respect thereto shall not be deemed a Qualified Securitization Financing.
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“Rating Agency” means (1) S&P and Xxxxx’x or (2) if S&P or Xxxxx’x or both of them are not making ratings publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating organization within the meaning of Rule 15c3-1(c)(2) under the Exchange Act, as the case may be, selected by the Company, which will be substituted for S&P or Xxxxx’x or both, as the case may be.
“Rating Category” means (1) with respect to S&P, any of the following categories (any of which may include a “+” or “—”: AAA, AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D (or equivalent successor categories), (2) with respect to Xxxxx’x, any of the following categories: Aaa, Aa, A, Baa, Ba, B, Caa, Ca, C and D (or equivalent successor categories), and (3) the equivalent of any such categories of S&P or Xxxxx’x used by another Rating Agency, if applicable.
“Registration Rights Agreement” means, with respect to the Notes, the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date among the Company, the Guarantors and the Placement Agents.
“Related Party” means:
(1) any controlling stockholder, partner, member, 50% (or more) owned Subsidiary, or immediate family member (in the case of an individual) of any equity investor;
(2) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or Persons beneficially holding a 50% or more controlling interest of which consist of any one or more equity investors and/or such other Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause; or
(3) any Person with whom an equity investor or a Related Party (under clauses (1) or (2) of the definition of Related Party) may be deemed as part of a “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.
“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Regulation S Global Note” means a Legended Regulation S Global Note or an Unlegended Regulation S Global Note, as appropriate.
“Representative” means the trustee, agent or representative (if any) for an issue of Senior Debt; provided, that if, and for so long as, any Designated Senior Debt lacks such a representative, then the Representative for such Designated Senior Debt shall at all times constitute the holders of a majority in outstanding principal amount of such Designated Senior Debt.
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“Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the Corporate Trust Department of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject, in each case having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
“Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.
“Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.
“Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
“Restricted Period” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as defined in Regulation S.
“Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any time, any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company that is not then an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon the occurrence of an Unrestricted Subsidiary ceasing to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary shall be included in the definition of Restricted Subsidiary.
“Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“S&P” means Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The XxXxxx-Xxxx Companies, Inc., and any successor to its rating business.
“Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien.
“Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio” means, with respect to any Person, at any date the ratio of (i) Secured Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of calculation (determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) to (ii) EBITDA of such Person for the four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements are available immediately preceding such date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred. In the event that the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs or redeems any Indebtedness subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio is being calculated but prior to the event for which the calculation of the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio is made, then the Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or redemption of Indebtedness as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period. The Secured Indebtedness Leverage Ratio shall be calculated in a manner consistent with the definition of “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio,” including any pro forma calculations to EBITDA
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“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
“Securitization Assets” means any accounts receivable or other revenue streams subject to a Qualified Securitization Financing.
“Securitization Fees” means reasonable distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Securitization Subsidiary in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing.
“Securitization Financing” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (a) a Securitization Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) and (b) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Securitization Subsidiary), or may grant a security interest in, any Securitization Assets (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such Securitization Assets, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such Securitization Assets, proceeds of such Securitization Assets and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization transactions involving Securitization Assets and any Hedging Obligations entered into by the Company or any such Subsidiary in connection with such Securitization Assets.
“Securitization Repurchase Obligation” means any obligation of a seller of Securitization Assets in a Qualified Securitization Financing to repurchase Securitization Assets arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including, without limitation, as a result of a receivable or portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, off set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller.
“Securitization Subsidiary” means a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company (or another Person formed for the purposes of engaging in a Qualified Securitization Financing in which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes an Investment and to which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company transfers Securitization Assets and related assets) which engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of Securitization Assets of the Company or its Subsidiaries, all proceeds thereof and all rights (contingent and other), collateral and other assets relating thereto, and any business or activities incidental or related to such business, and which is designated by the Board of Directors of the Company or such other Person (as provided below) as a Securitization Subsidiary and (a) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company (excluding guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings or (iii) subjects any property or asset of the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company, directly
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or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, (b) with which neither the Company nor any other Subsidiary of the Company has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms which the Company reasonably believes to be no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company and (c) to which neither the Company nor any other Subsidiary of the Company has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Company or such other Person shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company or such other Person giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.
“Senior Debt” means the principal of, premium, if any, and interest (including any interest accruing after the commencement of any bankruptcy proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed or allowable claim under applicable law) on any Indebtedness and any Securitization Repurchase Obligation of the Company whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter created, incurred or assumed, unless, in the case of any particular obligation, the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding expressly provides that such obligation shall be subordinate or pari passu in right of payment to the Notes. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, “Senior Debt” shall also include the principal of, premium, if any, interest (including any interest accruing after the commencement of any bankruptcy proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed or allowable claim under applicable law) on, and all other amounts owing in respect of (including guarantees of the foregoing obligations):
(1) all monetary obligations of every nature of the Company under, or with respect to, the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, obligations to pay principal, premium and interest, reimbursement obligations under letters of credit, fees, expenses and indemnities (and guarantees thereof);
(2) all monetary obligations of every nature of the Company under, or with respect to, the Senior Notes, including, without limitation, obligations to pay principal, premium, interest and Additional Interest, if any, fees, expenses and indemnities (and guarantees thereof); and
(3) all Hedging Obligations (and guarantees thereof),
in each case whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, “Senior Debt” shall not include:
(1) any Indebtedness of the Company to a Subsidiary of the Company (other than any Securitization Repurchase Obligation);
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(2) Indebtedness to, or guaranteed on behalf of, any shareholder, director, officer or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (including, without limitation, amounts owed for compensation), other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement;
(3) Indebtedness to trade creditors and other amounts incurred in connection with obtaining goods, materials or services (including guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such liabilities);
(4) Indebtedness represented by Capital Stock;
(5) any liability for federal, foreign, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Company;
(6) that portion of any Indebtedness incurred in violation of Sections 4.06 or 4.09;
(7) Indebtedness which, when incurred and without respect to any election under Section 1111(b) of Xxxxx 00, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx Code, is without recourse to the Company; and
(8) any Indebtedness which is, by its express terms, subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company.
“Senior Indenture” means the indenture dated April 27, 2006 among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee relating to the Senior Notes.
“Senior Notes” means the 8% senior notes of the Company due 2014.
“Senior Subordinated Indebtedness” means the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Notes (in the case of the Company), a Guarantee (in the case of a Guarantor) of the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Notes and any other Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor that specifically provides that such Indebtedness is to rank pari passu with the Senior Subordinated Notes, the Notes or such Guarantee, as the case may be, in right of payment and is not subordinated by its terms in right of payment to any Indebtedness or other obligation of the Company or such Guarantor which is not Senior Debt (in the case of the Company) or Guarantor Senior Debt (in the case of a Guarantor).
“Senior Subordinated Notes” means the 9% senior subordinated notes of the Company due 2016.
“Shareholders Agreements” means the Shareholders Agreements dated as of April 27, 2006 by and among the Company/Parent and the investment funds affiliated with the Sponsors and certain of their limited partners that are signatories thereto.
“Shelf Registration Statement” means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.
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“Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a”significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date hereof.
“Specified Financings” means the financings included in the Transactions and this offering of the Notes.
“Sponsors” means Xxxx Capital Partners LLC and its Affiliates and CCMP Asia Equity Partners.
“Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company which the Company has determined in good faith to be customary in a Securitization Financing, including, without limitation, those relating to the servicing of the assets of a Securitization Subsidiary, it being understood that any Securitization Repurchase Obligation shall be deemed to be a Standard Securitization Undertaking.
“Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be paid in the original documentation governing such Indebtedness, and will not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means (a) with respect to the Company, any Indebtedness of the Company that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes (in the case of the Senior Indenture) or the Notes (in the case of this Indenture) and (b) with respect to any Guarantor of the Senior Notes or the Notes, any Indebtedness of such Guarantor that is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to its Guarantee of the Senior Notes (in the case of the Senior Indenture) or the Notes (in the case of this Indenture).
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) any corporation, association or other business entity, of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and
(2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which (x) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership or otherwise and (y) such Person or any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.
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“TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-77bbbb).
“Total Consolidated Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to the aggregate amount of all indebtedness of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries outstanding as of such date of determination, after giving effect to any incurrence of Indebtedness and the application of the proceeds therefrom giving rise to such determination.
“Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by (i) the Credit Agreement and (ii) the offering of the Senior Notes and the Senior Subordinated Notes.
“Trustee” means The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.
“Unlegended Regulation S Global Note” means a permanent Global Note in the form of Exhibit A bearing the Global Note Legend, deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Common Depositary or its nominee and issued upon expiration of the Restricted Period.
“Unrestricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note that does not bear and is not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.
“Unrestricted Global Note” means a Global Note that does not bear and is not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.
“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means (i) any Subsidiary of the Company (other than the Company) that at the time of determination is an Unrestricted Subsidiary (as designated by the Board of Directors of the Company, as provided below) and (ii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary, but excluding the Company) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on, any property of, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (other than any Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated); provided, that (a) any Unrestricted Subsidiary must be an entity of which shares of the Capital Stock or other equity interests (including partnership interests) entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that may be cast by all shares or equity interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (b) such designation complies with Section 4.07 and (c) each of (I) the Subsidiary to be so designated and (II) its Subsidiaries has not at the time of designation, and does not thereafter, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable with respect to any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender has recourse to any of the assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted
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Subsidiary; provided, that, immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and (x) the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test described under Section 4.09(a) or (y) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be greater than such ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such designation. Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Company shall be notified by the Company to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the board resolution giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.
“U.S. Dollar Equivalent” means with respect to any monetary amount in a currency other than U.S. dollars, at any time for determination thereof, the amount of U.S. dollars obtained by converting such foreign currency involved in such computation into U.S. dollars at the spot rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars with the applicable foreign currency as published in The Wall Street Journal in the “Exchange Rates” column under the heading “Currency Trading” on the date two business days prior to such determination.
Except as described under Section 4.09, whenever it is necessary to determine whether the Company has complied with any covenant in this Indenture or a Default has occurred thereunder and an amount is expressed in a currency other than U.S. dollars, such amount will be treated as the U.S. Dollar Equivalent determined as of the date such amount is initially determined in such currency.
“U.S. Person” means a U.S. Person as defined in Rule 902(k) promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time ordinarily entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.
“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:
(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by
(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
“Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary” is any Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary.
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“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a Subsidiary of such Person, 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares and shares issued to foreign nationals under applicable law) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
Section 1.02 Other Definitions.
Term |
Defined in Section | |
“Acceleration Notice” |
6.02 | |
“Additional Amounts” |
4.01 | |
“Additional Taxing Jurisdiction” |
4.01 | |
“Affiliate Transaction” |
4.11 | |
“Asset Sale Offer” |
4.10 | |
“Authentication Order” |
2.02 | |
“Change of Control Offer” |
4.15 | |
“Change of Control Payment” |
4.15 | |
“Change of Control Payment Date” |
4.15 | |
“Change in Tax Law” |
3.07 | |
“Covenant Defeasance” |
8.03 | |
“Event of Default” |
6.01 | |
“Excess Proceeds” |
4.10 | |
“incur” |
4.09 | |
“Legal Defeasance” |
8.02 | |
“Luxembourg Paying Agent” |
2.03 | |
“non-payment default” |
10.03 | |
“Offer Period” |
4.10 | |
“Paying Agent” |
2.03 | |
“Payment Blockage Notice” |
10.03 | |
“Payment Default” |
6.01 | |
“Permitted Debt” |
4.09 | |
“Refinancing Indebtedness” |
4.09 | |
“Refunding Capital Stock” |
4.07 | |
“Registrar” |
2.03 | |
“Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction” |
4.01 | |
“Restricted Payments” |
4.07 | |
“Retired Capital Stock” |
4.07 | |
“Suspension Condition” |
4.19 | |
“Suspension Covenants” |
4.19 | |
“Taxes” |
4.01 |
Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.
Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.
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The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:
“indenture securities” means the Notes and the Guarantees;
“indenture security Holder” means a Holder of a Note;
“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture;
“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee; and
“obligor” on the indenture securities means the Company and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the indenture securities, respectively.
All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined by TIA reference to another statute or defined by the Commission rule under the TIA have the meanings so assigned to them by such definitions.
Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
(i) a term has the meaning assigned to it;
(ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;
(iii) “or” is not exclusive;
(iv) words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular;
(v) “will” shall be interpreted to express a command;
(vi) provisions apply to successive events and transactions; and
(vii) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act will be deemed to include substitute, replacement of successor sections or rules adopted by the the Commission from time to time.
ARTICLE 2
THE NOTES
Section 2.01 Form and Dating.
(a) General. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. The Notes will be in denominations of €50,000 and any integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof.
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The terms and provisions contained in the Notes will constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
(b) Rule 144A Global Notes. Notes offered and sold in reliance on Rule 144A will be initially represented by one or more permanent Global Notes, without interest coupons, (in substantially the form of Exhibit A) in definitive, fully registered book-entry form, which will be deposited upon issuance with the Common Depositary for Euroclear and Clearstream, and registered in the name of the Common Depositary or its nominee, in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in Euroclear or Clearstream as described below. The aggregate principal amount of the Rule 144A Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Registrar and the Common Depositary as hereinafter provided.
(c) Regulation S Global Notes. Notes offered and sold in reliance on Regulation S will be initially represented by one or more permanent Global Notes without interest coupons (in substantially the form of Exhibit A) in definitive, fully registered book-entry form, which will be deposited upon issuance with the Common Depositary for Euroclear and Clearstream, and registered in the name of the Common Depositary or its nominee, in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in Euroclear or Clearstream as described below. The aggregate principal amount of the Regulation S Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Registrar and the Common Depositary as hereinafter provided.
(d) Form of Notes. Notes may be issued in the form of (i) Definitive Notes or (ii) one or more Global Notes. Notes issued in definitive form shall be registered in the name or names of such Persons and for the principal amounts as the Issuer may request. The Company initially appoints the Common Depositary to act as depositary for the Global Notes. Notes issued in the form of a Global Note shall be registered in the name of the Common Depositary or its nominee. In the event any of the Notes are issued in a transaction under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, any such Person shall purchase such Notes in transactions complying with Rule 144A under the Securities Act. So long as the Common Depositary or its nominee is the registered owner of the Global Note, it shall be considered the holder of the Notes represented thereby for all purposes hereunder and under the Global Note. None of the Company, the Trustee or any Agent shall have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made by the Common Depositary, or its nominee, on account of beneficial interests in the Global Note. Interests in the Global Note shall be transferred on the Common Depositary’s book-entry settlement system. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Notes in definitive form or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or in the form of Notes in definitive form, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global
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Note by the Trustee or by the Common Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note by the Trustee or by the Common Depositary at the direction of the Trustee to reflect such increase.
Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.
At least one Officer must sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.
If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note will nevertheless be valid.
A Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee. The signature will be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.
The Trustee will, upon receipt of a written order of the Company signed by two Officers of the Company (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate Notes for original issue that may be validly issued under this Indenture, including any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes. The aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding at any time may not exceed the aggregate principal amount of Notes authorized for issuance by the Company pursuant to one or more Authentication Orders, except as provided in Section 2.07 hereof.
The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Company to authenticate Notes. An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Company.
Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent.
The Company will maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“Paying Agent”). The Registrar will keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents. The term “Registrar” includes any co-registrar and the term “Paying Agent” includes the Luxembourg Paying Agent and any additional paying agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Company fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.
The Company may remove any Registrar or Paying Agent upon written notice to such Registrar or Paying Agent and to the Trustee; provided, however, that no such removal shall
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become effective until (i) if applicable, acceptance of an appointment by a successor as evidenced by an appropriate agreement entered into by the Company and such successor Registrar or Paying Agent, as the case may be, and delivered to the Trustee or (ii) notification to the Trustee that the Trustee shall serve as Registrar or Paying Agent until the appointment of a successor in accordance with clause (i) above. The Registrar or Paying Agent may resign at any time upon written notice to the Company and the Trustee; provided, however, that the Trustee may resign as Paying Agent or Registrar only if the Trustee also resigns as Trustee in accordance with Section 7.08.
The initial Registrar will be The Bank of New York Mellon. The initial Transfer Agents and Paying Agents will be The Bank of New York Mellon, in New York, The Bank of New York Mellon, in London, and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A., in Luxembourg. The Company initially appoints The Bank of New York Depository (Nominees) Limited, to act as the Common Depositary, and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. as the Luxembourg Paying Agent (the “Luxembourg Paying Agent”) with respect to the Global Notes. As long as the Notes remain outstanding, the Company will also, to the extent possible, ensure that it maintains a Paying Agent in a member state of the European Union that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct for on account of tax in connection with any payment made by it in relation to the Notes pursuant to the European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of November 26 and 27, 2000 on the taxation of savings income or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive. The Company shall not act as Paying Agent or appoint a Paying Agent in any member state of the EU where the Paying Agent would be obliged to withhold or deduct tax in connection with any payment made by it in relation to the Notes unless either (i) another Paying Agent is located in a member state where it is not obliged to withhold or deduct tax or (ii) no other member state would require a Paying Agent located therein to withhold or deduct tax in relation to such payments at a lower (or zero) rate. For so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and its rules so require, the Company will publish a notice of any change of Paying Agent, Registrar or Transfer Agent in a newspaper having a general circulation in Luxembourg.
Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.
The Company will require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on the Notes, and will notify the Trustee in writing of any default by the Company in making any such payment. While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by such Paying Agent. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Company or a Subsidiary) will have no further liability for the money. If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it will segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee will serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.
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Section 2.05 Holder Lists.
The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a). If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company will furnish or cause the Registrar to furnish to the Trustee at least seven Business Days before each interest payment date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders of Notes and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA § 312(a).
Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange.
(a) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note representing the Notes may not be transferred except as a whole to nominees of the Common Depositary or to a successor of the Common Depositary or such successor’s nominee. Transfers of beneficial interests in Global Notes may be affected only through the book-entry system maintained by the Common Depositary in compliance with the Applicable Procedures, in each case to the extent applicable to such transaction and in effect from time to time. All Global Notes representing the Notes will be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes if:
(i) The Common Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Common Depositary for the Global Note and the Company thereupon fails to appoint a successor common depositary within 90 days;
(ii) the Company, at its option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of the Definitive Notes representing the Notes; or
(iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.
Upon the occurrence of any of the events in clauses (i) or (ii) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Common Depositary shall instruct the Trustee. Global Notes representing the Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as provided in Sections 2.07 and 2.10 hereof. A Global Note representing the Notes may not be exchanged for another Note other than as provided in this Section 2.06(a)(ii), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 2.06(b), (c) or (f) hereof.
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(b) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be effected through Euroclear and Clearstream, in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes will be subject to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also will require compliance with either subparagraph (i) or (ii) below, as applicable, as well as one or more of the other following subparagraphs, as applicable:
(i) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note. Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, transfers of beneficial interests in the Legended Regulation S Global Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than a Placement Agent). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Registrar to effect the transfers described in this Section 2.06(b)(i).
(ii) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests that are not subject to Section 2.06(b)(i) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either:
(A) | both: |
(1) a written order from the Common Depositary given to the Registrar in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Registrar to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and
(2) instructions given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information regarding the account to be credited with such increase; or
(B) | both: |
(1) a written order from a the Common Depositary given to the Registrar in accordance with the Applicable Procedures directing the Registrar to cause to be issued a Definitive Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged; and
(2) instructions given by Common Depositary to the Registrar containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in (B)(1) above;
provided, that in no event shall Definitive Notes be issued upon the transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in the Legended Regulation S Global Note prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period and the receipt by the Registrar of a certificate stating that the requirements of Rule 903 under the Securities Act have been complied with.
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Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 2.06(f) hereof, the requirements of this Section 2.06(b)(ii) shall be deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Registrar of the instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of such beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon satisfaction of all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Indenture and the Notes or otherwise applicable under the Securities Act, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global Note(s) pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof.
(iii) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) above and the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof; and
(B) if the transferee will take delivery in the form of a beneficial interest in the Legended Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and
(iv) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of Section 2.06(b)(ii) above and:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(1) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(a) thereof; or
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(2) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of beneficial interests transferred pursuant to subparagraph (B) or (D) above.
(v) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note for Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note. Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note.
(c) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.
(i) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(a) thereof;
(B) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;
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(D) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3)(d) thereof, if applicable;
(F) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,
the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the Registrar through instructions from the Common Depositary. The Trustee shall deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(i) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all restrictions on transfer contained therein.
(ii) Beneficial Interests in Legended Regulation S Global Note to Definitive Notes. Notwithstanding Sections 2.06(c)(i)(A) and (C) hereof, a beneficial interest in the Legended Regulation S Global Note may not be exchanged for a Definitive Note or transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior to (A) the expiration of the Restricted Period and (B) the receipt by the Registrar of a certificate stating that the requirements of Rule 903(b)(3)(ii)(B) under the Securities Act have been complied with; except in the case of a transfer pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or Rule 904.
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(iii) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of such beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(1) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(b) thereof; or
(2) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(iv) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note, then, upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 2.06(b)(ii) hereof, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 2.06(h) hereof, and the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof and deliver to the Person designated in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) will be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest requests through instructions to the Registrar from or through the Common Depositary. The Trustee will deliver such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section 2.06(c)(iv) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.
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(d) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.
(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or to transfer such Restricted Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the Registrar of the following documentation:
(A) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (2)(b) thereof;
(B) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance with Rule 144A, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(C) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof;
(D) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with Rule 144, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(a) thereof;
(E) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to an Institutional Accredited Investor in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than those listed in subparagraphs (B) through (D) above, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3)(d) thereof, if applicable;
(F) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(b) thereof; or
(G) if such Restricted Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (3)(c) thereof,
the Trustee will cancel the Restricted Definitive Note, increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of, in the case of clause (A) above, the appropriate Restricted Global Note, in the case of clause (B) above, the 144A Global Note, and in the case of clause (C) above, the Regulation S Global Note.
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(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (i) a Broker-Dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
(B) such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(1) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(c) thereof; or
(2) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests or if the Applicable Procedures so require, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section 2.06(d)(2), the Trustee will cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.
(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee will cancel the applicable Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.
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If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial interest is effected pursuant to subparagraphs (ii)(B), (ii)(D) or (iii) above at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of Definitive Notes so transferred.
(e) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(e), the Registrar will register the transfer or exchange of Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder must present or surrender to the Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by its attorney, duly authorized in writing. In addition, the requesting Holder must provide any additional certifications, documents and information, as applicable, required pursuant to the following provisions of this Section 2.06(e).
(i) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be transferred to and registered in the name of Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note if the Registrar receives the following:
(A) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 144A, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (1) thereof;
(B) if the transfer will be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (2) thereof; and
(C) if the transfer will be made pursuant to any other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by item (3) thereof, if applicable.
(ii) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if:
(A) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, certifies in the applicable Letter of Transmittal that it is not (1) a Broker-Dealer, (2) a Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (3) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;
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(B) any such transfer is effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;
(C) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; or
(D) the Registrar receives the following:
(1) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in item (1)(d) thereof; or
(2) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in item (4) thereof;
and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (D), if the Registrar so requests, an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Private Placement Legend are no longer required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act.
(iii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon receipt of a request to register such a transfer, the Registrar shall register the Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.
(f) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate:
(i) one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (A) they are not Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company; and
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(ii) Unrestricted Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer by Persons that certify in the applicable Letters of Transmittal that (A) they are not Broker-Dealers, (B) they are not participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (C) they are not affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company.
Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee will cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Unrestricted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal amount.
(g) Legends. The following legends will appear on the face of all Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise in the applicable provisions of this Indenture.
(i) Private Placement Legend.
(A) Except as permitted by subparagraph (B) below, each Global Note and each Definitive Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following form:
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (C) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2),(3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (AN “INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR”), (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT, WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO IN RULE 144(b)(1) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THESE NOTES, RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (D) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), (E) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR THAT, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES TO THE TRUSTEE A SIGNED LETTER CONTAINING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (THE FORM OF WHICH LETTER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE) AND IF SUCH TRANSFER IS
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IN RESPECT OF AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOTES OF LESS THAN €100,000 AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (F) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO IN RULE 144(b)(1) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THESE NOTES, THE HOLDER MUST CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF RELATING TO THE MANNER OF SUCH TRANSFER AND SUBMIT THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE TRUSTEE. IF THE PROPOSED TRANSFEREE IS AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, THE HOLDER MUST, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISH TO THE TRUSTEE AND SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. SUCH CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS EITHER OF THEM MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. THE INDENTURE CONTAINS A PROVISION REQUIRING THE TRUSTEE TO REFUSE TO REGISTER ANY TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR DELIVERED TO ANYONE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD OTHER THAN TO PROFESSIONAL MARKET PARTIES (“PMP”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE EXEMPTION REGULATION TO THE DUTCH ACT ON THE SUPERVISION OF THE CREDIT SYSTEM 1992.
EACH HOLDER OF NOTES, BY PURCHASING THE NOTES, WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND AGREED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT (1) SUCH HOLDER IS A PMP AND IS ACQUIRING SUCH NOTES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A PMP, THAT (2) SUCH NOTES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED TO ANYONE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD OTHER THAN TO A PMP ACQUIRING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A PMP AND THAT (3) THE HOLDER WILL PROVIDE NOTICE OF THE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN TO ANY SUBSEQUENT TRANSFEREE.
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note issued pursuant to subparagraph (b)(iv), (c)(iii), (c)(iv), (d)(ii), (d)(iii), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) or (f) of this Section 2.06 (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) will not bear the Private Placement Legend.
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(ii) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note will bear a legend in substantially the following form:
THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE COMMON DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE REGISTRAR MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED OR EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMON DEPOSITORY TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME THE COMMON DEPOSITARY OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMON DEPOSITARY, ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, THE COMMON DEPOSITARY, HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
(iii) Regulation S Global Note Legend. The Regulation S Global Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:
THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN).
(h) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in part, each such Global Note will be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11 hereof. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note will be reduced accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged for or transferred to a Person who will take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note will be increased accordingly and an endorsement will be made on such Global Note by the Trustee to reflect such increase.
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(i) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.
(i) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof or at the Registrar’s request.
(ii) No service charge will be made to a Holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.06, 4.10, 4.15 and 9.05 hereof).
(iii) The Registrar will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.
(iv) All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes will be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(v) Neither the Registrar nor the Company will be required:
(A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of selection;
(B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part; or
(C) to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date.
(vi) Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Company shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
(vii) The Trustee will authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02 hereof.
(viii) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by facsimile.
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Section 2.07 Replacement Notes.
If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Company will issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are met. If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Company to protect the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Company may charge for their expenses in replacing a Note.
Every replacement Note is an additional obligation of the Company and will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.
Section 2.08 Outstanding Notes.
The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except (i) Notes theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; (ii) Notes for the payment or redemption of which money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside, segregated and held in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Notes; provided that, if such Notes are to be redeemed prior to the maturity thereof, written notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture, or provision satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made for giving such notice; and (iii) Notes in substitution for which other Notes shall have been authenticated and delivered, or which shall have been paid, pursuant to the terms of this Indenture (except with respect to any such Note as to which proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that such Note is held by a Person in whose hands such Note is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company). Except as set forth in Section 2.08 hereof, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an Affiliate of the Company holds the Note; however, Notes held by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company shall not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of Section 9.02 hereof.
If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Registrar receive proof satisfactory each of them that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser.
If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.
If the Paying Agent (other than the Company, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on a redemption date or maturity date, money sufficient to pay all principal, premium and accrued interest with respect to the outstanding Notes payable on that date and is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders thereof pursuant to the terms of Section 10 hereof, then on and after that date such Notes will be deemed to be no longer outstanding and will cease to accrue interest.
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Section 2.09 Treasury Notes.
In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, request, waiver or consent in the exercise of any discretion, power or authority (whether contained in this Indenture or vested by operation of law) which the Trustee is required, expressly or impliedly, to exercise in or by reference to the interests of the Holders or any of them, Notes owned by the Company or any Guarantor, or by any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company or any Guarantor, will be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned will be so disregarded.
Section 2.10 Temporary Notes.
Until certificates representing Notes are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes will be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as may be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Without unreasonable delay, the Company will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.
Holders of temporary Notes will be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture.
Section 2.11 Cancellation.
The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation. The Registrar and Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The Trustee and no one else will cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and will dispose of such canceled Notes in its customary manner (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act). Certification of the destruction of all canceled Notes will be delivered to the Company. The Company may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has redeemed, purchased or paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest.
If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it will pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof. The Company will notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment. The Company will fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided, that no such special record date may be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Company (or, upon the written request of the Company, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company) will mail or cause to be mailed to Holders a notice prepared by the Company that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.
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Section 2.13 ISIN and Common Code Numbers.
The Company in issuing the Notes may use ISIN and Common Code numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use ISIN and Common Code numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any initial ISIN or Common Code numbers and any change in the ISIN or Common Code numbers.
ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT
Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee.
If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.07 hereof, it must furnish to the Trustee, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date (unless a shorter time is acceptable to the Trustee), an Officers’ Certificate setting forth:
(i) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur;
(ii) the redemption date;
(iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed;
(iv) the redemption price;
(v) applicable Common Code and ISIN numbers; and
(vi) a statement that the conditions precedent to such redemption have been satisfied.
Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed.
If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee will select Notes for redemption as follows:
(i) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed; or
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(ii) if the Notes are not listed on any national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable.
In the event of partial redemption or purchase by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed or purchased will be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption.
The Trustee will promptly notify the Company in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. No Notes in principal amounts equal to or less than €1,000 can be redeemed in part; provided, that no Notes will be redeemed in part if the resulting note would have a minimum denomination that is less than €50,000.
Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.
(a) Notices of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address, except that (x) redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and (y) redemption notices may be mailed less than 30 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a redemption using the Net Proceeds of one or more Designated Asset Sales. Notices of redemption may not be conditional.
(b) If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note will state:
(i) the clause of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur;
(ii) the redemption date;
(iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed;
(iv) the redemption price;
(v) applicable Common Code and ISIN numbers; and
(vi) a statement that the conditions precedent to such redemption have been satisfied.
A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of them called for redemption.
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(c) At the Company’s request, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at their expense. In such event, the Company shall provide the Trustee with the information required by this Section.
Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.
Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price.
Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption Price.
Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Business Day preceding the redemption date, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent will promptly return to the Company any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price of, and accrued interest and Additional Interest, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed.
If the Company complies with the provisions of the preceding paragraph, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption. If a Note is redeemed on or after an interest record date but on or prior to the related interest payment date, then any accrued and unpaid interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such record date. If any Note called for redemption is not so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of the Company to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01 hereof.
Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed in Part.
Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Company will issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, the Trustee will authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Company a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered.
Section 3.07 Optional Redemption.
(a) At any time prior to January 15, 2010, the Company may, at its option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued under this Indenture (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes, as the case may be), at a redemption price equal to 111.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and Additional Interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date, subject to the right of Holders on the record date to receive interest due on the interest payment date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (provided, that if the Equity Offering is an offering by any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company,
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a portion of the net cash proceeds thereof equal to the amount required to redeem any such Notes is contributed to the equity capital of the Company), or the Net Proceeds of one or more Designated Asset Sales; provided, however, that
(1) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) must remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption (excluding in such calculation, Notes held by the Company or any of its Affiliates); and
(2) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of such Equity Offering or Designated Asset Sale, as the case may be.
(b) Except pursuant to Section 3.07(a) or as otherwise set forth below, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Company’s option prior to January 15, 2010; provided, however, the Company may acquire the Notes by means other than a redemption.
(c) On or after January 15, 2010, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or a part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes to be redeemed to the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the record date to receive interest due on the interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on January 15 of the years indicated below:
Year |
Percentage | ||
2010 |
105.625 | % | |
2011 |
102.813 | % | |
2012 and thereafter |
100.000 | % |
(d) At any time prior to January 15, 2010, the Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the record date to receive interest due on the interest payment date).
(e) The Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole but not in part, at any time upon not less than 15 days’ nor more than 30 days’ notice to the Holders (which notice shall be irrevocable and given in accordance with Section 3.03 and Section 3.04), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date, premium, if any, and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which will become due on the date of redemption as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Company determines in good faith that the Company or any Guarantor is, or on the next date on which any amount would be payable in respect of the Notes, would be obligated to pay Additional Amounts in respect of the Notes pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof, which the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, cannot avoid by the use of reasonable
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measures available to it (including, without limitation, making payment through a Paying Agent located in another jurisdiction), as a result of:
(1) any change in, or amendment to, the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction affecting taxation which becomes effective on or after the Issue Date or, in the case of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction that arises after the Issue Date, the date on which such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction under this Indenture (or, in the case of a successor Person, after the date of assumption by the successor person of the obligations thereunder); or
(2) any change in the official application, administration, or interpretation of the laws, regulations or rulings of any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (including a holding, judgment, or order by a court of competent jurisdiction), on or after the Issue Date or, in the case of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction has changed since the Issue Date, the date on which such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction under this Indenture (or, in the case of a successor Person, after the date of assumption by the successor person of the obligations thereunder) (each of the foregoing clauses (1) and (2), a “Change in Tax Law”).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not redeem the Notes under this provision if a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction changes under this Indenture and the Company is obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law of such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction which was officially announced at the time the latter became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction.
In the case of a Guarantor that becomes a party to this Indenture after the Issue Date or a successor person (including a surviving entity), the Change in Tax Law must become effective after the date that such entity (or another person organized or resident in the same jurisdiction) first makes a payment on the Notes. In the case of Additional Amounts required to be paid as a result of the Company conducting business in an Additional Taxing Jurisdiction, the Change in Tax Law must become effective after the date the Company begins to conduct the business giving rise to the withholding or deduction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice of redemption will be given (a) earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Company or any Guarantor, would be obliged to make such payment of Additional Amounts or withholding if a payment in respect of the Notes or the relevant Guarantee, as the case may be, were then due and (b) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay Additional Amounts remains in effect.
Prior to the mailing of any notice of redemption pursuant to the foregoing, the Company will deliver to each Trustee:
(1) an Officers’ Certificate stating that the Company is entitled to effect such redemption and setting forth a statement of facts showing that the conditions precedent to the right of the Company so to redeem have occurred (including that such obligation to pay such Additional Amounts cannot be avoided by the Company or any Guarantor or surviving entity taking reasonable measures available to it); and
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(2) a written opinion of independent tax advisers of recognized standing qualified under the laws of the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction and reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee to the effect that the Company or a Guarantor or surviving entity, as the case may be, is or would be obligated to pay such Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law.
The foregoing provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis to any successor Person, after such successor Person becomes a party to this Indenture, with respect to a Change in Tax Law occurring after the time such successor Person becomes a party to this Indenture.
(f) Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.
Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable redemption date.
Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption.
The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.
Section 3.09 Intentionally Omitted.
ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS
Section 4.01 Payment of Notes.
(a) The Company will pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Additional Interest, if any, on, the Notes by 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time one Business Day prior to the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest and Additional Interest, if any will be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, holds as of 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the due date money deposited by the Company in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all principal of, premium, if any, and interest and Additional Interest, if any, then due. The Company will pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
The Company will pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the Notes, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate borne by the Notes to the extent lawful.
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(b) (i) All payments that the Company makes under or with respect to the Notes and that any Guarantor makes under or with respect to any Guarantee will be made free and clear of and without withholding or deduction for or on account of any present or future tax, duty, levy, impost, assessment or other governmental charges (including, without limitation, penalties, interest and other similar liabilities related thereto) of whatever nature (collectively, “Taxes”) imposed or levied by or on behalf of the United States, any jurisdiction in which the Company or any Guarantor is incorporated, organized or otherwise resident for tax purposes or from or through which any of the foregoing makes any payment on the Notes or by or within any department or political subdivision or governmental authority or in any of the foregoing having the power to tax (each, a “Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction”), unless withholding or deduction is then required by law or by the interpretation or administration of law. If the Company or any Guarantor is required to withhold or deduct any amount for or on account of Taxes of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction from any payment made under or with respect to the Notes, the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, shall pay additional amounts (“Additional Amounts”) as may be necessary to ensure that the net amount received by each Holder or beneficial owner of the Notes (including Additional Amounts) after such withholding or deduction will be not less than the amount the Holder or beneficial owner would have received if such Taxes had not been required to be withheld or deducted. If the Company or any Guarantor conducts business in any jurisdiction (an “Additional Taxing Jurisdiction”) other than a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction and, as a result, is required by the law of such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction to withhold or deduct any amount on account of the Taxes imposed by such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction from payment under the Notes or the Guarantees, as the case may be, which would not have been required to be so withheld or deducted but for such conduct of business in such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction, the Additional Amounts provision described above shall be considered to apply as if references in such provision to “Taxes” included taxes imposed by way of withholding or deduction by any such Additional Taxing Jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof or therein).
(ii) Neither the Company nor any Guarantor shall, however, pay Additional Amounts to a Holder or beneficial owner of Notes in respect or on account of:
(A) any Taxes that would not have been imposed or levied by a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction but for the Holder’s or beneficial owner’s present or former connection with such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (other than the mere receipt or holding of Notes or by reason of the receipt of payments thereunder or the exercise or enforcement of rights under any Notes, this Indenture or any Guarantee);
(B) any Taxes that are imposed or withheld by reason of the failure of the Holder or Beneficial Owner, following the Company’s written request addressed to the Holder (and made at a time that would enable the Holder or beneficial owner acting reasonably to comply with that request) to comply with any certification or identification requirements, whether required or imposed by statute, regulation or administrative practice of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction, as a precondition to exemption from, or reduction in the rate of deduction or withholding of, Taxes imposed by the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (including, without limitation, a certification that the Holder or beneficial owner is not resident in the Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction);
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(C) any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer, personal property or similar Taxes;
(D) any Tax which is payable otherwise than by deduction or withholding from payments made under or with respect to the Notes;
(E) any Tax imposed on or with respect to any payment by the Company or a Guarantor to the Holder if such Holder is a fiduciary or partnership or person other than the sole beneficial owner of such payment to the extent that Taxes would not have been imposed on such payment had the beneficiary, partner or other beneficial owner directly held the Note;
(F) any Tax that is imposed or levied by reason of the presentation (where presentation is required in order to receive payment) of such Notes for payment on a date more than 30 days after the date on which such payment became due and payable or the date on which payment thereof is duly provided for, whichever is later, except to the extent that the Beneficial Owner or Holder thereof would have been entitled to Additional Amounts had the Notes been presented for payment on any date during such 30 day period;
(G) any withholding or deduction in respect of any Taxes where such withholding or deduction is imposed or levied on a payment to an individual and is required to be made pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of 26-27 November 2000 on the taxation of savings income or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive; or
(H) any Tax that is imposed or levied on or with respect to a Note presented for payment on behalf of a Holder or beneficial owner who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by presenting the Note to another paying agent in a member state of the European Union.
(iii) The Company and each Guarantor shall (A) make such withholding or deduction required by applicable law and (B) remit the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant taxing authority in accordance with applicable law.
(iv) At least 30 calendar days prior to each date on which any payment under or with respect to the Notes is due and payable, if the Company and any Guarantor shall be obligated to pay Additional Amounts with respect to such payment (unless such obligation to pay Additional Amounts arises after the 30th day prior to the date on which payment under or with respect to the Notes is due and payable, in which case it will be promptly thereafter), the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Additional Amounts will be payable and the amounts so payable and shall set forth such other information (other than the identities of Holders and beneficial owners) necessary to enable such Trustee or Paying Agent, as the case may be, to pay such Additional Amounts to Holders and beneficial owners on the payment date. The Company shall provide the Trustee with documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee evidencing payment of such Additional Amounts.
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(v) Upon request, the Company or the relevant Guarantor shall furnish to each Trustee or a Holder within a reasonable time certified copies of tax receipts evidencing the payment by the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, of any Taxes imposed or levied by a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction. If, notwithstanding the reasonable best efforts of the Company or such Guarantor to obtain such receipts, the same are not obtainable, then the Company or such Guarantor shall provide such Holder with other evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or Holder of such payment by the Company or such Guarantor.
(vi) The Company and each Guarantor shall pay (i) any present or future stamp, issue, registration, court documentation, excise or property taxes or other similar taxes, charges and duties, including interest and penalties with respect thereto, imposed by any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction in respect of the execution, issue, delivery or registration of the Notes, any Guarantee or this Indenture or any other document or instrument referred to hereunder and any such taxes, charges, duties or similar levies imposed by any jurisdiction as a result of, or in connection with, the enforcement of the Notes, such Guarantee or this Indenture or any such other document or instrument following the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Notes, and (ii) any stamp, court, or documentary taxes (or similar charges or levies) imposed with respect to the receipt of any payments with respect to the Notes or such Guarantee. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor shall, however, pay such amounts that are imposed on or result from a sale or other transfer or disposition by a Holder or Beneficial Owner.
(vii) This Section 4.01(b) shall survive any termination, defeasance or discharge of this Indenture and shall apply mutatis mutandis to any jurisdiction in which any successor person to the Company or any Guarantor is organized, incorporated or otherwise resident for tax purposes and any political subdivision or taxing authority or agency thereof or therein.
Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.
The Company will maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company fails to maintain any such required office or agency or fails to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.
The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission will in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.
The Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Company in accordance with Section 2.03 hereof.
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Section 4.03 Reports.
(a) Whether or not required by the Commission, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, if not filed electronically with the Commission through the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (or any successor system), the Company shall furnish to the Holders, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations:
(1) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K (or Form 20-F if the Company is a “foreign private issuer” as such term is defined under the rules and regulations of the Commission), if the Company were required to file such Forms, including a “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual financial statements by the Company’s certified independent accountants; and
(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the Commission if the Company were required to file such reports.
(b) In addition, whether or not required by the Commission, after the consummation of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement, the Company shall file a copy of all of the information and reports referred to in Section 4.03(a)(i) and (ii) above with the Commission for public availability within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations for a filer that is not an “accelerated filer” (as defined in such rules and regulations), unless the Commission will not accept such a filing, and make such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request; provided, that (x) the first and second reports required to be delivered pursuant to Section 4.03(a)(i) above may be delivered at any time up to 75 days after the end of the fiscal quarter to which such report relates and (y) the first report requiring annual financial information required to be delivered pursuant to Section 4.03(a)(i) above may be delivered at any time up to July 31, 2009. In addition, the Company agrees that, for so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, it shall furnish to the Holders and to securities analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
(c) If at any time any direct or indirect parent of the Company becomes a Guarantor (there being no obligation of any such parent to do so) and complies with the requirements of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Commission (or any successor provision), the reports, information and other documents required to be filed and furnished to Holders pursuant to the requirements herein, may, at the option of the Company, be filed by and be those of such parent rather than the Company.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, such requirements shall be deemed satisfied with respect to the Form 10-K or 20-F, as applicable, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 prior to the commencement of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement by the filing with the Commission of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and/or Shelf Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto, with
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such financial information that satisfies Regulation S-X of the Securities Act with respect to fiscal year 2008 within the time periods and in accordance with the other provisions set forth under the Registration Rights Agreement.
Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate.
(a) The Company shall deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company an Officers’ Certificate stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Company they would normally have knowledge of any Default and whether or not the signers know of any Default that occurred during such period. If they do, the certificate shall describe the Default, its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. The Company also shall comply with Section 314(a)(4) of the TIA.
(b) So long as any of the Notes are outstanding, the Company will deliver to the Trustee, forthwith upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officers’ Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.
Section 4.05 Corporate Existence.
Except as otherwise permitted by Article Five, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence in accordance with its organizational documents.
Section 4.06 Limitation on Layering.
The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Guarantor to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness that is or purports to be by its terms (or by the terms of any agreement governing such Indebtedness) contractually subordinated or junior in right of payment to any Senior Debt (including Acquired Debt) or Guarantor Senior Debt (including Acquired Debt) of the Company or such other Guarantor, as the case may be, unless such Indebtedness is either:
(1) Senior Subordinated Indebtedness; or
(2) subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes or the related Guarantee, as the case may be.
For purposes of the foregoing, no Indebtedness will be deemed to be subordinated or junior in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor, as applicable, solely by reason of any Liens or Guarantees arising or created in respect thereof or by virtue of the fact that the holders of any secured Indebtedness have entered into intercreditor agreements giving one or more of such holders priority over the other holders in the collateral held by them.
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Section 4.07 Restricted Payments.
(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
(i) declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution on account of the Company’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any dividend or distribution payable in connection with any merger or consolidation (other than (A) dividends or distributions by the Company payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company (B) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary payable solely to the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary or (C), in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, pro rata dividends or distributions to minority stockholders of such Restricted Subsidiary (or owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary that is an entity other than a corporation) provided, that the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities);
(ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Company held by any Person (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary), including in connection with any merger or consolidation;
(iii) make any principal payment on, or redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, in each case prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than (x) Indebtedness permitted under Sections 4.09(b)(vii) and (viii) or (y) the purchase, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase, acquisition or retirement); or
(iv) make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (i) through (iv) being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”).
(b) Section 4.07(a) shall not apply if, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
(i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of such Restricted Payment;
(ii) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a); and
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(iii) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (ix), (x), (xi), (xii), (xiv), and (xv) of the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the sum, without duplication, of
(A) | 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) from March 31, 2006 to the end of the Company’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, in the case such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit), plus |
(B) | 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, of property and marketable securities received by the Company after April 27, 2006 from the issue or sale of (x) Equity Interests of the Company (including a resale of Retired Capital Stock (as defined below) but excluding (1) cash proceeds received from the sale of Equity Interests of the Company and, to the extent actually contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of the Company’s direct or indirect parent corporations to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company and the Subsidiaries of the Company after the Issue Date to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with Section 4.07(c)(iv), (2) cash proceeds received from the sale of Refunding Capital Stock (as defined below) to the extent such amounts have been applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with Section 4.07(c)(ii), (3) Designated Preferred Stock, (4) the Cash Contribution Amount, (5) Excluded Contributions and (6) Disqualified Stock) or (y) debt securities of the Company that have been converted into such Equity Interests of the Company (other than Refunding Capital Stock or Equity Interests or convertible debt securities of the Company sold to a Restricted Subsidiary or the Company, as the case may be, and other than Disqualified Stock or Designated Preferred Stock or debt securities that have been converted into Disqualified Stock or Designated Preferred Stock), plus |
(C) | 100% of the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, of property and marketable securities contributed to the capital of the Company after April 27, 2006 (other than (i) by a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) any Excluded Contributions, (iii) any Disqualified Stock, (iv) any Refunding Capital Stock, (v) any Designated Preferred Stock, (vi) the Cash Contribution Amount and (vii) cash proceeds applied to Restricted Payments made in accordance with Section 4.07(c)(iv), plus |
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(D) | without duplication of any amounts included in Section 4.07(c)(iv) and to the extent not already included in Consolidated Net Income, 100% of the aggregate amount received in cash and the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, of property and marketable securities received after April 27, 2006 by means of (i) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of Restricted Investments made by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and repayments of loans or advances which constitute Restricted Investments of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) the sale (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a distribution from an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than in each case to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 4.07(c)(x) or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment) or a dividend from an Unrestricted Subsidiary, plus |
(E) | in the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or the merger or consolidation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or the transfer of assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, the fair market value of the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith at the time of the redesignation of such Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or at the time of such merger, consolidation or transfer of assets (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary was made by a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 4.07(c)(x) or to the extent such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment). |
(c) The provisions in Sections 4.07(a) and (b) will not prohibit:
(i) the payment of any dividend or other distribution within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;
(ii) (A) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company (“Retired Capital Stock”) or Indebtedness subordinated to the Notes in exchange for or out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary or the Company) of Equity Interests of the Company or contributions to the equity capital of the Company (in each case, other than Disqualified
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Stock and the Cash Contribution Amount) (“Refunding Capital Stock”) and (B) the declaration and payment of dividends on the Retired Capital Stock out of the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company or to an employee stock ownership plan or any trust established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries) of Refunding Capital Stock;
(iii) the redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, new Indebtedness of the borrower thereof which is incurred in compliance with Section 4.09 so long as (A) the principal amount of such new Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired for value plus related fees and expenses and the amount of any reasonable premium required to be paid under the terms of the instrument governing the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired, (B) such new Indebtedness is subordinated to the Notes and any Guarantees thereof at least to the same extent as such Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired, (C) such new Indebtedness has a final scheduled maturity date equal to or later than the final scheduled maturity date of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired and (D) such new Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Subordinated Indebtedness being so redeemed, repurchased, acquired or retired;
(iv) a Restricted Payment to pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations held by any future, present or former employee, director or consultant of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations (or their permitted transferees, assigns, estates or heirs) pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan, agreement or arrangement, provided, however, that the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made under this clause (iv) does not exceed in any calendar year $7.5 million (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the two immediately succeeding calendar years); and provided, further that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed (A) the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and, to the extent contributed to the Company, Equity Interests of any of its direct or indirect parent corporations, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations that occurs after April 27, 2006 plus (B) the amount of any cash bonuses otherwise payable to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations in connection with the Transactions that are foregone in return for the receipt of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations pursuant to a deferred compensation plan of such corporation plus (C) the cash proceeds of “key man” life insurance policies received by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (provided, that the Company may elect to apply all or any portion of the
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aggregate increase contemplated by clauses (A), (B) and (C) above in any calendar year) less (D) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made pursuant to clauses (A), (B) and (C) of this clause (iv);
(v) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary issued or incurred in accordance with this covenant to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of Fixed Charges for such entity;
(vi) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued after April 27, 2006 and the declaration and payment of dividends to any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company the proceeds of which will be used to fund the payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company issued after April 27, 2006; provided, however, that (A) for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date of issuance of such Designated Preferred Stock, after giving effect to such issuance (and the payment of dividends or distributions thereon) on a pro forma basis, the Company would have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 2.0 to 1 and (B) the aggregate amount of dividends declared and paid pursuant to this clause (6) does not exceed the net cash proceeds actually received by the Company from any such sale of Designated Preferred Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) issued after April 27, 2006;
(vii) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;
(viii) the payment of dividends on the Company’s common stock following the first public offering of the Company’s common stock or the common stock of any of its direct or indirect parent corporations after the Issue Date, of up to 6.0% per annum of the net cash proceeds received by or contributed to the Company after the Issue Date in any such public offering, other than public offerings with respect to the Company’s common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8 and other than any public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution;
(ix) Investments that are made with Excluded Contributions;
(x) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $75.0 million;
(xi) cash dividends or other distributions on the Company’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s Capital Stock used to, or the making of loans, the proceeds of which will be used to, fund the payment of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the offering of the Notes, in each case to the extent permitted (to the extent applicable) by Section 4.11;
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(xii) distributions or payments of Securitization Fees and purchases of Securitization Assets pursuant to a Securitization Repurchase Obligation in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing;
(xiii) the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock pursuant to Section 4.10 and Section 4.15; provided, that a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, has been made and all the Notes tendered by the Holders in connection with a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as applicable, have been repurchased, redeemed or acquired for value;
(xiv) the declaration and payment of dividends to, or the making of loans to, a direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company in amounts required for such Person to pay, without duplication:
(A) | franchise taxes and other fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain its corporate existence; |
(B) | income taxes to the extent such income taxes are attributable to the income of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries and, to the extent of the amount actually received from the Unrestricted Subsidiaries, in amounts required to pay such taxes to the extent attributable to the income of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries, provided, however, that in each case the amount of such payments in any fiscal year does not exceed the amount of income taxes that the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries would be required to pay for such fiscal year were the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries to pay such taxes as a stand-alone taxpayer; |
(C) | customary salary, bonus, severance, indemnification obligations and other benefits payable to officers and employees of such direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company to the extent such salaries, bonuses, severance, indemnification obligations and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; |
(D) | general corporate overhead and operating expenses such as direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company to the extent such expenses are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; |
(E) | reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection with any unsuccessful debt or equity offering or other financing transaction by such direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company; and |
(F) | its obligations under the Advisory Agreement (as in effect on the Issue Date); |
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(xv) cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital Stock of the Company; provided, however, that any such cash payment shall be bona fide and in good faith and shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitation of the covenant described under this subheading (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company);
(xvi) the declaration or payment of Restricted Payments that are made with the proceeds of Designated Asset Sales; provided, however, that any such Restricted Payments made other than pursuant to clause (y) of the definition of “Designated Asset Sales” shall not exceed $200.0 million in the aggregate; and
(xvii) the dividend or distribution of a Restricted Investment consisting of shares of Capital Stock of, or Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary by, Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries, the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents) to the extent such Restricted Investment was included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments.
provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (ii), (v), (vi), (viii), (x), (xii), (xiii) or (xvi) above, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof.
(d) The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the fair market value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by the Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this covenant will be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company. Such determination must be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an Independent Financial Advisor if the fair market value exceeds $50.0 million.
(e) The Company shall not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the second to last sentence of the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary. For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated shall be deemed to be Restricted Payments in an amount determined as set forth in the second paragraph of the definition of Investments. Such designation will be permitted only if a Restricted Payment in such amount would be permitted at such time under this Section or the definition of Permitted Investments and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
(f) For the avoidance of doubt, any dividend or distribution otherwise permitted pursuant to this Section may be in the form of a loan.
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Section 4.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.
(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any such Restricted Subsidiary to:
(i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(ii) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(iii) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) The restrictions in Section 4.08(a) hereof will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:
(i) contractual encumbrances or restrictions in effect (x) pursuant to the Credit Agreement or related documents as in effect on the Issue Date or (y) on the Issue Date, including, without limitation, pursuant to Existing Indebtedness and related documentation;
(ii) this Indenture, the Notes and the related Guarantees (including any Exchange Notes issued with respect to the Notes and related Guarantees);
(iii) purchase money obligations or other obligations described in Section 4.09(b)(iv) for property acquired in the ordinary course of business that in each case impose restrictions of the nature discussed in Section 4.08(a)(iii) on the property so acquired;
(iv) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order;
(v) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in existence at the time of such acquisition (but not created in connection therewith or in contemplation thereof or to provide all or a portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired;
(vi) contracts for the sale of assets, including, without limitation, customary restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Subsidiary;
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(vii) Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09 and Section 4.12 that limits the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;
(viii) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(ix) other Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of the Company or any Guarantor, in each case, that is incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to Section 4.09;
(x) customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(xi) customary provisions contained in leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements and other agreements;
(xii) any encumbrances or restrictions of the type referred to in Section 4.08(a) (i), (ii) and (iii) imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in this Section 4.08(b)(i) through (xi); provided, that the encumbrances or restrictions imposed by such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the good faith judgment of the Company’s Board of Directors, not materially less favorable to the Holders than encumbrances and restrictions contained in such predecessor agreements and do not materially affect the Company’s and Guarantors’ ability, taken as a whole, to make payments of interest and scheduled payments of principal in respect of such Notes, in each case, as and when due; provided further, however, that with respect to agreements existing on the Issue Date, any refinancings or amendments thereof contain such encumbrances or restrictions that are not materially less favorable to the Holders than the encumbrances or restrictions contained in such agreements as in effect on the Issue Date; and
(xiii) Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(xviii).
Section 4.09 Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.
(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively “incur”) any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Company and any Guarantor may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and any Guarantor may issue Preferred Stock if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company for its most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Preferred Stock is issued would have been at least 2.0 to 1 determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or the Preferred Stock had been issued, as the case may be, and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four-quarter period.
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(b) The provisions of Section 4.09(a) will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following (collectively, “Permitted Debt”):
(i) the incurrence by the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement together with the incurrence by the Company and any Restricted Subsidiaries of the guarantees thereunder and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to an aggregate principal amount, of $1,800.0 million outstanding at any one time, less the amount of (x) all mandatory principal payments (with respect to revolving borrowings and letters of credit, only to the extent revolving commitments are correspondingly reduced) actually made by any obligor thereunder in respect of Indebtedness thereunder with Net Proceeds from Asset Sales; and (y) all principal payments actually made by any obligor thereunder in respect of Indebtedness thereunder with the Net Proceeds from Designated Asset Sales;
(ii) the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the Notes (including, in each case, any Guarantee thereof) issued on the Issue Date and the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Notes issued on the Issue Date (including any Guarantee thereof);
(iii) Existing Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness described in Section 4.09(b)(i) or (ii));
(iv) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations) incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to finance the purchase, lease or improvement of property (real or personal) or equipment that is used or useful in a Permitted Business (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) in an aggregate principal amount that, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (iv), does not exceed the greater of (x) $50.0 million and (y) an amount equal to 2.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the Company’s most recently concluded fiscal quarter for which a balance sheet is available;
(v) Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, including without limitation letters of credit in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims; provided, however, that upon the drawing of such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence;
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(vi) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn-outs or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition or acquisition of any business, assets or a Subsidiary, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided, however, that (A) such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (contingent obligations referred to in a footnote to financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet for purposes of this clause (A)) and (B) the maximum assumable liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds including noncash proceeds (the fair market value of such noncash proceeds being measured at the time received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value) actually received by the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such disposition;
(vii) Indebtedness of the Company owed to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owed to and held by the Company or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that (A) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute the incurrence of such Indebtedness by the issuer thereof and (B) if the Company or a Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated in right of payment to all obligations of the Company or such Guarantor with respect to the Notes;
(viii) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed in each case to be an issuance of such shares of Preferred Stock;
(ix) Hedging Obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding Hedging Obligations entered into for speculative purposes);
(x) obligations in respect of performance and surety bonds, appeal bonds and other similar types of bonds and performance and completion guarantees provided by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or obligations in respect of letters of credit related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(xi) Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor or Preferred Stock of any Guarantor not otherwise permitted hereunder in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference which, when aggregated with the principal amount and liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness and Preferred Stock then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (11), does not at any one time outstanding exceed $150.0 million;
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(xii) (x) any guarantee by the Company or a Guarantor of Indebtedness or other obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the incurrence of such Indebtedness incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary is permitted under the terms of this Indenture; provided, that if such Indebtedness is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, any such guarantee of the Company or such Guarantor with respect to such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Notes and such Guarantor’s Guarantee with respect to such Notes substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to such Notes or the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, (y) any guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor of Indebtedness of another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor incurred in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, and (z) any guarantee by a Guarantor of Indebtedness of the Company incurred in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;
(xiii) the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or Preferred Stock that serves to refund or refinance any Indebtedness incurred as permitted under Section 4.09(a) and clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) of this Section 4.09(b), this clause (xiii) and clauses (xiv) and (xxi) of this Section 4.09(b) or any Indebtedness issued to so refund or refinance such Indebtedness including additional Indebtedness incurred to pay premiums and fees in connection therewith (the “Refinancing Indebtedness”) prior to its respective maturity; provided, however, that such Refinancing Indebtedness (A) has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred which is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced, (B) to the extent such Refinancing Indebtedness refinances Indebtedness subordinated or pari passu to the Notes or the related Guarantees, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated or pari passu to such Notes or such Guarantees at least to the same extent as the Indebtedness being refinanced or refunded, (C) shall not include (x) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of a Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor that refinances Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of the Company or a Guarantor or (y) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (D) shall not be in a principal amount in excess of the principal amount of, premium, if any, accrued interest on, and related fees and expenses of, the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced and (E) shall not have a Stated Maturity prior to the earlier of (x) the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced and (y) the Stated Maturity of any Notes then outstanding; and provided further that subclauses (A), (B) and (E) of this clause (xiii) will not apply to any refunding or refinancing of any Senior Debt;
(xiv) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of a Person incurred and outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Person was acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or merged into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; provided, that such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock is not incurred in connection with or in contemplation of, or to provide
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all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, such acquisition or merger; and provided further, that after giving effect to such incurrence of Indebtedness either (A) the Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth Section 4.09(a) or (B) such Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would be greater than immediately prior to such acquisition;
(xv) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; provided, that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its incurrence;
(xvi) Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries supported by a letter of credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit;
(xvii) Indebtedness incurred by a Securitization Subsidiary in a Qualified Securitization Financing that is not recourse to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than a Securitization Subsidiary (except for Standard Securitization Undertakings);
(xviii) Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary, provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness incurred under this clause (xviii) which, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness then outstanding and incurred pursuant to this clause (xviii), does not exceed the greater of $50.0 million and 1.0% of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of the Company’s most recently concluded fiscal quarter for which a balance sheet is available;
(xix) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Company or any Guarantor to current or former officers, directors and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations permitted by Section 4.07;
(xx) Contribution Indebtedness;
(xxi) Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor incurred in connection with or in contemplation of, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate, the acquisition by the Company or such Guarantor of property used or useful in a Permitted Business (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the purchase of Capital Stock of, or merger or consolidation with, any Person owning such assets); provided, that the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company for its most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such Indebtedness is incurred, determined on a pro forma basis as if such Indebtedness had been incurred and the application of proceeds therefrom had occurred at the beginning of such four- quarter period, (A) would have been at least 1.5 to 1 for any incurrence of Indebtedness on or
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prior to December 31, 2007, and would have been at least 1.75 to 1 for any incurrence of Indebtedness thereafter, and (B) would have been greater than such Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio immediately prior to such acquisition or merger; and
(xxii) Indebtedness of the Company and any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such Indebtedness are deposited and used to defease the Notes as described under Article 8 and Article 12.
(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, in the event that an item of proposed Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (i) through (xxii) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a), the Company will be permitted to classify and later reclassify such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this Section 4.09, and such item of Indebtedness will be treated as having been incurred pursuant to only one of such categories. Accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this covenant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement outstanding on the Issue Date will be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on the exception provided by clause (i) of the definition of Permitted. Additionally, all or any portion of any item of Indebtedness may later be reclassified as having been incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant or under any category of Permitted Debt described in clauses (i) through (xxii) above so long as such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred pursuant to such provision at the time of reclassification.
(d) For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness where the Indebtedness incurred is denominated in a different currency, the amount of such Indebtedness will be the U.S. Dollar Equivalent determined on the date of the incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided, however, that if any such Indebtedness denominated in a different currency is subject to a currency agreement with respect to U.S. dollars covering all principal, premium, if any, and interest payable on such Indebtedness, the amount of such Indebtedness expressed in U.S. dollars will be as provided in such currency agreement. The principal amount of any refinancing Indebtedness incurred in the same currency as the Indebtedness being refinanced will be the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the Indebtedness being refinanced, except to the extent that (1) such U.S. Dollar Equivalent was determined based on a currency agreement, in which case the refinancing Indebtedness will be determined in accordance with the preceding sentence, and (2) the principal amount of the refinancing Indebtedness exceeds the principal amount of the Indebtedness being refinanced, in which case the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of such excess will be determined on the date such refinancing Indebtedness is incurred. The maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur pursuant to this covenant shall not be deemed to be exceeded, with respect to any outstanding Indebtedness, solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies.
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Section 4.10 Asset Sales.
(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:
(i) the Company (or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of;
(ii) in the case of Asset Sales involving consideration in excess of $10.0 million, the fair market value is determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors; and
(iii) except for any Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of the consideration received in the Asset Sale by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents.
For purposes of clause (iii) above, the amount of (1) any liabilities (as shown on the Company’s or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet or in the notes thereto) of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or the related Guarantees) that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets and from which the Company and all Restricted Subsidiaries have been validly released by all creditors in writing, (2) any securities received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash (to the extent of the cash received) within 180 days following the closing of such Asset Sale and (3) any Designated Noncash Consideration received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Sale having an aggregate fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company), taken together with all other Designated Noncash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (iii) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $75.0 million and (y) 2.5% of Consolidated Total Assets of the Company as of the end of the Company’s most recently ended fiscal quarter prior to the date on which such Designated Noncash Consideration is received (with the fair market value of each item of Designated Noncash Consideration being measured at the time received without giving effect to subsequent changes in value), shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this paragraph and for no other purpose.
(b) Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, the Company (or, if applicable, the Restricted Subsidiary) may apply those Net Proceeds at its option:
(i) to permanently reduce Obligations under Senior Debt of the Company or any Guarantor Senior Debt (and to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto) or Indebtedness of the Company that ranks pari passu with the Notes or Indebtedness of a Guarantor that ranks pari passu with such Guarantor’s Guarantee of the Notes provided, that if the Company shall so reduce Obligations under Indebtedness that ranks pari passu with the Notes or a related Gurantee, it will equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the Notes by making an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer (as defined in Section 4.10(d) below)) to all Holders to purchase at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the pro rata principal amount of the Notes or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor;
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(ii) in the case of a Designated Asset Sale, as provided for in the definition of Designated Asset Sales; or
(iii) to (A) make an investment in any one or more businesses; provided, that such investment in any business is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and results in the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that such business constitutes a Restricted Subsidiary, (B) make capital expenditures or (C) make an investment in other assets, in each of (A), (B) and (C), used or useful in a Permitted Business; and/or
(iv) to make an investment in (A) any one or more businesses; provided, that such investment in any business is in the form of the acquisition of Capital Stock and it results in the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary owning an amount of the Capital Stock of such business such that such business constitutes a Restricted Subsidiary, (B) properties or (C) assets that, in each of (A), (B) and (C), replace the businesses, properties and assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale.
(c) Any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale not applied or invested in accordance with Section 4.10(b) within 365 days from the date of the receipt of such Net Proceeds shall constitute “Excess Proceeds,” provided, that if during such 365-day period the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary enters into a definitive binding agreement committing it to apply such Net Proceeds in accordance with the requirements of Section 4.10(b)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) after such 365th day, such 365-day period will be extended with respect to the amount of Net Proceeds so committed for a period not to exceed 180 days until such Net Proceeds are required to be applied in accordance with such agreement (or, if earlier, until termination of such agreement).
(d) When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $20.0 million, the Company, or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, will make an offer (an “Asset Sale Offer”) to all Holders and Indebtedness that ranks pari passu with such Notes and contains provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture with respect to offers to purchase with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase, on a pro rata basis, the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash.
(e) Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, the Company, or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary (including the Company), may temporarily reduce revolving credit borrowings or otherwise invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by this Indenture.
(f) If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company, or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary (including the Company), may use those
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Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee will select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.
(g) The Company, or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with each repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Asset Sale provisions of this Indenture, the Company, or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under Section 4.10 of this Indenture by virtue of such conflict.
Section 4.11 Transactions with Affiliates.
(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate consideration in excess of $5.0 million, unless:
(i) the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with a Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company; and
(ii) (A) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $15.0 million, a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company have determined in good faith that the criteria set forth in the immediately preceding clause (1) are satisfied and have approved the relevant Affiliate Transaction as evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company; and (B) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $75.0 million, the Board of Directors of the Company shall also have received a written opinion as to the fairness to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an Independent Financial Advisor.
(b) The following items will be deemed not to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of the prior paragraph:
(i) any transaction with the Company, a Restricted Subsidiary or joint venture or similar entity which would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary owns an equity interest in or otherwise controls such Restricted Subsidiary, joint venture or similar entity;
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(ii) Restricted Payments and Permitted Investments (other than pursuant to clauses (3), (10) and (11) of the definition thereof) permitted by this Indenture;
(iii) the payment to the Sponsors, any of their Affiliates, and officers of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, of management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees, termination payments and related reasonable expenses pursuant to (A) the Advisory Agreement or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not less advantageous to the Holders in any material respect than the Advisory Agreement) or (B) other agreements as in effect on the Issue Date that are (x) entered into in connection with the Transactions and (y) as described in the Offering Memorandum or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not less advantageous to the Holders in any material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the Issue Date);
(iv) the payment of reasonable and customary compensation and fees to, and indemnities provided on behalf of (and entering into related agreements with) officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company, any of its direct or indirect parent corporations, or any Restricted Subsidiary, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company or senior management thereof;
(v) payments made by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Sponsors and any of their Affiliates for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures, which payments are approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company in good faith;
(vi) transactions in which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view;
(vii) payments or loans (or cancellations of loans) to employees or consultants of the Company or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations or any Restricted Subsidiary which are approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and which are otherwise permitted under this Indenture, but in any event not to exceed $10.0 million in the aggregate outstanding at any one time;
(viii) payments made or performance under any agreement as in effect on the Issue Date or as described in the Offering Memorandum (other than the Advisory Agreement and the Shareholders Agreement, but including, without limitation, each of the other agreements entered into in connection with the Transactions);
(ix) the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of, the Shareholders Agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreements related thereto to which it is a party on the Issue Date and any similar agreement that it may
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enter into thereafter); provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under, any future amendment to the Shareholders Agreement or under any similar agreement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (ix) to the extent that the terms of any such existing agreement together with all amendments thereto, taken as a whole, or new agreement are not otherwise more disadvantageous to holders of the Notes in any material respect than the original agreement as in effect on the Issue Date;
(x) the Transactions and the payment of all transaction, underwriting, commitment and other fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions;
(xi) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture that are fair to the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, in the reasonable determination of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company or the senior management thereof, or are on terms at least as favorable as would reasonably have been entered into at such time with an unaffiliated party;
(xii) the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to any Permitted Holder, any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company or its Subsidiaries or any other Affiliates of the Company (other than a Subsidiary);
(xiii) investments by the Sponsors in securities of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries so long as (i) the investment is being offered generally to other investors on the same or more favorable terms and (ii) the investment constitutes less than 5% of the proposed or outstanding issue amount of such class of securities; and
(xiv) any transaction with a Securitization Subsidiary effected as part of a Qualified Securitization Financing.
Section 4.12 Liens.
(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien that secures obligations under any Indebtedness ranking pari passu with or subordinated to the Notes or a related Guarantee on any asset or property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to receive income therefrom, unless:
(i) in the case of Liens securing Indebtedness subordinated to the Notes or the related Guarantees, the Notes and any related Guarantees are secured by a Lien on such property, assets or proceeds that is senior in priority to such Liens; or
(ii) in all other cases, the Notes and any related Guarantees are equally and ratably secured,
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(b) The provisions of Section 4.12(a) shall not apply to:
(i) Liens existing on either April 27, 2006 or the Issue Date to the extent and in the manner such Liens are in effect on the Issue Date;
(ii) Liens securing the Notes, the related Guarantees and the Exchange Notes (including Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Additional Notes issued and secured by a Lien, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture) and the related Guarantees;
(iii) Liens securing Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt and the related guarantees of such Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt; and
(iv) Permitted Liens.
Section 4.13 Business Activities.
The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than Permitted Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Section 4.14 Payment of Taxes and Other Claims.
The Company shall, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (a) all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed upon it or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or upon the income, profits or property of it or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (b) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies except, in each case, any such tax, assessment, charge or claim as is being contested in good faith by appropriate actions or where the failure to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim is not materially adverse to the Holders.
Section 4.15 Offer to Repurchase upon Change of Control.
(a) If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Company at such time has given notice of redemption under Section 3.07(c) or (d) with respect to all outstanding Notes, each Holder will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (in a principal amount equal to €50,000 or an integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof) of that Holder’s Notes pursuant to a change of control offer (the “Change of Control Offer”) on the terms set forth in this Indenture. In the Change of Control Offer, the Company will offer a Change of Control Payment in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes repurchased, to the date of purchase (the “Change of Control Payment”). Within 30 days following any Change of Control, unless the Company at such time has given notice of redemption under Section 3.07(c) or (d) with respect to all outstanding Notes, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase Notes on the date (the “Change of Control Payment Date”) specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is
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mailed, pursuant to the procedures required by this Indenture and described in such notice. The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control provisions of this Indenture, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.15 by virtue of such conflict.
(b) One Business Day prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered:
(c) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful:
(i) accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer; and
(ii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted, together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of Notes being purchased by the Company.
(d) The Trustee or Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note of the same series equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered to the extent practicable, if any; provided, that each new Note will be in a principal amount equal to €50,000. The Company shall publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.
(e) The Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (i) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer or (ii) a valid notice of redemption for all of the Notes has been given pursuant to the terms of this Indenture as described under Section 3.07 unless and until such notice has been validly revoked or there is a default in the payment of the applicable redemption price. A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control or conditional upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time the Change of Control Offer is made.
(f) Prior to complying with any of the provisions of this Section 4.15, but in any event within 90 days following a Change of Control, to the extent required to permit the Company to comply with this Section 4.15, the Company shall either repay all outstanding Senior Debt or obtain the requisite consents, if any, under all agreements governing outstanding
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Senior Debt. If the Company does not repay such Senior Debt or obtain such consents, the Company will remain prohibited from purchasing the Notes in a Change of Control, which after appropriate notice and lapse of time would result in an Event of Default under this Indenture, which would in turn constitute a default under the Credit Agreement.
Section 4.16 Payments for Consent.
The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all Holders that so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
Section 4.17 Additional Guarantees.
On or after the Issue Date, the Company shall cause (a) each of its Domestic Subsidiaries or Material Foreign Subsidiaries (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) that incurs Indebtedness in excess of $10.0 million (other than Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xv) or (xviii) of Section 4.09(b)) and (b) each Restricted Subsidiary that guarantees any Indebtedness of the Company or any of the Guarantors, in each case, within 10 Business Days of such incurrence of any such Indebtedness or guarantee of such Indebtedness, to execute and deliver to the Trustee a Guarantee pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary will unconditionally Guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the full and prompt payment of the principal of, premium, if any and interest on the Notes and all other obligations under this Indenture on the same terms and conditions as those set forth in this Indenture.
Each Guarantee will be limited to an amount not to exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by that Restricted Subsidiary without rendering the Guarantee, as it relates to such Restricted Subsidiary, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.
Each Guarantee shall be released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture described under Article 11. The form of such supplemental indenture is attached hereto as Exhibit E hereto.
Section 4.18 Maintenance of Properties and Insurance.
(a) The Company shall cause all material properties owned by or leased by it or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries used or useful to the conduct of its business or the business of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to be maintained and kept in normal condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and shall cause to be made all repairs, renewals, replacements, and betterments thereof, all as in its judgment may be necessary, so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 4.18 shall prevent the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from discontinuing the use, operation or maintenance of any of
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such properties, or disposing of any of them, if such discontinuance or disposal is, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary; provided, further, that nothing in this Section 4.18 shall prevent the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries from discontinuing or disposing of any properties to the extent otherwise permitted by this Indenture.
(b) The Company shall maintain, and shall cause its Restricted Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance with responsible carriers against such risks and in such amounts, and with such deductibles, retentions, self insured amounts and co-insurance provisions, as are appropriate for a business of this type and size as determined in good faith by the Company.
Section 4.19 Changes in Covenants upon Change in Ratings.
(a) If, with respect to the Notes, on any date following the date of this Indenture (1) the Notes are rated Investment Grade by both Rating Agencies; and (2) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (the foregoing conditions being referred to collectively as the “Suspension Condition”), then, beginning on that day and subject to the provisions of Section 4.19(b), the following covenants will be suspended: Sections 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10(d), 4.11 and 5.01(a)(iv) (collectively, the “Suspended Covenants”).
(b) During any period that the foregoing covenants have been suspended, the Company’s Board of Directors may not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the second sentence of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.”
(c) If the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants with respect to the Notes for any period of time as a result of the foregoing and, subsequently, one or both Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade rating or downgrade the Investment Grade rating assigned to the Notes such that the Notes are no longer rated Investment Grade by both Rating Agencies, then the Company and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants. Compliance with the Suspended Covenants with respect to Restricted Payments made after the time of such withdrawal or downgrade will be calculated in accordance with the terms Section 4.07 as if such covenant had been in effect during the entire period of time from the date of this Indenture; provided, further, that no Default, Event of Default or breach of any kind will be deemed to exist under this Indenture, for the Notes or the related Guarantees with respect to the Suspended Covenants based on, and none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries will bear any liability for, any actions taken or events occurring after the Notes attain the required ratings and before any reinstatement of the Suspended Covenants as provided above, or any actions taken at any time pursuant to any contractual obligations arising prior to the reinstatement of the Suspended Covenants, regardless of whether those actions or events would have been permitted if the applicable covenant had remained in effect during such period.
Section 4.20 Compliance with Laws.
The Company shall comply, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply, with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, orders and restrictions of the United States,
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all states and municipalities thereof, and of any governmental department, commission, board, regulatory authority, bureau, agency and instrumentality of the foregoing, in respect of the conduct of their respective businesses and the ownership of their respective properties, except, in any such case, to the extent the failure to so comply would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
Section 4.21 Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.
The Company and each Guarantor covenants (to the extent permitted by applicable law) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury law or other law that would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the principal of or interest on the Notes as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) the Company and each Guarantor hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants (to the extent permitted by applicable law) that it shall not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSORS
Section 5.01 Merger, Consolidation, or Sale of Assets.
(a) The Company may not, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation); or (2) sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person, unless:
(i) either: (A) the Company is the surviving corporation; or (B) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition has been made is, in the case of the Company, a corporation or limited liability company organized or existing under the laws of any member state of the European Union, the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia (the Company or such Person, including the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition has been made, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Company”), provided, that at any time the Successor Company is a limited liability company, there shall be a co-issuer of the Notes that is a corporation that satisfies the requirements of this Section 5.01(a);
(ii) the Successor Company (if other than the Company) assumes all the obligations of the Company, under the Notes, this Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;
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(iii) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and
(iv) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and any related financing transactions, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, either (A) the Successor Company would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a) or (B) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be greater than such ratio for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction.
The foregoing provision shall also apply to any Guarantor, with the exception of clause (iv).
(b) For purposes of this Article 5, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, which properties and assets, if held by the Company instead of such Restricted Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company.
(c) For avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that, for all purposes under this Indenture, a sale, transfer or disposition of the properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries that, in the aggregate accounted for no more than two-thirds of the Company’s aggregate EBITDA during the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters prior to the date of such sale, transfer or disposition for which financial statements are available (as specified in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee), shall be deemed not to be a sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company.
(d) The predecessor company shall be released from its obligations under this Indenture and the Successor Company shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture, but, in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the predecessor shall not be so released.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, clauses (iii) and (iv) of Section 5.01(a) shall not apply to (A) a sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (B) any Restricted Subsidiary consolidating with, merging into or selling, assigning, transferring, conveying, leasing or otherwise disposing of all or part of its properties and assets to the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary (provided, that, in the event that such Restricted Subsidiary is a Guarantor, it may consolidate with, merge into or sell, assign, transfer, convey, lease or otherwise dispose of all or part of its properties and assets solely to the Company or another Guarantor) or (C) the Company merging with an Affiliate solely for the purpose and with the sole effect of reincorporating the Company in another jurisdiction so long as the amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby.
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ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
Section 6.01 Events of Default.
Each of the following is an “Event of Default”:
(i) the Company defaults in payment when due and payable, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, of principal of, or premium, if any, on the Notes (whether or not such payment is prohibited by Article 10 of this Indenture);
(ii) the Company defaults in the payment when due of interest or Additional Interest, if any, on or with respect to the Notes and such default continues for a period of 30 days (whether or not such payment is prohibited by Article 10 of this Indenture);
(iii) the Company defaults in the performance of, or breaches any covenant, warranty or other agreement contained in, this Indenture (other than a default in the performance or breach of a covenant, warranty or agreement which is specifically dealt with in clauses (i) or (ii) above) and such default or breach continues for a period of 60 days after the notice specified below;
(iv) a default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there is issued or by which there is secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness owed to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary), whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists or is created after the Issue Date, if (A) such default either (1) results from the failure to pay any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods) or (2) relates to an obligation other than the obligation to pay principal of any such Indebtedness at its stated final maturity and results in the holder or holders of such Indebtedness causing such Indebtedness to become due prior to its Stated Maturity and (B) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure to pay principal at stated final maturity (after giving effect to any applicable grace periods), or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregate $40.0 million (or its foreign currency equivalent) or more at any one time outstanding;
(v) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:
(A) commences a voluntary case;
(B) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case;
(C) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property;
(D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
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(E) takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency;
(F) generally is not able to pay its debts as they become due; or
(G) takes any corporate action to authorize or effect any of the foregoing;
(vi) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:
(A) is for relief against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;
(B) appoints a custodian of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property or assets of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary; or
(C) orders the liquidation of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days;
(vii) the failure by the Company or any Significant Subsidiary to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $40.0 million, which final judgments remain unpaid, undischarged and unstayed for a period of more than 60 days after the applicable judgment becomes final, and, with respect to any such judgments covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed; or
(viii) the Guarantee (with respect to the Notes) of a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together as of the date of the most recent audited financial statements of the Company, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary ceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms hereof) or any Guarantor denies or disaffirms its obligations under this Indenture or any Guarantee (with respect to the Notes), other than by reason of the release of such Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, and such Default continues for 10 days.
Section 6.02 Acceleration.
(a) If an Event of Default specified in clause (v) or (vi) of Section 6.01 occurs and is continuing, then all unpaid principal of, and premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all of the outstanding Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder.
(b) If any Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clauses (v) or (vi) of Section 6.01) shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of outstanding Notes under this Indenture may declare the principal of and accrued interest on such Notes to be due and payable by notice in writing to the Company and the Trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a “notice of acceleration” (the “Acceleration Notice”), and the same shall become immediately due and
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payable; provided, however, that so long as any Indebtedness committed to be incurred under the Credit Agreement is outstanding, such acceleration under the Notes and this Indenture shall not be effective until the first to occur of an acceleration under the Credit Agreement and five Business Days after receipt by the Company and the Representative under the Credit Agreement of such Acceleration Notice but only if such Event of Default is then continuing. Upon receipt of an Acceleration Notice, the Company shall promptly provide written notice of such acceleration to holders of Senior Debt or their Representative.
At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Notes as described in the two preceding paragraphs, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may rescind and cancel such declaration and its consequences:
(i) if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree;
(ii) if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration;
(iii) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid;
(iv) if the Company has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reimbursed such Trustee for its expenses (including the fees and costs of its attorneys), disbursements and advances; and
(v) in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default under this Indenture of the type described in clause (v) and (vi) of Section 6.01, the Trustee shall have received an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived.
No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.
Section 6.03 Other Remedies.
(a) If a Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.
(b) The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon a Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.
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(c) In the event of any Event of Default specified in clause (iv) of Section 6.01, such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding, however, any resulting payment default) shall be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if within 20 days after such Event of Default arose the Company delivers an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee stating that (x) the Indebtedness or guarantee that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged or (y) the holders thereof have rescinded or waived the acceleration, notice or action (as the case may be) giving rise to such Event of Default or (z) the default that is the basis for such Event of Default has been cured, it being understood that in no event shall an acceleration of the principal amount of the Notes as described above be annulled, waived or rescinded upon the happening of any such events.
(d) Holders may not enforce this Indenture or the Notes except as provided in this Indenture and under the TIA. Subject to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, the Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity.
Section 6.04 Waiver of Past Defaults.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Notes at the time then outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all the Notes waive any Default with respect to such Notes and its consequences by providing written notice thereof to the Company and the Trustee, except a Default in the payment of interest on or the principal of such Notes. In the case of any such waiver, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored to their former positions and rights under this Indenture, respectively; provided, that no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereto.
Section 6.05 Control by Majority.
Subject to the other provisions of this Indenture and applicable law, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on it. Subject to Section 7.02, however, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with any law or this Indenture, that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of another Holder, or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction. In the event the Trustee takes any action or follows any direction pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss or expense caused by taking such action or following such direction.
Section 6.06 Limitation on Suits.
A Holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:
(i) the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default;
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(ii) the Holder or Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
(iii) such Holder or Holders offer and provide to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
(iv) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 45 days after receipt of the request and the offer and the provision of indemnity; and
(v) during such 45-day period the Holder or Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes do not give the Trustee a direction in accordance with Section 6.04 which, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with the request.
A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over such other Holder.
Section 6.07 Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on a Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.
Section 6.08 Collection Suit by Trustee.
If a Default in payment of principal or interest specified in clauses (i) or (ii) of Section 6.01 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company or any other obligor on the Notes for the whole amount of principal and accrued interest and fees remaining unpaid, together with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest, in each case at the rate per annum borne by the Notes and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.
Section 6.09 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relating to the Company, its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same, and any custodian in any such judicial proceedings is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agent and counsel, and
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any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding. The Trustee shall be entitled to participate as a member of any official committee of creditors in the matters as it deems necessary or advisable.
Section 6.10 Priorities.
Subject to the provisions of Article Ten, if the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article Six, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:
First: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.07;
Second: to Holders for interest accrued on the Notes, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for interest;
Third: to Holders for principal amounts due and unpaid on the Notes, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal; and
Fourth: to the Company or, if applicable, the Guarantors, as their respective interests may appear.
The Trustee, upon prior notice to the Company, may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.10.
Section 6.11 Undertaking for Costs.
In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by a Holder or Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes.
ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE
Section 7.01 Duties of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have actual knowledge and after the curing of all such Events of Defaults which may have occurred, undertakes to perform such duties and only such
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duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. If an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have actual knowledge has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
(i) the duties of the Trustee will be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
(ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture. However, with respect to certificates or opinions specifically required by any provision hereof to be furnished to it, the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture; provided, however, that the Trustee shall not be responsible for the accuracy or content of any resolution, certificate, statement, opinion, report, document, order or other instrument furnished to it hereunder.
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(i) this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
(ii) the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and
(iii) the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05 hereof.
(d) No provision of this Indenture will require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability for the performance of any of its duties hereunder or the exercise of any of its rights or powers. The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights and powers under this Indenture at the request of any Holders, unless such Holder has offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
(e) The Trustee will not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
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Section 7.02 Rights of Trustee.
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. The Trustee may consult with counsel of its own selection and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel will be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.
(c) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder and perform any duties hereunder either directly or through its attorneys and agents and will not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed with due care.
(d) The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.
(e) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Company will be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Company.
(f) The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to it against the losses, liabilities and expenses that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
(g) in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;
(h) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture;
(i) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by the Agents and the Trustee, in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian, and other Person employed to act hereunder;
(j) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take
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specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded;
(k) The right of the Trustee to perform any discretionary act enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty, and the Trustee shall not be answerable for other than its negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of such act; and
(l) In the event the Company is required to pay Additional Interest, the Company will provide written notice to the Trustee of the Company’s obligation to pay Additional Interest no later than 15 days prior to the next Interest Payment Date, which notice shall set forth the amount of Additional Interest to be paid by the Company. The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holders to determine whether the Additional Interest is payable and the amount thereof.
Section 7.03 Individual Rights of Trustee.
The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission to continue as trustee (if this Indenture has been qualified under the TIA) or resign. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.
Section 7.04 Trustee’s Disclaimer.
The Trustee will not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Company or upon the Company’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it will not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it will not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture or the legality or validity of the Notes or this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.
Section 7.05 Notice of Defaults.
If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee will mail to Holders a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Holders.
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Section 7.06 Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.
(a) Within 60 days after each November 1 beginning with the first November 1 following the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee will mail to the Holders a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA § 313(a) (but if no event described in TIA § 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also will comply with TIA § 313(b)(2). The Trustee will also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA § 313(c).
(b) A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes will be mailed by the Trustee to the Company and filed by the Trustee with the the Commission and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA § 313(d). The Company will promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange or delisted therefrom.
Section 7.07 Compensation and Indemnity.
(a) The Company will pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as agreed between the Company and the Trustee. The Trustee’s compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company will reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable and documented disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses will include the reasonable and documented compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.
(b) The Company and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, will indemnify the Trustee and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Trustee against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (including the costs and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel) incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, including, without limitation, the reasonable and documented costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company and the Guarantors (including this Section 7.07) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Company, the Guarantors, any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of any claim of which a Responsible Officer has received written notice for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company or any of the Guarantors of their obligations hereunder. The Company or such Guarantor will defend the claim and the Trustee will cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company and the Guarantors, as applicable, will pay the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of such counsel provided, however that the Company and any Guarantor shall not be required to pay such fees and expenses if it assumes such indemnified parties’ defense and, in such indemnified parties’ reasonable judgment, there is no conflict of interest between the Company and the Guarantors, as applicable, and such parties in connection with such defense. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor need pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
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(c) The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section 7.07 will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(d) To secure the Company’s and the Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section 7.07, the Trustee will have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal and interest on particular Notes. Such Lien will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
(e) When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(v) or (vi) hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
(f) The Trustee will comply with the provisions of TIA § 313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.
Section 7.08 Replacement of Trustee.
(a) A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee will become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08.
(b) The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company in writing. The Company may remove the Trustee if:
(i) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;
(ii) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;
(iii) a custodian, receiver or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
(iv) the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
(c) If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company will promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.
(d) If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company, or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
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(e) If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, such Holder may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
(f) A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee will mail a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee will promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07 hereof. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Company’s obligations under Section 7.07 hereof will continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
Section 7.09 Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.
If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the successor corporation without any further act will be the successor Trustee.
Section 7.10 Eligibility; Disqualification.
There will at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.
This Indenture will always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA § 310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA § 310(b).
Section 7.11 Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Company.
The Trustee is subject to TIA § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.
ARTICLE 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
Section 8.01 Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The Company may at any time, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied to all outstanding Notes and Guarantees upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.
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Section 8.02 Legal Defeasance and Discharge.
Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes (including the Guarantees) on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Company and the Guarantors will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes (including the Guarantees), which will thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 hereof and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) below, and to have satisfied all their other obligations under such Notes, the Guarantees and this Indenture (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which will survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:
(i) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes issued hereunder to receive payments in respect of the principal of, or interest or premium and Additional Interest, if any, on such Notes when such payments are due from the trust referred to below;
(ii) the Company’s obligations with respect to the Notes issued hereunder concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;
(iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations in connection therewith; and
(iv) this Article 8.
Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Company may exercise its option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03 hereof.
Section 8.03 Covenant Defeasance.
Upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Company and each of the Guarantors will, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, be released from each of their obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.03, 4.05, 4.06, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.15 and 4.17, and clause (iv) of Section 5.01(a) hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and the Notes will thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but will continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other
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purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes will not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes and Guarantees, the Company and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and will have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01 hereof, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes and Guarantees will be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the Company’s exercise under Section 8.01 hereof of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 hereof, and clauses (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) (with respect to a Significant Subsidiary), (vii) and (viii) of Sections 6.01 hereof will not constitute Events of Default.
Section 8.04 Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.
(a) In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance under either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof:
(i) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders, cash in euros, non-callable European Government Securities, or a combination of cash in euros and non-callable European Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of an internationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of and interest and premium and Additional Interest, if any, on the outstanding Notes issued hereunder on the Stated Maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether such Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;
(ii) in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (a) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (b) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel will confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Notes issued hereunder will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;
(iii) in the case of an election under Section 8.03 hereof, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the Holders of the outstanding Notes issued hereunder will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;
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(iv) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from, or arising in connection with, the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowing) or insofar as Events of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 123rd day after the date of deposit;
(v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;
(vi) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that: (a) the trust funds will not be subject to any rights of Holders of Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt, including, without limitation, those arising under this Indenture; and (b) assuming no intervening bankruptcy of the Company between the date of deposit and the 91st day following the deposit, or if longer, the day immediately following the last day on which the deposit may be set aside as preferential payment under applicable law, and assuming that no Holder is an “insider” of the Company under applicable bankruptcy law, after such day following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of the preference provisions of Section 547 of the United States Federal Bankruptcy Code;
(vii) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders over the other creditors of the Company or any Guarantor or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors of the Company or any Guarantor or others; and
(viii) the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance of the Notes have been complied with.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Opinion of Counsel required by clause (ii) above with respect to a Legal Defeasance need not be delivered if all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (x) have become due and payable or (y) will become due and payable on the maturity date within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company.
(c) Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon the request of the Company, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Company terminates.
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Section 8.05 Deposited Money and European Government Securities to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.
Subject to Section 8.06 hereof, all money and non-callable European Government Securities (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.05, the “Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof in respect of the outstanding Notes will be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
The Company will pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable Government Securities deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 hereof or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.
Notwithstanding anything in this Article 8 to the contrary, the Trustee will deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon the request of the Company any money or non-callable European Government Securities held by it as provided in Section 8.04 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(a)(ii) hereof), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
Section 8.06 Repayment to Company.
Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on its request or (if then held by the Company) will be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note will thereafter be permitted to look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, will thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company causes to be published once, in a publication acceptable to the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which will not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.
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Section 8.07 Reinstatement.
If the Trustee or any Paying Agent is unable to apply any euros or non-callable European Government Securities in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Company’s and the Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture and the Notes and the Guarantees will be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Company makes any payment of principal of, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company will be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE 9
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
Section 9.01 Without Consent of Holders of Notes.
Subject to Section 9.03, without the consent of any Holder, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes:
(i) to cure any ambiguity, mistake, defect or inconsistency;
(ii) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;
(iii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Company or a successor company of a Guarantor, as applicable, of the Company’s or such Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture;
(iv) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any Holder;
(v) to secure the Notes;
(vi) to comply with requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;
(vii) to add a Guarantee of the Notes;
(viii) to conform the text of this Indenture or the Notes to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” included in the Offering Memorandum relating to the Notes;
(ix) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Indenture on the Issue Date; or
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(x) to release a Guarantor upon its sale or designation as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or other permitted release from its Guarantee; provided, that such sale, designation or release is in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture,
provided, that the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate, each stating that such amendment or supplement complies with the provisions of this Section 9.01.
Section 9.02 With Consent of Holders of Notes.
(a) Subject to Sections 6.07 and 9.03, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee, together, with the written consent of the Holder or Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Notes without notice to any other Holders. Subject to Sections 6.07 and 9.03, the Holder or Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of then outstanding Notes may waive compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) without notice to any other Holders (except a default in respect of the payment of principal or interest on the Notes).
(b) Notwithstanding Section 9.02(a), without the consent of each Holder affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver, including a waiver pursuant to Section 6.04, may not (with respect to any Notes issued hereunder and held by a non-consenting Holder):
(i) reduce the principal amount of Notes issued hereunder whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(ii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note issued hereunder or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes issued hereunder (other than provisions relating to the covenants described above under Sections 4.10 and 4.15, except as set forth in clause (x) below);
(iii) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Note issued hereunder;
(iv) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes issued hereunder (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes issued hereunder by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued hereunder with respect to a nonpayment default and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;
(vi) make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders hereunder to receive payments of principal of, or interest or premium or Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes or impair the right of any Holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the Notes;
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(vii) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Note issued hereunder (other than a payment required by Sections 4.10 and 4.15, except as set forth in clause (x) below);
(viii) make any change in the ranking or priority of any Note issued hereunder that would adversely affect the Holders;
(ix) modify the Guarantees in any manner adverse to the Holders;
(x) amend, change or modify in any material respect the obligation of the Company to make and consummate a Change of Control Offer in respect of a Change of Control that has occurred or make and consummate an Asset Sale Offer in respect of an Asset Sale that has been consummated after a requirement to make an Asset Sale Offer has arisen; or
(xi) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.
(c) It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.
(d) After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Company shall mail to the Holders affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure of the Company to mail such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplement or waiver.
Section 9.03 Effect on Senior Debt.
No amendment of, or supplement or waiver to, this Indenture shall adversely affect the rights of any holder of Senior Debt under the subordination provisions of this Indenture (including the provisions of Article Ten and Section 11.06 hereof) and the defined terms as used therein without the consent of such holder or its Representative.
Section 9.04 Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
Every amendment, supplement or waiver to this Indenture or the Notes will be set forth in an amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.
Section 9.05 Revocation and Effect of Consents.
(a) Until an amendment, waiver or supplement becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may
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revoke the consent as to his Note or portion of his Note by notice to the Trustee or the Company received before the date on which the Trustee receives an Officers’ Certificate certifying that the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Notes have consented (and not theretofore revoked such consent) to the amendment, supplement or waiver.
(b) The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver which record date shall be at least 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 90 days after such record date. The Company shall inform the Trustee in writing of the fixed record date if applicable.
(c) After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder, unless it makes a change described in any of clauses (1) through (11) of Section 9.02(b), in which case, the amendment, supplement or waiver shall bind only each Holder of a Note who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note; provided, that any such waiver shall not impair or affect the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of and interest on a Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Note, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates without the consent of such Holder.
Section 9.06 Notation on or Exchange of Notes.
If an amendment, supplement or waiver changes the terms of a Note, the Company may require the Holder of the Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The Company shall provide the Trustee with an appropriate notation on the Note about the changed terms and cause the Trustee to return it to the Holder at the Company’s expense. Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so determines, the Company in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.
Section 9.07 Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.
The Trustee shall execute any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article Nine; provided, that the Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, execute any such amendment, supplement or waiver which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture. The Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate each stating that the execution of any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article Nine is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable in accordance with its terms. Such Opinion of Counsel shall be at the expense of the Company.
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ARTICLE 10
SUBORDINATION
Section 10.01 Agreement to Subordinate.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company, for itself and its successors, each of the Guarantors, for itself and its successors, and each Holder, by his or her acceptance of Notes, agrees that the payment of all Obligations owing to the Holders in respect of the Notes is subordinated in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article Ten, to the prior payment in full in cash or Cash Equivalents, or such payment duly provided for to the satisfaction of the holders of Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt, as the case may be, of all Obligations on Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt, as the case may be (including the Obligations with respect to the Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes that constitute Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt, as the case may be, whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter incurred and including interest after the commencement of any bankruptcy proceeding at the rate specified in the applicable Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt, as the case may be, whether or not a claim for such interest would be allowed in such proceeding). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Holders may receive and retain Permitted Junior Securities and payments and distributions made relating to the Notes from the trust established pursuant to Article Eight shall not be so subordinated in right of payment, so long as the conditions specified in Article Eight (without any waiver or modification of the requirement that the deposits pursuant thereto do not conflict with the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Senior Notes or any other Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt) with respect to the trust established pursuant to Article Eight are satisfied on the date of any deposit pursuant to said trust.
This Article Ten shall constitute a continuing offer to all Persons who become holders of, or continue to hold, Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt, and such provisions are made for the benefit of the holders of Senior Debt or Guarantor Senior Debt and such holders are made obligees hereunder and any one or more of them may enforce such provisions.
Section 10.02 Suspension of Payment When Designated Senior Debt Is in Default.
(a) If any default occurs and is continuing beyond any applicable grace period when payment is due, whether at maturity, upon any redemption, by declaration or otherwise, of any principal of, interest on, unpaid drawings for letters of credit issued in respect of, or fees or other amounts payable with respect to, any Designated Senior Debt (a “Payment Default”), then no payment or distribution of any kind or character shall be made by or on behalf of the Company or any other Person on its or their behalf with respect to any Obligations on or relating to the Notes or to acquire, defease or redeem any of the Notes for cash or assets or otherwise unless the default has been cured or waived; provided, however, that the Company may pay the Notes without regard to the foregoing if the Company and the Trustee receive written notice approving such payment from the Representative of the holders of such Designated Senior Debt.
(b) If any other event of default (other than a Payment Default) occurs and is continuing with respect to any Designated Senior Debt (as such event of default is defined in the instrument creating or evidencing such Designated Senior Debt) permitting the holders of such
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Designated Senior Debt then outstanding to accelerate the maturity thereof without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such acceleration) (a “Non-payment Default”) and if the Representative for the respective issue of Designated Senior Debt gives notice of the event of default to the Trustee stating that such notice is a payment blockage notice (a “Payment Blockage Notice”), then during the period (the “Payment Blockage Period”) beginning upon the delivery of such Payment Blockage Notice and ending on the earlier of the 179th day after such delivery and the date on which (x) such Nonpayment Default with respect to such Designated Senior Debt has been cured or waived or ceases to exist, (y) all Designated Senior Debt with respect to which any such event of default has occurred and is continuing is discharged or paid in full in cash or Cash Equivalents, or (z) the Trustee receives notice thereof from the Representative for the respective issue of Designated Senior Debt terminating the Payment Blockage Period (unless the maturity of any Designated Senior Debt has been accelerated or a Payment Default exists), neither the Company nor any other Person on its behalf shall (x) make any payment of any kind or character with respect to any Obligations on or with respect to the Notes or (y) acquire, defease or redeem any of the Notes for cash or assets or otherwise. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) in no event shall a Payment Blockage Period extend beyond 179 days from the date the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is received by the Trustee and (y) no new Payment Blockage Notice may be delivered unless and until 360 days have elapsed since the delivery of the immediately prior Payment Blockage Notice. For all purposes of this Section 10.02(b), no event of default which existed or was continuing on the date of the commencement of any Payment Blockage Period with respect to the Designated Senior Debt shall be, or be made, the basis for the commencement of a second Payment Blockage Period by the Representative of such Designated Senior Debt whether or not within a period of 360 consecutive days, unless such event of default shall have been cured or waived for a period of not less than 90 consecutive days (it being acknowledged that any subsequent action, or any breach of any financial covenants for a period ending after the date of commencement of such Payment Blockage Period that, in either case, would give rise to an event of default pursuant to any provisions under which an event of default previously existed or was continuing shall constitute a new event of default for this purpose).
(c) The foregoing Sections 10.02(a) and (b) shall not apply to (x) payments and distributions made relating to the Notes from the trust established pursuant to Article Eight, so long as the conditions specified in Article Eight (without any waiver or modification of the requirement that the deposits pursuant thereto do not conflict with the terms of any Senior Debt and provided, that the provisions of this Article Ten were not violated at the time the deposits pursuant thereto were made) are satisfied on the date of any deposit pursuant to said trust and (y) payment in the form of Permitted Junior Securities. In addition, Holders may also receive and retain Permitted Junior Securities.
(d) In the event that any payment or distribution shall be received by the Trustee or any Holder when such payment or distribution is prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.02, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered to, the holders of Senior Debt (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amount of Senior Debt held by such holders) or their respective Representatives, as their respective interests may appear. Upon the proper written request of the holders of the Senior Debt, the Trustee or the Holder, as the case may be, will deliver the amounts in trust to the holders of Senior Debt or their proper Representative. The Trustee shall
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be entitled to rely on information regarding amounts then due and owing on the Senior Debt, if any, received from the holders of Senior Debt (or their Representatives) or, if such information is not received from such holders or their Representatives, from the Company and only amounts included in the information provided to the Trustee shall be paid to the holders of Senior Debt.
(e) Nothing contained in this Article Ten shall limit the right of the Trustee or the Holders to take any action to accelerate the maturity of the Notes pursuant to Section 6.02 or to pursue any rights or remedies hereunder; provided, that all Senior Debt thereafter due or declared to be due shall first be paid in full in cash or Cash Equivalents before the Holders are entitled to receive any payment of any kind or character with respect to Obligations on the Notes (and such Holders may receive such payments only to the extent then permitted to do so by Section 10.02(a) and (b)).
Section 10.03 Notes Subordinated to Prior Payment of All Senior Debt on Dissolution, Liquidation or Reorganization of the Company.
(a) Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, assets or securities, to creditors upon any total or partial liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or marshaling of assets and liabilities of the Company or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding relating to the Company or its assets, whether voluntary or involuntary, all Obligations due or to become due upon all Senior Debt shall first be paid in full in cash or Cash Equivalents, or such payment duly provided for to the satisfaction of the holders of Senior Debt, before any payment or distribution of any kind or character is made on account of any Obligations on or relating to the Notes (except that Holders may receive and retain Permitted Junior Securities and payments from the trusts described in Article Eight), or for the acquisition, defeasance or redemption of any of the Notes for cash or assets or otherwise. Upon any such dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization, receivership or similar proceeding, any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, assets or securities, to which the Holders or the Trustee under this Indenture would be entitled, except for the provisions hereof, shall be paid by the Company or by any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other Person making such payment or distribution, or by the Holders or by the Trustee under this Indenture if received by them, directly to the holders of Senior Debt (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amounts of Senior Debt held by such holders) or their respective Representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any of such Senior Debt may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, for application to the payment of Senior Debt remaining unpaid until all such Senior Debt has been paid in full in cash or Cash Equivalents after giving effect to any concurrent payment, distribution or provision therefor to or for the holders of Senior Debt.
(b) To the extent any payment of Senior Debt (whether by or on behalf of the Company, as proceeds of security or enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise) is declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be paid to any receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, agent or other similar Person under any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, fraudulent conveyance or similar law, then the Senior Debt or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall be deemed to be reinstated and outstanding as if such payment had not occurred.
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It is further agreed that any diminution (whether pursuant to court decree or otherwise, including for any of the reasons described in the preceding sentence) of the Company’s obligation to make any distribution or payment pursuant to any Senior Debt, except to the extent such diminution occurs by reason of the repayment (which has not been disgorged or returned) of such Senior Debt in cash or Cash Equivalents, shall have no force or effect for purposes of the subordination provisions contained in this Article Ten, with any turnover of payments as otherwise calculated pursuant to this Article Ten to be made as if no such diminution had occurred.
(c) In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, assets or securities, shall be received by the Trustee or any Holder when such payment or distribution is prohibited by this Section 10.03, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered to, the holders of Senior Debt (pro rata to such holders on the basis of the respective amount of Senior Debt held by such holders) or their respective Representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any of such Senior Debt may have been issued, as their respective interests may appear, for application to the payment of Senior Debt remaining unpaid until all such Senior Debt has been paid in full in cash or Cash Equivalents, after giving effect to any concurrent payment, distribution or provision therefor to or for the holders of such Senior Debt.
(d) The consolidation of the Company with, or the merger of the Company with or into, another corporation, partnership, trust or limited liability company or the liquidation or dissolution of the Company following the conveyance or transfer of all or substantially all of its assets, to another corporation, partnership, trust or limited liability company upon the terms and conditions provided in Article Five hereof and as long as permitted under the terms of the Senior Debt shall not be deemed a dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization for the purposes of this Section if such other corporation shall, as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, assume the Company’s obligations hereunder in accordance with Article Five hereof.
Section 10.04 Payments May Be Made Prior to Dissolution.
Nothing contained in this Article Ten or elsewhere in this Indenture shall prevent (i) the Company, except under the conditions described in Sections 10.02 and 10.03, from making payments at any time for the purpose of making payments of principal of and interest on the Notes, or from depositing with the Trustee any moneys for such payments, or (ii) in the absence of actual knowledge by the Trustee that a given payment would be prohibited by Section 10.02 or 10.03, the application by the Trustee of any moneys deposited with it for the purpose of making such payments of principal of, and interest on, the Notes to the Holders entitled thereto unless at least two Business Days prior to the date upon which such payment would otherwise become due and payable a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have actually received the written notice provided for in the first sentence of Section 10.02(b) or in Section 10.07 (provided, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Holders receiving any payments made in contravention of Section 10.02 or 10.03 (and the respective such payments) shall otherwise be subject to the provisions of Section 10.02 and Section 10.03). The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company, although any delay or failure to give any such notice shall have no effect on the subordination provisions contained herein.
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Section 10.05 Holders To Be Subrogated to Rights of Holders of Senior Debt.
Subject to the payment in full in cash or Cash Equivalents of all Senior Debt, the Holders shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Debt to receive payments or distributions of cash, assets or securities of the Company applicable to the Senior Debt until the Notes shall be paid in full; and, for the purposes of such subrogation, no such payments or distributions to the holders of the Senior Debt by or on behalf of the Company, or by or on behalf of the Holders by virtue of this Article Ten, which otherwise would have been made to the Holders shall, as between the Company and the Holders, be deemed to be a payment by the Company to or on account of the Senior Debt, it being understood that the provisions of this Article Ten are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders, on the one hand, and the holders of Senior Debt, on the other hand.
Section 10.06 Obligations of the Company Unconditional.
Nothing contained in this Article Ten or elsewhere in this Indenture or in the Notes is intended to or shall impair, as among the Company, its creditors other than the holders of Senior Debt, and the Holders, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to the Holders the principal of and any interest on the Notes as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms, or is intended to or shall affect the relative rights of the Holders and creditors of the Company other than the holders of the Senior Debt, nor shall anything herein or therein prevent the Holder of any Note or the Trustee on its behalf from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, in respect of cash, assets or securities of the Company received upon the exercise of any such remedy.
Section 10.07 Notice to Trustee.
The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any fact known to the Company which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee in respect of the Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Article Ten, although any delay or failure to give any such notice shall have no effect on the subordination provisions contained herein. Regardless of anything to the contrary contained in this Article Ten or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any default or event of default with respect to any Senior Debt or of any other facts which would prohibit the making of any payment to or by the Trustee unless and until the Trustee shall have received notice in writing from the Company, or from a holder of Senior Debt or a Representative therefor and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee shall be entitled to assume (in the absence of actual knowledge to the contrary) that no such facts exist. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely on the delivery to it of any notice pursuant to this Section 10.07 to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Debt (or a trustee thereof).
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In the event that the Trustee determines in good faith that any evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person as a holder of Senior Debt to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article Ten, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amounts of Senior Debt held by such Person, the extent to which such Person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution and any other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article Ten, and if such evidence is not furnished the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.
Section 10.08 Reliance on Judicial Order or Certificate of Liquidating Agent.
Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article Ten, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Article Seven hereof, and the Holders shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction in which any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or similar case or proceeding is pending, or upon a certificate of the receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, liquidating trustee, assignee for the benefit of creditors, agent or other person making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or the Holders, for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of the Senior Debt and other Indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article Ten.
Section 10.09 Trustee’s Relation to Senior Debt.
The Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article Ten with respect to any Senior Debt which may at any time be held by it in its individual or any other capacity to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Debt and nothing in this Indenture shall deprive the Trustee or any such agent of any of its rights as such holder.
With respect to the holders of Senior Debt, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article Ten, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of Senior Debt shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Debt.
Whenever a distribution is to be made or a notice given to holders or owners of Senior Debt, the distribution may be made and the notice may be given to their Representative, if any.
Section 10.10 Subordination Rights Not Impaired by Acts or Omissions of the Company or Holders of Senior Debt.
No right of any present or future holders of any Senior Debt to enforce subordination as provided herein shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company with the terms of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any such holder may have or otherwise be charged with.
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Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph, the holders of Senior Debt may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of or notice to the Trustee, without incurring responsibility to the Trustee or the Holders and without impairing or releasing the subordination provided in this Article Ten or the obligations hereunder of the Holders to the holders of the Senior Debt, do any one or more of the following: (i) change the manner, place or terms of payment or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, Senior Debt, or otherwise amend or supplement in any manner Senior Debt, or any instrument evidencing the same or any agreement under which Senior Debt is outstanding; (ii) sell, exchange, release or otherwise deal with any property pledged, mortgaged or otherwise securing Senior Debt; (iii) release any Person liable in any manner for the payment or collection of Senior Debt; and (iv) exercise or refrain from exercising any rights against the Company and any other Person.
Section 10.11 Holders Authorize Trustee To Effectuate Subordination of Notes.
Each Holder by its acceptance of Notes authorizes and expressly directs the Trustee on its behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, as between the holders of Senior Debt and the Holders, the subordination provided in this Article Ten, and appoints the Trustee its attorney-in-fact for such purposes, including in the event of any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company (whether in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, reorganization or similar proceedings or upon an assignment for the benefit of credits or otherwise) tending towards liquidation of the business and assets of the Company, the filing of a claim for the unpaid balance of its Notes and accrued interest in the form required in those proceedings.
If the Trustee does not file a proper claim or proof of debt in the form required in such proceeding prior to 30 days before the expiration of the time to file such claim or claims, then the holders of the Senior Debt or their Representative are or is hereby authorized to have the right to file and are or is hereby authorized to file an appropriate claim for and on behalf of the Holders of said Notes. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee or the holders of Senior Debt or their Representative to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee or the holders of Senior Debt or their Representative to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
Section 10.12 This Article Ten Not To Prevent Events of Default.
The failure to make a payment on account of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes by reason of any provision of this Article Ten shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of an Event of Default.
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Section 10.13 Trustee’s Compensation Not Prejudiced.
Nothing in this Article Ten shall apply to amounts due to the Trustee for its own account (other than payments of Obligations owing to Holders in respect of Notes) pursuant to other sections of this Indenture.
ARTICLE 11
GUARANTEES
Section 11.01 Guarantee.
(a) Subject to this Article Eleven, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, and fully and unconditionally, guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of, this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that: (i) the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest and defaulted interest, if any, on the Notes will be promptly paid in full when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium, if any, and interest and defaulted interest, if any, on the Notes (pursuant to Section 2.12), if lawful (subject in all cases to any applicable grace period provided herein), and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or thereunder will be promptly paid in full, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. Failing payment when due of any amount so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately. Each Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.
(b) Each Guarantor hereby agrees that, to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, its obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Notes with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a Guarantor. Subject to Section 6.06, each Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first against the Company, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that this Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture.
(c) If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to any of the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by any of them to the Trustee or such Holder, this Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated with full force and effect.
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(d) Each Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby. Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article Six for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article Six hereof, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for the purpose of this Guarantee. The Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Guarantee.
Section 11.02 Limitation on Guarantor Liability.
Each Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Guarantee of such Guarantor not constitute (i) a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal, state or foreign law to the extent applicable to its Guarantee or (ii) an unlawful distribution under any applicable state or foreign law prohibiting distributions by an insolvent entity to the extent applicable to its Guarantee. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Guarantor will be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor that are relevant under such laws, and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under this Article Eleven, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance or such an unlawful distribution.
Section 11.03 Execution and Delivery of Guarantee.
(a) To evidence its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01, each Guarantor hereby agrees that a notation of such Guarantee substantially in the form included in Exhibit D shall be endorsed by an Officer of such Guarantor by manual or facsimile signature on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and that this Indenture shall be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by one of its Officers.
(b) Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Guarantee.
(c) If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note on which a Guarantee is endorsed, the Guarantee shall be valid nevertheless.
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(d) The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Guarantors.
(e) If required by Section 4.17, the Company shall cause such Subsidiaries to execute supplemental indentures to this Indenture and Guarantees in accordance with Section 4.17 and this Article Eleven, to the extent applicable.
Section 11.04 Guarantors May Consolidate, Etc., on Certain Terms.
Each Guarantor may consolidate with or merge into or sell its assets to the Company or another Guarantor without limitation, or with, into or to any other Persons upon the terms and conditions set forth in Article Five.
Section 11.05 Releases.
The Guarantee of a Guarantor will be released in the event that:
(a) the sale, disposition or other transfer (including through merger or consolidation) of all of the Capital Stock (or any sale, disposition or other transfer of Capital Stock (including through merger or consolidation) following which the applicable Guarantor is no longer a Subsidiary), or all or substantially all the assets, of the applicable Guarantor, if such sale, disposition or other transfer is made in compliance with the provisions of Section 4.10;
(b) the Company designates any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.07 and the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary”;
(c) in the case of any Restricted Subsidiary which after the Issue Date is required to guarantee the Notes pursuant to Section 4.17, the release or discharge of the guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary of all Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or the repayment of all the Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, in each case, which resulted in an obligation to guarantee the Notes;
(d) if the Company exercises its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option as described under Article 8 or if its obligations under this Indenture are discharged in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or
(e) such Guarantor is also a guarantor or borrower under the Credit Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date and, at the time of release of its Guarantee, (x) has been released from its guarantee of, and all pledges and security, if any, granted in connection with the Credit Agreement, (y) is not an obligor under any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to clause (vii), (ix), (x) or (xv) of Section 4.09(b) and (z) does not guarantee any Indebtedness of the Company or any of the other Guarantors.
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Section 11.06 Subordination of Guarantee
Payments under the Guarantees of each Guarantor shall be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all Guarantor Senior Debt of such Guarantor, including Guarantor Senior Debt of such Guarantor incurred after the date of this Indenture, on the same basis as the payments by the Company on the Notes are subordinated to the prior payment in full of Senior Debt of the Company, as provided for in Article 10, and elsewhere in this Indenture. The terms of Section 10.02 apply equally to a Guarantor and the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee of the Notes. For the purposes of the foregoing sentence, the Trustee and the Holders shall have the right to receive and/or retain payments by any of the Guarantors only at such times as they may receive and/or retain payments in respect of the Notes pursuant to this Indenture, including Article Eleven.
ARTICLE 12
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
Section 12.01 Satisfaction and Discharge.
(a) This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued hereunder, when:
(i) either:
(A) all Notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or
(B) all Notes that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise or will become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise within one year and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, (a) cash in euros, non-callable European Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium and Additional Interest, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;
(ii) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture on the date of the deposit or will occur as a result of the deposit (other than a Default resulting from borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowing) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other material instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound;
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(iii) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture; and
(iv) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes issued hereunder at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be.
(b) In addition, the Company must deliver an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.
(c) Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money has been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section 12.01(a), the provisions of Sections 12.02 and 8.06 hereof will survive such satisfaction and discharge. In addition, nothing in this Section 12.01 will be deemed to discharge those provisions of Section 7.07 hereof, that, by their terms, survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.
Section 12.02 Application of Trust Money.
Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 12.01 hereof shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium and Additional Interest, if any) and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee; but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.
If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or European Government Securities in accordance with Section 12.01 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s and any Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 12.01 hereof; provided, that if the Company has made any payment of principal of, premium or Additional Interest, if any, or interest on, any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or European Government Securities held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.
ARTICLE 13
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 13.01 Trust Indenture Act Controls.
If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by, or with another provision (an “incorporated provision”) included in this Indenture by operation of, Sections 310 to 318 of the TIA, inclusive, such imposed duties or incorporated provision shall control.
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Section 13.02 Notices.
Any notice or communication by the Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in Person or by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), facsimile transmission or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:
If to the Company and/or any Guarantor:
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Vice President, Finance
With a copy to:
Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxx LLP
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx, P.C.
If to the Trustee:
The Bank of New York Mellon
Corporate Trust Division
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 0 Xxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Corporate Trust Division
The Company, any Guarantor or the Trustee, by notice to the others, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) will be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if transmitted by facsimile; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.
Any notice or communication to a Holder will be mailed by first class mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Any notice or communication will also be so mailed to any Person described in TIA § 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.
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If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
If the Company mails a notice or communication to Holders, it will mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.
Section 13.03 Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.
Holders may communicate pursuant to TIA § 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA § 312(c).
Section 13.04 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.
Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:
(i) an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 13.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and
(ii) an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which must include the statements set forth in Section 13.05 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.
Section 13.05 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to TIA § 314(a)(4)) must comply with the provisions of TIA § 314(e) and must include:
(i) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;
(ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;
(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and
(iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been satisfied; provided, however, that with respect to matters of fact, an Opinion of Counsel may rely on an Officers’ Certificate or certificates of public officials.
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Section 13.06 Rules by Trustee and Agents.
The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.
Section 13.07 No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent corporations, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor under any Notes, any Indenture, the Guarantees, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of such Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws, and it is the view of the Commission that such waiver is against public policy.
Section 13.08 Governing Law.
THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Section 13.09 Jurisdiction.
The Company hereby consents to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court of the State of New York or any U.S. Federal court sitting in Xxx Xxxx xx Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, and any appellate court from any thereof. Each of the Company and the Guarantors has appointed Corporation Service Company located at 1177 Avenue of the Americas, 00xx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx as its authorized agent upon which service of process may be served in any action or proceeding brought in any court of the State of New York or any U.S. Federal court sitting in The City of New York in connection with this Indenture or the Notes.
Section 13.10 Waiver of Immunities.
To the extent that the Company may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets immunity from a suit, execution, attachment, whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise, or other legal process in connection with and as set out in this Indenture and the Notes and to the extent that in any jurisdiction there may be immunity attributed to the Company or the Company’s assets, whether or not claimed, the Company hereby irrevocably agrees for the benefit of the Holders not to claim, and irrevocably waive, the immunity to the full extent permitted by law.
-131-
Section 13.11 Currency Rate Indemnity.
The Company agrees that, if a judgment or order made by any court for the payment of any amount in respect of any Notes is expressed in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the Company will indemnify the relevant Holder against any deficiency arising from any variation in rates of exchange between the date as of which the U.S. dollars currency is notionally converted into the judgment currency for the purposes of the judgment or order and the date of actual payment. This indemnity will constitute a separate and independent obligation from the Company’s other obligations under this Indenture, will give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted from time to time and will continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum or sums in respect of amounts due under this Indenture or the Notes.
Section 13.12 Successors.
All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Notes will bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture will bind its successors. All agreements of each Guarantor in this Indenture will bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 11.04 hereof.
Section 13.13 Severability.
In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, then (to the extent permitted by applicable law) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Section 13.14 Counterpart Originals.
The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy will be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
Section 13.15 Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.
The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 13.16 Waiver of Jury Trial.
ALL PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.
[Signatures on following page]
-132-
Dated as of July 23, 2008
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. | ||||
By: | /s/ Amaco Management Services B.V. | |||
Name: | Amaco Management Services B.V. | |||
Title: | Managing Director |
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Title: | Chief Executive Officer |
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING COMPANY U.S., B.V. | ||
By: |
/s/ Sensata Technologies B.V. | |
Name: | Sensata Technologies B.V. | |
By: /s/ Amaco Management Services B.V. | ||
Name: Amaco Management Services B.V. | ||
Title: Managing Director |
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES HOLLAND, B.V. | ||
By: |
/s/ Sensata Technologies B.V. | |
Name: | Sensata Technologies B.V. | |
By: /s/ Amaco Management Services B.V. | ||
Name: Amaco Management Services B.V. | ||
Title: Managing Director |
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING COMPANY MEXICO, B.V. | ||
By: |
/s/ Sensata Technologies B.V. | |
Name: | Sensata Technologies B.V. | |
By: /s/ Amaco Management Services B.V. | ||
Name: Amaco Management Services B.V. | ||
Title: Managing Director |
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES DE MÉXICO, S. DE X.X. DE C.V. | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |||
Title: | Attorney-in-Fact | |||
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES SENSORES E CONTROLES DO BRASIL LTDA | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxx Salveti | |||
Name: | Xxxx Xxxxxx Salveti | |||
Title: | General Manager | |||
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES JAPAN LIMITED | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx | |||
Title: | Representative Director | |||
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES (KOREA) LIMITED | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Title: | Director | |||
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS (KOREA) LIMITED | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Title: | Director |
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES MALAYSIA SDN BHD | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Boudreav Xxxxxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Boudreav Xxxxxxx | |||
Title: | Director |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Title: | Vice President |
THE BANK OF NEW YORK (LUXEMBOURG) S.A., | ||||
as Luxembourg Paying Agent | ||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Name: | Xxxxxxx Xxxx | |||
Title: | Vice President |
EXHIBIT A
[Face of Note]
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS NOTE IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (C) IT IS AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a)(1), (2),(3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (AN “INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR”), (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT, WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO IN RULE 144(b)(1) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THESE NOTES, RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (D) PURSUANT TO THE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE), (E) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR THAT, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES TO THE TRUSTEE A SIGNED LETTER CONTAINING CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (THE FORM OF WHICH LETTER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE) AND IF SUCH TRANSFER IS IN RESPECT OF AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOTES OF LESS THAN €100,000 AN OPINION OF COUNSEL ACCEPTABLE TO SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (F) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND. IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD REFERRED TO IN RULE 144(b)(1) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AFTER THE ORIGINAL ISSUANCE OF THESE NOTES, THE HOLDER MUST CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX SET FORTH ON THE REVERSE HEREOF RELATING TO THE MANNER OF SUCH TRANSFER AND SUBMIT THIS CERTIFICATE TO THE TRUSTEE. IF THE PROPOSED TRANSFEREE IS AN INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, THE HOLDER MUST, PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISH TO THE TRUSTEE AND SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. SUCH CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS EITHER OF THEM MAY
A-1
REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “UNITED STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT. THE INDENTURE CONTAINS A PROVISION REQUIRING THE TRUSTEE TO REFUSE TO REGISTER ANY TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE IN VIOLATION OF THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.
THIS NOTE MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR DELIVERED TO ANYONE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD OTHER THAN TO PROFESSIONAL MARKET PARTIES (“PMP”) WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE EXEMPTION REGULATION TO THE DUTCH ACT ON THE SUPERVISION OF THE CREDIT SYSTEM 1992.
EACH HOLDER OF NOTES, BY PURCHASING THE NOTES, WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND AGREED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ISSUER THAT (1) SUCH HOLDER IS A PMP AND IS ACQUIRING SUCH NOTES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A PMP, THAT (2) SUCH NOTES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED TO ANYONE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD OTHER THAN TO A PMP ACQUIRING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A PMP AND THAT (3) THE HOLDER WILL PROVIDE NOTICE OF THE TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS DESCRIBED HEREIN TO ANY SUBSEQUENT TRANSFEREE.
THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE COMMON DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEPT THAT (1) THE REGISTRAR MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (2) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED OR EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.06 OF THE INDENTURE, (3) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.11 OF THE INDENTURE AND (4) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY. UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMON DEPOSITORY TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME THE COMMON DEPOSITARY OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMON DEPOSITARY, ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, THE COMMON DEPOSITARY, HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
[Additional language for Regulation S Note to be inserted after paragraph 1]
THE RIGHTS ATTACHING TO THIS REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE, AND THE CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ITS EXCHANGE FOR CERTIFICATED NOTES, ARE AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN).
COMMON CODE No. 144A: [ ] REG S: [ ]
ISIN No. 144A: [ ] REG S: [ ]
11.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
No. ___ |
€ | ____________ |
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
The Bank of New York Depository (Nominees) Limited, as Common Depositary, or registered assigns, the principal sum of Euros on January 15, 2014.
Interest Payment Dates: January 15 and July 15, commencing January 15, 2009
Additional provisions of this Note are set forth on the other side of this Note.
Record Dates: January 1 and July 1
Dated: [ ], 2008
[Signature Page Follows]
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
Dated: [ ], 2008
Dated: [ ], 2008
This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture: | ||
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Trustee | ||
By: | ||
Authorized Signatory |
[Reverse of Note]
11.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.
(1) INTEREST. Sensata Technologies B.V., a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands (the “Company”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 11.25% per annum from [ ], 2008 until maturity and shall pay the Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to Section 2(d) of the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below. The Company will pay interest and Additional Interest, if any, semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the Notes will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from [ ], 2008 until the principal hereof is due. The first Interest Payment Date shall be January 15, 2009. The Company will pay interest on overdue principal at the rate borne by the Notes, and it shall pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
(2) METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Company will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) and Additional Interest, if any, to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the January 1 and July 1 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest. If a Holder has given wire transfer instructions to the Paying Agent on behalf of the Company, the Paying Agent will remit all principal, interest and premium and Additional Interest, if any, on that Holder’s Notes in accordance with these instructions. All other payments on the Notes will be made by mailing a check to the registered address of each Holder thereof. Such payment will be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.
(3) PAYING AGENT, REGISTRAR AND COMMON CODE. The initial Registrar is The Bank of New York Mellon. The initial transfer agents and Paying Agents are The Bank of New York Mellon, in New York, The Bank of New York Mellon, in London, and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A., in Luxembourg. The Bank of New York Depository (Nominees) Limited will act as the Common Depositary, and The Bank of New York (Luxembourg) S.A. as the Luxembourg Paying Agent with respect to the Global Notes.
(4) INDENTURE. The Company issued the Notes under the Indenture dated as of [ ], 2008 (the “Indenture”) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the TIA. Terms defined in the Indenture and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Indenture. The Notes are subject to all the terms and provisions of the Indenture, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and the TIA for a statement of such terms.
To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.
The Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the Company. This Note is one of the Initial Notes referred to in the Indenture. The Notes include the Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Initial Notes or Additional Notes pursuant to the Indenture. The Initial Notes, any Additional Notes and any Exchange Notes are treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture. The Indenture imposes certain limitations on the ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to, among other things, make certain Investments and other Restricted Payments, pay dividends and other distributions, incur Indebtedness, enter into consensual restrictions upon the payment of certain dividends and distributions by such Restricted Subsidiaries, enter into or permit certain transactions with Affiliates, create or incur Liens and make asset sales. The Indenture also imposes limitations on the ability of the Company and each Guarantor to consolidate or merge with or into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its property.
To guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal and interest on the Notes and all other amounts payable by the Company under the Indenture and the Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, according to the terms of the Notes and the Indenture, the Guarantors have, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed the Obligations of the Company under the Notes on an unsecured senior subordinated basis pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
(5) SUBORDINATION. The Notes and the Guarantees are general senior subordinated unsecured obligations of the Company and the Guarantors, subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full, in cash or Cash Equivalents, of all Obligations due in respect of existing or future Senior Indebtedness of the Company or a Guarantor, as applicable, as set forth in Articles 10 and 11, respectively, of the Indenture. Each Holder by its acceptance hereof agrees to be bound by such provisions and authorizes and expressly directs the Trustee, on its behalf, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided for in the Indenture and appoints the Trustee its attorney-in-fact for such purposes.
(6) OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.
(a) At any time prior to January 15, 2010, the Company may, at its option, on one or more occasions redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes issued under the Indenture (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes, as the case may be), at a redemption price equal to 111.25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and Additional Interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date, subject to the right of Holders on the record date to receive interest due on the interest payment date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings (provided, that if the Equity Offering is an offering by any direct or indirect parent corporation of the Company, a portion of the net cash proceeds thereof equal to the amount required to redeem any such Notes is contributed to the equity capital of the Company), or the Net Proceeds of one or more Designated Asset Sales; provided, however, that
(1) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) must remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption (excluding in such calculation, Notes held by the Company or any of its Affiliates); and
(2) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of such Equity Offering or Designated Asset Sale, as the case may be.
(b) Except pursuant to Section 3.07(a) of the Indenture or as otherwise set forth below, the Notes will not be redeemable at the Company’s option prior to January 15, 2010; provided, however, the Company may acquire the Notes by means other than a redemption.
(c) On or after January 15, 2010, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or a part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes to be redeemed to the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the record date to receive interest due on the interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on January 15 of the years indicated below:
Year |
Percentage | ||
2010 |
105.625 | % | |
2011 |
102.813 | % | |
2012 and thereafter |
100.000 | % |
(d) At any time prior to January 15, 2010, the Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the record date to receive interest due on the interest payment date).
(e) The Company may, at its option, redeem the Notes, in whole but not in part, at any time upon not less than 15 days’ nor more than 30 days’ notice to the Holders (which notice shall be irrevocable and given in accordance with Section 3.03 and Section 3.04), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date, premium, if any, and all Additional Amounts, if any, then due and which will become due on the date of redemption as a result of the redemption or otherwise, if the Company determines in good faith that the Company or any Guarantor is, or on the next date on which any amount would be payable in respect of the Notes, would be obligated to pay Additional Amounts in respect of the Notes pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof, which the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, cannot avoid by the use of reasonable measures available to it (including, without limitation, making payment through a Paying Agent located in another jurisdiction), as a result of:
(1) any change in, or amendment to, the laws (or any regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder) of any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction affecting taxation which becomes effective on or after the Issue Date or, in the case of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction that arises after the Issue Date, the date on which such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction under the Indenture (or, in the case of a successor Person, after the date of assumption by the successor person of the obligations thereunder); or
(2) any change in the official application, administration, or interpretation of the laws, regulations or rulings of any Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction (including a holding, judgment, or order by a court of competent jurisdiction), on or after the Issue Date or, in the case of a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction has changed since the Issue Date, the date on which such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction under the Indenture (or, in the case of a successor Person, after the date of assumption by the successor person of the obligations thereunder).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not redeem the Notes under this provision if a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction changes and the Company is obligated to pay Additional Amounts as a result of a Change in Tax Law of such Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction which was officially announced at the time the latter became a Relevant Taxing Jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice of redemption will be given (A) earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Company or any Guarantor, would be obliged to make such payment of Additional Amounts or withholding if a payment in respect of the Notes or the relevant Guarantee, as the case may be, were then due and (B) unless at the time such notice is given, the obligation to pay Additional Amounts remains in effect.
(f) The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.
(g) Notices of redemption will be mailed by first-class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address, except that (x) redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture and (y) redemption notices may be mailed less than 30 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a redemption using the Net Proceeds of one or more Designated Asset Sales. Notices of redemption may not be conditional.
(7) REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDER.
(a) If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Company at such time has given notice of redemption with respect to all outstanding Notes, each Holder will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (in a principal amount equal to €50,000 or an integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof) of that Holder’s Notes pursuant to a change of control offer (the “Change of Control Offer”) on the terms set forth in the Indenture. In the Change of Control Offer, the Company will offer a Change of Control Payment in cash equal to
101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, on the Notes repurchased, to the date of purchase. Within 30 days following any Change of Control, unless the Company at such time has given notice of redemption with respect to all outstanding Notes, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase Notes on the date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed.
(b) Any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale not applied or invested in accordance with the Indenture within 365 days from the date of the receipt of such Net Proceeds shall constitute “Excess Proceeds.” If the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $20.0 million, the Company, or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, will make an offer (an “Asset Sale Offer”) to all Holders and Indebtedness that ranks pari passu with such Notes and contains provisions similar to those set forth in the Indenture with respect to offers to purchase with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase, on a pro rata basis, the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash.
(8) DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of €50,000 and any integral multiple of €1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may require a Holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Company need not exchange or register the transfer of any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding Interest Payment Date.
(9) PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS. The registered Holder of a Note shall be treated as its owner for all purposes.
(10) AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes or the Guarantees may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Company and Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class, and any existing Default or Event or Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes or the Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class. Without the consent of any Holder of a Note, the Indenture or the Notes or the Guarantees may be amended or supplemented:
(i) to cure any ambiguity, mistake, defect or inconsistency;
(ii) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;
(iii) to provide for the assumption by a Successor Company or a successor company of a Guarantor, as applicable, of the Company’s or such Guarantor’s obligations under the Indenture;
(iv) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders or that does not adversely affect the legal rights hereunder of any Holder;
(v) to secure the Notes;
(vi) to comply with requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA;
(vii) to add a Guarantee of the Notes;
(viii) to conform the text of the Indenture or the Notes to any provision of the “Description of the Notes” included in the Offering Memorandum relating to the Notes;
(ix) to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Indenture on the Issue Date; or
(x) to release a Guarantor upon its sale or designation as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or other permitted release from its Guarantee; provided, that such sale, designation or release is in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture,
provided, that the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate, each stating that such amendment or supplement complies with the provisions of the Indenture.
(11) DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium or Additional Interest, if any, on, or the principal of, the Notes. The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement regarding compliance
with the Indenture, and the Company is required, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
(12) DISCHARGE AND DEFEASANCE. Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time may terminate some or all of its obligations under the Notes, the Guarantees and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee money or European Government Securities for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be.
(13) TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH COMPANY. The Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept deposits from, and perform services for the Company or its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or its Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.
(14) NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No past, present or future director, manager, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or member of the Company, the Parent or any Subsidiary, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Indenture, the Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.
(15) AUTHENTICATION. This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.
(16) ABBREVIATIONS. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
(17) ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF RESTRICTED GLOBAL NOTES AND RESTRICTED DEFINITIVE NOTES. In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Notes under the Indenture, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes will have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 27, 2006, among the Company, the Guarantors and the Placement Agents named therein or, in the case of Additional Notes, Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes will have the rights set forth in one or more registration rights agreements, if any, among the Company, the Guarantors and the other parties thereto, relating to rights given by the Company and the Guarantors to the purchasers of any Additional Notes (collectively, the “Registration Rights Agreement”).
(18) COMMON CODES & ISINS. The Company has caused Common Codes and ISINs to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use Common Codes and ISINs in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.
(19) GOVERNING LAW. THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WILL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THE INDENTURE, THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES.
(20) JURISDICTION. The Company consents to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any court of the State of New York or any U.S. Federal court sitting in Xxx Xxxx xx Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, and any appellate court from any thereof. Each of the Company and the Guarantors has appointed Corporation Service Company located at 1177 Avenue of the Americas, 00xx Xxxxx, Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx as its authorized agent upon which service of process may be served in any action or proceeding brought in any court of the State of New York or any U.S. Federal court sitting in The City of New York in connection with the Indenture or the Notes.
(21) WAIVER OF IMMUNITIES. To the extent that the Company may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets immunity from a suit, execution, attachment, whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise, or other legal process in connection with and as set out in the Indenture and the Notes and to the extent that in any jurisdiction there may be immunity attributed to the Company or the Company’s assets, whether or not claimed, the Company irrevocably agrees for the benefit of the Holders not to claim, and irrevocably waives, the immunity to the full extent permitted by law.
(22) CURRENCY RATE INDEMNITY. The Company agrees that, if a judgment or order made by any court for the payment of any amount in respect of any Notes is expressed in a currency other than U.S. dollars, the Company will indemnify the relevant Holder against any deficiency arising from any variation in rates of exchange between the date as of which the U.S. dollars currency is notionally converted into the judgment currency for the purposes of the judgment or order and the date of actual payment. This indemnity will constitute a separate and independent obligation from the Company’s other obligations under the Indenture, will give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, will apply irrespective of any indulgence granted from time to time and will continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum or sums in respect of amounts due under the Indenture or the Notes.
The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:
Sensata Technologies B.V.
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Vice President, Finance
ASSIGNMENT FORM
To assign this Note, fill in the form below:
(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to: ________________________________________________________________________
(Insert assignee’s legal name)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint _______________________________________________________________________________________
to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.
Date: ___________________
Your Signature: | ||
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note) |
Signature Guarantee*: ____________________________
* | Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee). |
OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE
If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.15 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:
¨ Section 4.10 | ¨ Section 4.15 |
If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.15 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:
€_______________
Date: ______________________
Your Signature: | ||
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note) | ||
Tax Identification No.: |
Signature Guarantee*: ____________________________
* | Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee). |
SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE
[To be inserted for Rule 144A Global Note]
The following exchanges of a part of this Rule 144A Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an interest in this Rule 144A Global Note, have been made:
Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease in |
Amount of increase in |
Principal Amount at |
Signature of authorized |
[To be inserted for Regulation S Global Note]
The following exchanges of a part of this Regulation S Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or of other Restricted Global Notes for an interest in this Regulation S Global Note, have been made:
Date of Exchange |
Amount of decrease in |
Amount of increase in |
Principal Amount at |
Signature of authorized |
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
Sensata Technologies B.V.
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Vice President, Finance
The Bank of New York Mellon
Corporate Trust Division
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Corporate Trust Division
Re: 11.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of [ ], 2008 (the “Indenture”), among Sensata Technologies B.V., a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, as issuer (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
, (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of € in such Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies that:
[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
1. ¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in the 144A Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the Transferor reasonably believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A, and such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions
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on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
2.¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Legended Regulation S Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is not being made to a Person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated, the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than a Placement Agent). Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on Transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Legended Regulation S Global Note and/or the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
3.¨ Check and complete if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):
(a) ¨ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act;
or
(b) ¨ such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof;
or
(c) ¨ such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act;
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or
(d) ¨ such Transfer is being effected to an Institutional Accredited Investor and pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A, Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby further certifies that it has not engaged in any general solicitation within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act and the Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a Restricted Global Note or Restricted Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption claimed, which certification is supported by, if such Transfer is in respect of a principal amount of Notes at the time of transfer of less than $100,000 (or the equivalent thereof in euros), an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of which the Transferor has attached to this certification), to the effect that such Transfer is in compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
4. ¨ Check if Transferee will take delivery of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.
(a) ¨ Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(b) ¨ Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
(c) ¨ Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities
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laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note will not be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Indenture.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.
[Insert Name of Transferor] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Dated: _______________________________
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ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
1. | The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following: |
[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]
(a) |
¨ | a beneficial interest in the: | ||||
(i) | ¨ | 144A Global Note (COMMON CODE ), or | ||||
(ii) | ¨ | Regulation S Global Note (COMMON CODE ); or | ||||
(b) |
¨ | a Restricted Definitive Note. | ||||
2. |
After the Transfer the Transferee will hold |
[CHECK ONE]
(a) |
¨ | a beneficial interest in the: | ||||
(i) | ¨ | 144A Global Note (COMMON CODE ), or | ||||
(ii) | ¨ | Regulation S Global Note (COMMON CODE ), or | ||||
(iii) | ¨ | Unrestricted Global Note (COMMON CODE ); or | ||||
(b) |
¨ | a Restricted Definitive Note; or | ||||
(c) |
¨ | an Unrestricted Definitive Note, | ||||
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. |
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EXHIBIT C
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
Sensata Technologies B.V.
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Vice President, Finance
The Bank of New York Mellon
Corporate Trust Division
000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, 0xx Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Facsimile No.: (000) 000-0000
Attention: Corporate Trust Division
Re: 11.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
(COMMON CODE )
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of [ ], 2008 (the “Indenture”), among Sensata Technologies B.V., a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, as issuer (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, as trustee. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.
, (the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of € in such Note[s] or interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:
1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note
(a)¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and
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(iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(b)¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(c)¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
(d)¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States.
2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes
(a)¨ Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Restricted Definitive Note issued
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will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
(b)¨ Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the [CHECK ONE] ¨ 144A Global Note, Regulation S Global Note with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the beneficial interest issued will be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Indenture and the Securities Act.
This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit of the Company.
[Insert Name of Transferor] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Dated:
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EXHIBIT D
FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE
For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture) has, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed, to the extent set forth in and subject to the provisions in the Indenture dated as of [ ], 2008 (the “Indenture”) among Sensata Technologies B.V., a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands, the guarantors named on the signature pages thereof, and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, as trustee (the “Trustee”), (a) prompt payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest and defaulted interest, if any, on the Notes (as defined in the Indenture) when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and the prompt payment of interest on overdue principal, premium, if any, and interest and defaulted interest, if any, on the Notes (pursuant to Section 2.12 of the Indenture), if lawful (subject in all cases to any applicable grace periods provided in the Indenture and the Notes) when due, and all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee under the Indenture and the Notes will be promptly paid in full, all in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Notes and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes and to the Trustee pursuant to the Note Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article Eleven of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Note Guarantee. Each Holder of a Note, by accepting the same, agrees to and shall be bound by such provisions.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
D-1
IN WITNESS HEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Notation of Guarantee to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer.
[NAME OF XXXXXXXXX]
X-0
EXHIBIT E
[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of , 200__, among (the “New Guarantor”), a subsidiary of Sensata Technologies B.V., a private company with limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands (the “Company”), the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, a New York banking corporation, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company and the existing Guarantors have heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), dated as of [ ], 2008 providing for the issuance of 11.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (the “Notes”);
WHEREAS, Section 4.17 of the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the New Guarantor shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the New Guarantor shall unconditionally guarantee all of the Company’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the “Guarantee”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee, the Company and the existing Guarantors are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the New Guarantor, the Company and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes as follows:
1. DEFINED TERMS. Defined terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
2. AGREEMENT TO GUARANTEE. The New Guarantor hereby agrees, jointly and severally with all existing Guarantors (if any), to provide an unconditional guarantee on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Article 11 of the Indenture and to be bound by all other applicable provisions of the Indenture, including the provisions relating the subordination of such guarantee set forth in Article 10, and the Notes and to perform all of the obligations and agreements of a Guarantor under the Indenture.
3. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No past, present or future director, manager, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or member of the Company, any parent entity of the Company or any Subsidiary, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the Notes, the Indenture, the Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each
E-1
Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.
4. NOTICES. All notices or other communications to the New Guarantor shall be given as provided in Section 13.02 of the Indenture.
5. RATIFICATION OF INDENTURE; SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES PART OF INDENTURE. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby.
6. GOVERNING LAW. THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
7. COUNTERPARTS. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
8. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
9. TRUSTEE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION. The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed and attested, all as of the date first above written.
Dated: , 20
[NEW GUARANTOR] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES B.V. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON as Trustee | ||
By: | ||
Authorize Signatory |
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